Step Van Regrets? E418

[@pauldietrich478]

Insulating the roof will help a lot on keeping the interior cool. The sun shinning on that aluminum is like a giant cooker....

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

just bout polyiso foam panels and insulating this week.

[@Tatiacha]

Sometimes no matter how much advice you get, you just have to have the experience of doing it your own way to understand why people were advising certain things. Live and learn, the knowledge we gain that is direct like that, is the most valuable thing we have.

[@GTLees]

Exactly!

[@judyjudyjudy9593]

Tatiacha....good advice! So true!

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

excellent advice!

[@robertjackson4121]

My priorities 1 drive train 1.1 tires 1.2 brakes 1.3 exhaust 1.4 electrical and fuses and multi meter 1.5 snog test 1.6 tune up 1.7 replace all fluids and repack all bearings 2.0. Bumper hitch rear with storage box fuel propane and generator. $500 Total parts 3.0 insulate wood siding then install conduit . 4 all propane electrical on one side of unit. 5.0 12 volt system install seperate conduit with modular connection. You can drive to commerical area like your gymn and run your generator and charge a house battery and cook food. I bought 7 in one like you have for cooking. Find an old furnace the squirl cage is 110 hook to generator and open doors will blow out heat in ten minutes. Cheap venelation. Install a ladder rack on your van. And make a second roof to block heat in national forest. Guys sell ladder racks and metal storage boxes when they need cash. A used pack rat box that opens inside can store many items. 8.0 hdx storage bins from home depot. Number each box and make an excel spread sheet of inventory then photograph it as well. Free software for insurance company reimbursement on thumb drive. If rig is stolen you jhave rider policy for reimbursement. I learned the hard way was feeding homeless people and window broken. Stole $2000. Best to install locking metal box of technology and later alarm system. Just some priorities. I bought 98 chev express 3500 cut away. Paid $1800 bought $1000 in parts and found retired mechanics and paid $120 for four hours work. Bought them pot or booze they were happy. Was not $100 shop rate. They wete on disability were highly skilled and appreciated the work pot and cash.

[@HalkerVeil]

I saw one build where they made only the wet area of a shower but it didn't have any shower components. No pipes, no faucet, nothing. Just a drain base with a pull around curtain. Then they used a portable outdoor camping shower, but used it inside so it hooked up to the ceiling in a waterfall style. Then afterwards they could fold it up for storage. Or have it easily useful in other situations too. Like giving their dog a bath or washing something outside. I think that's the method I'm going with later. There are also portable heated showers for about $120 that use the small 1lb propane canisters too. Might be a quick and dirty method but I can imagine ways to clean that up nice and make it work in my stepvan. Great vid by the way.

[@vidguy007]

Lots of people have real showers, I have one in my 16 foot motorhome. No need to reinvent the wheel if the wheel works.

[@HalkerVeil]

True. Just found it interesting how others have done it. Seems to be a nice space saving option.

[@vidguy007]

I see this all day, people trying to find a shower alternative, its pretty much a waste of energy. My favorite is the black PVC tube on the side of a supposedly stealthy van, 40+ pounds, off center and up high, and shifting weight at that. It amazes me how hard people work to avoid the obvious

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

excellent ideas!

[@TenorDad]

When you do install a shower consider a recirculating system. I saw a video that featured a recirc shower that used 2 GALLONS for a luxurious 15-20 min continuous shower. How to heat it? Consider the Costway Portable Shower Heater (found on Amazon).

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

wow 20 min shower? that's amazing!

[@thelazyj8658]

I don’t know anything about building out a step van, but don’t get discouraged, once you get all of the things like you want them you will have a wonderful time traveling around to the state parks! Happy travels!

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

no worries. I'm a happy guy just have a few things I would have done differently

[@journeyman4328]

Very good self-analysis, I would disagree with one thing. The bike, look at it as a spare tire. It takes up a lot of room but could be very useful at some important times. If you're boondocking by yourself it could be the difference between a 3 - 4-hour walk to a 1-hour bike ride to get help. As far as space turn the handlebars and make it wall art. Take care I enjoyed the video.

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

excellent point on the emergency functionality of the bike ;)

[@cynho3093]

get one of those swing away hitch mounted cargo carrier for the bike & any other bulky items

[@rebeccatreeseed410]

A vent in the floor is helpful, the air is cooler. The extraction fan will pull cool air up and hot ceiling air out. Put the floor vent as far from the extraction vent as possible. This is detailed online under passive heating and cooling. For heating, I use a reflectix in a south facing window... about one inch at the bottom to pull cold air, about 4" from the top to release heated air into the room. It works like a solar oven. I get free heat all day, and insulation might hold it to 10 pm or so. In a larger house, I made a 4x8 exterior solar heater with a bottom intake and top heat release vents. Closable. I covered it during summer with a painted sheet of plywood. Because I have used these in houses, my van will have 3 windows on one side, parked facing south in winter, north in summer. No window on the opposite side. I will have plants.

[@robertjackson4121]

Make a metal plate that can fit above your steps with bracket for second seat. Use it inside your rig . make a storage box on top of a bumper hitch cross box. If you are camping in parks use the front cab for storage by making both seats removable and store in a tent. So cab area is dry storage during storms. While driving storage racks can sit in back.

[@royrobbins2214]

Seven, Before dumping your frig, look at this. I replaced my Domtic vertical frig AC/LP unit with a horizontal 75L, Dual Zone. I bought some 500# drawer slides and installed it where the old frig was, but now it slide out and in. I looked at the 95 Dual Zone but was too long.Why not get some heavy duty slides and put yours under the bed? Pull it out, when needed, for food or a seat.

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

I've been considering the under the bed as the best option on sliders as you recommend. but now I think I have a better solution (see upcoming video)

[@ImDBatty1]

Seven, I appreciate your honesty when it comes to your build! I'm one day closer to buying my step van! 😁 I'll definitely look into solar options, and insulation first! 😎 I hope this message finds you well! 🦇

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

I'd love to see you buy a step van. hope you'll send pics as you build it!

[@dudasaj]

How often have you actually entertained inside your stepvan? Many people have said about using their conversions, that they usually do 90% of their socializing and entertaining outside their van. They often say they wish they had tailored their space more for their own living with less of a focus on group gatherings inside.

[@bamkablam]

Break a door or two on the interior vertical support wall for the bed. That should solve your garage problem.

[@stephaniesmythe8449]

A learning experience all the way. Lots of potential options and solutions. Finishing your wiring and getting your ceiling insulation in will likely make a huge difference in cooling, as would putting operable windows in your back door for better airflow. Top opening fridges are a pain, and sooooo much more energy efficient. I like the idea of mounting it on sliders at the front of the garage. Redesign of your garage space makes sense--now that you've used it for a while, you discover what you need access to and when. As I recall part of getting your bike was due to hip pain. Me, I'd keep it, but then I ride a bike a lot. Good luck, and its an interesting video, lots of good voice of experience points.

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

been wiring the past couple days and bought my foam board for ceiling.

[@rebeccatreeseed410]

I have already decided to go solar first, insulation second... I have watched a thousand youtubers. Glad to hear you affirm that.

[@VanwithTim]

@3:20 thank you for reminding me of this. (If something hasn't been used within 6 months to 1 year, then you probably don't need it.) I just recently went from vanlife to renting a home. Got all my stuff out of storage after 1.5 years. There are some things I've lived just fine without that I should probably be selling at this point. (Kegerator comes to mind... My college days are over haha) Great video and much appreciated. Thanks for sharing! -Tim

[@allenrousseau5668]

Hey Seven! It's all great! Isn't it great, you can change stuff! And, we are all learning! Hopefully we can learn from each other, maybe save some money, and problems, but your van is coming along great! I'm sure you'll have some more changes after you think you got it all figured out. That's what's great, it can be changed. You enjoy! Stay cool, enjoy maybe ice coffee? I'm savoring each moment as well! [Got to sneak out between jobs and kayak for an hour-was beautiful!] Now it's raining the kids just informed me- as they came back from swimming and fishing at cotton hollow. God bless!

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

it is nice I can be flexible and change. I really didn't know what I wanted but after living in it for a year I have a better idea. glad to hear you are savoring the moment in your kayak!

[@ChurchClown7]

“Toilet” - “Hindsight”, I get it. You are so funny Seven. 😎

[@MYTOYMAKERZ]

Donald Fugitt - oh now that is a good one lmao.....cheers

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

ha!

[@unclemo1212]

👍for sharing some of your experiences/tips. This is a great video! Safe and happy travels to ya :)

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

thanks for watching!

[@centralcoastcamper9631]

After seeing the access to your garage, and hearing your comment on liking the idea of an opening window or door by your bed, you might want to consider modifying the doors on the back of the van. Someone with fab skills like Paul in Fresno could help you do it. Cut the garage opening to full width and build a new set of barn doors for that area. Then fill in the upper part with a removable wall section with a window mounted in it. That way you will have better access to the garage and your bike (which you may want to keep if you can access it more easily) and the removable wall panel by your bed will have an opening window for extra ventilation. My 2 cents. I have followed you from the beginning and you have come a long way. We all learn by doing and remember nothing is so permanent that it can't be changed around on the next remodel. Keep up the good work.

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

modifying the doors would solve lots of issues!

[@jerryenglehaupt]

I am really glad I came across this video! Your pain is our gain:) I had not considered the idea of putting in power first. It makes perfect sense!

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

yes, highly recommend power first

[@tracyholmes1242]

Great video as always. I've seen a locking screen on the rear doors of some stepvans(tastycake)so the driver could have the rear doors open all the time...even while driving. Just a thought.

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

brilliant idea!

[@summerland6397]

Install two 12-volt reversible fans in the roof. One in front one in back. Pink insulation will bend to the contour of the roof and fit between the ribs for you tall people. I used to salvage gray barn board to sell in the 70's. Good video, thanks.

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

last year I installed 2 maxxair fans in the roof. they work great!

[@longdistancetravellermusic2185]

Just started watching your series, thanks for your hard work

[@deanwinchester3265]

For ac or a heater try a ductless ac unit. Its 600 to 700 bucks, but it's light, simple and can cool and heat your van.

[@mechanicsteve2320]

Hi Seven! On Amazon they have 12 volt ceiling fans you might want to check out to help with air circulation. You might want to consider putting different windows in your rear van doors. They have the smaller RV windows that would fit nicely in the old ones place and you would be able to open them up with out having to open your whole door.

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

I've thought about trying to find different rear door windows. that would solve several problems

[@vanderhoof5701]

If I had bought a new $50k Diesel Sprinter I'd have some serious regrets with full coverage insurance and the non-capability of technological diagnosis. You're happy with yours, it's still almost a blank canvas, that's cool. Speaking of cool, if it were mine I'd get some intake vents down low, and insulate the ceiling. I want to put some floor vents in my Caravan, they should work well except for those nights in a Walmart parking lot when the pavement temperature is 140 degrees. I guess the trick will be building some that are closable.

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

like your ideas on venting; gives me some more things and options to think about!

[@ejazali3441]

As of eating and sleeping, toilet and shower are major human needs. You should have these on the stepvan specially once you have space. But keep the use to the bare minimum. Get rid of the bicycle. Install a window on the back door of the stepvan that can be opened, or just keep the door little open about 1 inch, now put the roof fan on the exhaust position so that it sucks the air out and fresh replacement air comes inside from backdoor or window and also install a normal fan at the best location to get good blow.

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

I like the direction of your thinking; great advice!

[@robertzachow]

I noticed how organized you were in the living area of your rig. Everything in totes. Some of that organization in the garage would make it easier to get at what you need. Plus side your stuff is not on display with the backdoors open. also may I suggest you divide the garage so it's not so deep and put in a access door on the inside to take advantage of the new storage. I know you will have to get rid of or get some projects done to reduce the loss of space in the garage but as you said you have not touched anything in the back for a few months. Good luck Seven.

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

actually most of my stuff was in totes in the garage except for the stuff piled in the front. totes were 2 deep which made it really difficult to get at the back row. but appreciate your suggestion!

[@andrewwilson8317]

Life is a learning process. Look how far you have come my friend. Your confidence in your own ability and trust in yourself has been great to observe. You have gained so much in the way of experience and knowledge and are now in the position to be able to help others,can there be a greater gift or reward than that? My kambucha is coming along nicely- ginger and turmeric- so thanks for that inspiration.

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

sounds like some awesome kombucha! certainly my confidence has grown a lot over the last year. I've learned tons about building and auto mechanics as well

[@kevinwickard1408]

Seven, When you take on a project like a step van it's always an ongoing effort, trial an error till you find what works for you and even then your never finished Keep the Faith. Overall it's looking good and it's functional! Great videos keep them coming.

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

indeed it is trial and error

[@jrnyman1957]

I like your posts and I would suggest some windows on each side of the bed for cross ventilation and then am I correct that Im not seeing any insulation at your roof? That would be a huge priority for me. In your garage maybe consider some storage bins to keep things organized and even mark on the outside what is in them, it would greatly declutter that space, and it will give a designated space and then practice putting things in that dedicated space. I say all that respectfully have a blessed day.

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

I bought 5 sheets of polyiso foam which will go in next week

[@r0c0s0]

Put ventilation on the floor. Works really good..

[@Markslife124]

Hey Steve thank you for sending people to my KZbin channel I appreciate that be well

[@ChurchClown7]

It’s not the fans... It’s no ceiling insulation that is the issue as spring progresses into summer.

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

true, ceiling insulation will make a HUGE difference

[@rebeccatreeseed410]

Seven Wanders the World Shade on top will do as much. I have seen decks on top that shade the roof, also solar panels, etc. I saw one covered with plywood about 2" above the roof and solar panels attached to that. May have been to protect the rv roof, but it must have cooled the rig 10 degrees. I have also seen side mount solar panels that are raised and shade the side when parked.

[@smc65714]

Love your Video,s and Keep them going,Never know what's fits in our Lives,Until we start Living It,Minor Tweaks in your Build, Thanks for Sharing your finds,Wonder if you could Spray foam the Ceilig?

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

I bought foam board for the ceiling which I'll be installing in a couple days!

[@CarlosBenjamin]

I’d get a folding bike. They take up little more than the two tires next to one another and many of them have 20” tires. You could tuck it to the side of the garage. I’d keep the fridge and just figure out a way to put it on sliders under a cabinet rather than a bench.

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

I'm intrigued by folding bikes and the electric assist

[@butchkelin3762]

I'll take that fridge! What _I_ would do is put that fridge on a slide out, maybe under the bed, and slide it out when I want to get a beer. The top opening has a major advantage in that the cold air stays in it. A side opening fridge will alway have a rush of warm air coming in from the bottom and all your cold air flowing out the top. Even if you are quick its gone. If you get as many beers as I do, the juice is going to come out of the batteries. I have not hit the road yet, but my plan is Bob W's poop in a bucket, I've done that in my house I can do it, but the garbage men are reluctant to empty may garbage can if it sits for a week. A composing toilet is on my list. Again, I would put that on a slide out to save space. Love your insights and tips. You are saving me from making a lot of mistakes and having to learn on my own.

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

slide under the bed seems like an ideal choice which I've considered a few times over the last couple weeks

[@robertjackson4121]

Squirrel cage from furnace made as a box seat 120 volt will exhaust heat. Open front doors and exhaust back doors. A metal security screen inside on back door

[@marezamyers1239]

For your garage area to keep things from falling out when you open the door, give a cargo net some thought ... just an idea from seeing it on screen.

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

great idea!

[@adriannicholson8819]

air movement put a vent in the floor it will be naturally cool under the van and wintertime a bit of wood to go over the hole 🕳

[@mischef18]

Great video on your what you would do different bro, some make total sense and some from your own experience. All the best.

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

glad you enjoyed!

[@roberthardin8193]

Insulate the roof would help the heat problem

[@vidguy007]

1) Plumbing should also go in or be planned for, see #7 2) Bikes are a good thing in a city, maybe you would use it if it were on an easily accessed rack. 3) Opening windows, insulate the ceiling. 4) The fridge might be under a hinged counter top, so it's easy to get into, maybe next to the sink where its needed. 5) Yes 6) Organization is a good thing 7) Bathroom and shower is a necessity, as is real plumbing. Very few van life people have real plumbing even though its not that hard to do, (this isn't two 5 gallon cans under the sink.) There is some guy designing a Sprinter van trying unorthodox ideas and has a good idea for a shower that is cut off and is built into the counter. You open the top and have a curtain, not unlike mine, I junked the curtain as unnecessary. The shower and toilet only need to occupy the minimum necessary space, if you have enough room, it's too big. If you want enough room to swing your arms around and not hit anything you probable should just stay home or buy that 40 foot Class A. Every inch and pound is important. More than one van converter has torn out their interior after the first year and rebuilt it

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

actually you make a good point about plumbing. I need to address this in a future layout. good point on access to the bike. insulation has been purchased and will go in after I finish electric. I've seen the half box shower you mention and that was in my original design a year ago. I have an idea for one in my new design

[@vidguy007]

It will be interesting to see what you decide to do. I'd keep that fridge.

[@87xfute]

Hey Seven, yep definitely power first !! With your garage from what I'm looking at the BIKE is the issue, get rid of it and then take another look at it !! Seeya Rob.............also is it OK if I send you a Private Message please !!...and don't forget Sevenizum !!

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

thx for the tip on the bike; you can send private messages here on YT or use the contact info in every description on how to reach me

[@cuddlemymicky]

After you get rid of the bike, what about a set of shelves and totes in the garage or shelves in part of garbage snd putting the fridge on a slider dolly that pulls out from under your bed.

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

shelve would help a lot

[@TheUserid82]

If you want to make a trip to north east Arizona I have a few ideas oh how to get the garage rebuilt for better access and the ability to get air in without having to leave the door open. For a security door you would need to have a custom built door and those cost a lot of money or require you to have access to a welder. Could go with a security sliding door that splits down the center and slides to ether side of the opening and with a screen would keep the bugs out. For the passenger seat you can get a rotator section that fits between the seat and the rails to allow it to turn to both be a passenger seat and turn to be a seat in the back when parked. Wranglerstar put 2 into his adventure van a few months back if you want to get an idea of what they look like and how they work. An outdoor spring/summer shower would be very easy to setup on the van by mounting points to the side to hang a hoop off of and the use of a propane camp shower (D cell's to power and 1 pound cylinders or a full bottle hookup) that just requires a few gallons of storage and a small pump to get a high enough flow to keep the heater active. Would just use nonslip floor mats for the ground to or require you to wear crocks If you go to move the fridge to under the bed you need good airflow off the fridges vents and access to the door so not impossible just takes some planing.

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

I was just in arizona... now in portland. good tips and some options to consider ;)

[@TheUserid82]

Okay Easy answer for the bed is to have 4 corner posts that go from floor to roof with the bed platform simply lifted to a storage position at the roof giving you full access to everything below it but would require springs or counter weights to make the lift easy and would put it right at head height so you would hit it often. The second option is harder to build but both simpler setup and more complicated as you have to deal with the mattress each time you want to open but gives you floor to roof access when done. As you are thinking of moving the fridge to under the bed that would set the new height of the bed so a the 2 bench with removable center section idea most RV kitchens use would give you a removable section when you want to access the back doors and lift able lids on the bench sections but would require a foam type mattress to cut into 3 sections with a hot wire saw to make access into the fridge section easy and the ability to just stack the mattress sections rather then wrestling with a full size mattress. As for airflow into the van it would require a hole to be cut in the side of the van and a vent cover to be bolted over with inside a slider door that you can lift to let air in or drop back down to close it back off. The outside would just be the vent and the inside you would have the track for the door section to slide up and down with a handle at a good spot for you. As long as you use carriage bolts for it the only thing outside would be a round cap with the nut securely inside the van. Could do a hole in the floor of the van but that requires seals to prevent road spray from working its way in.

[@13Sala13]

I would replace the rear windows with off the shelf RV windows that open. Get the ones with integrated bug screens. It's a lot easier than it sounds.

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

I love this idea!

[@HarpersInfiniteSystems]

I have no regrets..here's what I would have done differently. LOL. Still a good video, though.

[@douglasrykerd6266]

Hey Seven, I still love your garage. But it does need to be more organized and accessible. Sorry the bike hasn’t been as useful as you thought it would be, and it does block quite a bit of access. For ventilation maybe think about a couple round boat hatch vents on each side of the rear doors, above the bed. Pretty stealth still and will allow the roof fans to suck air across the bed. Getting the roof insulation in will make a big improvement also.

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

andi has the boat hatches and loves them, but his were $300/ea. yeah, bike didn't work out as planned which was strange because in my last apartment I rode my bike daily to starbucks. roof insulation is going in this week! (ps and thanks so much for helping me build the garage and bed... hope you aren't offended if I go a different route )

[@douglasrykerd6266]

Seven Wanders the World not offended at all. We all have different needs. And sometimes you have to try something for a while to see if it works for you. As much as I love your garage, I probably wouldn’t have one myself. I’d probably set it up similar to my trailer with bunks down the side, so my motorcycle could be loaded inside down the middle. Fortunately we built yours mostly out of repurposed material so it didn’t cost much to experiment. And you’ve had a comfy place to sleep for a year.

[@BrendaH90159]

You have the best fridge you just build it out in a place that you are not enjoying, the reach in fridge gives you the best and most economical cooling but it also has the biggest learning (getting used to curve) if you want to move it under your garage put it on a roll out system like most all other nomads have theirs on. You build the base and put sliders like pull out drawers so you can pull it out, you can make a reflective blanket cover for it and the have a gate latch to go into the upper or lower support to stop it from coming sliding out when driving. I would get a cassette toilet, and a flexible tub that you can stand in to shower, you attach a pressurized garden sprayer or something similar and then attach curtain to the ceiling and stand in tub and shower. If the sprayer is metal it can even be heated on the propane stove to heat the water in the cooler weather otherwise you paint the other black and put in sun to warm.

[@leebiggs2844]

Brenda H I was also thinking he should keep the fridge and put it under bed in the front side of the garage on a roll out. Any front opening style fridge that is DC powered will consume waaaay more power than that top load. Seven, you should see how Bob Wells did it in his van.

[@NoName83201]

I agree, put the fridge under bed in a tray with slides or caster wheels

[@GTLees]

This seems like a very good way to still have the best fridge available for the application. It even saves space, a win-win. ......................PEACE!!

[@Nell4620]

I agree you already have a great fridge, but if it’s not working for you, you’d have no trouble selling it. I really like your friend Joanie’s (from The Galavan, not sure if I have her name correct) upright pull-out drawer fridge. If I was doing a build out I would use hers. It would work well recessed into your garage area as u described. I would also put in some kind of toilet - either a cassette or composting. With the area under the bench freed up you could utilize that space, maybe with a roll out function. Why not make the garage less deep since it is hard to access the rear area from outside. A new fridge could take up part of it and the rest could provide storage accessed from the inside, which could be handy. Good luck!

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

I've been looking into sliders for the fridge but still don't know if I like the top loading

[@wowwhataryd5265]

I would put a small shower stall in the front either behind the drivers seat or the opposite side with a small propane instant on water heater. Use a small shower pan with a curtain that pulls around three sides. And then put Your composting or cassette toilet in there as well when not being used as a shower. Just my two cents but a very workable solution.

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

wish I could but the batteries are located right under the floor in that area with cracks in the floor. :(

[@wowwhataryd5265]

Put it behind the passenger seat that You want to install. There a small propane water heater I saw the other day for 110.00 at tractor supply that would work perfectly for this application.

[@NoName83201]

They have fans that have a metal/magnetic base. Just put a few metal pieces on the ceiling or wall in various places so you can use it as ceiling fan or wall fan depending on season and where you are in the van. Have you thought about installing a window (maybe in the back door)?

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

I think I consider a window every few weeks, then decide against it. I'll have to look into the 12v wall fans ;)

[@abovethelanes]

Seven see about putting the cooler on a slider shelf, check out the arb coolers they have the slide I'm talking about.you really need to get insulation for roof

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

sliders for the fridge is a great idea. I bought 5 foam boards for the roof. finishing wiring this week then doing the roof

[@What_Its_All_About]

Try nova kool for your fridg and dickenson marine for heating if you need it both offer great products for van lifers and boaters alike small spaces abound for both

[@thizizliz]

Ahh hindsight! Thank goodness you are flexible and not afraid to change.

[@ArtsyLadyCrafter]

How much trouble and expense is it to put windows in a step van? I would LOVE one, but I'd have to have several windows. Those would greatly increase airflow, but that's not the main reason I'd want them. I want to be able to look out all sides Thanks for your great tips. What to install first is the most crucial, and the fridge issue next.

[@hcying9728]

Great advise

[@BNeilBrown]

Hey Seven, this is Neil. We hung out a bit with I was out west. (I'm the guy with prosthetic legs) If you want a shower solution, look into how people with pop up campers retrofit a shower under their benches.

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

Neil I remember you from Jamies van build party. I did see a half height box shower bath combo in a pop up. cool solution

[@garthlocklin6355]

Oh, and use a Garmin GPS and a 12 volt plug for directions and a speedometer. Lots of folks with old cars and classic cars like me do that. Old Dodge parts are expensive and an upgrade to new gauge clusters are $1500 or more plus wiring, and they don't always work. I can move my GPS from my daily driver to my antique car and I'm safe from getting a speeding ticket.

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

great tip on the garmin for speedometer!

[@Japhill75]

Bye bye 🚲...! Fridge on slides that pull out from under the bed area into the central part off your step van. Keep the same fridge. Put the toilet in the area the fridge is currently. And shower as your are or set up outdoor situation. A bit of modification but not complete rebuild. And minimal expense. And organize your garage with tubs . I use black ones and write on the side with white chalkboard paint / pen what is inside so I don’t loose stuff. It all has to work. Once you have finished your build your garage will work better.

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

slide outs are a great idea. I have six tubs for the garage (actually there are 4 in there in the video which you can't see). anyway, now leaning in different direction for a solution

[@Japhill75]

Seven Wanders the World can’t wait to see what you come up with buddy. I brought a wicked pump up solar shower unit from Duckworks..! It’s a great unit like a weed sprayer. But more Solid You can use in the van out side..! Easy

[@draizwrm]

windows ? ceiling fans that can reverse flow, i blowing in over the bed, one exhausting out

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

I have 2 ceiling fans and usually have the one over the bed blowing down and the other going out/up

[@zelphiaellerson6283]

Love your longer, chatty videos!!!

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

this one was a bit longer ;)

[@dindog22]

whatever you do, don't put a home depot dorm fridge in your van. Jax Austin did that and he had to replace it 3 times

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

thx for the warning! I'm seeing Jax today and will ask him about the dorm fridge

[@JoeZyzyx]

why insulation around the fridge? To keep it cold inside, it must put heat to the outside. I don't know where the condenser tubes are on your fridge, but typically top opening fridges have them in the sides, and that's where they need to exhaust the heat. Insulating them would interfere with that.

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

it is a hack to increase efficiency and common in RV and van builds. I had the vent areas open to the air for ventilation

[@chuckhiccox8086]

I've been checking out several camping option on u-tube,what made you decide on a step van ? What are the pros and cons of step vans? I have been following you on and off for a bit and your videos have improved with time please keep up the good work 👍

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

step van is great for me personally because I'm six foot six and have 81 inch ceilings. also great for stealth camping on city streets. they have flat walls for easier builds. cost is low and can have a industrial engine/transmission which runs for 1 million miles (about 5 times as long as a standard RV engine).

[@Maggie-Gardener-Maker]

KEEP the refrigeration box or I think you will regret - oh no not regret - you will in the future look back and have it on your list of things you would do differently - as many others on here have commented, you can put under bed to access from inside, and reduce part of that garage space that is not easily accessible from outside.

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

thx Maggie. trying to weigh the pros/cons

[@UncleRit]

Ventilation: Install a few vents in the floor. Then your ceiling fans can pull cool air from the shade underneath the van.

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

floor vents are a great solution

[@tracyofnothernmichigan2194]

I think your regrets are more like learning curves. You never live in a step van or Van. You are having to learn by doing which is a harder way of doing things, but they are not regrets. I would have made the same mistakes. Your not going to learn if you don't try. I think your doing a great job. Keep learning. Thanks for your videos.

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

yes, exactly... mostly a learning curve

[@Anthrit]

Nice thing is you can always change things. Not like an RV where everything is built in.

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

self building has its advantages!

[@pcsteve6072]

Regrets = more content, isn't KZbin great? Keep the fridge, a front opening cooler at floor level is a pain to see into and stuff falls out if you stack it. At least lose the extra insulation and cushion that contribute to your seat height issue. Maybe a denser temporary seating pad rather than a cushion, easier to move. Rework garage to have at least one layer of interior access, maybe slider for fridge. In garage, build tote specific shelves on each side with vertical bungee to secure totes, leaving bike in "hallway". If the bike isn't covered up, it will be easy to use/move. Use bungees and/or netting to keep things in it's place. Most of us are reinventing the wheel but are having fun doing it. All the best!

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

lots of great advice here. thanks steve!

[@boaty-mcboatface]

Besides the passenger seat, do you have any step van specific regrets? Would you go back to a regular van like the one you had?

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

hmm... I would not go back to a regular van. the pocket doors and insulation are perhaps the biggest downsides to a step van but the flat walls, aluminum body and larger size are HUGE benefits and make it a way better choice for me

[@garthlocklin6355]

I'm surprised your roof isn't insulated. I would think a few sheets of foil faced styrofoam would help quite a bit. Bob recently posted a video of Marcia in her '95 Ford box truck. I was in her box on a warm afternoon at RTR 18 and that box was cool inside. Since your tall like me why not build your bed down one side and possibly build it like a Murphy bed were it folds up on the wall when not in use? She also had a propane water heated shower in the left rear corner. I was lucky enough to get a shower from Mike and Stephanie while at Slab City, "Sheldons Van Travels". I believe their unit was a "Camp Chef" model for $145 and it was hot on the lowest setting. Marcia also had her rear roll up door replaced and insulated it with a wood exterior wall. Then she had a custom made lockable iron screen door on the right side. If you were able to add something like that in the center you could have your back doors open and plenty of ventilation but the door would be locked if desired. Mike and Stephanie also have a cassette flush toilet which doubles as an interior seat. I do agree with the idea of slider drawers for the garage. What if you hung the bicycle on the wall? And, what if you built a box of sorts that was taller to put your Dometic in so you wouldn't have to stoop down to rummage around in it? Have a storage cabinet underneath. Being taller has challenges and the older I get the less I want to stoop or get on my knees. I like your idea of a passenger van seat and you may even get one with a swivel. I wonder if it would be feasible to build a cheap swamp cooler of sorts out of an old igloo cooler with a 12 volt fan or 2. One in and one out. Granted you always have to buy ice and it may add humidity but it could be designed semi portable and have a 3 or 4 inch PVC tube blowing cooled air in your direction. Good Luck!

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

I bought 5 sheets of polyiso foam. finishing electric wiring then the roof insulation goes in. murphy bed is a great idea!

[@danielsweeney6742]

Seven look into getting windows that open in the back.

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

excellent suggestion

[@Seastorm-nh8cv]

Honest! Thanks

[@robertjackson4121]

1. Insulation buy new walk in freezer walls $130 ea 2. Storage put 10 yellow bins in garage 3. Refer - put on steel wheels 4. Cargo trailer storage and bedroom 5 step van body trailer - they cut off front of wrecked step van and made a trailer out of it. 6 step van trailer access- back to back of your step van and modify so they link together. 7. Power system modular 8 water system modular 9 food modular 10 heating modular 11 bathroom modular 12 assume your old van will die i e wreck, engine, tranny. So make modulars so you can relocate in two days. 13 home base - buy vacation lot with contsiner or garage that can store possessions and use modulars in. Especially cold winter months. Make double car garage roof 1/2 carport 1/2 garage for secure storage or modular live work space. Two story with BnB rental. Hire manager when gone a fellow traveler like you would get discount for rv space.

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

now THAT is what I call long-term life-plan thinking. love your creativity and out of the box thinking. well done!

[@Scorpiomary]

Excellent information. .. Your vlogs are as always good.

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

happy you enjoy them!

[@SaintTrinianz]

Mary Cox uiii (pardon my spastic, completely involuntary reply... maybe it's my mattress)

[@toms1499]

Sounds a little strange and i have yet to see anyone do it but maybe consider making a hole in the floor for a vent and possibly a recessed fan since heat rises pull cool air from down below instead of trying to force cool air through warm air at your ceiling. Ultimately maintaining stealth, security, and wall space by trying to put something in one of your walls. Just be sure you can seal it up for when it gets cold and to keep out exhaust fumes etc. Safe travels 7

[@mrbr549]

I have saw several people use floor vents, but can't remember their names at the moment. It does seem to help with ventilation, but floor space is permanently reduced.

[@judyjudyjudy9593]

White pines Acres...wouldn't that let in a lot of fumes & a lot of road debris in!! Just wonderin...Judie

[@toms1499]

mrbr549 how would it reduce floor space if you put it somewhere in walk path and designed to be walked over?

[@toms1499]

hitchhiker only to be used while parked generally, would have to have a seal to seal it up from fumes when van is being run, although if exhaust is in good shape and you place the vent far enough ahead of the exhaust dump point it really should not let much in unless idling and the wind blows the fumes back.

[@alankita1059]

Perhaps you could use a blast gate from a woodshop dust collection system to open, close and adjust the air flow into the vehicle.

[@409mark]

you might look into a electric hub for your bike on amazon i.am sure you would get greater use of it around and about if it were not for all the extra effort it takes to ride it

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

I sold my bike... but if I get a bike again it will be a folding electric bike

[@joe1940]

Experience is the best teacher.

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

experience has been teaching me a lot!

[@marshallbaldwin395]

I a gm pd 4107 bus used fantastic fans two of them use one to pull in and one to exhaust seems to work well for me up to about a 100 put one over the bed I use it to pull in the other one is in the kitchen area if your fans do not run in both directions re place them the key is Circulation grumpy old man with a bus

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

I have 2 fans. been trying to use one for in and other for out but don't seem to work well for me

[@ChuckSSoul]

Love those walls

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

me too!

[@dejonsmall9886]

Seven, don't be down on yourself. Heres the solution for your fridge. Clean out the garage, mount the fridge on a roller under you bed with access from inside.

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

excellent solution on the fridge mount!

[@DROY2004]

Wow, nothing like planning, & replanning,& replanning....replanning? In hind sight! Why would you not believe those with far more experience with step vans? Learning after the fact is not planning, it smacks of stubbornness, it’s survival.Shalom!

[@mikecolley-]

Fantastic, thanks.

[@cybersecretary]

another excellent video

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

glad you liked it

[@bencoleman1893]

Since you are a tall gentlemen maybe a flip down foot rest is in order for the benches. That way it doesn’t-take up space when not in use

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

wow love this idea!

[@cathyjackson8337]

Garage redo. Bike is a space hog. Windows for cross venting. Where do you meditate there?

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

usually meditate outside ;)

[@johnwayne3554]

2 fans in the rear drs. keep the frdge just make an adjustment.

[@NicoVeenkamp]

Interesting. Your video is another in a list of #vanlife videos I saw recently where people were not very happy with how their vans were organized. Their solution? Rip everything out and start anew. Maybe something for you to consider? ;)

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

I try to stay open minded and open to change!

[@nonahammon1098]

Seven, I do not know whether you are familiar with this man who is doing videos of his unique cargo van conversion, but I do most highly recommend you watch a few of the videos he's finished. He's phenomenal! I do not use the word lightly. He's a master carpenter and the link below is to his install of a 40-gallon water tank he has almost finished. The whole series is spell-binding. The skill and thought that has gone into his work is way beyond any van build I have seen, and you know I watch a lot of van build videos. Here's a treat for you to watch kzbin.info/www/bejne/nGXTkpKEmJx3iqc Enjoy, my friend. Maybe you will get some usable ideas. Good luck on your reorganization.

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

I subscribed to this guys channel last month. he has incredible skills with building. I'm learning a lot from them

[@steverandall5814]

Easy fix to "Fibber McGee's Closet" kzbin.info/www/bejne/nmqpeHZsbb6Wra8 would be to use an elastic cargo net across the door opening. It doesn't really have to hold any weight, so a cheapie from Harbor Freight should work just fine.

[@ohioan7536]

Good video. Not many surprises tho. Cheers

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

true, no surprises

[@SylvanSecrets]

1: How is your ceiling still aluminium? 2: That's a shame 3: I'm running into the same problem. It's a tricky space to work with. 4: I'm already regretting not installing two fans. Not sure where I would even put the other one though. 5: Buy a shorter fridge and install a full extension drawer so the whole thing pulls out. 6: Yes it is a better option. 7: Well shit...

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

I removed the ceiling panels last year. installing polyiso foam panels this coming week. don't think I could do the ice chest like you are doing but my dometic is a pain right now in the bench

[@SylvanSecrets]

Seven Wanders the World good to here insulation is coming. I hope the icebox is temporary. I may have a lead on that :) You could still do a drawer with a shorter dc fridge.

[@syedhashemi9787]

Be well my friend

[@Coolbreeze61]

why not have one vent fan pull air in and the other push air out, that should give you plenty of cross ventalation

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

more vents would help!

[@Coolbreeze61]

why not try it before spending more money?

[@oldguy5458]

Replace rear windows with Shed Window,,They are screened and will open,,,You have the best fridge ,,,Put it on slider under the bed,,,Look on KZbin at a guy that builds vans,,, Solid Wood Worx ,,,he has lots of good ideas,,,I am Not affiliated with him,,,Safe Travels

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

I'll research the "shed window" thx for the tip!

[@rman110]

Replace rear door windows with every windows, they open and close.

[@justinlinnane8043]

Forget waffling on with seven regrets or 7 things you do differently you shouldn't have bought a step van in the first place !! you come from a country where there are so many beautiful vintage gems of RVs available to buy for peanuts ! I just can't understand why anyone wouldn't take advantage of such an amazing situation. Spending thousands on what is basically an industrial delivery truck is insane ,when you have blue bird wanderlodges from the early 80s for sale at 15 k!!

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

before buying the step van I inspected and drove about 40 RVs. I'm six foot six and the only ones tall enough for me were out of my price range. counter tops were also too tall. I'm happy with my decision to buy a step van so I could build a vehicle customized for my height. I believe this was a personal choice after I had looked at hundreds of vehicles

[@justinlinnane8043]

Seven Wanders the World 6ft6 ? Wow! that is a. BIt of a dilemma headroom wise . The wanderlodges are high enough inside for that . Just . Saw one for sale in California last week . 35 foot long . Completely original interior . Full solar and everything else in near perfect working. Order for 18k . Incredible bargain. It was identical to this gem in the video ! kzbin.info/www/bejne/r6iqY2uqp6t9Y7c

[@bloggergonewild4440]

I never understood the resistance and flat out animosity some campers have towards black tanks. Dumping in peatmoss will not save the world. One just has to be responsible and get up off their a** and properly dump their tanks.

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

I suppose everyone has preferences. some like stainless steel cookware, others cast iron while others teflon non-stick. each has benefits. same with dumping vs composting. for me composting is more about less maintenance, easier to build, and easier to dump. but again, it is just personal preference