My Self Build Camper Van 1 Year Later

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Mitsubishi Delica 4X4 self build camper van tour. A 1 year review.
The Van Build: • Small Off-Road Camper ...
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[@itsmetheeprd]

Thomas, as for the heater outlet, just fix a 90 degree elbow to it that you can angle towards the back of the van or ceiling so the air isn’t pumping straight out the door.

[@Lindenism]

I was thinking the same thing. I also noticed the vents in the head of the cabin, if could flip the heater 180 degrees, you could pipe in to the pre-existing vents.

[@bobbyswampfox]

@@Lindenism they say don't tap into you vehicles ducting due to the fact that these diesel heaters get much hotter than the vans heater. it can melt them. I would also worry about a 90 degree elbow right at the outlet of the heater the way this is set up. That may restrict airflow and over heat the unit.

[@tooyoungtobeold8756]

@@bobbyswampfox Ok, make a small aluminium deflector.

[@Watcheswhileeating]

Or roll down you front windows a crack rather than the side door

[@riboid]

@@bobbyswampfox Yeh, all ducting should have the path of least resistance, so the use of 90 deg elbows should be restricted, so maybe a 45 deg bend and then another 45 deg bend, further down a bit. Difficult in a vehicle this small.

[@geoffschofield2362]

Watching the build of this camper was,without doubt,the best build story I’ve seen.

[@davestephens1993]

Loved the initial build and now the one year review. Excellent thought process and craftsmanship.

[@scottathomson]

The tyre marks and footprints in the snow give the game away as to how much effort you're putting into filming your videos, great work.

[@masterxyr]

So much goes into your stellar production, and yet it is so seamlessly put together that one tends to forget that behind your beautiful talent there's also a lot of work for us! Cheers, Thom

[@richmilligan5881]

Being able to be comfortable, warm and dry is a huge thing when out and about in the wilds- that’s a huge huge plus! You did a fantastic job with the build.

[@indexpictures]

really admire the graft that goes into all of this

[@TheNorthernExplorer]

I have to say I do love what you’ve done with the delica, it looks great and I can say first hand it’s very capable after our trip round Northumberland. Only draw back I can see is the fuel prices especially with the way things are at the mo. Another great vid tom 👍

[@tompetersphotography]

Glad you and your van are getting in well buddy

[@davidalexander-watts6630]

It reminds me of the space I had in my old 24ft yacht - good sitting room, easy to manouevre single handed, cosy when cold out, camping stove taken out from a locker, using a bucket for the loo etc. Last year I upgraded to a 28ft yacht and it's made a world of difference having standing headroom, an inbuilt engine, bigger cabin, its own heads. The small increase in length gave a lot more interior volume and the boat isn't too big to handle. It'd be good to see you get out on the water and take some seascapes, or views of the land from the water rather than vice versa.

[@debskeith]

I think the van is brilliant, absolutely love Delicas and think you’ve done a great job with the conversion👍

[@MeasuredLight]

I've always been a big fan of this van! I love it! I dig that it is quite small!

[@PhilThach]

You did a great job. I'd still like to see you add a roof vent. This might solve the door open when the heater is on problem. See ya next week. It's interesting to me that your channel is a great photography channel but your most popular video is the van build. You never know I guess.

[@kabukidreamboy]

Just crack a window and keep the door shut, not too good for security either leaving your door open!

[@OmniDubStep]

Could you place a portable USB mini fan down by the heating vent to help push the warmth?

[@jeffmcdonald101]

Roof fans and shrouds, along with accompanying closable and screened floor inlet are a must on all van builds. I run mine on a temp relay to kick on whenever the van get hot...which is often...Australia.

[@tomjohnson3728]

Cheers man! Just living vicariously through you!

[@iAligator]

Thanks for this! A lot of my Delica build was inspired by yours and this video reminded me that I'm also almost at a year of ownership.

[@dingfeldersmurfalot4560]

I remember being knocked out by your build videos. I had no idea building on custom aluminum frames at home was even a thing, and you did it so well. Great to see you're still going in what is still a fantastic build!

[@worldofrandometry6912]

You made a very professional job of it. Well done.

[@frederickmcdonald6636]

great job on the van - I built a sleeping pod in the back of my truck and watching your van build was inspiring and helpful. Thank you, take care and be safe out there....

[@joncothranphotography9375]

Great job Thomas, and congrats on having made it bullet proof!

[@macronencer]

You have the same CO alarm as me :) Well done on the build quality, I think that's amazing that after a year there are still no rattles!

[@Clipper024]

Found your description and design/choices for your van interesting, definitely giving me some ideas for the interior of an old 27ft Navy Whaler project I have been working on. Added a deck, widened the hull, and built a cabin on it. Now working on the interior. The intent is to use it on lakes in NW Ontario, Canada, to use it for my own photography expeditions. Thank you for the documentation on your work and experience.

[@ronanderson9960]

Great job on the build, very nice and cozy Tom! Also you should be able to pick up an after market cruise control kit! Rock Auto has a great supply of automotive equipment! Love the videos and camera work! Awesome!

[@SkierMan199]

Thomas! I’m glad you made a video like this letting us know the real deal of the good and bad. I actually was very inspired by your design layout building out my Delica L400. Probably watched it about 15 different times as I built mine out to mimic certain things. You were one of the only videos I saw with a practical layout that made sense for longer term stay. Changed some stuff and implemented my own ideas into my build. I’ve got a video on my channel giving a full tour of my setup and would love it checked it out. Feel like you’d think it’s cool. Hope you see this comment cuz you really impacted me a lot from the beginning of my van journey and I just want to say thanks for uploading your build and process. It helped me astronomically with figuring out what to do in my van.

[@jamietallingbell]

Very timely Thomas - my wife and I are just in the process of building out our Nissan e-nv200 inspired by your build (aluminium profile features heavily!). Thanks so much for the inspiration, we're taking it skiing this weekend as we are based in Norway :)

[@pete-c]

Brilliant Tom enjoyed watching, watched you build the van a year ago and have enjoyed all your adventures since in it, very well done, you should be proud of your achievement, agree with below a 90° elbow or any deflector will solve the heater direction outlet.

[@cliftonwhittaker260]

Great job with the van and the van video, Thomas. I might have missed it but I don't recall your mentioning one of the most positive attributes of your van: 4-wheel drive when you need it. This is what gives you the confidence to go out in winter conditions and on those off-road jaunts that you need so often. It's not something that you use all the time, but when you need it you really need it. (yes, you did mention 4-wheel drive in your first sentence. I missed it the first time).

[@sanclewphotographic]

For someone who had never done a conversion before, I think you have done a marvellous job, the advice on getting a van and converting is also a great idea, I am considering a van purchase myself, Fantastic videos and I love to see you cook in the Camper van, Regards, Colin.

[@CalvinBroadhurst]

Great job. I really enjoy your videos and love what you have done with the van. I have fitted out a Delica D:5 4WD for the purpose of getting away overnight for hiking and astrophotography etc. I definitely took some inspiration from what you have done (although you've done a much better job of it)

[@justkerry173]

I'm just about to convert my iload into a campervan. Some great tips here, thanks Tom.

[@aubgoodwinSRCphotography]

Couldn’t agree more as a keen photographer i love getting away in my self built camper just had a great weekend in Glencoe all for the cost of some fuel 📷💪🏼👍

[@iwanderphotography]

thanks you were my inspiration to get a van, never looked back thanks....

[@extremelydave]

Indeed, you did a good job on the van. As you said, there are compromises due size, but I think you have the good end of the stick there Mr H. Happy camping!!

[@Ian_N05]

Just putting the finishing touches on my “retirement project”, getting it up and running while I’m still working. It’s smaller than yours (micro camper size) but it’ll do the job. Your videos were a big inspiration! 👍

[@crazycurtis28]

I’ve wanted a Delica for many years. Seeing you get one, I knew the prices would jump up! So recently I got a Landrover Freelander 2 and will be fitting a roof tent. Hopefully going to “restart” my channel with some new videos.

[@hagridthehymer]

Watched your build last year as it was the same time as our son and his partner were building their Delica camper (indefinite wander). Made me chuckle when you said it was too small for 2, they are travelling Australia then shipping to USA and both living in it. You did a great job on your van 😎

[@kevinjmurrphotography]

Tom this van is awesome, ive enjoyed seeing the places it takes you. slowly hoping to turn my truck into something similar slowly. Also look into a roof vent something like a fantastic fan could probably be installed, they work great in trailers.

[@tjohn2099]

A huge plus about having a very confined space is the ability to keep warm with not only your heater but, your body heat itself provides a somewhat warmer atmosphere.

[@VintageInsightPhotography]

I found your insights very valuable. My wife and I are making plans to start full time RV living. Whilst we will be pulling a trailer, your tips about camera mounts, gear storage, and more are invaluable. Internet connectivity will be a big issue for us as our trailer will be our home base and must have high speed Internet for video uploading. Excellent pointers in this video. Thank you!

[@giannidabb3181]

I imported a 95 delica to convert into a weekend camper bc of you. Thanks for the inspiration and great videos to watch.

[@toddlarcombe8973]

You can turn one of the rear windows at the back into a 15 to 20cm magazine holder type of storage area. I blanked out one myself and it is great for shoving stuff into.

[@RM831BC4E4]

Absolutely love the Delica ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@egor_nvkv]

Getting my own photo van and doing landscape (mainly of populated areas) photography is a dream of mine. I'm currently making the best use of the train, but even if I get on the first one of the day I still miss my favorite time to be out in (and not) nature - before the sunrise. And in areas with no public transport hiking for hours to get up to a good vantage point with all your geat is real hard work!

[@cheeseblog]

The interior upholstery looks new! And 20 years old. WOW!

[@Globetrotter-1]

I've been travelling and exploring 24/7 while living in my BMW X5 for the past 2-years. Love ❤️ it. 🙂

[@trishmission]

You've helped inspire me to van and camera travel. Love the channel. Thanks

[@catof8989]

thanks for this good energy

[@RiccardoPareschi]

A great and amazing job, a great adventure. Love the small size of van.

[@rafski123]

Hey Thomas, my wife and I watched your videos last year on build and have been looking to upgrade past our Ford Transit Connect to something where we can standup up. Just this week we pulled the trigger on a new Sprinter 144 cargo and plan to build it out as we go. We've meet friends, always have stories to tell and get to explore California, hoping that with the Sprinter we can take it to the next level. Love your channel and somehow your videos come out on point and inspire us all.

[@TomJoeSHOW]

This van was a big inspiration to my own camper car conversion.

[@rodgerwearne9931]

Hi Thomas, You had inspired me towards a Delica. But being 6'3" and aiming at slippery, icey, roads and camping not off road I thought I'd aim for a long Wheelbase high roof... Now watching your 1year...and you finding lack of room... Soo glad that I did... Thanks heaps Going to take my sweet time doing any build though.... Minimal to start with.

[@xs2526]

There's a fairly serious community of Delica lovers - we love these videos! Great fitout, great ideas, great videos. Thank you so much, Thomas!

[@Miriam.Design]

There are collapsible pipes to direct the hot air from the exhaust. (similar to those from portable air-con units) I've seen them in camping shops (in Germany) but also in videos of camping bus upgrades. P. s. I just watch to get inspired if I some day get my own camping bus

[@ccn6558]

I recently read that in the some states in the USA (Maine is one) have started to de-register these vehicles, which I think is unfortunate. I concur that having a camper van is the best thing as a photographer. I bought a Ram Promaster and had it converted, just returned from my first long trip in it. Brilliant! It's not as capable as the 4x4 Delica, being only front wheel drive, but when I was out aurora hunting the other evening it was great to be able to be out and then come back in to warm up. I love the care & attention that Tom took to create his van - the year review is a testament to the craftsmanship. Well done, sir!!! And yes, your home, the UK, is splendid. Look forward to a return visit when the world is sane again....right?!

[@calluna5030]

By far the nicest van conversion I've seen. I think that came from your attitude that the van was to be a tool to enable you to get out and do what you love doing - landscape photography, rather than thinking of creating a home on wheels. By deciding what was essential for you, you managed to keep it simple and very functional, you knew how you wanted it to work. Minimalist in the best way. And a very clean, slightly industrial aesthetic to it, too, but with some warm, rich colours to prevent starkness. Simple sophistication! You've clearly got a designer's brain. In one of your videos you said you wanted everything to be ready to use - none of the moving this and adjusting that to get a working bed etc. So many vans are too 'clever' to be properly usable. Yours seems to hit the sweet spot between mattress on the van floor and 1930s bungalow with velor sofa and knick knacks on wheels! Few seem to manage that.

[@szabi_nagy]

Love the JDM van build. Dream setup right here for photography adventures.

[@BleedingCowboyProduc]

the fact that this vehicle is over 20 years old, turns me right on. a little re planning and I bet it goes another 20.

[@DDD-qt8bw]

Thomas, thanks for an outstanding van build series. I’m in the planning stage for a part time camper van build, not a van lifer sort of guy. I’ve watched more videos than I can count and can say I’ll be using/stealing many of your ideas!!

[@stevesomers7366]

Greet video and idea, Tom. All-in-all, it's serving you well. When a camper gets too large, you tend not to want to "pack it up" and move. I think you've got a good mix of comfort with portability. Not too complicated or time consuming to move from one place to another. After all, is your purpose glamping or photography. I think we know the answer. By the way, I think your photography sojourns since having the van are really great. Keep up the excellent work! Cheers!

[@michaelauknz]

Excellent view..one of your best...compressed and on topic..thanks

[@BeeeHonest]

Great update! Brilliant build!

[@andreamantovani5354]

You built a very neat camper. 👏 excellent job 👏 👍 👌

[@TheAndyMaan]

Great to see you are still happy with your van, you did an amazing job with the build of it, no van will be perfect. Fingers crossed after your bold statement of its reliability the next video isnt going to be "My van broke 🤦‍♂️"

[@peem1244]

Hi Thomas, hope you are well. Super van but too small for me though. I've made my cushions out of heavy duty denim with HD zippers and I use them for storing clothes, jackets, first aid kit rolled up in a puffy jacket. Thanks for sharing. Stay safe and keep up the good work.

[@CBAmakingAusername]

Amazing buildout

[@csotoperspective]

That was and is still one of the best small camper builds I've seen. One word of advice, if thats petrol which is the 3.0 I believe, please make sure to have the timing belt replace if you haven't done so!! It would be a shame if that snaos at some point on a long drive. If you have the 2.8 diesel then keep driving as those are timing chains. Be safe 🙏

[@lisasimpson9343]

Great job Thomas.

[@jjmorrison6194]

Watching you do the original build inspired me to do the same with a VW Crafter. It is now my Mobile Photography Unit (MPU) 😂👍🏼

[@jiffijoff9780]

congratulation on your built. Its mighty impressive, especially considering its your first built. The negatives seem to be doable, the positives easily outshine the negatives. There is always options and compromises to be made. For the purpose of your choice I find this vehicle close to perfect. We're running a Defender 130 series with a custom built camper unit. Everything is great, more space, dryer cabinet (priceless!), everything and the lot while fully keeping all offroad capabilities. Great. One thing I totally, utterly underestimated is the amount of attraction this car pulls. No way, not even the faintest way, of somehow creeping into a place and pretend to stay stealthy. Seriously, it troubles me, cause someone, even at the remotest spot, will turn up and try to tell me that camping is not allowed on the particular place... (and as you might imagine: no, I'm not located in the US, Canada or Australia...)

[@thepesh]

im watching your chanel from Delica build videos time. You made perfect minicamper- bomb proof and very estesic. Great job !

[@droeder2836]

You should be happy with what you've created there. I know my wife would be (if there were enough room in there for two. Oh, and "a bathroom would be nice." Obviously, a bigger vehicle needed). You did a great job at just the right time.

[@KLRCoop]

you might want to consider routing the diesel heater into the factory vent system for the rear. it should be available in the wall panel behind your current location. This would likely involve rotating your heater putting the air intake where you output is now. Good luck, love the videos btw

[@multihull40]

Great videos well presented. Blown away by the professional looking craftsmanship and designs 👍 I'm basically sold on the Delica because of the positives of a mini 4x4 van. Here in sunny Queensland Aus I'll be doing 95% of cooking / eating and dishes outside under the shady awning, using the interior only for sleeping and lounging while enjoying the tranquil solitude of mother nature 🙏🏼 🌴☀

[@TRD_Kyle]

Been wanting to do a small 4x4 van like that. Currently using a 98 4runner that is built out with a platform in the back and while comfy while sleeping not having headroom is a real pain. My platform is only 6" above the stock floor for a bit of storage but that is enough to make it quite cramped, not to mention 90% of the time it is both my wife and I in it, not just solo. Very nice build there Thomas, maybe someday I can swap out the 4runner for a little 4x4 van.

[@jefffiles9209]

You've done well Matey. Need to look out for an old Mercedes SSE van. My son would love one, 4x4, front winch, ext power sockets plus more, ideal for those awkward areas!

[@gravic48]

Good to see I am not the only Space Raider fan 😉. Enjoyed watching you build this van and think this year one review is great.

[@stephenwilde3985]

Hi there, I’ve run Delicas as off-road camper vans for 12 years now and have found them the absolute dogs when it comes to getting further than other vans, I ran a swb for the first 6 years and then got the lwb which I still use, mine are both 2.8 turbo diesels, I’ve tweaked the boost pressure and upped the fuel flow and they have plenty of power, also i run one used cooking oil and bio diesel so very cheap to run. Would never sell mine there the best, I can send pics if your interested, keep up the fantastic work 👍

[@robertwhitemoto]

Long time viewer... I watched to see how your amazing build is working out. There was something different about this video though. Direct, to the point, well spoken. Enjoyed.

[@jwilson2453]

Love the van build, guess what......and now I watch the photography vids, inspirational, well done

[@danielshaw9465]

Just added Faff to my dictionary. Thanks for the long term review

[@glydiator090]

Great, thanks. May you enjoy custom-self-built-bomb-proof-mitsubishi-4x4-delica even more.

[@florianwi8074]

Loved the build and still enjoy you talking about that car 😁💪🏻💪🏻

[@lpklpk447]

nice van. thanks for your review 👍🏻🚙🏞🇺🇸

[@figjoy]

Nice followup video, entertaining!

[@uncleants]

Regarding size, for years I drove an old VW Type 2 bus conversion. I used it for 2 to 3 week camping trips. It was probably about the same size as yours but what made it liveable was a pop up roof. Pop the roof when camped and you could stand up. Maybe you could look into fitting a pop up roof? The one I had went up sideways and then pushed out the other side. Gave you some "bunks" up top aka, place to store stuff when parked up.

[@dw4956]

I converted my vw caddy to a small camper and took it all the way to the Noth Cape a few years ago. Excellent fast little stealth camper. Very cheap to buy and convert a tiny van.

[@bradzaruba9686]

Tom.. I spent some time at Zion National Park today and thought of you so I took a picture of a tree. I may have taken a few more of the majestic views as well. Back on topic.. a nice review of the van.

[@Petelaosound]

This is an awesome small van 🚐

[@nigelwest3430]

Try putting the outside thermometer in the Door mirror casing, Keeps it out of the airflow but away from heat sources (Unless you have heated mirrors of course)

[@ringosvirtualworld9027]

Fantastic experience, very nice!

[@brianmckeever5280]

I'd say that is a great public service video! Great idea. You need a van selfie! Sit or stand on top of it with a tripod like the F4 Roadtrip shot. Seems like something you might want to have ten years from now.

[@ScottishVanTrips]

After watching you with your ford, I bought a VW T6.1 in Newcastle. Since then I've just placed an order in Durham for a Autotrail Adventure 65. Standing room, King size bed and a seperate toilet cubicle 🤙🏻

[@dcurleyifa]

Great vid and you have answered my question that as a numpty I asked you at Gary Gough’s “ has the van improved your photography?” What I meant to say is “ Has the van given you more opportunities?” and I think your answer is ‘Yes’ now as you can be on site for the right light and times and without having to travel backwards and forwards to accommodation. You inspired me to buy my own van and convert it, but My choice was a 6m Citroën Relay which is bigger and gives me all the functionality I need, Shower,toilet, cooking, double bed and importantly it’s Diesel and I get an average of 35MPH. It taken me to The Shetland Isles twice and the Outer Hebrides, fantastic islands for both Landscape, Wildlife and great Wild camping.

[@photoman3579]

I just bought an X Trail...no changes....job done...

[@evildiesel1709]

Great to see a year on review. I'm about to make all the same mistakes but happy to do so! Driving one of these things is worth more than the extortionate price of petrol! Take care.

[@lvnsk]

I really like your Delica and the conversion you made. I also have a Delica :) There are several options for cruise control for cars that use a mechanically operated throttle. 1. The best option, I think. Rostra 250-1223 universal cruise control and Rostra 250-3743 Universal Column Mount Cruise Control. No Vacuum Required 2. Waeco MS50 with Vacuum.

[@LionsFilms]

i watched that video! ME! HERE! *waves* got to say, nice review! thanks for that :) there are some things i need to recap for myself while building my own offroad camper. maybe i'll pass by when i go to UK again :)

[@simontaylorphotography4249]

New follower and loving the van very tempted my self keep up the great work

[@peteryvr8113]

Like how you have designed and improved the van, and your review is super. Not bad for your mileage, a website said your 2002 model uses 21.7 mpg UK - 13.0 L/100km. Remove the roof rack should give you better mileage, or see if wind deflector available making the rack more aero, and flush mount your solar panel on the van roof instead on the rack. For the heater, you can try placing a plumbing 90-degree elbow over the vent to redirect the hot air towards the van back and rises from where you sitting. There is still room between the battery and the van interior panel, you can expand the space to fit in a larger battery or push in from the other side or lower battery from the top ? Happy camping and shooting.

[@peteboardman5370]

You asked who was watching - me as a beginner to car camping who is interested in bird photography. I have a £4k Nissan X-trail and am about to kit it out for very little money just to enable me to get away for a few days at a time. Really enjoyed the video. Cheers!

[@rvboondocker2559]

My recommendation is that you get a van sponsor and petrol sponsor. 500,000 targeted customers (and growing) at a nominal cost. I predict this will be one of your most watched videos. In terms of the learning curve, yes experience brings wisdom. Thanks

[@ThomasHeatonPhoto]

Lol, imagine: A petrol sponsor 🤔 That would be better than a Bank sponsoring me. 😂

[@rvboondocker2559]

@@ThomasHeatonPhoto Yeah. It happens. Look at race drivers. But your followers are very targeted. Have to be a more internationally recognized name. I would recommend a Winnebago Revel, or something comparable. I can recommend a good lithium battery pack of at least 500 amp hours and the ventilation will be built in. 4 x 4 is essential, at least in my opinion. My van is some thing that I had to do a lot of modifications to as well, but after nearly 4 years, I would certainly go the route I’m recommending.