The ACTUAL Build Cost of my DIY Camper Van Conversion

Finally answering the most asked question from my DIY Van Build Series!
If you haven’t seen the build time lapse video you can check it out here:
• DIY Camper Van Convers...
Also I have more detailed videos about it here:
• The Van Build Series
Instagram: / further_fabrication
Website: www.furtherfabrication.com/
Music:
www.epidemicsound.com/referra...

[@willowwatts]

Guy is legend..can work with electric, plumbing, carpentry, mechanical stuff, fabrication and sewing..one man army.. Awesome.🥰👍🏻👌🏻🌟

[@FurtherFabrication]

Thanks mate!

[@Challenging_bias]

You forgot a great story teller and a great editor

[@ControlsEngineerOne]

He beat me with the Sewing. Awesome dude, awesome build. Look forward to doing my build.

[@AGENT-J-bt2mm]

Stop catering to those bloody wanker Americans. Let them do their own money converting.

[@caitlynkeeney9450]

AND great videography!

[@kakman1958]

Nice. It was lower in cost than I imagined but higher in labour. I get what you're saying about the small items. I'm part way through a camper trailer build and the amount of small Bunnings invoices I have is crazy. Sandpaper, screws, blades, grinding wheels, brackets, glue, paint, trims, wire... It seems never ending. If I can go three days without going to the store I'm doing well.

[@FurtherFabrication]

Oh man yeah the number of times I had to pop down to Bunnings because I needed "one more thing"! haha I should have just built it in their carpark!

[@adventure_onthedaily9851]

I resemble this comment 😂 I went to Bunnings three times last weekend lol.. only once this weekend!

[@kakman1958]

@@adventure_onthedaily9851 If I can do 48 hours without going I let out a little cheer... Good thing it's close to home or the petrol would be killing me. :)

[@adventure_onthedaily9851]

@@kakman1958 ha! I hear you. Though I'm secretly happy the first time each weekend I say "guess I have to go to Bunnings" 😂

[@theofarmmanager267]

Bunnings. Bunnings. We live in the UK but go to Australia each year for a month or so. We do a lot of DIY whilst over there and, so, Bunnings is a frequent shop. When we first went to Oz around 2005, with the Aus$ 2.1 to the £, everything was cheap. From meat to drink to Bunnings, it was all much better value. I’d say a lot of it was half the UK price. In the last 15 or so years, there has been a massive shift. Aus $ now 1.75 to the £ but, even allowing for that, everything that was cheap is now much more expensive. Bunnings is no exception. In fact, maybe the highest relative increase has been Bunnings. Why? Well, I’m guessing a few reasons: - lack of competition in retailers. When Masters were around, there was a reason for Bunnings to be competitive. Now, we have Mitre 10 and a few independents who seem cheaper on some things but lack the breadth of stock - so you have to really hunt around several shops - lack of sophisticated internet retailers. I’m not saying the UK is great in that regard but it’s so much better than Oz. We have more shops on the internet and certainly more who are willing and able to trust couriers to deliver outside the main cities. The service from people like Amazon is no better. I wouldn’t trust Australia Post for anything; things are late (if your lucky) or not delivered at all (if you’re unlucky). So, my view is that the lack of competition allows Bunnings to price everything higher. It’s a convenient shop and they make you pay for it.

[@OshMax]

Dude, you're a masterclass in van conversions, thank you so much for being so detailed in everything that went into the build. It helps immensly!

[@mattjohnson7033]

Having built two vans, I appreciate the level of detail in not just your build, but your videos. So kudos to you for that. When I watched your initial conversion video, I immediately saw the latches being a problem while driving - I've been there done that with a drawer latch! I have used neodymium magnets in the past to hold things closed, and it's a clean look.

[@bryceettwell9537]

Probably the best series of videos on KZbin about Van Builds. Not only did you show from start to finish, you also included explanation of your thoughts and processes, practical considerations, and even those "oops" moments. I was particularly pleased to see that you also took into consideration the WEIGHT factor in your build, most builders on KZbin have not, (so you have to wonder if their completed van is actually overweight?? and thus now illegal to drive on the roads depending where you are). Excellent work on both the van and you video presentations. Extremely well done. Enjoy you travels in you new "home on wheels". Cheers from OZ.

[@royalchaldkenya]

Been watching you since your humble beginnings and I must say that your content is top notch, the way you pay attention to detail, the way you think through your projects and break down into simple but effective steps is amazing. I'm definitely considering your ideas and advice when I get to my build and will be happy to tag you along when the time comes. I'm torn in between a Nissan NV200 and something else bigger where I can stand like the van you just finished building. Keep up the great work brother 🤝.

[@kiwiace625]

Buy one you can stand in

[@DexterCosplayID]

I just saw the video and new subscribe in here, it's so joyful watching it, specially when you stress or depressed and you watching this, make me so calm, I hope you keep making content man, and hope I can learn everything from you, building this, thanks man

[@siesmicserpent]

cost always adds up, but you got something that you can use and be proud you made yourself and put a lot of effort in to, awesome build.

[@vanessahenry7238]

That seems about right for a van you are doing right! You are not putting in a bathroom but that is up to a person needs and we all don't need something fancy! This was great! Thank you for making this video!!!!

[@petec6690]

Way more expensive than I had imagined. These two video's are my first endeavor into learning what it may take to convert a van into a camper. Thank you for the fine job you did being clear and direct in both methods and costs.

[@LaredoHandyman]

Nice work sir, your craftsmanship is second to none.

[@jonathantillotson9936]

Loved watching your build! Honestly you could be a BIGGER hit on KZbin than you think!! Keep uploading and enjoy the van 👍🏻

[@thebest3511]

Your video brought up lots of memories I've had in NZ. I miss that country so much as I've spent about 6 years studying English and then doing my master's degree, from 2014 to 2020. Thank you Bob and I wish you all the best, bro.

[@nickcorr7244]

Your works is excellent and inspiring. Thanks for the follow up. I've always wondered once people like you finish this type of project - what are your learnings and what would you do differently next time. Thanks for the brilliant content.

[@LukeMechelleVlog]

You did an amazing job. So far its my favorite van conversion. Thanks

[@master_oogwayy]

This guy did plumbing, carpentry, electric jobs for the van. Basically he is the real life Johnny Sins

[@pnwadventurist]

I appreciate nice and clean builds like this.

[@Maryamedrys]

For the detailed, perfect cutting and small little things you put in..I would say, this is worth the cost! And even cheaper than u buy a new ones. Congrats 👏🏼

[@noyoudidnt5816]

This was actually cheaper than I thought. Thanks for the video man I'm getting close to doing a conversion myself! Happy travels 🤘

[@dib4152]

Thanks for this video, great to have the NZ information for a change, I can never be sure of costs watching overseas van builds. Thanks to you I now feel confident my budget is 'realistic'. We'll see...

[@ellenslatestvids]

you are clearly a pro with your tools! Thanks for the videos, very helpful

[@galeking]

For the smiles satisfaction I’m getting if I’m building it, that just numbers. Great project 👍🏼

[@toddtrillo7445]

I thought I wasn't to bad as a all rounder on the tools but wow , you covered the complete range and have one up on me , dam sewing machine , no ideas how to use one , awesome watch and a great insight to an overall cost

[@Chingleton]

Just stumbled onto this build series and damn what a great build. Wish I had the skillset to do something like that. The build looks fantastic. Great work!

[@Alanlanger1959]

absolutely brilliant work and the effort that you put into planning the build was simply the best to watch now's the time to enjoy your work

[@EZ_shop]

I think your production quality is excellent. Loved the van build. Ciao, Marco.

[@FurtherFabrication]

Thanks so much Marco!

[@DJ_Blaker]

Actually less than I thought! Thank you for the awesome breakdown on your build!

[@ralphnugent5791]

that was the best info i have ever listened to , thank you for all that

[@The_Room_2_Doggys_Revenge]

I went to New Zealand from last November to April and I saw how big the van life can be, especially for travellers. As a Canadian, I would clearly need more isolation but it would probably be worth it since I have access to a whole continent

[@NathanielTB]

Love your series it was a amazing watch!

[@antonoat]

Great job, to my mind the cost reflects the high quality of construction and the materials used, excellent video too! Congrats, hope you enjoy your superb creation. cheers from the UK.

[@DarekB007]

really nice timelapse you did, congrats!

[@xristinakakoliri8918]

Great video! Perfect for people who are looking to get an idea of costs!

[@danielsilva3106]

Congrats man! You did a great job and you are so talented! I really admire you. I hope to be able to do it one day!

[@DT-it9er]

I can only dream of what u did to this van! Well done mate. Two thumbs up from me.

[@jjohanesson9139]

Bro, you're an inspiration. An OG snd talented.

[@momorley5745]

Top job ! 17 million 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 great skills & patience, & yes this follow up video was what 17 million were asking 😄💰

[@freedomfinder5196]

Thanks! Great content. Yes, “it’s the little things”! The van looks beautiful and functional.

[@broinsocali]

Right on point for cost. Great job sir.

[@KateFaulknerProperty]

Am just starting to research building my own camper in the UK. This was super helpful - thank you so much!

[@Issizz1544]

Well done man. Appreciate your videos.

[@carlbradbury92]

Stunning work!!!

[@RustyCas999]

Thanks for a great video! My impression from watching lots of videos is DIY builds typically cost $20K-$30K USD for a higher end build. I would say your build is a nice mid-range build and would cost $10K-$15K is the U.S. I think you did well in your costs. Will be watching your other videos. Thanks!

[@michaelnorton1886]

I enjoyed the fresh content. thank you for your time.

[@FurtherFabrication]

You're very welcome, thanks for being here!

[@petewarby7158]

That's an amazing build cost really, a good balance of tech for what you sym to need too. It would have been easy to throw money at stuff as well but it seems to me you've done a great job for the money. Brilliant build series too. Really enjoyed watching.

[@RASDKB]

Don t ya worry about your skills on media production. Go ahead. You re so authentic. Very pleasant.

[@sellsformoola]

Oh mix up the two, I would love to see the building but would also love to see you camping in it and having an afternoon just enjoying yourself.

[@stuartw969]

Great build, great videos. Well done , hope you get loads of pleasure from your van.

[@stevenwild39]

I was surprised at the cost. A lot cheaper than I thought it would be. I'm in Oz, so the cost and availability of materials would be about the same. I don't think I'd be as confident with the electrical and plumbing, but I've found in the past that you can usually get a bit of advice for the complicated bits. Well done on the build, you've done a great job.

[@briweaver8493]

Being a tradie i certainly see the hours you've put in , you're certainly a skill set or 2 above me, I'm in the planning stage of doing the my own conversion so watching you has certainly helped and given me a few ideas

[@FurtherFabrication]

Thanks mate, glad you could get a few ideas from it!

[@SimpleOneSnapVlog]

@@FurtherFabrication did you email me or just scam? Please say you email me?

[@SimpleOneSnapVlog]

Well I check the email link to their channel they just made it use same as logo as you. Sad🥺🥺🥺 why some people making fun of my feelings? After I red the email I was surprising and heart warming but then its all Joke! 🥹🥹🥹🥹 I hope they were happy enough to hurt my feelings!!! They didn't know what I been going through... just for them to make joke! I would also apologize for asking you. I wish I can send you the email they send me. So awful joke! Happy New Year!🥹

[@caribbeanbbc]

Awesome build ....... a full finished tour would be a great watch.

[@icssev]

You there my friend, are an incredible artist.

[@matthmbg]

Although I doubt I would ever fit out a van myself, I can always dream. It was wonderful to watch your experience throughout it all. Any more laser projects in the future?

[@FurtherFabrication]

Glad you enjoyed it! It was a lot of fun to put together. I've got some ideas for more laser projects, but I'm trying to find a better workshop space first so I have a dedicated space for them.

[@jerryape4631]

this is the van I was looking for. Everybody shows "Van life style" 'live in the van" but me-just like this gentleman here, I need weekend/holiday/days off van to travel and this is the best! Now, how the f... I'm gonna learn all of that 🤯🤯🤯

[@alexmacdonald4270]

Talented man, it looks amazing

[@vickyfinlayson]

Great video's - easy to understand with good commentary. Awesome to find a build that is NZ based. I was pleasantly surprised by the cost, better than I though. I have a bus conversion (brought completed) working from home off grid - next up is doing a van conversion myself (with help from various experts) now I know what I want and need. Could buy a ready made decent van conversion (NZD 60- 130K depending on age) however, after watching this I believe it will be more cost effective to self build and get the exact spec's for personal needs. Super helpful Rob !

[@LDBaldwin]

I really enjoy your personality and videos. Your build looks great but very do-able. Thanks for sharing with us.

[@12tesla1234]

You did very good job! Thank you for sharing that with us.

[@Liafram]

Really appreciate you sharing these details, Rob. Much less expensive than I would've imagined, but I know that I'd have to lean heavily on tradespeople if I were to embark on such a project. Question: are you more or less likely to do another van conversion project after this experience?

[@lifewithnana6958]

Reasonable the savings was the DIY. It looks fabulous.

[@adventure_onthedaily9851]

I think that's an absolute bargain for your finished product, well done! I'm mid-way through my own build and everything is costing more than I expected. I'm just stretching it out over a longer period and buying the components as I can afford them. The electrics are very much the most expensive part in my experience, especially if you go with a good brand. Wiring alone is $$$. I ended up getting my whole van repainted because it's existing paint job was peeling and flaking in some areas, so that added a whopping $8k AUD to the cost. I hope you're getting to enjoy the fruits of your labours now, and thanks for the video!

[@SteTVon]

Hi, at what stage did you repaint? The beginning or end?

[@DenRoedeMogM]

I could write many things about how talented and awesome you are.. But to keep it short, then you have been added to my list of favorite builders who do things right. KZbinr Cameron Niemela are the second on my list. you guys are awesome.

[@StreetMotorriders]

Thanks so much for sharing your fantastic video with us. Wish you have a great 🙏

[@zbtech33]

Bro, you are the Genius. So smooth, clean and nice build. Amazing, thumbs up 👍

[@robertpearce2244]

Bro, I was looking at a van conversion, but frankly, after seeing yours, I’m going to be better off just buying one. Appreciate your mahi and sharing your story. Chur bro!

[@aneetaaaas]

Great job, description, and video

[@ozturkalper]

Legend do a another one man this is definitely best one I seen in many qualities keep going

[@3BEEZ]

If I had the skill to get the same quality as you I'd do this myself for sure. Great work mate.

[@believein1]

Super simple and clean and spacious. My style if I were to make one 👍🙏🫡

[@tommymontero4077]

Great to know 👍, hope to see more

[@DogMonG9]

너무 멋져요. 베드, 조명, 간이 화장실, 스탠드 구조, 주방, 샤워, 모두 제 취향 입니다^^ 심플한 인테리어, 공간성. 모두 대단해요. 최고의 밴을 만들 수 있다니…. 멋져요… 저도 밴 라이프를 하게 된다면. 제작을 부탁드리고 싶을 정도입니다. 멋진 밴…… 고생하셨고. 즐거운 밴라이프 즐기셔요^^

[@zareththealchemist8982]

Brilliant. This is THE BEST explanation of what it takes to do a great van build - by yourself. Good workmanship too. Your attention to detail is enviable. Genius. Thank you for posting and sharing. 🙏

[@carpediemwithLesli]

I had to subscribe!!! You're absolutely amazing!!❤

[@Ding_Bat]

New subscriber here. I came here for the laser cutter, and stayed for everything. You are a legend!

[@laurensstaelens1811]

Started the preparations of my first van conversion. This is one of the many many many conversions I've seen. Seems like my calculations regarding budget are pretty fine. I aim to spend less than € 20K, all included. Fingers crossed 😀

[@mikecarpenter6703]

Awesome build brother, I thought it would have cost more! Looks great!!

[@susanjeffay3851]

Great job!!! This video helped me decide on whether to build myself or look for a used van which is mostly "done" . Not having the time, physical ability or multi- skills you have, I'll be trading my Skoolie in for something already insulated and electrified!

[@FranksDIY]

Very nice job and really pops up as an eye pleaser

[@FurtherFabrication]

Thank you so much!

[@paulcottam128]

Great simple informative explanation , its about the cost i would of thought the solar etc always seems to me quite expensive , thanks for sharing

[@bobt3374]

Such an amazing build best i have seen.

[@josgrehernandez9068]

Great and brillant work!!! It´s amaizing!!!! Greentings from Venezuela (South America)

[@brober8661]

Very insightful breakdown.

[@Erc-automatiseringNl]

From the Netherlands. Good Job man. Nice video

[@hansbertogg4057]

One of the best presentation

[@vickiivins3288]

Thanks for this video. Very helpful.

[@devox6793]

Very nice explaining, thanks for this kind of content, I'd love to be able to do the same things, to know all the things you have to know to accomplish this kind of work!

[@thedj5914]

I really want to do a build like this myself !! Awesome job, superb skills. You should do another 1 & sell it to offset the cost of your first build 👍

[@luiscordova1065]

Beautiful work the cost for everything you explain in this video was very low price compared from my city Pennsylvania USA .nice job my friend congrats your skills are top

[@Pjh80]

Exceptional effort thanks for sharing

[@karencastle6002]

Very close😊 great job. I love the lights🎉

[@mansfield1971]

Cheers for sharing, lower total cost than I though but goes to show its really about the time put in. Great skills.

[@scottwoodhead6562]

Just wow looks so good

[@kimikalaprod]

Super helpful, thanks for sharing all this ! Love the springed cabinet locker, do you happen to have the 3D model or did you explained it in more details in any vidéo ? :)

[@LeavingFootprintsss]

Hats off mate. You are no less than a super man

[@owentaweeruksakul7252]

you're AMAZING Handy guy I ever seen it brother. Thanks for sharing!!

[@robinhodgkinson]

I built a 6.5 m folding trimaran in PVC epoxy sandwich. Man, did the "little things" add up! I had not budgeted consumables like sandpaper, thinners, nitrile gloves, etc, etc, etc.... I swear it cost me 10% of the construction. Nice build btw. Great job. Cheers from Auckland.

[@1gumbah]

Very nicely done

[@ivokohler5868]

Great work with the conversation, I am planning to do my campervan this year. The NZ materials and prices are definitely helpful as most videos are USA or Australia. Any chance that you have like a spreadsheet that you could share with the material you bought to give some people more detailed understanding of all the things you bought? Thanks and keep up the great work ;-)

[@createcoder_space]

Hi, great build and thanks

[@garrybowers414]

Job well done .lovely van them lights are brilliant 👏