Van Build First steps: Framing, Pre Wiring & Insulation | A simple "How to" guide

This is our 2nd Ram Promaster Van Build and we have learned a LOT from our first Van Conversion. We are Framing the Van differently than the first time, Running the Electrical Wiring differently from the first van build AND explaining WHY we picked Closed Cell Spray Foam Insulation VS Foam Board & Great Stuff Cans.
We're Logan and Kelleen Seims: L&K SEIMS and we hope you are here to learn from our 2020 van build mistakes (because so are we!)
We've heard a lot of people worry about Closed Cell Spray Foam warping or ruining the exterior of the Van... spoiler alert! This is FALSE if done correctly! (Yay!)
If you're interested in any of items / product's listed, we'll have them linked below:
Pnuemattic Rivet Gun - amzn.to/3e4Bnj2
Pop Rivets [3/16” x 1”] - amzn.to/3t9w0mV
Butyl Tape [2pack] - amzn.to/3vqN7SG
+- Wire 12 gauge - amzn.to/3t6fhkt
Fan - amzn.to/3eLFv6I
12" x 22” windows - amzn.to/3aTCkIP
Shore Power inlet plug - amzn.to/3aTTLch

[@NomadicPride]

You mentioned a different reason for doing the vertical "studs" on the walls. But there's a bonus. The vertical supports create far less thermal bridging since the wood only minimally contacts the metal. Much better than if you ran the supports horizontally down the ribs, which would have the wood in 100% contact with the metal, thus lessening your insulative properties overall. Good choice.

[@lindahuggett4353]

Just bought my first van! Ram promaster 2023❤

[@stephjj1006]

U make building a camper look so easy! Now I want to give it a try 😋

[@LKseims]

Our first van we learned off of youtube! You can do it 💪😁

[@jaredhauss3811]

Damn yall can do anything!

[@LKseims]

Thank you! We try and switch things up from time to time 👌

[@joellenglamgirl3624]

Following! Future vanlifer here 🙋‍♀️

[@LKseims]

Love hearing from other vanlifers! 🙌 Thanks!

[@zakpinche2389]

Id like to see the window and fan installation in a upcoming vid. Thx. Great Vid.

[@LKseims]

Thanks for the feedback! We'll post it either next week or the following one

[@marklambert2712]

You have convinced me to just do it this way. That looks great and will save you on energy in the long run I am in Phoenix and hopefully starting my build in the next few months!

[@blackcatrose4257]

Want to see more how to on van builds thank you. Want so bad to try this. If i van life id squeeze a washer/dryer combo. 😁😁😁😁

[@LKseims]

We just got a little van to build out this week so we'll be posting lots of build vids 🙌 A washer and dryer would be rad, going to the laundromat every week is the worst.

[@blackcatrose4257]

@@LKseims I bet. Wonder if you could take van build principles once learned and apply to camper on a 4x4 truck. I want so badly to build home on wheels. I will watch your builds so hopefully I can learn by watching.

[@angelagayehorn6362]

Hey, thanks so much for this super clear and awesome “for beginners” video. The best thing about it for me was that you showed the comparisons and what you were improving. GOLDEN! We live in Cape Town where van life or wild camping isn’t really a thing but we want to give it a try in a year or two. We’ll probably stay mostly in camp sites of which we have many and beautiful ones. I’m sticking’ around for more ❤

[@BirdMorphingOne]

Wow! Build me a van

[@loganseims7921]

Why convert a van when you can build out a Ford festiva haha

[@alexandriebah1180]

Good Work Guys!!

[@Scrambler85]

Congratulations on the new van, looks like you are on the right track. Liked, commented and subscribed 👍

[@LKseims]

Thank you!!

[@youareiamurim]

Nice job, guys! 💪😁 I will, hopefully start my own build soon and travel all of Europe! 🥳

[@LKseims]

Aaaah dude that's the dream!! How awesome! Best of luck to you 😁🙌

[@TeutonicNordwind]

Nice job on this! New sub. Me and the wife waiting on our first Promaster.

[@LKseims]

Aaay congrats!! Excited for you guys!

[@brandonlefevre867]

You guys are so awesome! Maybe with all the monies i make this summer I'll buy a van and become a van-hippie too! 😍🤣 if my wife lets me!

[@LKseims]

Hahaha yesss, I'm sure she'd love it 😂😂 and so would your beebee 😂

[@Espenrip]

So the wife decide for you? Lol

[@EcoNeato]

Please elaborate about the floor waterproofing, thanks

[@silviofontana3666]

structurally and sadly, rivets between soft wood and metal added to road vibration will cause serious issues, not my recommendation for a long-term solid solution, especially when further mounting cupboards from walls. a structurally sound solution is drilling in a screw anchor point and then use a counter sunk bolt, cheers

[@matthewlimbery1470]

is this true? im strongly considering using their method but i don't want it to eventually fall apart...

[@Van-life-4-Jesus]

​@matthewlimbery1470 what did you end up doing? 😅

[@tannerplatt401]

Do you run the same gauge wire for all the electrical?

[@LKseims]

Yes, we ran + and - 12 gauge wire for everything so far except our solar panels [10 awg]

[@astrona77]

Hi! Thanks for the video instructions! Did you ever decide to go back and add wire conduits? From what I hear, the tiny vibrations of the van movement will make the wire rub against the van ribbing channels and will eventually expose your wire. Perhaps you put rubber guards around those areas?

[@LKseims]

Hi! I think in our next we'll be adding rubber grommets/guards as you mentioned, just in case! We haven't had any problems so far but better to be extra safe with it

[@singblues1]

what size revit did you use?

[@charlieoconnell7162]

Nice job! What diameter and material rivets did you use?

[@LKseims]

Thanks! They are aluminum and 3/16" x 1" There is an amazon link for them in the description if you want to check them out!

[@sandymckenna2493]

Hello, Now that it has been some time since this process was done, how is it working for you? I am just starting my build and I'm really concerned about keeping the possibility of mold to a minimum. Did you have any problems with shrinking or warping? Did they provide any guarantee for that? Would you recommend this now? Thanks for your great video.

[@LKseims]

Hey! We did notice (more in the winter because of the cold constricting the metal) some minimal warping on the outside. It is slight enough that it hasn't bothered us and nobody else has seemed to notice it! But definitely something to keep in mind. We've had 0 mold problems, even when traveling to some humid places for several months! And insulation value has been great when in cold places 🙌

[@sandymckenna2493]

@@LKseims Thanks for the feedback.

[@lucyfergusson4070]

Hey, I know this is pretty old but im wondering if you will answer this question: I am about to start framing my ram promaster and I was wondering if you filled the smaller triangle holes that you out the ends of the 1 x 4s in with anything? Did you insulate it or how did you cover it up? Thank you in advance!

[@LKseims]

Hey!! If you're talking about the triangle holes near the floor, they are surprisingly deep! So we stuffed any scrap insulation/emptied extra spray foam cans into them and then had the closed-cell spray foam ppl fill in the rest. (But also, they drop below the floor of the van so idk if insulating them is that important, we did anyways just in case 🤷‍♀️) And as for covering them up, when we attached a sheet of plywood to the 1x4s it hides all of that:) Let me know if that made sense or if you have more questions!! Congrats on your van build 😁🙌

[@lucyfergusson4070]

@@LKseims yes that answers my question!! Makes sense, thank you

[@Espenrip]

Id like to know how this foam insulation holds out? As far as I know, moisture and condensation issues in a auto structures are a big concern. With foam insulations you block all that natural aeration inside the Van wall and ceiling panellings. In results, accumulations and water buildup is highly likely. That could create some health hazards, like molds, mildews inside your wall and ceilings, its nooks and cranny’s.?

[@sushiyumyumz5522]

This is inaccurate. It acctually seals it away from the van wall. and your ceiling and wall panelings will never be air tight.

[@bigfootlvr7127]

Does it matter what length you use for rivets?

[@loganseims7921]

You want to buy them long enough to go through the wood and a little past any metal. So in our case 1inch rivets were perfect!

[@deirdre444]

Would you mind sharing what size wire you used to run all the electrical (lights, outlets, etc.)? You appeared to have pulled it all from one big spool. Thank you.

[@LKseims]

Of course! We purchased that 12 AWG roll online (I'll share the link here and also in the description in case it doesn't work as a comment) because we liked that it came paired up with both the positive & negative, requiring only one wire run rather than two 🙌

[@LKseims]

amzn.to/3PL2ov9

[@deirdre444]

@@LKseims That's perfect. Thank you so much. It's in my Amazon cart now! :)

[@LKseims]

@deirdre444 right on 🙌 Good luck with your build !!!

[@slindsay4784]

What does it cost to out source insulation like this.

[@joeysmith5340]

you should have the electricity turned off when changing light bulbs. keeps it the bulb from being too hot and from hurting your eyes