VAN BUILD ISSUES: Solar brackets, wind deflector, custom windows & why won't my awning brace itself?

[@agn855]

08:03 - folx, you made my day *lol*

[@divekatdreaming]

The guy with his eye taped up!!! Hysterical!!

[@Arsham-K]

Your attention of the detail is unbelievable thanks for sharing with us !!

[@HumbleRoad]

My pleasure!

[@jackdamron382]

Another endorsement for Motion windows. I punched out the escape window on my truck camper in Idaho and the re[placement was no longer available from Hehr, now Lippert. Peninsula built a high quality eplacement window for me at a very reasonable price. Very good folks to work with.

[@razorwired130]

There you go - the magic word is "Bench Brake". Been looking for one as well - not an inexpensive tool. I'm looking forward to see what you end up getting.

[@MikeKilo1969]

Thanks George for another high quality, educational, enjoyable video. I’m looking forward to the detailed pro/con video you mentioned. Personally, my primary PRO for the transit is it’s all wheel drive system, which will serve one well in van travels. My primary CON is the dramatic slope in the roof, as you’ve noted. If Ram would make an all wheel drive/four wheel drive model the problem would be solved!

[@gregr1541]

I really enjoy your videos, not only are they entertaining but very informative. Out of all the van builders out there on KZbin I have to say I believe you’re the best. Keep up the good work.

[@HumbleRoad]

I appreciate that! Thank you!

[@BabiBoi357]

I concur 👌🏽

[@theronmelcher1647]

self built/designed jig...heat at appropriate temps and placement (the perfect mount for every need!). that becomes another entity( racks, brackets, Etc) Modules... Easy Mount... ... Scale appropriately... Plan for it. greater then and less than, some odd hours on topic, and beyond...very happy for your contributions

[@markmauro2569]

I’m stunned at such creativity.

[@dougf94912]

This puts me in mind of the early seasons of 'This Old House' where Norm would spend about half of each episode showing how he had made the jigs he needed to create the actual item. 😊

[@johnroyer3191]

Loved the fueling up a jet reference. Made me laugh very early in the morning.

[@HumbleRoad]

You can just picture it, right?

[@esparka]

Brainstorm with the Transit: The wind deflector could somehow also serve as a front end tether point for the awning. Double duty here. The deflector mount could pull that leading edge of the awning forward so that it would cover the slider fully. Just a thought…

[@fredsillner4342]

Another great video showing why Humble Road is so meticulous and precise in there builds. Many good builders out there but very few If any would take the time, honesty and expense to develop processes necessary to compliment his builds! George, might be time to offer some Humble Road Corporate merchandise!! 👕 🧢 🍷 ☕️

[@HumbleRoad]

Thanks 👍 I'll get the designs done soon! (I hope...)

[@russellault2391]

Great video the Transit build seems strange without a visible b pillar and the rake of the front end Ito agree with the window factory over aftermarket but I know you can do it with greatness as all of your works

[@stevehori673]

George you saved me twice yesterday. First your cardboard mock up method showed me I couldn’t fit between the bench seat behind the driver seat and the kitchen cabinet. I will have to move the cabinet 8 inches towards the rear of the van. Second save, I made the supports where the floor extends over the step out of 8020.. To move that corner in the floor back I unbolt the supports and slide them back (after cutting the floor). Options!

[@HumbleRoad]

Glad I could help, Steve. It's all really just a matter of thinking it through before bringing out the tools...

[@richroj]

this channel is amazing George. there is nothing you can't do.

[@karentapia888]

Love your humor and your taste in music! And love your videos. Thanks George! 😊

[@HumbleRoad]

Thanks so much!

[@angelaborgen9705]

Love to see your thought process … you definitely go the extra mile to make things better each time. 👍😎

[@HumbleRoad]

Thanks 👍

[@SueChicago]

George you have made me a van building maven. I was watching a KZbin channel following a house-building van family. They started a van building company. It was difficult to watch. The ceiling was attached to the roof with the comment "hope we don't have to do anything with the wires." They were inaccessible above the ceiling. The water tank had drain pipes low on the side of the tank. They were very proud of their water heater that used the engine heat with the fluid going directly from engine to heater. Their comment. "If the hose gets cut we're toast." I was telling them while I watched. about these and other errors but of course they couldn't hear me. Too bad they don't follow you.

[@leonardcroft1467]

Thanks George Always Enjoy Your Videos Love Your Humble Road Channel .

[@HumbleRoad]

Thank you Leonard.

[@TerryManitoba]

Good point on the awning - luckily after 63K miles of travel in the Transit - rarely felt we really "needed" one. I'd rather have (which i did) have a window which opens up (Lawrence) on the sliding door rather than another hole in the roof. A comparo of all 3 (or 4❓ Nissan-:) Boy I can't wait - Really❗❗❗

[@ediemarie4475]

I would beg borrow and steal to get Mr Humble Road to put a window that opens up to the outside on my Nissan sliding door. Having said that, what I have learned and appreciate is that Mr. Humble Road, you never give up on a solution for your problems. That’s a great lesson to learn from you.

[@TerryManitoba]

@@ediemarie4475 I've thrown a pile of my life learnt van wisdom his way over the years & he has provided us with leaps and bounds more in return. Sometimes I send them to HR with a barb - Sometimes to the neubies out there (like this one) a genuine - please do consider this before you jig-saw the 2nd hole & Sometimes when I consider his ideas are just plain rediculous❗❗❗ All in good fun thought👄❗🚛.

[@jillleahy8450]

Love your tenacity with that Transit roof setup. Those challenges (paired with a desire to keep weight lower in the van) are why our Transit roof has flex solar panels and we carry a Moonshade. I heard from a window pro, cutting bunk windows can be very challenging compared to the slider/crew area. We sent ours out for install.

[@HumbleRoad]

I'm curious to know how your flex panels are performing.

[@philiptarnaski1667]

Good morning George thanks for sharing your van builds. It would be nice if all the Class B van builds had the same quality. We have a 2018 Hymer 1.0 and think next time I will build my own and get everything right haha. Thanks

[@kensoutham6828]

If you mount the Fiamma awning on a Ford van to the sheet metal above the door (with backing) you can have the awning cover the whole door with a slight jousting protrusion that is an acceptable trade off. You do have to make a tapered shim front and back to accommodate the awning but awning is still plenty high enough. You also will want to add the Fiamma gasket between the awning and the van to keep any rain from falling between the awning and the van. I have no solution for the front B pillar mount. I was hoping you had something in mind 🤔

[@HumbleRoad]

Not a fan of mounting the awning to the van chassis in any manner. Too committal!

[@kensoutham6828]

@@HumbleRoad Once you modify a van by putting windows etc. and camperize aren’t you committed? 🙂 George, I think you are also now a committed upfitter after 2 shop moves and the addition of employees from starting at home originally. I have followed you from your PW days; you are an inspiration! Keep up the innovations and the dream.

[@donshackley5244]

@@HumbleRoad You would only be committed to the make of mounting e.g. Fiamma. I think the awning can still be removed or replaced. In the UK due to cooler summers, wind out awnings with detachable fabric side panels are very popular and a sliding door not wholly enclosed by the awning would be an issue.

[@stuartstuart866]

Good Morning George, Instead of aluminum solar mounting brackets, what about galvanized metal brackets, similar to the home construction industry Simpson ties? They are much more bendable, cuttable, twistable. One issue though could be corrosion resistance wherever the metal is cut, they may need post fabrication treatment of some type. Anyway, thanks for the videos, great information.

[@yingsha2683]

George, 5000 series aluminum will bend with less cracking than 6000 series ---Hugh

[@razorwired130]

Really looking forward to your pros and cons video of all the van models! Please try to include the NEW 2023 RAM changes (body style, increased height, transmission, etc.) as well as the NEW changes coming to MB (ELIMINATION of the 6-cylinder diesel and 4-wheel drive).

[@HumbleRoad]

I can only comment on my hands on experience with each platform I've had in the shop.

[@yvesfournier6779]

Good morning George, to eliminate the cracking, heat up area of bend with a propane torch about 1" wide, when the aluminum turns à doll white,using a piece of soft wood start to smoke when touching the aluminum, stop, put in water and then bent, no more cracking....Don't use T6 aluminum it's strong but brittle.

[@HumbleRoad]

You are correct, heating would have prevented the cracking, but it also weakens the aluminum.

[@preluded]

My fiamma is further forward and I think it looks just fine. I have it on a flatline rack like yours. It doesn't quite cover the slider door but it's close enough. I am very close to the fiamma recommended mounting limits.

[@HumbleRoad]

"Close" to the Fiamma recommended mounting points will void your warranty. Their installation directions are very specific with regard to mounting points.

[@lindahardy8713]

Love your videos, George. The fact that you share so much information along with your thought process pulls everything together in an easily understandable manner. Question…. ever considered N/S twin bunk beds… with the ability to fold the upper against the sidewall the van… similar to a “Murphy”? I’ve seen a fixed bunk, but not one that can stow the top one out of the way.

[@HumbleRoad]

I could do bunk beds.

[@fountainvalley100]

Seems like the awning should be on a slide to move it forward. The bracket for the awning could be mounted on a running board.

[@HumbleRoad]

While I would not put an awning on a slide mechanism, I have lived with and used an awning over a 20 year period and tens of thousands of miles without incident. Personally, I like having the option of deploying an awning. Not for everyone, though. 👍

[@vandaddy-o2732]

Hello George. Intuition says heating up the aluminum prior to bending it might have alleviated the peeling... Maybe you tried that, maybe it doesn't work, I'd have to test it myself...

[@HumbleRoad]

You are correct, heating would have prevented the cracking, but it also weakens the aluminum.

[@Van_Liberty]

Have you considered thermal style awning windows for your builds? I love that configuration!

[@loda9510]

What can I say other than he is the details man!

[@mildredwest2541]

Hi George n gang, felt your pain...darn boo boo's

[@esparka]

An aluminum angle anvil, alliterated astutely. Would we expect anything less?

[@alexinked]

George, can u show in a next video, how the wind deflector is mounted? I have a lot of wind problems cause of my solar panels are on the roof rack, and it’s shaking the whole sprinter while driving. I think a deflector would make it much better.

[@DennisWintjes2]

Thanks for sharing. Like 17 view 114. Options! and now Persistence....

[@mikeallen7603]

Hi George, try 5052 Al, much more formable than 6061. Love the videos.

[@HumbleRoad]

Will do

[@jaytt4639]

If I ever win the lottery, I want one of your vans.

[@rudivandoornegat2371]

I love the tools

[@macroevolve]

Smaller radius on corner - not a sharp corner. < Just my machinist brain talking. I can't wait till we see some more interior work on a Mini Me. You do fantastic work George.🚙

[@jerseyshorefabricators7431]

Beat me to it.

[@HumbleRoad]

Coming soon!

[@macroevolve]

@@jerseyshorefabricators7431 Ha ha. Technically there is no thing that is "sharp". Razor Blades have a radius on the cutting edge, though it is a microscopic radius.

[@macroevolve]

@@HumbleRoad I rewatched after my comment, and seen you said that there is a choice between Radius size. My bad...ok, nuff about a Radius lol

[@TheShadowVortX]

Thanks so much for the video! Factory glass, looks superb, but being single pane, isn't it way more prone to condensation on cold climates? (And heat loss). Would like to know your client's experience on that...

[@HumbleRoad]

Insulated window covers take care of that.

[@thejackofalltravels8267]

Who is the Band at the end The Slackers? Love it. Don’t like the dilemma with the sliding door awning orientation. Builds are looking good

[@darrylcoan8452]

With the wind deflector in place… I think you could definitely run the awning up to the backside of the deflector without issue.

[@HumbleRoad]

That's pretty much where we're at, and that doesn't cover the sliding door area. Fiamma is very specific about their mounting point locations. They cannot or should not be disregarded.

[@scotschuler9365]

Beauty!! I ❤that stuff!!

[@shirleyfrancois184]

Hello... I've been binge watching yours and other ProMaster van conversion builds. I am so impressed with your techniques, safety considerations, technological and structural abilities. I am seriously interested in acquiring one... but have many thoughts/questions... can a tankless hot water tank be installed? type of warranty? ability to insure as permanent dwelling? etc.... Thank you!

[@HumbleRoad]

Email me to start a discussion [e-mail]

[@waltgongaware2710]

Hi George, I have a question for you about the Maxxair roof fan that I noticed in this video. I have been considering this fan for purchase and various customers have brought up issues with over voltage causing problems. Reviews often state while Rv batteries are charging voltages often above 13.6 can damage the fan. Do you use a voltage regulator to keep the volts at 12 ? The 7500 model is the one I’m referring to. Thanks for the great information on van builds, look forward to your Sunday posts .

[@HumbleRoad]

The Maxxair fans are prone to over voltage frying. Sometimes a power reset clears it and sometimes it doesn’t. MaxAir will send you a new motherboard under warranty. Best practice is to only run the fan when the engine is off. Shore power may cause the same problem.

[@HumbleRoad]

To date I have not included a voltage regulator as that might bring me into liability with Max.

[@waltgongaware2710]

Thanks for the quick reply. Think I’ll add some voltage regulation to the fan circuit, the manufacturer should do this as it’s the only negitive

[@maitildamcintyre9344]

Wow another video that show’s how much work and creatively is required for each custom van. I saw Sam’s van on another KZbin channel. I think it’s a great idea to travel in separate vans if that’s an option for you. I think I may have just solved my problem with the hubby and I having very different sleep schedules 😜. Now I need a mini me! Lol. I love the ending of the videos recently and the trip down memory lane. As always can’t wait to see more. 👍🏼🙌🏼🚐♥️

[@HumbleRoad]

Being the first Mini-Me campers, they take a little longer to produce. The first one is sold, but the other is available!

[@JT2u829]

Could you get a tighter radius if you heated the aluminum?

[@HumbleRoad]

Yes, most likely. But as you probably already know, heat (too high) weakens aluminum.

[@lass-inangeles7564]

Burr No-See-Ums? Ha ha ha! This should be called George CAR-Lin's Comedy Hour! Those bandages! Use Styptic Powder to instantly stop bleeding on hands. This is used for dog's when nails are clipped too short and they bleed. Stops bleeding instantly when applied topically. Do not ingest. Safe.

[@bettyolis6228]

So only been watching for about a year so if there is a video where you share your favorite vehicle to work on, could you share it or just list it. THANKS so much!

[@HumbleRoad]

So many pros and cons to each of the vehicle platforms. All depends on individual objectives.

[@scotschuler9365]

ROCK ON!!

[@LJ-jq8og]

OK George, that did it ! I am warning your wife not to get you a 3D printer for Christmas as I am concerned we will never see a van get completed, and knowing you -- you will re-invent the world for the better 😊 Your DNA oozes brilliance/creativity and craftsmanship of your "I presume" Italian ancestors. You have so many talents it is frightening. Please stop intimidating me ! 😰

[@HumbleRoad]

I have to say right here, right now, that Myron is responsible for the magnificent creativity coming from his 3D printer. As well as taking the chance and purchasing the Incra Shop Stop and spending the time to make it work flawlessly. A strong addition to the Humble Road stable of stars.

[@LJ-jq8og]

@@HumbleRoad Roger that ! So among your many God-given talents is also finding//hiring great people too. Father Healy would be proud of you. He would claim of course it was from your Jesuit training. 😊

[@LilyWasHereMB]

80/20 benefits the bender. 80/20 to the rescue on the ShopStop. 80/20 makes the Makita magnificent. But does it blend? Windows: consider limo tinting with IR ceramic film before install. Don't like FWD for conversions and the Transit's design challenges are mounting; the awning issue is certainly something for a buyer to take into consideration. There's no denying the Ford & RAM dealer network is expansive but is that a genuine benefit to a Vagabond and does volume ever compensate for quality?

[@HumbleRoad]

Chris, I have to agree with you on this one. Spot on.

[@kudraadk]

Could the awning be mounted just above the door? I can't tell if the top of the cab angles in before he side door ends and the front door starts. If here was a small gab it seems like it could be filled in with a 3d printed piece possibly.

[@donhampton840]

WOW how educational!!. I have a electrical question can I hook a small inverter (2000) to my Ram Promaster to only use when Van is running.

[@HumbleRoad]

People have done it. 2000 is not small, you need to check the specs and wiring before you commit to this.

[@donhampton840]

@@HumbleRoad Thanks I appreciate this.

[@janespanoramicrvadventures652]

You should be able to get a used pan brake?

[@RichinZhills]

Not sure if it was recommended or not, but what if you heated the aluminum prior to bending it. Would that allow the aluminum to bend without cracking/breaking first?

[@HumbleRoad]

You are correct, heating would allow the bend, but it also weakens the aluminum.

[@sifudan9244]

170 2020 4x4 sprinter what awning would u buy love your videos as always thank u george

[@HumbleRoad]

I like a manual crank Fiamma.

[@karppadiem7014]

You can order uhmw tape on amazon for the cutter. 👍

[@paullehto2294]

Nothing goes perfectly, as long as you fix it, all is good, aren’t you do for a vacation and give you a chance to recharge

[@joshknapp9878]

Do you know if it's possible to get factory windows that pop open? My old standard econoline used to have those.

[@HumbleRoad]

I think Ford offers something

[@ducksinarowpatience]

How do we contact you, George?

[@HumbleRoad]

Email me to start a discussion. [e-mail]

[@sifudan9244]

i have a issue with a panel that’s very wavy it’s the one where the side door covers when open it’s metal now so i bought windows to cover and get rid of the eyesore can i install windows over the metal without cutting the metal out as this space will be covered on inside with the shower i’m worried about condensation between the factory glass and the metal no one has ever done this before of that i can find

[@HumbleRoad]

I have blocked off windows in every window van

[@mikesgarage394]

What material? High density pmumble material?

[@ninja1antelope]

Your shop’s duct tape = 80/20.

[@dongorman8942]

Where did you get the brake for bending and the name of it?

[@HumbleRoad]

0:13 / 15:06

[@stevenlee728]

Mr. Do you have an email where I can contact you?

[@HumbleRoad]

[e-mail]

[@rogerlittlejohn475]

any plan to sell the template for the wind deflector. It would save many of us from several trial and errors. Thanks.

[@stevenlee728]

Mr. George I need some inquiries. Please. What is your email?

[@HumbleRoad]

[e-mail]