VAN BUILD MISTAKES | 10 Upgrades We’d Change in our Van Conversion Build & How You Can Avoid Them

[@twowanderingsoles]

Yikes! We hope you can learn from our van build mistakes 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♀️ Let us know if you have any questions about our build, we'd be happy to answer them in the comments below.

[@sun6v546]

Wonderful couple ..............may you live a lon......g long life together , Mates👋👋👋👋👋👍👍👍👍👍

[@twowanderingsoles]

Aww thank you, you are so sweet!

[@larrysalaz9670]

Thanks🤗 Some great suggestions! we're still trying to figure out the iPad mount.

[@poetansperry]

I have a similar drawer. I used 2 large headed screws. Spraypainted copper. One on the front edge, the second on the side. Take a 3"piece of leather, put 2 slits then slide over screw heads like a button.

[@twowanderingsoles]

Nice! That sounds like it would work well!

[@drewcampbell7980]

Appreciate the video, sounds like your first van was a spur of the moment purchase!

[@twowanderingsoles]

It kinda was but we made it into the prefect van for that summer! We have so many great memories!

[@poetansperry]

There are small cube projectors called PIQO that you mount on back wall. Buy a white roll up window shade, mount under cabinet

[@twowanderingsoles]

This is exactly what we did in our last eat van build! You should take a look at the van tour we just posted

[@afartherof2]

Thanks for the Download, really useful.

[@twowanderingsoles]

You're welcome!

[@wilsonwombat3456]

For your upper cabinets, replace the hinges with Hafele 94 degree spring hinges and they will stay open. A couple of degrees difference in your fridge setting will save some power.

[@twowanderingsoles]

Great tips, Wilson & Wombat. Thanks for sharing!

[@anthonydagati3989]

Super helpful video and happy feels. Thank you. My wife and I are contemplating our first build and doing research. We appreciate the free resources and your lovely energy.

[@richgreenejwrustictoolmanv9954]

Nice job. The bloopers were cool too. I'm in my 3rd yr van dwelling (2vans) and still found this helpful. I ordered a 2023 promaster and excited to build it out and now I'm gonna install a decent amount of solar thanks to yalls advice. A nice fridge and TV are also great ideas. Thanks

[@twowanderingsoles]

Nice! I’d love to see your new build!

[@frenchenstein]

Really interesting, and enjoyable. New subscriber now👌🏽

[@twowanderingsoles]

Awesome, thank you!

[@imperfectadventure]

Cover that fridge switch with black electric tape, that'll do it.😎 Those teeny lights really do affect sleep.

[@twowanderingsoles]

It's crazy how bright they are!

[@barbarascott1041]

Thanks. Your video on installing a Maxxair fan was the best thing I've seen. So clear even I can understand it. Don't have my van yet but I'm looking.

[@twowanderingsoles]

That's so great to hear, glad you liked it! Thanks for watching. Let us know if you any other vanlife/van build questions!

[@DavineShift]

Is there a kitchen build blog or video. My kitchen layout is pretty much the same as your van and I need to see how you installed the farmstyle sink. Thanks for your resources

[@twowanderingsoles]

Unfortunately we don’t have a kitchen video for this van. We did film a few things about our kitchen in our new van. Would a van kitchen build video be helpful?

[@mart7404]

Have you tried a hatch spring for the overhead cabinets? Super simple, inexpensive, and last much longer than a gas strut.

[@twowanderingsoles]

Great tip! Thanks!

[@CrazyEmptyNest]

Great video guys! These are some great tips and lessons learned. When we renovated our vintage RV, we had no idea what we were doing and learning almost everything from watching others on youtube. Thanks for sharing!

[@twowanderingsoles]

Thank you so much 🙌

[@mrsjanhannah]

We are on our 4th van and we have made "improvements" on each one. Learning curves. X

[@twowanderingsoles]

Exactly, fine-tuning we call it 🤣

[@patrickconrad396]

How about heavy duty drawer slides for the hammocks? Some hold up to 500lbs. Throw shorter steel rods if the slides don't have the length you want. But it can attach from the roof and it can just slide away when you done

[@twowanderingsoles]

That’s a good idea in theory. But then I would worry about getting debris and gunk in the slide rails since it is exposed to the elements (rain, leaves, branches, snow, etc.) If it would come with some kind of cover then that might work.

[@patrickconrad396]

@@twowanderingsoles oh good point. I'm planning out a pull out awning with auxiliary solar on top that will sit in the gap under my roof rack. And thought about if it would hold a hammock too so it was weird to see you mention it. But the gunk thing is a really good point.

[@anothercheryladventure9387]

washer Dryer comb needed ❤❤❤

[@twowanderingsoles]

Oooh, sound interesting!

[@anothercheryladventure9387]

@@twowanderingsoles yes please washer dryer combo Please. How do I find someone to do van life with? Please help. ❤ much love ❤️ ❤❤❤

[@machambers00]

Great video! Have you ever considered mounting a monitor that you can project your phones and computers to instead of an iPad? Multi functional. Love your van and smiles! ❤️

[@twowanderingsoles]

Yes, we have! We've also looked into getting a mini projector and they look super cool (and not too pricy, relatively speaking). We'll probably keep tinkering around for a bit before we pull the trigger.

[@MissKimSlightlySpicy]

great real life video. thanks for keeping it real!! best of luck

[@twowanderingsoles]

Thanks so much! 🙌

[@searchingforsquatchy3862]

Your current van is so gorgeous, I love the aesthetic! But I love the budget-friendly first van, that is really inspiring. :) I would be so freaked out if someone was trying to peek inside!!! So not cool!!! But I love your new window covers. -Em

[@twowanderingsoles]

Thanks! We miss Vinny so much, but we also love this van, Pearl! Can’t wait to explore this summer!

[@nmartin5551]

Great video! Thanks for sharing!

[@katyd4183]

I would love to know where to find that shelf above your/her head on the intro.

[@twowanderingsoles]

Thank you, we actually custom built that ourselves.

[@tgfj2567]

Great video, thank you for generously sharing your tips and experiences - they're so helpful and inspires the heart to try this life!

[@twowanderingsoles]

Thank you for your kind comment!! 😊

[@jannezack]

The great news is that you can get an iPad holder that is intended to be bolted to a table or desk but could be bolted to the underside of your cabinets. They also make a clamp-on iPhone holder that certainly be clamped onto something in your van so you don’t have to hold it. It looks like you’ve solved most of the earlier problems. Lights are so annoying. I have a usb charger (4 regular USB holes and 1 USB-C). This unit plugs into a 110 outlet and has a light on top. It lights up the entire room! Even electricians tape doesn’t cover it. I need at least 3 layers to calm it down. I’ve considered paint (or fingernail polish). I haven’t figured the best way yet. But I will definitely look for switches, etc., that don’t have lights!

[@twowanderingsoles]

Thanks for your tips! We're excited to make some of these minor improvements.

[@ende9010]

If you have roof rails you can use 12-Gauge Half Slotted Metal Framing Strut (Home Depot or Grainger) to hang your hammocks, install 2 struts for each hammock or 3 for both, above roof rail and perpendicular to them spanning the distance between rails, install on the side of each strut 300 lbs. lockable drawer slides with a hook at the end, so when you want to use the hammock just open the drawer slides until lock and hang your hammocks

[@strawberryroad1347]

You can invest in a projector that you use from your phone. They are pocket sized and just project from your phone over to a wall or whatever surface you can use..

[@twowanderingsoles]

We actually have a soda can side projector in our new van and it is awesome! We show a clip of it in our latest video!

[@turnstyles7485]

You might try square tubular steel for your hammock support.

[@twowanderingsoles]

Good tip! Thanks!

[@jaxszeszko5291]

Use black gas pipe for hammocks very strong

[@twowanderingsoles]

Thanks for the tip!

[@kerenjones8204]

Great video tips! Thank you. I have seen others installing "window latches" on their drawers and cabinet doors to prevent them from swinging open during travel.

[@twowanderingsoles]

Hey Keren, thanks for your tips!

[@markgardener9355]

hi, just watched this and enjoyed it. Ref your cupboard struts, saw a jarrod tocci video the other day and that van had a spring struts made for marine boats. When you open your cupboard the spring becomes a rod and to close you just kinda push it with your finger and close the lid. could be worth looking out for.

[@twowanderingsoles]

Great! Thanks for the tip, Mark!

[@ainekoaineko1733]

Howdy! Fellow builder here, if that little led in the fridge switch is annoying you can probably just pull the negative(-) spade clip off the switch.

[@twowanderingsoles]

Thanks for the tip! 😁

[@ninnelis]

Mistake #3 light of fridgerator tip. Use black nailpolish 3-4 layers.

[@juliazentner681]

Omg.. I really enjoyed yall. Great vibes.. 👍

[@twowanderingsoles]

Aww thank so much!!

[@josepinchero]

did you guys want/need a built in generator? (maybe one that runs off gas in your gas tank?). a generator for AC (in hot areas!) and micro?

[@mcnater]

Love the build and the message to just get after it.

[@twowanderingsoles]

Thanks so much, Nate!! 🙌

[@DanielMustang47]

Hey! I’m building a van and message you guys on instagram a lot. When I clicked on this video I was like uh oh, because I modeled a lot of my van after yours! But I can genuinely say I have everything you guys would change! (Water heater, door hydraulics, fridge, locking drawers) feeling way better now headed off on this journey :)

[@DanielMustang47]

Oh and I literally used great stuff in the door pillars too! I thought that was funny

[@twowanderingsoles]

Hey Daniel, we're flattered that you modeled your van after ours! That's awesome you already have the upgrades built into your campervan, way to go! Seems like you are road ready, we're stoked for you!

[@nmartin5551]

Re: your cabinet doors. A spring and two eye hooks. Just have to figure the length and thickness. Poke the middle of the spring when closing.

[@heed7496]

try a projector..it will work even with a sheet..but if u go to spandex world you can buy a yard and just clamp it up…millskin matte white should work..projectors are small and cheap, only downside is if its light out. They can stand on a tripod or make a small shelf above your heads. You should be able to stream from your phone Bluetooth or use a fire stick. i bought two around $150 on Amazon…they work great…and I also installed a stupid dimmer switch with a fancy blue light on it….we have to tape it too..lol

[@yvonlapalme7008]

Try s.s.springs for upper cabinet doors staying open.

[@lisamonn5432]

Hi what is the color of your ceilings I really like it.

[@okwrite7120]

I've seen some van dwellers who bought a mini projector which they hooked up to their phone and a projector screen that they hung up. Might work out cheaper than an ipad.

[@twowanderingsoles]

Exactly! I wrote about this in another comment, but this is a great idea we might tinker around with 🤔 Thanks for commenting!

[@jessi102577]

I'm not seeing the link to the budget tracker. 🤷‍♀️

[@twowanderingsoles]

Hey Jessi, the link to the budget tracker is in the description (I believe it is the second link in there). Let me know if you have any trouble finding it. 😁

[@PossumMedic]

Thanks! :D

[@thomasmaes6620]

What water heater did you use? an electric boiler or one on gas?

[@twowanderingsoles]

Hey Thomas, we have the Camplux 5L Propane Water heater installed. We're excited to use it this summer for hot showers! If you want to know what else is in our water system, we have a whole Amazon Shop page set up for those water components. Let us know if you have questions. Cheers! www.amazon.com/shop/twowanderingsoles?listId=2Z3GGV7YAKCAM&ref=idea_share_inf

[@thomasmaes6620]

@@twowanderingsoles That's the one I was looking at. Do you have any idea how much gas it uses on average?

[@twowanderingsoles]

From its reviews, it seems pretty minimal. That said, we haven't gotten to try it out much, so I don't have an exact number. We'll know more this summer when we use it :) Sorry I can't be more help.

[@a205phil]

I wondered about the cupboards that required two hands. One to hold up/open another to access stuff inside. What if the overhead lids opened down rather than up? [e-mail]

[@placestosea]

thanks for posting. do you consider your van build is too heavy? eg: thick timber etc. would you do it differently?

[@twowanderingsoles]

Good question, Places to Sea. Short answer is no, we don't consider it too heavy. We've actually never weighed our entire van fully loaded, but another good way to measure this is with gas mileage (MPG). We get the same MPG that we got when we first purchase the van as an empty shell. There are ways you can make your build lighter with different materials (aluminum studs for the bed/benches, lithium batteries, less features, etc) but overall we feel it handles just fine. Hope that helps!

[@TheAlphahot1]

for the light, just disconnect the led wire

[@rustyred459]

I put nail polish on my lights ….. not completely blocked out but dulled down …..

[@twowanderingsoles]

Great tip! We might try that next time 🤗

[@josephjuno9555]

They say build your 1st van for enemy? 2nd van for your friends and 3rd van for yourself? I am on my 2nd van. Learning alot from utube. My next van will be bigger? I have PM HR 136" next wud be 159" those 2 feet make Big difference!

[@annickvanhaeverbeke9678]

For watching Netflix on tablet, good tips and tricks on Just Touring (in German)

[@twowanderingsoles]

Thanks so much for our tips

[@mypov4347]

You guys look cute together and a formidable team...🎯

[@Yourfriendinendtimes]

Did you figure out the hammock? I know how to do it. I can actually hang a hammock inside my van :)

[@aidanhodgemusic9270]

For the upper cabinets just have magnets hold the doors open

[@Andojr]

$3000 ? My solar panels cost that much here in AUS 😮 we are into ours about $45k! It is a bus not a van but still

[@twowanderingsoles]

I know what you mean! The cost really do start to add up. Our first van (the $3,000 USD one) was back in 2017 and we didn’t have an electrical set up. We mainly mention it to show that you can still do Van life without a big budget.

[@beckyelliott2871]

Maybe if you took more time to build your floor plan and make a list of everything you plan to take with you, and put these in the van and re-arrange the major pieces where you want them to be BEFORE starting the interior build. PRE-PLANNING AND ADJUSTING “WHAT GOES WHERE” then include FLEXIBILITY.

[@amythinks]

You've probably figured this out by now, but instead of struts for cabinets, use springs.

[@twowanderingsoles]

Great suggestion!

[@Kaleb_Talks]

instead of getting an ipad you could use your phones still and connect it to a cheap(ish) projector

[@twowanderingsoles]

That option crossed our minds as well!

[@josephjuno9555]

Alot of these changes are something u Still can do!

[@charlevoix418]

Your problem is not about the size of your drawers, it is rather about the way you are locking them.

[@twowanderingsoles]

You’re right, we found the solution with ball catch latches. They work so well!

[@m3l199]

This vid is a year old, so your build might have changed, but secure your expensive equipment in a different spot! That cabinet and latch won’t stop ANYONE. They’ve gotten into your van and they’re trying to grab stuff and leave. All that latch does is advertise where your valuables are. And all they have to do is get their fingers or a crowbar into the seams of the door and start yanking. That cabinet and lock won’t do anything for you! I once read that thieves look for locked drawers to break into. One drawer on your dresser locked? One filing cabinet locked? BINGO!

[@twowanderingsoles]

Thanks, let me know if you find a good solution!

[@lindagrace2]

Electrical tape will totally block your switch lights!!

[@twowanderingsoles]

Thanks for the tip! Electrical tape has so many uses :)

[@kihntagious]

Less background music would make it easier to understand. Your dialog.

[@ridziridz1310]

Just 3000$ , are u serious🤥🤥🤥

[@twowanderingsoles]

Hey there Ridzi, thanks for your comment. As we mentioned in the video, the total cost of our FIRST van and build was $3,000. That was our van Vinny. The van we are in for this video is Pearl and she is our second build which we had save up to have a nicer van and a nicer build. We explain all our costs in our Van Budget article here: www.twowanderingsoles.com/blog/campervan-build-cost Let us know if you have any other questions 😁

[@RMart303]

You Millennials... ever occur to you to just put a pillow, towel, or piece of black electrical tape over the switches that bother you at night? I like the video, but you are complaining about things your parents would have embraced with open arms. As Gump should have said, life is not a box of chocolates, enjoy what you can get.