VAN BUILD MISTAKES | 10 Things We'd Change About Our Van

[@SilverFlame819]

I always appreciate hearing about what people would change. Food for thought! Thanks!

[@avocado3748]

Thank you guys, that’s so helpful. I’m planning to have the faucet with the detachable head AND the ionizer - so of space permits you can have both. For your surfboards, if you have enough head clearance you can suspend it over your head with a few bungie cords. You’ll need to add a handful of anchors on the ceiling for the bungees to hook onto. I’ve seen it done and it looks darling.

[@FreedomStrider]

The detachable shower head taps in kitchen sinks are soo useful, especially in vans - we're planning to possibly use our kitchen tap AS the shower itself and have a big pullout pie from it...time will tell :)

[@carolhardy3273]

Forget the oven. Get an air fryer. youtube has great videos on baking in an airfryer and I use mine five out of seven days a week. We do bisquits from a can, sour dough bread from scratch, baked potatoes, french fries without fat. You can make cake in a pan inside the airfryer. I only have the one that is three quart size, with no bells and whistles...some larger ones are built into a toaster oven with a rotisserie ALL the bells and whistles). It's the countertop solution to cook fast without heating up the world like an oven does.

[@kensiewest]

That sounds magical!

[@mikeriesco6174]

Good list - but I would never do the permanent wall between the living space and the front (driving) area. I would always want to be able to have one of us (the one not driving) be able to go to the back to do something (make food, rest on the bed, etc) without having to stop and get out. And more importantly, if there's someone trying to break in at night, I would want to be able to run to the front, start the van, and drive away - again, without having to go outside. Your "partition" idea is still doable, as long as it includes a door for access.

[@kensiewest]

If you watch the video, you’ll see that there is a door. The full length mirror is a sliding pocket door. It allows full access to the front.

[@jongooch4687]

Dutch ovens for the stove and look at hanging the boards on the ceiling. maybe above the bed/benches. Great build.

[@normanmazlin6741]

For a bush shower, just get a popup ablution tent for an outside shower. Storage room is minimal and when in town you can continue with the gym shower.

[@annbachand1086]

Thanks for sharing... Hmmm... So I've been watching lots of van build outs and I know you know this, but many of them use their pull out kitchen faucet sprayer, that is near the window, for an outdoor shower head. I know you were thinking about upgrading your faucet and spigot sink system, so if it's close enough to the window, maybe that could be a temporary fix for a shower. Again, I'm certain y'all have thought of that being the design extraordinares that you both are.

[@anneliesjoss]

My hubby and I are planning to buy a large van( not sure yet on what brand) and convert it into a small vacation home to travel in with 2 of our dogs. We love going places, but leaving our dogs behind at home is stressful, and I always miss my own bed and toilet. We’re very spontaneous and like the idea of just hitting the road whenever the mood strikes us. We’re much older than you guys ( in our 50’s), and we’ve already downsized a lot, but we’ll always have our small home to really come home too as well. We’re hoping to do this in the next year or two. Can’t wait to start traveling! In the meantime I’ll keep watching your videos, and a few others I follow. You’re all a big inspiration.

[@kensiewest]

Thank you for your sweet comment💛 We’re so excited for you guys to hit the road!

[@joelhowland3597]

So weird that the latest two comments here are people being shit. You two are so level headed and genuine - LOVE watching your videos. Always find them inspiring from both a van build and persona perspective. Keep living the life guys. And keep giving us videos to binge on :)

[@kensiewest]

You are just the sweetest!! Thank you for your wonderful comment, absolutely made our day❤️

[@ellar9190]

Great video :) it's good to be open about the stuff that may not be perfect especially when it's such a personal project! I am also struggling to decide whether it will be worth including an indoor shower or not :s

[@jamesborsheim9382]

Kensie & Joey … when you mentioned an "oven" my thought went to an INSTA-POT or INSTANT-POT … most things can be done with them, and you might look into one. A small 3-quart DUO would work extremely well for the two of you, and another vanner was able to run his on his 1500 watt inverter. Check it out. AND THANKYOU for sharing your thoughts, your lives, and your van build. Being in Mesa, I'm not sure I'd wanna be building out a van in August. LOL

[@kensiewest]

Thanks James, love that idea! Happy to share...and we’ll definitely be out of Mesa by then 😉

[@dcoleman7257]

about that surfboard storage.....you love your couch/bed space, at the rear, right? i've seen several van builds where they elevated that whole area, and used it as "skinny, long" storage, accessible from the rear doors. something to thing about, maybe! whatever you do, i'll be excited to see it!! (useful tips, great video as always!)

[@growingwildheather]

Cool video! I'm sure everyone has things they want to change. We already have things we'd like to change, but aren't too stressed about them. It's easy to deal with things when you're focused on other parts of your life, plus we are still happier in our elf built home than in any apartments we rented! Always enjoy watching your stuff, glad we're along for the ride. Have a good one everyone!!

[@avivamae5171]

I really enjoyed this video! Regarding the diesel heater I suggest that you save your money and instead buy a Chinese diesel heater (on Amazon, AliExpress, eBay etc.) it's only $200-250 where as the espar Is about $1000+. Make sure to buy the model that comes with the silencing kit/muffler, it's worth the extra few dollars and makes the system a lot quieter. Honestly the espar and thé Chinese models are really the exact same thing. Definitely go for the 2kw or 5kw model (not the 7kw), with diesel it's better to run a smaller heater for longer then for a stronger heater to be cycling on and off all the time. Also with the diesel heater you need to try and avoid soot build up (which you should clean at least once a year regardless) so right before you turn off the heater crank it up to the highest setting for 5 minutes and let it blast, that way it burns off all the build up inside the combustion chamber. Also something that someone told me that's obvious but I never thought about since I grew up in warm southern California is that you need to make sure that the heaters external exhaust vent is always clear especially if it's snowing out otherwise you could die from carbon monoxide poisoning (same goes for your vans regular exhaust). Sorry im not trying to sound condescending, im sure you guys already know a lot of this but just in case I thought I'd share what I've learned from my research over the past year. Can't wait for more videos, keep it up! Cheers!l from France!

[@floridaislandgirl1039]

I like the changes you discussed but they are not deal breakers. I am looking for a van now for my son. I know he would prefer a garage and bed lifted. He would definitely need a shower and composting toilet.

[@stevereid7140]

You forgot the Hot Tub! Yeah, no.. Have you hit your head one the corners of your cabinets yet? I would run a 1/2 inch radius on the bottom edge. That is the way my motor home is designed. Can you add an oven under your stove or replace your stove with an RV combo stove oven? Mine works great and.... the oven can work as a heater in a pinch... Can you run an aux switch to your inverter so you can turn it on remotely?

[@jessicasmith3464]

I just stumbled upon your channel because I adore tiny home and conversions as I have been passionate about sustainable living for many years. I must say that of all the van conversions I have seen over the years (without going to crazy you know haha) the layout, functionality and overall appeal of you van is phenomenal! Subscribed for sure and excited for your journey!

[@nicovanzyl1979]

Nico 🌹😻😍

[@MooPup09]

I owned 3 x water ionizer machines, until I discovered the controversies/problems with consuming alkaline water all of the time .. one of which is neutralizing the HCL needed to digest food .. as you get older HCL is minimized, so being young as you are it will take a while to notice any issue, but heads up .. there is way more to it (the issues), but take this or leave it .. good luck :)

[@kensiewest]

We got rid of it a long time ago now😉 Thanks for the info!!

[@heyhowzitgo1n]

I don't know if anyone has already mentioned this but if you still want an oven, you should look into the Coleman Folding Oven! It's a small little oven that folds away so you don't need to rip your van apart

[@colleenkaralee2280]

I have a faucet setup like yours for the water ionizer (with an anti-splash diffuser), and another faucet for water direct from the water tank. I love cooking and making smoothies with the ionized alkaline water.

[@vaga.spiritus]

I thought they were twins! Good tips, thanks

[@ameliaantonelli906]

What about strapping your surfboards above your head? I've seen a few videos like this and it seems to work quite nicely. thanks for the tips I'm getting ready to build my first van.

[@foraluckygirl]

I love watching these types of videos for ideas :)

[@deemail100]

check out the coleman portable ovens on Amazon...they've been around for a long time and work great.

[@StaceyBillsAdventures]

New Sub, we are currently converting our van to a campervan so out here in KZbin land learning planning etc Thank You for sharing! - Stacey & Bill :) :)

[@deant007]

Thanks K & J Nice lookin van build!

[@victoriashoesmith1074]

Great video and useful insight. Really liked your recommendation to relax about doing the perfect build - just starting mine ... feel inspired, thanks.

[@BankruptMonkey]

Try a camping oven made to go on a fire, or a Dutch oven to go on your burners. Good way to get an oven!

[@ameliaantonelli2620]

Good ideas

[@yellowroseoftexas2890]

Love y’all’s van and the channel. Thanks for sharing y’all’s expertise. 😊

[@RonInAVan]

Love your van setup, but definitely sounds like another van build coming up soon. And I am sure it will come out great, change is good especially if it makes life easier and better. I would love to build another van, someday. Loved the video!!

[@staffordgarland9226]

Also- you two are adorable.

[@user-nf3hh8kn5r]

I use a stovetop Dutch oven for now to make my own bread but would love an actual oven as well.

[@kensiewest]

We just bought an Omnia stovetop oven and LOVE it!

[@thenomadicfrog2831]

Yes hindsight is 20/20. I've live now in two different travel trailers pulled by two different trucks and a three-year. And I just bought my first motorhome that I'm going to be building out. I'm gutting the whole thing down to the studs. Luckily the engines in good shape so I don't have to put a lot of money into that. But I've learned how I want things and what I want in a build over the last three years so I'm going to go slow and incorporate everything I want. It'll take a long time though. Because I have to do it on a limited income. Which is okay with me. I have all the time in the world. I will be living in it as I build it. So me and my dogs can finally start doing some real traveling. Instead of just traveling around Sacramento and surrounding areas. Hopefully go back down to San Diego for a while and then head north to Washington. Anyway sorry I'm rambling

[@droneranger2041]

Thanks for sharing. God to know before building mine.

[@slavetool9066]

Still, you guys did a very nice job on this unit. Sure there will always be little changes for the next one, but this was a nice job.

[@sherris2505]

They sell big toaster ovens that are big. But for two people you only need a standard one.

[@pleasepleasethebees]

Love your van layout even though you did have to make sacrifices. Looks open and like a fun place to be.

[@brucedoxey5815]

Nice job on the van! Good video, very thoughtful.

[@StacyForest738]

Really helpful while building our first van. Thanks so much!

[@boxvango9021]

You should check out a Chinese diesel heater, loads of KZbin videos on those.

[@sconce3]

"live with it, then change it!"

[@waynesavell1454]

You guys have some great ideas. Enjoy your van.

[@NicholasNiko17]

Some great improvements! But with what you have currently, you did a great job making everything work out well

[@blackwhite9177]

What a beautiful couple and wan.. I wish you the best

[@matttheman4331]

thanks for the great tips to consider in building :):}

[@AJK0119]

Could you add a toaster oven to have an oven? Just store it in a drawer??

[@lorcro2000]

Lots of people are getting the Chinese knockoffs of the Espar heaters these days. You can get a complete setup with ducts and everything for under $200.

[@nomadbound9610]

something you should also do is spray insulation lining on the bus

[@nevzatozbeyefsaneadanal3519]

very very nice thank you

[@devinazevedo1122]

The pull out drawer wouldnt work well with that set up since you would have to reach in from the floor to the back in that set up not being able to pull it out completely.

[@srikanthpatchava7099]

Thanks man

[@karenk7310]

I am confused about the counter top. I saw on another YT video, they also bought Ikea and it was not wood, it was particle board. Was the slab you bought say it was solid butcher block, or just butcher block counter top that was already stained?

[@kensiewest]

The bulk of it is particle board, but there is a 1/8 inch layer of solid walnut on top. So it’s not stained, since walnut is a naturally dark wood. Just finished :) Hope that helps!

[@sharononeill8729]

Did you ever do a rebuild ?,I did four rebuilds in the 7 years I had my van.

[@aedenharris1382]

My brothers are friends with joey

[@volb9817]

Hi! I'd like to check your jewelry. What's the link pls? In the last video, the link you put didn't work

[@mauriciohernandez6881]

i really liked your video and soooo, i have thinking about converting my dodge caravan into a camper like traveler, nothing fancy tho (1st time doing it)... any pointers?

[@colleenkaralee2280]

Have you given thought to getting a small (3 qt) Instant Pot ?

[@MegaBpop]

I like van over some others that have too many windows.

[@mikiavidan508]

Can anyone explain this genre of Music? Not sure why, but I find it deeply unsettling... great build tips. Thanks.

[@bin_patel]

Maybe you guys can get a toaster oven :)

[@ahmedsahraoui6697]

very nise

[@kihntagious]

Hmm your music is off.

[@peterdods425]

Duds looks high AF 😆

[@KS-ou6du]

Thanks so much for the update! Super helpful!! We have a similar layout (and nearly finished) but incl toilet in a cabinet and shower in a pull out drawer. However since you miss an oven, here is a suggestion (which is super popular with european Vanlifers) omniasweden.com/en/home/ You can bake pizza, muffins, lasagne, bread (and much more) in it. Safe travels and greetings from Switzerland 🇨🇭

[@BEElaine1008]

Ahhhyou could add foldable legs to that table

[@Heatsauce70506]

Joey.

[@pcj83]

Take a look at the Omnia Oven. Stove top oven that works amazingly on a gas stove. I have one just for car camping and love it. omniasweden.com/en/home/ seadogboatingsolutions.com/omnia-stove-top-oven.html

[@DavidSmith-dv7ih]

Miss beauty.

[@navinkaveegitpichitchai7459]

Wher is the beard BRING BACK THE BEARD!!! 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@dianer8881]

Too complicated.

[@Plastpackad]

She like to cook and hasn't ruined her skin with ink! Keep!

[@marguskiis7711]

To cut a long story short, you need just proper house, not van.

[@leannewalker8679]

i would definately change that hideous music!!!!

[@chrisg6091]

Title : 10 things we'd change about our van. Intro : we're super happy with our van and nothing we'd *actually* change... At this point I stopped viewing.

[@kensiewest]

👋🏻

[@franciscohestnes]

“10 things weed change”

[@michaelorcutt7140]

Ahhhh, van life KZbin channels are becoming stamped out clones 😞

[@katejanes147]

take this shitty shit else where. I don't know ANY other couple as young as these two dominating the vanlife series the way these two do. the authentic and real sense of self is priceless. *flips hair