Vanlife Mistakes I 10 things we'd CHANGE about our NEW campervan (2021)

Van builds are never-ending projects! Here are 10 things that we already need to change, add or modify on our most recent build. Sometimes they're the most basic stuff. Some other time, we (Dom) literally made some mistakes while building. Lettuce know if you have ideas for some of our fails, especially for the wall deco and the shoebox.
Enjoy!
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WHO ARE YOU? WHAT’S WITH YOUR ACCENT?
We're Dom & Marie, a French Canadian couple who love Nutella toast and live in a van. Marie is the brain (Ph.D student) and Dom's the dreamer (Creative director). We have spent the last 2 years travelling around North America in our Promaster 136'' named Vanessa. In 2020, after a 12-month trip that was cut short because of Covid, we decided to sell our van to start a new project: a BIGGER van.
Our goal is to inspire others to start #vanlife​​ and to help build their very own home on wheels while living and enjoying a balanced online and offline life.

[@JaYoeNation]

That bit while Marie was describing her box idea and Dom was making the graphics had me laughing.

[@vanlifesagas]

That dude. He never stops!

[@dharmawater]

Saaaame

[@guigomusa]

Me too. And the lettuce. Hilarious

[@andreaandersen4278]

Best thing ever!!

[@JaYoeNation]

But to be honest… I did the same roundabout with regards to the space between my seat before realizing the swivel would make all my ideas moot.

[@jwjustinwatkins]

Dom, your video editing is hilarious! Laughed so hard at this one, especially Marie's box design. The edits and humor are one of the top reasons we keep coming back =)

[@vanlifesagas]

Hahaha thanks Justin !!! See you next week for another video😁

[@nikkiyeo5967]

Yes agreed as well as the French lesson!!

[@aliveinchrist2379]

ahah it was super funny! thanks for the tips guys!

[@susanscovill6817]

LED overhead strip for the lighting issue. On dimmer switch Shoes - Your wooden slot idea but in canvass Lagun table - Add another piece of wood to hold it farther from the wall. Or just flip the slats to the left side with the outlet and USB. Ottoman seat box - make it moveable. Just move it to the back when necessary. Can also be used as outdoor seating. Cheers from Vancouver eh!

[@debracottrill7989]

Great suggestions! I'd take your advice on a van build. I'm hoping soon to get Ford E 250.

[@cathypham7225]

Maybe like a utility cart type thing with tiers? Bottom for shoes, middle for camera, top for snacks, it moves to make an extra seat.

[@vanlifesagas]

Sooo good. And then other people recommended adding lockable wheels on the bottom. You guys are clever!

[@DaltonsFriendswood]

What about a pretty wooden cutting board that hangs over the stove. Serves as a backsplash but can actually be used if needed.

[@vanlifesagas]

Ooommmmg! that's a great idea! Thanks for sharing 😁

[@heiscalling]

A high polished thin stainless steel sheet as a back splash attached to the wall. Might look nice and keep heat from stove from burning the painted wood...Just a suggestion. Love your van build and your videos. We always enjoy watching you both as they keeps us laughing.

[@ellynmerydith2590]

Love the cutting board idea- snd the stainless sheet too! I notice that Home Depot has a retro printed metal sheet that tries to replicate early (1920s) wall and ceiling tile/protective cover… it is very cute, and for some reason I think it originated in France. Tres bien, mais oui?

[@ladytrader688]

Cutting boards on one side, and stainless steel on the other, then you have decor options. Also. can use as cutting board (although cutting boards get ugly with use, or can be drink holder, flip over to stainless steel and it becomes a hot plate. OR skip the cutting board, put a pic on the other side of the stainless steel...maybe something yyou can change out the pic when you get board...OR on the wood side, so a wood-burn design. Cheers!

[@bearin29]

@@heiscalling Stainless steel as a backsplash is a pain in the ass, because every single little drop can be seen, and if you are as OCD as I am (and probably like Dom, it seems) that will bother you and you will have to wipe it every single time you pass by it. Wooden cutting board hides the tiny splash drops easier. You'd only have to wipe it maybe once a day, if that.

[@MissMarieGrows]

Hello Marie & Dom. I’m an international flight attendant based in the US and I have so much fun watching your journeys! The kind of center console Marie is imagining might work well with a flight attendant cart idea. Our carts are on sturdy lockable rollers with a boat style ridge/frame on top that could be used as a holder for dividers or swapped out for a cushion to be used as extra seating or a foot stool. Obviously the design would need to be modified and shortened to fit your space but please keep in mind that it would be wise to make the mobile utilitarian box “bottom heavy” as to ovoid tipping. Hope this helps. Cheers🥂

[@timdunmyer4549]

Truckstops sell these seat organizers that hang off the back of your seats to give you place for shoes.

[@vanlifesagas]

We loooove the idea. We initially tried it in our first van, but then the seat didn't swivel anymore. Oups!

[@BoleiaDaVida]

Marie's box explained was one of the best things on KZbin ever. Really funny.

[@CandycaneBeyond]

AC outlet is a simple fix. Cut a board the size of the bracket and place it on wall with screws, then reinstall the table. Depending on the thickness of the wood will give you greater distance from the wall.

[@vanlifesagas]

Thanks that's a great idea! 👍

[@sflscott11]

@@vanlifesagas or simply get a flat plug adapter :)

[@TheVAHam]

How about a 6 plug outlet adapter that has the outlets on the sides ( 3 on each side). Also flat plug extensions can be found on Amazon that are very short if you want to go that way : )

[@CandycaneBeyond]

@@TheVAHam can the outlet handle that many plugs ?

[@TheVAHam]

@@CandycaneBeyond Yes, as long as you don’t overload the circuit. Side outlets would not accept power supplies, just standard plugs. You also might have issue using an adapter because your existing outlet is recessed in your slatted wall paneling.

[@robertosantovenia4409]

The Ottoman between the Seats could also be used for your shoe storage by the sliding door. Hence space saving and dual purpose.. PS, You guys are great, Stay Well.

[@vanlifesagas]

Thanks Roberto that's a awesome idea 😃

[@ellynmerydith2590]

Just what I was thinking! I think someone did it. A wooden box, almost a cube. One side opens to show shoe cubbies- about 9. The top is cushioned but flips over to be a beverage / food tray. Underneath the top there is another tray, only an inch deep for pencils, a little clipboard, gas card, and maybe aspirin or an inhaler. The bottom has felt so it can slide between the seats and back to the cabinet by the sliding door without scratching your floor. And it latches to the cabinet to be an extra stool or feet-proper-upper when not between the seats. Eh!?

[@bairdnuckolls4640]

Two suggestions: for the shoes, Ikea makes a fold out shoe storage cabinet (Trones) that could be installed on the wall of the cabinet. They don't take up much room and they close to keep things neat. For the box in between the seats, we like to use a large Ghanan Bolga market basket. It is studily woven and has a leather covered handle. The sides are flexible, which helps protect equipment and the wide flat bottom allows you to put a great deal of stuff in it. The handle makes it easy to move out of the way when you want to get through and you can just set it on one of the seats.

[@carmenmarcinkiewicz7149]

Oh my gosh......I'm LITERALLY CRYING from laughing so hard, with Dom's illustration of the box for between the front seats.

[@mfs13]

Hey! Great and honest video! The box that Marie was describing between the front seats it’s like an ottoman. It would be great because it’s an extra seat for dinning with friends in the van.

[@jodiannkarambela4946]

Melissa - That's what we had in our old rig. The top fit on the ottoman both ways. One side had a pillow top and the other side was firm to use as a little table. We used it when we had long travel days for snacks, coffee and whatever to sit on while driving. We both had access to it. Once we got to our camp for the evening we used it as a coffee table for our little couch. Short trips, it stored under the table.

[@vanlifesagas]

Yes that's what I meant! I think it could work😁

[@Yannispawn]

@@vanlifesagas you can find collapsible cube ottomans online. The tops can even flip upside down as a tray. Fold it up when not needed. 😃

[@debbydhill]

The "box" could be exactly like you described with cushion, cut-outs and etc... however I would put it on locking casters and make the bottom of it (under the cutouts) shoe storage. You could keep it between you when you are traveling, at the door when it's need for shoes and flip the top for a seat that with the extra shoe storage it would be tall enough to reach a table....just an idea. They have ac boxes similar to what you where talking about except they have the outlets on the side (not pivoted, fixed ones). I think maybe they might have options of plugs and usb connections.

[@rachelfrossard]

I've been watching thousands of regret videos and you guys are definitely the most funny one. 😂

[@vanlifesagas]

We’re trying to moderate the drama a little.

[@RobynElms]

Absorption of the varnish - you made me laugh 😂

[@saranlove6662]

Hi Dom & Mary!!! Wonderful work👍👍👍. I advise you to place a piece of thermal glass on the wall near the stove. Easy to wash. you can place a sticker on the back side. And use as a decoration. Minimalism style. And also you can write markers on this glass board and protect the wall 😊

[@mastermoko76]

You guys are what we call in Portugal "cromos". it's such fun to watch your videos

[@vanlifesagas]

What does cromos mean?

[@jvr4465]

Loved the part with Marie’s box idea….LOL 😂

[@trudymcclendon3743]

The box illustration thing 🤣🤣🤣. I was hollering 😂. (Or am I too high)

[@vanlifesagas]

Hahaha yes 😂

[@rocio6919]

🤣😂🤣😂 She explains stuff just like I do! 🤣😂🤣👍👍👍 Love you both, you are so silly!!! 🤗

[@vanlifesagas]

Thanks Rocio!

[@cimbra1550]

For the blocked outlet…there are ‘slim fit’ extension cords for a short-term fix (?)…which lay nearly flush when plugged into the outlet…rather than sticking out.

[@vanlifesagas]

We saw those, but there would be no space for its wire stickin out!

[@CandycaneBeyond]

Get a straw beach bag for shoes. It will be firm enough to hold off shoes, flexible enough to bend, and durable enough to wash with hose to rinse off.

[@vanlifesagas]

What a great idea, thanks !

[@FadiHamoud1980]

You guys never fail to amuse. Love, love, love.

[@vanlifesagas]

Love love you! 🟨

[@brunogiffard6357]

HAHAHAHA !!!! L'illustration de "La boite à Marie" est tellement excellente !!! :)

[@vanlifesagas]

J'ai (Marie) tellement ri quand j'ai vu le montage pour la première fois.

[@minivanjourneys]

The sketch was HILARIOUS!! 😂

[@vanlifesagas]

That’s what I do.

[@cherylkruisheer3365]

You are very fortunate that your problems are so easily corrected. Really good to hear about your pet peeves though. Sometimes it’s the small things that are easily overlooked but are a pain in the ass, also easily to record the issue and then maybe the solution. Can’t wait to hear your “best things”.

[@chrisp7652]

A couple of gooseneck 12v lights mounted on the bookshelf with the wiring laying at the bottom of the bookshelf could bring a lot of light and be directional for each person at the table. The Marie sketch was hysterical!

[@vanlifesagas]

Gooseneck 12v lights hen? Looking it up now.

[@marylinebeaudoin9327]

"Pivot" HAHAHHAHAHAHA from Friends TV Show ! Good one!

[@delana6463]

Hi Dom and Marie. I like the trivet idea, black iron against the white wall would look great, but I worry about it being all that functional against heat, and cooking splashes. Maybe mount a clear fireproof plastic of some sort behind the trivets. The mom in me would like to see a backsplash and a small wall of some sort, folding or staying, to the side of the burners in between them and the bed. As far as drinking glasses you should look into Tervis drinkware. I love them. They don't sweat, keep your drinks colder or hotter for longer and don't spill if you use the tops. Best of all no circles ever as long as you have a clean outside. I love my ice water and hot coffee. I use the stainless, but have used the others and loved them too. I sit them everywhere even on my treasured family antiques with no coaster or any worry at all. OH and you can have them made with your logo! If you do, I want one! ;) I think the shoe cubby Marie suggested sounds good, or if possible building a box under the floor with a lifting trap door to access just inside the door that would sit flush. Having a combination of the two wouldn't be bad either. Loved Dom's drawing of Marie's idea for the center box lol maybe use locking casters to roll the box and to secure it. I bet your Dad could solve that easily for ya'll. The van looks beautiful and pretty perfect to me. Love to you both, let the Vanlife Sagas continue.

[@guylainericard9670]

You two are so fun to watch! Loved the box sketch and the lettuce head 🤣🤣!! Hope to see you one day! XX

[@patsyp2561]

Hanging file holders that you buy in an office supply store can be attached to your cabinet. Your shoes will fit in them toes down.

[@vanlifesagas]

Ohhh that's good! Thanks Patsy!

[@michellejensen4090]

Light - buy a small 12v rechargeable batteripack that you can hide in the bookshelf, then you can buy a 12v lamp or bulb (depending on taste) to use with it. The "backsplash" - you could put up a piece of plexiglas in a way that it's easy to put up and down, which would make it possible to add pictures or a painting behind it. Beeswax for the counters :-) Ikea here in Denmark have a little shoecabinet where the front tilts out at the top (I bet you have them over there too), it's called Trones - it might fit in that spot.

[@janemack1933]

@Michelle Jensen Just looked up the Trones thing. Excellent idea - I’m snaffling it for my van!

[@vanlifesagas]

wow Michelle those are all amazing idea will definitely check each one of them to see if they work for us! Thanks for all those suggestion 😁🧡

[@michellejensen4090]

@@janemack1933 :-D

[@michellejensen4090]

@@vanlifesagas Can't wait to see how you solve the different issues :-D

[@pumpkin4539]

You said one of your priorities was to have space as you entered the door...if you put your shoe storage attached to your counter you are encroaching on that space. Maybe build your shoe storage into the box that you want in between your seats. Put that box on rollers so you can move it in and out as you need to access the front or turn the seats around. SUCH a beautiful conversion. Love watching your videos. You always make me laugh.

[@francesca_ofthelions]

Y'all are HILARIOUS!!!! For real, new fave channel. Great info and fun. Cheers!

[@vanlifesagas]

Thanks Francesca!

[@nataliejw8865]

Man, some great ideas in here. I think a follow up video in the future would be fun. :)

[@vanlifesagas]

Absolutely. You can count on us!

[@sandygraham7943]

I am 5 1" and found the height of the van awkward, I ended up putting a Promaster running board and drivers step kit on my van it made a massive difference ! I also built a platform over the floor between the cab seats to protect the fuel pump that is directly under the very flexable flooring between the seats .

[@cynthianewfoundland2825]

Could your shoe box and utility box become one? Build a box with open shelving on the bottom with a closed in section on top that could become storage and a table. When you want to swivel the seats the box can move back to where your shoe box is now.

[@bonefog2663]

I was thinking this as well. perhaps make the bottom portion of the box slotted for shoe storage, and make the lid of the box reversable where one side would be a cushion for extra seating, and the flip side of it would be useable as a table while driving

[@vanlifesagas]

What a great idea, Will definitely be tried😁 Thanks for sharing with us!

[@vanlifesagas]

That's sounds amazing😁🧡

[@nancygervais6408]

Add a canvas of your favourite picture or scenery on your wall over your stove. Decorative and can act as a backsplash

[@vanlifesagas]

Little spaghetti splashes on the Mona Lisa?

[@richarddavidjohn6803]

You can get the plastic trim for the max air fan with led lights built in. That might help with the lighting.

[@andylecouffe4375]

For the wall behind the stove you can put a steel panel (we found ours at Ikea). Dom you can colour match it to your wall with high heat paint. Then you have heat protection and you can hang magnetic stuff. We have spice jars with mag base that we found at Bulk Barn. For the step up to the sliding door opening, we went low tech - a plastic stool that you can find at big box or dollar stores. In fact the style we got is stackable so we bought two. One for outside and one that we place at the foot of the bed for easier step up. Especially helpful for those middle of the night, half asleep, trips to the porta-potty. Love your build and love your humour!!

[@vanlifesagas]

Thanks Andy! We might just get a step in the end! Hahah.

[@PeacefulAbiding]

For shoes, you can use a cloth hanging shoe rack that has velcro at the top to go around a closet dowel. I use this at my house for shoes.

[@caliemm2159]

Solar lanterns, solar lights on their stick in a vase for the table. I love them.Unscrew the top part in the morning. Let them sit on the dash during the day. Yeah francophoners....c'est formidable!

[@vanlifesagas]

Ohhhh baby. Great idea! Thanks for that recommendation!

[@patsyp2561]

You can buy a night lite that covers your electrical outlet. They have outlets on both sides of the light.

[@vanlifesagas]

That's a really great idea!

[@OmSahaja]

#10 - what about a little wall mounted candlestick holder? You could even put a glass hurricane around it to protect the flame and amplify the light. Old fashioned but it works!

[@wanderingheap3738]

Just add about half inch wood flat piece to move the table mount out some, easy peasy

[@vanlifesagas]

That's exactly what we'll be doing. Thanks friend!

[@miniskooliewanda]

😂😂😂Marie's sketch 😂😂😂

[@tracypreston574]

OMG that was hilarious!

[@yogawithsarahmiller632]

Dead 🤣🤣🤣

[@vanlifesagas]

He did a amazing job at representing what I said 🥴😂

[@miniskooliewanda]

@@vanlifesagas 😂😂😂

[@amyemtage5859]

Your humour is much appreciated as was the lesson in French Canadian.

[@vanlifesagas]

YAY!! We're happy you liked it!! Thanks friend!

[@kofylam]

for your shoes maybe see if you can get a hold of the plastic ikea uses for their compact shoe cabinets and diy one yourselves in the space by the door. the ones that fold vertically. they're very minimal and space saving.

[@vanlifesagas]

Oh that's a good idea! Thanks for sharing Joey😊

[@kofylam]

glad i could contribute my idea! rooting for you guys to resolve those things you want changed.

[@joangood6004]

Vertical shoe rack on the kitchen wall so shoes are up off the floor but sand and dirt fall where it can be swept up or outside easily.

[@vanlifesagas]

Yess, that’s what we are looking for!

[@roberthernandez7564]

Great episode! Dom's illustration of Marie's Box idea was hilarious!

[@vanlifesagas]

That dude... he never stops!

[@peterjohan6735]

Get a large rectangular embossed copper tray. 2 hooks, one higher as a wall decoration, one lower to protect the wall when cooking

[@thetexasginger7913]

BACK OF STOVE what about a fold down 'counter like Murphy Bed concept? It could cover the stove when not in use and extend the counter space, protects wall when up. COUNTER Find a clear cover with 'feet'...a cutting board, if you will, see through to the wood and functional and removeable SHOE BOX A box-basket with dividers inside and a lid that holds items to wipe off/dust off shoes OR holds van shoes/slippers (shoes u only wear in the van) Love the transparency on the love/hate on a van u just built. Hope to meet someday! HUGS

[@mattprior219]

How about a glass chopping board for behind the hob? Maybe one that's held in at the sides and that you can slide up and out to use, then slide it back down to store vertically? You can get some great designs!

[@vanlifesagas]

You mean a removable backsplash???

[@mattprior219]

@@vanlifesagas in a way, yes. Removable half height backsplash that doubles as a chopping board. Coils be glass, heat resistant plastic, or maybe even wood?

[@oscaryjavita]

Hilarious Dom's illustration 😂

[@vanlifesagas]

What a dude!

[@_GntlStone_]

Shoebox Idea: look at the Ikea Trones shoe storage in white. just add a clip style latch so it stays closed during travel. You could add a top in matching wood to dress it up.

[@vanlifesagas]

What a great idea! Thanks friend!

[@marthaabernethy5043]

You could use Maries box idea but attach it to the edge of the counter where the shoe box is with velcro and store shoes inside and you could move it when you are driving and it could still use it as a stool.

[@taryn1069]

Led strip lights in the front, canvas shoe holder on back of passenger seat. Make the same cork window blinds in the front as you have in the bedroom. matt Varnish for the counter tops

[@DUSTINKENNEDY383]

For your shoes maybe do a couple shelfs like the book shelf just a little deeper

[@vanlifesagas]

Like vertically?

[@sarahloy830]

Countertop Waterlox is what I use. 8 years and it still looks good. Matte finish looks natural , semigloss brings out the beauty of the grain.

[@vanlifesagas]

Awesome we'll check out this product, thanks😁👍

[@trevorpaxton4088]

You could paint a design above the stove for decoration and to also help out with the yellowing of the varnish!

[@martywall6679]

On your outlet issue with the Laguna table, I would add a 1/2" wood spacer at the existing wooden mount. That should give you enough space to use the outlet. Love your videos!!!

[@vanlifesagas]

Sooooo much easier than destroying it all. Can't believe we didn't think of the one. Duh! 🙄

[@cimbra1550]

For dirty shoes, plastic hair covers are super cheap and easy to store-you can put shoes into them when you take them off and put them in your shoebox, so all the dirt stays in the plastic bag (hairnet).

[@vanlifesagas]

Oh damn, that sounds genius.

[@RA-tj8lv]

Love the music 🎶! No undies shot but your bun on top of your head bops up and down when you shake your head! LOL 😆 to funny 😆😄love you guys

[@vanlifesagas]

Hahah i'm a little dash wobbling hawaiian girl!

[@ccaatttiraffe]

I like Marie's box idea! You could do something similar for shoes but bolt it to the cupboard?

[@PeacefulAbiding]

Behind the stove, you could use a large piece of clear, hard plastic, I dont know what you call it. It is clear like glass but not breakable. This would make cleanup easy and you could slide pictures behind it if your travels or whatever you like. They would be protected from grease but hear from cooking might affect them.

[@NursingNean]

We are short women too. We salvaged a fabric handle off (something) and installed it with riv-nuts(sp?) right where we wanted it on wall behind the passenger seat so we can use it to get in and out. Our van came with a step installed - we love it, but we still use the handle too. How about buying an over the door shoe pocket, cut it down and attach it to the cabinet?. Also use your cup holders for flip flops and small shoes. I think a removable box between the seats is a valuable project to work on! That's wasted space when driving, but has to move when you're parked (maybe store shoes in the bottom and have it live where your shoes currently are when you're not traveling?

[@catherinebrown8934]

Check for USB powered reading lights for near your table? Some use adhesive tape to attach to the walls. I use them in my RV. For the wall, I would consider finding some decorative tiles (spanish or mexican?) that you love and use construction glue to to adhere to the wall. They are easy to clean and would give some protection from fire from the stove.

[@CharlieFF136]

For the shoebox get a shoe hanger that you put on a door and cut it down to fit that spot and hang it there. It would be removable so you can shake it out to clean and stay put on hooks fixed to the cabinet

[@vanlifesagas]

Oh that's good. Can even use it in the back of the van for showers.

[@CharlieFF136]

@@vanlifesagas absolutely! We use it when we travel at hotels and put all kinds of stuff in it for travel storage

[@ThePlantParadigm]

An aesthetically pleasing shoe storage near the door was on our minds too! Our solution was to simply downsize the amount of shoes we have haha

[@vanlifesagas]

HAHA!!! I think that's the best tip we had so far 😂

[@BossRoss045]

Additional light behind driver seat. You can run the wires in the original post behind the door. It removes easily and will allow you for install a light source in the area.

[@vanlifesagas]

Would be the best option I think! Thanks friend! 😁

[@NveSmyrna]

Marie's sketch FTW!! That was hilarious! And no, we can't see her underwear and we REALLY looked! You're good. :-)

[@vanlifesagas]

Makes me laughing so much when Dom sketch my idea 😂

[@paigers750]

Marie's box idea could have the doors for your shoes at the bottom and could be on wheels or some type of removable system and the top could actually flip from cushion to tray and a serving lower tray for your camera stuff.

[@vanlifesagas]

Exactly what we need!! Thanks friend! 🤗

[@Juliegriffiths1]

Loved the show. Keep on trucking.

[@vanlifesagas]

Thanks for watching!

[@bearin29]

You are two are freagin' hilarious. I love your energy. Thank you!

[@houseportraitscalligraphy7474]

Puck lights: easy fix....battery powered or extension cord to bed light gooseneck style....check your Goodwill light section...they have lots of lamps under 3 dollars.

[@riffleball]

I think you should build Marie's box (ottoman) exactly like the drawing Dom showed. What a conversation piece. Lol. Thanks for adding a "Demonstration" lol. Love you guys!!🥰

[@vanlifesagas]

With the duck, right?

[@hazelem1266]

We have a Ford transit. We are old and definitely need a step. We have a plastic portable camping step that travels just inside the door and comes out whenever we are parked. We found the installed retractable steps too narrow for my husband’s big feet.

[@vanlifesagas]

And they also lower the floor clearance of your vehicle!

[@apexautoelectrics3794]

Thule make a neat electric step that slides out when the door is open and closes when door closes, they are slim too

[@vanlifesagas]

Ohhhh snap. That's what we need. Thanks friend

[@johncrisp6683]

Wood counters… I poured clear epoxy over mine. However, it does add more weight. I found it hard to do correctly. The wood was special so I wanted to protect it and be able to see it well. It may darken a little. Use a test price if possible. They may look more shinny. Step… we have a plastic one and there is a plastic tub that fits into the legs when it is stored. I have seen ones that also fold flat that look effective. We are older and stepping in carrying something heavy will hurt my knee. Shoes… we bought a hanging cloth boxes. Don’t know how to describe. Hangs in the closet, each small box holds pair of shoes so they stack in a single column. Still leave them around. Same as described but vertical. You will find solutions.

[@bryanr8897]

There are cutting board waxes that further protect wood cutting boards and counters.

[@vanlifesagas]

Ohhhh looking it up now.

[@alexanegrao314]

Hello, maybe a shoe organizer with pockets for the shoes on the back of your seats? Take care

[@vanlifesagas]

That could be awesome, yes!

[@squarepenny6946]

How about a metal sheet behind the stove (on the wall). Can be framed in an artistic manner. Then you could use it as a magnetic board for supplies, attaching magnets to the supplies or to small cute boxes that hold your supplies. Maybe I could help with this also.

[@dawnsmith4275]

You could have the stripe-making guy make a cool design out of vinyl for your backsplash. If you get tired of it you can change it. Embrace the stains on the counter. Shoe cubies! Does the foam in the hair come from foaming at the mouth when you're overwhelmed?

[@debbievance5248]

For your lighting issue, try a short string of Luminoodle (powerpractical.com) attached just behind trim of bookshelf - a hole drilled in the bookshelf so you can set the usb power for them in the bookshelf out of sight. These are super bright. If you don't want it to be permanent - the lights come with a white bag that will hold the coil of lights and the power and you can hang it from a slat of your ceiling like a chandelier. Boot box - we have a felt box from Ikea that we share - it is lined on the bottom with a silicone dog food mat (Amazon). If you don't want to share due to someone (Dom) not clearing debris from his shoes, you could each have your own. Ikea makes a fold out wall mounted plastic shoe storage thing that folds closed - maybe you could redesign in wood to match your interior. When you figure out the step thing we would love to hear it . We have a transit, bought a step, however it moves when you step out of the van on uneven surfaces - so it spends most of it's time in the bottom of the boot box. FYI - we witnessed no Sharon Stone clip in this video.

[@Juliegriffiths1]

Sticky back plastic. Gives colour and design and it waterproof. For the back splash.

[@vanlifesagas]

We’ll look into this. Do you have a link?

[@danielforrest3232]

We had the same problem with the pine colour. It is called tannin seap. You need to use an oil based primer/sealer + stain blocker before painting. We made the mistake of using a water based primer/sealer + stain blocker and we ended up having all the brown knots in the wood showing through. You should be able to find an all in one product to fix the problem.

[@Juliegriffiths1]

Led solar lights. Run the small solar panel out of the window up to the roof. Stick the led track around the area you need light. They come with dimable remote. And different colours

[@vanlifesagas]

Like they have their own panel?

[@Juliegriffiths1]

I use a lot of them around my home. In the garden I use the solar ones. Yes they have their own small panel. 2 by 2 inches.

[@cherylkruisheer3365]

Trivets can be sprayed paint with heat resistant paint in colors. Easy to wash . Always the most important reason to use something.

[@cindyross1037]

I love you guys. I always have a smile and a laugh watching you. Mercy Buckets.

[@jaysubrosa6147]

Shoe box idea...I have a mountable slotted shoebox that I use. it is small enough to fit in that space and can be mounted to the side of the cabinet. Light over the table... If you have a USB power outlet nearby, there are small LED lamps that can plug into that. As a musician, I use one of these. This one clips onto the music stand and has two separate lights that can be positioned individually. Van step... there are actual steps that mount underneath the van. You can get either a stationary one, or one that automatically recesses under the van when traveling, then into step position when stopped. The paneling turning yellow... You used a pinewood paneling, apparently. Knots can be seen through the finish you applied that suggests pine. Pine contains a heavy resin that leaks out. When you applied the finish you did not say that there was a sealer applied first. This is unfortunate. A sealer would have prevented this. The only suggestion I have is consult a professional cabinet maker. The only way I know to fix this is to remove the finish you have now, apply sealer, and then refinish. Bon voyage form Florida, USA!

[@gabrielw7929]

Maybe a Gathre vegan leather mat for the wall decor and practical use on countertops. Their maps are pretty rad, but the kids prints are also pretty cool. Our son has mountain and travel themed placemats that I’d like to frame. :)

[@brendag2891]

This was one of the BEST videos!!!! Totally lol all the way! Ah, yes, I understand these problems. A center console that doubles as a bench, and triples as a table. The bamboo is already oiled, so you can't use latex over it now. And the shoes! A never ending battle. Maybe keep the shoe tray or bin, line it with a towel that you can shake out like a rug when mud dries to sand, and you can wash sometimes. Take a drive to Ikea and walk around. Ideas will come to you there. Get one of their catalogs, a physical one you can page through, and go through all of it. They might have some vertical dividers that are movable, for different sizes of shoes, depending on the season. It may be in the form of a towel bin in the bathroom section, or some random office thing, or plush toy pockets in the kids section.

[@denisecatlett7203]

You definitely need a step! Since I got my Sprinter, I have Bursitis in both hips:( plan on putting step this spring:

[@vanlifesagas]

We are working on it with Boreal Campers.

[@WoodlandCompanies]

Polyurethane works good for countertops, nice clear protective coating, we use it all the time. Moving the block that the table mount may be your simplest solution to the unusable outlet issue. Adding a light above the table is a quick and easy thing, just need to drill a hole where you want to place the new light, pull out the nearest light and use a drain snake or piece of thick wire to fish your light wire between the two lights.

[@ryancappo]

Make a hinged step that folds out when parked with the door open. Include shoe storage inside this box. Bonus points if it can be quickly moved and act as the cup holder between the two front seats when driving, hinges wouldn't be necessary then, just a way to securely connect it in both locations... with some shoe storage still.

[@vanlifesagas]

Perfect idea!! Love the shoe storage tip! Thanks friend! 😁

[@ImTwistedBeautifully]

They have led lights that have stick backs that work wonders.

[@dayz8866]

Walls are changing colour probably due to using oil/solvent based paints/varnish. Try a water based paint. Another idea build a shoe rack/storage inbetween the front seats with usable storage on top for when your driving. 2 birds 1 stone. Great build guys :)

[@livingworkingoutsidebox]

Ducktape! That will fix everything. You could ad a step bar vrs a wide folding step that might get old folding un folding. For white walls Do not varnish! Just sand prime and paint. Paint multiple coats. Ikea shoe box on side of cabinet near the door. Center storage try a removable center console. There are several options that come up. Several lock. Hint place velcro on the floor and bottom to help keep it in place. Then when needed pull out place in foot area of passenger seat out of way. For 110 plug do you have a few centimeters space between table bar and socket? There are right 90° angle adapters. Remove table bar. Plug in adapter then replace bar. Good luck 👍

[@vanlifesagas]

Wow thanks for all the amazing recommendation! We'll see if we can use them! See you next week friend 😁

[@livingworkingoutsidebox]

@@vanlifesagas no thank you for creating such wonderful content 👏

[@simonefire]

You are so fun! Love the shoe box and btw the seats “ottoman” ideas.

[@vanlifesagas]

Yes, thanks I also think it's a great idea🙃