VAN BUILD TOUR of Our DIY Custom Hightop Van

[@andrewmeitner4818]

Robert. For a joke you should attach 2 ropes to the high top. it will look like it is tied on to the van.❤

[@DonnaStevens-uo9vp]

Lmao❤

[@truthfaction6187]

No 2 ropes on each side of the van. And a sticker in the window solid.

[@craigdarby9533]

Or reach out the window and pretend you're holding it down.

[@cuddlesanddaisy]

Life is an adventure. Enjoy the fruits of your labor.👍

[@esousa486]

Robert .... I "applaud" all the efforts ..... But it looks like a VAD, with an "over-sized" Coffin on it's roof ..... 🤣🤣🤣🤣🙂🙃😉 Even the cattle STOPPED and STARED at the van ............

[@ernieroberts56]

Great job.

[@lindawitham1876]

Loved the cows watching you! It looks so very comfortable. Great job. Glad you were able to get out for the maiden voyage. And now you’ve got your stove fixed too! Proud of you two!

[@terrace1]

Very nice van build 👍 I have mobility issues it would be too difficult for me to climb up and down, I'm glad it's working out for you and Melanie 😉

[@sonofabutcher7003]

Things are coming together! One thing we did to create more countertop space in our slide-in truck camper was to build a platform with full extension drawer slides for the 12 volt cooler to sit on. It slides in nicely under the counter and it gave us approximately 5 SF of additional countertop space. Keep up the good work!

[@vanmanmike]

Hello Robert. Good to see you're doing well. I love your new build. You always have some great ideas. That has doubled the size of the van! But remember, they are always a work in progress. The honey do list never ends on these.

[@RobertWitham]

We've had it out for a couple of trips now and are pleased with the overall project. There are definitely some improvements on the todo list, but we did want to use it a few times before worrying about too many little details anyway. Hopefully we will be installing a wind deflector on the front this week (weather depending). I have no idea how much difference that will make, but it seems to be worth a try at least!

[@vanmanmike]

@@RobertWitham It should make a big difference on gas mileage Robert. I don't blame you at all for getting out and staying awhile. Great job Robert.

[@jimthewindmillman9317]

Stunning

[@lesleyhughes3174]

Beautiful calendar Robert 💥🙌👌👍💌

[@wingfloat]

I have so enjoyed watching your build. Some of the best videos, Robert. Keep them coming. I think this build is brilliant with all the storage and sleeping area. Sure opens up the van for living area.

[@RobertWitham]

It's definitely a custom process designed around our situation, but we're happy with the results so far. We've had it out for a couple of trips and everything is working as planned. There is definitely a to do list for finishing touches, but we really wanted to use it a bit before worrying about the little details. The difference is space and usability is hard to overstate though.

[@freedomdove]

Good job, guys! I've never seen a van turned into a class C. 👍

[@RobertWitham]

We started off thinking of a more conventional hightop build, but then somewhere along the way grew frustrated with trying to figure out how to fit a bed, desk, kitchen, etc into a 6x9 space and thought it might be worth trying a cab-over bunk instead. Everything involves trade-offs, of course, but this seems to work very well for us so far. We've had it out a couple of times now and are comfortable enough with the basics to start working on some of the finishing touches.

[@christineh4782]

It's functional with more room. Desks should be by a window with a nice view. I can't wait to see Melanie's finishing touches. Thank you for sharing. God bless you two.

[@virginiajorgensen8614]

Great looking calendars. I’m glad that the van build is not leaking. That is always the biggest concern I think. That will be so much more comfortable. Glad to see that you don’t hit your head.

[@plutoplatters]

( I would have kept the rear of the hightop flush with the van vs. hang over)

[@reidcrosby6241]

Already "breaking wind" might as well get some more square footage.😅

[@plutoplatters]

I do like the easiness of a "rectangle" box .... simple

[@RobertWitham]

That was a big part of my design process. For example, it seems like many Class C RVS have issues with the cabover becoming weak and then leaking. We opted for the square nose to keep it strong and to maximize usable space inside, but we do plan to add a wind deflector to the front as an "add on" feature. The square walls and roof definitely allow us the best use of the interior space as compared to the more rounded fiberglass hightops.

[@edlayton4202]

Long time follower, enjoyed the process of your camper build. Had to laugh at the rope idea. Best wishes and warmest Regards.

[@kimruble477]

Nice van! I just ordered your calendar for my almost 99 yr old mother! She’s old school and uses calendars. It’s beautiful!

[@RobertWitham]

Thank you :) I hope that your mom enjoys the calendar!

[@heyhello5514]

Love it!! 👍🏻👍🏻

[@reidcrosby6241]

Rear tilt windows!! Bonus points. I grab every pair of those i see when at the junk yard. Everytime a 1992-3-4 conversion van shows up in the processing area i snag them

[@RobertWitham]

Those windows are definitely a big help with ventilation!

[@LisaR-g1x]

Cool!

[@barackmycat9448]

You guys outdid yourselves. I hope the engine holds up for a while after all that work.

[@michaeltichonuk2176]

Form follows function. Seen you convert cargo trailers, mini vans or was it a small suv...been years so.. I like the build. Headroom and functional. And appears to be easily maintained.

[@RobertWitham]

You have been following along for a while to remember that many rigs! We really considered just upgrading to something a bit larger, but we both felt like the vehicle market is just too overpriced still. It was also a (mostly) fun and interesting project just to see if we could do it. The interior space is really outstanding for a standard one-ton cargo van and is worth the trade-offs to us. I did try to think of ease of maintenance while also balancing strength/weight.

[@susanbeever5708]

Nice job! I especially like the desk and chair area.

[@josephlwallssr6166]

Good job Robert! Like you explained, the project is your, DIY. Hopefully you guys will be able to head south and get a break from the cold weather!🙂

[@exhaustedSpark]

Have not seen your vids for a minute 😂

[@Linda-xb5ol]

What an awesome and a amazing finished job❤❤ I love it ❤❤thanks for sharing ❤❤❤

[@lindaalaniz7129]

You will really enjoy it now. 😊

[@RVingwithG]

I watched to the end and with your cooking stove it’s at the right height, but when you get your butane stove in there, it might be a little low. Looks like you could raise up that counter and have more space for silverware drawer, maybe😊

[@yorotirb3941]

Looks like it will be comfy! Dont seem much worse than a u haul. The only thing i saw was the bed could use an escape hatch in case of fire. Looks great for such a quick build, it was fun watching youse build it.

[@craigdarby9533]

So much for stealth camping. I think I saw this same build in Mad Max.

[@adventurebythemile]

Question: Why not make it more aerodynamic design? I would think airflow around the van would be very important. My van has a more curved design and that alone increases your mpg.

[@RobertWitham]

We will be adding a wind deflector to the front still, but opted for a more boxy overall design to make it easier to make sure things were structurally strong and also to maximize the interior space. We are basically pushing the limits of what is probably possible for space management in a cargo van, but since I already owned the van and we think the vehicle market is still overheated/overpriced we just decided to go for maximum usable space. We also have a Prius for a daily driver so, while fuel efficiency matters, it's not a primary concern. We're tracking fuel efficiency and will share an update about that soon, but so far it's definitely better than an RV at least.

[@Alicia-pi1qw]

Looking forward to the calendar. ❤

[@RobertWitham]

@@Alicia-pi1qw thank you :) We shipped it out this morning from Gillette so hopefully it will be three pretty quick!

[@Alicia-pi1qw]

@RobertWitham received it today!!! Exceeds expectations. I love the glossy photos and that it’s made on a nice quality card-stock weight paper. The photos are beautiful and crisp. Perfection! ❤️

[@marshabrown8337]

God bless and adventure on!!

[@VanIife]

Love it

[@jorenw922]

Aerodynamics what?

[@desertschooner769]

Wondering what the wind factor is while driving? mileage? great job guys!!

[@reidcrosby6241]

BAD. Lol. I have a med hightop on a 2013 wheelchair van, 12-16 mpg with a 5.4 and 3:73 gears. If it had a 4.6 it would be 17-18 highway. We've had them all. V10 10-15 mpg ..

[@RobertWitham]

We are tracking our mileage and will share an update before too long. I just want to have at least a few tanks of gas in somewhat different conditions so we're not just sharing a one-off experience. I'm sure there will be some hit, of course, but my guess is it will still be better than most RVs.

[@ThomasDomizi]

3rd story ?

[@daphnesears2012]

Enjoying your videos We think we met you at green river lakes wyoming in 2021? Would that have been you?

[@RippSnortin]

Dang look at the lean even going super slow at the start. Gonna be sketchy in wind or side hilling.

[@itchingtogo7362]

Can’t remember if you mentioned…are you going to install a vent fan? Loved the tour!!

[@RobertWitham]

We are still debating on the ventilation. We actually have two powered vent fans that we removed from the van for this project. More than likely we will end up doing something, but we're also still debating the number and location of windows too. I think we may do the windows first and see how that works before installing a roof vent, but we may decided to just do it too. I'm also still debating the merits of additional solar panels so don't want to interfere with that either.

[@Greg_Jones]

Oh yeah....trim. Just over five years in the NonInstagram Van I don't think I thought of trim in four and a half years!

[@reubenj.cogburn8546]

If I recall correctly, that vintage of Triton engine has the spark plugs from hell. They often go untouched because of the bad things that happen when they sheer off, or roll the threads in the cylinder head. 90% of misfire problems are going to be plug and coil related. I'm assuming your scan tool does not have a live data feed on misfire counts. Waiting for self test results can take a long time. When I was wrenching, it was always recommended to start fresh if possible.That means the dreaded spark plug change and a set of Quality Coils. Piecemealing a repair on this system of this age is going to be a hit or miss proposition. In any event, it appears you have the situation well in hand.

[@RobertWitham]

That is my understanding as far as the spark plugs as well (unfortunately)! We had them all changed by my mechanic earlier this year just to stay on top of it. They had last been done about five years and 80,000 miles before so it seemed like time to do it again. My best guess at this point is that the #6 coil was a bit loose as it hasn't acted up at all since I swapped the #6 and #8 coils for troubleshooting. I did pick up a spare coil though so I have it in the van now in case that one or any of the others decide to quit working.

[@reubenj.cogburn8546]

@RobertWitham robert, I totally realize that you have not spent your life as mechanic. I have. I am here to tell you that some of those types of skills are instinctive. You have the correct type of instincts. In my best English accent.... < right, carry on then > 😊 Best wishes

[@gwb8445]

I have watched all your van build videos. I see no insulation. What was you thoughts about that.

[@RobertWitham]

We have it insulated now. That was one of the later projects in the build. We ended up going with one-inch foam board insulation for the hightop while the lower portion of the van is a mix of fiberglass batt, foam board, and spray foam just depending on what was easier to work with around all of the curves, etc.

[@joseph5348]

That's pretty tall watch out for overhangs!!

[@lesleyhughes3174]

As Robert said, no taller than a Sprinter

[@patd4u2]

So you don't want to attract attention to yourself by having the seats rotated back if camping in a parking lot,I think having your van parked in a parking lot with that gigantic box on top will attract attention no matter if your seats are facing forward or backward. you mentioned that you will be out for months at a time during winter, how do you two keep yourself clean? No shower and is the Porta potty inside the van?

[@lesleyhughes3174]

It doesn't sound like you could ever be a full time nomad! Ways and means to be totally clean!!

[@patd4u2]

@ you're so right, I have a 2018 Winnebago Travato K floor plan, has a full shower in the rear and two beds on each side TV/DVD and is fully self contained, two weeks is about as long as I can stay in it until I want to go home, I camp in January at quartzsite with some friends then head to Parker for a little while. I could not imagine being in that van without a bathroom or shower. being in a van on your own would be bearable I guess but having two people in a van without a shower or bathroom would be unbearable. to each their own.

[@lesleyhughes3174]

​Fully self contained​ here, 6 1/2 yrs fulltime solo nomad. Gyms everywhere, waterfalls, secluded streams, camping shower bags, there's always a way. Same with toileting. You do what you have to and that Doesn't include polluting nature, just good planning. @@patd4u2

[@RVingwithG]

It’s crazy looking, but who cares it works. Which kind of wind deflector are you thinking of? How about a vertical one like a large boat?🤔🤔🤔

[@RobertWitham]

We are kicking around a few ideas for a wind deflector in front, but will hopefully be able to try working on that this week. Assuming we have a break in the weather long enough... LOL

[@smsjr36]

Pop up

[@aceburns8673]

Damn sexy. Look out Maserati!

[@JamesRaftery-kp6my]

I’ve never seen anything look so ugly in my life it looks like you put the arc on top of your van. Anyways, have fun enjoy yourselves. That’s what it’s about. I have to tell you how I felt when I looked at it.