VAN CONVERSION AND TOUR: Chevy Express Cargo Van Becomes a Stealth Camper

[@tradmanmike3360]

GREAT VIDEO AND GREAT BUILD! NEW SUB. HAVE FUN KIDS!

[@Roll_Vids]

Thank you, sir!

[@dan32one44]

Fun to watch special effects…👏

[@RevLeonPLeon]

By far the very best van video I have ever seen. Straight to the point. Man I love how you just tell the facts and none of this showing off sh&t. You answered a lot of my questions. Thank you so much bro.

[@Roll_Vids]

No - Thank you! 😎Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@a.e.mendoza]

Right lol, I just need the basics, just need the shit to work. That stock work rack makes it even more inconspicuous as well as leaving the patchy hood alone.

[@Roll_Vids]

@@a.e.mendoza Sad news - We hit the hood with some spray bomb rust paint before our trip last summer, so it looks a bit less stealthy now. No worries - I'm sure a bunch more will peel off!

[@Jhung000]

You had a spider friend chilling in the battery storage 😀

[@Roll_Vids]

Good eye! Do you happen to know where my friend is now?

[@SweetFLGuy1]

@@Roll_Vids Lol, I saw your friend in the video too.

[@rubiconoutdoors3492]

Lol ​@@Roll_Vids

[@leilal8053]

Great idea to put the cassette toilet in the plastic bin...not only does it blend in with the other bins, but you don't have to worry about any accidental leaks or spills..👍😉

[@Roll_Vids]

Yes- We are happy with how that worked out!

[@ricusserfontein1086]

The perfect van in my book.

[@bill8002]

Hannibal and I agree it is good when a plan comes together! nice work.

[@RavagedGoods77]

You honestly nailed it man! Your ingenuity knows no bounds

[@Roll_Vids]

If you had been with me during the building process, you would have seen all the bounds my ingenuity knows. But thanks! 😊

[@sergiotrujilloargueta9580]

Is the simpliest, yet the most cleaver arrange ever I have seen. Looks good too. Congrats!.

[@Roll_Vids]

Thanks a lot!

[@69adrummer]

Great video and a few cool ideas to think about!! I LOVE that screen idea!! If you're backed in to a camp site and the fire is going but it's just too "buggy" out, I can see laying in bed and the fire is still going...PERFECT!! GREAT JOB!!

[@jesualdotavares4378]

Thank you for your time. Your van is absolutely perfect. I like how simple and efficient everything is. Great work.

[@Roll_Vids]

Hey- thanks!

[@ExpressVanCamper]

Oh my gosh, so much like what we are in the process of doing. Very similar build. Definitely my number one video to save!

[@Roll_Vids]

That's great! Enjoy the process!

[@RichardNaslund]

Man that is the perfect camper van plain lane van on the outside beautiful on the inside love how you put it all together I love simple things and that's the coolest and cheapest way to go awesome job my hat's off to you 😊😊😊

[@Roll_Vids]

Hey - thanks for that! We have enjoyed using it quite a bit!

[@williamdunlop8191]

Simple and Beautiful !

[@bicyclerider8218]

Very nicely done.

[@biblesnbarbells]

Everything came out fantastic. Great job!

[@firequeen2194]

I love the build. I have an Express passenger van but am terrified of ripping everything out so it’s currently a no-build build, lol. It works for me so far but I’m gonna have to bite the bullet soon to install the fan and permanent solar. Just using portable solar now. Great ideas, thanks for sharing.

[@Roll_Vids]

Cool! They say that no build is the best way to dip your feet into van camping. I probably would have done that too, but Covid restrictions freed up a lot of time for me, so I dove right in. I hope things go smoothly for you- Have fun with the “renos”. 🚐😎

[@rollandsaxton]

I’m an HVAC technician and I bought our spare van from my boss since the dealership only wanted to give them $2000 for the van which is a 2007 Chevy express 2500. I just want to insulate it and do a solar kit. I have a travel trailer but I like to go out prospecting for gold so a lot of times I’ll just crash in my truck so getting the van allows me to take more tools plus throw a cot down but it was 20* the other night and sleeping in that un-insulated was cooler than sleeping in the tent lol. With the tent I’d use my Mr buddy heater and it worked awesome in the van it doesn’t have enough ventilation so it shuts the Mr buddy off. Anyways great video and build. I gave you a sub so I can keep up with your build plus I love me some jits 😊

[@rfresa]

I like how simple this is.

[@Roll_Vids]

Me too. I wanted a project, especially for my first van conversion, that I could see through without getting overwhelmed.

[@anndouglas5851]

This is a terrific video but also very well done project good for you

[@Roll_Vids]

Thank you! 😁

[@dogsbyfire]

Great job! The sink is especially impressive. Thank you so much for sharing this. It’s inspiring.

[@Roll_Vids]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@budsworld22]

Very cool ! Nice build

[@mitchwinder1204]

Wow, that’s killer. Great job!

[@Roll_Vids]

Thanks! I just plated it for the summer and we are ready to hit the road again- so pumped!

[@eddie451]

Pretty Good Thanks For The Video.

[@darkwhitedirewolf]

Appreciate your humor :)

[@Roll_Vids]

Thank you!

[@allrightsreserved3237]

There’s a million van builds out there, but finding one that’ll teach everything one needs to have and to understand the solar electrical system is something else…

[@tradmanmike3360]

REALY ENJOYED THIS VIDEO! ALWAYS THUMBS UP FROM THE 641...

[@Roll_Vids]

Thanks!!!

[@ConeliaG]

Great vid Sense of Humour is Awesome :)

[@Roll_Vids]

@@ConeliaG Thanks! ☺️

[@Dr.Tac0]

Nice build bro. I'm in planning stage for a Express now. The Dodge caravan I have has served well for working. Just want more space.

[@Roll_Vids]

Nice- have fun with the project!

[@Dr.Tac0]

@@Roll_Vids thanks. By the way, I was already thinking of using panel boards for walls and ceiling. I thought it was original till I saw your did it first. I like lighter weight but not sure how it would work out over time. What was your experience?

[@Roll_Vids]

@@Dr.Tac0 We did our van when I was off work for Covid- spring 2020, and we’ve jammed a lot of miles on the van since. The panels are still exactly like the day we put them on. To clarify, I used boards for the ceiling, but I don’t see why paneling wouldn’t work.

[@budsworld22]

Very cool 😎nice job !

[@will_ren]

Pretty similar setup to my express. I like what you did.

[@Roll_Vids]

Nice! I'm generally happy with how it turned out. We've already run into a few other converted vans that have very similar layouts. Not original, but simple and practical. Thanks for watching!

[@ChrisFactor]

My plan for a Nissan nv200 is, though scaled down, almost exactly like this. Cool van!

[@Roll_Vids]

Thanks - I hope your plans go well! 🚐

[@cruzogarcia1096]

I love it simple but clean 👌I'm planning on doing something similar

[@Roll_Vids]

I hope it works out - Have fun!

[@wendynicklin7693]

Nice job 👍

[@Roll_Vids]

Thank you!

[@nitanice]

Nice. Simple. Love it.

[@Roll_Vids]

Thanks!

[@dallas0391]

I love the setup the only thing I would make different for the cargo van is put a power station in there for me less wiring. :-)

[@Roll_Vids]

Yeah- that would have saved a lot of hassle. If I do it again, I’ll go the power station route.

[@gmaneis]

@@Roll_Vids When you say power station, do you mean like one of those Jackery things? I'm obviously an envious newbie!

[@Roll_Vids]

@@gmaneis yes, exactly. Pricey, but amazing!

[@gmaneis]

@@Roll_Vids Thank you. Yes, those things seem to be a much less complex way to go.

[@rapfuelpodcast336]

good one

[@Mychannel-wx9qm]

fantastic build!

[@Roll_Vids]

😊 Thanks!

[@reuvenmeirherrera9580]

freaking brilliant!

[@Roll_Vids]

That's something I don't hear every day. Thanks!

[@RamKrishna-mm5cw]

Great video and very simple but more functional. I am looking for GMC Savana Cargo Van conversation build and your video going to help me alot. I need help with wiring since I am not professional hope to find a local person to help me with a electrical part of the van build

[@Roll_Vids]

Yeah- that was the most challenging part for me. What gauge wire? How do I hook up fuses? Can this wire go there? How am I not going to shock myself or explode my van? I found enough videos here on KZbin to feel okay with most of it. So far, so good!

[@hillcountrylivin]

Nice van conversion.

[@Roll_Vids]

Thanks. We still love it!

[@trish7080]

Beautiful

[@pseudonym7606]

very cool !

[@Roll_Vids]

Thank you!😁

[@a.e.mendoza]

Love the no non-sense build. Someone mentioned alternate source of power on cloudy/shade days. How about a smaller jackery when the permanent solar is low. You think that would be efficient if you didn't want to deal with using the car alternator? That way you would have the jackery for say emergency purposes?

[@Roll_Vids]

Yeah- that's actually a really good idea if we NEEDED power - like where it is so hot that the fan is crucial. Generally, we just don't rely too heavily on the power. If we had no power, we'd throw some ice in the cooler and be fine.

[@willadam5131]

That spider is like this is my area

[@Roll_Vids]

He kind of stole the show - Sneaky little punk!

[@mouthguardcomic]

"The Flight of the Condors" was my one of my favorite shows. "Juh-maine!" - Anyway, at first I thought you were building a traveling camper for secret BJJ sessions. However, what you did was even better. This is cool my man! Let us know if you vlog about the van life.

[@Roll_Vids]

I DO plan to do a tour around the States in this van when travel restrictions are lifted. Hopefully, I'm not too old by then to visit some jiu jitsu clubs along the way!

[@mouthguardcomic]

@@Roll_Vids Nice, that would be cool! .

[@ChristianSpraungel]

I love how simple your electrical is! Are you finding the one battery and two 200W solar panels are enough to suit your needs including running your electric cooler? I am planning a build and was planning on charging the batteries from the alternator as well, but seeing your video makes me think it could be even simpler and just charge via solar. I know it's best to have two sources just in case.

[@Roll_Vids]

If the sun is shining, no problem. We've been parked in shady (non-electric) spots or had cloudy days where a second source would have been great. The only thing that really draws power is the cooler, so if we are concerned, we buy a bag of ice and forget about running it. Enjoy your build!

[@daveerickson1330]

I highly recommend that you remove the screws & washers on the controller wires as they will eventually chafe & short the positive & negative cables, which is a fire hazard. Use insulated staples or clamps one & keep all positive & negative wires separated.

[@Roll_Vids]

That’s a good reminder. I never meant that for a permanent set up, but it is still like that. I’ll get on that - thanks!

[@eddytorres9753]

5:08 dude the spiderrrr😱😱😱😱

[@Roll_Vids]

Yeah - He was just chilling in there like he owned the place. 🕷

[@wildwombay1]

Cool spider @ 5:13

[@juddabudda5921]

Cool build! Ever think of doing it full time?

[@Roll_Vids]

Naw - I feel like I had too much "This-isn't-great-but-it's just-for-me" and "I-wonder-if-this-will-last". I'd hate to be slapping together something like this for someone else without a lot more experience. I am tossing the idea around about doing a new build next winter - we'll see.

[@yasserazali4803]

Amazing 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@Roll_Vids]

Thanks! 😁

[@farklestaxbaum4945]

is the battery system you show at 4:49 completely independent of the factory electrical system in the van?

[@Roll_Vids]

Yes - It's independent. It is only charged by solar. I've heard that it's not hard to set it up to charge off the alternator, but we don't use that much power generally.

[@fgonzalez1723]

I'm about to do the same thing

[@Roll_Vids]

Sweet - Have fun!

[@Del_Monico]

can you please provide info re; the exact bed you bought?

[@Roll_Vids]

I bought it through Amazon, and it cost $300 Canadian ($235 USD). It is not currently available through Amazon, but the description is: Maxzzz 8 Inch Memory Foam Mattress, Queen Gel-Bamboo Charcoal Bed Mattress Hybrid Mattress Ventilated Design Mattresses with Washable Cover CertiPUR-US Certified (Queen, 60x80 Inch) Hope this helps!

[@Ocean_Blue_PoolsTX]

Very nice work. I have a 2021 Chevy Express Cargo. In between the visors, overhead, there is a blank space that is almost a square shape. It appears to be hollow behind it. I want to put a monitor there for sideview, backup cameras. Do you know if that is hollow and is it a big job to remove the headliner to get in there?

[@Roll_Vids]

Sorry, I can't help you there. Maybe some handy genius will find this and be able to give you some good advice. Putting side and rear view cameras up is a great idea - I hope it works out for you!

[@JacksonCA2]

What faucet is that? Very nice.

[@Roll_Vids]

It came as a package with the pump, and I found it on Amazon, and it was called RV Water Pump 12V, Maso Self-Priming Galley High Pressure Electric Pumps with 360° Spin Faucet/Tap for Boat/Caravan Motorhome. It was the cheapest option at about $80 CAN, and even though it has a cheap feel, and the pump is too loud (especially for stealth camping), it serves the purpose!

[@GaryYoung-eq1ph]

What is the best battery saw 2 use?

[@Roll_Vids]

I chose a 105 amp hour sealed AGM battery. There are lithium batteries out there that are much better, but MUCH more expensive!

[@AlwaysYellFore]

This is awesome dude! How much would you say this cost you? Aside from the van

[@Roll_Vids]

It was pretty close to $4K to set everything up. I feel like I would do it cheaper next time, though.

[@arturofernandez725]

Did you name your buddy at 5:08? I bet he likes playing spider guard.

[@Roll_Vids]

Him and I never formally met. That's okay with me - I don't trust guys with 8 legs.

[@jwulf]

I thought it was on my TV and I threw a pillow at it!

[@redpilllense7125]

I love your conversion! Definitely stealth. I was curious about the length across you have available to insert a bed; how tall are you and are you able to sleep comfortably across? I'm curious because I'm 5'8". Thank you, I'm planning on a conversion myself.

[@Roll_Vids]

I am 6 feet tall, so I was quite concerned. With very thin paneling screwed to the ribs, there is almost exactly 6 feet across at the front of the bed, and it tapers a bit at the rear of the van (maybe 5'9"?) I can lay straight across with the top of my head and my feet touching opposite sides. It hasn't been a problem at all, though, as I don't sleep like a post. I've slept solo a few times, and then there is even more room, because I can lay diagonally. Good luck with your conversion - It will likely be really frustrating and really rewarding!

[@redpilllense7125]

@@Roll_Vids That's really great to hear! 😅 I love the idea of van life and have been heavily researching this topic for the past two years. Thank you for your reply, just subbed 👍

[@Roll_Vids]

@@redpilllense7125 Cool! You won't find a lot of van related content on my channel, but thanks for the sub anyway. Best of luck on the conversion!

[@newsflash7970]

the one thing everyone neglects is aerodynamics... even with the poor mileage of a full size van, a 10-20 percent increase in mileage just by removing all the stuff on the roof

[@rod11815]

If you had to do it all over again, would you go with the Chevy Express extended?

[@Roll_Vids]

It definitely would have been nice to convert a longer van. If I do it again, though, it will have a taller roof, so no on the Express extended. Wife’s orders.

[@dogsbyfire]

Do you mind sharing what you used to attach the wood materials to the walls, floor, and ceiling? Thanks!

[@Roll_Vids]

I used self tapping metal screws for everything. I had to be careful with the length of screw on the walls and ceiling so that it wouldn’t be able to pop through, but the thickness of the ribs gave me a big enough margin. I used washers with the screws on the walls because the panelling material was so thin, and then I used them for the ceiling too, because “Why not?”. I was worried that the weight of the wood slats on the ceiling might cause the screws to loosen over time, but so far, so good.

[@dogsbyfire]

@@Roll_Vids I appreciate it. Thanks!

[@elliotthuff5634]

I know these vans can get unbearably hot in the summer. How has the vent and insulation worked out?

[@Roll_Vids]

We have managed to park in shade and have cooler nights when we have used it. When I have left it in the sun during the day, it gets quite hot, even if I block the windows with my nifty cardboard shades. I'm not sure how much good the insulation does, but I'd like to think it does something! The fan circulates air very well if I crack one of the front windows open (I have a chunk of screen built into one of my cardboard pieces). If we run the van during the day, we can cool it off nicely with the a/c.

[@alwaysadventurous7905]

Now you can roll vid around the country 😂

[@Roll_Vids]

That's the dream!

[@analynakat]

Is there anything like the Chevy express that isn’t a gas guzzler? I’m in LA and gas here is expensive and traffic is bad

[@Roll_Vids]

Not sure. I never looked into anything smaller or more fuel efficient except for a Ford Transit that I found advertised. A few minutes of research informed me that it would not work well on highways. I hope you find something that works for you!

[@SMD-i3v]

@@Roll_Vidswhy would a transit not work well on hwys?

[@Roll_Vids]

@@SMD-i3v They are built for city travel. Low clearance and underpowered.

[@rubiconoutdoors3492]

Everyone hates the sliding door. How has it worked out for you?

[@Roll_Vids]

Not a huge fan of it. It rattles on rough roads, doesn't seal well, and it's loud to open and close when we are stealth camping (or even campground camping). It's nice for tight quarters, like when I park it in the garage, and it's a plus to have a large opening when we haul stuff or sit on the floor with our feet on the ground. Still, I'd happily swap it out for a swinging door.

[@rubiconoutdoors3492]

@Roll_Vids What is you opinion with Quigley 4x4 on a van ?

[@Roll_Vids]

@ I don’t really have an opinion because I don’t know anything about them. Do they sell kits, or do they do the conversions themselves?

[@rubiconoutdoors3492]

@Roll_Vids oh no, you send your van to them in Pennsylvania, and for 17k they make it 4x4. Without voiding your manufactures warranty.

[@Roll_Vids]

@@rubiconoutdoors3492 I see. Yeah - Not my thing. The thrill for me was in the DIY.

[@AccountInactive]

What's the interior width at the height the bed is at? I can't seem to find width other than between the wheel wells online.

[@Roll_Vids]

It is almost exactly six feet between the ribs at the forward side of the bed. It tapers toward the back, where it is more like 5'9". I'm six feet tall, so with the paneling installed, I can stretch out and touch my head and feet, but I don't sleep like that, so it's all good!

[@AccountInactive]

@@Roll_Vids Gotcha, thanks! I'm 5' 9" so I may have to have the bed long ways instead of across. 👍

[@Forsakenmusic]

what did you use for the wall panels? link?

[@Roll_Vids]

I used some thin, cheap paneling. Not sure if you have Rona in your area, but here is the link: www.rona.ca/en/product/ash-prefinished-wall-panel-lauan-wood-white-8-ft-l-x-4-ft-w-x-1-9-in-t-g652080432-5068014 It worked well because it was thin enough to be flexible and take the curve of the sides. Having insulation flush with the ribs was important, because there is not much strength to this paneling.

[@TapoutT]

Lol no way this is awesome. My instructor is doing this too. How bad are the restrictions in Canada btw?

[@Roll_Vids]

Things have changed here quite a bit. Right now, we can train if fully vaxed or have recent negative test results. Better than before when they just shut doors!

[@chrisadams3668]

How's the interior width for sleeping? I'm 5' 9" and I've always worried it'll be too narrow.

[@Roll_Vids]

It is slightly wider in the center of the cargo space, so I sleep on that side of the bed. With insulation up to the ribs of the van and 1/4 inch paneling, the inside measures about 5'11 1/2" . I'm 6', but I don't often want to stretch out to my full height while I sleep. If I do, I just share some foot space with my wife. I worried about it, too, but I'm very thankful I didn't sacrifice space or do some goofy bed extension thing. At 5'9", you should be very comfortable, even if you like to sleep pencil style! I hope this helps.

[@chrisadams3668]

@@Roll_Vids Thank you!

[@inmyopinion651]

Just curious how did the build effect your gas mileage? I have a buddy that just bought a Express and we going to do some work on it.

[@Roll_Vids]

I converted the van right after I bought it, so I don't know how the mileage was previously. On an 5000 mile road trip we did this summer, it got about 15 miles/gal. I don't think the weight increased much, because I only added about 450 lbs to the weight, and the solar panels and vent don't add up to much drag.

[@avasimmonds2115]

Omggg your van

[@Roll_Vids]

You bet!

[@carolbrown2501]

What do you cook in and where?

[@Roll_Vids]

We make snacks/sandwiches/etc in the main area. All of our cooking has been on a little table using a Coleman stove. If the weather is bad, we have something simple out of the cooler or hit up a restaurant.

[@GOINGUPGRADE]

Can i please have all the item break out

[@cruzogarcia1096]

I watch vancity van life 9n the tube also chromium is cool

[@calij586]

What do you ise for a shower?

[@Roll_Vids]

@@calij586 Whatever we can. Sometimes it’s a lake, sometimes a river, but most often it’s a campground shower (whether we have a spot in the campground or not).

[@fishface6247]

is this a 3500?

[@Roll_Vids]

Nope. It's a 2500.

[@unpaved7040]

How tall are you? Thx.

[@Roll_Vids]

6 feet of pure genius.

[@HaroldLeeDye]

your back ground noise is to loud. adjust please.

[@Gamma4x4]

👍🏼👍🏼🇲🇽

[@Sama-hg8ck]

🕷 05:08

[@brettbutler9730]

chevy is too small. no room for a bike.

[@Roll_Vids]

I use a bike rack on the hitch to haul bicycles - bit of a pain, though, because I have to take them off to open the back doors.

[@hildebertocarreiro9232]

To heavy

[@budsworld22]

Very cool ! Nice build

[@Roll_Vids]

Thanks, sir! I just watched your van build, and I see you like the LED strip lighting too. Nice!

[@budsworld22]

Very cool ! Nice build

[@Roll_Vids]

Thank you!!!