SUPER LIGHT WEIGHT VAN DWELLING BUILD TOUR FULL SIZE VS ASTRO VS CLASS A

Tour of super light weight chevy express van dwelling build vsomething astro an and class a rv.
fridge article to save you tons of money: www.viavacavi.com/diy-hybrid-...
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[@JohnnyFD]

I love how they focused on a light weight build. People under estimate how HUGE of a difference a light way van makes verses a heavy one. Easier to drive, better gas milage, better braking distance, your brakes and tires last longer, everything.

[@terry4265]

Wow I loved that girls van. Using that Sharpie to make that wood on the Roof look real was amazing. Great Video. :)

[@landonashby2029]

That Sharpie Trick is pretty slick...you could take it a step further and use a soldering iron to burn the lines in really give the illusion of separate boards.

[@Into_The_Mystery_13]

+Landon Ashby great idea!

[@alittleantidote5852]

Landon Ashby Might use that 😂

[@Snailmailtrucker]

I'm impressed...Tracy seems like a treasure house of information...no hesitation about her van and she readily admitted the few things she wasn't sure of ! Classy Lady...Nice Video !

[@chubbyninja842]

I've used that foam board for a variety of other things, but it ever occurred to me to coat it with a fiberglass shell for more strength! This is pure genius! Fantastic tip! Thank you!!!!

[@Into_The_Mystery_13]

+ZombieTex I thought so too!

[@MrPavePaws]

She's very pretty and her mellow personality + willingness to live out of a van (oops sorry..."RV") puts her way above the DRIVE ME TO THE FRONT DOOR types.

[@WizzRacing]

You can use RMAX 1/2" and cover that with 1/8th inch birch on both sides using contact cement and it's stiff as solid wood. Plus you get the insulating value of the RMAX. If you plan on hanging something on it or adding hinges then cut in some support blocks in those areas. I noticed someone has been around electrical. As they used DIN Rails and wiring blocks. As you can add breakers, relay, times, push button reset breakers etc on them for latter upgrades. As most people over look how the wiring will be run and in what conduit for later service. And saving 450 lbs is less stress on the body, suspension, transmission and engine. If you're wanting to test the weight distribution. Just use a truck stop scale and measure the weight on each wheel. This tells you how much weight is spreed around. As you do not want more weight on one side. As it makes it tip over heavy on one side. I filled up all my water tanks, full tank of gas of 38 gallons and then weight it. You would be surprised how many vans are driver side heavy. So I moved the water tank 20 gallons under the van on passenger side and used the door jam as the refill port like Roadtrek does. This makes the water supply tamper proof. I might add. You can mount the batteries under the van on the frame on Fords and they are insulated to keep them warm. They take two boxes on the passenger by the side doors. These are cheap on EBAY or any salvage yard that was an ambulance. I would take the wiring harness, relays and any fuses with me as well. As they fit any Ford van wiring harness as a direct fit from the factory. Very well thought out and one reason Hightop vans becoming harder to find under $6000.00 on great condition. As I bought mine when gas was sky high and it was a one owner with all service records for $2500.00 and I laughed all the way home!

[@jondecker1372]

Absolutely! I did some test panels using 1/8" plywood "hobby panel" and it's insanely strong for the weight (but still over 3 times the weight of the foam/fiberglass screen if I remember correctly).

[@WizzRacing]

Jon Decker If you really want the wood. You can use birch veneer in 1/42nd rolls or other species of wood. I was going to use it til I seen a 4x8 sheet was $100.00 but if you can afford it then you shave weight by 80%. I just would not stand on it without reinforcing it with spares.

[@delimama2787]

wow! Great video!! That couple really did some research and came up with some awesome ideas! Thanks for posting this one!

[@v.eatonhart8146]

Just when I think I know everything??? Love this idea!!! Thanks for sharing! For those of us that can't lift heavy materials, this is fantastic!

[@wilborth5th]

Man you have so many videos on your channel I don’t have one but I want to start one, I have a old 2000 Dodge Ram 3500 15 passengers van I removed all the seats and started to insulate removed all the carpet because it was really filthy, I’m doing the dual battery project, little by little, I’m getting there, thanks for the inspiration brother, all good things for you, god bless

[@Into_The_Mystery_13]

You should! KZbin is a great way to express yourself, help people, and make a living!Keep going with that van, it takes time my friend

[@noragodley1270]

I can't wait to hear more about using the foam for cabinetry!

[@liz62946]

THANK YOU to the both os you. What an excellent idea I love this! thanks again for the greatest tip in van conversions!

[@blaironeil9235]

This is one of the most amazing approaches to "cabinets" and also other structural options. Two Thumbs Way Up for this! Thanks for sharing!

[@gilbertocisneros85]

tnx bro for sharing this is was just about to redesign mine , can't wait to see the cabinets vid.

[@Into_The_Mystery_13]

+Gilberto Cisneros right on, tune in Sunday

[@RagingBullX89]

You're awesome man, been watching a lot of your videos lately. Huge inspiration!

[@tammiethomas713]

So many cool ideas. Can not wait for more details on that frig and light wt cabinet material. Thanks for the awesome ideas and content. Love your channel

[@Into_The_Mystery_13]

+tammie thomas check my website, link in the description

[@dantravels9269]

Wow! That fridge and foam cabinets are a first. Very cool.

[@Into_The_Mystery_13]

+Dan Travels yeah there new for me too. Great setup! I'll be doing the foam from now on. I need to get actual from my fridge and see the difference

[@Bear8Photo]

I've tried a few of those fridges in my RV... and DC chest style is way more efficient.

[@QCDoggies]

Great suggestions on lightweight construction and generally good build-out info. Thanks!

[@tiggernordberg7015]

Wow I'm going to have to invest in a fridge like that and I already have my walls and ceiling covered in foam board, so I just need to paint and decorate that. Thanks for the great videos Jed.

[@Tatiacha]

Foam! Cool, people are so creative!

[@TerrydeAlaska]

can't wait to see how they built the light weight cabinets ...nice video...

[@Into_The_Mystery_13]

+Terry Landis out on sunday!

[@CodingToFreedom]

It's so funny, I only discovered Sons of Anarchy yesterday and today I see someone with a hoodie :) Very nice video, probably one of the best thought-out builds, but that stuck out to me the most.

[@smkgldb9112]

awesome... love ur videos keep em coming

[@AlchementorLab]

Great video. I love the ideas they came up with! Maybe in my next build I'll try out the foam storage. The link for the fridge helps as well because I already have one but didn't want it to drain my battery.

[@jondecker1372]

Awesome, let me know if you go to convert it. If it's a different model I can help step you through it

[@tonyjordan56]

My ChevyVan is going to learn to love foamboard and stain. This video is awesome. Thank you..

[@Into_The_Mystery_13]

+Tony Jordan :)

[@penguinchick6563]

wow! they sure made great use of the room and weight! i'm all ears! LOL nice too see you again BTW :)

[@CampervanKevin]

ONE SHOT, IMPRESSIVE! I try for around 30 sec clips. Enjoyed video! CVK

[@kimaubuchon1711]

great video worth the wait

[@remurdereht]

I used to have a van a lot like hers, and I have to say that it was just big enough to be a little inconvenient at times. I still think you have the perfect setup right now in the sense that you'll never find anything easier to drive or that you can park virtually anywhere.

[@Into_The_Mystery_13]

+Joe billionaire astro is a nice middle ground

[@tdecker821]

+Joe billionaire Originally, my van had a lower body kit on it. However, I found it hideous and impeding. So, it was removed to give more off road capabilities. The take-off while driving this van is amazing. I really don't feel that agility is an issue, especially with all the gains in other areas of the design.

[@tdecker821]

+Joe billionaire But.... each individual has to decide what's more important for theirb lifestyle and build to come as close to that as possible. So many things to consider with builds, that it's different for everyone and almost impossible to satisfy every single need.

[@tamaraweber3296]

Nice setup, Great ideas especially the cabinets.

[@ArkansasMike]

Awesome van! Thanks for sharing bro.

[@ladyB59]

What a well thought out home 😁. Thank you

[@JordanTomasone]

great comparison video! Thanks for sharing :)

[@norasteel5353]

two thumbs up for your friends van! Nice~

[@FantasticCalamity]

I NEED to know more about that fridge setup AND the cabinets. Thorough detailed instructions, tool and part lists. So many great ideas in this one van!

[@Into_The_Mystery_13]

+Martha Cannary vid on cabinets coming soon, article on fridge on website now, linkin description

[@FantasticCalamity]

I have saved the the article, shopping on amazon right now ;) Cant wait for the cabinet vid. Thanks for posting! ☮ ✌

[@Into_The_Mystery_13]

+Martha Cannary thank you so much!

[@barbararussell5221]

I know this video is 4 yrs old - the link to fridge info would not work.

[@gerlandkent6377]

Keep up the great work

[@louiscameron2383]

I love this channel. Me and a bunch of my friends watch this guy and we have a bet on when he is going to have his meltdown. We just hope he records it.

[@raysills]

Great build... lots of good engineering decisions... Kudos!!!

[@DestinationsChronicles]

OH! That pop up on the Coleman stove is brilliant!

[@sjr7822]

I've used the paperbag/glue finish on my cupboards, it is beautiful finish. Also used tissue paper and glue, again, beautiful finish. Thanks to youtube I learned the technique. I was thinking about doing the floors, but my old knees isn't up to it.

[@4saintboondocks]

Awesome video and van . Great job .

[@Into_The_Mystery_13]

+Genesis 3:15 thanks!

[@johnbuenaventura1]

I am so glad I saw these videos before moving onto the rebuild of my RV. This should take some weight off it!

[@rummagingchaos]

this build is so cool 😯😯 i want one! haha. if i could just buy that build and not have to do any work i'd be so happy. but i'll definitely piggy back off that foam insulation idea!

[@NomadicGearhead]

SMART and awesome build!

[@garthlocklin6355]

I'm working and saving for a van now and looking at other builds. I like that one and switching the registration is creative! In my state they virtually double the value of your older vehicle to tax higher; gotta go to court to get it lower and it's then assessed at KBB excellent condition trade in value even if it's in fair condition. Great with the foam and sharpie to make luan look better!

[@sunnypumkin]

Super awesome video!! Thanks!

[@MasterChief-sl9ro]

I just did one like this. The customer wanted heated floors. So I laid 1/2" denim on the floor. Then covered it with vapor barrier. Run under floor tubing for wood flooring that is made for this purpose. Laid the Pergo flooring with backing. Then tapped into the engine heater hose it the rear. That thing gets 90 degrees in 15 mins. flat. As it is very well insulated with vapor barrier and denim padding. Then R-Max 1/2". I need to try the R-Max contact cement birch laminate trick. As weight is everything. Nest to Power and water. Might even the fridge. As you can buy an extended warranty and Home Depot is the only one I know that will give you the newest model if they don't sell the older one. Which is common how most places cheat on the extended warranty. They just stop selling it....

[@wainedodd8055]

great video not seen that stuff used before. it's been a Mystery till now haha, one awesome inch is building out his new van. hope he see's this,

[@christopher3d475]

I would love to see how they're mounting things to the chassis.

[@IMSiegfried]

Very good info! Thanks!

[@gjonesii]

The stain and poly wok is beautiful.

[@MoeMoe-nu7vt]

Good luck finishing it

[@mikewagenblast8504]

Great tips and thanks.

[@ratmannlibertyhound6755]

wow great stuff to share. would have never thought of foam for cupboards . so cool. you need to raise your roof. I saw that look of jealousy in your eyes. lol

[@jniska3654]

good vid and info, looking forward to the info vid on the foam board.

[@Into_The_Mystery_13]

+jniska Sunday Sunday Sunday be there be there be there

[@peachpls]

I watch an entire add for you everytime! Helping anyway I can lol. Hope the haunted house is a blast for you

[@Into_The_Mystery_13]

+myrandmvids thank you! Yeah it is a blast. Hard work too

[@IMSiegfried]

You could get what are called Gel covers basically colored film sheets you cut to size and place inside the shades of your LEDs to make them have a softer glow since LED is often a harsh bright white light.

[@briannab5296]

Are they fireproof? I know led doesnt give off as much heat but still ..

[@adventureswithgnomie6553]

awesome video

[@luciac.419]

Smart with that foam thanks for the vid

[@darlenefitzgerald4371]

Thank you for This

[@chrisreed26]

Apollo!! Wow! I had an 83 Apollo 33DB back in 2007...Those were very well made motorhomes with an aluminum frame. Very high dollar back when new. I have owned 7 class A motorhomes since 2003 and sold my last one to buy a van. I guess downsizing to a van is the trend. My past rvs were just too big to go to a lot of tight places. She is right about repairs. They are a nightmare if you break down. The huge diesel that is my avatar on here died at an intersection and because it had air brakes, they lock up when the air runs out. It had every gadget you can imagine including a 15,000 diesel generator and 3 roof airs but all was just over kill...never again...

[@purposelydriven6566]

Love the video

[@Ch-hg1iu]

the stove works great i got it 2 weeks ago for my firat time camping

[@Into_The_Mystery_13]

+christopher 600cc nice!

[@jonesbluesandjam]

Very Good and informative!

[@caravann26]

so funny, great ideas, they must be old set or prop makers .who else knows what luan is or is that creative? and smart!!

[@moejalone5702]

I'm looking forward to seeing how to build the cabinets. I bet you could make some dope marble or granite looking textures too, sky's the limit actually.

[@Into_The_Mystery_13]

+Moe Jalone you know it! Tune in sunday

[@gerlandkent6377]

Happy vanning

[@codybrady6637]

they're certainly a master of luan, and they're great with the tips on weight saving. I want to get an awd high top astro and I was thinking about doing a vinyl plank floor but it would be much cheaper to just do luan and try to stain it and coat the crap out of it in polyurethane

[@MrPavePaws]

8:38 That's the same "UV" fold I'm doing in my little Astro. I call it UV to symbolize the folding method to shape: 35%/30%/35% The middle 30% is what holds it all in place. The 35% front and back fold up and connect to, and brace against, the wall or to each other (for additional support). The pillows, blankets and "Fat Puppy" stuffable dog remain hidden/stored in the fold. Each fold is angled back to allow you to lean against it. So the one inside for rainy days and the back one can be enjoyed with the doors open on nicer days/views. Under it all will be a base level of storage. Once it in the UV position, you lift up the seating portion (foam covered - I like my butt to be happy) to access the various storage locations below - fully utilizing the under bed storage but being able to store away the bed in favor of a kitchen/dining and living area. ITS AND ASTRO - They are tiny when you're 6 1 [and stunningly handsome].

[@ff7522]

really excited to see the cabinet vid. I just installed the fantastic fan in my van and ready for wall construction

[@Into_The_Mystery_13]

+ff7522 itll be out on sunday!

[@CathysVanlife]

How are the cabinets mounted to the wall? Were the walls insulated with the same foam board stuff? My van just has metal walls. I have to finish insulating. But I'm trying to figure how to securely attach the cabinets to the walls. Also how do you secure the doors so they don't open while driving? This is such an incredible idea! I watched the video on making them but I'm not sure if I missed something on mounting them? It would be awesome to see a video on that part 😮😀

[@4obsequey]

great video! hope you're doing well! one thing about the fridge set up, your Dometic will stay colder longer without power then that residential fridge because the cold settles in the bottom. every time you open the door to a residential style, your cold pours out on the floor and your compressor will need to work extra to make up for that loss. if you have the space, you can convert any size chest freezer into a fridge and save mucho power!

[@Into_The_Mystery_13]

+road bound bohemian Oh great point! By conversion do you mean just turn the Temps up a little?

[@4obsequey]

You just need to add a temp controller to override the freezer settings! www.builditsolar.com/Projects/Conservation/FreezerConversion/FreezerConversion.htm

[@jondecker1372]

I just wanted to add to this conversation. While there is definitely truth to the fact that the cool and denser air in an upright fridge will spill out when the door is opened, the amount of energy lost due to this is grossly over exaggerated. I'd like to explain why that is.1 cubic foot of air weighs .0807 lbs. 1 cubic foot of water weighs about 62 lbs. Water is over 77,000 times more dense than air. Heat energy must be stored in mass, and the very low mass of air simply does not allow for much heat to be stored (or lost).If we assume that a 3 CuFt upright fridge is 50% full with mass in the form of food, that food will have 77,000 times more mass than the remaining 1.5 CuFt of surrounding air that spills out, so even when room temperature air enters, all of that cold food mass will very rapidly absorb the very low amount of heat energy contained in the air, possibly raising the temperature of the food a couple hundredths of a degree in the process. It really won't affect the compressor or energy consumption very much in real-world use.Some math to back this up. If we opened the refrigerator 10 times a day, and each time the 1.5 CuFt of air inside rose 20 degrees, that would account for about 15 BTU of heat energy per day lost, or about 5 watt-hours of power - so in this scenario we would waste less than half of an amp-hour of power. I do completely agree that a chest freezer conversion will be more efficient though and is a better overall choice for conversion, but mainly because of the better insulation!

[@briannab5296]

... my brain just exploded 🤔

[@bertju100]

nice rv and nice ......

[@gerlandkent6377]

Nice looking van

[@gungfuriceboy]

Wish you could do a video on the 'Light weight cupboards'!! thank goodness for a high top roof too! did that come 'stock'...when you purchased it? nice 'reasonable/Realistic' conversion! cheers

[@DTDRIDER]

awesome i just got a 06 chevy express conversion van.

[@Into_The_Mystery_13]

+DTD RIDER awesome!

[@astrocalm812]

Was a link already shared for the metal frame bed (that lifts up to face either forward or backward as seating as well)? Inspiring build! Thank you!

[@anitapattillo9545]

Can you please tell me how you built the folded attached propane shelf on the side door for you stove,thanks,really nice

[@fvm2116]

The foam cabinets are Awesome.

[@Into_The_Mystery_13]

+Ford van man right? I'm really excited to do this with my next build

[@Debrajoy]

Ford van man this is a great way for females to do their fans since we don't use or carry a lot of power tools with us this is the most awesome thing it's totally incredible! yes I'm behind on watching all of my videos so this is a late comment but better late than never right?! 🐙

[@fvm2116]

Debrajoy Its way beyond that ....less weight more mileage less wear and tear on engine,transmission,shocks ,brakes well you get the point.

[@tikilee7172]

👍🏻great tour.love the organization. Have missed you since you've been working a the Haunted House.

[@Into_The_Mystery_13]

+tiki lebby :)

[@cherbear1996]

I have the ford version of this van..would love to gut it but not ready to build out yet..no $$ lol..also not talented enuf to do those cabs but love them..im going to do two cots with mem foam on top as my son stays quite often..i plan and replan n replan every couple days but the same basic premise stays the same..i can stand in mine my son cant..i need to still remove the middle seats and the electric bed in back..once I get rid of those I will be a happy woman..hoping it helps my terrible gas mileage..good luck n have fun..nice job..

[@guntharvandorf1567]

I have been out for some time and would like athe link of the video you said you will do.Its the video on how to turn the inverter on via the thermostat of your refrigerator/

[@FelixLanzalaco]

amazing !!!

[@jonelmorris6785]

nice hoodie. I got a S.O.A. Pittsburgh one lol 👍

[@jhemnes1]

Great ideas

[@recyclespinning9839]

Very nice, the only thing is how are they mounted in case if accident and how about a divider for the driving area. Years ago I was in a full size sprinter van and got rear ended at 50 mph. Luckily I had tool shelves attached properly and a divider that I had made out of 3/4 inch plywood . Everything flew forward and one shelf that I had framed got pushed forward. I realized I should have staggered the construction and not a continuous straight 2x4 . It actually pushed on the bottom of the driver frame under the chair. All in all the shelves held the tools and the divider kept the tools in the back. An accident creates things flying forward. Just saying.

[@stephenboldrey9973]

The 2018 Chevy cargo with the V6 8 speed Tran is getting 27 mpg on the highway and 23 in town . That’s a full size 3/4 ton van . I am so surprised and happy

[@Into_The_Mystery_13]

That’s fantastic!

[@danhold1]

nice video

[@MrMeanderthal]

only problem with electric fridges is they need a huge surge to start.. the one I used to have would not work with my 1000 watt inverter if the batteries were below 11.5 volts.. as soon as it tried to start it would shut down the inverter.. if you decide to get a 120 volt AC fridge you should try it with your battery/inverter and see if it will work..

[@brianl4848]

11.5 volts is basically a dead battery. No wonder it didn't work.

[@jeffkarrow6924]

My '98 Windstar mini RV convert gets 25 mpg, has running water, battery power, freezerless fridge, roof vent fan, and hardwood floors. How many watts does that refrigerator pull? I'd like to upgrade. I can power it with a second Rockpals 300. (You can get two 300's in ebay for less than the cost of a 500w!)

[@Darronsanderson]

What power is running your fridge? How many watts from a solar panel is needed?

[@RemusKingOfRome]

Cool van

[@AndrewPattullo]

great electric set up! as here in the UK fuel aint Cheap ! so keeping the weight down is so important - thou not to sure the investment in solar is worth it as here Sun dont come our much lol

[@Debrajoy]

I hope Jamie out of Lake Havasu and all his team that are going to be doing build outs for people see this message it is so awesome using the Foam and the fiberglass screen and how incredibly economical it is not to mention easier than lugging all that heavy plywood around! Even we 60 ish females can carry that stuff! 🐙

[@nadinecohen8991]

Hi Debrajoy, can you pass along a phone number for Jamie as I need help. [e-mail] thanks much in advance.

[@Laura-oy8ut]

Dang the fridge link doesn’t work anymore....anywhere else that info can be found?🙏🏻. Thanks!

[@ParkingwithFoalhaus]

Nice video!

[@rt3156]

Amazing.

[@ladonnad.steele2470]

foam good idea!

[@cybeer67]

Arrrghh !! The link for the fridge to save money is broken or not yet posted. I hace that exact same fridge. Thank you !

[@staminadaddy24]

Where is the info on insulation of the ceiling,walls and floor ? I will like to learn