Van Build Timelapse | DIY Promaster Conversion | Vanlife

Our van conversion took us a year to complete but you can enjoy it in just 10 minutes!
We are Ben and Jelaine with Nomadic Visuals. Our self converted van was definitely harder than we ever imagined. We hope this video will show you some of our mistakes and let you know that it's not all as easy as it is sometimes portrayed. We learned a lot throughout this entire van build.
Our goal is to inspire anyone who wants to pursue their dreams to do so! You only have one life and it's important to live it to the fullest!
/ nomadicvisuals
Follow us on Instagram:
@Nomadic_Visuals_
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Airhead Toilet
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Cabinets:
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Propane:
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Wool Insulation - havelockwool.refr.cc/jelainew
Disclaimer: Some of these links are affiliate links where we'll earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. This is how we are able to grow our channel and keep making videos.
Check out our full van tour here - • Van Tour | Couple Buil...
#vanbuild, #vanlife, #promaster

[@100Gambit]

Ngl this motivated me to clean my room. Figured it's the least I could do.

[@NomadicVisuals]

lol! great to hear!

[@Breaddd]

hahaha

[@davesy6969]

Does it motivate you enough to clean my room?

[@bikesboardsbeats]

Could you post a time lapse video of it? 😆

[@NomadicVisuals]

@@bikesboardsbeats 🤣🤣🤣

[@yellowishdog5575]

This is embarrassing for me, I spent 12 months converting my house into a van. I've made a right mess of it. Hopefully this video will help me get my house back

[@NomadicVisuals]

Lol it took us 12 months too!

[@NateAmado]

😂😂😂

[@adventure_onthedaily9851]

I honestly think this is one of my all time favourite conversions. Well done guys! The van looks fabulous.

[@NomadicVisuals]

Thank you, Erin! Very kind of you!

[@jimmypeters9480]

Willy Walker, My Liēge / John Cannon Homes

[@jimmypeters9480]

@@NomadicVisuals Willy Walker, [My Liēge] / John Cannon Homes

[@1982javiedu]

X2 would like to see more !!

[@msloop85]

Well why did I waste my time watching all your other videos when I could've just watched this one!?!? 😉 Awesome time lapse!

[@NomadicVisuals]

Haha that’s why we posted it last! Gotcha

[@jenniferwong4530]

Love your video! I'm a Grandma from Canada, long past the age of building my dream van and seeing the world. I am however, enjoying living vicariously through your adventure! Going to follow along and see where it takes you. I've been married a very long time and it's so nice to see a young couple working together and building a life. You are making memories that one day you will look back on with pride. Good luck to you, and travel safe👵🇨🇦

[@NomadicVisuals]

Thank you Jennifer, very kind of you! Hope you enjoy being apart of our community! We will be in Canada in a couple of weeks!

[@jenniferwong4530]

Awesome! It's starting to get chilly up here, especially at night, and the leaves have started to turn. You'll be needing your heater and some warm fall clothing!

[@alanwall961]

Brilliant, seen alot of these, and your the only ones who Insulated the van first , we'll done

[@NomadicVisuals]

Thank you Alan!

[@chris_3636]

Fantastic conversion. I wish I had the time and ability to do something similar. The VW Crafter would be my vehicle of choice too. They're really good vans. Enjoy it guys, it's richly deserved.

[@NomadicVisuals]

It definitely took a lot longer than we had anticipated. Really appreciate the kind words, Chris! I hope the opportunity presents its self in the near future for you! Take care!

[@Richee555]

I loved the built, very talented I doubt any conversation company would go into so much detail. Enjoy!!

[@NomadicVisuals]

Thanks Richeee! We really appreciate that!!

[@manavsharma4481]

Great job guys ... congratulations on your new home and best of luck for your upcoming adventures 🌼

[@NomadicVisuals]

Thanks so much! Very kind of you!

[@robkatharinerealtormortgag4180]

What a great job you did!!! Love everything!!

[@NomadicVisuals]

Very kind of you! Thanks so much!

[@sharethelove5034]

Awww the dream lives beyond me..but glad ur doin it!

[@NomadicVisuals]

Hey thanks, Fun Times!

[@lawrencedavidson6195]

Lovely van build. Greetings from sunny Jamaica.

[@NomadicVisuals]

Thanks so much, Lawrence! Jamaica sounds pretty amazing right now!

[@GigglyGirlPearl]

Superior Build! The woodwork is gorgeous. 🤩

[@NomadicVisuals]

Thank you Diana! That means a lot!!

[@MaryOKC]

I’m impressed with your build…I no longer have the patience to do this myself and would have to spent so much $$$ in allowing someone else to do the work. Good job!!

[@NomadicVisuals]

Thank you, Mary! I don't know that we would have the patience to do it again haha.

[@robthetindog8218]

This is what I would do if I could do. Great job!

[@NomadicVisuals]

Thanks Rob! you can do it for sure!

[@GPDIY]

Wow. Amazing attention to detail!

[@NomadicVisuals]

Thanks so much, GP DIY! really appreciate the feedback!

[@farmboyjohndeerecaseandcla8651]

That is so amazing what you did to the van well done 👏

[@JMBphotographer]

WOW WOW !!! Nice job.

[@NomadicVisuals]

Thanks so much, Media Infocus! Very kind of you!

[@denniscarreno5882]

Well done guys!

[@NomadicVisuals]

Thanks so much, Dennis! Really appreciate that!

[@robinreul7729]

I love this! You two did an awesome job! I’m wondering how you gained the knowledge to do this…so many details to consider and it looks like or better than a professional did the work!

[@NomadicVisuals]

Thank you for your kind words robin! We did a lot of research on KZbin just to figure out a layout and then a bunch more KZbin/blogs on how to do the various tasks and of course even more noodle scratching to figure out who it all would work for us haha. It took us about a year to complete.

[@DanielKouba]

Congrats guys! You killed this

[@NomadicVisuals]

Thanks dude! really appreciate the kind words!

[@tWz4462]

Absolutely Kool.. love you build.

[@NomadicVisuals]

Really appreciate that! Thanks for the kind words!

[@Taooflu]

Very impressed, and now I need a nap.

[@NomadicVisuals]

Lol! 🤣

[@maxxonetwo3]

Nice job. Now do my van.😀 Thank you for the video. Be safe out there.

[@NomadicVisuals]

Hahaha, thank you!

[@juddphilby9015]

Nicely done!

[@NomadicVisuals]

Hey Thanks Judd! Really appreciate that!

[@user-dh5xr5vp7n]

Просто обожаю автодома!!!! Однозначно молодцы.

[@NomadicVisuals]

Thanks so much!

[@disabled_llc]

YOU KILLED IT! 🔥

[@NomadicVisuals]

Thanks! We really appreciate it!

[@_srilankantraveler_]

Super work guys 🥰🙌

[@NomadicVisuals]

Thanks so much! Greatly appreciated!

[@DanielaMariglioni]

Wow 🤩🤩 veramente bello e funzionale 😊 complimenti anche per i piccoli particolari, che fanno da sfondo ad un bellissimo van 🤩

[@NomadicVisuals]

Thank you so much Daniela! We really appreciate it!!

[@diveteamacores]

Great great job. Amazing. From Portugal

[@NomadicVisuals]

Very kind of you! Thanks so much! we hope to visit your beautiful country soon!

[@mathewsmith4476]

Totally awesome 😎

[@NomadicVisuals]

Thanks for the kind words, Matthew!

[@Prosenjitsen2014]

This is awesome Dude ! ❤

[@NomadicVisuals]

Thanks Dream Place!!

[@andrewviolidis]

Amazing common project , well done guys

[@NomadicVisuals]

Thanks so much, Andreas!

[@alohatvj]

Excellent video 📹 👏

[@NomadicVisuals]

Thank so much! Glad you enjoyed it! 🙌

[@e.l.2734]

Must rewatch!

[@NomadicVisuals]

Thanks! ❤️

[@junglebungalow]

Nice build!!

[@NomadicVisuals]

Thanks Jungle Bungalow! greatly appreciated!

[@TweetWithTheTeaTv]

Amazing job

[@NomadicVisuals]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@txxxchao]

Beautiful!

[@NomadicVisuals]

Thank you!!

[@SleeplessMind1]

Awesome job! It's my dream to do something like this one day

[@NomadicVisuals]

Hey thanks for the kind words! Dreams come true ya know!! 😉

[@PavelMake]

Отличная работа, молодцы хороший домик получился

[@NomadicVisuals]

Большое спасибо! это очень ценится!

[@frankgilliland6695]

Very cool video

[@NomadicVisuals]

Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Pap_Ko]

Очень понравилось, молодцы! Девица хороша!!!

[@NomadicVisuals]

Большое спасибо! она, безусловно, ценный актив!

[@pudingaomar6341]

Smart and neat

[@NomadicVisuals]

Thank you Pudinga!

[@gonewiththekale]

Such an incredible job. I'm currently doing this with my 88-year-old stepdad and it's a struggle. Your build is inspiring. Any tips on how you measured for the shower drain hole behind the driver's seat? That's my current predicament - a lot going on underneath

[@GreenBettyVanFamily]

Hey, nice Video! 🚐🙋‍♂️

[@NomadicVisuals]

Thanks so much, GreenBetty! Greatly appreciated! 🙌

[@internationalbreakfastclub3812]

Better organaised than many well known camper producers. With videos like this we see how much they overcharge their badge

[@NomadicVisuals]

This has actually been one of the most challenging things we have ever done and doubt we will ever do it again hahaha! Thank you for the kind words.

[@therealmccoy1]

Very cool build! I can't help but wonder how it affects the handeling now all that weight is added?

[@NomadicVisuals]

Hey thanks! It handles surprisingly well. The acceleration is definitely not what it was when it was empty but it’s also not terrible. We definitely don’t drive it like a race car by any means though. Since it’s front whee drive and we added a good deal of weight to the back it doesn’t like going up steep gravel hills lol.

[@ekdaufin1485]

Hurray!

[@NomadicVisuals]

woohoo!

[@zajournals]

well done

[@NomadicVisuals]

Thanks so much! We greatly appreciate that!

[@celinebebert1451]

Super job HIÉ

[@NomadicVisuals]

Thanks so much! ✌️

[@ronstwart422]

What species of wood are ceiling slats ? What is the stain color? Love the ceiling !!!

[@NomadicVisuals]

Thanks so much, Ron! They're yellow pine with minwax walnut stain. We did an entire video on the ceiling install if you're interested kzbin.info/www/bejne/n32kpZqFba6kqM0

[@ferdinandmunoz861]

My wife and I would like to do something like this, could you possibly share your cost analysis breakdown? I would like to budget for something similar by the end of next year. Would like to start buying everything to have something similar as a vacation vehicle. congratulations. You all did an amazing job!!!! :)

[@NomadicVisuals]

Thank you so much!! We spent $25K USD on the build and the van cost us $40K. Here is our video on the cost breakdown of the build. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oXypnqOBqsqBoZI

[@jacknapier7036]

Wow 😍🤩😍

[@NomadicVisuals]

Thanks, Jack!

[@fildel]

Love this vid! Question, if I may - what is the black backing behind the roof a d wall slats? Well done guys, top job.

[@NomadicVisuals]

hey thanks! its 1/4'' plywood that we painted

[@Amy-pk1zg]

Wow

[@NomadicVisuals]

Thanks so much, Amy! Very kind of you!

[@davidnelson4960]

Such an efficient use of space. Is there a water closet?

[@NomadicVisuals]

Thanks, David! Our 40 gallon fresh water tank is located under the bed.

[@asskm-ev2yk]

Muy genial 😀🤙

[@NomadicVisuals]

Thank you! We really appreciate it!!

[@davidwrobel8089]

Now you will have build yourself a mini refinery to go with your van. Traveling is costly and becoming more so in the days and months ahead.

[@NomadicVisuals]

Lol yeah! Very true! We definitely didn’t budget for these fuel prices when we started the process.

[@grayandgrumpy]

We are looking at doing a very similar design but are going back and forth over having the seating area next to bed. It seems that you give up a lot of potential storage space by going with the seats. Any regrets or suggestions?

[@NomadicVisuals]

We like it. We didn’t want to have to hop through a little hole to get in or out of bed. Some people have showers or closests on either side blocking the bed access. It also feels a lot more open this way too. I’ve even seen a good deal of sinks next to a bed which if it were mine, our bed would always be wet bc Im reckless with the sink faucet. We have storage in one bench and a “mechanical closet” in the other.

[@joachimfilms]

Nice one! Would have run my electrical wires through tubing though as to be able to replace them in case of failure.

[@NomadicVisuals]

Good idea!

[@Tsukshiro]

I can't believe how well you insulated everything except none on the floors... I suppose it was a compromise for standing height but ultimately a lot of energy loss

[@daeroc]

Wow looks great! What color stain is that for the butcher block counters? I love the cozy colors.

[@NomadicVisuals]

Hey thanks so much! pretty sure it was a mahogany minwax gel stain

[@daeroc]

@@NomadicVisuals Hey, thanks for the reply. I just happen to be making a butcher block desk for my apartment and this is exactly the color I was looking for!

[@NomadicVisuals]

Best of luck to you!

[@frznrrfan.frznrrfan102]

Over the top. Great conversion. Why over my budget 😭😭

[@NomadicVisuals]

Thank you! we could have saved quite a bit if we didn't make so many mistakes 🤣

[@skylinedude05]

How did you learn to do all the electrical??? Van Looks great !!

[@NomadicVisuals]

Really appreciate the kind words. We watched a bit of KZbin, but what really made it all click was playing with a 9v battery, a few wires, an led puck light, and a switch. Just trying different combinations to try to achieve the results we wanted. Electrical is really a lot less daunting than it may seem. It’s really just variations of a positive and negative wire that control everything.

[@charleydegreeve9250]

What exact make/model is this van? In trying to find the perfect size and this looks amazing

[@NomadicVisuals]

Thanks! Our van is the Ram Promaster 3500 159” extended wheelbase. Hope you find the perfect van! We absolutely love ours!

[@dj516nadz]

hey guys, whats the material called that you used around the door frames, thats not normal carpet but something else. thanks, great video.

[@NomadicVisuals]

Hey! The fabric is called duramax. We did a video on exactly how to do the trim and there is a link for the fabric in the description. The video is called “Van build trim how to” and is linked below. Van build | Trim | How To kzbin.info/www/bejne/nKC0mpdtma2db8k

[@brendaallen7683]

What is the black underlayment that you used on the ceiling? Oh..btw...great build!!!!

[@NomadicVisuals]

It’s just 1/4” plywood we painted black. Check out our ceiling video for more info Best Camper Van DIY Ceiling! | Van Build kzbin.info/www/bejne/n32kpZqFba6kqM0

[@striderwolf687]

Wow! How much research did you all do and where do you get all the skills? Well done!

[@NomadicVisuals]

haha too much research! probably over 100 hours of KZbin. We made tons of mistakes too which consumed a lot of time as well. Really appreciated the kind words!

[@aimlessgamre2065]

@@NomadicVisuals when I start to build One I am going to do 200 hours of research lol and I will go over all the possible outcomes in my head to make it work in 1 shot last time I did that with my mining rig it worked

[@shailkashyap3317]

अति सुन्दर रचना, सदैव खुश रहो।

[@NomadicVisuals]

बहुत बहुत धन्यवाद! तुम भी!

[@ekdaufin1485]

What did you do to fix the cabinet lean?

[@NomadicVisuals]

We had to build another one unfortunately 🙃

[@rockhit8798]

Where can I buy the rotary seat base? Thanks in advance...

[@NomadicVisuals]

We bought ours online at the Sprinter Store. Here is a link: www.sprinterstore.com/product/ram-promaster-seat-swivel-adapters/

[@PowerfulWordsSpoken]

I wish y'all built this for me ☺️😁😂

[@NomadicVisuals]

Next time 😉

[@hassanazhari2520]

nice

[@NomadicVisuals]

Thank you!!

[@HongNguyen-if2we]

I love small space ,

[@NomadicVisuals]

Thanks Hong!

[@ttouring4206]

Where'd you get the grey fabric at the end??😍

[@NomadicVisuals]

We got it from National Upholstery Supply and the color is dark grey. Here is the link: www.nationalupholsterysupply.com/dmx001.html

[@nmartin5551]

What adhesive did you use onthe wall fabric?

[@NomadicVisuals]

3M high strength spray adhesive

[@shaddepadde]

Nice! Great job! One question, what is the final extra weight in kilograms?

[@NomadicVisuals]

Thanks! We are going to take it to get weighed in the coming weeks. We will be sure to let you know. We’ve been living in it since October 1st 2021 and it doesn’t “feel heavy” when driving it.

[@alainarchambault2331]

@@NomadicVisuals The Navy has two weights, standard weight and fully loaded. You're going to have to weigh it after you've stocked it for travel too.

[@NomadicVisuals]

@@alainarchambault2331 yep

[@leonellegaspi92]

I hope I can make like that

[@NomadicVisuals]

you've got this!

[@muteguy341]

Curious. What is the thing that you stick in the van? Kinda like foil sticker. May I ask what is the purpose of that? Thanks

[@NomadicVisuals]

its used for sound deadening

[@MrFireVirus]

How long is the mattress now that it is cut short?

[@NomadicVisuals]

Pretty sure we cut it down to 77'' we cut it about an inch too long though, so we could stuff it into place and we wouldnt have to worry about it moving around going down the road.

[@brendaallen7683]

what are you spraying on the walls before putting up the insulation?

[@NomadicVisuals]

Hey Brenda, we used 3M high strength adhesive spray to adhere the insulation. It worked really well and made it super easy. Check out our insulation video below: Van Build Insulation - Havelock Wool (Van Life Tiny Home Build) kzbin.info/www/bejne/bXW6nouPo7SUicU

[@559eveningstar]

Do u have the blue print/outlay of this design?

[@NomadicVisuals]

Unfortunately not. Ours is very similar to Trent and Allies (their layout was inspiration for ours bc it fit our lifestyle and needs the best.) They actually sell a layout on their website. It can be found through their KZbin channel.

[@cynthiacampbell2257]

What length is this PM?

[@guardion2394]

Do you have more space with an box truck?

[@NomadicVisuals]

We think so but depends on how big the box truck is

[@brianm2369]

How come you didn't center the bathroom mirror? But this is a beautiful build tho

[@NomadicVisuals]

Hey Brian! We don't have a mirror in our bathroom...perhaps you were talking about our shelf? if so...its not centered bc of how the toilet is positioned. its centered on the shower section, so we can use it for extra elbow room when washing. Hopefully this answered your question. Take care!

[@robertschlosser6681]

What size pro master and what was the final number on the build ?

[@NomadicVisuals]

2019 159” extended. Just under 65k USD including the van. We have a detailed video breaking down the price of the build as well.

[@FC360D]

Why use glue on the ceiling and sides? You don't need to since you put wood on after it and by using glue you've just made it harder to remove the insulation without making a mess if you ever sell the van later or have to alter something.

[@NomadicVisuals]

glue was the best option for us. we tried using string to hold it on the walls originally and it seemed like over time the insulation would fall down creating large uninsulated areas. we used it on the celing bc it was quick and easy. we have had to remove it in the past where its been glued to something and its not a very daunting task. 10/10 would use glue again, but thats just my opinion. to each their own

[@xavhow]

Props to see a woman getting down and hands dirty. Love your build and wish all the best.

[@NomadicVisuals]

Thanks so much! Jelaine has been fully committed since day one!

[@alekat9429]

Honestly it's the first video I've watched,that they placed all their electrical system(wires)strait up on that cotton protector,aren't they afraid of a fire?

[@NomadicVisuals]

Its wool rather than cotton which is fire resistant. Even if there were a short in a wire we have everything fused properly, so it would blow a fuse rather than cause a fire.

[@Martin-qg5kr]

Hello, amazing job 👌. Beautiful, great ideas👍. Regards Martin.

[@NomadicVisuals]

Thanks so much, Martin! Very kind of you!

[@GiveMeYoSammich]

I gotta ask, with the price of the van including all of the materials used, is this still cheaper than just getting a rv?

[@NomadicVisuals]

Right under $65,000 we have a video w a detailed break down of the build components that may interest you.

[@alainarchambault2331]

How long is that van? Personally, 16 feet is my absolute minimum, would prefer 18 feet really. Would also prefer a Cutaway van too. Since Cutaway vans seldom go longer than 16 feet, I'm always bouncing between that, a step van or even a 5-ton. Stealth being my prime motivator. Yeah, solar panels would always be a give-away, but a utility truck can always pass a quick glance than any RV.

[@NomadicVisuals]

the built our area (not including the cab) is 14ft long x 6ft wide. its the promaster 159'' extended wheel base. they do have the stick on flexible solar panels that lay flat against the roof to have more of a stealth look. they just weren't the best option for us.

[@alainarchambault2331]

@@NomadicVisuals Thanks for the quick reply. Yes, there's always the question of whether the cab is included in the length. 14 feet and you still managed a shower. I'm impressed. I would be living alone and I wouldn't go that small. Currently living in an old 22' trailer so I have a gist of what I want, and how to increase the efficiency of space over the "one size fits all" mentality of RV manufacturers. I sure don't need a Queen sized bed for instance. Nor do I need two sinks. Countertop space, shelves, cabinetry, a bed on a slide-out that can slide into the lower cabinets whether it's made or not. And a bigger medical/washroom cabinet. An oven wherein I don't have to double over like a pretzel to light the pilot light. Did you use any kind of software for the planning phase?

[@GrumpSkull]

Have you ever heard of a tree limb with block and tackle?

[@NomadicVisuals]

yes, but a bucket truck makes it easier and there were no available tree limbs.

[@GrumpSkull]

@@NomadicVisuals $$$!

[@NomadicVisuals]

Lol Bens dad owns a bucket truck otherwise we would have been forced to put them up individually or would have come up with a crafty solution to lift it in one unit. We lucked out on this one

[@deadsedan5017]

not sure about the insulation over uncovered wires.

[@Tom111060]

... Organic wool insulation ... But spray adhesive?

[@NomadicVisuals]

Smart huh?!?! Haha. We tried another method first and it did not work for us at all so we decided to do use the spray adhesive!

[@diorez5112]

what was the total price van and everything

[@NomadicVisuals]

For the build and van it was about $68K USD. We have a video that breaks down the cost of the build. Link is below. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oXypnqOBqsqBoZI

[@GlitzsGlam]

You guys should start a business doing this!

[@NomadicVisuals]

Our relationship wouldn’t survive another van build lol 😂

[@pedrohhenriqueify]

helloooooooo, what are the dimensions of this bed? i'm 6"1, would i be able to sleep comfortably on this bed?

[@NomadicVisuals]

Hey!!! It is a queen size bed that we had to cut down to 74 3/8”. Ben is 6’ and he fits although we wouldn’t complain if their was more room 😂. One way to save an inch or so would be not to put shiplap in recessed area and just use like 1/4” plywood or something similar.

[@johnnylawson69]

Good job. You should be proud. I'm curious about your insulation decision. It appears you installed sound dampening sheets, then rock wool insulation. On all of the videos I've watched, they do the exact same thing. My question is why don't you do spray foam insulation? It would be so much quicker, so much easier, and would do a better job of insulating. I'm talking closed cell. I don't think it would do as well as the sound dampening sheets, but you have so many gaps, it's not helping much anyway. Don't take that as a negative. Everyone has the gaps. Nature of the vans. Thanks

[@NomadicVisuals]

We didn’t use spray foam bc we weren’t entirely sure of how our electrical was going to be ran at the time. Also we’ve read horror stories about how it expands in the small ceiling and wall ribs and bends the exterior metal outward. I’m sure we missed some spots but out van is usually about 15 degrees f warmer or cooler in the preferred direction as in comparison to the outdoor temps. ✌️

[@johnnylawson69]

@@NomadicVisuals I appreciate your reply. I hadn't thought about it getting into crevasse and expanding. Obviously my experience is on houses where that isn't an issue.

[@NomadicVisuals]

@@johnnylawson69 best of luck on your build!

[@reinaldoarroyo5275]

What was the total cost of van plus work?

[@NomadicVisuals]

Hey Reinaldo! we are right at $65k USDfor the van and the build. The build came in right under $25k USD (just for the material we did all of the labor) I have no doubt it could be done cheaper, but we made a lot of mistakes haha. We did a video called: What it actually costs to build a van. we break down all of the costs into individual categories.