These tips will improve your van build

[@debracottrill7989]

There's nothing better than building relationships with true innovators. That puts you in a place that coach could only dream of. Excellent!

[@ManoloRalda]

Love your channel. Eberspächer is actually an Austrian company, headquartered in Vienna. Webasto is indeed German, headquartered in Schierling and in Hengersberg, Germany.

[@GreenVegan816]

I feel you are going to be influencing how people build vans in the future. Love how you think.

[@Michael-xk7pl]

Sharon J. Smith in the future? Been using tips for months ;)

[@TOTALLYRELAXED]

Hi George! It's been awhile since I've commented, but, just wanted to say, again, I am still constantly blown away by your expertise and never ending improvements in your van builds, equipment use, and, just over all educational techniques! My hat is off to you still, and, I hope to see many many more videos of this nature! Kudos to you and Alex! Have a blessed Sunday and all the days that follow!

[@lesliegranowski2683]

I can't build anything but still watch your videos Very great stuff

[@BackcountryNomad]

I am very supportive of you and your supports. !!!!!!!!!!!

[@BulldogBill]

Great News you've got TWO more Van builds to do! Very intrigued by the Webasto combined A/C-Heating Unit. Please keep as all up to date with that because I've long thought the Rooftop A/C was simply an easy convenience for the big manufacturers rather than what customers want Plus on a Class B Van I believe the Roof should be "Prime Real Estate" for as much solar as possible! Looking forward to future videos from you. Bill Tingley UK.

[@ricks.1318]

GREAT comment !!

[@clintroberts1]

Cruise n comfort does a 12 volt ac split undermount. They're super expensive. Wonder how this will compare. Any links to this product?

[@StacyForest738]

Same here. I would LOVE to know more about the Webasto A/C options, chomping at the bit on that one! Would be a complete game changer in many ways if that could be run off of solar as much as we run their heater off of our solar.

[@jeffgreenstreet7783]

Any updates on the combined Webasto A/C and heater combined?

[@deborahgiles3649]

You are incredibly talented and you take pride in your work. Awesome!

[@HumbleRoad]

Thank you so much 😀

[@277kne]

George,I'm glad your business is growing. At a pace you can handle. Looking forward to see the new builds.

[@ricks.1318]

WOW ..... You sure did cover a LOT in this video, George !!! I am in Aww how you "think things out", then chose the best product or method to assure the highest quality possible :) :) :) :) :) You are a RARE breed, sir !!!

[@barricaderentals6655]

I have a webasto on my Australian made camper. Woke up this morning with frost all over the roofs (dry camping in my driveway) and never knew it was that cold because that webasto kept the trailer toasty! Totally amazing and you will not regret it. Save the propane for the cooktop!

[@berniekeene868]

Very exciting!! Anyone wanting a Humble Road living van better get on your list soon!! Very interested in the new AC units!! I’ll need an efficient system for when a pet dog or two maybe left in the van for a few hours. Thanks for all of the info and helping to keep the dream alive for us!!!

[@kathleenreyes4345]

Lol!! “I wear a belt and suspenders”!! Thanks for the humor, George. Love the attention to detail!!

[@maitildamcintyre9344]

Ah Sunday funday with George. 😀 love, love, love seeing what’s up with the Humble Road shop. Wow a sprinter and pro master build simultaneously🤩🐝🐝❤️🚐🚐, be still my heart💗.

[@ricks.1318]

I "second" that !!

[@stevenbrown2101]

Love the builds you do. George would really like to see you build a FORD Transit Dually, with a V6 Gas engine,

[@HumbleRoad]

You just might get your wish. I've got plans for two Ford Transits after these two.

[@johnvancamper9581]

Hi from the UK. Quality video as usual George. A suggestion re; your custom steel ceiling brackets. ..instead of screwing though all those layers - bracket, timber, van for strut - how about having a nut welded onto the bracket you made ? (and recessing the timber to allow the nut to sit) That way the 80/20 can easily be removed as and when needed : ) Happy travels everyone. John

[@HumbleRoad]

I like the way you think, John.

[@petesandpress3907]

I was wondering when someone brings the welding issue up. What do you think George welding the joints of 80/20 instead of L brackets?

[@HumbleRoad]

@@petesandpress3907 I have repositioned and reconfigured the 8020 frames so frequently, I smile every time! Because it is so easy. Options!

[@petesandpress3907]

Make sense. Go options 👍

[@johnvancamper9581]

@@HumbleRoad Options George !

[@moneypitvan6378]

Great idea with sealing the layers. Failures happen, so managing them before they happen is a very good idea.

[@louisag5410]

Oh my the excitement builds....can’t wait to see the design of the 2 new humbleroad vans..... so grateful to you for sharing it all with us!!

[@pjhilferty444]

George, you are the best. I’m an elderly woman who really wants to build out a van. My brain works along your lines so I find your thought process easy to follow! I so appreciate your attention to detail and forward thinking of potential problems. When I have an old person sleepless night I mentally work on the van build. Could you please put up the info on the gasket! I have tried every search possible and no combination of words has helped me to locate where to purchase it. I even tried closed captioning on your video before bothering you. Thanks again; you’ve motivated me to sell the motor home and car and just go for it!

[@mayinnlin1879]

Thank you George! Alway beautiful and amazing build. Love it. 👍😍❤️

[@PerfectWoodGrain]

The only channel where I thumbs up the video before I watch it.

[@rinaisbored8336]

Thank you so much for actually sharing your wisdom and instead of trying to sell us your 2 cents .

[@paula.jackson5463]

PleasureWay Quality.....you are stepping up! You will get the Fridge out!

[@KatyInNH]

Another super high quality production!!!!

[@ovmn]

Your attention to detail is inspiring

[@musicandme6697]

Your work is like a symphony - an individual part may seem an insignificant little piece of craft, but when put together, they always equal more than the sum of their parts. I for one would love to see a video of how you mount the Webasto to the van floor. And more cooking with George.

[@crv20051]

Stay healthy, George, you have some work to do! :-) Vans just keep coming. Thanks for all the great work and for taking the time to share your journey.

[@lorcro2000]

One word about that gasoline heater; reportedly they're more likely to soot up when run at low power. So something to keep in mind, may want to just run it at max, in shorter periods. The diesel heaters are a bit less soot prone. Though, ideally you'd run those too on Kerosene which burns cleaner (though if you have a diesel van you probably want to use the main tank.)

[@HumbleRoad]

Croft I have heard about the soot in the gas version which is bass ackwards to history. I have the Webasto tech coming in on Tuesday, so I’ll get all the details.

[@lorcro2000]

@@HumbleRoad Yep, that's just something I've heard elsewhere so no personal experience. Might have been operator error for the people who had the heater, or maybe they just never maintained them (these products should ideally be taken apart and rebuilt at least once a year, I believe, they do experience wear and tear. The parts are readily available.)

[@birdnest5814]

Ahhhhh.....the continuing refrigerator saga... what will happen on next week’s video? Will he or won’t he? That’s awesome that company is giving you your very own trainer, rep, salesman. Not many companies that would do that. Lucky if they’ll honor their own warranties. I’ll never build a van out or even be able to travel in one, but I love watching and learning from you💕😊

[@HumbleRoad]

I never said they were "giving" me a trainer.

[@MikeYoungeasytravel]

If you are serious about cutting aluminum profiles, you should check out the Elumatec TS 161/21 TABLE SAW with the optional MMS 200 length measurement system. I set this system up for fabricating aluminum doors and storefront systems. It was (hands down) the most accurate, most efficient, and safest system for processing aluminum profiles. Note, you should also create an attached table/shelf system above the input side (opposite to the measurement system) to better process profiles.

[@judyjudyjudy9593]

I've missed you, so glad your back & well!!!!

[@WereReallyRelayCamping]

I see a lot of videos with titles 'best 12 tips' like this to get you in... these are the only time i know beforehand i'm going to learn something, the rest of them are usually just fluff facts, dont forget to take a cup etc... but here. quality. and thankyou for that.

[@lass-inangeles7564]

My son's very pricey large Tesla has an AC unit that turns on remotely drawing on the large batteries. So you can leave your dog in the car for short periods. This is such a huge deal for those with pets! I sure hope that we come up with some similar solutions for van builds. The AC makes or breaks your van life. Even in CA it gets too hot (108 in Norcal, 110 in SoCal) in summer without AC. You fry. So this is good news. Eager to hear more. Great tips, George, keep 'em comin'!

[@bjbhehir]

Good to know I did my MaxxFan correctly a few weeks ago, I framed it out with some 2x4's I trimmed down, plus I made some aluminum trim pieces to put on top of the fan because of the plastic frame, it's really solid!! I could also tell how much more solid the roof was around the fan area. I also really gooped it up with that black caulk (window weld) too around the gasket!! I've watched so called professional builders adding layers of Butyl tape to build it up, that's just asking for a leak!! Buy the over priced gasket with super slow shipping, it's worth it!! I ordered the wrong Lap seal so I had to wait another week to finish the final Lap Seal Self Leveling layer. The day before the correct Lap Seal was arriving I decided to wash my van and to see if the fan was leaking any water? Not a drop!! I added the Lap Seal and I'm confident I'll have a leak free fan install and it's extremely solid!! Yesterday I installed the Espar heater M2 B4L, I went with that unit because I live at 5500 feet in Tahoe and they say they've fixed the high altitude issues with the new model. The install has been easy so far but I have to drop my gas tank next week to finish the install!! If I had a Wabesto tech helping me I'd definitely would use their product!! Time to go cut some 8020 and see if I can get this van done before ski season!!

[@vita-girl4345]

Great video as usual. The licensed upfitter status has me intrigued! You clearly have found your new career. Now gotta find the right time to bring my own van there!

[@journeyman4328]

I often use the Kodak Story to explain the big boy syndrome. Then add that they invented and built the first digital camera you just shake your head. Can't wait for the two van spinning to start. 👍

[@HumbleRoad]

I have one of the first digital cameras by Kodak, sitting in my "cabinet of technological antiquities." In their defense, they did produce the Kodak 9000 which was an incredible large format printer.

[@brownielove4389]

At some point in the NEAR future you need to do a skoolie build for those of us that choose them and yes that includes me😊. It's a completely different vehicle with different needs so please consider it. Your age experience and forethought really are a gem to teaching. Most people you see doing these builds don't have it. Kudos to you🧡

[@scottandersen9969]

Hi George. Thank you for the videos. I thought you made a video on the s2 d2 heater in front of the wheel well, but I just can’t seem to find it again.

[@michaeltonkin9004]

Thanks for the great information and Tips I have just started my build in Australia in a Fiat Ducato (Promaster) Using info from your Vagabond build series especially the 8020 framing Which I will dress with some nice Bamboo

[@HumbleRoad]

Good luck and thanks for watching!

[@2handsomeforlaw]

Awesome stuff as expected! Keep up the great work, greetings from Norway :)

[@davidroddy2012]

George we went a different way and purchased an airstream instead of a B van. I still want to see your videos because I like your creativity and quality work! Maybe someday I can employ some of your ideas and devices in an airstream . Thanks

[@HumbleRoad]

Congratulations! I too plan on buying a used Bambi 16 to live in at the shop. I love Airstream TTs!

[@crispy63]

Keep up the great (and humble) work George! I own a ProMaster 3500, it's great to see the guts of these vans as you work on them. It helps me to understand how my van is assembled. I have a 2018 Regency National Traveler TVL Tour. You reviewed one of these a year or so ago and liked some of the build quality. I'm enjoying mine. Take care and have a wonderful Thanksgiving! 🦃

[@swolfe4096]

Hi George, As a guy who dabbles in aluminum construction as a hobby ( I’m building a Van’s Aircraft RV-7 homebuilt kit plane). I was wondering if you are taking the possibility of bi-metal corrosion into account as you join pieces of aluminum together with steel. I’m not real sharp on chemistry, but I know that over time, rust and corrosion can occur if there is not some kind of barrier between dissimilar metals. It could be paint, silicone or something else. Just wondering. 😂😂😂 I love the ending! You are STILL trying to get that old fridge out! Nipple clamps! Lol. You brightened up my day! If you ever get up to the Kitchener/Woodstock area in Ontario, you are invited to park in the drive way for a few days and have a few drinks around the campfire here. All the best, Steve (& Ella)

[@HumbleRoad]

Wherever aluminum will touch chassis in my van builds, I sandwich in a rubber thermal break. This rubber thermal break will also prevent any corrosion. I have inquired with 8020 to see what type of coatings are applied to their extruded aluminum. It's clean, typically, when you handle aluminum your hands get black. No so with 8020. I also refer to aluminum alloy wheels, steel bolted to almost every vehicle in the good ole USA. No reports of wheels falling off at speed! 😃

[@azb2010]

The big issue with steel and aluminum being in contact with each other is mostly in fasteners. Steel bolts in aluminum will become corroded and be impossible to remove. A good example is spark plugs (steel threads) into aluminum heads. If you put anti sieze on the rhreads, it prevents the electro chemical reaction that causes the corrosion. For an aluminum bracket attached to a painted steel cross member, it's not nearly as critical.

[@stevenwolfe2279]

Knuckle Head Yep, but be very careful about using anti-seize on spark plugs. I have a friend who wrecked a brand new aircraft engine doing that. Some anti-seize got inside of the cylinders and scored the cylinders. It took a top overhaul on the engine to make it airworthy again.

[@victordragano8863]

It may have been mentioned already, but take a look at Flexseal (in black and white) for those areas in danger of water intrusion or absorption, especially in a roof. I've used brush-on type and it is tough when dried! Much better than silicone for certain applications.

[@tamaradabney9069]

I have learned so much from you, makes shopping round difficult

[@rhondawaldron]

Not sure why I stopped getting notifications for your videos. Everythings checked.

[@HumbleRoad]

🤓

[@filmzealot]

I am really looking forward to the two side by side van builds. Wish I was in Jersey to help.

[@DannyTulu]

Thanks for this video! Very informative. We are still finishing off insulation but this is all very useful. Love the pull up guarantee 😃👍🏼

[@NRGFRELIFE]

Wonderfull information and great products, thanks for everything.

[@MrMJBall]

PHWAAAAARRRRR!!! The LC1230 gave me the feels!

[@johnwhatley]

Exciting news regarding Webasto! I've also been seeing a lot of van/RV builds experiment with ductless mini-split a/c systems which are super-efficient but I do not think were designed for the near-continuous earthquake that is van traveling down the road. Looking forward to hearing more and keep up the good work!

[@keyoke69]

Great video George!!

[@NicoVeenkamp]

I have the same Webasto in my Promaster City buildout. Great heater. When you build it under the van, it is better to include in it it's own aluminum box. Ensure that the inlet of freshair is not near the exhaust pipe of your car.

[@tonypeiffer6816]

Been a fan since the first 1k. Great insights. Got a 2005 Pleasureway TS. Need to change out the camera,stereo and tv. Very interested in the IPAD route. Need some direction if possible. Keep them videos coming and looks like the plant is getting busy. Cheers

[@LostOnLandAgain]

What kind of clamps were those again?? Wow, 2 more vans? George is going to be a busy fellow!

[@loulehnhoff2637]

I'm gonna be starting my own van build within the next year I appreciate you guys sharing tech information with us. I hate doing things twice I've been watching your videos and it will help me do things right the first time. I'm a little apprehensive about cutting up my 50k pro 3500 you've helped me put a solid plan together thanks.

[@HumbleRoad]

Go slow. Don't do anything random.

[@FBall-im8ui]

too funny about Kodak I bought one of their first digital cameras and did not really like it as well, I just bought th eSony A7R IV and its wonderful Thanks George, now I want to make some changes to my Sprinter Van

[@geezers10]

Nice clevis fittings George.

[@Greybeardmedic]

One way to get a clean cut on aluminum (or wood) is to cover the cut with masking tape before feeding it into the saw. This dramatically reduces tear out.

[@theflyinhawaiiantravels354]

Every single van builder is sooo busy!!!! U guys stand a chance at building a multi million dollar company!!!!!! U have to start an assembly line for your incredible build, George!!!!!!!!!!!

[@miarena111]

your sence of humor is absolutley perfect 😂😂😂 . btw, there are airconditions without any parts outside. they make them in vienna i think. cant wait what you do with that webasto.

[@BabiBoi357]

I’ve been eagerly waiting on this video. Fresh cup of joe, and here we go.

[@gabakusa]

i dont know if the chinise diesel heaters they have AC but in my built I have one of those diesel heater and it works great

[@HumbleRoad]

Good luck with that.

[@shabbirjdana]

Thnx for sharing it sir.

[@cesalt2408]

No way was I doing a roof top AC. My heart was already set on Webasto, so I'm happy you like them, too.

[@RobertSmith-os2zj]

cesalt I thought Webasto was a roof mount ? They make a 24vdc unit.

[@DennisWintjes2]

#762. Thanks 4 sharing!

[@Tbone376]

I love you program ur very thorough and a good teacher. I see your using wool installation on the ceiling and walls is this the best way to insulate. Are there any pros or cons using spray insulation.

[@HumbleRoad]

Thank you, Thomas. I use a 3M product called Thinsulate in addition to other materials. I do not like spray foam for several reasons. There are plenty of discussions on that subject!

[@angelandkiki856]

Hi George. Another informative Video. Really Pumped to see Vans 03 and 04 being built side by side. This is just a guess, but my Transit may not arrive until late next year. That would potentially make Her one of the Builds for 2021. UGH 😩!!!

[@HumbleRoad]

We'll leave the light on for you.. 😉

[@Ruthie888]

I'm really looking forward to hearing how the AC with webasto will function. I want to do a van build on a promaster 3500ext. I want it to be mostly solar powered, but don't know if it can do the traditional power-draining A/C units. I love the thought of a duel ac/heater. Where are you out of?

[@paintedpony2935]

"I wear a belt and suspenders." 🤣😅😆🤣

[@tonym5878]

Exciting news about Webasto. I had the gas one installed last year. Couldn't find an authorized installer anywhere near S.E. Pennsylvania. Had to go all the way to Ohio. Let me know if you need an installed unit for any training purposes with the Webasto rep. I am close to you.

[@patobrien1460]

Good job George. Oh, by the way, would you like a bite of the popcorn I've been eating while watching you? You're delivering.

[@melissaweyrick5311]

"My Pants will never fall down" ~~~~ Gravity, is also the bane of my existence .

[@srameypr]

Very intrigued by Webasto now.

[@HumbleRoad]

Big training day tomorrow. I'll let you know how it goes.

[@rudolfrednose7351]

Just now discovered your channel and....mán I love it already!

[@HumbleRoad]

Rudolf Rednose thank you Rudolf! And welcome to Humble Road!

[@beckyspindler2153]

I'm surprised that you didn't put a plastic flashing inside that would ensure a straight drip down.

[@angelaborgen9705]

Love your videos always 😎

[@VagabondMango]

Will the Webasto dual purpose (heat and AC) run without the ProMaster motor running? or will the AC version need to have the vehicles motor running to be working with the vehicle’s compressor? I know the Webasto heater doesn’t need the vehicle’s motor running.

[@HumbleRoad]

I'll have all the deets soon.

[@tumbleweed1976]

Great videos. Excellent explanations. You and Alex make a good team. Any chance you could share where you purchase your 80/20?

[@HumbleRoad]

I purchase my 8020 direct

[@barricaderentals6655]

George- I have a webasto and wondered what you think about the glowing green light (when it is on) that basically lights up the cabin. Any chance you can ask them to make a fold down cover for it or have you come up with something like that that can cover that light? It keeps me awake. I have done everything so cover it but it does not look sightly. Have you seen this to?

[@HumbleRoad]

Barricade Rentals haven’t seen that as a problem just yet. I assume you’re talking about the controller. I would not cover it as that is also your thermostat.

[@trudynicita5132]

Happy Thanksgiving George!! 🦃

[@dindog22]

Wow. You’re going big time

[@H2Dwoat]

Hi, could you provide a link to the roof gasket I couldn’t make out the company name when you said it.

[@agn855]

Webasto (Stockdorf, Gauting near Munich. Founded in 1901), Eberspächer (Esslingen near Stuttgart. Founded in 1865) - with only a 2hr drive on the Autobahn from one to the other, so not exactly across the road :o)

[@takeahikespike2141]

Excellent work! I would like to know where to get the 3d printed gasket?

[@HumbleRoad]

TakeaHikeSpike Impact Products on eBay.

[@HuangXingQing]

If you design/build a sliding door area kitchen we can use it while camping, outside, under our awnings. hint, hint. Stainless and induction please. ;-)

[@HumbleRoad]

I can see it now!

[@bob84409]

Please put up the cad files for the 3d printed roof parts for sale!

[@kimmott]

So helpful and fun. Is it okay if I compare you to Bob Ross? Everyone loves Bob Ross.

[@cinnamon--girl]

Congratulations on your Webasto partnership. I know Kodak's history too well; too bad they did not listen to Steven Sasson!

[@robbbasso6028]

Good videos, where to buy those 14x14 roof gaskets?

[@HumbleRoad]

impact products on eBay

[@robbbasso6028]

@@HumbleRoad thank you, very affordable too!

[@fhwils]

Thanks!

[@HumbleRoad]

THANK YOU!!!

[@SanFranTriDude]

I want your shop. Building a van in-front of your house with a crazy neighbor screaming at you about noise everyday is no fun...which is what we endured. Make a video about how you transitioned from photography into van building. What shop are you in? Is that your business now? Raconteur :)

[@HumbleRoad]

Yep, Ima bonafide van builder!

[@David_11111]

yay its coffee time, BRB

[@rennemichaels2706]

I do wonder how the new 2020 Full Sized Transits are going to work out, they claim to come RV ready.

[@HuangXingQing]

IME, Mercedes (I'm in my second NCV3), is 'Kodak'. Incredibly frustrating dealing with their dealers.

[@HumbleRoad]

Yep... sorry for your frustration..

[@luvnotvideos]

Love your videos. You mentioned replacing the radio with an iPad. I searched for 'head unit', 'tablet', 'radio' and 'iPad' but don't see anything else about how to do this replacement. Did I miss something? Or was it more of a mention on another video? I'd love to see how you did this.

[@HumbleRoad]

Van 01 had a radio delete. Nothing in the dash. I fashioned an iPad mount which works as a gravity and pressure fit. No holes, nor damage to the dash. Then I connected a USD ODB transmitter. Now all van chassis info is live on the iPad. Oh and the iPad is the cellular version.

[@Man0f5cience]

A year later - are you still happy with the Makita LC1230 for 80/20 aluminum? If so - What blade are you using on it? Thanks for your awesome videos!

[@HumbleRoad]

Yes I am!

[@VagabondMango]

I heard just the opposite about Espar. I heard webasto was impossible to get a hold of. Good to know cuz we are deciding which one to get. Also trying to figure a great way to do a mini split. But I didn’t know webasto did an AC? We have 1005watts solar on our ProMaster but our battery bank is only 340 ah lithium. So is there a better way than a mini split ac?

[@HumbleRoad]

Depending on the wiring, I recommend increasing your battery bank. BMS plays a big role in doling out power and keeping batteries in line.

[@VagabondMango]

Humble Road yep we will be doing a slow build as hubby works days. He’s an electrical engineer so that helps. He’s ordered so much stuff for the system and we will be slowly adding the 170ah batteries to the mix. (Waiting for the big Christmas bonus to get a few more batteries). But we are looking for an efficient AC and I’m loving the horizontal AC split by Webasto. Wonder if it will fit under our ProMaster. It’s a new 2018 (we got it in 2018 and haven’t driven it hardly at all) it has less than 500 miles on it. Lol. We drive it up the street to Home Depot for plywood lol. Hope we can get a basement type AC split that fits under there.

[@kurt2522]

A high quality mitre saw with a good quality framing blade is going to give you the best cut on aluminum possible.

[@nathalieadams]

Seeing you grow Goerge is one of the best parts of watching your videos 😊. You are amazing, inventive and of course very funny🙂. Hopefully that fridge will come out soon 😂.