Time Lapse | Camper Van Start To Finish | Van Build | Van Conversion

[@Bigdaddybbq-t8g]

Great build. It has to be terrifying to pay that much money for a van and start cutting holes in it.

[@BuildingVanLife]

haha yeh it was the first time. I'm pretty used to it now. On my 5th van

[@talebit]

Wow super nice and eficiente build! Great work

[@BuildingVanLife]

Thank you!

[@widearchshark3981]

This is an almighty build. One of the cleanest I've seen. Down to the fact you took your time I think. Great job !

[@BuildingVanLife]

Thank you! I think you will like my new build it’s coming out even better!

[@selwynbeck2356]

Awesome build & craftmanship, well done.

[@BuildingVanLife]

Thank you!

[@selwynbeck2356]

@@BuildingVanLife My dream is to spend my old age with my grandkids in Cape Town. To do so, I would need a van to live in, but I can not afford one; so there goes that dream, sigh. Take care and thanks

[@allen131313]

Getting the screw heads straight is called "clocking". It's usually a sign of good workmanship.

[@BuildingVanLife]

Oh nice I never knew the term. It's always something I've done ever since a professional electrician showed me years ago. Nothing drives me crazy like when I see outlet cover plates with screws all over the place haha

[@CindyCaVANas]

Of course you would make all the bolts straight, everything else is perfect!!! Amazing carpentry skills. 👌

[@BuildingVanLife]

haha thank you!

[@christinewood8331]

Great build but i would have put the shower where the toilet is, to make more room and put the toilet inside the shower not on show as you slide the door open 😊 or even on the other side near the bed

[@dhunsworth]

Well done! And the angled drill bit is 100% the next tool purchase

[@BuildingVanLife]

Thank you!

[@kiefferkeepinon828]

What a gorgeous build!! Your attention to detail is a class above. 👏 It also has a much homier feel. Thank you for sharing your build with us. 🤗

[@BuildingVanLife]

Thank you so much

[@TheClouds2000]

Well done. Great video. Answered a heap of questions about making a 4 wheeled home. Put a small, folding counter over the toilet? Just a thought.

[@TheJoaomg]

Me encanta y sobre todo, con la facilidad que lo hace. Es una maravilla.

[@BuildingVanLife]

Gracias!

[@tommoore2572]

I know i'm late to the party, but I just watched this. I am looking forward to your new build that you just started. Nice work.

[@BuildingVanLife]

Thank you there about 10 videos up of the new build on the Chanel right now. If you go to my channel then click video they should come up

[@ALEXNOVOAHVAC]

You are a professional doing what you are doing! Excellent job!

[@BuildingVanLife]

Thank you!

[@rajones007]

Your attention to detail is leaps and bounds over any other I've seen on youtube. Even the "pro shops", some of which are good, but they still have a assembly line feel to the finished product. Yours always feel unique and like a master craftsman took his time with it. and it shows in your work. I was planning on starting my project this spring but some family/financial issues have arisen so I have to put it off for another year. But I have to say your channel has given me the most ideas than all the others put together. Little things like how you finish off the top over the rear and sliding doors. Hardly anybody else does that, but why the hell not? Every square inch counts, so why not use it. Needless to say you have given me more ideas than anyone else. One idea though that I haven't see you use is a partition wall. I plan on putting one in. Just a simple insulated wall with a skinny door. I'm concerned very little about stealth and more about privacy and security. That door between the two front seats will be locked and if there's a tap on the van in the night, I'm not exposing my "home" to anybody. I'll be coming out through that door and into the front seat to speak to whoever it is. Also, the "home" side of the wall I can attach some photos, mementos, decorations,. etc., I'll be full-timing this. There's no going back for me. I'll be on my own, traveling Canada, 365 days a year, taking my time and seeing everything I possibly can. And when I'm done I might do the USA. Who knows.

[@BuildingVanLife]

Thank you for the nice comment! I like your idea, I have thought about a partition wall. It has it's advantages. The only reason I haven't gone for it is because you wont be able to swivel the seats with a partition wall and the vehicle seats are the most comfortable place to sit in the van plus it adds to the living space. It's a trade off like everything in a van i guess. I think it just shows that every one has different needs so it's cool to see how all these custom vans come out. Good luck with your build.

[@rajones007]

​@@BuildingVanLife Well, since I'd be alone and full time in Canada where the weather can be extreme I'll be installing both heating and cooling so the loss seating won't bother me much. But more importantly I think a partition wall will be better to insulate against both cold and heat than a curtain and/or window shades around the front window cabin area can. I also think since there would be less space to heat/cool in the livable area that it would be more economical in the long run. I'd like to see how you would tackle a partition some day. A pocket door would be ideal. But keeping it all properly insulated and sealed up from drafts would be key for me. Oh, and get Gracie back. She was a little easier on the eyes than you are.😁

[@joelleterroir4098]

Les finitions sont exceptionnelles 👌👍💪 🤩

[@BuildingVanLife]

Merci!

[@RustyCas999]

Attention to detail where it matters. Practical where the details don't matter as much. Nicely done. Did anyone catch exactly how he did the inside of the shower?

[@BuildingVanLife]

Thank you! I have videos going in detail on that whole build on my channel including the shower. I am also making videos now on my new build.

[@xpchasseur13]

Beau Travail, bien fini Bravo ! ça fait plaisir a voir

[@BuildingVanLife]

Merci!

[@rachelkelly8486]

Awesome. I have enjoyed all your videos on the build. You have taught me a lot and I appreciated your transparency.

[@BuildingVanLife]

Thank you!

[@josea.acevedo3908]

So far the best and most detailed transformation I have seen. Awesome!

[@BuildingVanLife]

Thank you!

[@levt2156]

FANTASTIC workmanship!

[@BuildingVanLife]

Thank you!

[@vanessahill8263]

I loved it I wish you lived closer to SC. I would have purchased if I saw it sooner, it is exactly what I want.

[@Theflyinghoneybadger]

Where did you say you got your cabinets from? Were they just standard cabinets that you modified?

[@BuildingVanLife]

Hd supply. Check my channel I have a whole video on the cabinet install

[@炁樂]

挺好的，配有中文字幕。虽然是机翻的，但能大致明白UP主的意思。点个赞👍🏻。

[@dressingown3]

WHAT A GREAT FINISH WELL DONE PLEASURE TO WATCH GREAT CRAFTMANSHIP X

[@BuildingVanLife]

Thank you!

[@bornpyro3851]

Seems like a good guy too. Vibrant, you can tell he fills his life with happiness and things he enjoys. Probably wakes up at a weird time every day at like 5:26 lol. i’d have a beer w him. anyways I’m on a plane to morocco

[@BuildingVanLife]

Haha. Thank you. Nice meeting you in España!

[@chubbysfc]

Great video bro and all the custom work you did you are very talented

[@BuildingVanLife]

🙏🏻 thank you

[@Martin-qg5kr]

Hello, amazing job 👌. Beautiful, great ideas. Regards Martin.

[@BuildingVanLife]

Thank you!

[@KoukiFPV]

One of the best builds I have seen, you take so much pride in your work.

[@BuildingVanLife]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@a1roofingmaintenance67]

Perfection 👌 amazing attention to detail 👏 😮

[@BuildingVanLife]

Nice of you to say. Thank you

[@leonardcroft1467]

Really Enjoyed You’re Van Build Video !! Nice Job !!

[@BuildingVanLife]

Thank you!

[@fernandafonseca5563]

Very, very beautiful...

[@BuildingVanLife]

Thank you!

[@nyc-brooklyngirl8340]

You did a wonderful job very smart. This is one of the best videos I've seen so far on KZbin 🥰

[@BuildingVanLife]

Thank you! I appreciate it. I'm just getting started on the next van now. Should be even better!

[@nyc-brooklyngirl8340]

Can't wait@@BuildingVanLife

[@danielmeza4620]

I think this a perfect build for me. Would love to get the plans for this

[@BuildingVanLife]

Don’t have plans but I have step by step videos on the channel of this van and my more recent van.

[@zatty1000]

Is that the toilet behind the driver's seat? Is it still for sale, there was no link in the description

[@BuildingVanLife]

That van sold, i have a new van for sale now

[@kt6332]

Shelves are sweet!

[@pablocaulin2853]

Great job! You are talented. 💪🤓👍

[@BuildingVanLife]

Thank you!

[@solarfuryy]

really good build, but for me i would personally build a cabinet all the way to the drivers seat for the toiletbowl to be hidden

[@bertgriffin3624]

Great video. Your attention to detail is spot on. As an electrician , I always set my screws , especially switch plate screws , vertical. It shows you care about quality. You did mention the water tank over the wheel well. If you don't mind , where did you find that ? Great job. My girlfriend and I just bought an E - 350 to do the same thing to. Build a camper.

[@BuildingVanLife]

Thank you I appreciate it. Water tank www.nwconversions.com/product/28-gallon-wheel-well-water-tank-pm-c-28/

[@Ilresi]

Out of curiosity how much did you sell this van for? What were your total costs. I love the video and great job, man.

[@carlosandrescaicedovallejo6034]

beautiful motorhome ,a big hug from colombia, Sincerely the mobile home of love colombia

[@mausie1967]

Wow, very beautifull van. Greetings from the Netherlands.

[@BuildingVanLife]

Thank you! Ik ben een keer in nederland geweest. :)

[@tinaburgess8466]

Beautiful!

[@BuildingVanLife]

Thank you

[@claudion.6998]

oh ! what a good job ( hi, from italy) 🤗

[@BuildingVanLife]

Grazie!

[@belindastettinger5547]

Love, love, love! Perfect!

[@BuildingVanLife]

Thank you!

[@denniscarreno5882]

Job well done!

[@BuildingVanLife]

Thank you!

[@hinbonbon795]

omg i love you man finely 😄 its Selfmade bus conversion BUT you made it everything perfect really like a professional

[@BuildingVanLife]

Thank you for the nice comment

[@Doofyy11]

I want one of these camper van but they’re insanely expensive!

[@MoonTrade]

You make it look easy lol

[@BuildingVanLife]

Thank you

[@yuvrajactor445]

Superb.....

[@evelyndunn50]

Very nice!

[@BuildingVanLife]

Thank you!

[@drummindreams]

Can you please link the light bar and associated products? Looks terrific

[@BuildingVanLife]

Yes, I have a whole video on the install here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a2WWo4mfnL2cgtU Here is the link to the light bar Light Bar, Flood lights and install kit- amzn.to/30pSqba Light Bar without the flood lights- amzn.to/3pYZjc9 License Plate Bracket- amzn.to/3pVJHX4 Flood Light Bracket- amzn.to/3m8lOdF

[@drummindreams]

@@BuildingVanLife thank you! I looked but apparently not well. Thanks for being so responsive and communicative with the build itself!!

[@fadnanoor5121]

Good job

[@BuildingVanLife]

Thank you!

[@BKAD623-hz7ln]

You might be crazy but you do nice work 👍✌️

[@travellingjournalist966]

Hey cool build what would you call that sliding shower/bathroom door I’m in the uk see if I can get something similar thanks

[@BuildingVanLife]

Thank you! It’s called the nautilus shower door

[@symcardnel1741]

Exceptional Does the shower and sink drain to the ground? Did I miss a hot water heater? No mater what there just ain't no room to store stuff like cloths (winter gear), shoes, etc. in vans. Gotta have a hange bar at top of shower to hang wet gear.

[@BuildingVanLife]

There is a hot water heater and there is two grey water takes on electronic valve switches under the van. You can check out all the build videos on my channel of this van and my more recent van

[@burnedpigeon7474]

Your music choice is trippy and exotic. What genre is this? Might use it for renovating my van life.

[@BuildingVanLife]

Haha thank you. I’m not sure the genre it’s from the songs KZbin allows you to use

[@Mothergoose305]

I didn't notice if you set it up for off grid also from the outside

[@herhangiseyler]

perfect!!

[@BuildingVanLife]

Thank you

[@davidtovar1716]

Give us some costs , I’d love to build my own but don’t have the space … might be thinking of buying one already done !

[@BuildingVanLife]

I would sell my most recent van which is nicer than this one in the video for 100k, here is the link to that van kzbin.info/www/bejne/d5Ldfn-ll7-AbNUsi=pPxuyCQYndjhWgBL

[@harryenright7939]

What an incredible build. Love the end result and craftsmanship. Do you have any pro/con advice of the Promaster over the Fird Transit?

[@BuildingVanLife]

Thank you. I prefer the the promaster it’s the widest inside allowing for the bed to go sideways. It also has more ground clearance than the transit. The transit has slightly more head room but the promaster has enough to stand up comfortably.

[@madisonelaine8342]

Love this build! Building one myself and loved the water tank. By any chance do you have a link or where you purchased it at? Please and Thank you!

[@BuildingVanLife]

thank you. here you go. I have videos on the channel installing it. www.nwconversions.com/product/28-gallon-wheel-well-water-tank-pm-c-28/

[@antoniocarmo6319]

Muito bonito Belo trabalho

[@alfonsdalani7823]

Pice of Art nice job Man.one question pliz" you fix it all by yourself for someone can do it oll alone, does it costs a lot of money?? Of course I'm going to buy Fiat Ducato, but I have no idea to restoration.

[@OwerHomeAwayFromHome]

Nice job. I have a question what tipe of shower door have you used?

[@BuildingVanLife]

Its the nautilus shower door. I have a video on my channel of the install if you want to check it out. Link for the door should be in the description of that video as well

[@LifeWithRilla]

This video helped me a lot. I just put down 9k on a Ram Promaster 1500 136 wheel base. I was worried because I never done any construction and didn't know where to start. But, you showed a lot of details I needed in this. I haven't watched the other videos yet. But, if they're more helpful than this then thanks. I still have a lot to learn. But, I need to build it as I live out of it. So, I'm trying to figure things out as I go. I'm going to see about finding a storage place that will let me house home depot rentals out of it. If they're cool with me working out of it then I might give that a go. Is that what you did?

[@BuildingVanLife]

Yeh i made videos on the whole build. This is the first episode of this build here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/moq4pHmGq8p9g9U

[@dfanman1]

I love watching your videos, they motivate me. Just wondering if you are planning on making more videos of your van builds? I know that Vans are probably hard to get at this point, what are your plans?

[@BuildingVanLife]

Thank you! I ordered another van since that’s the only way with the lack of inventory. Its taking a while. Im working on another video at the moment as well. Top mistakes i see in van builds.

[@dfanman1]

@@BuildingVanLife I have a 2020 Promaster High roof 159 wheel Base, I bought it brand new and only have 2100 miles on it, I've done some work on it like two Maxx air fans on the roof and a roof rack, trailer hitch, sound deadening getting ready to start the sub floor, because of covid I've been working 50 to 80 hours a week and didn't have time to work on it but now it looks like I'll have some time. Your videos are a huge help keep them coming. Top mistakes sounds interesting.

[@BuildingVanLife]

@@dfanman1 very nice, i think that's the best van to start with, that's what i have coming, a 2022 159 Promaster. Good luck

[@richard21995]

This must be the best home conversion ever. Can I ask what year is your van, how many miles has it done as it looks in really good condition.

[@BuildingVanLife]

Haha thanks for the ego Boost. This was a new van at the time. 22 I think. 2k miles at completion. I’m just about finished w the next one now.

[@rickclayton822]

Your build is awesome!! How much to buy this one? Do you do these professionally? Could I buy the Promaster and have you build it out? How much to build it out?

[@BuildingVanLife]

Thank you. If you provide the van, I would be able to build it. Something like this all parts, materials and labor would be about 65k

[@yuquilla_pavilon]

Where can I buy (or it is custommade?) the watertank, where it is on the wheel?

[@BuildingVanLife]

I have a video on that install and the link is in the description kzbin.info/www/bejne/i2SQd5mYhNh6bqs

[@kt6332]

The only thing I would have done differently is round the corners on the counter tops. Otherwise, 👍👍👍👍👍

[@rogiervandersterren9138]

The main reason for me not building a van camper is the width... I can't fit in a bed side to side ... 75 inches is not wide enough for me to lay down stretched out ... Thinking about getting a box van only they cost me so much more than a regular van ..

[@BuildingVanLife]

The promaster is the widest of the 3 main vans. You could add bump outs to each side to make it fit an even bigger bed. Otherwise you can do the longer sprinter van run the bed north to south.

[@dhunter1423]

ATTENTION TO DETAILS: Major Success! deb in VanlessVille, SC😂 08/10/2023

[@BuildingVanLife]

Thank you!

[@dhunter1423]

@@BuildingVanLife IF ya have difficulties Selling said Van, Today's both our Lucky🤩Daze cuz though I'm on a very limited Budget, have a fresh unwrinkled $20 (brand new😉) just dying to be Spent!!🤣 OMG, am giddy with anticipation...🤣 deb in VanlessVille, SC😉 08/10/2023 *AS A BONUS WILL MAKE YA DA BEST MARGARITA WITH BUFFETT PLAYIN' IN DA BACKGROUND🕶🏝⛱️🍹🍹🙃😂*

[@zupp.social]

How do you cut the plywood straight? Did you use a table saw?

[@BuildingVanLife]

I have a whole video on my channel. Check out episode 1

[@ericaoneill4125]

Have you had any problems with using the MDF ship lap? Warping/water damage (humidity ? ) especially since you are coastal?

[@BuildingVanLife]

No i haven’t. I use semi gloss paint.

[@jupiter6647]

Hello, can I ask where that spot was @ 15:04, beautiful little beach. Thanks. 😎✌️

[@BuildingVanLife]

thanks, it's a little hidden beach on the back bay in Newport Beach, CA

[@kevindashid]

You put insulation down and then the plywood for the base flooring. Don’t you need like a dynamat underneath to help dampen road noise?

[@BuildingVanLife]

I find the one inch of insulation does more than enough to eliminate the road noise

[@kevindashid]

@@BuildingVanLife ahh, okay. Awesome build! Best of luck!

[@rosypalenzuela208]

Wow beautiful 😍VAN I wish for my To be like yours Awebene👍

[@BuildingVanLife]

Thank you!

[@nizamdemirci9249]

Elinize emeğinize yüreğinize sağlık çok güzel oldu Allah kaza bela vermesin inşallah sizlerin için tanrı tabikide . Tşk ederim bilgi için

[@BuildingVanLife]

izlediğiniz için teşekkürler

[@3veningStar]

You didn't put spacers in the platform of your bed so the water/moisture wicks away and mold doesn't grow on the bottom side of it. As careful as you are...that ive seen you're extremely careful... this one thing is driving me nuts as a person with ocd.

[@RickyP36527]

Great looking build! I really enjoyed your progression through the video. I am looking at building my first van and opting for wood over the 80/20 that I see everyone using. Any comments on the durability long term? Any changes that you would do if you were to do it again?

[@BuildingVanLife]

I have some new videos on the channel of my new build that you can check out. It’s about halfway done right now. I’ve made a few changes but as far as the wood goes, I believe it will last longer than the van does. Houses have been built out of wood forever

[@olgacarbonell6926]

Is that the toilet next to the refrigerator ?

[@MarshmellowFingerz24]

I am just about to start building out my van so this is insanely helpful! Could you leave a link for the ladder you put on in the beginning of the video? Thanks!!

[@BuildingVanLife]

Thank you. Here is a link for the ladder. amzn.to/33hzQnj You can also watch episode 2 where I show more detail of the ladder install

[@samrenehart]

Beautiful van, well done :) where is the water tank from?

[@BuildingVanLife]

thank you. it's from NW Conversions

[@leolani6040]

Man. You did an awesome job, but I don’t know about anyone else, but I’d rather something other than the woodwork in a van conversion video 🤷🏻‍♂️. Windows, wiring, water tank, grey water tank…

[@dbusc1]

Where’s the link for the drone

[@BuildingVanLife]

this is the drone i use amzn.to/3TKc4Ew

[@danimigue06]

Do you lose your car warranty by doing all these changes to the van ?

[@marekkowalski3814]

Hi, How many liters of water tank should be installed to be able to use the shower and toilet ?

[@BuildingVanLife]

The toilet doesnt use any water. I used a 28 gallon tank which i think is just the right size. In fact I normally only keep it half way filled. For weight reasons. I don't think any larger than 28 gallons (about 105 liters) is needed or even reasonable. That would be a lot of weight to drive around with.

[@Jenny-xe1ms]

Why Not more windows?

[@63mrc]

hi, what's the reference of the shower door ? thanks

[@BuildingVanLife]

What do you mean reference?

[@ابراهيمبلال-ق6ل]

How much does this project cost without the price of the car

[@lucianosilva6427]

Where can I buy those cabinets

[@BuildingVanLife]

They are hd supply but they are heavily modified to fit. Check out the video I made on how I installed them.

[@nguoivotam2112]

Sorry I stumbled on this late, but how much did it sold for?

[@BuildingVanLife]

118k. I have another one now.

[@nguoivotam2112]

@@BuildingVanLife Thank you 🙏

[@AnimalBasedVanlife]

I installed the same diesel heater as you and primed the fuel pump and gas was leaking from the exhaust under the van where I mounted it. Also getting E-8 error. And smells like it’s blowing gas into the van. What could I have done?

[@AnimalBasedVanlife]

I’m in Newport anyway you could help me out?

[@BuildingVanLife]

Error e8 is lack of fuel. First you need to make sure the connection is no longer leaking before you use it again. Then check all the lines make sure there are no air bubbles. You may need to prime a few times to get rid of them. Make sure you have enough fuel in the tank. That should work. Check all the connections for leaks.

[@raethomas3494]

Good day . Was this a 2500 wb van?

[@BuildingVanLife]

Yes 2500 159 wb

[@mia-yf3ip]

How much did you sell it for?

[@cbarbs638]

did you install windows after you spray foamed?

[@BuildingVanLife]

yes but i only added a window to the sliding door and i didnt foam that section of the door

[@cbarbs638]

@@BuildingVanLife thanks. do you foresee any issues with cutting out spots for windows AFTER the interior has been spray foamed? (aside from it being a waste of spray foam?)

[@cbarbs638]

* considering buying a van that has already been spray foamed, but it has no windows, no framing, and no wiring etc yet.

[@BuildingVanLife]

@@cbarbs638 it shouldn’t be a problem. It’s not that hard to cut through. Just make sure you didn’t run any wires in that spot

[@joemorris1763]

Nice job but you should have painted the tongue and grove before you installed it because when it shrinks, which it will, you will have lines of unpainted wood showing in the joints.

[@BuildingVanLife]

Actually if you paint it before they won’t go in the tight groove.

[@joemorris1763]

@@BuildingVanLife Gentle nudge with a block will do the job.

[@BuildingVanLife]

@@joemorris1763 clearly you have never used this thin tongue and groove I’ve used in the ceiling. It’s a very tight fit and the edges are too fragile to tap with a block and not chip off the tongue. There is no way to paint this specific material first and put it up. It’s not a big deal if I need to touch up later when it shrinks.

[@洪小姐-v3b]

不知道🤷‍♀️這樣的改造花了多少錢？

[@BuildingVanLife]

大約兩萬 USD

[@exoticbeautyblisssimpson8430]

Price of Van you sold?

[@BuildingVanLife]

The price was $119,000

[@seamylife6362]

How much do they go for? Price range

[@BuildingVanLife]

About $115