Things I Want to Change About my Van

@wyldflower._.art won the Hand Stitched Hat Giveaway 🤗♥️
Hey guys! Here's some things I want to change about my van. I've been wanting to get in my van and clean out and update things for so long! I thought it would be a good opportunity to give you guys insight into the little things that would improve my van life and hopefully help you out with some things you might not consider when initially building your van 🤗
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💁🏼‍♀️FAQ💁🏼‍♀️
What kind of van do you have/how much did it cost/how many miles did it have on it when you bought it?
My van is a 2001 Ford Econoline E250 that I found via Craigslist, I bought it with 67k miles on it - it was listed for $3000, but I got them down to $2400.
My Van Build: bit.ly/2x3bv3M
My Van Build Cost: bit.ly/32SzUXF
Van Life Playlist: bit.ly/2D5CT4c
What sewing machine do you use? amzn.to/2EigFwH
What are you filming on? iPhone 11 Pro
How do you make money? I sell clothes on Depop (link above), and get ad revenue from KZbin! I also have a video on ways I've made money in the past; bit.ly/3d1451P

[@MissCarlyita]

Tell me why I expected you to say "My name is Hannah... and this is my vannah..." at the beginning.

[@LethallyReptarded]

Carlyita that would have made my day 😂😂😂

[@_just_looking_thank_you]

@1:47: How refreshing: A content creator who opts to not use a clickbait title. Not two minutes in and you’ve got me clicking the Follow button.👏😉

[@hannahleeduggan]

Aww I’m glad to hear it’s appreciated! I just have such a hard time feeling good about clickbait. Not everything needs to be a huge drama, and I think I’d prefer viewers who feel that way too ♥️

[@katecarter4958]

When you pulled out your AirPods I thought it was floss and I was thinking, “wow she really loves her floss” 😂😂

[@hannahleeduggan]

Ahahaha it’s a lot funnier when you watch it that way 😂😂

[@johnwayne4072]

I thought it was floss too. Hannah's favorite past time,... flossing in her van... LMBO

[@Alicealexandra4]

If you paint it you should do like a sage color. Might have been your shirt that made me think that, but I think it could look really pretty if it was the right shade.

[@hannahleeduggan]

OoooOohh i like that idea 🤔🤔 def keeping that in mind

[@ScottTurnerformeindustrious]

It's probably been mentioned, rub a candle on your drawer runner contact surfaces. The wax will make a huge difference and it's so easy. Good luck.

[@_just_looking_thank_you]

Scott Turner, it’s a bit more time consuming, but paste wax* is amazingly effective and long lasting. (*the kind meant for finishing wood, not cars)

[@rb2whrider9836]

Tape that’s used to slide heavy drawers on, attach surface drawers slide against. Woodcraft, Lowe’s. Suggest next time under van use cardboard to slide and smother for back less dirt!

[@donnawohlgemuthcruz4074]

Walter is getting a makeover😊 Luv the swivel seat idea! Don’t Think there is anything you could put under the seat for storage and have a swivel seat too. Have you thought about getting a small three drawer storage at Walmart or target. Or Amazon. They are small enough to sit on the floor in front of the front seat and can easily be moved if you have a passenger. They are made out of the same material as storage bins. I’m a bit of an organizational nut and these are perfect for my art supplies when traveling in my van. I like using it because I can pick it up and put it next to my chair and table when I’m painting outside.

[@mobilehomelife4028]

As far as the color you mentioned on the outside, I like the idea of something that blends in with nature or is subdued to not draw so much attention to it.

[@Tracy-zj4sr]

Not being able to stand up in the van would be a deal breaker for me.

[@LulabellaDonna]

Excellent analysis. Too many people think doing this is negative. I think it is a strength to improve, and help others to improve or change things for the better. Thank you so much I am in the beginning process of finding my van.

[@ih8tusernam3s]

If you need tools and a place to work, you may have a 'makers space' near you. Our local community college has one, it's amazing, there's woodworking tools, metal-working, electronics etc.

[@genevievesmith5277]

Absolutely loved this video! I just bought a 2011 Ford Econoline and I’m in love with your build!! Can’t wait to build my van, thanks for the tips!

[@madtownangler]

A chair and a pink van are my suggestions. Then you can use your counter space and your van will be different colored than the rest of them.

[@bmushler]

For your drawer slides. Give a "Old Cabinet Builders" secret a try. Pull the drawers out and on the bottom wherever they make contact with the cabinets rub candle wax on the drawer and the cabinet. Try this on the sides as well. You willnha e to do this more than once as the wax will wear and be absorbed by the wood but they will ide much easier as well as be quieter.

[@sharonbell8895]

Hannah I love your personality and industrious spirit... a thinker and a doer ,,,the inspiration you give reins supreme ..I love your wholesomely whimsical fragility . A pioneering soul embarking on a quest of simple appreciation for nature and all that is around us God bless you !

[@quinncaddel1123]

I'm pretty new to your channel but your videos are really comforting to put on in the background while I work on my own projects so thank you for that! I also never realized I wanted to have a van to travel in before so thank you for that as well.

[@hannahleeduggan]

Awww! I love that 😊 and having a van is so nice! It’s a traveling home! Never have to pay for hotels, can always go wherever you want at the drop of a hat, AND you can always have a more permanent home and just use it to do short travel!

[@motherdaughter7185]

Looking forward to seeing the changes 💕

[@MySonsMother]

Any time now you’ll reach 100k. Congrats! I’ve been along for most of that journey.

[@adixranch2023]

I love, LOVE, your inspiration! Your cabin is amazing and I absolutely love Walter van ideas!!!❤️♥️❤️

[@fernandochavez6449]

You're so adorable, love watching your journey. Subscribed just because your set up is so adorable, I'm a kinda big guy, so it's nice watching your accommodations. Warming. Fortunate who these arrangements can be for, stay safe out there.

[@littlekeziah]

Mannnn your videos are so aesthetic, even just the intro

[@0HARE]

Thanks for another lovely episode. I think you’re on to some great ideas here. Best Of Luck

[@joeframer9642]

Listen, google “ RB Components “ what you need is a 58” rear , dinette/ bed set up..makes into a bed, two couches, dinette, half couch, or wide open. Storage underneath..fits in your low roof van. I have a folding sofa in my low roof transit work van...it’s a perfect setup,for sleeping, working, eating, or get a sofa sleeper ..sofa for daytime , bed for sleeping. Mounts on one wall . Use the other wall for a entire wall of storage ...great system...love the channel 👍🇺🇸

[@SharonCullenArt]

being able to stand up is nice!

[@allisonsherman7231]

Hannah! Almost 100k 🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌 Party time🎉🎉🎉

[@rawganic5183]

Love your presence Hannah! Keep being you :) We love you and your inspiring videos :) Sending good vibes from Australia :)

[@xvsj-s2x]

I like your touches to “Walter” looks cozy 🌸👍 My best

[@MyWayofEverything]

swivel base for your seat is supposedly super easy. I've seen people posting about it all the time on FB groups.

[@mariakalle9881]

You seem so kind❤️ I recently found you because I love van videos

[@meylinandbaraa]

Loved watching your video! :) Just like you it's hard to really say you "hate" things about your van because in the end your van is your abode and it was a labor of love! After living in our van for 9 months we also found some things we'd change or wish we'd do differently, but given the time constraints we had we had to make do. We are currently tweaking some of those "hated features" and given our van a little remodel since we have more TIME at the moment haha :)

[@MySonsMother]

I have an e-150. I bought my swivel base thru a forum group buy on the sportsmobile website for a little over $200 and has it installed in a shop so that it is safe. Search the forum for e-150 swivel base. You must remove the old base first or it will be too tall. Forget about a drawer underneath. You can’t have both. Having a swivel opens up the space and created a larger living area. While driving you always have it locked facing forward.

[@rman8028]

There's a KZbinr out of Vancouver BC who did a video where he replaced his passenger side seat base with a swivel base. It turned out awesome. He couldn't put a storage compartment under, but he loves the extra room. I think his channel is Vanlife? Hope you find it and get Walter some swivel action.

[@kcleung888]

Your Van setup is Awesome !! It looks like a small cute bedroom!!

[@editlab4222]

hey Hannah! thank you so much for making videos. This year my plans to travel from Australia to the the US were cancelled and I'm thinking about buying and converting a van in the meantime. Your van and life is a literal dream and I am inspired by you so much. Hope you have a good week :)

[@meylinandbaraa]

buying a van and living in it fulltime was one of the best decisions we made! It has given us so much financial freedom and exciting trips to look forward to. I hope you make the leap :) ✨

[@ferrisland3504]

I've implemented different habits that I plan on sticking to even after quarantine. They've allowed me so much peace in my life.

[@normstod]

Northern tool has a swivel base for your passenger seat.

[@mollyj5035]

Thank you for your vids,! Myself and my boyfriend converted a 2008 ford transit (british van) end of last year and boy what a turbulent journey that was! definitely things i would tweak but hey well get to that, maybe. You have a lovely way about you!

[@mobilehomelife4028]

Just found your channel, these are the types of videos I look for. A van was actually my first choice but, the short us I found I could not pass up to it is almost a van. I am still in the build process so these type of videos give me ideas on what I might be able to change ahead of time as I build it out.

[@MeluzHann]

The abundant mindset

[@ninemorin6408]

i don't really know how to mount a swivel thingy on your chair but my grandpa has a van and he made himself a table that you can pull out from under the van and it serves as a dinning table that you can eat on outside of your van and its pretty easy to make

[@rinsercal]

Funny that you began talking about a drawer beneath the passenger seat. I have a Chevrolet Express and have decided to build a shower drawer beneath my passenger seat. Weld together angle iron and make it to size to bolt into the existing seat bolts. Then bolt the seat to the top of the iron structure. My drawer will extend into the center area between the seats.

[@kjw1886]

Love the hat , keep on keeping on . Love the video .

[@Jim-bu6si]

Hannah you could wax your drawers with a paste wax and that might take care of your binding situation. You are correct on sealing your cabinet doors to protect them from moisture. If you ever decide to rebuild them 1/2 " Baltic birch would be a good alternative for a cabinet door. The product I use for sealing wood around wet areas is called Waterlox. Kind of spendy, but it seems to work well on my wood bathroom counter top. Good luck on your projects!

[@michaelhare6489]

Saw this a few weeks ago, read your bio and have spent some time (that’s all I have with shelter in place) watching earlier episodes. With a snap shot of the last 3 years I’m fascinated. As my “baby” is 4 years your senior I have a perspective at least. The Hannah and her sisters(s) episodes are fun to watch. I had planned to move closer to my 2 daughters in June but now is not the time. Hope things get much better soon enough. If I can I’d get a camper van and try to spend time in parkland near Colorado. Your “what I can do without” style is helpful. It’s not easy to be sure of you eye color on KZbin. I hope it’s green if you are as Irish as you surname. Best wishes for the new POOSSLQ lifestyle.

[@Nihal-wx3th]

So much fun seeing you figuring things out along the way 🤗 PS how do you style your bangs ?

[@dueyneau6699]

Love your van home ! I do truck camping during the summer. And seems like it's really roughing it and not comfortable at all. You look so at ease with your lifestyle. May have to incorporate some of your ideas to make this whole thing more fun ! Keep up with your informative vids.

[@olimpiart]

Great videoooo!!❤️

[@robotfart]

Very rad! Keep it up!

[@DavidHuffTexas]

Walter's not creepy, he's a white work truck. He's *stealth* (that's one of the #vanlife goals, yes ? 😁)

[@robsierra516]

Hi, you could try candle wax for the drawers. It will slide easier

[@oldmanjimh3165]

The tri-fold sounds like a good idea.

[@jenniferowen2801]

I wouldn't do contact paper against itself. It could get gummy (dust and humidity) or ripped and make it even harder to move. Contract paper and felt would work though.

[@susanma4899]

Agree that contact paper would get ripped. I'm imaging rails of some sort--like metal or fiberglass that you can screw on the bottom of the drawer. Also, to divide up the drawer--you could just use packing cubes. Or, I thrifted some dividers that are meant to be used in kitchen drawers. They're bamboo and are spring loaded on the ends. The only issue is that they are only about 3 inches high, and my bedroom drawers are much deeper than that. So I stuck them in there about halfway down, if that makes sense. As long as the items can't slide under the divider, it works.

[@whitnye]

Hey Hannah, I am just about to wrap up my van build on my 2007 Econoline, I knew from the beginning that I was going to need somewhere to sit as soon as I got in the van and be able to sit up straight, so I bought a little ottoman from Ross, the seat lifts up and there is storage inside, it’s been a life saver for my sore back- crouching gets old real quick. Anyway, my kitchen is about the same height as yours and I’m the perfect height to use my kitchen counter as a desk or to chop veggies when I sit on it, might be a cheap fix + an idea for extra storage!

[@robertgibson4808]

I know this is one of your old post, so if you haven’t fixed your van seat yet. Keep makes numerous metal boxes for under seats, they lock also. Swivels can be found where they sell boat seat products. Adapt and overcome is what they say be sure to build that seat lock.

[@nejdro1]

1. Coat your doors and drawer fronts with a Spar Urethane varnish. It is available as either an oil base or water based. WB is faster with less smell. A matte finish is available so your wood doesn't end up looking "plasticky". Spar varnishes are more elastic and will allow the wood to move without breaking the varnish film. 2. There is a teflon tape available at woodworking stores that is intended for the glide surfaces of drawers. You will have slick teflon rather than wood on wood. Also, small rollers might be a solution too. 3. As to extending the cold weather camping season: I had a remote starter on my van so that I could start the van without getting out of bed. Makes getting out of bed a lot easier when every thing is already toasty warm. Remote starters usually also have a feature that turns of the van after 20 minutes. this might me nice if it really got cold in the middle of the night. BTW, I am a new male subscriber, 77 years old who had a camping van for 16 years. I enjoy your van experiences, but I really watch them because you're so damn cute! :) That Mav is a lucky guy!

[@aquietwild]

We have the same trifold mattresses and love them. For the swivel base I think they are rated for safety so if you DIY I don’t know about carrying passengers. FYI changing the colour from white has a huge effect on how hot the van gets in the sun.

[@SuperDrummerJay]

It would be tough to have the seat as storage and on a swivel. Many RV companies make swivel bases for captain's chairs to do just what you described. You might even be able to find one in a salvage yard. The drawback, is that the swivel base is a pedestal mount, which takes up all the space underneath the seat. Someone who is good with a welder, or a metal fabrication shop could probably make you a swivel mount on top of a shallow box or drawer, but it would be a completely one-off custom build, and likely pretty expensive. If you look at the website for Sportsmobile, they specialize in Ford E series RV parts and builds. That can give you a good idea what others are doing, and some possible thoughts to help you. Having a high top van is definitely a nice extra. I had a 91 Chevy G25 conversion with a high top, and it was awesome.

[@richardgray1730]

For the drawer i would try using "Swivel Round Ball Caster Transfer Ball Bearing Roller Wheel". It a 1/2" ball bearing you can mount to the bottom of the drawer.

[@ryanwahlstrom7579]

The swivel seat brackets can be found in junkyards. I do rememeber some older "conversion"vans had the swivel seat for the passenger. But ebay would be a good place to get one aswell. Love the vids.

[@nossrednAailuJ]

Idk if someone has mentioned it before, probably, but just in case. It's good to air out the mattress once in a while. Mold can easily grow on the mattress and in the wooden bottom if the wood doesn't have ventilation holes. Looking forward to see more van vids 😄✌️

[@sunkxsses3374]

Hiii!! I love all your vids and you’re so beautiful

[@sadeclay5361]

So want to build a van.. just built a house though so I've got to rebuild my funds. Hopefully, I can use my home once it's paid off for passive income.

[@johnelliott5923]

Hi Hanna and Walter hope your staying safe and healthy love yas!

[@bellam7128]

to tackle the too big of a bed and needing more storage under the passenger seat situations, i would get the trifold mattress u mentioned so it can be a couch for more of a dining seat hangout experience then a bed when u sleep. and for the passenger seat i would just build a big storage box, put a cushion on it and some kind of back rest (could also be a tall storage box with a cushion possibly attached w velcro) and find an old seatbelt to install on it for passengers🤷🏻‍♂️dunno if it’s exactly legal but i think it’s a good idea since u want to be able to still have a passenger instead of just making that whole spot a closet for the clothes u sell !

[@amberalford95]

Girl your bangs are so cute you did so good! Haha

[@harriettholmes539]

So far it seems like Hannah is good in all things she set in her mind to do. She's blessed in many areas even her singing voice. To be so young and gifted is truly a blessing. And Hannah is so brave in the things she does and take part in. I love watching her channel.😊

[@menonsans]

About the front seat and storage - I think these swivel seats have a bit of storage under them, so much so that people end up putting their heaters under it or make a shoe rack About the colour, I'm suggesting the colours - Gray, (a lighter shade of) Olive Green - to your list of considered colours

[@riggedbyrachel8390]

Omg I adore you !

[@davidmurling4252]

The swivel base usually raises the height of the seat so you could buy something to use as a foot stool when sitting in the seat that can double as storage. They sell them at Walmart. It's a thought.

[@vegarddlmo2298]

Loved it as usual,looking forward to your vids every single week!...will be exiting to see what you do to your van,you are simply amazingly creative..Thank you for all your vids where you create such good calming vibes

[@kizzymulcaster6057]

Watching from England. Your going to be a huge success love how your videos are so genuine showing the highs the lows and the advise and inspiration is exemplary. Where did you learn all your DIY skills? For a young lady your very self sufficient.

[@andrewcamoscio2379]

Hannah, regarding under the passenger seat storage, on eBay there are aluminum plate boxes you can find sold as, “airline galley boxes”. If you do find a suitable swivel locking mechanism from another chair You could mount it to these boxes commonly found on eBay.

[@brendenboeglin5517]

The RV dealership will have the base for the swivel seat and also have a base for a table it'll be a small table just slide right in to the floor.

[@jimc5624]

They have swivel mounts to buy to make it dot approved (safe) but around 300 bucks really wouldn't change the height the drawer I would put some small rollers on it for moving if it touches the floor and maybe figure out a box that can go between the seats while driving then store on drivers seat when parked then while driving you have a another spot to put stuff. Not sure of bed size or how firm you like your mattress but the do make a 4 inch memory foam up to king size on Amazon

[@rogerbonilla1951]

Thank you for sharing, Life is good, YET LOVE IS BETTER FOR WITHOUT LOVE LIFE HAS NO MEANING. ALL MY LOVE💙💜❤️

[@TannyOHaley]

For old cabinets that don't have runners least rub the bottom side of the drawers with a candle. It makes them slide easier.

[@TerriLynch]

Well I need you to come redo my van lol. Yours has alot more space utilization than mine. ❤️

[@franklealand1181]

The draws under your bed that are tight ,pull them out and rub scandal wax all over the outside of the draw including the bottom,put them back in then pull them in and out a few times .Sorted

[@sarahpearlemily]

I think Walt would look cute in a nice sage green!

[@loreencarrabello2362]

Get a futon mattress that is meant to make into a couch or a sleeping mattress. It may give you 3-4” for head room.

[@yaronyehudai2117]

Hi I’m a new subscriber love your videos I was looking for a plate to make my passenger seat swivel for a Chevy Express and they are less than 100$ so I’m sure you can find one as well. I’ll not change the bed to a sofa bed just because of the effort to make the bed open and close on daily basis. But you can get like a flat luggage rack for a trailer hitch get one that can be folded. Build a little deck to seat on it and than you can get a folding chair to seat on your balcony. And this balcony can serve you as a shower as well you just need to put a shower curtain to attached the back doors and you got a shower that you can stand in. Good Luck.

[@billfields9716]

I have a 2005 Ford Econoline E450 it has the bigger motor but the interior is exactly the same and they sell swivel kit specifically for this van mine happens to be in an RV but it's still the same front end and your interior is identical to mine and I am looking to get that swivel kit as well I don't know what that does for the space underneath but it certainly makes it another seat to sit in when you're in chill mode and you can still turn it around while you're driving if you have a passenger and it's a bolt on kit so you just have to have somebody that has a toolbox in about an hour to spend and you can hook it up anyway Hannah I love your Channel stay safe! :-)

[@LeslieStroz]

I love the happy & creative aesthetic of Walter and all of your home projects. Your previous apartment, your current one... it’s always motivating to watch your creations! Cry me a river of happy tears!! @lesliestroz

[@runionbryan]

Hi Hannah. Re: your draw issue. You can also buy a wax clay that you rub on the bottom of the drawer frame and whatever it is sliding on and it will slide much easier without having to purchase the hardware, unless you just really want the hardware.

[@runionbryan]

www.lowes.com/pd/Minwax-Furniture-Wax/999913689

[@lesleykurdi873]

I really do like your bed cover. 👌🛏️👌

[@simplysophisticated6942]

You are a beautiful girl and such a sweetheart. There’s an innocence about you that is just really refreshing. Love your videos!

[@darrelkopsa7143]

You definitely built some heavy duty drawers and cabinets! Problem is the headspace is dependent on the floorspace. If you could find an identical van, you could add a second story!

[@miksmith9757]

When people install van heaters they normally go under the passenger seat, so in terms of safety/legality, a similar-sized box/drawer should be fine.

[@tyfires723]

Love the videos 😀👍

[@LehgIII]

I think that for the wood danish oil will work well, but no experience here.

[@angelinasouren]

I miss your plants. You too? :-) Don't put too many compartments in, Hannah. Right now, if you have three things that take up the space of two compartments, they fit, but they won't any longer once you put compartments in. Also, compartments may force you to pull out the drawers all the way much more often than now. Not sure about the contact paper (which I had to look up to find out what it is), whether that would help much. Is it sanded wood on the bottom of the drawer sliding on the smooth wooden floor right now? I'll have a think. (Does anyone have a good idea whether felt would slide well? Would it reduce the friction? Ideally, you'd need a layer of tiny and sturdy rolling balls under the drawer, but nothing comes to mind - yet - that would approach that.) Re storage for the clothes: I can't see what the top of the cab looks like, but lots of people have created storage room there. Above the seats. Might work. I am not gonna cry you a river, as I shut down all my Facebook-owned media some time ago. So no WhatsApp, Instagram and FB for me any longer. And nobody's on Telegram. Poor me. Now I am all alone. Anyway, I have a bunch of black caps, a grey one and I also have an outback/cowboy hat, recently adorned with a cool matching scarf (same tan color in the scarf, as if I had planned it that way when I ordered the scarf) so I am okay in the hats and caps department anyway.

[@dannskopp8957]

Wow , this is cool, you're cool !!

[@oldmanjimh3165]

Thin nylon strips will ,make the drawers slide easy.

[@82crazyjames]

Keep up the vlogs ur awesome Hannah your keeping me focused on my dream of traveling around and discovering America thanks again. 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍😎😎😎😎😎😎😎

[@hannahleeduggan]

Glad to hear it! Makes me so happy to know other people are excited to get out and explore too!

[@wildlivi_wildwoman]

Love Walter!

[@aprilphillips5419]

Build a small box in between the seats with a drawer.

[@FloralFidelity]

omg i thought your thumbnail said "covid use some more space" this pandemic has fried my brain!!

[@marissanufer7313]

You should put felt on the bottom of that drawer to get it to slide easier

[@jerseycowboy1]

Maybe you could just buy a plastic swivel chair like they use on a fishing boat, then put a wood box under it. The van seat will be to tall with a box under it. You might could get a nice boat swivel chair as well then a cheap one if you choose.

[@farmpuzzle2087]

Glass trailer garden would be sweet for emergency food. Prepare.

[@loreencarrabello2362]

Your clothes you sell are very nice!!

[@nefarioushan2394]

"things i hate about my van', i couldn't do it to Walter" Hannah is worried about hurting a car's feelings, bless her.