Things I Would Do Differently If I Built Another Van

[@andrewillustrated]

I put a lot of love into this one. Hope you get something of use from it. See a tour of the van here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/noKnin6hlNOtqc0

[@sasakabisa6846]

Thank you for sharing, very helpful!

[@MarkWarren-com]

Would those front seat swivels make the cut for the next, hypothetical van build?

[@andrewillustrated]

@@MarkWarren-com absolutely, I'd put the swivel in again, AND the lowered seat base to keep them at standard ride height (which I only added after driving with it raised from the swivel for a year, having to duck down a little while driving)

[@d37tae]

"if there is a propane leak you will smell it" assumes that the propane is not leaking into a cupboard below the stove, which then can combust. It is also recommended to drive with your propane closed. I agree. But if you open it, and start cooking, that can mean that there is only a few minutes for the newly created leak to fill up the cupboard before it explodes. Ask me how I know. I was heavily leaning towards a no-propane build, but ended up with a propane based system due to cost and ease. One explosion and a some burns and scars later, I plan to be induction and diesel only in the next build. To be fair, this is all after about 50,000 miles with plenty of those miles off-road. Even if we had done a propane-leak test, I am pretty sure we would have never found this leak, as it happened on week-4 of a 6-week as-much-off-road-as-possible trip, and we believe it happened when off-roading that morning. Yes, we also had a propane leak detector, mounted on the floor. But none in the cupboard where the line started leaking. To have been 100% sure that absolutely any leak would have been found before an explosion, we would have needed a minimum of 3x propane detectors installed along the full propane line path (cupboard, heater, floor). This is all not to say that nobody should use propane. I still think it is the best fit for most people, just be careful as an influencer when you say "if there is a propane leak you will smell it". I know what you mean, but I don't think that it is good to downplay safety in the eyes of people who don't know much about this subject and are impressionable. I greatly appreciate all of your other tips. It is great to hear the opinions and advice of people with much different setups than what we have experience with. Thanks for the super helpful video in that regard!

[@maryannscanlon8655]

I agree on the shower. We have one in our trailer and honestly we rarely use it. It’s great for storage.

[@TJDawgs72]

Showers take up so much space and water…getting a 24 Hour Fitness membership and simple sponge baths are much more sensible alternatives. Also putting as much manual options instead of electric would be a good idea…don’t think folks realize how much electric you use up to power lights, water pumps/heaters, fridges and other various things.

[@rubikmonat6589]

Really depends on the location. Shower is essential in Australia where it's hot, dusty and 2000km to the nearest gym, hell, it's sometimes 400km between gas stations. We carry 40 litres of emergency water in separate containers on top of everything we plan to use. I have a hand pump to pull water manually from the main tank in case of electric pump fault.

[@DrBlazer50]

I installed 2 different mounts for my lagun table... Less than 6 months later I took out my Lagun table and have never put it back in my van. Now it's 2 years later and I still have 2 Lagun table mounts that just sit there and never get used hahaha

[@TheMostDangerousWayPossible]

I agree with bed lengthwise, im currently finishing an elevator bed build in my sprinter.

[@TheMostDangerousWayPossible]

id be happy to share some pics with you if you'd like.

[@XArthieX]

Great insights! Thanks for sharing! Having a good air quality sensor is a must, especially when you cook with propane. It can literally save your life!

[@andrewillustrated]

Absolutely. Thanks for watching. Thanks for sharing your thoughts 🙏🙏

[@lesliehunter1823]

I concur. I have reached the exact same conclusion on every one of these issues.

[@amyschiappapietra]

Great Video! Informative and entertaining.

[@andrewillustrated]

Thanks Amy!

[@ItsAriB90]

You should check out Self Built Stories, they made an awesome sliding bed. That’s what I did in my van as well and I made it 6ft while open and 3ft when closed. The work/sitting area will go underneath so when the bed is close one or two people can work or if one wants to work and the other sleep, it’s totally doable. I so far love my bed.

[@wanderingzythophile9083]

C-head toilet - I have one too! It's great. Yeah it's sad they cratered. I believe the owner sold to someone else who then somehow managed to utterly destroy the company. :( On the north-south bed issue: the way I got around it is to have the whole bed platform on tracks, essentially, and the rear third is hinged and connected to levers, so I can pull the front end out and the rear section drops down for sleeping, push on the front end and the rear third rises up to form "couch mode". Built it around the dimensions of a full-size mattress (54"x75") and this setup saves me a foot and a half of space dedicated to the bed platform. It also allows for a completely open garage space for bikes/etc.

[@PhilippinesFarmLife]

A high quality Inflatable Bed with the honeycomb interior support columns is comfortable as a $1,000 mattress. Auto inflates in 3 minutes and stowes away easily. This frees up 30 sq. Ft or more. I have the type that is 19"+ from the floor just like a regular bed. Affordable at less than $150.

[@treepop1550]

Good, practical and well explained advice !! Thanks !

[@andrewillustrated]

No, thank YOU!

[@improvagility5516]

Van Life Outfitters sells a 26 gal gray water tank that’s customized for the Promaster.

[@cintiapollock2486]

oh wow awesome great info!

[@dirtrider9268]

The bed idea is a game changer! (sorry we have heard that phrase enough). But much of this build is for city dwellers who eat out often, with a gym facility nearby for hygiene. Does the larger water tank reconcile now? Also why build a bus for those same needs? We can't easily park a bus in a city. I luv this content though cause it gets people thinking. Keep up the good work.

[@rattlecat5968]

Good info! Currently, I am making my plans to buy a van, straddling between a Ram ProMaster, 159 WB and a Chevy Express, medium roof, cargo van (without side windows.) I, like you, only *WISH* Honda and Toyota offered vans in the USA. I bet the minute I drive off in my selected van, Honda and Toyota will offer vans of their own! 🤦 I have read so many complaints about the ProMaster, the higher expenses of replacement parts, the relatively lower reliability and sub-par craftsmanship. But, I am still drawn to them because of their straight sides. I won't have a shower, or even toilet though. Too many othet options for taking care of business while on the road! Thank you for your video and perspectives on what you'd do/not do if you built another! I 'd rather learn from others' mistakes than make the same ones myself!

[@FatCrashTestDummy]

Fantastic video, full of great information. Well presented and enjoyable 👍

[@andrewillustrated]

Hey, thank you SO MUCH. That is very encouraging 🙏🙏

[@lindac446]

How about a drop down desktop ,(like a murphy bed) with locking desk drawers and divided for one laptop or two)

[@andrewillustrated]

Love that idea

[@mart7404]

All good points. I luckily placed my bed lengthwise because I could not fold myself perpendicular as some can. Smooth sailing wherever you are headed.

[@jamblpaints8453]

The fridge I have is a vitrifrigo c42L. I don't know if it would be big enough for you but I got it because it has an external compressor unit which makes it slimmer but also means you can change the positioning of it and build some kind of unit around it to minimise noise

[@ricksmith7631]

Love it. As someone doing van build 2.0 this was defiantly useful to consider. I'm working with the old style econoline or express vans with lifted tops- i so need the headroom. I'm a part time camper, not ready for full time like you are but you have me some ideas and the biggest being the bed, a crappy nights sleep is hard to take during the day. Shower thing, im 100% on board with that, the toilet is gonna need some work though. I have a good 12 volt fridge and keeping it from the sleeping area is a good ide, i noticed mine made alot of weird sounds. i do need a work space and on occasion a space for two, thats taken care of with the pull out table from under the bed. I am on the fence about the ac, what to do? if i can find shore power hookups then a roof ac unit is happening, i have a good maxxfan but i know its not gonna do the job some days. im still trying to figure out the heating, do i go with a chinese diesel heater or a decent propane heater. anyhow tis was a good video and just brought some parameters i hadnt considered. need to check out some more of your vids to get much needed inspration, thanks.

[@SeaofSightstoSee]

Niiiice teddy fresh!!! great vid keep it up, proud of you!

[@andrewillustrated]

haha YES! My fellow foot soldier, thank you for being here, with peace and love

[@kareljansen3992]

Thanks bro, goooood video!

[@andrewillustrated]

Thank YOU!! 🙏🙏

[@auntbeck9447]

The king size bed idea is so great! One bonus is you aren’t crawling over your partner in the middle of the night!

[@andrewillustrated]

Good point! YES, it is a THING haha

[@LaureReminick]

Thanks! I will look for the ceramic tinting. I opted to put very few windows in, because they are just a heat-sink. But for the front, that will be very good. Also, the offset lighting is a good idea. thanks

[@andrewillustrated]

Yes! I'm glad I can spread word of that. I came across it by accident and i hope more vanlifers know its an option. Thanks for watching, Laure 🙏🙏

[@ardnfast]

2:41 "Oh, younger Andrew, if I could only show you what I know now..." 😅

[@kareljansen3992]

It's so weird for me that your talking about a diesel certified mechanic, hahaha. In the Netherlands we just learn it all in most shops.

[@andrewillustrated]

That's great

[@kensoutham6828]

Yup, definitely not a lagune table mount! and diffused lighting. I agree with these two items. Going to be reno soon for both these items. Everything else I’m fine with after 4 years out with my build.

[@turkeyphant]

Well how do you do diffused lighting for the making living lighting?

[@kensoutham6828]

@ I haven’t figured that out yet, but I also find the ceiling lights too bright. I do have under cabinet lights and a couple of reading lights that create diffused lighting but I need something at ceiling level.

[@turkeyphant]

@@kensoutham6828 can't you just use a dimmer?

[@kensoutham6828]

@ RV Dimmer does not dim LED lights enough, same issue mentioned in the video.

[@turkeyphant]

@kensoutham6828 how much do you think it dims the. In terms of %? And have you tested how much less power it uses?

[@lydiaperelman8524]

Thank you so much for all the info 😊 It is useful 👍🏽

[@andrewillustrated]

🙏 Thanks for watching! 🙏

[@betsybarnhart2426]

Your tips for van build are practical and very helpful!

[@andrewillustrated]

Thank yooouuu!

[@pumpkin4539]

FINALLY!!! Someone who sees the advantage of a gas engine and a manufacturer who has service centers within reasonable distance of where I am! Although my vehicle of choice would be a Ford, I immediately leave a Mercedes van with it's proprietary service regime and its relatively few service options.

[@andrewillustrated]

I think if I was a richer person I might find those Mercedes costs negligible, worth it for the expectation of quality control. And worth it for the security of certified repairmen. But I'm not lol. Good for them. But for me the promaster did seem like a pretty simple decision. The fridge was a harder decision than the van lol!

[@pumpkin4539]

@@andrewillustrated Neither am I but the convenience of having a dealership or even a small mom & pop repair shop who can make a quick fix is very appealing to me. Mercedes is so proprietary that that option isn't available if I am in Hoboken, NJ or Merritt, MI

[@spdaltid]

Great choice in the USA. Not so great most elsewhere unfortunately due to the fuel cost and vehicle choices. I'm going to have to go a 4wd Toyota. Which is no bad thing.

[@rixanneh18]

Loved your video and appreciate the bonus. First time watching, liked, subbed, will binge. :) I have a Dodge Ram Van Wagon 1500 as old as its last mechanic, and I love it too.

[@spdaltid]

Right on my next target build. No shower [agreed!], but still a Huge water tank? That's around 400 pounds dead weight you're dragging around, I'd reduce the volume for space n weight $avings. I'd keep the gray water tank. But, I'll be getting a diesel - a no-brainer for where I live.

[@CarrieMtn]

I agree with many points. Lagun table yuck! I’m in the process of changing my bench into a two person dinette (see the Solis 36a floor plan. It’s perfect!) C-head. It had been on my list to buy before Covid- and I put it off. Now I’m sad to say that ship has sailed forever. It was a great plan! And of course the Promaster. I like the shape of the hood as well -vs ford- and the extra width. I do wish it had rear wheel drive since so much of my weight is in the caboose!Thanks for the video. I want to follow up on your air conditioner and your ceramic windows!

[@andrewillustrated]

I have trouble expaining to non vanlifers why i love a toilet lol. One downside that just came to me about the ceramic tint, if one were to apply it to the windshield specifically, and got a crack, they'd have to pay for the window and the tint again, which, if someone does a ton of road miles and gets frequent rocks causing cracks it could get expensive. Just something to keep in mind that I forgot to tag on. Thanks for watchin, Carrie! 🙏🙏

[@CarrieMtn]

@ c head qualities 1) easily replaceable urine container 2) can visually determine when urine bucket is full 3) can easily be adapted to use an old black tank for urine. 4) agitator is on the top vs the side. Vans already have so little room- why waste 3” on the side for your turning handle. 5) wasn’t outrageously expensive - 6) used common replaceable parts. So no I’ve got a bucke- but might go with the simplicity of the Trevino. Thanks for letting me share my admiration for your toilet 🙃

[@Mymail-z1x]

That's a good video. Auto engineers said the propane tank should be installed at the same level as diesel tank or higher.

[@windsweptwhimsy]

I love my Lagun tables! I think too many people use too large of a table top on it.

[@familyschlegel9524]

Love your video and your experience. My family is getting ready to DIY and every detail is a point of conversation. Where did you find the king bed / dinette video?

[@wuffa4503]

i agree 100% with having a roomy comfortable bed,,,,if sleep is not rejuvenating the rest of life suffers,,,,,i am 5'11" and if i cannot fully stretch out in bed im not sleeping soundly.But i disagree on the shower,,,the LAST thing i want to have to do is have to drive to find a public shower.BUT you admitted if you had a next build,,it would likely be a bigger vehicle,,,,,which easily would accomodate a larger bed space,larger fresh water tank and a shower!!!!!!

[@nwlady1844]

thank you....

[@Ms.Frankenbuilder]

Agree about the lagune, tightened mine and it's tolerable now. Have it in the trailer, won't use it in he van build. Good video, thanks for the tips. New sub.

[@andrewillustrated]

Totally. It's almost always on fully tight now. First arm angle is fine but where the desktop piece attaches to the arm is where it wobbles and goes unlevel. Thanks for following and watching. I'm just starting out and it's really encouraging

[@zer0nix]

Dumb question maybe but couldn't you just add a some foldable legs for stability?

[@rachelkelly7117]

New sub 🎉I’m currently building out my sprinter. MWB here in Australia… looking forward to doing fulltime

[@andrewillustrated]

Thanks for subbing Rachel! I hope your build out and vanlife experience brings you all the rewards it has us and more. It's really been 🤯🤯. I'm so proud to look on what I've built and you will be too!

[@rubikmonat6589]

Aussie too, we use a single 9kg gas cylinder which you can exchange at nearly any servo, I weight mine with a fishing scale and write the full weight on it. Then if I think it's getting low I swap it before we run out.

[@wikdstixofcheese]

Great video Promaster all the way ( mine is a Fiat Ducato XLWB - L4H2 )

[@andrewillustrated]

Thhank you! Nice! How many miles have you put on yours and are you happy with it?

[@wikdstixofcheese]

I'm Aussie , she has done 530,000 km !!! ​@@andrewillustratedLove it, but it's not without its maintenance costs .

[@JasonLiske]

Get a transit extended passenger - all the glass you want, plenty of space for longitudinal bed. 2 feet longer. Would surpass the dodge build. Especially with same level reversible seats in front (two person work station)

[@slowboat6021]

pretty well opposite to what we are happy with, ensuite is essential to us, not used all the time but @ 4am on a cold night I'm glad we have a toilet in the van, we have a second fridge/freezer (high quality) which lives under the bed it can't be heard when in bed.

[@oneeyedphotographer]

If the girl in the van is happy, then so would I. Eric Enjoying Earth has some low rent shower (and other) ideas.

[@okmmauh]

Instead of compressor fridge try absorption style fridge to eliminate the hum

[@jessicadentalaid4728]

Whose channel had the creative folding length-wise bed you briefly showed? I want to check out that design but you said it super quickly…

[@lesliehunter1823]

Eamon and Bec 2nd build.

[@jessicadentalaid4728]

Thank you!! I’ll go look them up

[@andrewillustrated]

Yes, Eamon and Bec! I try to do very thorough subtitles on my videos if you miss something in the future!

[@richlinlaw]

absorption fridge is silent / no compressor cycle

[@maifrank6048]

Shower is important especially for girls because I have watched van builts that do not have a shower, it makes me wonder how do these girls manage to stay clean especially during heavy monthly period.

[@grahamkearnon6682]

Not a fan of propane, it's getting increasingly difficult to source recharge stations. Many newer gas stations just don't include them. It's a trend.

[@andrewillustrated]

ohh interesting. We haven't had problems finding propane stations in our travels

[@lesliehunter1823]

Loves and Flying J (truck stations) all have propane.

[@JimMillsCSLC]

Great video! Can you stand up inside your van, or do you have to crouch a bit? New Subscriber 🎉

[@andrewillustrated]

Welcome! Yes, we can stand up. I knew I needed that high roof to stand up fully. I don't think we could've enjoyed it much otherwise. Check out my tour of the van here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/noKnin6hlNOtqc0

[@rachelkelly7117]

I hope you will be documenting your new van build too

[@andrewillustrated]

😊🙏i documented this van with a tour of it recently if you haven't seen that yet! kzbin.info/www/bejne/noKnin6hlNOtqc0

[@earthangel2590]

Did you sell it yet?

[@rubikmonat6589]

Hello Hello, a cat empire sticker! I'm 6'3 and we have a 6 foot bed, I hang my feet out but it's awful when it's cold. I'm trying to figure out how to add some sort of extension.

[@dakat1726]

Love your points; have a lagun table never used; I like "She to me" solution for bench/toilet/shower by Humble Road- agree about using propane, and I have 824ah avail. Propane's affordable and reliable. For safety, got rid of my older propane/electric frig- a legit area of fire concern, not the propane tank. Bigger fresh and grey tanks, yes and yes. Had a 2016 B Box 24ft Promaster RV; solid; learned I could not trust the factory temp settings of engine and could not add another alternator. Does the ceramic tint go inside or outside the window?

[@andrewillustrated]

You're right, Humble Road's bathroom in a bench dealio is practical as hell. Just what us vanlifers love. Interesting about your box promaster RV. I've wondered how those are. I think they've improved the temp sensors but not the antifreeze reservoir which is heavily prone to cracking and leaking, causing heating issues. Also, you've just brought up another thing I would add to this list. I'd order the promaster with the bigger alternator. Mine's a 180a and I think the "RV" version of the van has a 220a or so The ceramic tint goes inside. The installers try to cut it to your window as precisely and stick it as inconspicuously as they can. We immediately noticed a difference in the heat coming through the windows. You can feel it on your skin, like the sun doesn't heat through the same level at all.

[@montanadan2524]

You would build a 2003 Chevy Roadtrek😊

[@tb6031]

That propane tank is dangerously too low.

[@MikeKilo1969]

HappiJac king sized bed OVER a permanent dinette.

[@andrewillustrated]

YUP! 💯

[@eddieknight8392]

build a schoolie or a box truck conversion....way cheaper and more room

[@andrewillustrated]

Absolutely

[@djRockalot]

Coming from an all electric guy, Keep the large propane tank just skid plate it.

[@chimpo131]

lol no it sucks

[@PunksNotRead]

Yay, TOOL! 🌀🤘

[@andrewillustrated]

spiral out, brother 🤘

[@lovematters7122]

Use gel powder and never deal with stinky toilet liquids again.💯

[@scottmalan1223]

Have you ever driven a Ford Transit? And I guess you don’t need AWD?

[@lovematters7122]

Too bad the Promaster engine lasts less than half the mileage of Mercedes or even Ford!🤔

[@chaz4471]

Keep the shower!!!!!!

[@andrewillustrated]

it is truly one of the more difficult decisions in the build process

[@cindys9858]

"would get rid of counter space" So your wife cooks.

[@andrewillustrated]

Incorrect. I'm the one who typically cooks and i love it. I just love sleeping more

[@Call_me_Fred]

the van being more open that a ny apartment is really something

[@ReflectedMiles]

00:32 Don't build a Vanagon. Solved it for you.

[@turkeyphant]

Why would you care about communal showers?

[@sarahtiferet9025]

why do you care ? LOL! You're welcome for the attention ! poor baby

[@turkeyphant]

Because other pathetic prudes are scared of communal showers at it's cringey and embarrassing. Are you ten years old?

[@andrewillustrated]

i could've clarified that better. i have nothing against locker room style showers i was just very happy when we discovered the privacy of gyms with closed one person shower / restroom combos

[@grumpyiwegianpodcast3505]

Some of us enjoy showering with our wives and slaves, that's why! Lol

[@sutherlandbrook3205]

Am i the only one who doesn’t love being naked with strangers? …. Cool, i dont mind being the only one. lol.