How It's Made: Converting Ford Transit Van Into A Stunning Coachmen Beyond Camper!

[@strangerpalooza]

Please Leave Your Comments To Nicks Questions Below. Find Out More About Coachmen RVs - bit.ly/4azxZ9Q Thank You Very Much For Checking Out This Factory Tour👍

[@amiralions2681]

Regarding the water station, please lock it. Lock everything! Color matching the doors on the outside is amazing too. Regarding the tanks: Inside whenever possible, we can add a storage box to the outside of the back door.

[@gary.joseph]

I second this comment!

[@strangerpalooza]

I think color match is winning 😁

[@jennystarkmyers7937]

Thanks! I appreciate seeing how your beautiful vans are assembled and built. Wonderful

[@strangerpalooza]

You're welcome and thank you so much Jenny 🥰

[@Cecelia-u1j]

Make induction cooktop just a plug-in. You can take it outside and it gives you more counter space

[@wdwilson7031]

This is the most informative video I have seen corned beef RVs you couldn't have got a better person to inform us when you talk about somebody that knows the inside and the outside totally outstanding

[@RivBiv]

I am seriously considering purchasing one of these now after watching this video.

[@anglophile6621]

That floor plan in the Galleria line could have six seatbelts and garage space. I really like the Ford chassis. But it could use a few more feet. Thank you, it’s great to see all the work and methodology that goes into making these class B’s. I can’t wait to see what else rolls out in 2025.

[@stuartstuart866]

I like the fact that Coachmen B vans are continually evolving and improving. Our “custom ordered “ Ram chassis should be at the Coachmen facility now, to build our Nova RB, as we speak.

[@lisam3869]

The fresh tank inside will never fall out or freeze. Love digital rear view. Still don't like the see-through bath doors.

[@strangerpalooza]

ok thats cool

[@PandaLAG]

Thank you both... this was the absolute best factory tour ever! We're considering the Beyond after watching this!😊

[@Bob-bi2mr]

Water compartment door should match paint color. Also, would love to see a red color similar the Ram/Travato red. No orange, yikes ! Great video Hank and Nick ! Love Nicks passion for feedback and constant improvement. Love Coachman quality!

[@strangerpalooza]

Thanks for the feedback and for watching

[@lisam3869]

I like everything on the outside to be covered up. Stealth. Love the gray. Want black or matching color instead of chrome, black wheels. LOVE the water filter. A UV addition would be a great option! Regarding propane, in 2020 propane was difficult to find. I want a Beyond 22C SO BAD.

[@strangerpalooza]

Thanks for the input & for watching 😁

[@CampingCoastie]

Great video! Coachmen makes a great Class B! Nick Recchio is constantly improving his Class Bs. I made a switch from a PleasureWay XLTS to a Coachmen Beyond and consider this the best RV choice I have made!

[@strangerpalooza]

Thanks Coastie…hope all is well with you my friend 😁

[@CampingCoastie]

​@strangerpalooza We are doing well, heading to Middlebury at the beginning of June.

[@karinwest919]

Thank you Nick and Hank!!! Hoping to become owners of a WHITE Beyond 22C Li with the space behind the driver's seat and the slider windows in Jan 2025! I think the cover upwards is less troublesome ( no weight on it, rain runs off) but maybe magnet to hold it up? . What I would like to see changed : don't cover bathroom wall behind driver with vinyl but use cabinet grade panel, add shut-off valve to outside shower (easier winter travel), a TV mount that is not sticking out as much to get bruised, and a way to put your bed down/up if the motor fails. oh, and no staples on the panels under the hanging cabinets! Voila, the perfect rig!!!

[@strangerpalooza]

Thanks for watching, great feedback! Please let us know when you get your rig, and look forward to seeing you on the road 😁

[@RogerLaPointe-v3m]

Excellent video. I’ve been really interested in the beyond and now seeing everything that goes into it gives me a better understanding about them. Thanks.

[@MaryDellPerilloux]

Like it locked also

[@strangerpalooza]

You're welcome, Nick always does a great job on these

[@Vamanaswastika]

Great factory tour. But I thought they’d actually use single vinyl planks. I didn’t know it was a one piece vinyl sheet for the flooring. For that price point a more residential look should be single planks. Especially when it flexes while you’re driving.

[@Harp4Hand]

Pleasantly surprised to see this switch focus to the Nova build for a bit (we have a 20RB). And there’s so much in common between the builds that I learn something new each time. Keep up the great work Hank!

[@just.bob.j]

Definitely keep that door on the water hook ups, a lot of people live in HOAs and the less they see the better we are off. It would be great if there was a way to hold the door up while your connections are on… Maybe some kind of hinge that could hold it up? I don't think a down swinging door would work because it would end up getting bent with hoses leaning on.

[@strangerpalooza]

Good Points

[@AllSeeingLens]

I really wish the 22 d had wider beds. 23 in is like sleeping on a rail. That said, still my favorite B van, nice job.

[@gary.joseph]

I agree!

[@scottdorsey8220]

28 inches wouldn't hurt my feelings.

[@lordaresthefirst]

Super cool tour!

[@Debdmd]

Thank you so much for this video and for always being so receptive to owner input! It makes all the difference. Keep the door on the water connections, with hinges at the top, but maybe some small hardware item to prop it open. Would have loved ours to come with little labels on the various water pipes and connections so we could know what they are the first time we winterized. And/or a picture or diagram. And our low point drain wasn’t where it was supposed to be. It would be super helpful to be able to get into the “guts” without unscrewing and re-screwing. Hinges and clips/locks/etc. if they could be made tight and sound-deadening. LOVE splitting the back cushions in the back of the D!!!

[@scottdorsey8220]

Love the square sink. Can't live without a bathroom ceiling vent. Would also be nice to have a bit more bathroom shoulder width and retractable line running the length of the bathroom to hang up towels and wet things. Overall, a great design!

[@just.bob.j]

It would be nice if Coachman can fit a small locked safe in the floor like the Travato does on the floor between the two front seats. A locked safe place to store valuables and "protection items" would be a great addition.

[@strangerpalooza]

Yeah that's always a good idea, especially if its hidden from immediate viewing

[@stuartstuart866]

I like the idea of a safe, I bet that’s an easy do it yourself project.

[@Gman450a1]

Fantastic tour and in depth information. Thank-yoU!

[@strangerpalooza]

You're Welcome, thanks for watching 😀

[@robperissi1323]

Love the factory tour vids. Easily the reason we are going with Beyond after we saw the first walk through a couple of years ago Now having been in some Class B’s at shows, it’s not even close. Fit and finish, cabinets, engagement from the manufacture (aka Nick) just amazing. Was hoping this was coming when you were there! Dream is to get a Beyond RB in a few years and see the country before age 60. The past few years of innovations have been great to watch. So many things have been added that would be ideal in a B van for us. Now just have to hope in 5 years we will have: Starlink wiring, pop top Beyond (turn the Truma if you have to Nick 😂 0:00 .. maybe a custom cover so it doesn’t look weird?), Lavio toilet option with no black tank, loose induction to help with counter space and get a large fridge in the RB. Separate shower and dry bath in an RB? One can dream but not necessary since it would blow away all the storage back there. Thanks guys keep up the great work.

[@stuartstuart866]

Hank or Nick, I’m curious how accessible plumbing and electrical is after the various vans are assembled. Are they easily serviceable?

[@strangerpalooza]

Good Question...In my opinion I would say yes

[@bobpembroke1233]

Great job Hank. Your original factory tour video brought me to buy my 23/23 D. Nice to see the split back rests in the back.

[@sandyhillgardens9057]

External water, cover it up behind a locked door.

[@jatx]

Great video to see the quality put into these vans. Surprised the white isn’t as popular. To me it’s one of the best colors.

[@strangerpalooza]

Thanks, I think white is a good color...some times we just want something different...However yep...White is a solid color choice especially in hot climates...

[@stuartstuart866]

Especially when you live in the Southwest.

[@John-ve6ms]

Nick, appreciate the time spent to show the details behind the walls. Any chance we might see a fixed east/west elevated bed setup in the Promaster to allow for garage space? Also putting the wetbay inlets in a cutout or behind an existing trim with a locked door helps with the HOAs' and pranksters would be desirable.

[@mikerosey6790]

Can the water fill door be mounted to open bumper to bumper so it stays open and won’t be damaged from hoses must be locked and color matched. Add hidden safe for valuables and secure certain items. Thank You.

[@robperissi1323]

Love the factory tour vids. Easily the reason we are going with Beyond after we saw the first walk through a couple of years ago. Now having been in some Class B’s at shows, it’s not even close. Fit and finish, cabinets, engagement from the manufacturer (aka Nick) just amazing. Was hoping this was coming when you were there! Dream is to get a Beyond RB in a few years and see the country before age 60. The past few years of innovations have been great to watch. So many things have been added that would be ideal in a B van for us. Now just have to hope in 5 years we will have: Starlink wiring, pop top Beyond (turn the Truma if you have to Nick 😂 .. maybe a custom cover so it doesn’t look weird?), Lavio toilet option with no black tank, loose induction to help with counter space to get a large fridge in the RB. Separate shower and dry bath in an RB? One can dream but not necessary since it would blow away all the storage back there. Thanks guys keep up the great work.

[@RivBiv]

Yes loose cooktop!!!!!

[@amiralions2681]

Thank you for showing the metal reinforcing inside. KZbin put an RV rollover in my suggested video feed and I was triggered because the RV folded like cardboard and left the frame. That was a predictable outcome but I'm not sure I needed to see it. I'm going back and forth between a B & B+. I have little ones so a B+ is more logical but the B looks safer. Would you two please revisit the B+ AWD Xtreme line and talk about the construction and insulation for 2024 and 2025? Pretty please? Thank you for another great video!

[@strangerpalooza]

You're welcome, yeah I understand your safety concerns as well as space for the kids etc...I will definitely work on a few more B+ options

[@bitisgabonica9315]

Great video!

[@strangerpalooza]

Thanks!

[@billymcfarlane1387]

I like the extended outside mirrors. Wasn't sure if you said move the outside water panel down into the black portion of the van, Yes everything possible should be (would make it look stealthy, not busy). A coachmen Transit Trail got my attention, I'll have 2 rewatch , I want to go back to more simplified 4 tires not 6. A lot of good ideas, information, etc... Thanks

[@strangerpalooza]

Thanks Billy, I agree with making efforts to “stealth out the vans as much as possible…and there are definitely more off road worthy/ overlanding options on the horizon

[@bevn362]

Keep the cover because the 4 individual caps on the back driver side make it look like an RV and HOA restrictions won’t allow it in the driveway, but the cover is OK.

[@bettytuohy9875]

I wish they would give an option for the toilet.

[@jessicadoench4305]

Very valuable information. I appreciate that you know you should never ever put controllers in those prime time storage cabinets over the kitchen if it can be avoided. I have a lithium system in my camper that I control completely from my phone - I would much prefer to have the kitchen storage. The worst thing is to open an overhead cabinet to see it is full of some electronics or a stereo. Also I would like someone to put a full roll of paper towels on that paper towel holder that is directly in front of the kitchen sink and see how well you do washing the dishes.

[@jamesedwards1588]

I like the water intake door, but it is just another thing to break if it is not solid built. Don’t like the fact it is behind the rear door when open.

[@justme-ll8qs]

First, Coachmen is a beautiful van. Two questions: I live in the Southern US and wonder if the 2 Li battery system will become standard? Second, is there a system that auto starts charging the lithium if it gets low? Thanks in advance,

[@strangerpalooza]

YW 😁 appreciate you checking out the video, I can definitely request someone from Coachmen Class B get back to you (I’m sure a Nick will read these comments) my opinion is if they get enough orders of double batteries it will definitely become more standard (in one way or another) and I will get a response on the auto start to recharge the batteries…

[@barbarapadgett5538]

A great video. Just made me like this product even more!

[@mikephillips675]

Hey Hank great video. I’m curious about the air fryer microwave in the rb. I have a 24 rb and nick told me a few months ago they had not figured out the air fryer microwave yet because of the glass temperature on the microwave below the counter height in the rb. Do you know if they are now installing one? Thanks

[@strangerpalooza]

Thanks Mike...Yeah I'm having the same conversation with them about the RB and the Air-Fryer...I think they're really close on a solution...

[@lmustang1833]

Please do whatever you need to do, to increase the refrigerator size, on the Beyond 22RB. I am looking to buy this Camper, but am hesitant due to the small refrigerator. Thank you.

[@reneedickerson4489]

Great video

[@strangerpalooza]

Thanks Renee

[@MaryDellPerilloux]

Mine is on order, wonder if it’s begun. Supposed to be delivered to SSRV beginning of July!

[@strangerpalooza]

Oh Cool...could have been one of these, you never know Mary Dell

[@MaryDellPerilloux]

I don’t know. Didn’t see an Avalanche grey 22C with double lithium with white interior. Was watching with anticipation. lol

[@annekruszka8441]

I would rather have the portable induction. I used it once in my nova to make sure it worked. I rather have the counter space.

[@frito_bandito_]

Nice video Hank, thanks. Nick: how difficult would it be to change the sink out in the bathroom of the RB model? Is that something a DIYer could do? Likewise, is the microwave switch to convection/air fryer a DIY type of change in an RB?

[@strangerpalooza]

You're Welcome Bandito...I probably need to do a video just about the complications that come with the RB floorplan...

[@bertfisk1194]

Hi can you ask Nick with the acrylic windows how hard is it to smash for break ins, and can you put the 3M film on it to prevent break-ins?

[@7nash974]

It would be nice to have some tie down points in the "D" plan for a motocross motorcycle...

[@BH-vk7rt]

Just watched the video and very informative. On the Beyond D where is the water pump located and is there a spacer used when winterizing in place of the new water filter inside. Thanks

[@michelleg9441]

any possibility to add one 3 point seat closer to the front cab for a car seat in any coachmen?

[@Bob-bi2mr]

Is the chassis shortage due to lack of microchips still, or other issues ?

[@strangerpalooza]

Its a combination of a few things in my opinion, strikes at ford and suppliers leading to parts issues, recalls, and just plain high demand for the transit...

[@PandaLAG]

So, can you get the acrylic euro type windows on the Beyond?

[@lordaresthefirst]

Tungsten my favorite! When will they do off road B? Nano windows... can I order direct and save money? I live in Indiana... Also longer chassis than 19 in off grid version...

[@EsteeDarla]

After watching this I just changed to this is what I want now instead what I had been looking at, everythign I was wishing they would incorparte into these class b's is what I see they are now doing

[@gregpdube]

Great video, Nick and Hank. The external utility bay door should be the same color as exterior and locked. Should also open up and have a support to hold in up position. Prefer that black exterior cladding and wheel well trim is same color as van exterior. Would be interested in hearing more about a roof rack and possibility of acrylic windows in the Beyond.

[@karinlong4693]

Great video ! Feedback: I'd like that little exterior utility compartment cover to be painted to match the van exterior rather than black. I'm interested in hearing details on that roof rack and some other exterior storage ideas. Is the digital rear view mirror a Ford or Coachmen change ?

[@strangerpalooza]

thanks for the feedback...Digital Rear View comes with the Ford Chassis...although they're are other options out there

[@annekruszka8441]

Love the inline water filter, can that be retrofitted on the nova 20c?

[@kathymintexas1556]

Thanks for the video. My only critique of this van is the netting placed on the bathroom doors. It's a bit cheesy and I don't see much use for them. Makes me want to buy the Travato 😉.

[@bassmonk2920]

Want the Nova D with cassette toilet on a 2500 chassis...

[@texasskip3key398]

Great Video! Thanks for this- we finally decided a Coachmen was for us about 6 months ago and had to wait until our Wayfarer sold to go forward and have been waffling between the D and RB plans- this video was TREMENDOUSLY helpful! We were just called by SSSRV last week about a Li3 22D in stock, but now I want all the upgrades and we will order in avalanche gray! As far as the video questions, I really like the clean look of the outside with the locking door- the more incognito the better, and to have it color matched to vehicle would be so awesome...and I really like the look of getting rid of exterior chrome and using all black with the gray. Is there an option for a safe that is bolted to the frame? That would be cool... Also, We have 4 dogs and I think the D floorplan will be better to contain the dogs in the rear when we go out and leave them in- I anticipate putting up some sort of gate between the rear benches and the kitchen, but any future consideration for solutions to keeping pups contained when they are alone, for short times when we are out so we don't get any escapes when the doors open would be appreciated! (So appreciate there are now 4 seatbelts in the back for them to strap in for travel!) Thanks for another amazing video- you just can't find videos this fantastic and detailed for any other manufacturer! And the passion and joy you both have for this brand is palpable and truly has led us to make the choice to get a Coachmen with extreme confidence and no stress about the future!

[@just.bob.j]

Why did you cut the video when he tried to close the door on the drink holder pillow? Does the door close?

[@strangerpalooza]

Hey Bob, that was just editing for time (you’ll notice this has a ton of cuts) it totally does close and if you’d like I’ll post up a short of that!

[@just.bob.j]

@@strangerpalooza thanks Hank…no problem, glad it closes

[@49leobear]

Do not like the blank wall when van door is open. Do not like the mag racks on restroom doors. Loose induction cooktop please.

[@edwardmarquis4411]

The Lithionics system looks like a huge waste of space. You might want to check out the EG4 integrated systems. No where near as much wiring or space requirements.

[@taviegirl6723]

Lock the water compartment. Have to painted the color of the van. Colors for van Gun metal or Silver. No flat colors! One woman’s opinion!

[@fortunatoneri888]

Tell us like it is. No beating around the bush.

[@ranig2848]

Would LOVE to have a Coachman Beyond/Nova with DOUBLE BUNKS (ie, two beds on both sides, one on top of the other). Sofa version would be PREFECT for families - can seat 5 and have sleeping accomodation for 5 without to pop top tent - which is a less thna ideal when hot/cold/windy. PLEASE! Families would LOVE it. Maybe on the SUPER HIGH ROOF promaster. Would be a GAME CHANGER!

[@GundaboinaVenkatesh]

Hii

[@ranig2848]

PLEASE figure out a family van (family of 4 or 5) WITHOUT the pop top. Maybe with Super High Promaster. Rides 4 (or 5) and sleeps 4 (or 5). Will be a game changer. The pop top is nice but it is problematic in windy conditions, cold and hot weather. If we'd want to sleep in a tent, we'd sleep in a tent. We buy a van to be able to enjoy camping while being protected from the elements when sleeping.

[@michelleg9441]

e

[@Debdmd]

Thank you so much for this video and for always being so receptive to owner input! It makes all the difference. Keep the door on the water connections, with hinges at the top, but maybe some small hardware item to prop it open. Would have loved ours to come with little labels on the various water pipes and connections so we could know what they are the first time we winterized. And/or a picture or diagram. And our low point drain wasn’t where it was supposed to be. It would be super helpful to be able to get into the “guts” without unscrewing and re-screwing. Hinges and clips/locks/etc. if they could be made tight and sound-deadening. LOVE splitting the back cushions in the back of the D!!!

[@barbarapadgett5538]

Why not have the door over the water connection with the hinge on the side so it stays open while connecting?

[@Cecelia-u1j]

What do you use so all that medal doesn't rust? In the northwest, you will need a generator. And a lot of solar. I don't like being locked into the winegraurd system. What else is available?