Van Life: DIY Cargo Van to Camper Van Interior - How To Insulate & Upholster Van Walls & Ceiling

In this video, Mike will give you some ideas, tips and tricks on how to insulate your van, and upholster the walls and ceiling of your cargo van / camper van to make it look like a professional did it! Go from cargo van to custom camper van in no time! See www.backroadsvanner.com/all-po... for more information.
GET ALTERNATE WAYS OF INSULATING YOUR VAN AND A LIST OF MATERIALS HERE:
Please go to our web site at www.backroadsvanner.com/all-po... for more information and alternate options for insulating your cargo van, along with a list of the materials, with links, that Mike mentions in the video.
After you’ve insulated your van, then what? Just a couple steps further can take your van from basic to awesome… and show off your personality and creativity in the process! From foam, Reflectix & insulation sheeting to plywood, carpet, luan and upholstery, there are many options and layers that can go into your custom van. We hope this video will inspire you and help you to "do-it-yourself" and create the custom van interior you've always wanted!
If you have questions or comments, please let us know in the comments section on this page. Thank you!
Please send us photos of your custom van interior and follow us at Facebook.com/backroadsvanner
For more information, please see www.backroadsvanner.com/all-po...
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CREDITS:
Music used in this video:
Hooky with Sloane by Bird Creek - KZbin
NOTICES:
THIS IS A DIY VIDEO: This DIY video and post are for informational purposes only. The creator provides no warranty or guaranty and cannot be held liable for issues resulting from the implementation of the information provided.
This video is a DIY video on how to insulate and finish your own cargo van or camper van interior.

[@MrChangeordie]

it's nice when videos are worth re watching 😊👍

[@GEAUXFRUGAL]

+Kaleb S. This is only my 2nd video of his I watched and so far this man could have his own TV show.

[@BackroadsVanner]

+Kaleb S. THANK YOU SO MUCH KALEB! Thank you for taking the time out to comment. We totally appreciate your comments! You rock! Thanks again for watching!

[@BackroadsVanner]

+S. McCloy Your comment is AWESOME! lol. Thank you!!!!

[@jlions72]

He does have his own ..TV station show ..:)..

[@KevinDuvernay]

This is the best DIY video I've seen on YT super informative .. Not only is your van awesome. Your Handyman skills are top notch.. also super Hosting skill ..you should have your own TV show.. everything is professional and on point..

[@BackroadsVanner]

+Kevin Duvernay (Sleepwalker) THANK YOU FOR THE AWESOME COMMENTS! We appreciate that you took the time to write your comments. Thanks for watching!

[@dwaynejones1555]

Kevin definitely agree

[@spinningnumbers]

are you his Dad by any chance?

[@Hurricane-John]

this is by far the best DYI video i have seen and I've done two vans that are no where the quality of your build. I'm gonna gut my van and start fresh following your instructions

[@kiwivanman9035]

Kiwi vanman Hi MIke, Im William, Just want to say thank you, You and a few others here have inspired me to get off my butt and follow my dream, just finnished building my stealth camper, Im in New Zealand, so I hope i can show people what its like camping in New Zealand. Thanks Mike for your inpiration,

[@BackroadsVanner]

Awesome! Please share your adventures on our group at facebook.com/groups/backroadsvanner/

[@minniesur]

Hey Mike, great job.. I'm planning on doing my own really soon, and this is THE BEST way to do it, and have it look professional!! Thanks man!

[@SocialScales]

I am researching how to insulate my van and this is now my go to video. Right i am watching it again and taking notes!

[@itsdeedee2178]

I’m 17 and I have an almost empty 1987 G10 van. Thank you for this video! I will try it myself

[@markseabaugh4157]

I've watched hundreds of van vids yours by far the most instructive! Thanks for sharing

[@stattoo32]

LOL, I love the reflectics finish! It makes it so much brighter!

[@RonRay]

Great instruction, Mike. I would love to see a video by you (and others), showing all the things they would do *DIFFERENTLY* if they were to do it again. In other words, allow us to learn from *YOUR* mistakes. Since you have done such a great job, your suggestions would mean much more. Anyway, thanks for all the great videos that you share with your viewers.

[@BackroadsVanner]

+RonRay Great suggestion! More videos in the works so please stay tuned. Thanks for watching.

[@dwaynejones1555]

Ronray some people have already

[@vankind8547]

You are the winner of the "2015 Best Interior Award"🏆👏👏👏

[@BackroadsVanner]

+VanKind haha! You are awesome! Thanks for the compliment!!! We appreciate you watching AND commenting!!

[@WendyWilliamsLiving]

You are an excellent teacher! Your videos are so well done and extremely informative, thank you.

[@dwaynejones1555]

Wendy I agree

[@prizantsproducts4u]

Very nice work! Thank you for the tips for insulation and upholstery! I love your little doggie too! God bless!

[@azrydr1723]

Hey BV, this was excellent. I am in the process of planning my van build and you answered a range of questions that I had not figured out the answers to. Great job. I look at a lot of builds and they look unfinished. Your tips work great for putting those finishing touches on the build that make it look professional and enable you to enjoy how good your van looks. Really appreciate your effort with this video. Cheers!

[@gisellegonzalez4677]

I'm purchasing my van, and it's literally bare bones, thank you so much for showing how simple it is. Safe travels.

[@BackroadsVanner]

Thank you, and congratulations! You will love it!

[@mechanicsteve2320]

Super awesome nice van!! I love the tooled vinyl for the headliner.

[@GEAUXFRUGAL]

You are so right about the backroad. When I first started trucking I would seek out the interstates after going down them all the time I grew tired of that same look but eventually I started to take the surface streets or back roads. Life got a lot better the attitude changed tremendously and I would take my time more I got to a block at a dock I had an attitude of gratitude I was not there just for the load I was there for the joy of it I really enjoyed my life as a trucker.

[@BackroadsVanner]

+S. McCloy Thanks for sharing McCloy! We have an "attitude of gratitude" as well and we are so thankful for you and all of our watchers and subscribers!

[@mikestone9129]

This is one of the best DIY video of this kind on KZbin. Great idea and tips.

[@johnguscott4812]

mate, that was awsome, i am at this stage with my sprinter and a big takeaway from your video is to take your time, cheers mate good work

[@Wheelsinthesky80]

Dang, whew I am glad that I found this video before I start process of install of insulation.

[@joirnalhswarrior]

Wow, thank you so much. I'm planning to live on the road fulltime here in South Africa, and this is the first video I've seen that adresses this topic with this much info. I liked and subscribed and will definitely send you pics when I'm ready. thank you for the great info from a cold South Africa.

[@queenlorea2094]

Thanks Mike for these helpful tips. Many blessings❣️🤩🌹🎁♥️

[@Into_The_Mystery_13]

thanks for the inspiration, and instructional video. Ill be doing vinyl trim in my van now too.

[@BackroadsVanner]

Glad to have inspired you. Its definitely worth the extra effort! I checked out a few of your video's and am enjoying the van build. Keep up the good work! I would say send us some pictures but I know you will be making a video of the process and I will be watching for that. Maybe just a shout out to Backroads Vanner would be cool!

[@nezerac]

Righteous move giving the keys to the city to us like this man. Seriously I'm already looking at my van differently now. lol.

[@Juliaronan]

Thanks! Saved this one for future reference! Getting ready to finish inside of horse trailer LQ with a curved ceiling. These ideas may solve the problem!

[@dantravels9269]

Great info, and awesome van! Im with ya....Its a good idea to put the extra effort into the interior if youre gonna spend time in it living. It keeps up morale.

[@BackroadsVanner]

+Dan Travels Thanks Dan! Agreed! Appreciate your comments!

[@dwaynejones1555]

Dan most definitely

[@justfloating3944]

Super helpful! Great info! Thanks!

[@stringbender57]

Excellent video! Thanks so very much for sharing your tips and tricks. You have answered so many questions for me in this informative video. I am inspired to get started on my very first Van build! Looking forward to more videos!

[@BackroadsVanner]

+stringbender57 That's AWESOME! If you feel like it, share a link or a few photos of your first van build with us on our Facebook page at facebook.com/backroadsvanner/! Good luck! And stay tuned as more videos are coming your way!

[@weinthewoods9430]

Good stuff! I didn't know I needed a van until watching your videos. What a great project. I appreciate how informative and thorough your content is.

[@donaldgrande9779]

Pure genius mike... Doing my van best i can to suit my needs... Nowhere near as good as yours but my vans a 2003 and rusty

[@GATOREP]

Great video!! I've got my E350 ready to start on finishing out the interior, and this will DEFINITELY be my go to guide when I'm ready to insulate it! Have the insulation sheets, the reflectix and now more ideas on the final covering! Thank You!!

[@BackroadsVanner]

+JOHN LAMB Thanks John! I've found a new material that would be awesome as the first layer against the metal. I will be doing a video on that very soon so please stay tuned! Thanks for watching!

[@chrischristensen8516]

very nice finish compared to many of the other builds i see. Good Job Mike

[@kittentude]

I've watched a lot of videos on installations, or rather attempted to watch them. So many fall short. I appreciate your video very much. One of the few I've watched beginning to end. Very well done.

[@OneMiketoLive]

Very, "VERY" informative. So much info, in an easy to understand D.I.Y. "How to" approach. Anyone about to tackle a camper van conversion from bare bones definitely needs to see this video first. You're a great teacher, my friend. Thanks so much.

[@JordanOliver1]

Thanks Mike! Love your stuff, just started converting. Looking forward to your video on your power setup! Cheers

[@BackroadsVanner]

+Jordan Oliver Thanks Jordan, videos coming soon. Good luck with your build!

[@steve22933]

Great video you answered a lot of questions for me thanks. Keep on Vannin

[@greenketogoddess2295]

No worries about not having pictures. I followed your explanations perfectly. thanks so much! awesome van!

[@robertx65]

What a great video! Thanks so much Mike for taking the time to share.

[@christina6113]

Thank you just bought a van and getting ready to redo it. Very helpful : )

[@bespokefit]

I've learned so much by watching this video. Very fresh interior with a quality, polished finish. Thanks, Dan! FYI, I live in Dallas if you're ever in the area.

[@jewelpotter6221]

Thank you for sharing, I'm excited to try this on my van I just got.

[@victoriamaxfield5851]

Brilliant video. I've just bought my first van for converting and I can't wait to get started. This really helped.

[@BackroadsVanner]

+Victoria Maxfield That's awesome Victoria. We have more van DIY videos coming soon so please stay tuned! Thanks for watching!

[@MultiScrappydo]

What a wonderful bunch of tips! Thanks so much!

[@davidlewis8066]

Love this video am doing a 03 dodge cargo van2500 and you just answered my problem . thanks for your videos

[@cajunred8272]

My husband and I really found your tutorials on your van very informative and cost effective...thank you!!

[@poppawasarollinstoneboom9396]

The best van channel ever made wish you would make a few new videos man

[@tjake490]

Great video Mike. You're on camera persona combined with the excellent how to advice makes this video a keeper. Thanks.

[@kevinparker7953]

Great job on the van and the video Mike. You have a new subscriber and a thumbs up from Canada.

[@grazynakaledek6228]

Hey Mike Very Nice Job with the Upholstery. Looks Great & thanks for sharing.

[@ProVanner]

Great video Mike! Thanks for the knowledge, those are some great methods.

[@dellawrence4323]

All great advice, and some beautiful vans, I love the log cabin van.

[@BackroadsVanner]

+Del Lawrence WE LOVE THE LOG CABIN TOO! One of our absolute favorites. Thanks for your comments.

[@SkeeterRancher]

Impressive work! Absolutely AWESOME attention to detail!

[@oldgriz816]

Hi Mike, great info. I hope it inspires people to make their van feel more like home. The one thing I would do different is the reflectix. As a radiant barrier it is second to none, as a thermal barrier inside it does very little. I think the better bang for your reflectix would be to make a blanket to put on the roof when you are camping. I really like the finished look the vinyl and fabric gives, looks great.

[@bgjr2304]

MIKE, MAN... Thank yoou soo muuch, your videos are sOo helpful! You've taken a lot of stress and worry away.. I can't thank you enough.. Thanks.. Thanks.. Th... Just THANK YOU! SUBSCRIBED & THUMBUPS

[@sifu1965]

Great Video, thanks for taking the time to share this with us.

[@coastal455]

Fantastic video. I've seen the complete wood interiors and though they look nice, the added weight must certainly affect mileage, and when you start taking an additional 2-3 inches from the walls and ceiling, I'm sure you've also reduced the overall interior size as well. Looking forward to more videos!

[@BackroadsVanner]

+coastal455 Thanks Coastal, excellent comments. Thanks for watching! More videos coming!!!

[@necomartin2059]

Awesome work with your van and the video, thank you, leaned a few things.

[@skip3515]

You are so inspirational & talented...thank you for such a well thought out & awesome DIY video!!! You should be broadcasted on PBS!

[@luckyvet]

Haven't had interest in this sort of thing, but you're a TV quality host, making this so interesting I watched the entire vid. Great job & talent.

[@BackroadsVanner]

Ha, thanks! Appreciate your comments very much! Thanks for watching!

[@JasonVanHorn]

Thanks for posting this. Lots of ideas brewing now for our DIY van build.

[@marlenechavanick171]

OMG....Absolutely fantastic video. You're so talented, and you pay attention to details !!!

[@kathockman765]

my favorite set up so far! thank you

[@usagorv8779]

lots of talent here. thanxs for the great videos.

[@BackroadsVanner]

+USA Go RV Thank you so much for the comments! Thanks for watching!

[@Starborn3000]

great video very very well done! its no wonder you got so much feed back! this is absolutly GREAT!! i reallly really love it man keep up the AWESOME work!! :)

[@DakotaGurl1]

I used to build custom vans back in the 70's, had a 75 C20 that got stolen. Had a 30lb propane tank mounted under the van and a thermostatically controlled heater, did the spray foam insulation and my van was always warm. My motif was a old sailing ships captains quarters, today I own a 2015 Grand Caravan but the mileage kicks ass. I took out the seats for more storage and the cleats are useful to tie down my vintage race bike.

[@BackroadsVanner]

+DakotaGurl1 Sounds aawesome! Thanks for sharing.

[@wendyfahmie7608]

Thank you for all the great ideas! I am enjoying all the informative videos!

[@breadfan_85]

My mom would do the mural. We lived in a schoolie when I was a kid (not for the lifestyle though, we were just extremely poor) and she painted the outside sky blue with grass along the bottom edge and a white picket fence.

[@Berghemrrader]

Thank's for your video, very useful for my project.

[@lyulfdean254]

I love your channel. You have so much wonderful information. I still won't have a van for around a year, but I already know that I want to live in a van for at least a few years so I can travel the country. These are magnificent videos and I greatly appreciate knowing things like this long before it comes to the experience of trial and error.

[@BackroadsVanner]

+Lyulf Dean Thanks for watching and stay tuned as we have more videos coming. You'll be a pro by the time your trip commences.

[@jameslamb7300]

You make that look easy, thank you.

[@formedbygod]

This was VERY helpful thank you!!!

[@shadowhawk1st]

Some REALLY brilliant ideas here

[@Podonk56]

Great video! Thank you!

[@lacsa727]

Mike U R a GOD SENT! Thank-U for showing this DIY Tutorial and being so D-e-t-a-i-l-e-d about all the products used and the Itty-bitty Tips that will go a long way when it's time to do my Van. Your Voice will Definitely be with Me ( don't forget to leave a little Xtra material; Watch out for them Screws) lol ..... You've Answer so many concerns I was having from Start to Finish specially with that Metal Chase(aka crown molding time laps 20:00 ). The materials you used for your Van are amazing...It looks Mauvoulous..Just Mauvoulous! Thank-U also for showing samples of other Van ideas(I quilt a little, so that gave me an idea)... I see know the possibilities are Endless (Just have to get past that Insulation part Eeeaak! ) and the Rest will be a work of art "VAN-Art" Heyy I think I found the name for my Van "VANART" Lol...TFS ~ Be Safe & Happy Trails ~

[@pamalapeterson5352]

New subscriber here, your instruction is thorough!

[@risingwarrior9937]

Great video. I am looking forward to your next how to video. You just got yourself another subscriber. 👍

[@GTLees]

Great info and tips Mike, thank you. From what I can see of it I really dig what you've done with your own rig. Watchin' this video reminded me so much of when I was helpin' my uncle customize his van back in the 70s. He and his buddies each had beautifully done high-end vans and I really loved that era. Their rigs were as individual as they were and showed so much creativity that they were truly works of art. In fact, a few of them had very elaborate, expensive murals painted over every square inch of the exteriors. Great times man! This is really givin' me an itch to get myself a van and customize it...that itch got started all those years ago and has been dormant until now. I've got two little grand daughters now and my mind is racing to spending weekends with them in the van and in some campgrounds. Hmmmm...do ya have a video with tips for convincing wives that this is a good idea? Heh, heh, heh.

[@ReturntoNatureSkills]

thanks for the video. about to upfit a ram promaster =)

[@saeidehrad5070]

this video was such a huuuuge help

[@elainefleureton5536]

Thank you! Nice job. 👏

[@branfrandisco]

Mike! Thank you so much! This video has answered basically all of my questions about making my van look "professional" on the inside which has always been my goal. Great info and cool van bro!

[@BackroadsVanner]

+abrandon_van AWESOME! Thank you so much for your comments - so glad I could help! If you feel like it, share a link or a few photos of your van build with us on our Facebook page at facebook.com/backroadsvanner/! Good luck!

[@JoeFlash1]

Great video. I am building a van right now. Thanks for the ideas. Nice job on your van.

[@stuballvt]

Mike, just bought a 94 Chevy G20 shorty (windows along the passenger side). I have been looking for a while to find the right rig ($, style, mileage, etc). I absolutely love your videos and when I imagine my finished stealth camper, yours is just what comes to mind. Your styling is spot on and your techniques are flawless. Can't get enough! I will update you on my progress. Nervous, but excited.

[@notgivennotgiven7776]

Dang Hippie. I had an old 68 Chevy van, like the one you have on your banner. Back in the day.

[@DavidTermini]

Nice work and technique.

[@VANESSASVANLIFEJOURNEY]

Very nice good tips

[@hanginburrito3341]

Really good video, very informational, thank you!

[@loopimble]

great video and awesome tips thanks

[@BackroadsVanner]

+loo pimble Thanks Loo!

[@DavidTermini]

Love your videos and learned quite a lot. Thanks very much. I have read that spray foam can capture moister and causes mold and should never be used to fill small areas.

[@Everyday-xj]

You have really recharged my thoughts of getting a van :) Nice video.

[@BackroadsVanner]

+EVERYDAY-XJ.COM AWESOME! We love to hear that! Thanks for watching and enjoy your van travels!

[@hungpham]

Been searching / watching several videos on the topic. This is the most helpful. THANK YOU!

[@user-of4rk7zq3p]

Love it Mike

[@fit4life83]

You inspire me brother...looking to buy a 2003 Chevy Cargo now and customize it...keep up the great work.

[@scottbogatin9063]

Great video.

[@mschased]

finally a clear explanation on insulation.

[@BackroadsVanner]

+Michael Chase Thanks Michael. I have a follow-up video on insulation coming soon... please stay tuned!

[@bwbmx1nj]

Thanks for the info!

[@paulkersey7564]

A really first class video

[@letterboxcapital]

very helpful... thank you!

[@misledyouth91]

vantastic video thank you thank you

[@haroldcooper9867]

Thank you we loved it.