Van builder shares private tips for a high quality build

How to measure square and parallel for your van wall cabinet. How to properly drill ceiling support mounts. How to design a galley module and How to treat a tongue and groove ceiling panel.
#onahumbleroad
#customvanbuild
#vanbuildsecrets

[@mrmrssprinter8939]

This is why we chose George; his attention to quality and detail. And Alex is a true artisan! Apple-Tree

[@DennisWintjes2]

You must be excited! I agree!

[@vita-girl4345]

I’m watching with interest!

[@maitildamcintyre9344]

Very wise choice, George and his team are incredible. Can’t wait to see your build complete.

[@lizchilders4154]

Will be a fantastic one-of-a-kind! What colors are you going with on the decor?

[@richard4743]

Hello George, did you get the C+C machine in and set up as yet?. When you said you had on on the way,It sparked my interest. So here is my bold question ,Where does that apply to a van build? I have been afraid to ask ,I have been holding my breath science you anounced it, I am about to expire LOL . with regards richard

[@ninja1antelope]

Carpentry needs to have a “master van carpentry” section.... thank you for sharing!

[@rudivandoornegat2371]

Wow! Great construction lesson. And great products; I especially like the big sink and the marine latches. The ceiling technique is something too.

[@HumbleRoad]

Thank you very much!

[@marcusallenyt]

love the big L Square great idea . Hey George looking very slim and trim . keep well

[@agentbey]

This takes "measure twice" to whole new level. Thank you for being a person of integrity.

[@imrandavis4031]

you all prolly dont give a shit but does any of you know of a trick to log back into an instagram account? I was dumb lost the password. I would love any tricks you can offer me!

[@langstonzachariah546]

@Imran Davis instablaster =)

[@imrandavis4031]

@Langston Zachariah thanks for your reply. I got to the site thru google and im trying it out atm. Seems to take a while so I will reply here later with my results.

[@MykSr]

Your thoughtful process, attention to detail, and emphasis on quality is unparalleled. You and your “team” continue to raise the bar of excellence. As I re-watch this weeks video, an unspecified number of times, it’s hard not to anticipate and be excited for next Sunday’s new arrival. Thanks again George❗️😎

[@AdrianSinner97]

mate, YOU ROCK, and WE thank you for the wisdom - the aligning method presented - gods may give you their grace. Still, i have one question, can you make also a video with something LIGHTER? as in build? We all know drawers are adding A LOT of weight - respect to simple shelves - so, what about some weight savin? Best of wishes, you rock!!

[@knalletorget]

I followed this channel for a long long time.. And the editing/camerawork is always top notch.. But considering what our Bearded Mr Road use to do for a living, i am not suprised. But i do NOT understand why it's still not +100K subs!? Or 3...or 500K... and it needs to get a bunch of good sponsors! Because just having your product show up on this channel, well...then you know it's quality stuff.

[@HumbleRoad]

I appreciate that! Tell all your friends to subscribe. And tell them to tell their friends, as so on and so on!

[@jimb5113]

Built like road-yachts. Watch with envy. Thanks.

[@TheShadowVortX]

Impressive! Thank you for sharing!

[@GENECARP]

George, running the tape measure up to the ceiling requires a square off the second square...3 square job..

[@FBall-im8ui]

Hello George, would you offer the dimensions of say the counter unit? I have a 2500 170 Sprinter and would like to build a counter as the one you show in this video, I too am a photographer, Portrait, however I do not poses the same building skills as you, Thanks FB Canada Love your work and videos

[@tumbleweed1976]

Stop everything and watch! George thank you for sharing your journey. Including the not so pretty stuff 🎈

[@Scott-wz4sc]

Wow! That giant square is just.... Wow! 😂😂😂

[@mitchellkasdin1899]

The sum of all the angles equals 180 degrees. 45 + 45 = 90. 180-90 = 90 degrees

[@gustersongusterson4120]

Another great video George! I'm interested to see how you attach the upper cabinets to the wall and ceiling.

[@OffTheBeatenPath_]

Plus/cross nuts need more space for the initial placement as they are longer. So some different brand van may need the rivnuts

[@guigomusa]

Thanks for your Quality vLog.

[@ligadoonanoo865]

I was only gonna stay for a couple minutes.... 18 min later and im not even mad. also, lol at the plus nut flashback 🤣

[@davequalley-AirDave]

Great video as always! Thanks for sharing your tips. Which 80/20 extrusions do you use for the galley and upper cabinets, 1" or 1.5"? I've been watching closely trying to figure it out. I'm ready to start designing our framing.

[@vincebrandt8137]

I would love to do a conversion to my volvo 730 semi truck any pointers before I start

[@MsRotorwings]

George & Company, clearly a Top Notch Group.

[@jburt56]

Triangle can be a square by Pythagorean theorem. 3 x 4 x 5.

[@carmenmarcinkiewicz7149]

George.......how fortunate for everyone, that you decided to include your builds on KZbin. You're THE BEST!

[@rachelkelly7117]

You’re simply THE BEST 💟

[@leonardcroft1467]

Hi George Love The Sunday Morning Humble Road Video with my Coffee !! Thank You !!👍

[@asktheastronauts9367]

Great tips. I'm saving up for a van build and would love to have you be the one to work on it.

[@LS-zr8py]

On the break you should put under counter led lights

[@clipvue222]

Amazing work can't wait to see more great ideas

[@gov683]

Quite informative, thanks

[@LydellAaron]

Threaded rivets were wonderful!

[@clintstinytrailerconversio5560]

4 Square guy. Being a square is now a good thing.

[@Blackwater_House]

I have always been fascinated by the Fact that you can Walk around a Square, but you can not Walk a Square around.

[@HumbleRoad]

😳

[@carolinekiley7800]

This is invaluable ! Thank you !

[@cliffmorgan31]

On your double doors. Nice. Improve it just a bit more with some type of flush handles since this is isle space... Great video, George!

[@lasharonbrown9454]

Love the panel canvassing.

[@jstoney6471]

A Nice Educational Sunday morning w/ Coffee and George!

[@richlinlaw]

Thank you for sharing! If you like Mastery, Competence, Patience, then you'll like Humble Road. It would be an honor to be in one of your vehicles no doubt.

[@tv7041]

좋아요^^ I like humble road. VERY GOOD^^

[@Brokenfang77]

this is an Awesome Video

[@ArickaRohrmanVids]

How does someone get a quote from you?

[@angelaborgen9705]

Always I’ve your level of detail and thoughtful design. Love also that you’re always evolving.

[@TrinaPoppens]

You're amazing! I am looking for a van and plan to call you to build my conversion van.

[@HumbleRoad]

Deal!

[@jwade1968]

I need you to build mine pls

[@BrendaTharp]

Hi George - great video build tips! Thank you. In this video you show @0:40 the O/H galley cabinet and it has a 1.5x2 - I think - as the back rail that will go against the wall. Then on the bench behind you, and later in the video, you show the 1.5x3 piece that you 'hang' over that ledge - wonderful idea! Did you use both pieces? or did you end up only having the 1.5x2 hanging over the edge, used as the back rail of the cabinet? I watched your final video and in the area where you talk about the distribution sub panel for 12v, I can't quite tell which one was used...Thanks!

[@HumbleRoad]

the 1.5 x 2 is in the overhead galley cabinet. The 1.5 x 3 is in the airline cabinets.

[@BrendaTharp]

@@HumbleRoad aha! thank you for clarifying that - my 'old' eyes must have missed that little detail in the video. And what a great innovation those airline cabinets are! Even if we don't do the things you are doing, your creativity sparks imagination and ideas that work on our end. Still wish we'd had the funds for you to do our van, though it would have also meant waiting a very long time since your schedule was jammed when we started this idea. we're having fun diy'ing though...

[@nbc902]

Love the music choice

[@pauljoseph8338]

Many builders would probably keep their tips and tricks a secret.Thank you for sharing your knowledge. We appreciate you.

[@catfish24]

You Sir are a master at what you do.

[@patrickmaloney6757]

Ah, I will have a better day after traveling along your humble road. ! Thx George

[@deborahgiles3649]

Really nice!

[@SaintTrinianz]

HELP! I have FOUR stripped out rivnuts in my van; two in the ceiling ribs and one on each wall. How do I remedy this?

[@HumbleRoad]

If the threads are stripped, then yo have to drill it out or make another hole. If the nut is spinning in the hole, reset it with the tool.

[@SaintTrinianz]

@@HumbleRoad Thank you! That second sentence is most helpful...

[@Stewbular]

Is George ok?

[@AdamGForPolitiCorps]

Just 2 more videos to catch up! Just 2 more videos to catch up! NOO

[@joephillips7612]

Thank you, G.

[@Stewbular]

Yippee!!

[@priscillawrites6685]

Brilliant

[@lass-inangeles7564]

The tongue and groove panel, that is how they make the roll top desks. Great to see this evolution, George. Measuring is the hardest part of construction. Thank you for explaining it so well. Measuring well is the Master status in any profession. You take it to a whole new level, bravo! So nice to see your son, Alex working in your enterprise. He is also a master craftsman. You did a great job of your past profession, of raising your kids, of avant garde van building, and of being an excellent teacher. Such a self realized person, truly a renaissance man. Enjoying the Sunday treat! 😎

[@nancyhenderson8001]

How long would it take you to build a extended van. When could you do it.

[@HumbleRoad]

Approximately 10 months to build and I have openings for Summer 2022.

[@nissimnave]

Art

[@pmag3200]

My head hurts from hitting it with my palm of hand and saying omggggggggg wow that is the right way...thank you oh great master 🍷🍷🍷

[@kiddiescripterkiller]

If you really want it perfect and to be able to use a level, block the van level from the frame, on all four corners, otherwise as even you get in or out or move around inside or as you add more weight to the van, your "level" shifts. Plus if you want to get even more precise you need to check the floor with a laser level. Even the floor can have a warp, twist or slight dent in them.

[@HumbleRoad]

For all the reasons you describe, using a level is not exacting, nor practical. Squares, tape measures and math are, imho, the best approach.

[@kiddiescripterkiller]

@@HumbleRoad I think you missed my point... If your reference point (The floor) isn't level or perfectly straight in the same plane, then all your measurements and what you think mathematically is level, are incorrect. It the same as working on an old house... You have to see what is and isn't level first, before you start working on it. I'm currently working on a box truck and with a laser level across the aluminum plank box floor I have 1/16" to a 1/2" dip in the center of the floor. Walking across the floor you don't feel it. There are a few dents where freight was dropped on the floor. You can see and feel those dents walking. So if I used your monster framing square approach, then by the time I get 6' off the floor at 1/16", I'm .1 degree off the center line. If I'm in the 1/2" area then I would be .4 degrees off the center line. So if I started at one side of a overhead cabinet and moved to the rear of the box 4' from a 1/16" dip section to a 1/2" dip section, you can see how the measurement and level would be incorrect. The far side measurement with the montster framing square of the side and bottom of the cabinet would would show it needs to be longer and lower. If you followed the center line with the monster framing square. That is why it is better to level and stabilize the truck and see what you are working with first, so you don't end up with a surprise or scratching your head on why it doesn't fit, looks crooked, doesn't fit square when it should or you have 2 or more different measurements when they should match the other side. Even brand new stuff has issues... It could be a Monday or Friday build at the factory, if you catch my drift. Or even a machine applying adhesive to the frame and floor starts applying more or less in the middle of assembly. Or a welding fixture worn out... etc... etc...

[@maitildamcintyre9344]

When I see all that’s going on in the Humble Road shop it’s amazing how far you’ve come from dreaming about building a van, to now working on two vans plus a remodel of another van simultaneously. When you mentioned van #1, I remember seeing the tour of it on KZbin channel New Jersey Outdoor Adventures. That video has had over 140,000 views, and it’s no surprise, your maiden build to the beginning of your collection of masterpieces, is still incredible to see. Your generous sharing of your tips and tricks is certainly invaluable to DIY builders. I can’t wait for Sunday’s to see what you’re up to with the builds. Thanks for another great episode of the builds. 🚐❤️👏🏼🙌🏻

[@HumbleRoad]

NJOA will be doing a segment on the Pleasure-Way when it is ready.

[@mrsipo1975]

You are casually giving master classes in van building. Thank you.

[@burningMan70]

Thank you for sharing your trade secrets. I work for a van building company here in San Diego. I've been a carpenter in the remodeling business for 30 years. Just started doing vans with this company. Feel like I'm starting over haha

[@dadzvanz936]

Great videos. Using lots of your tips, like riv nuts and “ mega floor square”. Thanks!

[@TheRussianLondoner]

Love your videos, THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND VAN LIFE CONSTRUCTION WISDOM

[@joeblow1942]

1) 0:57 BIG SQUARE: Big wall square for getting correct dimensions for cabinets. 2) 1:25 VAN FLOOR CENTERLINE: How to determine centerline of floor from which to measure from. 3) 2:57 MEASURE CABINET PLACEMENT: How to measure for placement of cabinets so they are square and parallel to floor. 4) 9:38 PLUS NUTS: Drilling holes in ceiling ribs for Riv Nuts or Plus Nuts for ceiling panels. He sprays gray automotive primer into each hole after drilling so holes won’t rust. These are used for holes in surfaces so you can screw bolts into areas where you don’t have access to use nuts on the bolts. He uses 5/16-8 Plus Nuts. Both types are good but Plus Nuts have little feet on the outside so should be more secure than Riv Nuts. 5) 11:52 DRAWERS: Cabinet drawers are 1/2” thick pre-finished maple plywood. 6) 13:07 CABINETS: The top front area of cabinets extends 1” farther than the doors and drawers below to allow a sense of space. 7) 14:13 LATCHES & DRAWER SLIDES: Stainless steel marine door and drawer pulls. He uses Blum hidden soft closing drawer slides. 8) 15:06 CEILING PANELS: Panels are tongue and groove with painters canvas glued to back with contact cement. This enables the ceiling panel sections to conform to the curve of the van ceiling. Canvas attached to the panels also makes it easier to install each section to the vans ceiling. Panels are sprayed with two coats of primer (sanded between each coat) and then the canvas is glued to the back. After that each section is sprayed with top coat before installing on to the van ceiling.

[@mattreeves333]

what type of flooring is that?

[@HumbleRoad]

vinyl

[@kathleenreyes4345]

I’d be curious to see the reading of a level measurement on the square...just curious! There’s so much more to be considered in a van build!! So much appreciate your engineering genius!

[@shabbirjdana]

I want to learn more abt it and want to make one

[@HumbleRoad]

Pretty simple. Review my video to see how I built it.

[@coastalpine]

Loving and enjoying your post. Q: what spec extrusion are you using for your build? European (20mmX20mm) or American (1"x3", etc.)

[@taniyagorelik2326]

I adhere to all the enthusiasm! I can't find a carpenter's square (triangle :) as big as Georges - I've only found small ones online (up to 30 cm). Anyone can help?

[@pattierney2925]

Very nice, trying to duplicate that galley in my Promaster build, what’s the outside dimension of that sink? Thanks George

[@michellestratford9753]

Am I planning to build out my own van? Heck No! But yet I find myself fascinated by this video! Thanks!

[@christofdhondt3374]

Nice

[@vasilyru]

I like your floor! What is it?

[@HumbleRoad]

That is a teak and holly composite

[@TOTALLYRELAXED]

Another great video of divulging your secrets to perfection! Thanks for sharing, George! I hope you enjoyed me glamorizing your channel on my latest video yesterday! I was proud to showcase your channel, as, I enjoy watching it so much! Stay safe, my friend, and have a great and blessed Sunday!

[@mikepower8208]

Looking at your support and slides and drawers, I can't help but notice that there is an inch and a half to two inches of empty space between every drawer. Is there a justification for the "not-taking advantage" of this space in a van that is very limited on space to begin with. We are talking about a square foot of storage for every 1" vertical gap between 12x12 drawers. Could there be a solution without losing the function and convenience?

[@matthewgibby7884]

Do you have another video that details your platebracket diy French cleat mounting system? Wouldn’t all of the stresses and friction be on the threads/sheer line of the bolt? I worry that the bolts would fail over time. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ well done either way. Love the videos and I’d love to find a ‘no drill’ method of mounting to the van but I’m worried about putting all the stress on the fasteners. I’ve tried to skim the comments to see if this has already been asked, so forgive me if it has.

[@hsgjkhagljkh]

THIS IS SO HELPFUL!!!! I've been struggling to finish my van build to a high-quality level. I will build my own floor level and the canvas on the tongue-and-groove is BRILLIANT. Thank you thank you thank you.

[@bambiharzott26]

Love the sink. Where do u get that sink? Do u spay the underside of the sink with a sound denting spray paint? From Bambi

[@mattsolomon6292]

That T Square should be diy project of the month at 80/20, endless uses! While you’re at this stage are you thinking of moving the rear door latch? I’m shocked by how many designs either block the door handle or make it very hard to access when using the bed. Maybe I’m nuts, but seems crazy to overlook a safety issue like that. They’re doors not a wall, but maybe it’s hard to move or install a relay.

[@HumbleRoad]

Yes Matt, I have seen the rear doors blocked. Not in my vans! I always make sure the rear doors are easily opened no matter what the floor plan or configuration. Good eye for that! I appreciate your line of thinking!

[@mattsolomon6292]

@@HumbleRoad yes!!! That’s awesome!

[@deborahgiles3221]

Your and your crew’s ingenuity is absolutely amazing! I really enjoy your videos, which amazes me.

[@nancyhenderson8001]

l’d like you to do my build. But I’m 75 and need it this year by fall. Maybe I’ll not be able to get it that soon. I’m going to try to find someone to do it sooner but don’t know many that do builds. Let you know if I can’t get someone to do my build. Thanks for responding so soon. Nancy

[@renaulttraficconversion]

This is the best van conversion video I have ever seen. Pity, you guys are not in Australia. Those inserts are "Nutserts" here. Have a great day.

[@paulaandomarwedding8443]

Your attention to detail is amazing! Have you ever designed a build with twin beds? Searching for the best build for a disabled person who needs 2 twin beds instead of a queen or futon bed.

[@_GntlStone_]

Re: doors - with the 80/20 you're perfectly setup for a bi-fold door with hidden center hinges. the door guides would ride in the center track of the aluminum. Builds are coming along great!

[@millanferende6723]

Idea for a cheap square: Get a piece of plywood and let it be cut at the shop. It will form a perfect rectangle, to your dimensions, and won't cost a lot. 👍🏻

[@jeffwagg]

A question: given that you can't guarantee that the van is going to be on level ground, wouldn't it make sense for the upper cabinets to have a slope towards the wall of the van? That way, you'll have less risk of things pouring out when you open the door. Thanks for the videos!

[@HumbleRoad]

Along the front floor edge of each cabinet is a tiny "knee-wall" to prevent such catastrophes.

[@flyingdutch9818]

Want a cheap square? A rectangular bit of ply

[@deborahwingmulchn5177]

He is such a great teacher, the most amazing convertions, I wish I could try it, but must sell!

[@rustleinthebushes6065]

In the UK we refer to set square as it is a half square. The correct term for us to use in engineering is a DATUM

[@SS-cd1dl]

Reminds me of the techniques used by boat builders

[@lauracrowley6948]

Now we can include "teacher" to George's already impressive resume.

[@garykreutzer7692]

I have a question. Each tough nut will hold at least 500 lbs. You put 6 of them (combined holding strength of 3000 lbs) it fasten a board that will hold up no more than 100 lbs. That is 30:1 engineering. Isn't that a bit of I've kill? Would not 3 work just as well? Additional labor and material(weight) that is not truely necessary is it?

[@HumbleRoad]

You must consider dynamic loads in a moving vehicle. Potholes, speed bumps, washboard roads all add to the forces on those nuts. Also, the five fastener points help shape the strap along it's curve.

[@dalecummins689]

I love these videos, hopefully in the future I would be able to have a Humble Road George created custom van. I can dream, can't I, even if its a pipe dream?

[@HumbleRoad]

Maybe one day!

[@jodymooney255]

There is always hope!

[@dodgeplow]

@@HumbleRoad Is your son going to follow in your footsteps or stay as a fine carpenter only?

[@jeepinjohnny2898]

Yo - HR. Neat idea abt your big square. Thanks.

[@lindalawson4296]

I just yelled, “That’s so #%^*+= SMART!” I love the way you think.

[@GreenVegan816]

It felt like you read my mind when you started to explain how to get the correct measurements for the wall cabinet frame. Thoroughly enjoyed your explanation and love the square and wall mount you created to make it all possible. Ingenious! And the tongue and groove ceiling boards held together like that! What a game changer!

[@ediemarie4475]

Your thoughts just keep on evolving and evolving to continually make a better product!!! You pay so much attention to detail IDK how you ever make a profit. Having said that, I have a simple question, l would like an answer to. Why do you have the thinsulate installed differently on the walls than the roof?

[@HumbleRoad]

Thinsulate can be installed either way. I prefer gluing the black side, as it offers better adhesion.