Engineer Reacts to Van Conversions | Tiny Home Design Tips

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Sources
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Rolling Tiny House Photo
commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi...
By Küste Under CC BY-SA 4.0
Red Transit Connect
• VAN LIFE | TINY $1600 ...
Red Transit Connect 2
• EPIC VAN CONVERSION UN...
Sprinter 1
• Young Family in DIY 20...
Sprinter 2
• EPIC VAN TOUR! Full-Ti...
Portable sink
• DIY - Portable Sink
Tank Sprayer Shower
• How to Make a Camping ...
Bob wells- no build
• Van Life for Less: Aff...
White Transit Connect
• Cozy Cabin Vibes in th...
Excellent Van Build
• DIY Camper Van Convers...
Dark Interior Tiny Home
• NEVER TOO SMALL Austra...
Apartment w/ Bonsai
• NEVER TOO SMALL: Japan...
Apartment w/ Eclectic Deco and Weird Scissor Desk
• NEVER TOO SMALL Furnit...
Boxabl Casita
• Inside Elon Musk's Fam...
Tech Tiny Home
• This tiny modular home...

[@StoriesFromaVan]

RSVP for the Mystery Meetup on July 30th @ Dana Point, CA! Complete form below for complete address forms.gle/KDPzUmzb7TkLJcKQ6

[@cbryce9243]

FYI, Boxibl waiting list is very long. They cannot keep up with demand. There are many others who are doing the same thing that have shorter waiting lists and different designs. Problem is, they are so small that many zoning laws do not permit them.

[@zachhenson7844]

Is there a way to add a tank that could handle waste? Let's just say you have to take a leak and it's cold as fuck outside

[@WhatsCookingTime]

When you were talking about the nimby my ears what up I'm in Massachusetts. Too many of them that type of housing which I think is very sharp it's a fate worse than death

[@ninjanerdstudent6937]

12:30 When the aesthetics are very plain, clean, and barren, I feel like it is like an elegant hotel room, as if I’m just renting the space and not really living in it.

[@butterflyrising9567]

Agree, sterile in many ways.

[@alfries9736]

First, I'd like to thank you for speaking well about Bob W. The Carpenter we viewed was a master cabinet maker. His Techniques were old school. It will be very hard to break those perfectly cut and glued joints.

[@onlyinparadise4613]

Excellent critique Evan! You should definitely continue doing a series of these videos. Please build a PVC sink for us. You could even sell a kit.

[@kevinandmarymoback4537]

As an older person I wish that I had this option 50 years ago. Maybe I did but back them the pressure to confirm is a lot more than now. I love your van and it is so well thought out and everything is convenient to hand. Kudos to you sir. I watch a lot of these videos and yours is the one I would go with. I truly think that the economy will get worse and that more people will find them selves in a van life. I friend of mine went through a horrific divorce and he had enough left to buy a tiny house. You could not get him out of that house with a crow bar.. He loves it. This is going to be the way of the future. Keep up the fantastic content and may all your miles be good. Remember there is always something new around the corner K

[@meiraloraduncan8953]

Milo had the wall partition behind the driver seat because when you open the sliding door to the back on the driver side you are opening up his garage where he has tools and access to his electrical setup. He is in the process of converting his new vehicle. He is a photographer and travels throughout the US taking new jobs along the way. His boyfriend also has a van. Milo also has to consider the temperature in the van at all times because of his dog and the partition helps to reduce the amount of heat and cold transfer throughout the year depending upon where they are. I really like how you did your van and the storage base was really a brilliant solution that other vanlifers should consider using. The couple with the Murphy bed have actually converted a school bus, the van you saw which they also did a remodel on during Covid, and they are currently making more changes and changing vehicles since welcoming their baby last year. Each time they make a new build it is on a higher level with multiple improvements. I really like the ones where it doesn't scream that someone is living in the van or whatever vehicle it may be especially when it is a single female. After seeing a video about the night a couple from Florida, who have been living in their van since before Covid, were woken up by someone who was trying to break into the van while they were sleeping I was really concerned for their safety and that of other vanlifers especially while in other countries. The thing that prevented the would be robber from getting inside was something called security film. It's a protective film that goes both on the inside and the outside of the glass in all of the doors and windows and even the windshield. The glass may break, but the film prevents it from shattering and falling inside or creating a hole through which they could pull it out or reach in and unlock the door. Their channel is CurtandSnow and he created a number of awesome features for their van that includes locking storage on the roof and solar panels that they can tilt and change the angles so that they can set it up to take advantage of the sun wherever they are in the world. They even added a screen door/wall so that they can open the sliding door to allow fresh air in whilst keeping their 2 cats inside.

[@ruthalsbrooks7913]

Your van built is the best. Bathroom. Kitchen. Bedroom. Storage. Able to not stand out in any area as a tiny live in van. Also gas saving.

[@allthingsharbor]

Yes ! The only drawback I see to your van is the lack of ability to stand up in the van. Otherwise, it is essentially a complete home with indoor working toilet, shower, sink, food storage and prep, and storage. It is a really well thought-out production!

[@MrJaspermyboy]

I agree with the easy access to running water and sink. Also, I can't stand when people say they are "minimalists", when their van is packed all the way up to the ceiling, with all the batteries, electric appliances, etc..I like how you designed your van.

[@maryzaletel4928]

Right!!

[@sue9252]

👍

[@OhJodi69]

Some of these van-builds add such a huge amount of weight to the van.....I wonder about decreased gas mileage, and overall wear on the engine and tires.

[@tartytube]

Most of these vans are made to carry huge weights anyway. They are usually for commercial use which means carrying lots of materials or produce. The van will tell you its max axle weight.

[@OhJodi69]

@@tartytube Ahh, that makes sense! Thanks for telling me 🙂

[@manuelester7420]

@@tartytube I heard sprinter Vans rear axles falling off.😰

[@camposvazquez]

@@tartytube not accurate.. many of these van builds do not have large holding tanks... Because the suspension can not support the weight If you look at the vans that are built by many of these specialty shops the first thing they do based upon the configuration is outfit the suspension..

[@marlenen6130]

The weight issue has always been something I’ve paid attention to. I like to camp, my husband is still working and can’t go out as much as me cuz he has shared custody of his 3 sons, so I started with a little 1987 Coleman Columbia pop-up tent camper that I got for a very reasonable price and invested in new tires w/balancing, packing the axel, new battery, new electrical harness, sanded the tounge and painted with rustoleum. Then I lubricated the sliding mechanisms and the lift bars, cleaned and repaired damage on the canvas, then stripped and painted the faux wood paneling with water sealing interior paint. It was adorable but my husband was still worried about the soft sides and intruders. I found a good deal on a 2017 Aliner Classic Off-road edition A-frame type pop up trailer with duel hard dormers and got that and my son and DIL bought my tent trailer. The GVW is around 1800-1900 lbs for the Aliner with max axel weight of 3500 lbs. I towed it with my Honda Pilot with a towing rating of 4000 lbs and now with my Tesla X with a towing rating of 5000 lbs. it’s been a breeze. I can pop it up super fast and tear it down quickly too. I never use the water tank, water heater or even the stove inside the trailer, it’s just not how I camp, as I prefer to do the cooking outside, I use a pressurized garden sprayer to wash dishes and will use campground bathrooms or do sponge baths. I use a urinal at night. It has plenty of room and weight to put the camp chairs, tables, rug, and screen room inside when I travel. Since my husband is going to retire soon we bought a 2010 Airstream Interstate Grand Lounge on the Mercedes Benz Sprinter 3500 with Dual rear wheels. It can tow 5000 lbs and we can take the Aliner and grandkids with us camping! We got it Nov 2023 and it has under 13K miles! The previous owners didn’t take it on long trips but had it to have private space when they visit more local areas.

[@GH-Rav]

Please do more videos like this!! This kind of video is soo important for anyone looking to do van life or to improve their own van life.

[@varnelnoel1970]

Great video. Cool how you can apply your experience to see if a build is aesthetic and functional. Very entertaining and informative. Looking for the next one.

[@GH-Rav]

I love the design inputs you have for each tiny home. It really gives a depth to your critiques and makes your praises and criticisms feel more genuine.

[@adventure953]

Nice video. Love the commentaries and your thoughts on all the built and design in this video. Keep it up. Hope to see more of these and maybe the different type of vehicles that can be convert to be a caravan too.

[@wendysteinberg2595]

Really loved this video! Very informative and also a way to see what really works and what doesn't. Thanks for sharing.

[@joetrace]

The problem I'm having with most of this kind of content is that nobody seems to think about security. With so much crime, security has to be a huge consideration. Think about how devastating it would be to be carjacked of all your belongings.. your clothes, your shoes, your food, your shelter, etc. Somebody is going to have to address the security element.

[@pro-yn2mi]

Yeah, me too... they should talk about locks , having guns, tasers or pepper sprays to protect them selves.

[@TK79123]

Glad you’re back! Hope you are doing well. I agree with what you are saying about a sink. I am planning a van build and I keep getting stuck on what size van. I want to do Silk Road and good gas mileage but I also want to be able to stand up. Something has to give. Lol

[@StoriesFromaVan]

Yep haha, can’t have everything. I think the path of minimalism is a better path to take. Having less and being content with less is a good mindset to achieve. Also, the constraints in small van can allow for more creativity then a larger van too. Just some thoughts for you as you try to make a decision. Good luck on your journey

[@RelaxingSounds-ev6zz]

Perfect solution to be able to stand in is find yourself a long wheel base model van with a poptop or install one. Got one myself. Totally stealthy and makes the van feel 10x bigger when you open it all up.

[@thisvagabondlife7132]

I think the dark walls acted as a frame to the view out the window making the outside the focal point even while inside in the cocoon

[@StoriesFromaVan]

Agreed

[@joiceraiana]

@@Celestials615 focal from focus, is the center of attention, the point that captures the eyes. Vocal comes from voice, is about sound, not sight. Not a native too, those similar words can be confusing 😅

[@MsZorro113]

I love your info. You give good perspectives about the vids you show. Anyone can learn from your vids. Thank you for such good comparisons. Well done!

[@simplyso4363]

Aaah never too small ! I loved their videos, they popped one day on my feed and I couldn’t click on their videos one after another. Some tiny houses were like a dream 🥰

[@StoriesFromaVan]

Share a video you’d like me to watch! forms.gle/CH9PRAcADxuPF6K39

[@dienerallahs1419]

Where do you defecate when your home is your van ?

[@paris9474]

This isn’t a van, but are you able to critique it? kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJ20dWyNhJt5qqs

[@Dreamysunshine23]

Cool combo of tiny homes to compare from each other... helps give an idea of how you can do it yourself

[@N8teyrve]

You gave us so much value in this video. Thanks for all the great ideas I’ve gotten from your videos

[@erichbauer3991]

Really enjoyed this video. I found it especially interesting that you didn't just go into the pure technical side but also addressed some of the artistic choices and social/political circumstances.

[@Flare_123]

Your van is more simple and has all the stuff you need but I have seen that others make their cans more complex and try to add unnecessary things but u keep it simple right down to the dot. Keep up the great work!!

[@jeffreycarman2185]

12:14 no soul is a great way to describe a space like this. I love the look of this but it looks like an amazing picture in a magazine and not a home. 12:45 the greenery doesn’t make the space feel like home. It doesn’t feel lived in it looks like a fancy hotel room or showpiece.

[@lorenzothehandaforlifeplan435]

Suggestion: Do a reaction video on Japanese campervans :)

[@kiriakiria9685]

Very informative, interesting and well researched. Good job young man, keep up the good work! 🧐

[@sirlorddoctormajorphd3016]

Hey! I would just like to share my “tiny home” experience I tried out to lower my cost of living during the pandemic. I have a condominium with two parking lots. I tenanted out the unit and one parking spot. The other is where my parked my Hyundai Starex (it’s an 11 seater) it doesn’t have the height but it’s long. I remove all the seating and converted it to a seating set for the condo unit, saves cost in buying couches and I freed up space in the MPV. Minimal modifications. 1) Foldable thick mattress for comfortable sleep. 2) Mini fridge that can be powered by the car battery. 3) Plastic drawers for my clothes, almost no cotton based materials so I can fold them without worrying about creases. 4) Very silent ventilators which are hidden under a Thule roof rack. Black out the windows for that stealth mode too. 5) Initially I did intend to add battery packs and a second alternator to charge it but I didn’t want to add cost. In the end it was just a place to sleep. I keep one set of access card for myself so i can use the swimming pool, shower, sauna, BBQ pit, washrooms, business center and other facilities of the building like any resident. Cost of fuel was my only concern. Mostly I get free electricity at the business center and charge my power banks there. Free parking and didn’t need to worry about security or police knocking on my door in the middle of the night. And parking in a fully lit condo parking basement doesn’t feel as creepy as parking at random places outside. I did that for a while then I tenanted out my stealth mpv 😂 I’m back living with my folks and earning maximum from that condominium.

[@linamatthews512]

I'm a really big fan of the bowl-type sink that sits on top of the counter, because you only have to drill holes for the drain and faucet. You can also use large metal mixing bowls as sinks. These cost less than an above-the-counter sinks you can buy at the local home improvement stores. All you need is the parts to make it into a proper sink.

[@libby2012]

You have wonderful insight and perception. I love your approach to life. Thank you for sharing!

[@gethroenteralastname2210]

Well done. Also first time I have heard of NIMBY in anyone of the videos I've watched about tiny/van homes.

[@suzikynz2765]

I think I know what word you were looking for at 12:06 when you said "there is no soul" to the build. A good word for that could be that it feels "too clinical" . That design does look clean and tidy but it does feel and look like sitting down at the waiting area at the dentist lol. BTW love the vids, I subbed. Do more React vids!

[@donnaledbetter1571]

Can you do a tutorial video on how to make the sink build you recommend?

[@cchoi108]

Okay again, One of the most helpful van builds ever. It would be great if you would do more of these. Yep Bob Wells is the godfather of van life.

[@eganfo]

You’re spot on with your NIMBY vs. affordable housing take. We see that very often here in the Seattle suburbs. Fun video and really like your opinion on these matters.

[@alexisdetocqueville9964]

You have great commentary and practical insight, given that you actually LIVE in your van, not just as an influencer or on vacation. One thing I didn't see mentioned was the apparent lack of toilets in these van builds (which i noticed you have in yours). Now I've never lived in a van, but the #1 issue of van life seems to me the reliance on public toilets. If you don't have one in your van, you're still quite tied down.

[@ladytrader688]

Nice review, several of those I have seen before and followed those people. But honestly, I still like your van design the best for that. size cuz you have a ton of storage.

[@sunlookersam]

very good video. your thoughts about different ideas are very interesting to hear. very inspirational.

[@ninjanerdstudent6937]

I think it is important to have an air gap between the water basin and collection tank to prevent back flow.

[@pmags1331]

If I was gonna do a van I would copy your van . Your van is perfect. It has everything.

[@RichardHarlos]

You're very kind, Evan -- perhaps too kind -- when you refer to them as "nimby's". Many choice words come to mind when I think about people who embrace such values. This idea of wealth-driven segregation is only slightly less offensive than the skin-color segregation of earlier eras. We're all human. Skin color and wealth don't make any of us less human, or 'better' than any other human. I feel a rant bubbling so let me switch gears here... I enjoyed your feedback on the various videos. I also appreciated the craftsmanship of the fabricator guy. And I agree with you about a space being too clean and lacking any sort of warmth/character. I've a feeling I'd enjoy more videos from you like this. Not instead of your other content, but in addition. Cheers!

[@StellarDistraction]

This sink is a really controversial topic amongst van dwellers. It seems people feel strong one way or the other. Clearly you feel it's very important. When I think of no sink I'm always reminded of Van City Van Life. Chrome always preaches that he's never felt the need for a sink. Everyone is different!

[@StoriesFromaVan]

That’s understandable. A sink is very convenient if you stealth camp and I stealth camp full-time. When I lived in SF in my van, I would only use my sink to brush my teeth and relied on gym showers for the rest of my hygiene. Nowadays, I rely much more of my sink. But I can see how a van dweller wouldn’t need a sink if they’re not stealthing it all the time

[@HealthCoachHayley]

Just found your channel and loving it ! Thanks !

[@greggtilghman6349]

The guy in the first clip just got out of the British army and he had to get something done fast. You should see his van build now, complete with sink, stove, fridge, diesel heater, all the amenities of home. Granted his current van is much bigger, his buddy got his older van and kept it a while, refurbished it, got a bigger one and his is tricked out even more!

[@ifell3]

Loving this format!

[@veteran_dino]

loved this video, please do more of these

[@linamatthews512]

The tiny house shown @ 12:10 is beautiful but cold. It looks like something you would see in a "glamour" home magazine.

[@maryzaletel4928]

Love this video and content. Great job!

[@kb9847]

I really like your take on housing. Great video thanks!!

[@gildardo]

Great take on builds and what's holding us back from more housing, NIMBYs.

[@michaw7408]

Oh wow, that idea with tank sprayer is brilliant! Thanks man, have a like

[@judem1359]

Greet video. Loved the Aussie tiny home. I was really interested in what you were thought were good and not as functional van builds. 😁

[@pityparty9955]

Sharp corners on cabinets. I would be black an blue if I tried to live in most of these designs. In such a tiny space all corners should be rounded.

[@StoriesFromaVan]

Not a concern I’ve thought of in van 😂

[@pityparty9955]

@@StoriesFromaVan No one ever called me graceful. Sharp corners are my nemesis.

[@patrickol4300]

Agree, on all of your views ! You have good taste ,Evan 👏

[@patrickol4300]

Btw, hi from Ireland 🇮🇪. You're welcome here anytime ,dude ! I've spent so much time on the West Coast USA, I wanna return the hospitality, if you like !?

[@StoriesFromaVan]

Thanks for the welcome! Maybe when I start traveling abroad again!

[@alohatvj]

Big like 👍. Happy for the review. Your ideas 💡 should be shared with van lifers.

[@senseiksan9721]

Enjoyed this variety of space usage thanks.....😁

[@fluffyduckbutt24]

Awesome video. Love ur commentary.

[@johnl9135]

I think for me if I get into van life, the most most important for me is having a toilet so I can pee at night. I can live without plumbing. I can always shower outside, gym or at my work. Usually people build based on their needs.

[@frkzoid]

Looking forward to your big van conversion in the future.

[@maltisse]

Bob is awesome love his channel CheapRvLiving, great shout-out for him. Wonderful content you have btw I really like it and your van is super interesting.

[@joiceraiana]

That culture of strict zoning and lack of mixed zones that creates those horrible suburbs is the real problem. Houses should be in all sizes and shapes, I live in a small apartment but I have neighbors with a 5 room house and 3 cars on a massive garage, I hava bakeries, grocery corner stores and beauty salons around too. The whole not in my backyard only appears to really extreme stuff, like people don't wanting a addiction treatment center around the neighborhood or something like that

[@corinneperegrini6003]

Thanks for making this video, very helpfull👍

[@rjvcescobar]

Please put in more van reviews...love your videos. 👍👍👍

[@luckydubefan808]

I agree, Bob Wells is so practical

[@galeajavon9315]

Loved the commentary!

[@cbryce9243]

Two of our neighbors rent rooms in their houses. In one house, there are 5 people living in a 3 bedroom, and there are 3 people living in a 2-bedroom, a couple doors down. Renting rooms is the only way many can afford things these days. We live in a middle-class area and I don't mind most of the renters...but, many don't take care of the property; the weeds grow tall, they are sometimes very loud (parties, car mufflers, don't respect neighbors, etc.) and generally unfriendly. If neighbors knew how to contact the owners, or the rental management company, it would make life better for all. There are reasons for people saying, "NIMBY".

[@ribotadesajambre7061]

Thank you for the excellent video ❣️

[@Luke_Stone_321]

One of the problems with particle board in a van is that particle board is glued together with formaldehyde glue so it can be toxic in a small space. Also particle board is heavier and weaker than plywood or wood.

[@apbxny216]

Really enjoying the channel. Best wishes.

[@jeffjefferson7384]

Would love to see your reaction to Foresty Forest's different van builds. They seem pretty unique to me.

[@ZionRV]

I have a vintage Van that's similar in size to the Euro van. Bed from Amazon. A retired contractor built me a cabinet from materials left over from a project. Stainless steel sink 12"×12" $15 from Craigslist. No usb or motorized pumps!!! I refill (for free) a 2 gallon bottle with spigot for gravity fed, no waiting! A 6 foot hose connects to sink, other end to empty gallon of water. Empty gray water. If camping, hose hangs outside for draining. Fully functional without tons of gear. Oh.. 2 strings of lights above battery powered. No electricity

[@kaythegardener]

We used to say, "That's a model home, not a real one", about minimalistic stripped bare look...

[@freddyhardware840]

You should do more interviews of other Stealth Van owners and ask their experiences. You already have a great channel name for it.

[@luciac.419]

I subbed. Really good video!

[@tinamccall3916]

Excellent video! 🤗

[@flexjuva]

❤this critic was well done and it all the right points

[@WhatsCookingTime]

The tiny home in the marsh with the charcoal grey interior that is a great design

[@lalylunssporadicchronicles6404]

its like living in a showroom😂

[@suongho6585]

you are so insightful!

[@imiss_you]

Hey! Just watching from NBC bay are news! Salute to you Ma’am…

[@debbiedebbie9473]

Thank you for your videos. ❤️

[@francesdouglas333]

Way to go young man!

[@ELeviathan33]

My favorite part of this video? You weren't mean to anybody's build; nothing but compliments, and suggestions.

[@mld9685]

I completely agree with your opinion on these designs

[@gospelofchange]

12:10 did he just say "vandom"?! genius!

[@SulfuricFuture]

We need more of these VAN reacts please

[@bernadettebockis4120]

Great video!

[@serenityjewel]

Love this

[@S.E.C-R]

7:54 - The partition wall slides open for access to the back.

[@PongKingKong]

bruh, i love clean design. slightly robotic, but simple, and intellectual

[@maximk.617]

More of these videos please!!!!

[@suzie_lovescats]

The point of partition walls is for security and to regulate the temperature 😁

[@last7509]

I think this sink thing is an obsession bro 😄

[@zumezoom9593]

Do you have a full build video for your converted van? And how much did it cost you including price of van? How much are you paying for yearly insurance and gas, maintenance costs and parking?

[@platypushatstand]

I think what NIMBYs really don’t like is the density of housing, ie: going up, building what essentially here in the UK are called ‘flats’ built in a multi-storey configuration. NIMBYs want other surrounding houses to be identikit to their own houses to make them feel safe. Flats put a greater number of people into a smaller footprint than conventional housing. As to some of the van builds: an external/outdoor grill - fine for dry weather, but days of heavy rain mean you’ll get wet cooking, surely not the aesthetic they’re looking for and Dookie doesn’t appear to have any awning for cooking? I see too many builds going for a replication of what someone had in a house, hence butcher block countertops, yet aren’t these heavy solid items? You ought to have a look at Dustin Klein’s van build (he didn’t build it, AVC did) as it has a good use of space.

[@fredfellwock]

Great video

[@howardlake6178]

It takes serious talent to have the inventor of pre populated documents, car park car washing and many others, as a subscriber, but you have inspired a potential business idea and additions to existing ideas for me, with your brilliant van. But I have a potential idea for a tiny bit more space in your van. Somewhere in my apartment, I have a zip up dry cleaning, or suit carrying item. You could potentially put your hanging shirts in one, two or 3 of these. But then turn them 45 degrees. Also, would the cool box not fit in either of the front footwells. It would not be seen in the dark by anyone looking in. Last one. If the curtains were black on the side facing the windshield it would give an extra level of stealth for brighter or longer days….

[@Nefertiti0403]

Thanks!

[@FortMyersFlorida]

Tank sprayer. Genius

[@DeliciousManX]

12:25 it's called "cozy". You like coziness!