Van Life: 8 Campervan Conversion Hacks for Your Van Build

[@SlowlanelivingwithPaulaRandy]

great video! We are working on our van now! love watching the hack videos to learn how to use the space better in the van!

[@livinginthenow]

I've been thinking about making a cloth ceiling for my van too. I'd like to use wool batting and quilt it between two layers of cloth so that it would add to the insulation while it's looking nice and helps cushion the blow when I hit my head on the ceiling.

[@scfrench23]

I used black duct tape to cover the reflectex covers and that also worked well!

[@justynamaria0333]

This dude is literally so adorable. Protect him

[@wilborth5th]

Thanks for sharing, I’m building my own conversion these tips are great, I’m about to be reborn, finishing my van I will get out the city

[@ssharp9890]

I love the felt on the ceiling idea. I am just starting to insulate my van and doing a little more renovation each payday. Super good idea to keep the costs down as well as the weight. And, it would be easy to alter later if I decide to apply paneling over it.

[@elidabyard6100]

Some great ideas. I am converting a 15 passenger 2016 Transit and need to cover up some of the windows as I will be sleeping side to side. The black felt should work perfect for placing between an insulation panel and the window. Using vinyl wallpaper should finish the inside without loosing much or that window bulge out extra foot length. #2 If you are an Ice fiend and have a small freezer, use the Dollar tree $1 small lidded 2 1/2"x3" by2" high storage containers to freeze your ice. Small, stackable, and lidded so they don't spill. Nice large chunk of ice, that will last most of the day, to put into your large carry cups.

[@malonej007]

The garbage can hack is nice!!

[@LivesUnscripted]

Thanks. It works well for us.

[@ChristianBjork]

I was just about to write the same... nice one!

[@user-ht5ce2it3z]

Agreed. I'm just getting started but have to remember this.

[@drewrhodes2820]

I like the fact you have the divider so that in worse case scenario you don’t get killed by all your furniture if you flip it

[@kday9438]

I ❤ your window coverings ! Which felt did you use, where did you purchase and how did you make them Thanks in advance !

[@RoamingRuca]

Great hacks and so many awesome ideas. The bookshelf hack is genius. I’ve been trying to figure out space for my books.

[@fishtravels8252]

Thank you for sharing your ideas! One question: how does the felt hold up against humidity? Does it absorb moisture? Looking forward to doing my own build and very thankful for those of you who post your ideas. Safe travels.

[@1951Roy]

Please elaborate on the plastic panel strips for installing LED light. I have no clue what this product looks like uninstalled. Maybe a link to the product. Thanks for the cool ideas.

[@susiehernandez6652]

I think they are wire channels that are used to hide your cords in for your electronics in a home.

[@decolonizeEverywhere]

Maybe someone else pointed this out to you already but, reflectix only works when the shiny side is against the window. It's not insulation. It has an r value the same as cardboard. It reflects cold air by simply excluding airspace when it's against the glass. And It reflects sunshine only when the shiny side is showing. Next time try bubble wrap. It's got a 1.3 r value. But the best would be to get some nice organic wool.

[@Al_Dente-d1p]

moron hippie. I got your organic right here.

[@LovingAtlanta]

👍Great hacks. Re-routing that heat was a terrific idea. I learned a few hacks I want to use for my road trips & for if/when I ever get a van or RV. 🤗💞🤗

[@LivesUnscripted]

We are glad this video helped! That would be cool if you got your own RV or van. 👍

[@wastelandgoat8950]

The foam board and felt headliner is pure genius. I am converting my 1989 Ford Club Wagon i bought into a camper unit and I have smacked my head more than once on the ceiling. I'm gonna try this here soon and the best part is I can finally get rid of the old burgundy thing that is there now.

[@LivesUnscripted]

That is cool. Glad we could help you out. It is pretty easy to do too and relatively cheap.

[@rbru8030]

Nice!!! Thanks!!

[@rrhopewell]

Great ideas

[@karenvinti3217]

Great ideas, thanks! . I am about to start my own van conversion and am looking for tips. It would be helpful to be able to see more of your van when you are describing the work you have done. And if you could share some of the things you did that have not been successful.

[@Javaman92]

I hope to be getting a van within a few months and starting my build. Thanks for sharing what worked for you guys. I may use a few of these tips. :-)

[@shthom6117]

Javaman92 i'm planning to buy in March: we're torn between getting an overhead-bed conversion van or a shuttle bus. good luck on ur choice.

[@LivesUnscripted]

You're welcome! That is exciting. We can't wait to see your van when it is finished!

[@sun6v546]

Very very good job mate …. keep it up....

[@cocacolafiesta]

Great ideas!

[@shthom6117]

i had no idea my harbor freight lights were magnetic. thank u. i like the black felt in the window tip.

[@LivesUnscripted]

Glad we could help. Thanks for watching.

[@darrellfort1668]

thanks for doing this video bro

[@sandeedobberstine5591]

Thanks for the great ideas!

[@gypsydavy708]

I think felt would work on the sides as well. Nix all those difficult cuts and save weight. You could still insulate.

[@kevinbray1957]

Loved your great ideas have one of my own stead of using a toilet spackle bucket cat litter and a heavy duty garbage bag

[@miniman3405]

very valuable information especially the heater project thank you so much and God bless you guys

[@LivesUnscripted]

You're welcome. Rerouting the heater has come in hand especially when it is cold out. It helps heat the back up a lot faster.

[@Vera-dc7my]

Lives Unscripted can you elaborate more about the heater? Was is a built in heater you had that you rerouted? Or...

[@smallfootprint2961]

Love all these ideas, especially the reflectix covering for the windows that you put dark fabric on. Also the felt for the ceiling. Genius. Thanks for posting.

[@LivesUnscripted]

You're welcome. We are glad you liked these ideas!

[@smallfootprint2961]

If you could show more details on how you did those, It would be great. Thanks for the response.

[@jeffl4802]

Good video... BUT, black fabric over your reflective window covering is dumb. It defeats the purpose entirely. Also tint can add to the heat of the window.

[@elleyd6985]

I got flelt to go over the reflectix but the glue isnt sticking any sug ? Love your ideas

[@joegotyoutuification]

I love these hacks.just got.me a conversion van with high top. now it time to hacks.

[@jwilson2119]

Nice video for hacks, thankyou.

[@usernameisusername]

These were actually quite good. Thank you.

[@LivesUnscripted]

Awesome. Glad we could help.

[@pinkthinks9054]

Thanks for sharing your tips! 😊

[@butterflyinlove2]

cool ideas. Love the felt on the reflectics to block out inside light.

[@LivesUnscripted]

Thanks. They came in handy when we were in California parking on the street. They made our van look way more stealth.

[@jayne2467]

Then why $buy reflectics if yr not using them for that purpose. The chrome side REFLECTS SUNS HEAT AWAY FROM YOUR VAN, period. They DO NOT insulate. BLACK absorbs heat, makes inside of Van hot. Just sayin rethink possibilities.

[@TyeWills]

I always cringe when I see people putting wood on the inside of the roof, it’s a lot of weight. Felt is a great idea.

[@LivesUnscripted]

Yeah, wood seems a little too heavy. The felt has worked well for us. 3 years and still holding up.

[@FeelItRising]

Exactly. Bugs me how Vans have just become giant lumberyads inside them.

[@starruchan3798]

I like the look of wood inside a van. But it weighs too much as you said. I am planning my van and instead of buying wood tiling or whatever, I am going to buy wood pattern wallpaper. Cause no one really cares if it's a sticker or not.

[@dylanmatthess4249]

I used light weight tongue and groove not planks for my ceiling. Doesn't add nearly as much weight.

[@age_of_reason]

Cedar paneling weighs only 5lbs per pack and it took only 2 packs to finish my ceiling. Wood does not absorb odor, dust, hairs, etc.

[@mimimc8685]

Excellent ideas, all of them. Thank you

[@deadfragz988]

i have a e350 just cut the ac/heater out and join the coolant hoses to make a loop and cap the free on hoses dont connect them

[@jbv0247]

I like #7 great idea

[@WeldtecDesigns]

Awesome build !

[@jobellecollie7139]

I have rear a/con my 2011 chevy express

[@dianediane1245]

Great tips! Where do you buy a roll of felt?

[@VANESSASVANGUARDLIFE]

*I need some of those lights*

[@lindylund280]

Very helpful.

[@myjoyquest]

Felt everywhere!😄

[@rayamundson2342]

VAN SHOWER HACK:) In your van you have an open space , so why not use it for a shower you can remove. Put hooks in ceiling so a shower curtain can be hung. Below that put on floor baseboard , 4 inch plastic strips and on floor bottom , leave one end of baseboard open. should look like a box with one side open and no top. ALL plastic. That way you can walk in and out without tripping on anything. Put velcro strips on sides of baseboard. The Shower curtain bottom will have velcro at bottom that hangs on to the baseboard floor and the top of curtain to have holes to hang up the curtain. Get rubber foam and cut so that it fits snug (this holds the water in) on (box)floor opening. Looks like a box with a 3 inch foam rubber front with no top. To take shower all you have to do is hang the curtain , put plastic chair in and place down foam rubber and velcro curtain to baseboard. You can put on ceiling (above the plastic square) a shower hose. Turn on water to wet yourself , then turn off. wash yourself then turn water on to rinse yourself. A drain hole in center of plastic to get rid of excess water. When done with the towel you dried off with use it to wipe down the bottom of plastic and take out the chair and wipe down and take out the foam strip. put away. WATER FOR SHOWER. Get a hand pump sprayer online or at fleet farm. Fill canister with water and pump air into container . OR buy one of those shower bags you can hang up in the van.

[@christyj24]

Good ideas!!

[@LivesUnscripted]

Thanks!

[@karenkeller5866]

How did you build around the AC unit?

[@thenoworriesnomad]

Great video guys...

[@MrJKD360]

Great vid, thanks for sharing!

[@LivesUnscripted]

Thanks!

[@seemslegit2412]

The way you said "trash" let's me know it's to poop in. 😂

[@lesliegranowski2683]

Magnetic lights good even with solar so u use less on battery Like garbage can

[@grayeagleswolves]

Great tips

[@LivesUnscripted]

Thanks

[@patriciaburr4826]

I also like the garbage hack. The felt looks good but as a person with allergies it holds a lot of dust and isn't easy to keep clean. Hopefully you aren't a smoker or cook inside. Felt will trap the smells and grease. Just sayin.

[@paulstephens9274]

Where are you located

[@trinagolas9504]

Thumbs up guys!👍

[@mikecain1000]

What did you use to attach the felt to the foamboard on the ceiling? what was the steps you took and how long has it held up?

[@LivesUnscripted]

We used headliner spray adhesive. We started at the back of the van sprayed the adhesive on a section, waited for it to get tacky, then rolled the felt on. We repeated this process until the ceiling was covered. Then, we trimmed the edges of the felt that extended past the ceiling. The hardest part is making sure you roll the felt on straight. We have had the felt on our ceiling for 3 years now and it is still holding up great.

[@julielecklitner9988]

@@LivesUnscripted did it absorb your cooking smells?

[@llo70422]

I want to live in a van. Do you do van conversions? I live in Kitsilano Vancouver Sheila

[@Vera-dc7my]

Great video. What kind of van is this?

[@LivesUnscripted]

It is a 2002 GMC Savana van 3/4 ton.

[@jacoballan588]

Love the video, garbage hack is great! Isn't the point of reflectix to reflect heat? Doesn't adding felt ruin that?

[@LivesUnscripted]

Thanks. Even though the reflectix has black felt on it. It still seems to help. The black felt does absorb some heat but, our primary goal was to block light not heat.

[@ronmiller7916]

Yeah, I'm on the fence with this one. I made the reflectix window covers that work great at reducing heat which is what I made them for. I glued the reflectix to polyiso which was great in the summer and now in the winter. But they do attract the eye of people walking by. I honestly think there are 2 requirements here (reducing heat and stealth) that don't coexist your way. Possibly place velcro on the felt so that you can take it off the window cover when not needed. Or velcro the reflectix whichever works best for you.

[@RobJuni]

Regarding window tint, I had the ceramic tint installed on my car, and it is amazing how much cooler it is under the hot Vegas summer sun.

[@MatthewSmith-to1hz]

Add an extra leaf spring to the rear suspension. It will save alot of wear and tear.

[@JosephOlson-ld2td]

#9 repurpose corrugated plastic advertising bandit sign, cut to window size, slip into black pillow case, beats flimsy refletixs

[@petcatrio6176]

Awesome ideas. Thanks for sharing them. 🇨🇦😊

[@LivesUnscripted]

You're welcome. We learned alot when we built our van and wanted to help others by sharing a few of our favorite tips.

[@TheRaveCrocker]

get magnetic lights so youll buy a fortune in batteries!

[@TheWay-up777]

Free batteries at Harbor Freight with coupon and free flashlights. I dont buy batteries.

[@loremipsum6804]

The way you end your sentences sounds like you're asking questions. It throws me off every time.

[@radzo1675]

I dig it.

[@mwilliamshs]

None of these are hacks, just tips. Disliked.

[@DriveVibeAuto]

Loser

[@VanSheGoes]

Great ideas

[@tiffanyt7121]

Amazing tips! Thanks!