TOP 10 TIPS FOR VAN DWELLING BUILD| SEE THIS BEFORE YOU BUILD YOUR CUSTOM VAN/ TINY HOME ON WHEELS

[@nicholasmarx9823]

I think it is wonderful that you realize you are impulsive and impatient. Even more so that you are comfortable with it and open with others about it! Some folks cast judgement upon those traits and label them as negative. I think that they are beautiful in their own respect. So long as you recognize them, and how they affect your behaviour...it's all good! I can be the same way too. It makes it tough to "fit into the box," but who wants to do that anyhow!?!

[@IntoTheMystery13]

Very much agree!

[@abovethefog1016]

I watched a VW Kombi Campervan burn to ashes in a carpark at McDonalds on a highway. Took a full 12 minutes to be a smoldering shell. Electrical fault caused the fire. BE ABLE TO SWITCH OFF THE BATTERY, just like all boats. Easy to fit. You don't want to be looking for spanners to undo the battery post clamp when there is something smoking. Just get a switch. $10 to $30 all over ebay.

[@IntoTheMystery13]

That is wicked smart!

[@BaconNBeer]

I put one of those clear plastic carpet cover things you see at desks so your chair rolls on the carpet and doesn't leave holes in the side door of my van it makes it easy to clean and I keep a brush hanging right there. It makes a huge difference with wet or dirty muddy shoes. The one I got free is four feet wide the same as my door. So perfect.

[@BostonConcessioncom]

Regarding mold. Consider "heat exchanger" for air flow which basically brings the outside air in, through the center of the air leaving, thereby warming the incoming air, using the outgoing air. Your warm inside air on it's way out, will cause air flow in without using a fan. Can be done in PVC pipe, and you can use a valve to reduce of intensify the air flow in/out. Up and in from under vehicle (through floor with rear facing elbow, no rain), and out from above (not roof, upper side wall vent). Called a "passive system", meaning, no mechanical required. It will ventilate out the warmer wet air in the same way that a chimney/hot air balloon works, and will bring in the exterior air which is cooler. It's always shaded and cooler under vehicle than at the top, so air will always flow from your body heat alone. If incoming passes through outgoing air before entering, it won't be as cold : ) and reducing the amount of draft with a PVC pipe valve will work great as well, while allowing you to entirely close each. Will also get rid of any gathering fumes of any type well above where your head is while you sleep. Love the notes in this video to new people regarding anchor down and try it out. I build this stuff for a living, and still learn new every day.

[@chrisparrot2660]

What wonderful idea. I am currently doing research for a build and plan on installing a fan in the ceiling above the cooking area which would ideally be towards the middle. After reading about the heat exchanger i want to do that as well. The idea of being able to simply cool the van by opening a valve. No drainage of the battery required? I can see many occasions where the temperature in only slightly discomforting by a degree or 2. turning the fan on even the lowest setting would chill the van too much. Thank you

[@fmpApps]

Keep in mind that the air under the vehicle may contain deadly exhaust fumes if your engine is running and other fumes. So having a shut off in the intake pipe may save your life, especially if you run the engine to heat up the vehicle or charge the battery while the vehicle is stationary.

[@wiretamer5710]

Excellent communication. Honest, concise, humble and deep. You've obviously thought about these issues for a long time, yet you didn't rehearse every sentence and word. The result is very real. Well done.

[@IntoTheMystery13]

Thanks wire tamer!

[@angelagabriela3585]

I've watched a lot of videos about van dwelling and this is something really important that I've not seen anybody else talking about! Thank so much!

[@AsTheWheelsTurn]

great video thanks for posting this. Just fyi MDF is actually not toxic, all it is is wood powder basically mixed with wood glue and compressed, essentially it is very dense thick carbboard. the stuff that is toxic and "off gasses" chemicals would be non cabinet grade plywoods, osb (like house sheathing) ,chip board (the kind that has all differant shaped large chips of wood) and some of the cheaper particle board. I wouldn't reccomend MDF for a van though just because its HEAVY and it does not do well with water. same with particle board although I would use particle board if that was all i could afford. The best thing to use in a camper van is cabinet grade plywood.the glees used in it are not toxic and dont offgas and of course lumber, if you use poplar,alder or pine, all soft and easy to work with, light weight. stay away from pallet wood, its full of pesticides and no matter what you do it will be splintery, out door use only on pallet wood! anyway sorry , you didnt ask for my ten cents and I gave it anyway haha again great video have a good day!

[@IntoTheMystery13]

+AsTheWheelsTurn thank you!

[@Scriptorsilentum]

canadian plywoods and mdf's do not have any offgassing substances permitted.

[@devonblaine]

I hope these foam board cabinets that I plan on using are non/ less toxic.

[@averysmallcampervan]

The main health concern with MDF is the fine wood dust + glue dust when working with it. Finished product is usually okay.

[@StrangeRealityVlog]

I love your insight

[@tammieparrishmiller3669]

I just read some of these comments. Damn! What's up with all this angry banter? It was a good video with good info and great intentions. Period.

[@eyeswideshut2800]

Indeed

[@Joe44944]

dicks

[@aquariusgirl8454]

Valuable info that hasn't been discussed EVER. Much appreciated!

[@greymarket6834]

Ask the product manufacturer for what is called an MSDS sheet (Material Safety Date Sheet). We used them in the construction industry. It will tell about safe storage and handling of the product. It will also give ventilation recommendations or safety gear requirements. This sheet will give a good indication of how hazardous the material is.

[@IntoTheMystery13]

+Grey Market thank you!

[@8BloodyKnuckles]

4:23. Suggests that we go and look things up for ourselves.... lmao!!! Thank you for saying that. Seriously seriously. Thank you for suggesting people do their own homework. Not nearly enough people say this on any subject. And thank you for being honest when you don’t know something. Highly respectable to be upfront. Very informative video. I plan to build out a van or another suburban as a comping rig. You actually have taught me some things I’d honestly not have considered. Be safe out there.

[@JudiChristopher]

You are one smart young man!!! I'm very impressed with your Top 10 Especially... #4... Toxicity... is serious... The weight load is serious too. I had a 1972 Mini Wini... loaded the TOP (front) bunk too much... and had a blow out within 100 miles... "Thank YOU so much for sharing this great tutorial/video.

[@kaieden]

7:00 It always bugs me when I see knives on those magnetic strips behind the driver/passenger. However strong they seem in a normal braking situation I'd be terrified of where they'd go in a crash.

[@IntoTheMystery13]

Great point!

[@NatAnnSch]

@@IntoTheMystery13 Know there was no pun intended here but it still made me chuckle.

[@powerfulalkraemer4856]

About number 5 I had a metal bed frame strapped down in the back of my Chevy Astro. I got rear ended by a truck going 70. The truck's front end was smashed. Because of the metal bed frame was up against the back of my van it kept my van from compressing inward. As a result mostly everything stayed in place and I was able to drive away safely after the accident report.

[@IntoTheMystery13]

+AlRockAlternative MotivateGrow wow! That's awesome, and glad your safe!

[@anonymous_friend]

Vehicles are purposely made to give in a collision to soften the impact.

[@catmonkey4351]

I'm considering using my metal loft bed frame on the interior of my build next year. Bonus points for safety!

[@SeanMather]

Thank you for your video! These things aren’t talked about as much as they should be! It’s important to consider all the aspects of building an awesome vehicle that you’re going to spend a lot of time in, especially safety.

[@averysmallcampervan]

Another good video - working back through some of the channels I watched planning my van and belatedly subscribing 'cause I didn't the first time 'round. Thanks for all the great info! Priceless!

[@Saltius999]

Thanks Jed very enlightening picking up my van tomorrow cuz it's payday! should be in it full time around March or April and you have been a huge inspiration to get me to finally go out and do it. I've been thinking about it for 5 years but it's finally time!

[@IntoTheMystery13]

Thanks to lacsa727 for breaking this down for us TOP 10 LIST 1-LEAK TEST- 00:27 2-CONSIDER DESIGN (DUST ACCUMULATION)- 1:09 3-VENTILATION COOKING- 2:38 4-TOXICITY OF MATERIALS- 3:45 5-WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION- 5:52 6-ACCIDENT & SAFETY- 6:57 7-AUTO TITLE- 8:57 8-TRIAL & ERROR- 9:47 9-CONVENIENCE- 11:20 10-DON'T WAIST SPACE- 12:57 V.O.C. = VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUND VOC PAINT -- Harmony Paint from Sherwin-Williams www.sherwin-williams.com/architects-specifiers-designers/education/paint-and-color-technology/sw-art-stir-enhanced-harmony

[@Angelus225]

Thank you so god damn much.

[@Kristanoppersma]

don"t waste space?

[@keithbasa]

Nice clickbait. I was hoping you actually crashed.

[@TechCarnivore1]

Wow, kudos to you for making this!

[@chubbyninja842]

7:00 You talk about heavy objects flying at you during a crash. This is why it's super important to tell your passengers to always buckle up ... because if you crash, THEY become a projectile that can kill you. Can you imagine getting a head-but at 60 mph?! That will cave in both of your heads. You're DONE! EVERYONE needs to buckle up.

[@IntoTheMystery13]

+ZombieTex agreed!

[@devonblaine]

An ex girlfriend used to have a regular customer at her store that always came in with his dog. Some time ago, him, his wife, and his dog got into a bad wreck. The dog became a projectile and killed his wife. This has stuck with me. Always buckle up.

[@carynmorehart]

Watching your videos are inspiring me to get back on the road again. Can't wait to get my second van and possibly start travel vlogging.

[@desertdweller9255]

You're one of the most thorough van vloggers I've seen!

[@jniska3654]

Great video !, I am dating myself but I remember lead based paint. Flooring, well from experience anything cheap usually comes from a country without high production standards and you get what you pay for. Still with that said on the flooring you cannot beat the real stuff, real wood, nothing prefabed or treated but something you have taken the time to work yourself. LED lights well, fluorescent lighting in it's day was the cure all. In any living space especially a small one all have to be considered. Appreciate your enthusiasm, hope you apply it to your research. One point if I may, ventilation air flow, everything, material included has to breath. Good Job ! and thank you for your efforts

[@TimFuller]

Pretty good stuff there my friend. I'm going three years into life in a 93 Dodge minivan. There's definitely some iterations that take place as you adjust for personal ergonomics over time no matter how well you think you have it from the get go. The convenience to access/depth of storage problem is spot on. Having to go thru several steps in order to get simple things accomplished is a pain in the ass and it takes awhile to sort all that out. One of the main problems facing most all the van dwellers is the moisture issue. I've been blessed to avoid most of that by virtue of living above five thousand feet altitude in the high mountain meadows of Colorado. The low humidity really helps in that regard. I'm too old to worry with VOC's and pollution. Hell, that's why my mama raised me with and if it hasn't killed me off yet it's a bit late for me to worry about, but you weaker, more susceptible youth need to look out. #hoboheretic Enjoy.

[@Colorado4x4Van]

Nice vid...some really good info there! I agree on space-saving, simplicity, and the safety aspects. I built my bed in place because I don't ever want to fold it out, etc. I have re-done my kitchen three times, but the footprint stayed the same. I think it's important to leave as much room to change in your designs as possible because-like you say-you'll always think of things you want to add or upgrade.

[@richardharper8366]

Hey! I'm back on track. You gave some great tips that I will be keeping in minds as I modify my '97 Chevy Express 1500 Anaheim Conversion. Was going to just get a Class B, but decided to save a mint and have fun converting mine. BTW, I agree with the minimalist idea you mentioned. Work begins this week - lots of measuring and drawing - and moving the battery bay over the axle.... I plan to document on You Tube, and will let you know when its up. Happy trails!

[@spleerfloof]

Nice vid here, good of you to post it for everyone. I have a Chevy Express stealth camper van, which was a lil tricky to design because it's both a work vehicle and a camper, but I'm really happy with the design I came up with. My last system to install, hopefully this weekend, is the compressor fridge and the solar panel, battery, and charge controller to run it. Can't wait to say adios to the ice chest! I like your weight distribution tip the best. I want to mount the new 100-pound deep cycle battery on the floor behind the driver's seat, but it could go right on the rear axle as well--I'll have to test drive it behind the driver's seat and just see how it handles. My van is the big 3500 one-ton, so it may not make a difference, but thanks to your vid here, I will make sure before committing!

[@kenkozma9894]

Good job Jed. Lots of good advice and ideas. Deffinatly like the the low battery mount to the frame.

[@travelsnacks]

Just starting my first van build. This is such great information. Thanks for sharing these important tips!

[@drew8642]

all really good info and tips. You can get a mini dehumidifier to pull in moisture. If your van leaks its a neglected old beater..just make sure all rubbrr seals are fresh and undamaged.

[@wingman358]

great video, and your presentation is great. very charismatic and fun to watch

[@JoeCubicle]

Well said! Many good points. Moisture, air flow and load balancing were great points.

[@reeblesnarfle5443]

Boy! Somebody had a rough time in the cover picture...! Ouch. Love the twinkle lights! Nice addition to make cozy without having harsh LED lighting. All about atmosphere. Whoo Hoo! Cool vid.

[@jasara1895]

Great info!! idk about gun laws, I would guess though that they are different per state, so that might be considered. I also don't have a clue about vans lol BUT what I do know (17 years truck driver) that how things are loaded inside a trailer can become a factor regarding side winds, effects of larger vehicles passing you, slick roads, going around corners, speeds, stopping etc. For instance, its not a good idea to have more weight on 1 side, try & even out the weight. Great vid thanks

[@KymberMcLaughlin479]

Each state does have specific guidelines

[@WookieSenshi]

Speed wise I'm glad I'm an everyday hypermiler. I almost never go above 50 mph on the interstate and stay in the right lane. my mpg increase at least 25% from the epa ratings and in the event of a potential accident I'll be a lot more likely to stop safely than someone going 70-80 mph.

[@lacsa727]

You are Blessed you are Not Driving in MIAMI!! Eaaaak!!!

[@WookieSenshi]

I live in Tampa Florida and have been to Miami a few times. I've also been to Chicago as well. During rush hour no less. I've also been and food delivery for 7 years so I know all about bad traffic and asshole drivers. I just stay in the right lane and mind my own business going the minimum allowed speed limit.

[@IntoTheMystery13]

+Wookie Senshi aren't you more likely to be hit by someone going too fast?

[@WookieSenshi]

Yes, but in most places the right lane is for slower moving traffic and there's always a mininum speed limit, typically 50 mph on most major highways. If someone is driving crazy fast and not paying attention, then whatever happens is on them. I'm not about to change the way I drive and get significantly worse mpg just to cater to those who have little or no patience. lol The EPA rates my car at 27 miles per gallon on the highway. But I'm able to get it to a solid 40 miles per gallon over the course of an entire tank driving all highway miles like I do. That's a significant increase and considering I also like to travel a lot I would not want to have to spend that much more money over a few thousand miles. lol

[@AsTheWheelsTurn]

here in Arizona the highway speed limit out of town areas is 75 if you are going below 85 you are getting aggressively passed by people as if you are going "slow" inner city freeways I think are generally 55-60 i dont know because basically i just go as fast as the traffic is flowing or in the case of my camper van, as fast as it will go safely,but again if you are going below 75 or 80 you are considered a nuisance ,the right lane does give you some leeway but going 50 mph would be nuts. Id love to see a hyper-miler get on the roads around here, youd probably be in an accident or shot within a week.

[@age_of_reason]

I was going to ask if you ever thought about installing the batteries underneath the van and you answered @ 8:30. Whoa. Trippy.

[@MyCherico]

awesome sweet good to hear that the van will be back up and running here in the next day or two

[@jilliand6591]

great video, I'm currently planning on moving into my car this summer mostly because I'm tired of paying $800 a month in rent and if this summer goes well I'll probably look into buying a van for the next year. I never thought of the whole weight distribution thing before but I'm glad so said something, very good tip to keep in mind.

[@exmon007]

Great info. Load balance, ventilation and toxic fumes are a paramount consideration.

[@wanderingwade8877]

Great video. I've been following your channel off and on for a while and I'm finally at the point that I'm going to fix up my van and the info you have provided is a huge help. I'm not aware of a way to mount batteries out side of the body on a standard van like an Econoline or Dodge. Any links on this?

[@jessonthebrink4071]

Hey! So glad I found your video. I'm just beginning my research on van conversion and high on my list of priorities is making my space as healthy as possible. Your video is one of the first I've seen that mentions the toxicity of materials and chemicals. I got excited when I heard you mention batteries. I thought you were going to talk about EMF and dirty electricity. I have yet to hear anyone talk about the dangers of sleeping on top of a battery bank, or how wifi signals inside a van can cause trouble. The idea of mounting batteries to the frame may address this concern. I hope you talk more about it in future videos. Thanks Again and keep 'em coming.

[@angrypandaLizzie]

Just found your channel, love how you're videos are to the point and informative. Better than a lot of other van life videos.

[@WiseMoveAZ]

So interesting - I wouldn't have thought about SO many of these things! Thanks for sharing!

[@MindiheartsMusic]

Mount the battery outside in.the back or under it? Sounds safer but can you keep the rain or whatever away from it? So much good things discussed today. Love it. Hope you find a better solution to your small living space.

[@eamonandbec]

Great vid! Cheers bro...just bought a sprinter!

[@skoolrocks1991]

Very good video. I am soon to retire & wanting to do a van. You brought a lot of good information common sense things that we need to consider. Thank you for your time Peace!!

[@IntoTheMystery13]

Happy to hear it Steve

[@lorismith3072]

Jed, you're such an engaging guy for all age groups. Had to laugh: if I'm going 80 to 0 into the back of a semi, a brick wall or soaring off a cliff, I probably won't be worried about flying objects but I get your point.

[@IntoTheMystery13]

+Lori Smith haha thank you for the kind words!

[@boobearhajek6795]

Thanks for the tips! I bought my van and found out that i had a second battery already strapped to the frame. Definitely help with saving space!!

[@IntoTheMystery13]

Score!

[@cindychurch925]

All excellent points! I learn so much from your videos. Thanks

[@theyliedtoyou4270]

Best video that I have watched so far and man have I watched a few, lol. I've been researching this for a few weeks now, I looking to sell my car in a few weeks and the money will pay for the van and the first stage of the conversion so this video was just spot on. Thanks so much for doing this vid and for all your other ones that I've watched too. 👍🏽

[@IntoTheMystery13]

+WeAre Power right on, you got it man. Best wishes

[@winnyjstew]

have you made the switch yet?

[@nursingstudent3069]

Great video. Thanks for all the good points to think about. This video is very useful.

[@IanJTaylor]

Nice tips there. I took a lot from that. I’m just in the planning stage of my van and you definitely covered things I didn’t even consider. Cheers dude!

[@riensoveru752]

Really great advice Jed! Thanks for the information. Cant wait to get the Shuttle Bus done so i can show it to you. My Vblog on KZbin will launch on Feb 1st I think but I will keep you informed. I hope my videos will be even half as good as yours with information and inspiration. Glad you arent sick and are almost ready to hit the road again.

[@IntoTheMystery13]

Woohoo, send me a link

[@riensoveru752]

will do brother

[@josephsy]

I love your philosophy to life about dealing with failure!

[@judyjudyjudy9593]

Very good suggestions. Also very wise to tell people to check out what you say.

[@CaraEMoore]

Thanks for the video. Especially like the hose test (do the build and then find out the van leaks, ugh). For Van classification changes, DMV.org has a list of DMV sites for each state. For VA, you have to keep receipts of van purchase and materials used, take pictures of rebuild and take this info to a notary. Then you apply for a specialization of vehicle (vsa 22) to get van reclassified. (looking ahead to this day). Thanks again for the posts. xx

[@IntoTheMystery13]

+Cara E. Moore wow what a pain! In oregon you only need a permantent bed and cooling area.

[@Yowzaification]

I'm impressed, very good video. All 10 were very good ideas and well explained.

[@IntoTheMystery13]

+Yowzaification glad you like it!

[@rogercotman1314]

Simply LUV the advice ............................ keeping it simple is so important .............

[@clemblackman1003]

What I especially like about this video is the pro's and cons of design and how to become verse in knowing your habits of organization it differs from person to person. So yeah! I'm totally am the same kind of person like yourself I like things that are accessible and practical yet multi-functional at the same time in that being said that saves alot of valid time in the things that you do on a day by day basis. Thanks for the insight about what's toxic and what's important in terms of air and weight distribution which is quite interesting to know. Peace and thanks for the encouragement.

[@IntoTheMystery13]

+Clem Blackman thanks for the feedback Clem!

[@clemblackman1003]

ok! no problem!

[@nothere7198]

Thank you and kudos for the points about weight and balance ! Don't forget the total weight though. I don't know how many times I've seen dangerously overloaded vehicles. And when I've called some of them on it they don't think they have a problem. Beefing up your suspension won't allow you to safely go over your vehicle max weight. And beyond that are all the braking and tire issues.

[@nicco905]

I like how chill you are

[@evolutionglitch4739]

Into The Mystery 13 if you want to build shelves up high on the cheap you can use corrugated plastic. It is about $15 for a 4x8 ft sheet at home depot. It won't hold a ton of weight but you don't want much weight up high in your can. You can even use a hole punch and zip ties for supper easy construction. Corrugated plastic is cheap enough to mock up your van layout before you cut plywood. It would be perfect for lightweight shelves along the top perimeter of your van, much like boats have for throwing various things in.

[@patcummings7533]

Great info and great delivery... love that you keep to the point..

[@aspudkicker]

Toxic emisions are something I considered greatly. The rear of my van contains plywood with the lowest emission rating I could find. Im currently looking at data sheets for foam insulation, as most state they put you at risk of cancer amoungst other things. My van is 90% used as a workvan and only used for sleeping in when I work away from home, but as a work van I'm very aware of weight distribution as I carry a ever changing load of tools and materials. My advice would to be keep the load low, evenly spread and well strapped down. I have a auxillary battery in the back of my van for my lights etc, connected to my starter battery via a smart charger. I made sure the auxillary battery is clamped to the chassis in a proper battery box with the vent tube terminating externally away from all metal components.

[@audradurkee1435]

This is an awesome list, thank you! My husband and I are just getting ready to buy a van and build it out, and this is all awesome stuff to think about! I just subscribed, and I can't wait to watch your other videos!

[@AllThingsRamdom]

thanks for the video I love it and you provide some great insight! Next week I'm picking up a van and I'm going to be building it out to live the van life. I'll be posting my journey to my KZbin channel so maybe at some point in the future we can meet up.

[@avocado3748]

Great tips!! You talked about a lot of things that other you tubers haven’t or glossed over. With regards to Harmony paint, it designed to break down organic odors, I’m not sure about breaking down VOC’s. So when the source of smell is removed (ie onions, curry, cigarette smoke etc...) it breaks it down. I’ve kept low VOC’s items in my car such flooring sample boards of wood, laminate etc...tho it’s all low VOC, including the glue, you smell it because it’s in such a small and confined space like you said. The smell gets worse when it’s hot inside. I’m guessing you can sniff test it by placing the material you’re considering in your van with all windows shut under the sun. after a few hours of more, get inside with the door shut and smell the air quality. Awesome stuff! I was wondering about weight balancing so I appreciate you telling us your experiences. BTW it was a shooting star, you didn’t knock it down :)

[@yolandatrujillo3131]

Great insights - thank you for creating this extremely informative video!

[@BelindaForgy]

Excellent information, Jed! All things I've been contemplating! I'm lazy and looking for convenience so have to be picky about what I'm willing to compromise on! Keep the great videos coming!

[@IntoTheMystery13]

+Belinda Forgy - Editor it's good to know yourself!

[@eyeswideshut2800]

Good job young man, I keep recommending ppl do a leak test.

[@thectk1000]

Great, great video. All of these are extremely important points. With the convenience thing, to me, it seems to be quite a catch 22 in a van. To have the convenience of multiple uses for a space you have to have the inconvenience of transforming it. To have the convenience of just being able to do one thing right away, you have to have the inconvenience of that space being dedicated to only one thing and therefore there being less things you can do within your space. People have to think very hard about what exactly they want.

[@tybrady64]

I'm impressed, better than I thought it would be!

[@IntoTheMystery13]

+Ty Brady happy to hear it!

[@johnprice8503]

Awesome attention to detail....appreciate all your hard learned info Wise above your years Thanks bro

[@mymjctube]

you have a good attitude! I enjoyed your talk.

[@gabechaffin8428]

wise words man I love you videos you gave me some great ideas you and wizard dream are my favorite van dwellers you inspired me today thank you NAMASTE

[@IntoTheMystery13]

+Gabe Chaffin 🙏

[@elizabethenlow4807]

Good point about securing batteries. How have you secured yours? I'm looking at running a bolt through the floor on either side of the battery with a plate above and below (below as in ..under the frame). I've looked all over and not found much information, which is kind of weird because I think this is a key safety issue (as you so rightly pointed out) so I'm coming up with my own ideas....

[@scharettbonnie]

Thanks for the advice. I am currently actually going to try out my plan with a little KOA cheating because I don't have solar yet and I am traveling to New Orleans with a one year old. I want to take out my carpet but keep the original latches so I can put them back in if I sell the Van. Also I have to keep the back bench seat for purposes of a car seat for baby but it folds down into a bed and I use two crib mattresses side by side on it. They are a perfect fit and comfy. but what I really want to know is should i build over the floor latches or take them out or cut around them. Can't figure out which is best.

[@chachadodds5860]

WoW! Lots of really great points. Thx for sharing.

[@TexCynRVLife]

Lots of good points. Thanks for sharing - I see this as beneficial for others.

[@IntoTheMystery13]

+ReignBeauHounds :)

[@HoboAhle]

Another awesome video, very helpful information with a lot of good things to consider. Thanks for putting this one together.

[@IntoTheMystery13]

+Hobo Ahle you got it!

[@asahouchin4533]

Hey Jed. Great list you made up! Super helpful to me as I'm probably going to get into the van life. I'm training to be an automotive technician. I'd like to point out on number 6, removing the battery from the living space is great, but if it is inside it is important to have vent tubes running from the box your battery is in. As batteries charge, they produce an odorless, colorless gas that can be very harmful and could lead to a serious accident. This vent tube could be run anywhere, as long as it is out. definitely don't want those gases inside.

[@IntoTheMystery13]

for standard lead/acid batteries absolutely! I must have forgotten to mention that. I use agm batteries on the inside, which are totally sealed and ventless

[@asahouchin4533]

Into The Mystery 13 That's awesome! Didn't think of those types of batteries. With that in mind, I'll be sure to invest in those!

[@grannieannie1371]

Great tips the only thing I would think about with mounting your batteries outside the van is ground clearance on rough roads.

[@averysmallcampervan]

I looked into registering the van as an RV but in Quebec you need to have the whole grey/black tank/toilet etc. in order to qualify. Not the way I want to go, so stuck with regular registration.

[@growingwildheather]

Just wonderful!! Some really great thinking and tips!! Thanks so much! Safe travels.

[@jamiesmith1343]

for those upper shelves try pvc pipe and if toxic seal them, you can make roll up doors like on a desk just use foam board with muslin to make them with. great idvice by the way!

[@HighSpeedNoDrag]

Excellent Points I have never come across during my research. Outstanding and Thanks.

[@Cragdognamedbear]

I'll be building my van this summer and I was planning on having a welder friend of mine help me cut a hole in the floor and creating a metal battery box under the floor where the spare goes instead. One reason fro this is to keep weight low and centered, and the other reason is if my batteries do leak I won't be breathing in those fumes. ALSO Mozart did write his masterpieces in the first draft. He was famous for not rewriting.

[@IntoTheMystery13]

+Sean Struble that's a great idea! Yeah I've come to realize that was a poor example, the point I was trying to make is no less valid though

[@TechNomadUK]

Wow super helpful video as I'm building a new van soon.

[@drewhon]

Great Video. How many miles do you have on the van at this time. Thanks From Ohio

[@age_of_reason]

Thanks for reminding me to check for leaks. Inside of van should be bone dry before you start to build anything. Great video.

[@IntoTheMystery13]

+wojtek0000 agreed and thanks!

[@NomadicGearhead]

Man I appreciate the info in the beginning as someone with allergies.... right now I'm full time in a vintage motorhome while I rehab it and HOLY MOLY I can't wait until I can afford to RIP OUT THE CARPET it is nasty dust and dirt central. You heard anything about air filtration options for us RVers/vandwellers?? Someone suggested one but they seem high amp use to me you know??

[@Afrobiomechatronic]

Loved the video dude! and attitude haha. keep rollin

[@matthewwhite9410]

I wish I would have leak tested my van before I bought it. The back and side doors leak in heavy rain. Burning unvented propane(buddy heaters) puts out a lot of moisture in the air, in my van water condensed on the metal ceiling between the panel. Cooking,burning butane or propane, and showering put a ton of moisture in the air which will find it's way to the coldest surface. I don't have a ceiling vent. Great video.

[@IntoTheMystery13]

+Matthew White Oh man that's rough. Do you have damp rids or a dehumidifier? You'll eventually get mold and eventually get sick. You may want to pick up some oragano oil (look up p73 oraganol) for when you do, it helps a lot!

[@matthewwhite9410]

Into The Mystery 13 Mold is a concern, thanks for the reply.

[@joelpaszkowski5684]

thank you! this video was super informative and clear!

[@VANESSASDAILYLIFE]

*yes I did a leak test today in my van it was raining so hard today, I do have a little leak*

[@spec46971]

a lot of good info and there are 12 volt dehumidifiers you can buy

[@yardwaste2greattaste903]

Wow you had some surprises for me here, really good job on this vid, appreciate!

[@tdgdbs1]

May I add that do not destroy the structure integrity of your vehicle. I am a flight nurse and have witnessed so many traumatic injuries from stupid mods.

[@IntoTheMystery13]

+PDB Long great point!

[@BulvaiHammersson]

What she said. Insurance adjuster here. Screwing with structural integrity is just stupid unless you know what you're doing. You've made some fantastic points here. Good from from the perspective of a guy who deals with wrecks literally every week day.

[@IntoTheMystery13]

+BulvaiHammersson thank you for that!

[@BulvaiHammersson]

No sweat, man. I like what you do. I usually find fault with a point or three in lists like this but this one was spot on. Keep it up.

[@tdgdbs1]

Coastal Empire These guys are not mechanical engineers I assure you!

[@garthlocklin6355]

You certainly have come a long way in your presentations, info sharing and I love how you take notes. Good info. I had thought about mounting batteries underneath also but lots of van dwellers and others venture off road at times and my thoughts are ground clearance would be an issue, especially on the smaller or lower vehicles. Maybe mount a tool box on the rear bumper like Backroads Vanner and keep batteries in there. I think Howie Roll has a generator in his rear mounted tool box.

[@adventureswithgnomie6553]

Jed - what about a exterior platform with a battery box secured? I thinking along those lines for a battery bank & a propane tank storage area so like campers they are accessible but secured. Good things to think about.

[@IntoTheMystery13]

+Adventures with Gnomie I'm not sure how safe that is

[@nicholasmarx9823]

It certainly would be a challenge to make it stealthy. But it is a good point to think about. not something one would think about when starting out!

[@adventureswithgnomie6553]

Nicholas Marx if it's a white or black "work van" - they usually have ladder racks on top. depending on the rack - solar panels can be disguised as plywood sheets & the battery box as a toolbox. I have had a lot of time to research & I use to be an artist - I look at from the form meets function angle.

[@nicholasmarx9823]

Oh snap...good point. I was thinking from the traditional angle of placing those items along the side skirts of the van. Like you would see in a class B/C.

[@adventureswithgnomie6553]

Nicholas Marx the propane can be secured in a box on a platform secured via the trailer hitch - still working on a design for that because it's a consumable item so climbing up & down doesn't make sense. Observe "work vehicles" and notice how their stuff is secured. with creativity and a bit of flair - anything is possible.