This 80-Year-Old’s Van Build Will Blow Your Mind-Incredible Ideas Inside!

[@chrisdonovan8795]

Tom is the kind of man that everyone should have as a role model growing up. I'm 55 and want to be like Tom when I grow up.

[@WillN2Go1]

I hope the young van lifers see this video and stop going broke overdoing their builds. That bed is great. I also know that for a guest you could put an air mattress on that counter and with a lee cloth sleep on your side, no problem. I like sleeping on the narrow bench seats in the cockpit of my boat like that. And I love the glass. How people got fixated on stealth camping.... May as well just rent a basement. Start simple and go from there. What years and years of plans and making stuff. You can come up with an amazing plan, but by the time you finish it, you know what version 2 should be, and as soon as you finish it, version 3 appears. Sometimes I don't bother with V3 because V2 is good enough, but V1 can always be improved.

[@pamswz7411]

I’m in love!

[@tommyt326]

@@WillN2Go1 Actually, the wider back counter is better. It is 71.5" between the windows and i have some self-inflating mattress pads and an extra sleeping bag I keep in the garage.

[@zeldadesantiago7250]

Me to 💪🏽

[@jamesosullivan3460]

Im 47 and in the same boat. haha. Reminds me a a 83 year old dude I know and his 5th wheel. Always right to the point.

[@whodat-accountability]

As someone who serves seniors all day. I am blown away by this guys charisma. Keep on keeping on man.

[@semvlasveld8799]

And so fit and clear minded.

[@christyis1270]

This gentleman is astoundingly bright and delightful! He needs his own KZbin channel! What a gem! 💎 I’d love to be out there enjoying such richness in the character and quality of people like this!

[@genespell4340]

Highly intelligent.

[@rachelledays9881]

He really draws you in. I like him!

[@RicardoRivera-i8z]

If he had a KZbin channel, it would be short. everything he does is simple for simplicity sake! LOL

[@melanin4267]

Absolutely 💜

[@WillN2Go1]

Tom's brilliant. So many elegant solutions. As a DIYer, what I see is multiple iterations, improvements, simplification, intelligence.

[@omavicmcmurray2893]

I met Tom in Q, he was generous with his time, let us ask all sorts of questions and freely gave us avenues to learn more or get links to resources. Just like he said , you meet friends everywhere! Just last week I contacted him again and without missing a beat he responded, even though he had been dealing with some personal challenges. Tom is truly a Lovely soul!

[@avamaria8447]

can you share his contact info? I really wish I could talk to him.

[@tommyt326]

Thanks!

[@tommyt326]

Many are thrilled with the jackknife bed (common in older RVs) BUT THE REAL UNIQUE FEATURE IS THE L-SHAPE COUNTER THAT PERMITS 12 FEET OF COUNTER SPACE and thus makes the incredible uncluttered openness possible. Most vans have only a couple feet and one needs to move things to the bed or elsewhere every time they want to do anything new. The space also makes it much easier to clean up the van since everything is on the counter instead of being stuck in some nook or cranny. Interesting quote from Ron Moak, the originator: "Counterspace is a playground for the mind"

[@snookies1224]

@@tommyt326 I love your build Tom. I especially like how super functional it all is without breaking the bank. Love from Australia.

[@CeeCee630]

@@avamaria8447his email address is in the video’s description. Hope that helps!

[@frankandthetank]

Damn he’s spry for a young 80 year old. That’s awesome.

[@virtuosa69]

Love to know his diet

[@frankpettinato2324]

You ain't kidding!😮

[@bobbieroberts1995]

Very smart too

[@sharinsharitv]

This man is the poster child (man) for an active mind, active body makes a way to active life! Great job Tom

[@Mike-01234]

If you want to live long eat healthy and stay in shape my grandfather lived till he was 95 was like he always did no nursing homes, or caretakers my grandmother and he lived in their own home no problems until he passed. He told me that the reason he lived so long was eating healthy followed American heart association after having bypass surgery in his 50's. He walked 2 miles daily and was always thin and active like this guy never sat around like I'm doing right now watching KZbin.

[@olli_k]

The older crowd is a lot more practical than younger people. I love his matter of fact delivery in describing his build.

[@tommyt326]

We have just had more time to learn from mistakes!

[@Floflolita]

I don't think so. Sometimes true sometimes wrong.

[@Tolkienlady]

Facts! Guy isnt trying to be an influencer. He Isn't trying to be anything other than himself. Smarts and intelligence can be had at any age, but wisdom is reserved for the old.

[@JackBenny-v6k]

Yes his delivery is a refreshing change of pace when compared to the present generation of communicators.

[@1RoseLia1]

​@@tommyt326Aloha! From PHX, AZ~ love your build here, but saw from your GChild you had an accident in this van. I hope you are doing alright and if you are in PHX area I am happy to assist anyway I can I have off on weekends if there is anything I can help you with. We could even learn how to start a KZbin channel of each of our own if you like.😊 I would be honored

[@sharpenrightservicesllc]

Beautiful build and that guy has a great radio voice!

[@NickAndTech]

Reminds me of the late great Bill Wattenburg, sounds like Tom may also be a scientist or computer expert of some sort.

[@AudreyKim-t1i]

He does have that radio voice.

[@annikadjurberg6762]

Agreed!! What a cool build - he should design for Airstream or some other company !

[@Winterstick549]

His voice reminds me of somebody Ive heard a thousand times. I just can't place who.

[@nneichan9353]

modern day inventor and jack of all trades. he's brilliant and his excitement for all of his gadgets and fixes is contagious!

[@kentuckylucky5762]

A rare gem!! A genius who can apply his solutions!! Incredible self build!!! Plus at 80 looks happy and spry!! Wonderful

[@Silkytoaster]

You are so right - he handles himself like a man 20 yrs younger

[@markhaynes5623]

I was lucky enough to meet Tom at a van show a couple years ago, He was giving anybody that wanted this same show of his van along with answering all of their questions with the same enthusiasm and all day.

[@tommyt326]

Thanks!

[@lisacronin9333]

Wow. 80 years young. What an inspiration ❤

[@justmeandmycrew7205]

This guy is so cute , he's so happy with himself and should be he's got an answer for every problem.

[@deborahfrick5963]

I need a Tom in my life to help me build a van just like this!

[@ahmettatar2825]

I am here💐

[@Susan-h9z]

Me, too!

[@judyclark8653]

I would definitely have to have someone figure all this out - he lost me at amps and volts and battery %….why I don’t have an RV. is it safe to have lithium batteries under your bed? I hear about them starting fires.

[@TLA123y6f]

@@ahmettatar2825 that's sweet !!! If deborah doesn't want you, I'll take you !!!!!😊

[@tommyt326]

@@judyclark8653 LiFePo4 batteries very safe, store in any position. Other Lithium chemistry can be dangerous. Amps, Volts Watts etc easy to understand if you do this: 1. Draw a circle, then draw horizontal line through it so have 2 half's 2. Draw a line vertical line through bottom half to split it in two (you will now have 3 segments in the circle) 3. In large Top half write "Watts" 4. Bottom smaller segments, write "Amps" in one "Volts" in other To use, place thumb over the unknown and you will see the formula. Example: you have a item that needs 30 watts in your 12V system and want to know how many Amps. Put thumb on Amps (the unknown) and you see Watts is over Volts or 30 divided by 12 to get compute amps. Another: you know the Volts and the Amps but want to know the Watts. Place thumb over Watts (the unknown) and you see in bottom 'Volts | Amps' so Volts x Amps to get the Watts. - - Work on this a little if needed - the light will go on!

[@PigFarmer02]

His voice reminds my of Paul Harvey. I could listen to him all day !

[@sbennett891]

Us "older" folks know what you mean lol. Everyone else... "who?"

[@cathithomas2888]

Yes!

[@The-ii5mj]

"The Rest of the Story"😂✌️🇨🇱🇺🇸

[@bfree247365]

Paul Harvey....Good Day! 😁

[@keosh777]

Creative, practical, smart, friendly and social. Tom rocks life !!! The dishes drip dry solution, shower and particularly the bed set up are so practical and easy. A youngster in my 60s, I hope to continue to be as active and involved in life at Tom's age and beyond. Amazing and inspiring !!

[@SMafam5]

Yes the Scandinavians really know how to dry the dishes. 👌

[@markpatceg5582]

He's a natural observer and an adapter. Awesome skill set I've always thought!

[@dmdavis4551]

Ingenious!!!!! AMAZING!!!!! I am so very impressed with the man and his build.

[@jackieburns638]

LOVE ❤️ LOVE ❤️ LOVE ❤️ this build! How incredible was this video!!!! He had it ALL COVERED in his build so that no one can see anything in his van except for cabinet space! So roomy too!

[@leslieschmitt7749]

I can hope and pray when I’m 80 yrs old. I’m that spry and that sharp! He would be a great dinner guest around the campfire!! 😊❤️

[@itripper1]

Tom is an amazing personal friend, one of the neatest guys I've ever met. Sadly he rolled that van earlier this year and he was badly hurt but recovering well.

[@sophialewis5642]

Oh no! Glad he is recovering well

[@kaylegg]

oh NO! Prayers for his steady recovery! 🙏

[@LastingHope]

Wow, prayers for his complete recovery ❤ thanks for sharing.

[@margiemurray2147]

Was the van fixable? glad he's okay. really enjoyed the video and all of his information on how he fixed up the van

[@vivianallen9772]

Oh no! I’m so sorry for him. It was a beautiful van.

[@traumagirlvalerie8420]

Awww Tom is adorable! Just shows you anyone can enjoy life don't let age stop you!

[@DancePhotography]

Love this man. Whe. I'm 80 I want to be like him

[@jenniferdyke3335]

Tom is quite the inventor! He's done a slick job on his van build and I appreciate his thoughtful, cost-effective solutions to many of his van systems. 😊

[@Beelysmom70]

This brightened my day. Hope he can go on many more years just as he is now❤❤

[@Jacqui7665]

Tom is a genius! Thank you for sharing his brilliance with all of us. ❤

[@joannefrench1172]

This gentleman is an inspiration on many levels. Living large. Age no consequence. An incredible example.

[@crystaldavis3841]

What a smart, skilled guy!

[@janavenue650]

i love this guy, he finds something he likes & figures out how to do it CHEAPLY!

[@grumpyoldlady_rants]

Wow! Hard to believe you’re 80, Tom! You have so much energy! I love the streamlined interior .

[@SharperMind123]

Agree, for 80 years old he moves very well, his thinking is very sharp… His recall of calculations and facts is spot on. His recovery of counterspace is a new one for most of us who’ve watched 1 million of these builds… love the water filtration too. He is my new role model

[@1RoseLia1]

Yes! On these points really love the Berkey filter~

[@jerrylewis6383]

As long as you love life, age is not a big deal. This senior has fantastic DIY and knowledges of Van build.

[@masshoudy8474]

This man proved that age is not in the number of years, it is in your outlook on life. He is a young man in eighty years old.

[@cynthiataylor644]

Tom you are awesome. You remind me of my grandfather, who passed away at your age (although it was 35 years ago). He was a magician at making and fixing things and taught me a lot, I miss my times with him. I love your vitality and you inspire me to be as healthy as I can be to be and just as vibrant as you are. Long life and safe travels. ❤

[@leannemoss7002]

He could be a professional narrator, wonderful voice. I’m so impressed with his build!

[@mlisaj1111]

Tom seems like a bright and nice guy, and love his build. Many van conversions are half filled by a giant mattress/bed, and great if people prefer that, but I like the smaller bed here for the space trade-off.

[@debraporter1797]

That bed is not very comfortable looking at least for me. 🤪 Very smart thinking guy though.

[@Joemauke]

This guy is resourceful. I love the couch folding into a bed.

[@yolandagaeta428]

What a smart man full of life!

[@chip6954]

I had to pause after the first 2 minutes just to praise Tom for how brilliant this dude is...even smart enough to get a pre-DEF diesel...I salute you, Tom

[@stormdavies250]

Tom is in such great shape at eighty I see many, many years of camping ahead of him. 😆

[@nancycain4434]

I am so impressed with Tom and his van. This guy is definitely living his best life

[@carolynh3935]

Best build I've literally ever seen--and I've seen dozens upon dozens of these van tour videos as this is something my husband and I want to do!!! I would def pay to have plans and tips from this amazing man!! Who's with me on this?!!

[@BBFLLC4400]

Definitely! That was pure gold of how I would want things done, absolutely ingenious and simple!

[@michal3342]

Absolutely 💯

[@traceyL-r4q]

Just when you think you have seen all the designs out there, someone comes along and shows some incredibly clever and effective new innovations!

[@mojo7493]

So efficient! Love how he figured out how to replicate the Burke, bed, and composting toilet so much cheaper.

[@lilykatmoon4508]

This man could absolutely have a wonderful Van life DIY channel. He’s so creative and talented!

[@shw_1957]

It sounds like he's too busy socializing to mess around with a KZbin channel. 😊

[@spwriter1]

This guy is amazing. He doesn't look or act 80 years old. I'm 63 and would like some of that energy. How much fun would he be to hang around. What a great job he did in that van too!

[@katemiller8113]

It would be great to see CRVL do a series - one vid for every one of his solutions and have him demonstrate how he built it. He’s clearly a brilliant and ingenious engineer.

[@bb4655]

Tom's a neat guy - you can really tell he's excited about his RV and sharing it w/ others

[@bethannea4842]

This is the best build I've seen hands down and I've seen a lot. Looks like he will be enjoying this build for many years!

[@urex1717]

I bought a box truck a little over a year ago. Put four 400 watt solar panels on the roof and transformed the inside into a very comfortable living space. Moved into it in February of 2024. As you might imagine, there was an adjustment period but I have come to really enjoy living in my truck.

[@Lois-o1f]

I NEED a TOM in my life! ❤🥰

[@TLA123y6f]

Me too !!

[@1RoseLia1]

Me three! What an inspiration!

[@b.snow-fotomkr6132]

Sir, you remind me so much of my late older brother. It's downright scary. Congratulations to you and your wonderful life.

[@jeffbee6090]

one of the BEST most OPEN van builds I've ever seen!

[@MitchellCamps]

I absolutely love this man and this van, I aspire to be like this when I am 80.

[@1RoseLia1]

Me too!

[@lilyLily1824]

Older people always have great ideas! My grandma and granddaddy were the best at solving problems. I was always amazed at their ingenuity! What a sweet man!😊

[@jbaby007]

I didn't think that I would be that impressed by this guy's build at first glance but wow he is innovative! I've been trying to figure out the Berkey situation for myself and his solution is really neat. Everything has a place and a purpose. Very nice and spacious build indeed!

[@hipdogdsv]

I love Tom's build! Short, sweet, to the point!

[@Always_sojourning]

Amazingly well thought out and functional build. He is going to be an inspiration for a lot of home builders.

[@judithtaylormayo]

This is one enterprizing, smart, shrewd, frugal, happy and handsome man. I wish I was clever enough to personalize a van and headout to the world and beyond with my dogs ! well done clever 80 year old !!!!! Just read about your accident Tom, please get well 🤕and back on ther road, the world needs you ALIVE and KICKING!! See how long your shadow is, I am all the way down in Argentina 💃

[@tommyt326]

Thanks! Since I don't have a van, I was actually thinking of going to a warmer place like Argentina for the winter!

[@daisydiaz2330]

Get well Soon Generous Loving Man. Caps in respect

[@cathynefzger8287]

Great looking van. Tom may have gotten his ideas from viewing others. But I'm thinking he's got engineering in his background. Very organized and well thought out. Have fun in your travels. 🌿

[@tommyt326]

My house is a cluttered mess. I designed van specifically to be dead easy to clean. It is nearly always picked up and neat. Counter space really helps. Others need to shuffle stuff from counter to bed, etc.

[@jessiehead6525]

I love how streamlined and uncluttered it all looks. Tom’s a super friendly guy.

[@kudraadk]

I loved it when he said "I have an indoor shower" and Brian goes What! Where? This is an amazing build. Great work Tom!

[@scrubjay93]

I hope I run into Tom some winter! What a beautiful home. So innovative.

[@marjieestivill]

Absolutely beautiful and inspiring!

[@kathleen3756]

The guy Tom is talking about where he got his idea for the bed is Ron Moak, owner of Six Moon Designs. Ron posted a youtube video of his van build a few years ago, and by the way, has great gear. Tom is certainly an inspiration on adapting good ideas into a wonderful, personal, and functional van of his own.

[@tommyt326]

Bob Wells toured Ron's van several years ago: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5qqaKijr7SbpdU He has since built a Promaster one.

[@widowswatch6610]

Nice friendly man. Nice build!

[@vivianallen9772]

Mr. Tom is an awesome 80 year old! I’m very envious of his mental capacity and his agility. I loved his non-cluttered van, as well.

[@alee2969]

Fun video to watch. The bed idea is fantastic.

[@georgepetrin1334]

I love that he can look at something practical but expensive and adapt a simpler and less costlier version for his van. Very clever fellow. I wish him many years of traveling.

[@NetTracks]

WOW! Wish I had seen this before I built my camper van.

[@daviddeaton1575]

❤ Never doubt the older generation 😊 They have so much knowledge to share with people

[@tommyt326]

No - - - we have just had more time to make stupid mistakes to learn from!

[@Grace.AlwaysGrace.]

Oh my word! I want to spend the day with this man and can only hope to have just a bit of his energy and wisdom. I love his home ... so well done. He is old school, in so many wonderful ways.

[@gotreactions]

This is an awesome build. I love all the clever things, like the magnets, the open cupboard, the diy berkey filter, all very cool!

[@willte48]

He's a Genius

[@sarajenner1989]

Love this man! So clever, so much energy. Fabulous build.

[@haroldwilliams64]

Wow! that's the best build I've ever seen.

[@johnny_truth]

Tom you are well liked in the comments and I’ve never seen so many women interested in your unique self. It’s wonderful to see someone your age moving so well. I hope the comment I saw about you rolling this van and badly injured is not true. They did say your recovering well and hopefully you don’t miss a step back young man.

[@tommyt326]

It is true, but I know how to build another.

[@zvw444x3zefa]

@@tommyt326 You go Tom!!

[@jshepard152]

@@tommyt326 Tom, you're a cool guy. Hope you are doing well.

[@my-honest-review]

What a vibrant elderly gentleman, I can only hope to be this energetic when I get his age.

[@coronabuster3611]

He's fabulous! I love how clever all the things he made are.

[@LincolnWorld]

One of the smartest and most efficient builds I've ever seen. Impressive! I was shocked he still had so much storage space considering the spaciousness of the living area.

[@RicJG7]

What a delightful gentleman, can tell he has a pure heart. Gotta be one of the few left on this earth

[@Rlaplante73]

Wow, what a great build, and it is obvious he is enjoying his senior years with good health and a great attitude towards life. Enjoy!

[@jwvandegronden]

Tom, thank you so much!! Jackknife bed is best solution I have ever seen! What a guy. Reminds me of my mother, also 80, still full of life, independent, smart, friendly, sharing. Love those people! No care in the world, simple minded (that's a good thing, my mother refuses to think in conspiracies, only solutions) and all this, despite _anything but_ an easy life. These are the elders you want to find sitting around the well, if you know what I mean; its a biblical thing I think ;-) Again, hats off to this dude!

[@tommyt326]

Thanks!!

[@spaceprepper3657]

Amazing build and gentlemen. May the good Lord watch over you and your family and friends. Peace and Love 😊.

[@harrymills2770]

Functional. Nice woodwork. Simple. Comfortable. Really like that swing desk. And an entire store room in back.

[@Mackyoh22]

Great van Tom! Thanks for inviting us all in to share your world! I love the way you have embraced vanlife & see new folk as new friends...well done, you've a really encouraging & positive mindset. Happy travels & long may you wander! ❤

[@WJnes-n7u]

Build was so simple,common sense, pleasant man, so good for his age, enjoyed his conversation enjoying his life.

[@joanforest2434]

Wow, it’s like the Swiss Army Knife of van builds!

[@teresam6843]

Lovely homely rig..stunning. hi from cork Ireland.

[@a.mstree]

I have that same shower set up in my bus 💦🚐✨✨Works great! Nice build, I love the minimalist vibe ✌🏼

[@jeeptrucklover72]

Wow! It’s amazing that someone his age is out doing what he loves. I’m 72 and I admire him for it. Go, Tom! Who says that you can’t be an exciting and wholesome person at any age?

[@mommadw2010]

I really am inspired of his young motivated outgoing self. I'm 52 and need more energy. Thank you so much.

[@Kimonha]

I love this gentleman. Incredible personality

[@justdawndb]

WOW! From building a better Berke to the snap instant shower to the disarming the electrical system, Tom has made it all easy and worry free... absolutely ingenious! Loved this video of Tom's van along with his positive, actionable way of living. Thank you! also the hinges and tips on where else to find help...the best video ever!

[@tommyt326]

I mis-spoke a bit on the master shut-off. Shutting it off pulls a cord connected to the solar panels breaker. Charge controllers don't like to have high solar input with no place for it to go since the battery is disconnected.

[@justdawndb]

@@tommyt326 😅 way over my head...but thanks for the heads up! Excellent all the way around! 💞

[@cromana5574]

Unbelievable talent and genius. That shower! Wow ....the bed/sofa and and and....

[@cobbt11]

This man is brilliant! This is the best van build I have ever seen. I admire Tom’s energy, enthusiasm and his incredible problem-solving skills. 🎉 🏆

[@kt6332]

Awesome and inspiring 😊😊😊

[@michaelbuerhaus8409]

What a FANTASTIC build and Tom is AMAZING ! Thank you for sharing!

[@leanbean8376]

Totally awesome! It's really satisfying & gratifying when U DIY, even tho it's a copy for far less the price of the original, ending up with the exact comfortable lifestyle ur've been seeking!🤗... "LIVING YOUR BEST LIFE" Go ahead on young chap! We love it!!!

[@extremescreenwriting1404]

What an amazing use of space! He's awesome and doing great at 80! Keep on truckin'.

[@daytonabchnative]

Probably the most resourceful build I have ever seen. I’m impressed Tom! We are building an ambulance camper and live in the Chino Valley AZ area, and if you are ever passing through, come boondock at our place. We have the room! I love your ideas, very inspiring to what we are trying to do, we are trying to muddle through the wiring in the ambulance box at the moment!

[@RoeRoe123]

Tom's Van is as awesome as he is. Genius! Happy trails man.