The van is ROAD TRIP READY | 2019 Promaster camper van tour

[@TheMediocreMountainBiker]

Brian, I really appreciate the brutally honest opinions on some of the “less than ideal” performance of some of the products. 😂 All part of keeping it real. Seriously though, a lot of van life YT channels seem like they’re all bikinis, rainbows, and lollipops. 🤔

[@HanSolo__]

Bikinis and rainbows. XD I've been triping in a regular van and this thing was rough as fcuk.

[@TheMediocreMountainBiker]

I was going to reference Dave 2D roasting bikini clad vanlifers but looks like he cleared out his content. 😳

[@seattlevkk]

The Mediocre Mountain Biker Really? Those were some of the funniest things I’ve seen. That’s too bad.

[@choanlpoto]

the thing that stroke me is the dirty wheel on the bike ! Everytime in a vanlife channel the 'adventure' kit are always in mint condition, trekking, climbing, biking, surfing stuff...

[@ferraritrip]

OMG you're all hilarious! I just know I LOVE NO ONE enough to live in a modern-day gypsies living style. Same goes for tiny homes. Good God -- see the same number if not more negative videos of 'living' like this lifestyle.

[@durace99]

Your dad needs to start his own channel.

[@capelde]

Yeah with all the DIY stuff obviously very knowledgeable

[@hectororsini599]

durace99 true

[@6iancarloa]

Totally!!

[@dadocta8355]

Yeah.

[@itsmanunair]

Yeah it's a good drinking game ! Each time he says dad. Take a shot !

[@PaulThePunter]

A van? ....... that’s not a bad idea..... Can’t wait to see all the videos from the road!

[@olliechub7931]

Paul The Punter Noooo not you too!!!!

[@bkxc]

Haha hell yes!

[@GriffinBikePark]

So many van builds! I fondly remember my van from the 90's that I called Claude-Jean.... You guys should all circle your wagons at Griffin Bike Park in Indiana this year.

[@adirtyhippy]

doug demuro called, he wants his intro back

[@ryebread8925]

Thhhhhhiiiiiiisssssssss !!! It a great job on the quirks but could have done better on features.

[@danielbroadstock4583]

"It means I have snakes in the van" 😂😂😂

[@jimsteele7108]

Like... what species?

[@smokedsalmon3907]

"It means I'm guarding it with snakes" That absolutely just cracked me up.

[@johnfarr5415]

Enough is enough! I've had it with these mother f@#$ing snakes in this mother f#@$ing van!!!!

[@ronjclm8590]

Some states will put you in jail for having snakes

[@dutch971]

We all need more snakes in our lives.

[@scarcatch]

cover the valve up where you connect the hose to the aircompressor

[@harrydestcroix5516]

You don’t want people stealing your air 😂😂

[@scarcatch]

@@harrydestcroix5516 imagine what greta would say if one steals air

[@harrydestcroix5516]

NEMO yeah idk but we should respect Greta really, there is proof that climate change is happening and temperatures are rising what’s happening right now in Australia

[@KestrelYI]

For sure - it'll get dirty with road grime, and you do not want that to happen. Cap it somehow.

[@cormacpetre4805]

@@harrydestcroix5516 but why a 16 year old kid that needs to go to school Why not a grown-up

[@TacEsk8]

Imagine a world with out dads....

[@felipelima4467]

It is called by Brazil lmao, sad but true

[@beghdav]

well some ppl had no dad or father figure in their youth to show them how to build stuff or do some mechanics... i now miss all that. It might've been cool to have someone just come to you and say "hey! wanna see how you build a wall properly? come here!"

[@TacEsk8]

@@beghdav i feel you

[@yellowmartian]

I'm black, I live it every day.

[@TacEsk8]

@@yellowmartian sorry to heat that

[@cowden93]

Hi Brian just a quick heads up With the 12v freshwater pump that is fitted to the sink. If your water tanks are empty and the pump has power the pump will try and prime itself and they don't usually stop! make sure you have a breaker fitted so you can turn it off when the tanks are empty. Enjoy your new life mate :)

[@bkxc]

Whoa, thanks for the tip on that!!

[@povteer]

looks awesome! i love how the build is so practical! totally agree with the slider work bench! it's my fav! congrats!

[@skullsroad3642]

Those air hose connections are a pain in the ass. I've been using air tools for 15 years and recommend you replace it with a Prevost high flow safety connection. Snaps in without the fuss and has a push button release that doesn't make the air blast out.

[@bkxc]

Fantastic!! Thanks for the recc

[@Gantzz321]

should have the air connector on the inside of the rear door, keep it safe from being broken off, and it just makes it easier to connect.

[@donjones3355]

I bought them at SafetyCoupler.com. $14 work great.

[@GriffinBikePark]

All lower 48 states in one year!? Wow, that's a ton of driving! Let us know when you are coming through IN and we will give you the V.I.P. tour of Griffin Bike Park.

[@bkxc]

Google "Contact BKXC" if you're serious!

[@joeanderson3608]

And how do you get to Hawaii..

[@hardtobearit]

365÷50 so like a week in each state not calculating travel time.

[@invaderzimrocksify]

I second, Griffin is sweet!

[@scottibass]

2:53 this trumps the bike slider: train honks

[@curtp8105]

scottibass damn I was gunna comment that 🤣

[@GratefulGlamper]

Your van is nicely renovated with tricks and hacks that are functional. When are you going to finally hit the road with it?

[@TrailPOV]

Some of the things were great options (rear view camera, slide out workspace, shower system and air compressor) but some of the build seemed a little toooo budget (sink cupboard, no proper upper cabinets with doors). I do applaud you for not including a toilet in your van and keeping the back 'garage so neat and organized.....certainly helps only having to fit one bike (so far). I'm sure there will be many changes once you get on the road and find what works. All the best!!

[@bkxc]

Only time will tell!

[@mraidymaddful]

One thing never ceases to amaze me when I watch these van build vids, where do you poo? Personally I go a couple of times a day so what do you do?? I have subscribed so I can find out lol!!

[@bkxc]

Walmart and Target!

[@daviddredge1178]

@@bkxc And at night?

[@zimmermandk]

Awesome build Brian. My only suggestion would be to velcro your lube bottle standing straight up, as opposed to saying on its side, or put it into a container. Because no matter how tight you put the top on it will leak (even a little) and start attracting dirt. Cheers, can't wait for the 50 state tour.

[@dj1809]

Clicked because I misread Promaster as Pornstar. Either way, was not disappointed. Carry on.

[@llewisiv]

You might want to put some soft towels between your wheel and bike otherwise it rub into the paint and carbon.

[@slate613]

So, how much time have you spent removing the magnetic covers just to hear them snap back into place?. lol

[@B1KER]

That’s exciting, looks like you have it pretty dialed. One thing that people never do on these build videos is say how much it costs (retail) for you to build it out. I always find myself asking that question.

[@bkxc]

Got all the prices on my build sheet!

[@B1KER]

BKXC You would think I would have looked there. I mean you did say it in the video. Sorry I have old guy memory. 🤦‍♂️

[@LuisGonzalez-nx2pn]

Love the van and I'm stoked for you, Brian! Wish you a very productive and fun 2020. 🤘😎

[@bkxc]

Thanks Luis!

[@navnav5338]

THAT WOOL INSULATION THING IS SOOOOO BAD ITS SO DUMB OF YOU TO USE IT. ITS SO TERRIBLE BECAUSE .... err i was just told to say it sucked so yea... it sucks

[@bkxc]

Hahahaha

[@bubbastard]

It'll be interesting to see how well that air line connects after a year of driving around lol. Maybe shouldn't have installed it right behind the tire?

[@iambueno]

Well, at least he can clean it with the air system he installed. Oh, wait...

[@bkxc]

I need a condom for it!

[@denismacfarlane255]

BKXC bike tube. Slotted with velcro strap threaded through it

[@petrsonnenschein1881]

BKXC no condom, carbon tube! 🤪

[@bubbastard]

@@bkxc use an old inner tube

[@sassyquatchmtb4337]

"Swivel-seat my way over... " 😂😂👍

[@bike_somm]

Sooo good.. you & your dad made a thing!!! Got me hyped on #MtbVanlife

[@TrailDad]

I hope to get a van that's this cool too! Now to figure out where my kids will sleep 😂

[@SteffenThomsen]

I need a "Alexander teaches me to jump" collab video !

[@AidenCothran]

“It trumps the bike slider” 👍🏻 love that!!!

[@carolleduc8442]

Where did you buy your seat organize.....

[@LastLineOfDefense]

Don’t tread on me. 🍻🍻

[@StanBlum]

Awesome stuff, Brian. My only recommendation is to watch (pad) the sharp corners on the overhead shelving. Head meets sharp corner can draw blood.

[@bkxc]

Good call!

[@AndreasHappyfarm]

Prevost air quick connect. You’er welcome :)

[@bkxc]

Nice!

[@TyBrenninger]

That is probably my favorite van I’ve seen yet. So stoked for you man!

[@bkxc]

Thanks Ty!

[@foosballer]

Trying to do the swivel the seats was the funniest part!

[@GoodTrails]

We've got ladder covers on our sprinters at work since the company had the same concerns as you. They weren't expensive. Might be an option if you ever experience a problem.

[@bkxc]

Nice!

[@ShutUpandRideMTB]

Smart to travel with snakes. Have fun out there Brian!

[@TommyHuynh]

So dope Brian, now I feel really stupid for not checking everything out in person. I think I was just too stoked to start riding. So cool that you and your dad built that van. Have an awesome adventure 🤘🤘🤘

[@ryanbrill4251]

11:30 “Get myself a cold one and get back on the road” Don’t drink and drive kids😂

[@johnnydoe66]

Nice and simple van build, only the necessities for what a cyclist would need. Buy yourself a Coleman camp stove, store it under the sink, and you're set.

[@reezin14]

Props to your Dad,look forward to seeing the vids from your adventures.

[@TrailPOV]

Hey Brian, did you end up hearing about this recall on the Promaster? www.autoblog.com/2020/01/27/ram-promaster-transmission-shifter-recall/

[@murf003]

Your dad is rad, that the rad dad you'd wish you'd had so bad.

[@Horus1688]

Brian, if you do not have a connection in New Mexico yet, please reach out. Happy to give you a place to stay and show you some trails.

[@shadesofgold24]

In for the video coming of him on the road when something breaks and he has no idea how to fix it because his dad did all the work and he didn’t take the time to learn what everything does and how to repair it

[@BlackWaterCyclist]

That tool slider is by far the best part...but I'm still watching so maybe not lol. Awesome van man!!!

[@Wagalipon]

Take a shot whenever the dude referred to his dad

[@zxtenn]

Nice and best of luck with it, should make for some interesting new vids. I think you and your Dad can figure out that tight seats swivel issue pretty easy, only a few parts there that interact... DONT forget to keep an extra set of brake pads in your tool chest-hehehe --Yeah you need to be careful where you camp and sleep, be prepared as you never know unfortunately I recently sold my 2018 Spectral 6.0 for a good price and thinking of a 2019 Rocky Mountain Instinct BC ED. carbon 90 for $3600.00 including shipping, just wondering if a 29 has the same agility as 27.5, do you have any thoughts on 29 VS 27.5? List new is $6100.00, full warranty etc. because it comes from a RM dealer, they seem to have positive reviews here and I know paint schemes shouldn't affect purchase but it sure looks HOTTT

[@bkxc]

Definitely got a few brake pads!! You've gotta find a rental 29" and ride it so you know for yourself!

[@zxtenn]

@@bkxc Good idea, might check into that

[@yeetyeet57]

“Very sturdy bike stand”, puts hand on it and it shakes around. 😂

[@mambi74]

I'm not too sold on that bolt-on ladder either to be honest.

[@lanceoa]

Why dirty tires back in the rig when you’ve got that nice water pressure in the shower? Just sayin!

[@geemail369]

😎 Monster project, Brian! Whishing you all the best! 🤙🏻 Really like your more "minimalist" approach regarding interior - just have a go and see where things fall into place as you go before installing permament solutions. 👌🏻 Only thing missing: *a map to check off states!*

[@GMoneyLove]

Love the map idea. Or maybe Brian can do a digital online one like you see adventure cyclists and others using when they do cross-continent/ocean quests.

[@tylerbstudt]

You like snakes....I like snakes. Though I built my rig in a Cargo trailer, we should camp at an outdoor range and do snake stuff.

[@RedFly600]

In the heat the sticky side of the Velcro will heat up and fall off. I have stapled the Velcro to fabric in the past. it works but I'm sure you do not want to staple velcro to your van. I now use 3/8" button snaps. they are easy to install and last longer. nice van! I'm Rollin in a 95 gmc van:)

[@bkxc]

Oh wow, I will look into those snaps! Thanks for the recc

[@RedFly600]

@@bkxc www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078J363VW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_image?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@themidnightrider6805]

S N A K E S 🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘😂😂😂

[@letsgoridebikes]

Representing! #letsgoridebikes makes an appearance on the toolbox! Excited to see where this thing takes you!

[@bkxc]

Hell yes!

[@MysticWisdomTarot]

Looks like your in Marin county ? Inverness? Have a fun trip

[@abhishekghule6837]

Don't you think you were looking too cool with that casual shirt . 😎😎😎♥️♥️🔥🔥

[@lefandesim3443]

I m very pleased to see you having a Dodge badged french Peugeot van... Of course I m french....😉

[@gbrac171]

Make sure you engage the e-brake when you park. My co-worker left his running in park went inside his house came out and it was half way down a hill in a tree.

[@bkxc]

Yikes!

[@curunirishtari6663]

Love your build, thumbs up! Is there room to mount a retractable awning at the back so you can work on your bikes and have your doors and workspace out even if it's raining?

[@bkxc]

That would be great!

[@travelthenarrowtrail8660]

Leave a comment on why you think Marino wool is so bad, his body language says, "I don't give a ****." Ha...

[@LexZolnir]

Very cool Brian, congrats and really well thought out build for what is your job (not your home). Love that statement!

[@RAFSmartSam]

Nice you can fix a plate on the ladder with a lock on it to stop 2 leggid animals climbing up.

[@peter58murray]

Nice van..shame about the bike....go EMTB dude...you will never look back trust me.....Il never ride a normal MTB again

[@jeepinpete4016]

Best mountain bike oriented van build I have seen before. Simple with the right amount of tech. Can't wait for the content and journey videos!

[@nickdowding5244]

JeepinPete you should check out Seth’s Bike Hacks build of Alexanders van it was super interesting and thought out

[@VanToBike]

A white Van would have been better, the dark color gets really hot in the summer. Other than that love the Dodge Promaster.

[@mica1k]

this is the best set up i've seen! very organized, you've got everything and it just looks awesome!

[@BikeLifewithRob]

Food on shelves! Can’t wait for the journey! We went with the manual fan because of the remote issues.

[@theroaminggnomad]

I dunno but my stereo is kinda boss, someone might have changed it & I got the backup camera with the van and mine only had 15,000 miles on it. I'm not sure if Oregon posseses most of the Promaster's but mine was shipped to the state I was in at the time when I bought it from there. I like to see my Can outfitted to get an idea just how much it will hold furniturewise. I made up my own blueprints based on the ideas that would work for me & my special needs.

[@Silversurfer971]

Hahahaha.... swivel seats are really a pain in the ass!!! Lol.. Cool video, quick build, tailored to your liking, what else... Enjoy👍👍👍

[@marinesrock72050]

Watching this from my van as it is currently broken down and stuck in the parking lot of my new job #vanlife

[@davejybandit]

How come you guys still get the old shape promaster? Here in the UK that shape (front) changed around 2014/15. The Van is sold here under 3 different Brand names Fiat, Peugeot and Citroën. Your 2019 promaster looks very similar to a 2014/15 or earlier Fiat Ducato.

[@rlo5547]

I honestly didn't take you as a pro 2A kind of person, no insult meant, but when I saw the "Don't Tread on Me" patch and your brief description of snakes guarding you (wink-wink), I suddenly had a new and glorious opinion about you! Not that it was bad in the first place, just better now. Love Ya! Also, super nice van build, I have been considering one for hunting in my near future except I would like to see one with a 4x4 conversion on it. Not sure what kind of roads generally take you to the bike trail but perhaps a future update in 4x4 conversion would be cool?!?

[@tjd7785]

Man I really like your videos. Honesty with practical, user information to back it up. Also thought that shirt was awesome but couldnt make out the brand. Either way, love the videos, keep em coming! I don't normally comment when I like a channel, but your content is always entertaining, informative, and the humor is great. Snakes 🤣.

[@vladputin8923]

Don't get a Promaster. I went through 3 transmissions, fuel pump failure, lots of oil and coolant leaks before hitting 80k. Thank god I bought the extended warranty. Traded it for a new Sprinter!!

[@bikermonster8354]

Really nice work and nice van. Hopefully 2020 is a great content year for you. Have fun and enjoy your rides and come together with cool biking people. Best Wishes and support from germany

[@adamlabonte6159]

man you gotta check out Coos Cycling Club trail network in northern NH. only an hour from Kingdom Trails in VT and only an hour from Bethel village trails in Maine! 3 states within an hour.!!

[@scottbowers5019]

BKXC RAMGO Se ya on the road. Happy trails. You won't miss the car just the gas millage

[@claywaters13]

Nice setup. Two tips from a MTB van lifer. 1. Consider hanging your mtb backpack from the door instead of the bed frame. That way it moves out of the way when you open the door. 2. If your curtain adhesive velcro keeps coming off, get someone to sew it on. It's a 2 minute job and itll never come off again. Enjoy the van!

[@H.pylori]

You are blessed to have great parents. Have a great road adventure. New sub. Thumbs up.

[@monusbrewer4911]

No sure if any else noticed you stated the batteries are wired in series... You sure? That would make your battery voltage 24 volts. Pretty sure you mean parallel so that you 12 volts at twice the current (amperage). Nice build 👌👍✌️

[@lukavsoundseeker1642]

Wow what a setup Brian! Can I ask what was the cost of the whole setup? (about) Wish You all the best on the road. Can't wait for the videos. BEST OF LUCK!

[@kallasusort2986]

LOL - you are such a guy! It's all about the garage .... it's a man thing. You do have it set up great for bicycling and fixing. I am sure other cyclists will appreciate your build.

[@MyGoogleYoutube]

CTA swivels loosen up after a while. I don't see a fuse near the batteries...is there one? The breaker you used for the solar input has been known to be problematic. Get an induction cooktop...you have the juice to do it. Are you charging with the alternator? Curious how you take it from 12 to 24. It's easy for panels to make volts in cloudy weather.... it's the amps that is the issue. No potty?

[@AnnetteLG]

Biking the lower 48?!? I’m following! Can’t wait to watch the videos. Also, “random idiots” yes no kidding!? Lol they are out there!

[@lnlyby_yt]

Woahhh takin a little potshot at Alex there with the sliding bike tray lol

[@bkxc]

I think every MTB van build has it!

[@lnlyby_yt]

I think your idea of the slide out bike shop is revolutionary, I love it

[@terrysmith9716]

After watching videos for over a month with all the drone fancy shots... this is THE BEST. The swivel seat - it's a pain in the ass! I would rather watch and hear reality than watch drone shots!!! Keep it up!!! Do you state what the four hour build cost??

[@shhlee87]

I did a full work van build out of the aluminium profile you’ve used on your roof. Partition wall, toilet area, sink and work top area and table and seating. My old company specialised within the aluminium profile world. Was like playing with mekano everyday.

[@roadracer42]

A gas fired heating element in the van? Not sure if I saw it properly but wouldn't that be really bad for carbon monoxide and moisture? Or is it vented outside somehow? Be awful if ya woke up dead because of a little heater! Edit* just rewatched and ya mentioned for "outside"...

[@higbeedoug]

Nice- Since it seems more was bought than built, what was your outlay for such a project? Total build time was ??? Very nice. Oh, and the fabric used on the interior; it that part of their kit, and even if so, where can it be sourced? Thanks.

[@nbc902]

.........duhhhh.....perhaps the seat would be easier to swivel if you weren’t sitting on it........

[@jim6335]

Van looks great. Can't we wait to see more videos. Personally speaking, tri fold mattress are the worst. The seam dig into your hip and shoulder. Hopefully you won't notice it. BTW the max air fan adapter is made by Hein from www.impact3d.com/. They made other cools stuff too.

[@VoIPPortland]

I have a 144 WB low roof Promaster 2014 for work. Never thought six years ago I'd be thinking about using a van for something other than work.

[@cocovanillaa]

OMG.. You are goofy!! lol! I always laugh when watching your videos. Thank you for the info. Cj :)

[@scottw3748]

Hey, nice video! Your dad for hire? I'm thinking of getting the same van. Just shopping around. Come on out to Port Angeles, WA!

[@keatongalb1]

Hey! We are in the middle of building our ram promaster and I see the rack you have covers the full van, but the link on your excel sheet only is a half roof rack! How did you get the proper rack attachments for the full van? Thanks!

[@bonesvbelle]

RAM Promaster actually is a Fiat Ducato, be careful with the engine and the services.sorry. have fun.

[@rudolfrednose7351]

Nice video! I converted a MB Vito last year and am still wondering if I should add Solar. Would you let us know if you really needed it, or if you mostly got your batteries charged at campsites. Also, how is the condensation inside the van?

[@jeffpanian433]

Super refreshing to hear immediately when things "Suck". As a viewer its great to find channels that you can trust to give you good advice. Keep up the good work.

[@gilbertpinfold]

While dash cams have their advantages, they are also admissible as evidence against the driver who owns them, and many people have bad driving habits like following too close, driving too fast for conditions, etc. that they are not even aware they have. Sometimes called the Lake Wobegon Effect, most people rate their competence much higher than is accurate. Dash cams can be seized following an accident by law enforcement in `exigent circumstances', who then can obtain a warrant to view the footage. Dash cams with both rear and front facing cameras are also recording the driver's behavior. Momentary inattention such as unwrapping fast food, or looking at a passenger etc. would be recorded and could have been a factor in an accident. Also if the camera has a GPS feature that records driver speed, and in many environments drivers exceed the speed limit, keeping to the flow of traffic, etc. this could be used against them. I see them as a mixed blessing.

[@treeoh5]

It seems like you half assed this build. I see you having difficulty putting your bike in the garage with out the slide out drawer. The bed doesn’t really look comfy and the van build itself doesn’t look homey.