The Ultimate Log Cabin Van Conversion (transformed community minibus)

[@WillsWhereabouts]

🍿 SUBSCRIBE to see next weeks weird and wonderful camping set up and make sure to watch until the end to find out how you can be involved!

[@Sir_Chuckmyster]

The stealth camp videos get the most hits on your channel, that's why we follow the best, You 👍

[@scorpiop.b.s2828]

Come back to nepal 🇳🇵 by driving that van ❤

[@InquisitiveBaldMan]

So if you shut the wood burner door right up and close the vents a bit, it will slow the fire so it uses less wood and doesnt burn quite as hot. Having the door open is the exact oposite. It will burn maximum hot and as fast as possible!

[@pageant1fd]

and potentially kill you !

[@baitmate6414]

Isn’t it dangerous as well to breathe in the smoke it’s making?

[@Rat-nl1xe]

​@Bait Mate generally the chimney draws the fumes up and out and it should have a carbon monoxide sensor in the van .

[@WillsWhereabouts]

Good to know!

[@lindaashford7187]

You also wouldn’t have the real risk of wood falling out of the stove snd setting light to everything.

[@Vilhelmnilsson]

Great video Will. Some tips about using a wood stove. 1) make sure you don’t spill or splash any cooking fats on the stove as it will give off some very unpleasant fumes when burned on the stove. 2) make sure your wood is dry. Burning damp wood won’t give off as much heat and leaves more soot and residues inside your chimney. Different types of wood and density burn at different temperatures. Birch is a wonderful wood to burn, smells very nice and heats a lot. 3) make sure you clean your chimney at least once a year. Carbon residues can catch fire and leave your whole van looking like a rocket ready to go into outer space. 4) burn slow and steady. Don’t heat the stove too hot too fast as this can create cracks that aren’t easy to fix. 5) if you want the fire to burn for a long time without having to refill the stove find wood where the rings inside have a high density and are closely spaced together. A tree that’s grown fast will burn fast while a tree that’s grown slow burns equally slow. Have a great day.

[@garethhollinshead454]

What happened to number 5?

[@matauboy]

Great advice and I would add check your solar panel isn't getting a fine layer of soot on it.

[@Vilhelmnilsson]

@@garethhollinshead454 oops I numbered them wrong. Thanks. 👍

[@2WheelSam]

This van and a downpour with a nice book would be stupendous

[@jessekelley9384]

That is quite a set up! Thanks for this video! I grew up with a woodstove as the main source of heat in my childhood home. As far as starting the stove is concerned, you did great! I too learned very quickly about the hot metal bits. The heat output can be adjusted by turning the bit below the door to cover the holes a bit. More air is a hotter and faster burn, less will extend the burn time and turn the heat down a bit. I do not see it on this unit, but there is also a dampener which can be installed in the stovepipe to further extend burn times. Play with the adjustments until all smoke goes outside and your desired amount of heat is dialed in. Have fun!

[@sheenavaughan2717]

Great video, I absolutely love that rustic van. Anyone using a wood or multiuser should try to get their hands on some part briquettes, compressed peat. This burns Silk slowly and if the door is kept closed and the vents closed off, the briquettes turn into what I call a sort of suspended animation, staying red hot all night. I use these at home and 2 laid one way with 1 on top the other direction, will last all evening and throughout the night easily. Resist the urge to touch of fiddle with the fire and a glowing hot fire will keep the van cost all night. Just make sure you are stopping in an area that is not smoke free. If you are, a few smokeless fuel coal lumps are nearly as good but not quite. Also make sure the fire is definitely out before driving off the next day. Sheena from N.I. 😊

[@GordonjSmith1]

I watched this 7 months after you posted it. So 'future you' this van is brilliant. Love the vibe. PS when you get the hang of a log burner stove in a future life you will realise that you need to keep the door shut! Fun vlog, and also a really an inspiration for people to 'think differently' when converting a van. Nailed it.

[@amenerstugard1894]

Fantastic. Thank you so much. The only common thing separating all you great van campers from us normal, humble human beings is that you don't have, and never need, a toilet. You travel, cook, grill, make food, eat, drink and enjoy your gadgets and "huge" storage, chat, make videos and sleep. But you don't have "a must"! WOW. I would like to be like that one day. HOW wonderful it will be never using, or needing, a toilet - like you! You are SO lucky! :-) Please teach us how you do that. Thank you again for the GREAT video. :-)

[@slap_A_flamingo]

And the man himself is back. Worth waiting for. New series off to a good start. Think for me, the best feature by far is the third bed. The board that goes over. Just a great way of optimising space. Don't really see the point of a log burner in a camper full of wood but hay ho, each to their own.

[@talonsoftheraven6693]

Hi Will ive just found your channel starting with this video which was excellent. after that i watched your "van life sucks" video which was absolutley one of the best vanlife videos i have seen due to the fact that you tell it as it is and that you really wore your heart on your sleeve and came across in a really honest manner. i have been seriously looking into getting a van and its really important to see vanlifers like your self being honest . ive learned more about vanlife from your videos than i have from many other creators. i love the way you are real and not afraid to make mistakes and you are funny when you dont hold back saying how you feel or when you want to say someting like "oh fuck, bollocks" . also to see you go from car to van building it up all the way is really inspirational you have totally earned your stripes and a huge amout of respect from me. plus your camera and editing is top notch. i have since subscribed and gone back and binged watched loads of your videos. keep up the great work! Best regards and best wishes from Ireland.

[@kurtnufferjr7017]

Here in murica we learned to light fires when we were kids, now we must teach Will the way General consensus with a wood stove, more air flow burns hotter and quicker, less air flow doesnt burn as hot, but burns slower Damp wood will build up more residue, there is something call creosote which is a product of incomplete combustion of wood. The wetter the wood the more cresotoe build up. You do not want this. Third don't constantly feed the fire excessively unless you want it hot. Throw in a log, let it burn and build up a nice base of coals.

[@wezlo8733]

This channel is great m8.. stumbled across about a month ago. You have to be the realist camper on KZbin. Straight to the bone. No bs. Keep up buddy

[@bencuraza6503]

Nice Van Conversion LayOut especially the Fireplace with Cooking Option❤😎‼️👏‼️👏‼️

[@petewarby7158]

Fixed bed, I don't have a van but prefer the idea of the crashing out without the faff of actually putting your bed together. Great new format. You should be on TV :)

[@darrenlucas2768]

Do you know what Will....I have been modifying cars and motorcycles all my adult life, but since watching your channel I have now found what I want to build next,and your own van is a pretty good template to start... everything else now seems a bit dull on two or four wheels! I don't think my girlfriend quite gets the appeal of it... but hopefully my son's will understand. I did alot of the same things as you in my younger days, Nepal.... Himalayas,far east etc...I appreciate your enthusiasm for life. Another great video and such a lovely van too. Look forward to your next upload🎉

[@scottw.3258]

Great to have you back, Will. That van looked incredible, but would definitely be a heavy one for driving. It kind of reminds me of that Top Gear episode where Clarkson had 'his' car given a flagstone floor.

[@nashsgt]

Fixed bed definitely when you're 60 great to see you back

[@vivien408]

Yes William back 🎉❤we have missed you 🚐

[@elizabethmckenzie322]

Hi will that was great loved it all thank you awsome van extra special the fire cosy 🙂🙂🙂🙂🥰🥰🥰🥰🤗🤗🤗🤗

[@scott77y]

Sorry to say (and this is just my opinion).. I much preferred the old videos of you stealth camping. But you do what makes you happy will.

[@wendykinsey-o6x]

So many unusual and UNIQUE vans. All are fascinating. This one with wood walls and log burner, is brilliant. More.....

[@campervibe]

Cracking start to the series! Properly enjoyed this one. 😁👍

[@WillsWhereabouts]

Glad you liked it!

[@petewatson9866]

Hi Will HOW TO BUILD A FIRE THE EASY WAY You get a old newspaper take 1 sheet fold then twist but not to tight and fill the bottom of grate, then put on the kindle then light, to keep going you put on slightly newer wood it burns slowly. To keep it burning throughout the night, keep all of your veg peeling or cuts from throughout the day, then wrap up in newspaper and put on top of your embers with some more kindling.

[@chox2001]

I think the direction your taking the channel is a good one. I have the same van an 09 . I like the wood inside and the log burner , the table is a brilliant idea and the non fixed bed gives plenty of good space to enjoy visitors. The van has given me some ideas and I’m sure you have ideas already should you build another van. Looking forward to more of these vans top idea Will 👍👏

[@Brucew85]

Great to see you back Will, it’s like seeing an old friend that you haven’t seen for a while! Love the new video and looking forward to seeing what’s next!

[@WillsWhereabouts]

Thanks!

[@emma_m0]

Always think it’s odd that you cook your veg first and add chicken second. I alway part cook the chicken then add my peppers/onions after. Don’t get super soggy/overcooked veg that way. Each to their own. Love the new vid.

[@viv-i-vangoesforth]

The inside of the van is beautiful, Will. Just goes to show what you can make from an old van if you have the vision and the will (no pun intended) to do it. I love the new format of the videos too. It seems to make you happier doing videos like this and I cant wait to see your next one....BTW, I'm now fancying fajitas dammit lol. As for vans to see you in, I'd love more quirky ones like this on the channel. Kudos on the editing and video style too. You did brilliant. Bessy regs-Kenny

[@WillsWhereabouts]

I agree - the quirkier, the better! Thanks!

[@jameskeane5615]

Fixed bed all day long. Love the idea of a proper mattress and loads of storage underneath.

[@UrbanVanlife]

FU***NG loved this . Serious well done . You nailed it mate . And it beats stealth camping videos . You look happy and it shows in the video . 🎉🎉🎉

[@ginoguarnierigg]

Good to see you back doing great videos. This is something I really want to add to my van . Something about listening to fires is therapeutic 🤣

[@linlinmonkiez]

love the kitchen and the table but fixed bed suits you more.

[@WillsWhereabouts]

Definitely!

[@samuelurquiza3242]

Will, can I suggest a video idea. Interviewing all the owners of the campers/vehicles you've camped in. The main question is "What's the story behind this camper / vehicle setup" It could be a compilation video with clips from different interviews

[@NoviceWildCamper]

You need to contact addventure, they do a rear bed slide out camper van on a ducato L3. Really cool.

[@marnik2504]

Loved 😊the video , watched it in bed, made me feel all cozy and warm xxx

[@LeisureBit]

Cracking van inside looks really cozy - just the job that - all the best, David & Rachel 👍

[@tine8849]

I used to be a fixed bed guy but having used my van for a while now I'm a semi-fixed bed chap. I want a fixed bed most of the time but with the option to occasionally fold it away for extra space.

[@kathybutler881]

Great to see you back Will, love seeing different vans so I'm really looking forward to seeing what you get up to next x

[@WillsWhereabouts]

Cheers! Some good ones coming!

[@jocockerton6726]

I love to see different van builds, I have a T5 as a very basic diy build but works for what I use it for me. I’m not a fan of making a bed up though. Have a fixed bed in my caravan and it’s a dream. Can’t wait for more videos 😊

[@WillsWhereabouts]

Thanks! I agree

[@simonh6371]

I'm going to get a T4 or T5 later this year, likewise to do a very basic DIY build. It may even be so basic that components are not permanently fixed and can be moved/folded/removed so it can be used as a van too. For example for heating I'll use my 2.2kW paraffin heater although it may be overkill in such a small space. But no problem just like at home when it's heated the space sufficiently, I just light my Feuerhand paraffin lamp which maintains the temperature and gives a cozy ambient light. Cooker will be the flat cartridge gas stove I already own. Not sure about the bed setup as yet. I'm actually considering a basic futon. The main thing is that it's reasonably well insulated so I don't have to do that myself. Just going to keep it simple due to time constraints (work) and living in a flat so I don't have a workshop or garage.

[@jocockerton6726]

@@simonh6371 I’ve had it insulated and now carpet lined as I don’t use it for work now. But everything else is removable. I use a futon for a bed. Take I out and use it in my house for a spare bed if needed.

[@simonh6371]

@@jocockerton6726 Thanks for your comment, always interesting to hear about how other people configure their vans. Cheers.

[@philipwalton4877]

Got anxiety then thinking it was Sunday night before work in morn 😂

[@jasonscales6412]

The twist storage jars my grandad was doing when I was 8 , about 45 years ago.

[@noelhewitt7434]

This is gonna be great.. I will get loads of ideas for my own build.. fixed bed or non fixed... I'm torn.. can't wait to see more..

[@tobipj]

Great video Will! I’m part way through a conversion with some hidden surprises. You’re welcome to borrow it when it’s ready - I’ll fill out the form when it’s ready to go 🙂

[@HazelBrookes]

What a great idea for a series. You should be sponsored by owners/ companies, etc. You are doing PR work.

[@avid.venture]

Nothing cozier than a wood stove fire. Wish I had one in my rig!

[@WillsWhereabouts]

Definitely cozy!

[@nickyhamblin5467]

Great to have you back and see your passion and joy shine through x

[@WillsWhereabouts]

Thanks so much!

[@moe_1886]

Nice Will! Love seeing a wood burner in a van... gives off that log cabin feel fo'sure! No need for a 12v electric blanket for this van! 🤭🤣

[@LorraineG123]

Will I love the new series. I really do. That vans interior is beautiful, very much like a granny's kitchen. So cosy. I did laugh , sorry, when you burned your finger, been there done that too 😂😂. I think both a permanent bed and a movable both have positives and negatives. Thanks for another great video. 👍🏻

[@WillsWhereabouts]

Glad you liked it!

[@carolpitt1044]

Welcome back, 🎉 poor Mary 😢 but I’m sure she’ll always be your first love ❤️ x

[@gillhargrove6807]

Wow, it looks great Will - I would advise you to get an oven glove, saves getting burnt fingers 🤣 That bed is no good for two 🤩 come down here and pick me up sometime! 🤣

[@kevinrichards8119]

Welcome back ,good to have you back..best wishes from Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@kamilcieslak3536]

Hi Will! I have been following your channel for a bit now and I am also in the process of building my own Campervan as well. I do love the videos but I must say that I am fed up with fajitas 😂 come to South wales and I will teach you some proper cooking! Italian pastas, steaks, sea food etc etc! You’re welcome to do some filming on my build as well. Already got a day van and now building a full size fiat Ducato L4H2 with shower etc

[@gazhuckle9138]

absolutely beautiful van i was officially green eyed spot on Sir

[@kodithebear]

You need to close the fire door to stop smoke entering room and also set a better burn rate. Nice camper!

[@PlNKUHOSHI]

You should try some of Japanese Kei-campers. Like a Daihatsu HiJet or Mitsubishi Delica, or Suzuki Carry, to see how small you can go, could be fun.

[@traceygriffiths8919]

Most lovely camper van I’ve ever seen.. love the cabin look detail.. ❤

[@andersholmstrom3571]

I'm thinking about getting something like a VW Caddy Maxi Life. If I do, the plan is to not convert it but just to take rear seats out and adding camping gear when going camping. Like a box with kitchen etc and other boxes for storage. Then the bed on top of the boxes. Would be interresting to see you test sometging like that.

[@sjmpudding30]

Yey your back. Great video can’t wait to see more vans. I’d lend you mine but I’m only 5’2” and the bed is made to fit me so you’d definitely not fit 😂 plus it comes with my dog so even less room.

[@Literallynoname7171]

Can’t wait for the next this van looks very cool

[@bobbicatton]

Some charming features to that build. Love the rustic wood and stove👍

[@WillsWhereabouts]

Love the shoe rack!

[@jacksg1809]

It has the same log burning stove I have in my shepherd's hut and my hut has all round insulation even the floor so almost too hot with fire at times 😂 they are easy to start up . Shut the damper at the front . One large log with damper shut will keep u warm all night and 😅

[@WillsWhereabouts]

Thanks!!

[@briantheminer]

Epic, loved your looks cooking on the fire,,,,, right up till you burnt your fingers 😂 As said above, close the stove door, regulate the airflow with the bottom vents on the door, much safer

[@WillsWhereabouts]

Thanks for the tips!

[@TitanicRuby]

Welcome back! At some point, KZbin does recommend me old videos, but not this on. Came here from FB.

[@twaito]

Next up on knob camping we have....😄. Can't wait.

[@matthiasnolte3817]

The oven reminds me of Foresty ;-)

[@richardbenallick2046]

Great idea. Can’t wait to see what you get your hands on over there. Maybe even a Galaxy can make an appearance.

[@jenny.barter]

Couple of knobs including Will hahahah,love this new style of video,cant wait to see the next one.

[@commercialbreakusa5941]

This video took time but was absolutely amazing. Need to say that the background music of the video was amazing

[@catherineferguson7388]

Hi Will, it’s great to see you again, that’s a lovely camper van with a lot of retro going on. I wonder what you will have next??? All the best Will, take care xxx

[@lopsangdlama]

9:19 that is the longest match stick I have ever seen in my life

[@tammycruz8189]

So glad to have you back We miss you Please continue to post every week Much love from your friend in Michigan Tam 💜💜

[@WillsWhereabouts]

Thanks Tam!

[@aaronhowardjudd]

Hi Will, I've been following your channel since the Nepal diaries and I have to say I've really enjoyed your journey. This is a great development and youve implemented this great new concept to the channel superbly. Well done and onwards and upwards

[@WillsWhereabouts]

OG! Thanks so much for the support.

[@ronpalmer1371]

Had a lovely Bedford CF high top ex council special operations van many years ago, made it into a lovely camper for two, quite like the one in this video except for the wood burner, wish we had it now ☹️🤷‍♂️

[@jammingwiththecount9189]

Great to see you back Will🎉. Looking forward to seeing lots more fun adventures!!

[@WillsWhereabouts]

Hope you like what's coming up!

[@jonny-ly2dw]

Fantastic video as ever, sitting here with a double decker and a cup of Rosie Lee watching this made my day

[@shropshireladoutdoors743]

Lovely fella Derek you will be sadly missed no Derek no you had us in stitches RIP

[@ronzomass]

Would like to see you try out a smaller van with a more limited living space, so you can compare the more compact set up challenges, to those of your more usual

[@WillsWhereabouts]

Wait until you see next weeks video

[@slaphead2965]

Best way to start a log fire in a campervan. ...A gallon of petrol and some fireworks! 😜👍🇬🇧 Great video Will. 👍

[@natalian.1320]

Feels a bit like Foresty Forest with the Wood stove. 👍 - Could you post the Details from where this van can be rented, if people are interested in that here? Thanks a lot. 🙂

[@codenamenel]

it literally says on the side of the van

[@SaSaaVirus]

couple of knobs including myself :P hehehehehehehhe. I had to play it back. love youre humor

[@jdizzledub]

Bro I love the innovation!! Also have a renault master 09 that I'm converting and have been following you.. What's is the F****** chances. Fair play to you lad. Buzzing to see the new vids. 🎉

[@kevinrichards8119]

Will ,you can light the fire from your bed with those matches 😂

[@leebryantravels]

Loved it......but ended very abruptly 🤷🏼‍♂️ was interested in how it went, hpw you got on with the stove and if they are goid and if you'd be tempted to get one.....

[@WillsWhereabouts]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@yogeshbhurtel8324]

Glad to see you are back posting videos Excited to see other vans in the future Keep going strong 💪💪

[@WillsWhereabouts]

Appreciate it!!

[@Mr-cl2bh]

Nice to have you back, missed the cooking and camping videos

[@Sailingon]

With a log burner get it going stack more wood in, then close the door with just a bit of vent open at the bottom. It should stay in most of the night

[@WillsWhereabouts]

Cheers for the tip!

[@GrumpyGarry121]

That van looked proper homey and cosy

[@altclut]

It’s great to see you back with a bang! Looking forward to seeing the new vans! We all know you still love Mary!

[@WillsWhereabouts]

Mary Forever!

[@jahanas22]

That's such a cool setup.

[@denisecafferky2248]

Love looking around different vans & layouts.

[@NickyBoy-tq8xn]

Really​ love​ this​ rustic​ style​ of​ camping.​ Hope​ you​ will​ create​ more​ videos​ like​ this​ and​ more​ often​ especially.​ Cheers!

[@jerrydumas9848]

Looks a shit ton better than the little van that had you bent over trying to eat !!

[@Alivefrom45]

Hey Will, we wanted a log burning in our van we were going to have it along with our diesel heater, but due to weight and space required we have opted to not put one in, who knows maybe will add one at a later date.

[@daveeager5953]

Another awesome video and loving the rusticness of this van! But wow them matches are crazy.. could literally light a fire in Calais from Dover with them bad boys 🤣

[@nicole3408]

Fixed bed for the win 🏆

[@sheilahall463]

Love your channel can relate to you your style of presenting is very natural.

[@alanigel]

Welcome back, Will - missed my weekly dose of your adventures! Great van to start your new series, although - unless you didn't show us - no toilet or shower facilities?! Can't wait for the next vid. Brilliant as always. Well done.

[@WillsWhereabouts]

Sometimes you have to go for a wild wee!

[@Zappityzapp]

The toilet is under the sink, but it didn’t make the final cut

[@sandramckenna6142]

none fixed bed for me if I could drive and had a camper van gives you much more room for moving around the van love your videos keep up them coming ❤

[@WillsWhereabouts]

Definitely has its advantages!

[@gemma6907]

Just started re-watching your channel again after I had break (I was too busy due to having a newborn baby). I love this new idea for videos can’t wait to watch the rest in different set ups. I love the log burner. It looks so cosy and more like campfire camping! Its needs some BBQ/fire gloves though. Did it make your clothes smell of smoke?

[@Abeyptfc]

Nice one Will, cool new route for your channel to go down. Good to see the old fajitas being christened in the new van! Take care big man!

[@WillsWhereabouts]

Thanks 👍

[@MX5MAN4]

heyyyyy will great video and gotta say loved the rustic camper ...the log fire def makes it look so warm and comfortable :)