VAN TOUR | Tons of Smart Ideas in this Spectacular Conversion | Our VANLIFE Tiny Home

Take a full tour of our spectacular self-built camper van! It's a Ford Transit conversion with a comfortable and functional bed that transforms into a couch and dinette, a swivel table, a compact kitchen, a toilet with a privacy wall, loads of accessible storage, a gas heater, solar power system, and more!
We built our camper in a 2015 Ford Transit van with a high roof and medium length. It was a used, secondhand daily rental van that had almost 100,000km on it. We added cruise control, insulated it, and built out the interior ourselves. It took almost 5 months spread over 2 summers to build this tiny house for our vanlife adventures around Canada and it was way more work than we thought it would be but we're super happy with how it turned out.
We'll be doing a couple of separate videos about how we built it, and about the natural building materials we used, but in the meantime, enjoy taking a look around our tiny home on wheels :)
PRODUCT DISCLOSURE
We received the Inergy Apex solar power generator, Inergy solar panels, Separett urine diverter, and the Oru Haven Kayak for review. Only the Inergy link is an affiliate link, which means we earn a fee when you make a purchase from Inergy.
Inergy Solar Power Products
glnk.io/p5q/exploring-alterna...
*please note: a discount will be applied at check out
Separett Urine Diverting Toilet Seat
canadianecoproducts.com/shop/...
Oru Kayak
oru-kayak.kckb.st/exploring
Whale Marine Foot Pump
whalepumps.com/marine/product...
Desert Patrol 6 Gallon Water Container
relianceoutdoors.com/collecti...
MAXXFAN Deluxe Roof Vent
www.airxcel.com/rv/maxxair/pr...
Dometic CFX-35US 12-Volt Fridge
www.dometic.com/en-ca/ca/prod...
Berkey Water Filter
Canada: berkeywaterfiltercanada.ca/
USA: berkeyfilterwater.com/
Hemp Oil:
www.homesteadhouse.ca/product...
VIDEOS & BLOGS
Swivel Table by Back to Reality
• GGC - 61 - How To Buil...
Toilet Fan by Vanessa & Adam
• Video
Our Solar Power Setup Video
• Simple Camper Van Sola...
Our Cheap & Easy DIY Plumbing
• Cheap & Easy DIY Campe...
Far Out Ride Ford Transit Conversion
faroutride.com/ford-transit-c...
Thanks for watching!
Mat & Danielle
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STAY IN TOUCH!
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Blog: www.exploringalternatives.ca
Facebook: /exploringalternativesblog
Instagram: @exploringalternatives
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COMMENTS
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We want our channel and our comments section to be an inclusive space where everyone feels welcome to watch and to contribute. For this reason, comments that are inappropriate or hateful will be reported and/or deleted.
Please discuss and debate with respect, and report inappropriate or hateful comments directly to KZbin.
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CREDITS
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Music & Song Credits:
All music in this video was composed, performed, and recorded by Mat of Exploring Alternatives.
Editing Credits:
Mat and Danielle of Exploring Alternatives
Filming Credits:
Mat and Danielle of Exploring Alternatives
Photo Credits:
Photos of Yurt Dweller Kodiak Solar Power Setup provided by Beige

[@aminrahmanar]

This van design should be awarded as one of the best van design ever. Genius.

[@fridakahlua6674]

I agree 100%

[@beck2929]

A van with a toilet and without a shower? Very functional…

[@marianlumictin2325]

Totally ageee👍

[@phongluu1505]

Add an external shower easily with a standing-shower-curtain ring near the water tanks. Use foot pump to pump out water.

[@ISpeakHTML]

I hope they know they’ve made the best van I’ve seen on KZbin, I’ve put wellllll over 500 hours into vanlife videos

[@TVCAVEMAN213]

It was nice to give some credit to those that helped, and those who had had helpful advice, and ideas 💡

[@amyblack9251]

I LOVE that you built the frig into a countertop cabinet! They didn’t really didn’t lose countertop surface with that.

[@papajoe6254]

Hands down the best van build I've seen and most functional layout. The ART WORK is just icing on the cake . WOW just love it all.

[@The_Red_Pill__]

This is one of my favorite van conversations! Brilliant, well/thought design throughout. The only things I would change are: have a cutting board that fits the sink hole (easy fix), have a slider counter top to cover the fridge, and a composting toilet. I really love this camper conversion.

[@susanmoreno3520]

I agree, one of the BEST van designs ever! The wood and the art work are so warm...truly a beautiful space. Thanks for sharing all your tips.

[@stevewright6290]

A water pump, water heater and outdoor shower would make this complete... Love the couch / bed combo

[@melissahankoff4034]

This is the BEST build that I’ve seen since watching KZbin for over 2yrs❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️ And the artwork is BEAUTIFUL 😍 Way to go U2😎🤩😍

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Thanks so much Melissa, happy you enjoyed the tour :) :)

[@lorirugato6463]

I just love your van and the artwork is so peaceful ❤. I'm looking forward to watching the build.

[@mariteremera8641]

💯 agree‼️

[@barbibutton9619]

Yep!

[@barbibutton9619]

@@ExploringAlternatives very very smart functionality - WOW

[@genwords1789]

Ahh...that makes me like you guys even more thst you donated one of your solar panels to someone in need.❤❤

[@okiejammer2736]

I've taken so many notes from your WOW! video. Brilliant. Creative. Ingenious. Absobloominlutely AWESOME!

[@DukeOfChirk]

The rope/pipe idea is ingenious, and I’m stealing that table idea!

[@nadbwah282]

Finally I found THE most perfectly designed and built van according to me !!!! You can not imagine how much videos I've watched since 2012 !!! From tiny houses to self sufficient diy cabins in woods, and so ... This van is THE most well thought and well designed and built van that I ever seen !!! Looking forward to downloading all the PDFs for the build ! Thank you for sharing this awesome project and ... for designing and building it ! Cheers.

[@sebastianweber5258]

Where can you download the blueprints from? That van ist just amazing! Stealing so many things from them for my own van

[@erdinceraslan3045]

exactly

[@lachlanthain5123]

where are the blueprints

[@-.acnm.-]

Sebastian Weber I don‘t know for sure but I‘m guessing you‘d be able to find them somewhere on their blog

[@bizim_eller]

Most perfectly designed!! 🤔🤔🤔 Cause I can't survive in the least perfectly designed one, no sirry no!!

[@VanessaAdam]

This van is still my favourite out of the 100’s we have toured. I love the way it feels and it is so cozy for a small space. The natural products you used from the insulation to the finishing oil make it one of the cleanest and eco friendly builds out there. All of the research and hard work paid off and we are so happy that you now can enjoy your beautiful home together as you share everyone’s stories through your channel! Miss you and hope to see you soon!

[@sheilarough236]

Kudos for the bed design. Versatility without sacrificing comfort.

[@MichelleWattGentry]

I love all the conveniences, the foot pump for water at the sink, the toilet fan, the Berkey water stand, the versatile bed, the swivel table, the blackout curtains, the wall art... I love it all, and the fridge is the perfect size for two people. The storage is unbelievable!!!! .You two are awesome, you thought of everything.

[@nicolemayer1671]

after all the tiny alternatives you have featured you have done a great job taking all those ideas and making a beautiful home for yourselves:) a long way from the minivan!

[@HumansOfVR]

that looks like one of the *_sweetest_* van builds!

[@DeePaignall]

This sets the new standard, brilliant!

[@thevideostump46239]

Agreed!

[@stormyweather8798]

Bet you're happy to be one now with CoVid19.

[@lone982]

Looks like an easy to convert bed/ table and seats. Much more practical than pulling the whole bed apart every day

[@LilithsOwn303]

7:50 The table swivle with simple copper pipes is ingenious! They sell very expensive tables that do the same, but yours was really creative! Bravo! 11:10 that ridge that keeps the content of the wardrobe storage from pushing against the doors is a very smart move! The art on the walls gives it a nice, young dreamy feel to it. Like it!

[@kristinells1235]

Brilliant! Just love these ideas! This is my corona-escape. Dreaming of van life.

[@sagilotus]

I watch can live video every day

[@Tim_Stodieck]

Same same!

[@michelelaganella925]

I spend hours watching these van tours. Funny....I, too, call them my Corona Escapes!!!

[@kunstundklartext1862]

Same!! 😄👍

[@hateiks2345]

Me tooo

[@abrezy825]

Most brilliant conversion I've seen! But I expected nothing less from you two ;)

[@AMANANNA]

They both are able to waving, very interesting

[@astzfat3319]

LOVE your heron & whale! I've seen many many vans. Your clean, functional, simplicity makes for easy breathing!

[@susanniz8080]

Genius. Love the bed/lounge/work/dining table. Clever toilet too. Nice artwork. First time I've seen a kitchen not overdone! Awesome.

[@kathylowry4813]

The interior is a work of art by itself ! But the artwork by Mat is truly beautiful

[@ChazEvansdale]

I really like the elevated fridge. Most are pull on the ground and pull out, sure they may double as seating, but I like the idea of simply lifting it up and reaching in without bending over. Also you made it look like a nice countertop. Great idea! 👍😂❤ Screens are needed 100%; designs that don't have them bother me. Glad you have them! Amazing bed idea as well! Multi-functional without a lot of rearranging. I've made mockups of some of my designs and found that when things can transform they often just stay the way they're used most, so the don't even need another form, but with your design it's simple enough it looks like it's worth the minimal transforming!

[@linarush1393]

I have been looking at van for well over a year now. I have a friend that is offering up some land. Putting the house up for sale. This is the best van I have seen in a year. Thank you

[@TheJennflip]

The bed rope idea,the lid wire idea,so many more are ingenious ideas,beautiful build guys,you should be proud of that,I am jealous!!!!

[@juchinchou]

I’m so tired of van tours... but I was soooo highly anticipating this one. Both in your videos and van build, it really reflects how well thought out your ideas are.

[@marcelashagash5808]

This must be the smartest van that I have seen, everything was very thoughtful. Thumbs up!

[@lenniemargretheragnhof6174]

Very clever, very well thought out I'm quite impressed! A bit too much plyewood to my taste.

[@ian.new.life.]

Apart from the stove thats very unsustainable and disrespectful

[@Cmez872]

Genius build

[@deborahelaine9985]

I noticed that too,@@lenniemargretheragnhof6174, but I wouldn't want it too broken up colorwise or busy. Maybe paint some of it one or more colors? And maybe include some area of design - some wallpaper, fabric, mural or include a few very lightweight pictures/ posters? Upholstered cushions? I would try to imagine and plan where I want what color or design to make a good balance with some places of color contrast.

[@dianashelton1371]

What is the flooring

[@CocoNut1997]

This is less house-y and more van life-y, love it

[@Cruzinsusan5101]

Wow! You two should start designing vans! You utilized the best spaces possible for your van size! It looks huge and still lots of room to walk around! I want one just like it! It's truly awesome! Great job you two! Very impressive! I agree with Nadra! I also have watched a ton of van conversions! You have EVERYONE beat! Seriously!

[@tomweber8729]

Fantastic, Beautiful, well done everyone !! I was a cabinetmaker my whole life, designed kitchens , closets , garage storage , laundry rooms , offices , etc . This is without a doubt the best van build I’ve seen in the last yr that I’ve been watching videos on van conversions. Looking forward to watching more of your videos , I’m retired now but reall want to build out a van and travel this country of ours. Thank you for sharing this beautiful project and again well done everyone!!!

[@skakpedersen]

Tom, I hope you will be able to take the steps to fulfill this dream of yours.

[@carlacowling1789]

This van conversion is freaking brilliant! I can actually imagine living in that. I saved this so I canwatch again and I'm totally stealing that table idea.

[@rajinevin7273]

BEST conversion of a van I have ever seen! I LOVE THE WHALE!!

[@debjustdeb4301]

Spectacular build! Absolutely the best I have seen ANYWHERE!

[@tallulahbeaverhausen4382]

That is one beautiful and very well thought out van. I love the layout and the artistic touch. Well done ! Best wishes and godspeed to you !

[@QuiteDecent]

This is excellent. You guys did a great job. I'm also glad that you donated that battery to that girl. Her story was great as well 👌🏿

[@halfbee7886]

With this van, one can travel accross the world without leaving home. This is truly the best option for such purpose!

[@willow9719]

that bathroom fan is a genius idea i've never seen in other van build!!

[@dellam04]

I have seen so many vans and this is the best floorplan I've ever seen.

[@karengossett564]

As an older camper for many years this AMAZING! I could live here very comfortably 😆 💕 👍 Best Wishes

[@AMANANNA]

This system is really great for us

[@sarahlillyhoney5757]

The most perfectly designed van ever

[@martinbrinley1725]

I have watched quite a few videos now and there are some brilliant ideas here .. Many of which do not require spending out a lot of money ; very encouraging.

[@ppkus]

Im so pumped to start my own van and im watching thousands of hours of van built videos, and I could say this very confidently, you guys have one of the best ones I have seen! I literally took notes of so many solutions u used and they are just great! Peace!

[@nadiaw246]

Holy Guacamole! Now that's a great van! The artwork is insanely beautiful.

[@andiincali.4663]

Everything is really low profile that is so important. You don't want lots of knobs sticking out or doors that swing open sideways. The simple fix to keep the cabinet shut, and to keep things from sliding out, perfect.

[@EdurtreG]

Honesty is the word that comes to mind. The frescos are mesmerizing, faint ( ? ) and yet so powerfull.

[@leojoseph6385]

This was a great self-build and Thanks for sharing it! The multi-purpose bed/recliner/desk/dining area/storage access and the beautiful art really set this van/home apart!

[@melissatorres1968]

Paying for a membership at a gym in which can be found in most states is all so useful for showering options

[@innerstream]

M.T.A awesome idea if it’s a national chain....always a gym, shower, people, sauna... great idea

[@freespirit2364]

Mind Bender what is their annual fees ?

[@InfernosReaper]

Too bad when a pandemic scare happens, those places get shut down. So, you end up having to use truck stop showers instead.

[@schmatever]

Also good for hooking up with other couples...

[@Live-Life-Freely]

YMCA. I lived out of my car for fun and I paid for a YMCA membership. It was amazing.

[@MD-wk3gj]

Watching your build video I so wanted you to save the sink cutout and then mount it back in place to increase counter space when the sink isn’t in use. Well done project. Your artistic sketches make it 100% unique and yours.

[@carolz5090]

Mat, you’re really gifted. The only reason I clicked on the video was the thumbnail of your painting. I hope somewhere in all the storage stuff you have some Art supplies.

[@spearen]

Honestly one of the smartest, most functional, and (I assume) low cost/high value builds I've seen. Great job

[@xLCLIPx]

this is honestly the best build I have seen yet and, iv seen a lot of conversion videos!

[@TheBakingSlave]

They are both brilliant!! They both designed and built it from scratch. The amount of innovation is insane. I wish I had that sort of talent because it removes you having to pay someone else to do it for you.

[@mariacoratto5021]

PRECIOSA TU TINNI HAUS MUY BIEN DISEÑADA EN. TODO , MUY BIEN ORGANIZADA. MUY PROLIJA HERMOSA !!!! DIOS LOS BENDIGA SIEMPRE Y LES DE MUCHA PROSPERIDAD ❤️🇺🇸👵👴🏻🍀👍💕💕💕💕💕💕

[@donaamusic]

Elegantly simple but sophisticated! After dozens of vids...this is my fave!!

[@CruisingTheCut]

It looks absolutely fantastic! Love the animal designs ;-)

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Thanks so much David :) :)

[@afringedweller]

Love your website too; I was on it this morning!

[@jofuji8255]

Ha! Fancy seeing you here David 🇬🇧😉👍🏻

[@edcpike]

Truly awesome design. Watched it twice and I’m showing this to my hubby. This is exactly the type of design I’m looking for. You kids did a great job!

[@uol1051]

Artwork is mesmerizing. (Choice of wood included.) Can't stop looking.

[@kallasusort2986]

My favorite thing about this van is the fabulous whale! Beautiful job with a unique design that works well. Congrats!

[@wwiinnggnnuutt]

I love all the little details and especially the Artistic touchs. 💕

[@creepingd3ath]

Everything, every detail in this van is SO clever and well thought out, I'm amazed.

[@dawnsmith4275]

How have I never seen this before?!?!? This is a spectacular build!!!!! Everything about it is perfect. Genius design and use of space. The time you put into planning is very obvious, and the craftsmanship is fantastic. I hope you're still enjoying this van 4 years later.

[@anisab9506]

Absolutely brilliant. Love the way you used plain pipes and easily accessible materials. Thank you for sharing!

[@gabimerlin]

Watching for the second time to pay more attention on the bed design, that is just THE BEST I've ever seen! Great work, thanks for sharing!

[@CrookedWarden]

Wow; love it! I could totally see myself living in this type of set up. Very clever and tidy.

[@nancysesson8190]

The best van build I have seen in over 10 years of watching.

[@XxQueenOfHeartzxX]

Now that's what I call a couch!!! Great design

[@kheff46]

Very nice build, well thought out!

[@bonjour4807]

Well done indeed!

[@issievdhorst]

Excellent storage and ideas, I could just never live in such a small place. You must really love each other!

[@ShannonMoody]

One of the top 5 van builds I've seen!!!

[@virginia_in_the_rearview]

I can’t imagine a more perfect layout! I could see myself living very comfortably in this van. Great work!! 👍

[@todb1180]

Some of the BEST designs I've seen in following vannies for over 3 years now - thank you for sharing! Also one of the most beautiful - the paintings and the light surfaces are spectacular!

[@awake2truth511]

Lot of terrific inexpensive options without compromising quality. Well done.

[@ferrjerr]

I really appreciate that your build is budget conscious and simple. So many videos feature darn near professional builds that it gets disheartening. Thank you!

[@anator18]

Yay I’m so happy for y’all. I just bought a van and currently am transforming it! You too are such and inspiration. Don’t stop!

[@sammospencer8641]

This is the best designed van that I have ever seen.

[@lorellesams6283]

This is the best thought out plan I've seen. The ventilation holes are an amazing idea.

[@Scrambler85]

Best part of the van was the art work. All of the design and build was top notch and a thumbs up 👍

[@j.k.rector9818]

Well thot out plan and you’ve nailed the cozy look. Like the low tech cabinet door holders and your center table is awesome. Foot pump for H2O works wonders and mini fan in toilet vented to outside! Love the easy fresh and gray water access too...brilliant 👍🏼

[@JoPaul]

Excellent, you Incorporated lots of ideas in such small space

[@margreetanceaux3906]

In the Netherlands we have a saying "I've written a long report, bc I didn't have time for a short piece". The simplicity of your van required an enormous amount of thinking, planning and creativity - and I'm deeply impressed! You must be very proud, and extremely happy.

[@margreetanceaux3906]

And the quality of your video is outstanding as well. So is the beauty of the artwork!

[@nasir4342]

Hello dear Mat & Danielle ! Yes it is really an extraordinary conversion concept with a lot of incredible ideas behind. One thing I noticed is that if toilet is in use, kitchen place & in/out passage will become occupied. I've a suggestion to eliminate this issue. The toilet door can be modified: Currently, door-width is say W. When open, it occupies W space in front of toilet. If you split the door into 2 equal halves & add an extra piece of width W/2 making the door-width total W+(W/2) with 3 foldable pieces, then unfolding this door will occupy only W/2 space in front of toilet & remaining W will cover toilet. In this way, W/2 space in front of the toilet will be free for kitchen and in/out passage all the time.

[@yepitsme7237]

Really does look perfect. I'd add something to shower

[@theresa5059]

Congratulations on completing the van build. It looks amazing!!! 😍

[@sayangsarina]

PERFECT! PERFECT! PERFECT! Im amazed! You guys ROCK!

[@MrGF1582]

YOU GUYZ NAILED IT!!! Wow! Love every option you guys went with! None the least of the butane stove! I have had many having lived in Japan and the Far East. No brainer but you never see in this application. That aside this is the BEST design I have ever seen!! You guys rock! WELL DONE you guys!

[@CarolynsRVLife]

I love their attention to detail. This is a great van and they really maximized the space. they make me think I might be able to give up my RV for a van someday. Well done.

[@deborahfortin9031]

ditto

[@collinterrell9593]

sorry to be off topic but does someone know a method to log back into an instagram account..? I stupidly lost the account password. I would appreciate any help you can offer me

[@rylandreuben2250]

@Collin Terrell instablaster ;)

[@collinterrell9593]

@Ryland Reuben i really appreciate your reply. I got to the site through google and im waiting for the hacking stuff atm. I see it takes quite some time so I will get back to you later with my results.

[@collinterrell9593]

@Ryland Reuben It did the trick and I finally got access to my account again. I am so happy! Thank you so much you really help me out :D

[@elizabethsatterthwaite9176]

I love the design of this van! Personally, the only thing I would need additionally is a way to take showers. The van has so many ingenious storage ideas that are unique to this vehicle and video! Thank you so much for sharing! You have me thinking outside the box now! It is the best van design I have seen as yet and so well thought out!

[@mijodo2008]

Some of the most simple, basic but elegant van build solutions. Each minute is a treasure trove of valuable information. Intelligent, clever ideas. Very well done guys, thankyou so much for your timely video. Safe travels. Cheers from Michael. Australia.

[@jackiemargaret437]

WOW I'm so impressed... you guys are clearly artists. The attention to detail is phenominal... I hope you both enjoy your journeying and have a lovely life together. Thank you so much for sharing.👍 🌈🦋

[@stilcrazychris]

You two did a great job. I'm so happy you finally got a home. Have a great day, Chris from Missouri

[@MsLLMan]

I absolutely love this van. The thought that went in to every detail for a small space and the craftsmanship. Thanks so much for sharing. Bed design is awesome.

[@cdb4464]

Almost forgot to mention Mat's murals on paneling are outstanding and contribute so much to the overall ambiance/wow factor! Great job...not too little and not too much...just right. You guys are true artists ;D

[@margiesvanmori]

I love how open it is!

[@mapleleaf0]

This was unusually beautiful, functional, and exceptionally well thought out.

[@tomworth6219]

Ingenious, going to steal the table design!!

[@elizabethsdesk]

Love the look. The storage, the fridge, the bed. the art work and minimalism of kitchen. Not sure I saw the shower etc. Love the storage under the bed. No hot water? absolutely beautiful looking.

[@chivasmom2024]

This is by far, the best van build I have seen. Most are filled with such high dollar, complicated systems, it makes one wonder why those folks didn't just buy an RV. My favorite part of this, is the sink/water set up. Very logical inexpensive and uncomplicated!