That was FAST - We just BOUGHT a new VAN

[@vanlifesagas]

Alright friends! Help us find the name of our new Campervan. 👇🏽 Anything that beats Vanessanessa and Vanessa02 is great!!

[@oliferamusique]

Le van devrait s'appeler Bobby 🌻❤️

[@ydmf2]

Savannah

[@Julia_Berrrlin]

Serendipity

[@sherillfranke1846]

Vanellope. Like Penelope! Or Van-elope!

[@leahstaska2515]

Savanna! Yes. Like this suggestion from ydmf2

[@alicjazurek9788]

Le van devrait s'appeler Savanah... I don't know I just think that Vanessa and Savanah are nice names for sisters. So for second van sister 😅. And as you said at the end looking for different vehicles you would have the desert always with you 😅

[@vanlifesagas]

Ohhh that’s good !!! Savanah is exotic.

[@katkg7129]

I like Savanah.

[@ellynmerydith2590]

Savanah is a lovely name! But wait, I thought it was a boy, named Baguette???!!🤔 (😁🤣)

[@jaz5438]

Love Savanah!

[@monicarose1]

Savannah. Two n’s.

[@amcab1625]

Considering you are going to be "nesting" the new van should be called VANESTA. 😁 👨‍👩‍👧

[@vanlifesagas]

That's sooo good. In the top 5 list for sure!

[@genevievebiron7087]

@@vanlifesagas ça m’évoque Canesta! Pas certaine! 😹

[@1kitties1]

@@vanlifesagas I agree! Vanesta !!

[@monicaandjack3132]

I like Vanesanessa - it reminds me of Rosanne Roseannadana! Our van is "The Bob" for Bucket of Bolts!

[@vanlifesagas]

The Bob! So good!

[@hutchwhovlogs4062]

Just a suggestion. Move the sink closer to your bed and put the cook top over next to the sink because it would safer over there. I would be worried about it being behind the bench seat with kids in it. Plus it would give you lots of counter space. Also, I saw that you can buy booster seats for RVs that would make the bench seat as high as the front seats. Then you could have a table there that could be used as a table and then go drop it down even with the seats so you could place a mattress on it for a kid. You could put bumper rails on it to help keep a baby or toddler safe. Can't wait until y'all get your new van! Can't wait to see the build of it! I loved the delivery, delivery, delivery, in the next video! Hee hee! How exciting to start getting the items for the build!

[@vanlifesagas]

Yeah, totally agree. We'll be moving that cooktop for sure. Don't want it too close to the bench: for sure it'll be splashing when cooking. Smart call!

[@samuelkalika7122]

Nothing beats Vanessanessa!!!

[@vanlifesagas]

Of course not 😂

[@sterrenmeisje]

I like pineapple, and it's yellow, like your stripes! In Dutch, pineaplle is Ananas. Google told me its the same in french! So i give to you: VANANAS!

[@vanlifesagas]

Hahahah that's soooo good!

[@markymarks3805]

On the seat height, I have seen build fabricate a metal frame to lift the seats the 6 inch, frame bolts into the floor, the seats bolt into the frame. They then raise the floor, creating a small step up, they add lights to light the floor, and some use the 6 inch as a storage box, shoes etc.

[@lucas.lisboa86]

I had the same idea and came here to share

[@vanlifesagas]

I knoooww! Unfortunately, in our province, we can't do it because of regulations. Urhhh

[@markymarks3805]

@@vanlifesagas a table with 2 levels?

[@Brunneria]

My suggestion would be to have the child seats like this: - on a section of raised floor that you can use for storage. - a folding design so that they each transform into a flat surface. - have a small murphy bed attached to the wall above the folding seats. This can double as the baby’s bed/crib AND a nappy changing area. Maybe have it attached to the wall at the back and suspended on cables at the front corners. You would have to have a clever folding design for the crib walls (fabric panels attached to the van wall supported by the cables that hold the bed up?) Am not sure how much space you are working with, but you might be able to have the baby sized murphy bed flat over one seat and a child’s car seat set up on the seat beside it, which would be v convenient and time saving. Le van devrait s’appeler Vanya

[@vanlifesagas]

Hi Jo! First, A+ for the homework. Good work! Now, we can't raise the floor under the seat unfortunately. Regulations in our province won't allow. Darn! That Murphy Bed idea is something we are now considering. It would lower to sleep mode, and we'd put it back up when driving/eating. That's a very good idea. Thanks for recommending that!

[@danielaheusel6368]

Great News! In my opinion the kid on the floor or close to will be too cold and sometimes even a draft... Maybe you could build a sord of "drawer" to pull out above the kitchen counter. I myself have a Westfalia James Cook 2001 and we have a special passenger bench sead that folds down to a bed... We use it with a Topper. We traveled with two kids starting at the age of 7 until they were fully grown. Our Sprinter only is 5,60m... Another Idea is a roof tent... That you reach through a roof window. Before we got our "James" we used a Maggiolina roof tent... Very comfy

[@vanlifesagas]

Yeah, you're right. I fear the kid will get cold if he/she sleeps near the floor as well. Decisions decisions.

[@adriankung1625]

GREAT NEWS!! Peut- etre simplement "Nessie" the Van? Don't shoot me if that's really bad... Was going to say I'm a fan of putting the sink on the passenger side, by the sliding door, allowing you to access it from outside with an extendible faucet - good call! Again check out Wilderness Vans (Canadian) for that automotive caliber seat, which will also fold flat into a bed along with a front swivel seat -- their system, I believe, is somewhat unique for the folding method and quite ingenious -- worth a look. I look forward to this build series -- it's gonna be EPIC!

[@vanlifesagas]

We actually love Nessie! It's on the list ❤️

[@Girlybird414]

Félicitations!! I personally like GEOVANI for your new van’s name. 😁

[@vanlifesagas]

Ohh it’s exotic. Like the Italian name.

[@pixie-beedesign9690]

Oh - I like the name

[@beritgrepstad9030]

Be named Pellegrino Gratulerer from Norway

[@Girlybird414]

Geo for earth + van! 😀

[@christsyoutubekanaal9864]

Golden Safety Tip: What many van lifers never think about when building their bus, Never sleep with your head on the side of the road or against the back doors, This is the place where most collisions with stationary vehicles happen. 2nd Tip: Avoid Real glass, These are knives that fly around in a collision, 3rd Tip: Do not hang knives exposed on magnetic strips, these are also projectiles in a collision

[@vanlifesagas]

These are all excellent points that we had never considered. Sleeping on the side of the street: never thought of that, but you are so darn right. As for knives on magnetic stripes, we don't have those because we do feel it's unsafe. Thanks for the tips Christ!

[@ellenrathbun5275]

Good tips! I may change HOB location based on your info. Except, most roads are ever so slightly slanted for the water to run off, concerns of my head being lower than my feet. Hmm, decisions, decisions.

[@jeffreywesterfield8366]

Don't know if anyone has suggested "Vanna"or "Valerie." It's great that you are working on this together. Whatever you decide will be the best.

[@vanlifesagas]

Awe thanks Jeffrey! Appreciate the kind words! We are very happy to be able to do this together. It's an amazing project to share with your loved one.

[@mjb319]

Hello from Germany, I am very happy that you have bought a new van, you are by far currently the most sympathetic van life channel from North America... We travel with our son since he is 15 months with Campers (in the beginning, however, with larger) for three years we are with a Fiat Ducato 640 with high roof (the European version of yours) on the road and Julius is now 8 years. In this respect, a different idea, we have lengthwise beds and by the width of the vehicle (2 meters) Julius fits super in the middle of the bed. I'm 1.89 meters tall and sleep on the side where you have the sink and Anne sleeps on the slightly shorter side. The bed can also be secured with a net, so that the little one, if he is still small, also does not fall out of bed. We have 4 seats with belts according to European standards and the bench is on a platform so that the height difference is balanced. The car is also not a self-development, but only modified by us. But sometimes you can "steal" quite well from the standard builders... If you want to know more, just ask ;-) Many love greetings from Cologne Marc

[@vanlifesagas]

Hello Marc! Thank you so for the feedback. We love hearing from people who tried vanlife with kids. A lot of people have mentioned the kid might be sleeping in the middle of the bed for the first couple of months. That said, it's seems a bed will most like be fine at first. That's one thing to consider for sure! Thanks again!

[@karolinafogler]

Tip for the extra seats: build them on a box that matches the elevation of the front seats. That way you can all sit at the table comfortably and gets some extra storage for shoes or cleaning supplies etc. Tip for the child’s bed: although the baby cage sounds like a fun idea, with a small space you risk your child sleeping in sand and dust that you bring into the van every day. A suspended bed might be the best option. You can have he baby’s bed above your legs, as you don’t need much space above them to sleep comfortably. That way you won’t need to lower your bed, but you might need to move all of your wall cabinets to one side. Alternatively, try to find a way to to fit the bed between the seats once they’re swivelled around? E.g. use the table top as a base for the bed, resting it on top of the seats with extra supports on the sides.

[@vanlifesagas]

Thanks for the tips Karolina! Love the idea of raising the floor, but unfortunately we can't. Darn regulations won't allow it. It's a bummer!

[@IngeNootenboom]

Name: LaVanna. Idea for the kids bed: when I was young my dad made an extra hanging bed in our caravan. It was made of a fabric hanging between two wooden bars. During the day you could hang them next to each other. Or a small hammock.

[@vanlifesagas]

Oh that looks brilliant. It doesn't take too much space and I feel it's a very good solution for small spaces. Might look into that. Thanks for sharing.

[@jaimelynn8422]

The best idea for a kid’s bed is in the video from Van Life Customs, their “Pop” van. The 3rd and 4th seat lays down into a bed and even folds up out of the way. Best option for sure!

[@vanlifesagas]

Ohh we’re on it. Thanks for the recommendation Ryan. Checking it out right now.

[@jaimelynn8422]

Yeah, whenever you can have one thing serve multiple purposes in a van it’s a win win! And I vote that the name of your new van should be either Van Halen (if it’s a rockin’ van) or Van Gogh (if it’s a work of art)

[@Gineesje]

Downside is that you have to give up the seats when the kid is going to sleep, unless you have a kid that can be moved while asleep. We were not that lucky, the moment you move mine... he is up and ready to party all night.... i like their idea for a baby cage

[@schworck]

hey guys, i would reconsider the kid-cave idea. main reasons being:a) the floor is usually the coldest part of the van, so you would need extra insulation to keep the floor warm. extra insulation equals less headspace. b) the floor is the dirtiest place in the van. there are several options, like a pop-up bed between the front seat and the rear seats you are planning to install or are system that sets up between the two frontseat (again pretty cold because of the window). keep up the great work, looking forward to your new build! greets from germany

[@vanlifesagas]

Hey friend! Thank you so much for sending that. You are right, it would be colder down there, which we don't have! We loved the idea because when the baby is sleeping, it would still allow us to move in the van and/or sit in front. Decision decisions.

[@lukaonly1]

Totally agree, unless your baby is a dog...

[@kristinkiel8890]

Le van devrait s’appeler Vanasty! Like Dynasty... (Too bad it sounds like Van-osti...ok, maybe not a good one!). I’ll keep thinking! We’re doing our build now...Promaster 159, but not extended.....a fun project during this weird situation. Our first trip will be out east too...Nova Scotia!

[@vanlifesagas]

Hahahahah Van Osti. On a ri, fort!

[@kristinkiel8890]

@@vanlifesagas i couldn't resist!

[@lauraelias2339]

Love these videos -- so fun! Your humor and energy brighten my day. As an English and Spanish teacher, I also appreciate the linguistic humor. If you ever make a stop in Minneapolis, I'll be your tour guide!! I don't have any van name ideas, but it looks like there are plenty of good suggestions already!

[@vanlifesagas]

Yay! Thanks Laura! We'd love to stope by when these boarders open again! You can count on us

[@lauraelias2339]

@@vanlifesagas Ooh! Mini English lesson time (unless it was just a typo...) boarders=renters borders=boundaries

[@DenKennyGut]

You can call the Van Nessie, it has the longest length like Nessie's loooong neck 😉🦕

[@vanlifesagas]

Ohhh, are you from Scotland by any chance? Hahaha!

[@laceyalbrecht293]

Your production value is so great!!

[@vanlifesagas]

Thanks Lacey! We truly appreciate you recognizing that. Means a lot.

[@christinefosberg6492]

With regards to stowing the surfboards ... I'm planning my next van and don't want the boards to be outside (easy to steal). So if you have the highest roof version (which I think you do?) - what about building a double floor where you can slide the surfboards inside the van?! This way they're not visible from the outside and it is SO much easier to get them in and out. And you would still have more or less the same height inside for standing and for storage under the bed as with the middle-height roof. You can either end the double floor where the surfboard ends or extend it into the van for floor storage (shoes, food etc.). If you extend it all the way to the front with a little "cut-out" in the entrance area, you will also solve the problem that the second seat is lower than the front seats. Plus you get tons of extra storage space.

[@vanlifesagas]

Hello Christine. Yeah, our friend did that, but the down side to that is Dom can't stand up in their van because the floor is raised! We do have straps that lock, and we never had any issues yet. But I must say, paddleboards are much bigger and heavier than surfboards, making them harder to steal.

[@christinefosberg6492]

@@vanlifesagas hm yeah that's a bummer, I thought the highest roof would allow for still standing up but of course it depends on ones 'tall-ness' 😜 ... I'm 5.11 and am hoping it'll work for me... also, SUPs are thicker than surfboards, so the double floor needs to be higher (I thought it doesn't need that much space but I guess the fins could be the problem)... I have a SUP too, so will have to measure that. I guess it depends where you're travelling, I live in southern Spain and if we go to Morocco they will definitely steal everything off the roof when you leave the van alone, no matter how heavy and big 😂😂

[@tumbleridgeontheroad]

If you are driving down 81 to get to Florida - stop by!

[@vanlifesagas]

We sure will. In the meantime, please send over the sun. We're freezing here!

[@Raspbelyse]

Check out the bench flip bed like TerraX or Eamon and Beck. If you lift the bed high enough, they could live on the bench underneath. No need to make it into a L-shape since the kid would be able to sleep sideways. Also, if your burner is also all the way to the right, some people place the kids on the benchtop with a fabric guard that rolls down and clip so that the kid can't fall off. The only thing is storing the mattress when not in use. Finally, when they are still tiny, they could be in a hanging bassinette. I saw a couple on youtube living in a bus make one from macramé and hang it, so maybe you put a heavy-duty hook and hang the baby and once the baby is grown you hang a plant? And of course, you van need to be called Vanessssssssssa instead of Vanesanesa.

[@vanlifesagas]

Hahah, I love the part when you say: Hang a plant when the baby is grown. That's great. All good ideas out there. And yes, there is a lot of options available. I guess the only challenge is to figure out what type of sacrifices we are willing to make regarding storage and everything. Hmmm, we'll see.

[@LostNative]

Love this 💕 Why don't you put a rectangle box under the child seats for drawers, shoe storage etc. Then you can all be the same height for the dinner table.

[@vanlifesagas]

Oh absolutely. That’s happening for sure. Thanks for the tip. If you have more ideas, please send that our way !!!

[@brendag2891]

You will be required to have a car seat, which will be higher up naturally. You need to make sure the seats can accept one or two carseats (why just have one?) And that they are wide enough to squeeze 2 seats in. And there is that safety strap, I forgot what it's called. In addition to the seat belt and 5 point harness. You want to be able to reach it while on the road. And have a place to change diapers. You can do that on the bed. Have a storage spot handy for cup holders, sippy cups, diapers, wipes, dry clothes, a kid backpack or stroller, and a way to secure small toys (I used Discovery Toys chain links and pacifier clips). They can sleep in the bed with you, so make your bed just a little bigger and that will solve everything. They need to eat at night to start with, and you want to keep them warm and safe and close by. The closer, the quieter, the more sleep for all.

[@loloblanc04]

Relevez le plancher et utiliser l'espace créé pour y loger un grand réservoir d'eau. Comme ça il y aura une grosse réserve d'eau et bien répartie pour la répartition des masses (centrée et entre les deux essieux). Et au fait bonne année et meilleurs vœux !

[@sophiemarcaurele]

Yup! I was going to mention this as well: make sure the dimensions are per code, and raise the floor under the baby seat to make it level - you can put long drawers for shoes underneath. I'll have to look in my stash of build videos, I've seen examples :) I've also seen examples or double passengers seats which collapse flat to make a kid's bed. They had hooks on the ceiling to quickly hang a blackout thermal curtain around it. Looked like a kid teepee :) have to find it.

[@ellynmerydith2590]

Love the bench seats. My very social youngest wanted a close friend with her on every trip or event since she was about 2. It’s always good to be able to invite a friend! And they often have to be in car seats or boosters until they 12!!! I think doing a sort of pull out crib will work for one baby for about 1-2 years. Maybe 3. You would be amazed at age 4 and 5 how suddenly grown up they are. And kids are different. Some want their own space early, but my youngest wanted to sleep in our room until she was 11! Co-sleeping with kids is a huge parenting topic. Some are absolutely opposed to the idea, some believe it is a panacea... but I think it depends on how well everyone sleeps. A sound sleeping child may want to be with their parents for safety and security... a busy child may want to play quietly close to sleeping parents. Generally, parenting is about coming up with good solutions for the people involved. For example, one child woke up for an hour in the middle of the night. So we took turns waking up with her for awhile, and the parent who was up napped with her during the day. I say this to let you know that while you can encourage some behaviors, know that you are likely to have to modify your style of living at each stage of development, and some things will be totally dependent on your child’s personality. And they do have their own unique personalities! Totally amazing to watch them grow!! I recommend getting a copy of a book named “The Portable Pediatrician”. It is updated each year, and it details what you need to support a child’s developmental needs for the first 5 years. It is both fascinating and reassuring... (oh, THAT is why my child wants to play in the sand all the time.) All of these specifics are just examples, to give some idea of the complexity of problem solving required.... but all of it can be tremendous fun and almost endless joy if you are ready for it.🍀👍👶🏻

[@MrDamonYates]

Le van devrait s'appeler Evangeline (come on that's the winner!). No credit for me, it was my daughter Ella.

[@vanlifesagas]

Ohhh Evangeline is good. Tell Ella A+ for the homework.

[@peggydwyer1932]

@@vanlifesagas ahhh YES! Evangeline! my fave.

[@paromundo2756]

Hi Guys! Just met u and loving already. It's been an inspiration for our journey. Our suggestion for name the new van is: VANDA! Wish u all the best ❤️

[@vanlifesagas]

Awe thanks guys! Welcome to the channel. Can't wait to have you here with us every Sunday! Stay safe friends ❤️

[@larrytucker222]

I lived and worked in Quebec from 1993-1995 in St.Lazare/Hudson area. Moving from Athen, GA in time for winter was a big change. Really enjoyed your zest for life in the video.

[@vanlifesagas]

No way. St-Lazare is close from home. Like 45 minutes. We were so close! Welcome to the channel Larry!

[@larrytucker222]

@@vanlifesagas To be more specific, I worked in Vaudraille (sp), lived in St. Lazare, shopped in Hudson because most were bilingual. Three lasting memories: ice bridge across the lake at Hudson, son born at Point St. Claire hospital and January, 1974 average temperature of 0 F.

[@elsaparsons4444]

I just bought a 2020 transit AWD 148 extended high roof with dual rear wheels...and I don’t have any building experience so it’s gonna be a long and costly build (soooo much to learn). I am so excited to watch your build as you are really good at explaining the whys and hows. Congrats to you both! See you on the road sometime (I’m on Vancouver Island)

[@vanlifesagas]

Contrats on the van Elsa! That's amazing! As for the conversion, it'll be difficult and time consuming since it's the first one, but you'll love the process. It took the longest time to build our first van, but we loved it nonetheless.

[@lydiak.1254]

"YOLO family Vanlife" has a seat set up with kids in their van. They have a nice table set up. They just posted an updated video on it. Also, small kids are in car seats so they are higher up. Kids up to age 8-9ish they will still sit in booster seats that make them 6 inches higher.

[@vanlifesagas]

That's exactly what many have recommended: car seats being higher. Perhaps that plays in our favor. Thanks for recommending Yolo Family Vanlife. Looking them up now!

[@Feylina]

I've seen a cool tot's bed on the front swivel seats before.They swivel the seats facing each other and then put a mattress between the two front seats.

[@vanlifesagas]

Love that idea, but then when the baby naps/sleep, that means we can't sit in the front.

[@NinaThoren]

Is it weird that I am this excited for a van? I can already tell that you will probably have ideas that I will want to have in my own design!

[@vanlifesagas]

Hahah totally normal. You have no idea how excited we are 😂

[@tylerwashington3423]

Have you guys heard of those beds that raise and lower? I am not sure what they're called but if you Google that then tons of information will come up. They seem pretty sweet.

[@vanlifesagas]

We have! They're actually on the list. Decisions decisions.

[@raphaelrosenhagen5624]

Hi Marie and Dom, congrats to the new van! I am looking forward to watch your van build series. Nice layout you are thinking of. In terms of the seating area: I do not know the regulations in Canada, but in Europe I am pretty sure you can mount the second row seats in a way that they sit in a higher position (on a little podium underneath the seats and underneath your food area/table, which is properly fixed to the van structure) to even it up with the front swivel seats. I would build this kind of podium just for half of the vans width, so you don't get any issues on with the sliding door entrance on the opposite side. That way you also might gain a floor drawer which sits underneath your second row seats and the floor section underneath your table which could be useful for flat items or things like shoes or even for some electric components (batteries, inverter etc.). I would certainly look into an option to raise the second row seats, if that is legally possible in Canada. Talking about the shoe issues... remember the ideas sent to you in your previous videos about what you would like to improve on the layout. On the topic of the kids sleeping cave: I personally would look more closely into a bed which can be lowered from the ceiling. Yes you might lose two of your hanging drawers on one side of the van (I would build it as a length wise sleeping bed above the feet area of the double bed below), but you would gain back the area of the kids cave in the garage. That way you have a slightly deeper garage. I know the garage would not be as "high" in dimension as you would hoped, but if you would mount the bed base on two hinges so it can fold upwards when accessing the garage from the back of the van you might gain at least good access to it. That way you can store longer items more easy and that would be beneficial for kids items like prams or even a small kids bike. I would also be a little bid nervous when putting the kid sleeping area in a cave low on the floor, when holding the gas tank for your cooking so close to it. If you still prefer to go with this option, I certainly would recommend to build a gas detector into the kids cave, just for safety reasons. I am looking forward to watch your ideas and how your new van build will go along. By the way... Le van devrait s'appeler Sunavan... Sun and Van... Sunavan... Matches your yellow sun logo, too. All the best from London, UK, Raphael

[@vanlifesagas]

Hey Raphael! Thank you so much for taking the time to reflect on our questions and propose awesome solutions. Unfortunately, as you kind of imagined, regulations in Canada are different than in Europe and in our province, Québec, we can't raise the floor if we are to put a seat over it. Safety precautions it seem. That said, we have to keep it that way. But some have said it's actually fine because the kids will be in a booster seat for the first couple of years. As for the bed, decisions, decisions. We still have no idea and are still trying to figure it all out. Thanks for the love!

[@emmamason6059]

Stumbled across you guys several months back and really enjoy watching! Thank you for your content and the laughs! This may have already been suggested for a name but throwing it out there just in case! 'Evangeline ; feminine given name meaning "gospel" "good news". "Ev" is an accepted abbreviation' Looking forward to seeing the build journey 👍

[@vanlifesagas]

We seriously LOVE Evangeline. And we LOVE you for taking the time to encourage us on our channel. You're the best ❤️

[@hannehoilund1500]

Le van devrait s'appeler "Savannah" 👍😁💛🚐 Good kick! Can't Wait 👏😊 Hanne and Cali @Oslo, Norway

[@vanlifesagas]

Soooo many are recommending Savannah. High on the list!

[@claudiaschmidt8659]

Really looking forward to a 20 minute video about the additional horse powers given by different stripe colours. And... Le van devraits s'appeler Waldemar.

[@vanlifesagas]

Hahah on it. The engineers are finishing the last tests and we're on it.

[@margoburns9085]

For the bench, why not raise it 6 inches and use the space underneath for shoe storage. I think the baby cave is a great idea, just have ro put the base on a slide to get him/her in and out without crawling into it. Add a small fan for ventilation and you're set! I think Vannesta is an awsome suggestion!!

[@vanlifesagas]

We wish we could put that back row seat on a platform. Darn regulations: they won't allow it! It's a bummer!

[@margoburns9085]

@@vanlifesagas Too bad. I thought of you had steel welded to the frame it would work...well there is always a two tiered table! Lol

[@michaelconchscooter8940]

Congratulations. 🎉 you have excellent van building connections...We paid pros to build ours and I agreed with my wife so now I’m happy. You will be too.

[@vanlifesagas]

hahaha the key to life: happy wife, happy life!

[@emiliefaucher285]

Congrats guys! Looking forward to seeing how this one turns out! :) Also, I kinda also like SaVANnah for Vanessa's longer sister.... ;)

[@vanlifesagas]

You're coming next summer girlfriend !!!!!

[@emiliefaucher285]

@@vanlifesagas oh yeah! Woot woot!

[@marymilroy645]

SaVANnah is awesome!!!

[@MsClever26]

I've seen conversions where the 3rd seater converts to a bed for a child or 2. Dom let go of Vanessa, her sister can be Venus or Venice!😋

[@vanlifesagas]

Hahah I'll never let go of Vanessa! NEVER!

[@jolenestaker4315]

Vanna (like Vanna White who turned the letters on Wheel of Fortune) - get it, she turned letters on the game with wheel in it - your van has wheels that turn, lol.

[@LetBBB6345789]

Actually I find Wheels of Fortune a nice name :-D

[@vanlifesagas]

Hahaha sooo good!

[@tamo9520]

I just love you two! Your sense of humour, your excitement! And you have a new van!!!! "Fantabulous"(Fantastic & Fabulous put together into one word)!

[@vanlifesagas]

hahah Fantabulous. Love it! Now added it to our dictionary ❤️ Thanks for the love Tannis!

[@tamo9520]

@@vanlifesagas Aaahh Glad you like it. And in that case, I'll continue with my thoughts. I was thinking along these lines for a name as well. Here goes: Le van devrait s'appeleur "VanTabulous Travels"!! Cependant, vu à quel point Dom aime les catamarans, j'aime aussi l'un de vos abonnés, Danny, son nom de «CatamaVan». Seulement je pense que je l'écrirais comme ceci: "CatamyVan"! lol {English: However, considering how much Dom likes catamarans I also like one of your subscriber's, Danny, his name of 'CatamaVan'. Only I think I'd spell it like this: "CatamyVan"! lol } {{ I'm speaking in a low soft voice now - this is supposed to be a secret, 'K? I can't take the credit for the word 'Fantabulous'. I have to tell you that it's not an original of mine. I know, I know, you all thought I was just that darn creative, right? lol. It's actually Van Morrison who made that word famous. It's in his song Moon Dance: "Well, it's a marvellous night for a moon dance With the stars up above in your eyes A "fantabulous" night to make romance 'Neath the cover of October skies, . . . . . . " Just don't tell anyone 'K? It'll be our little secret. Aaahahahahaha }}

[@LivingLifewithJudith]

Omgosh!!!! Vous êtes de Gatineau!!!!!!!!! Moi aussi! Première fois que je "rencontre" du monde de Gatineau sur YT! Bravo pour votre nouvelle van!!!

[@vanlifesagas]

Ben non?! On est de Gatineau certain. On habite Le Fameux Plateau!

[@LivingLifewithJudith]

@@vanlifesagas Wow tout près!!! Je suis à Aylmer comme à 15 min de chez vous!

[@saraduty8972]

Suggestion on the baby area/bed: Is there a way to have the seat in back to be a custom build that will convert into a crib at night? I think the "cave" under your bed would be fun for older children but not best for a baby. Good luck with everything!

[@stphns1737]

I was thinking the same thing...that 3rd space is a lot of space you could utilize to convert to a crib somehow, or the suggestion of putting a pullout drawer underneath it for storage to raise it -- if the seat could be safely fastened, you could make a pull out trundle bed. Sooo happy for you both and thank you for the joy you bring to all of us.

[@vanlifesagas]

And this is exactly why we are reaching out to you. These are great info guys. Thanks for sharing this with us. Obviously, we have no idea how a baby works 😂

[@earthgirl145]

I like “Vanellope”!!! It’s just as cute as Vanessa.

[@vanlifesagas]

Can't do Vanellope, because if we have a girl one day, her name will be Penelope. ❤️

[@LaylaGuay]

Aw thats so cute 😊

[@enricalven]

first: EPIC video as always! second: I didn't get if Marie is pregnant or not but in any case congratulations guys! This kiddo will have amazing parents! third: For the table on the front seats with different highs, what about cushions for the lower ones? last but not least: Le van devrait s'appeler MariDomessa (lol) or La Fragoneta (which is how gipsy spanish people says Furgoneta (which is van))

[@vanlifesagas]

Hello hello friend! Thanks for taking the time to comment. Marie isn't pregnant, but we're planning the build in consideration to an eventual third passenger. Also, A+ for the homework 📚

[@PhilippinesFarmLife]

A drop down rear deck can give you additional living space. Easy to enclose like a Sunroom using rear door and screen canopy components that set up in minutes. Or you can make more expensive enclosure components.

[@vanlifesagas]

Ohhh we're allll in for ''additional living space''.

[@jeronomosp]

I'm currently converting a promaster and I've used a 5mm thick structural beam section beneath the passenger seat to raise it up the required amount and it sits nicely at the same height as the swivel seats in the front. It's dimensions are 150mm by 100mm. As far as baby caves go that's a new one on me but I'm sure there is space for it. Could also try a flip down bed above one side of the kitchen area. I've seen this done before. Also you could have a siding that attaches to the kitchen top that you add a mattress to in the evening... Good luck with your build although I'm sure you won't need it with it being the second one.

[@vanlifesagas]

Ah man you're lucky. In our province, for some strange reason, we can't raise the floor under the seat due to regulations.

[@johnmca5643]

I hit subscribe..... You're an absolutely adorable couple! I'm looking forward to following the build.

[@vanlifesagas]

Ah yay. Welcome aboard. Glad you are here with us ❤️

[@thomaslindersson]

VANJA, is a name my sisters daughter has. In Sweden the part JA in the name means yes in English. The part VAN is the same in Sweden, it can also mean that I am used to it. Good luck with the new build and hejsan from Sweden.

[@vanlifesagas]

Oh woaw, I love the exotic sound of this! That's a cool idea!

[@danny7690]

Le van devrait s’appeler CatamaVAN.

[@christinefosberg6492]

hahaha brilliant, love it

[@PaulsonPack]

Haha brilliant!

[@vanlifesagas]

That's a first step in the right direction.

[@2005jes2005]

Great channel, very inspirational. Good luck with the new one!

[@vanlifesagas]

Thank you so so much. So happy to have you here with us. See you next Sunday, friend.

[@ingvild3224]

If possible/safe I suggest to raise the back seats, and have storage under. Also, can you not make a bed for the kid on the backseat in some way? Maybe a fold down system of some sort? Like you said a kid doesn't need much space for the first few years.

[@vanlifesagas]

Unfortunately, due to regulations, we can't raise the floor. That would have been the best solution for sure!

[@miriam__esch]

You could elevate the floor underneath the "Kids seats" so that you are sitting at the same height? You can make it at an angle so that you enter on a normal height and only have to go up the "step" to sit down :) I saw someone else do that in their van but don't quite remember who Looking forward to your build series! :D

[@vanlifesagas]

We can’t, no. Because of the laws in Quebec for back seats, the bench needs to be exactly on the chassis, can’t be elevated 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@AdeleMcAlear]

@@vanlifesagas Could you have a custom frame done for the underside of the kids' seat that would be tall and still be attached to the chassis?

[@miriam__esch]

@@vanlifesagas ah okay that's too bad. But I'm sure you will find a solution! :)

[@EmileVoyer]

Vous allez Adorer Terre-Neuve !!! C’est tellement underrated 😂 On y a passé 3 semaines avec ma copine en 2019 a faire du car camping... 3 semaines c’était vraiment pas assez pour nous 😅❤️

[@vanlifesagas]

On se l'est fait beaucoup recommandé par tous ceux qui sont allés, oui!

[@cynthianewfoundland2825]

My suggestion for a new name is "SUNSHINE". Since you can't lower or raise the seating, how about a two tiered table?

[@vanlifesagas]

Ouhhhh tiered table. Yes yes yes yes yes! That’s soo good. ❤️ you’re the best.

[@BrendaTharp]

@@vanlifesagas I have seen tiered tables on lagun mounts, I know it's possible, you just have to play with the way they are both mounted so they can be swiveled.

[@amydanheim3678]

You could probably put the 3rd and 4th seats on a platform the same height as the front seats. You could use the space inside the platform as a locking safe drawer for laptops and documents so that it’s not wasted

[@amydanheim3678]

Oh I just saw the comment about build regulations... damn.

[@amydanheim3678]

Put the shorter people in the swivel seat and the giants in the lower seats?

[@vanlifesagas]

I know. Such a bummer!

[@racheljoanfleming159]

Why not make a "baby cave" in the same space as the extra seat? I have no idea how you will do this....but it seemed like a good idea to me lol. Perhaps a baby sling/hammock. Then you are not taking storage space and you could adjust the size of the sling/hammock to the size of "le bebe". ( I don't have a keyboard Francais - so I can't put the proper accent agute or the cedilla. )

[@vanlifesagas]

Yeah, there must be a way to sleep the baby where the extra seat is. Our only concern is that the table wouldn't be accessible when the baby steps. Decisions decisions.

[@Aspecto5]

Where have you guys been this whole time! Lol! I follow so many van life channels and I'm just seeing you two now! This video was so fun and I can't wait to see this build. (fellow Canadians too) 😉. Hopefully your content isn't all vegan. 😕

[@vanlifesagas]

Yay! Welcome aboard Nelson. It's nice to have you here friend! And nah, content is not all vegan. We love our bacon!

[@smartvoicestudio]

I’m thinking SteVAN... so it has an automatic french accent😉 honhonhon

[@vanlifesagas]

Sooo many have recommended Stevan. Now in the Top 5.

[@tessa1213]

Please more ukulele Mondays, we love them in Minnesota 🥰

[@vanlifesagas]

Awwww you do? Let’s do one tomorrow !!!

[@sueschultz9358]

@@vanlifesagas - wonderful we love them in Wisconsin too!

[@kevinkidderphotographer]

And Nose flute 😛

[@nonono6537]

not an expert by any means but you could just customise the table legs to be shorter on one side if you want the table surface to be even across different heights. excited to see the new van build come together!!

[@vanlifesagas]

That's actually a very good idea. Perhaps have 2 heights on the table. Some have recommended raising the floor under the passenger seat, but we can't because of regulations.

[@cuby1967]

A suspended bed with flip up rails, next to upper shelves, A quick setup mattress on the floor. A cot/blowup, a mat. King camp mat is Self inflating/sponge inside mat. Can be difficult to roll up, but very comfortable. Not cheap, 2”- 3.7” thick. I don’t know of other brand names.

[@vanlifesagas]

Oh sweet! Those are all great ideas. Looking them up now. Thanks Alex!

[@leekh2125]

Have a rear extendable cabin for extra space.

[@vanlifesagas]

Oh. Sounds interesting. Do you have a picture to that?

[@sharonaddison809]

Ah, I was sure you were going to announce a bubba!! My name for the van is Vanessa Long, but I do LOVE Vanessanessa!!!

[@vanlifesagas]

Hahah not a bubba just yet. Gotta get this van ready first! Soon, soon.

[@melindamarie6139]

"The Wanderer" We roam around, around, around.... Lol

[@vanlifesagas]

Love that name! Our friend just named their van that and we were jealous lol

[@patriciahall2223]

Congratulations , can't wait to see how it all unfolds .....have a great week

[@vanlifesagas]

Thanks Patricia. Can't wait to pick up our van!!

[@anna-lenaamus1091]

I think Gloria would be the perfect name for your van. Cheers!

[@vanlifesagas]

Gloria the big fat white van. Hell yeah!

[@47coreyhaynes]

“Baby cage” lmao

[@vanlifesagas]

Hahah oups! 🙊

[@johnirish_RMLfx]

😂

[@erikhy]

Thinking ahead to the baby jail - soundproofing, washable, vented to the outside, easily accessible...maybe a drawer, like were often used in the good old days?

[@barnowl809]

VAN-NEST-A Im sure I win :)

[@vanlifesagas]

Ouhhhh nest is nice in there !!

[@jodymontoya1140]

Thank you, thank you , thank you for all the laughs and smiles you both provide to our weekend. I absolutely love the music. Would you consider making a Spotify play list to share with us? Also, 2 votes from my house for Vanessanessa. :)

[@vanlifesagas]

Hahaha I really feel Vanessanessa will win 😫 As Spotify, we do have some. Check out Marsh Mellow and Yellow Lined by Domfaucher

[@vanessamacdonald9153]

I love VanessaNessa :) Alternatively something completely different will be great too - just have to think more about that one. Perhaps wait until it is done so that we can get a feel for the van. Mon dieu - what a dilemma :):) :) Also, would love an analysis on the yellow stripes and why it comes out tops for you guys all the time. Deva (said Diva) means heavenly, divine, anything of excellence! Which is what your van is going to be - oui, oui!

[@vanlifesagas]

Hahah of course you like Vanessanessa, look at your name ❤️ You have the prettiest! Truth be told, I think we'll wait until we're done the conversion, like you mentioned.

[@samross4055]

I’ve seen a pull out trundle bed version, you could pull it out from under the bed, it would be the width of your walkway, that way you would also get water tank/electrical/storage room from the garage end on either side under the bed. It could also be shorter in length e.g. cot mattress length to start, and then easily rebuilt to be longer as the kid grows.

[@vanlifesagas]

Exactly what we have in mind. Exactly that! Sam, be on the design team please?!

[@samross4055]

@@vanlifesagas only if I can swap this hot Australian weather for a Canadian winter! 🙏🏼🤣

[@paradisdunord6111]

Appel là Yvan!

[@vanlifesagas]

C'est dans la liste!!

[@RichBuilt]

VAN Diesel! From Fast & Furious! Haha 😂 congratulations!

[@lucas.lisboa86]

But the vans probably runs in gasoline

[@vanlifesagas]

Hahah and then we can't put lost of tattoos on her!

[@rachaelreed4014]

when i watched Vanessa's van tour, i turned to my boyfriend and said 'wait, do the go faster strips actually work' such a blonde gullible moment but you are so believable!! haha

[@vanlifesagas]

Hahahah non Rachael! NO! 😂

[@frannyc38]

I share your excitement. We get our VW California Ocean on 26th January and we expected it in March. Can’t go anywhere except work and supermarket but we can camp on the drive so I don’t care! Hope you get yours soon. Best wishes from England

[@vanlifesagas]

Those California Ocean are great! Hope you enjoy it in England. We'll make sure to say hi when we drive by!

[@djsmiley01]

Good luck with the new challenge. Bigger, but also more weight. Not sure about the Promasters, but here in Europe (Ducato/Jumper/Boxer/Relay) most of them are rated 3300kg or 3500kg maximum weight. The smaller vans allow more weight before you reach that. Having a long (L4H2 as the 159 ext is known in Europe) makes the base van already heavier, leaving less room for the build. And the bigger the van, the more crap you take with you ;) With a newer model van, its likely you have a smart alternator. This probably will require a DC-DC charger if you want to charge using the alternator. I highly recommend going for Lithium, depending on your budget for an enterprise (=expensive) one like Victron, more affordable like Battleborn, or build your own. Saves a lot of weight. For the seats, just exend the front cabin to have an equally high 'raised' floor underneath the table, so all seats are equally in height. You can create some storage below the raised part. Lots of people also install their diesel heater there, since its close to the fuel tank. Just make a curved entry, so you will have some space for the feet of the passenger seat when swiveled. Have a look at some commercial van brands for how they do this. I'd suggest looking into some European brands, since over here, smaller vans are more common. Look into 'tours' of brands like Pössl, Malibu, Globecar or Adria. Almost all of them are based on the Ducato or similar (= Promaster in the US). Example of the raised flooring with heater and storage kzbin.info/www/bejne/hILQdKWceaeHrrc ( look at 02.10 for this part) Before I build mine I've visited Caravansalon in Dusseldorf (Germany). Took a lot of measurements, notes and pictures and ideas... Now its almost finished (see www.djsmiley.com for my build) On the roof: Fit as much solar as you can. You'll never regret it ;)

[@vanlifesagas]

Thanks friend! Happy to know we have such a great community sharing tips with us. We are for sure pimping that electrical set up and going Lithium this time. We need more power, especially if we want to be working on the road. How many solars do you have on yours?

[@djsmiley01]

@@vanlifesagas I now have 315wp on the roof. Wasn't able to put more, since I have a roof vent in the front and a maxxfan in the back, and my van is the almost the shortest one (L2H2 in Europe, the 136" Promaster) Also, I have a 40A Renogy DC-DC charger, so for days without enough sun I still can charge using the alternator. With the big van as you have, you have more space. It depends if you're planning any skylights or fans which will use roof space. But nowadays with the newest generation panels, there are many newer interesting panels available. The Maxima GxB 520 for example is a 520wp panel, 198 x 130cm. Would probably fit great. If you look into some smaller panels, you might be able to squeeze 2 panels sideways if you can find ones with max 140cm width or so. Most panels are 175-200cm in length, so they won't fit on a promaster sideways, but there are shorter ones who do (You have approx 150cm width on the roof I think, so with mounting frame its more like 130-140cm max you can fit) However, in that case the price/wp ratio isn't as good, but you still can get some nice panels. A Sunpower 140wp for example is 120cm in length, 53 in width. You can fit 4 (maybe even 5) of them probably widthwise, giving you 560 - 700wp. However, all rated powers are unlikely to be archieved, since they are based on ideal circumstances (full sunny day, perfect angle. On a van, the panels are flat, so I think its good to assume 80% of its rated output at best). Ow, and for any future family expansion: some commercial vans available in Europe have a suspended bed in the cabin which you can lower (swivel the seats and lower it). Although this is not so common on 'bus based' vans, but more on the bigger ones (which aren't as a regular Promaster, but with a more boxier box in the back), you might be able to make something like that also.

[@kimberlyparsons2373]

How about Tripper

[@vanlifesagas]

Ouhhh good!

[@TheKatherine1958]

I would say “Van Morrison” but she’s a girl. 😊

[@vanlifesagas]

Sounds amazing though!

[@hunnerdayEDT]

It can be a unisex name 🙃

[@lamkaz810]

Vannie Morrison?

[@maggiegodfrey89]

if Le is masculine then Vanderbilt is a good name aye?

[@jenninstitches]

Le van devraint s'appeler Sagos. Sagos = Saga + go's That's my vote. Rolls off the tongue.

[@vanlifesagas]

Hahahaha « rolls off the tongue »

[@Psmeaton]

Raise the backseat onto a 6inch bench that ties in with in front cab in heigh. Free storage underneath it then too. You put seats in that fold back, and fashion some kind of sides for that for it to be safe?

[@vanlifesagas]

Can't do that. Darn regulations won't allow it. It would have been the best!

[@allenpoulsen4417]

Victor Hugo (you go). Sorry to say I've already taken Vanna White for my Promaster 159

[@vanlifesagas]

Hahahaha Vanna White is a good one indeed!

[@fruiteend]

Van Illa?? 😏

[@vanlifesagas]

Ice ice baby. I like it Van Illa !!

[@chrisroot7182]

"Vancouver". Doesn't "couver" mean like hatching or brooding an egg en francaise? The bebe is the hatchling? ;-)

[@vanlifesagas]

Yess !! Someone else recommended that and we LOVE it. Plus, we love the city Vancouver.

[@Dorout]

Le van devrait s'appeller : The Vanderfull!

[@vanlifesagas]

Awe that’s the cutest name.

[@carolegemme9149]

@@vanlifesagas en plus, j'y vois un lien avec Ze French lessons : Ze Vanderfull 😉

[@monicarose1]

I’m in Oregon and I definitely want to meet up! Working on a van of any sort currently and plan to be out there as soon as it’s safe. Think about a hammock for the baby. You can move it if you put up optional hooks. Lots of cultures use them because the baby can breathe through it and you can basically fold sides over them to keep them safely in it. I’d add a way to put rails around your bed so you can use it like a playpen like when you are cooking. I’m guessing you are doing a fixed bed this time as you stated you wanted that for your next van in a video last summer. You guys are so cute!! 💕💕💕

[@vanlifesagas]

Omg. Yes. The rails around the bed is a brillant idea. We haven't thought of that but it's brilliant. That's added to the list. Thanks Monica! That's amazing.

[@monicarose1]

@@vanlifesagas Yay!! So happy to be helpful! Obviously you won't need those forever. See you in Oregon sometime!!

[@notfromhere8809]

I like Dom’s thinking. We are clearly brothers! Love vans, love cats (sail boats). And, yes....come out east! Halifax particularly. Love to host you for a beer and nachos.

[@vanlifesagas]

Oh man, you can count on us. It's on the list for this summer. See you there friend!

[@DilipAndrade1]

peut-être que vous pouvez appeler le van "Vanna White" (avec un peu d'assistance de Google Translate just to confirm that I wasn't making a stupid error)

[@vanlifesagas]

Haha you did perfectly on that homework 📚 A+

[@DilipAndrade1]

@@vanlifesagas Merçi. Vous êtes in bon prof. But to be fair, I live across the river from you

[@Almaatani]

Just a reminder: Dom named the first van ! So it is your turn Marie to name the second one! 😉

[@vanlifesagas]

Yes it is. Thank you! Did you hear this Dom?!

[@craigrobertson2782]

"Vanessanessa" - l o v e it Dom!!! (Sorry Marie) :-)

[@vanlifesagas]

Nooooooooooooooo

[@LacroixCruiser]

Congratulations, looking forward to seeing you build your new home.

[@vanlifesagas]

Thanks guys! Looking forward to picking our van this week. Fingers crossed 🤞

[@rachealhardman9364]

Consider a fold up bench seat and a playpen or mini crib.

[@vanlifesagas]

Playpen? Looking it up now. Don't even know what that is. Thanks for sharing that.

[@TomLloyd-18]

Name: Jean Claude why not raise the floor of the additional seats to be same as front ones?

[@vanlifesagas]

We can't take Jean-Claude. Dom says we can only have a dog if we name him Jean-Claude, for some strange reason. As for the seat, because of regulations, we can't raise it.

[@ClimbingMyWayOut]

@@vanlifesagas I'm in a different province, how did you find out about the regulations you can't raise the seats to match the front ones?

[@flipzout100]

Ok so after much thought and contemplation I have completed my homework. Le van devrait s'appeler Yvonne.

[@vanlifesagas]

Hahaha we love random name ideas like that. Yvonne. Karen. Paul. Dom loves those.

[@dwinterburn1301]

How would Marie feel about naming the new van "KingDom"...😆

[@michelejohnson5497]

D Winterburn Or “Queendom!” 😀

[@vanlifesagas]

Hahaha Oh gosh. Please don't !

[@royclark8385]

Hi. Greetings from the UK. We own a small camper, a Mazda Bongo called "Winston". Watching your previous videos on storage and utilising space is a fine art when travelling in a Bongo. Interested to see the finished article..

[@vanlifesagas]

Oh wow. We had to Google Mazda Bongo to know what it looked like, but it's the cutest little van. It's beautiful!

[@royclark8385]

@@vanlifesagas Thank you. We love our bongo, hopefully we will be able to climb aboard soon with "google" our little dog and travel around the British Isles.