ULTIMATE Mercedes Sprinter Camper Van Build! Windows, Racks & Gutting

[@boredombuilder7281]

Usually when installing automotive windows, they cut a V in the caulk tube that leaves about 1/2" tall bead of caulk. That way the caulking levels out as you press it into place and seals completely.

[@haslingerjunior]

Yeah. Smoothing out is a mistake that can lead into problems down the road… Rookie moves

[@boredombuilder7281]

@@haslingerjunior nobody knows everything and making mistakes means you're learning. At least he was real enough to show everyone and admit his mistakes

[@haslingerjunior]

@@boredombuilder7281 yeah. He should’ve done more homework before he attempted such project. Woodworking and automotive are two different worlds. They semi cross paths in camper vans but again camper van furniture is different design if you’re taking weight into a consideration. I can’t take it when builders overbuild the cabinetry like it’s going into a house and start tiling the backsplasplash. Weight adds up quickly and before you know you’re at max load capacity without even moving your gear into your rig

[@user41c]

That's fine and dandy if you're making something for yourself.@@boredombuilder7281

[@idontthinkso666]

Chill out. You have to have a thick skin if you want to put your whole life on You Tube. t was a rookie mistake, and if you can't take mild criticism like that, shut down your internet and go. back to bed.@@boredombuilder7281

[@pewsician2388]

Pro tip for the windows. Use a hole saw for the corners matching as closely to the radius as possible. In case you ever do that again. Love the van builds, man. I found you and Seth independently at different times only to see you do the van build with he and Alex later. It was cool to see 2 of my favorite content creators come together.

[@Rodgerrynd08]

OH man, the hole saw tip is super good. thank you!

[@craftedworkshop]

Going to be cutting the openings for the flares today and will DEFINITELY use this hole saw tip, good one!

[@dmwi1549]

I like the hole saw idea. It’s also easier to connect the initial drill holes with a jigsaw while cutting on the outside. Apply multiple layers of painters tape to the van and saw base to avoid scratches. But with these windows, the scratches would be covered. For cutting solo, retape the cut areas to dampen vibration and leave two little uncut tabes at the top for last, so the cut portion won’t fall out unexpectedly. I also never use a grinder on a painted surface. Heat build up can affect the original paint’s adhesion.

[@TheAustralianMade]

Pro tip...nail polish the colour of your paintwork also works very well to protect against rust. We use it when cutting through bodywork to install a snorkel on 4WDs.

[@craftedworkshop]

Good tip!

[@joakimpettersson7646]

Soooo fantastic that you show everything and tell about everything in detail, that way I can simply replicate what your doing instead of beeing left with questions and having to do a lot of guessing work. Great video :D

[@deathdeny]

If you label the videos part 1, 2 etc that is always nice!

[@120Livi]

Tip for panel cutting. Find and vacuum up all the swarf. If it lands on any paint it quickly rusts and stains

[@widearchshark3981]

I mean, I could be wrong... But that looks like twice as much battery ampeage as you'd need for a van that small ! Love this video. Thank you.

[@craftedworkshop]

It's definitely a lot of battery power but they will be using an induction cooktop and will have a relatively small solar array, so better safe than sorry! The next episode comes out Sunday!

[@idontthinkso666]

People have no idea about the current needed for. an induction cooktop. They suck down. A LOT of electricity. You'll have to educate people on that. Most vans use propane. stoves. @@craftedworkshop

[@Aruneh]

Not what I'd expect from this channel, but I love camper builds!

[@orange13]

big thumbs-up for using Lexel. this is by far the best sealant I have ever used, around the house and on my van. it also comes in a smaller package that does not require a caulk gun. I have 2 of them (one clear, one white) in my toolbox for any quick repair while on a camping trip.

[@edwinkrikhaar7223]

Lexel can be a beautiful and good product, but it would not have been necessary if Johny had used the correct way to glue the windows. You should always apply the PU adhesive sealant in a V shape to get the correct adhesive layer thickness of approximately 3 mm for the strongest connection. Saw him smoothing the glue and immediately said what are you doing? That is the cause of the leaks and the result that he used Lexel.

[@zimmejoc]

I would love to know the vehicle’s weight before and after conversion. I know it is going to weigh more, but I always wonder how much more. I’ve seen conversions where they tile the kitchen and stuff treating the van as if it was a house. Some conversions are so built out I wonder if they shouldn’t have beefed up the suspension to handle all the additional weight of all the features.

[@idontthinkso666]

Bear in mind that this is a cargo van. Designed for extra weight. It's not a passenger van.

[@zimmejoc]

@@idontthinkso666 true. The current sprinter cargo has a payload capacity of 4,134 lbs. versus the passenger payload capacity of 3,219 lbs. We'll see how swanky this one goes.

[@fadefromdark]

Awesome start! Stoked for the series and love the variety of videos you have on the channel.

[@nico_dus]

Nice! I was looking for such a video series for month! Great!!! Please continue in detail ;)

[@Jellooze]

cutting the window hole from the outside is easier, especially in the corners

[@haslingerjunior]

Exactly. Cut from the outside and don’t be shy using masking tape to protect the surrounding painted areas. Also there’s automotive tools for the purpose called body saw…

FINALLY! happy to see you get started on this. i got big into camper van builds when you helped those biker guys ;-) excited to see what cool woodworking you get into on this project.

[@grubbyssmokeshack]

I remember them from a Sampler vid. I'm stoked to see you working on another can. I'm wrapping up my first build myself.

[@tyhyhh]

Smoothing out the adhesive is a no no you want a tall bead

[@gdworkshop]

Great job looking forward to this series. All the best.

[@saintanderson5518]

I have the same 2023 sprinter van hope to convert it in two years time

[@robertkerby2581]

Great beginning to the Van Build! Well done!

[@glueupsscrewups]

Oooh, so excited about this series. I found your channel originally when you built Singletrack Sampler's van!

[@JonathanFisherS]

This was super cool! Very excited to see the result! Thank you for sharing (As always, ignore the haters in the comment section)

[@m0ritz18]

Great, looking forward to the next video of this new series! Greetings from germany 💪

[@haslingerjunior]

Also, sealing the bare metal with epoxy primer rather than spray paint is more automotive appropriate.

[@MCsCreations]

Fantastic work, Johnny! The van is looking great! 😃 Looking forward to the interior build! Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@orlandoavillegas]

I just got at 2020 4500. I’m going to do a few projects; awning, roof Rack Etc. I would like to add a window to the sliding passenger door. What’s the biggest opening you recommended? I already have a glass window but I want to be able to slide open. All I see online is a standard 12x12 aprox. Any thing bigger out there? Thx

[@kadenhanks]

Pumped for this series!!

[@c.a.g.1977]

Ooohh that is a really nice van to start off with! But man, are they expensive!! (well, here in the Netherlands they are). So happy for your friends!

[@heimdalth]

Which type/model of full face shield so you have?

[@Aeidotronics]

Fridge above a toilet huh? Yum.

[@michaelbarry617]

Fridge above the toilet??

[@trentonjewett322]

I was wondering if anyone else thought this was kinda weird

[@michaelbarry617]

@@trentonjewett322 not sure I would do that, then again I'm not going to live in a van either so I guess if they don't mind their food being above their shitter that's their prerogative

[@idontthinkso666]

Sure, that sounds weird, but having a toilet ANYWHERE inside the open van environment isn't a good thing. I think that's more of an emergency toilet. They'll quickly realize this isn't a good idea.

[@Flouman1]

love that series. please more !! could you share that CAD model of the sprinter??

[@brucemontgomery8136]

never got to the parts about getting the coach inside did you just reduce tire pressure?

[@davidelsbury2917]

Did you leave it sitting in your shop on deflated tyres?

[@NRP1991]

Oh man from someone who absolutely loves van life videos combining them with your building skills and style of videos I can NOT wait for more updates !!!! ⛺️ 🚐 🏔 🔨 🪵

[@rusty456]

would you mind sharing the sketchup file?

[@mariushegli]

I have nothing to say really, but I appreciate your content, and wish to help with the yt-algorithms.

[@charlevoix418]

Why not finishing the window cutting job from the outside?

[@idontthinkso666]

That seems to be the consensus.

[@nielspieter]

nice project!

[@AnxiousJ]

Random question but do you know what agency they travel with?

[@tbarg86]

Love it !!😊

[@failfurby]

Won't the door colide with one of those side cutouts for the bed?

[@TopDedCenter]

You should just put the guard back on your grinder if you're that afraid of it.

[@mtb24only]

But most importantly, isnt it 4matic? it is way to high for non 4x4 sprinter.

[@zanderchiasson8064]

You don’t actually want to seal the windows from the outside, it exposes the sealant to degrade much faster

[@Vaggumon]

With the costs of the conversion, and not so cheap cost of the van itself, why would anyone do this over just buying a small RV? I get the fun of the project, but other then that?

[@idontthinkso666]

Yeah, I am curious if they really did the math on this, too. For similar money you could get a pro job. Maybe they got a good deal on the van?

[@nicholyer]

just don't repeat the same mistakes that were made on Dora😄

[@TundeEszlari]

I love your videos, you are very good KZbinrs, can I get a comment heart?

[@striknein]

I appreciate when KZbinrs announce a series after they finish a project. One of my biggest frustrations with KZbin is when I become invested in a build and the builder seems to abandon the project. Not naming names 🤣 EDIT: Annnnd I just learned that this is not that. What's worse, we're at the mercy of people not tied to a production schedule. Bummer.

[@striknein]

@@TheDankFarmer dial it back weedbro.

[@MrBertstare]

@@TheDankFarmer I do pay though...

[@striknein]

@@craftedworkshop No, not at all. Other van builds. Mostly streamers who buy an Astro, realize it’s Hard Work and give up on it after 4-5 videos.

[@craftedworkshop]

@@striknein gotcha! Sorry for the confusion!

[@idontthinkso666]

No, Farmer has a point. There are MUCH bigger problems in this world.@@striknein

[@lukemarshall1892]

KZbin woodworking is officially dead

[@craftedworkshop]

Should be plenty of woodworking with all of the custom cabinetry!

[@embeaston]

What?

[@failfurby]

you are officially not observant. there are dozens upon dozens of woodworking channels with current woodworking projects.

[@NoxiousNoodles]

Not much on this channel anymore sadly, but lots of great channels about!