VAN LIFE KITCHEN: Outdoor Kitchen Setup - Why I Do NOT Cook Inside [AWD Astro Camper] [GMC Safari]

[@openroad9880]

just found your channel. Brother you have really great content. crank out videos bro. I dont even think it matters what you talk about. You have a way of explaining things that just goes great. New subscriber for sure. I will be taking notes for my own channel. look forward to seeing more videos.

[@UltralightNerd]

That means a lot. Thank you for your kind words! Making the move to weekly releases and rebranding the channel: so hope most peon feel this way too :)

[@GaiaCarney]

You had me at ‘outdoor kitchen’, PNW DIY. . . Finally! A van with no kitchen! No food smells, more space, no fire hazard in the van, eating OUTSIDE! Hello 👋🏾 it’s the way to do it! ty

[@thetoasterrocks6629]

As a guy who is doing a no-build build on a Ford Flex, and is OCD on organization and bag usage. I love your Pelican Kitchen idea.

[@suzannecranford6819]

Your van's interior is awesome.

[@cambodianrefugee6305]

Exactly! Inside kit for breaky and outside kit for cooking proper. Love those tables, brilliant.

[@MusicOrLoseItTV]

Before moving into my van I would eat out often since I don't much enjoy cooking. But if one wants to have the ability to your set up for the outside is nice PNW.

[@nickvevang4613]

I can understand the excitement level for the food storage system lol

[@AstroVanTribe]

it's 100% more flexible that a dedicated interior cook area... I'm on the same page - Haven't built my interior out yet but and getting close to starting - I'll be doing something similar to what you've got going on but with a fold down bed frame along the same wall

[@BrianSmiley2306]

My insurance poicy specifically states no sources of flame in my caravan. So it's a trade-off between higher premiums or just taking the coleman stove outside, and keeping the odors outside too.

[@theresasitter5119]

A pop up screened in room would be a nice addition.

[@Caffeine_Fueled_Gamer]

Hi awesome videos man I'm on my 2nd build now a 2004 GMC Safari Cargo van , I refuse to cook inside as well for the exact reasons you explained , soon I'll install awning on my van then i can cook outside when the rain isn't coming down hard and windy , for now I cook outside on nice days and rainy days I just wraps or healthy bread and healthy sandwich mean been working for me great, I got tons of awesome idea's from you thank you so much , you have a new subscriber for sure be safe out there my fellow Vanlife adventure.

[@DannyB-cs9vx]

I have considered building a plywood camp kitchen box, so I agree with your ideas. Now I am thinking a couple of small second hand suit cases may work.

[@PixelShade]

Just stumbled upon your channel! Your videos are REALLY good! And your reasoning around van conversions is probably the best I have seen so far. I never really understood the whole "making a full blown house out of a van"-conversions, but then again, I am very much into the outdoors and have no problem cooking ambitious 2p meals on a trangia kitchen set outdoors. If I ever do a van conversion it will be similar to this... something in-between outdoor adventure and a japanese capsule hotel. :)

[@bartman898]

7 years living in my van. I just sit in the drivers seat and make sandwiches or salads. I have cooked on my little stove about 6 times. Of course I live in the suburbs.... So i can always go to Taco Bell for good home cooking. Lol

[@ThatsTheOminous]

Your videos are really great! I just bought an astro to convert but haven't started yet. I absolutely love this build and can't wait for more videos! Thank you and keep them coming. You are super informative and very detailed....and don't go off on pointless tangents like many other videos. Anyways, thanks again. Hope to see more content soon 👌

[@carolynkalinowski8384]

Wow, first time seeing your videos and your set up looks *perfect* !!! I'm currently out of a subaru crosstrek, and would like to have something bigger, but don't like all the massive sprinter etc type set ups, but this seems perfect oh my

[@carolynkalinowski8384]

Also, I've had mice get into my car, and your system really reduces any mouse/animal interests if everything is so contained!

[@ExploringTheWestCoast]

Great Video! Last year my Son and I did a West Coast Road Trip from San Diego, CA to Port Townsend, WA in our 2004 Astro! It was Epic! (I think we follow each other on Instagram) Our original build was substantial, but not permanent. I designed that build(1.0) for that specific trip, with the intentions of removing it, improving it, and rebuild it for longer term use. The kitchen was the first thing I realized I was dedicating too much space for! Love your compartment, portable set-up! 👍

[@matruthn.m.bassin]

Very cool vibe Awesome stuff brotha 🤙🏽

[@jsizemore45]

Great job. Keep up the good work looking really good. You are going to have a great time.

[@jsizemore45]

Oh And I’m a subscriber. I want to watch your adventures

[@christophershaeffer551]

I'd like an "I stan Disastrovan" shirt.

[@newfoundlanderoverlander]

Got a chevy astro myself, what a great setup 👏🏻

[@toddyates4826]

Beautiful build

[@MobileCabinWorks]

Kudos for the shirt! MST3K forever! Lol

[@kawasutanku]

really a nice looking van

[@josephmichels6347]

Loving it, my friend!

[@SkyBridgeRE]

Great Stuff..keep them coming!

[@Leblueskee]

So many great points

[@sidneytrotter4163]

Hey, I have a 1997 gmc safari. Since it's basically the same van, I was wondering if yours had the rear a/c compressor. If so, what did you do with it? Btw hear from reddit, and love the vids!

[@UltralightNerd]

Heh, soooo... I just picked up a 2003 GMC Safari that has the rear AC. I haven't actually taken one out yet, but once I figure it out in the new build I'll be sure to let you know :)

[@sidneytrotter4163]

@@UltralightNerd ah I see, I'm confident enough to take out the rear heating, but I'm not looking forward to draining the freon and refilling it lol

[@sidneytrotter4163]

@@UltralightNerd also are you going to be making content with your new van?

[@pbsalfen]

Don't get too carried away with removing the tubes that run forward from the rear A/C condenser. Two common ways (I'm sure there are more though.) to "remove" the rear system. Removing the assembly itself is no big deal...but...to reseal the system you need to either purchase an A/C Block Off Kit, sold on ebay, amazon and elsewhere. About $25 - $80 depending on quality. Or replace both lines that come off the compressor. (Edit: I'm thinking that they don't BOTH come off the compressor. One might come off of the dryer, or be integral with the dryer.) More expensive and labor intensive. There's also a way where you can remove the rear lines, mash and fold the ends back over the tube and seal with solder. Issue with that is, if you don't flush the lines really well before re-installation, contaminants can get into the system from the solder and get into your compressor. The rear heater is much easier and a new non-rear heater valve is cheap and easy to install.

[@carcamo3132]

Love your buid, just got an astro van and im done with insulation and im doing the floor next, i have a question how did you put up your tongue and groove on the walls? In the ceiling theres some tabs all across where they can be screwed but what about the walls?

[@UltralightNerd]

Thanks! So what I did was a take a 1/8" sheet of birch plywood and attached that to the walls, and then attached the Tongue & Groove boards to the ply. Second build I have done this way and works really, really well :)

[@carcamo3132]

@@UltralightNerd awesome! Thanks!!!

[@SovereignEllen]

Really helpful!

[@donaldbuttery7128]

Brilliant

[@BeingWolfy]

Where do you store your kitchen "counter" tables?

[@dianeibsen5994]

Hi thanks for sharing your video. What do you do for your water source if you're not close to a park or City ect. And to wash your vegetables and fruits..

[@TVCAVEMAN213]

I am just starting my 1996 Chevy Astro Van Conversion to a Camper Van

[@asquirre]

Agreed

[@TheZackMom]

Do you have a video on your electrical?

[@UltralightNerd]

I will need to make one soon :)

[@chorebunny8080]

What awning do you recommend?

[@mikegurley7874]

How wide is your bed setup?

[@UltralightNerd]

It’s the width of a full sized bed 😊

[@joeyaugusta2782]

Link to your awning?

[@UltralightNerd]

Mine is the Yakima Slim Shady Awning (which has been discontinued), however most all awnings came from the same factory with different branding. The only difference between the ARB and mine is the way you mount it: amzn.to/2JzmbOi

[@hc1294]

What if it windy and raining. No thanks

[@UltralightNerd]

Didn't get to the part where I talk about my awning, did ya? I live in the PNW. It rains 8 months out of the year. It works and works well. :)

[@PixelShade]

I think you have to understand that people are different. If you are used to being in the outdoors and learnt to cope with harsh weather, there's really no trouble cooking underneath an awning. And if there's a storm outside, there's no harm in eating oatmeal (you can even make cold oatmeal with fruits, cinnamon, seeds and stuff... it's really good), or just sandwiches that specific day. Sometimes it feels like we are so used to the comforts of a standard home that we are unable seeing past our everyday designs and workflows... With a low roof like that it's a pain to cook indoors anyway. I'd rather put the awning out, sit on the step and cook away comfortably with adequate clothes.