Vlog 10: sticking up a vapour barrier and starting the floor on my DIY campervan conversion

[@jayoneill1533]

My goodness, two David Johns vlogs in two days? This must be heaven ! The van project is coming along very nicely and I’m glad you’re taking the time to do the job with admirable precision. As you well know, we members of the Perfectionist League carry an inner burden...

[@danieltaylor5231]

For someone who claims to be rubbish at DIY you are doing pretty darn good.

[@Vandemonium]

Thank you

[@alangarner4095]

You need to turn off the hammer action on your drill it will make it much easier to use it 👍🏻😎👍🏻

[@michaelmooney3369]

I've been impressed by the methodical way you have been doing this.

[@scottsturgeon618]

I did a similar build out on a 2015 Ford Transit Connect. Watching you cut the floor is giving me flashbacks. When cutting wood keep in mind imperfections will be under the linolium or whatever flooring you'll use for the beauty side. As a veteran of (now) 3 vans, your quality of work looks good. I think showing the process of learning and doing at the same time is too much for some. There are many "the magic happens here" KZbin DIY channels for those who want multi-take perfection.

[@Vandemonium]

Thank you, much appreciated :-)

[@AnthonyChew]

Ahh the art of chipping away just that little centimeter of wood to make sure it fits. It seriously is satisfying to see you work.

[@ccooper8785]

19:01 "not bad for a first attempt" understatement of the year. I would be delighted if any of my diy had turned out as good as that. Regarding yes/no on vapour barriers; I would say if the manufacturers of camper vans use them then they are needed. I cannot see any manufacturer spending the time and money if it's not required.

[@MagicaLucem]

My goodness. It's a good job you are a young man..!!!! This is, in the modern vernacular, an epic task. A superb vlog...but it is exhausting just to watch how much work you are doing.. As another commenter put it..."Your van is coming on really nicely"..And aren't you working hard to make it all happen. Bravo and Best Wishes to you. I need another cuppa after watching this. Oh I must add a complete salute to that brain of yours, for keeping the total wiring diagram and full layout schemas intact inside. Help! I need a digestive biscuit too. Phew ! Brilliant but breathtaking!

[@Davinderbys64]

Excellent ... Well done David, it's getting to the point where you almost look as if you know what your doing ha ha.

[@Vandemonium]

"Almost" hahaha ;-)

[@BobPhleming]

You did a better job on your first attempt than a few 'professional' van lining companies that I could mention! Nice work David.

[@simonrichardson5533]

Chas P Auto Trail springs to mind!

[@sylviapage8572]

You’re doing a really great job. I’m so impressed with your progress. I knew you’d have thought about the electrics! Thanks for sharing this project. I’m enjoying it.

[@nathanleach7441]

After watching all the boat vlogs I thought I was done with you tube for a while, and then THIS pops up. Happy days… loving this project and the fact you’re a complete novice makes it much more watchable. I think a yoghurt pot boat fix up should be next on your list.

[@Vandemonium]

Welcome along. I did nearly do a GRP boat...

[@deezynar]

Watching you work is interesting to me. You make mistakes, but you actually are knowledgeable and don't make many more than lots of people who do this sort of thing for a living. What strikes me the most about watching you is you are so completely humble about your skill. I watch a LOT of DIY videos, and I can tell you that many of those guys are winging it, but they want everyone to think they know exactly what they're doing. You, on the other hand, display some real understanding and skills, yet you're always very self effacing.

[@Vandemonium]

You're very kind; I'm happy to admit I'm largely clueless and finding stuff out as I go!

[@steadycamuk1]

Great vid as ever and soooo interesting. Nothing like doing a build conversion to realise the work involved and the minutia of tiny fitting and blending mods required to get things to ACTUALLY fit rather than expecting a piece cut to a supposed size that just drops in. Makes you realise where some of the costs of new PVCs comes from. Have to say also you've got some skills there . More power to your elbow and keep making the vids they are appreciated

[@candaceatkinson8062]

Your new door windows let in a lovely amount of light. And a nice view.

[@TaxTheMonkey]

I love your little rants, keep them coming please!

[@TheTrudgians]

Excellent job thus far, really enjoying watching your progress David, you are making van conversions very accessible to the masses, i can almost hear the mantra "I can do that...." being yelled at the screen as I type. Hope you are well, and that sandwich was worth its weight in gold. Speak soon Dan

[@timpaszkiewicz7169]

Very impressive. The best thing about this build. When it's done. You can say. I did it myself.

[@annettefournier9655]

I got tired just watching all that work. Well deserved tea time!

[@PAKoffee10]

Came across from Cruising the Cut. Wanted to say thank you on the build videos here. You are going into much more detail about what you are doing and what you are dealing with than most video build series. It helps me to understand the puzzle pieces you are working on (and the issues with some of the choices). Keep going, my good man. I look forward to seeing the final buildout.

[@Vandemonium]

Thank you!

[@joann5157]

Hi David, I am subscribed to both your channels and love them both. I am amazed at your "challenge anything" attitude. I was very nervous when you installed the back windows on the van, but YOU DID IT!!!! I also love traveling the canals vicariously with you on your narrowboat. All the fun, but none of the work opening and closing the locks. Looking forward to more of those videos too!

[@Vandemonium]

Thank you. I was rather anxious about the windows too but so far so good!

[@rikkiesix]

Your electric drill is on the setting for drilling concrete i think. Nice video

[@mischef18]

Coming along well bro. Mmmm cheese and tomato sandwich sound like a good idea for my lunch, it is meant to be autumn here yet still getting tomato's from the garden, seams like summer will never end here in NZ. All the best

[@om617yota8]

Love the self tapping screws. Half my truck is held together with them.

[@kerplunk8011]

I was pleased to see you were able to use some of the paint that was used on your narrow wide boat. Good management of leftover material.

[@xistacio]

I hope that the drawing reference is not about the Picasso painting! :P Thumbs up for that tiny little bit of "jigsawing" without PPE. And all things considered you are now an amateur carpenter. Thanks for sharing.

[@aaronhorn6849]

Has anyone informed you that your DeWalt drill is set to hammer? Its a setting used for drilling concrete and masonry with a special kind of drill bit. It may have actually helped you in this case in driving in the self tapping screws.

[@Sm-iw2vh]

By several thousand people, he has, yes.

[@stephaniewilson3955]

Ear defenders! Finally David worked out that even cutting wood can be noisy.

[@remyllebeau77]

Measure twice, cut once as they say. :) Nice to get an update.

[@kerplunk8011]

I'm with you on the vapor barrier. Even if the moisture would be a little more than expected. You could wipe it down as you can see it. Another thought would be considering the space being small. You could run a small Dehumidifier while at rest for the night or even on a damp day cool day. I think you made the right choice.

[@clairepapadatos1116]

Well done, my dear😊 Coming along superbly😊😀👍👍👍

[@mickobrien6360]

I am with you on the vapor barrier.

[@lanestreet1431]

Coming along quite nicely. I realize that the horse has already left the barn, should you do something like this in the future you should always attempt to use the factory edge when butting two pieces of ply together. You will never be able to field cut an edge as straight as the factory edge. Cheers and thanks for sharing.

[@Vandemonium]

Funny you should say that - just wait for the next vlog ;-)

[@MartinAhlman]

Great work, I love watching you work. Mostly because it's not me working, but you also give me great ideas! Cheers mate!

[@greggobleman270]

Thank you for that definition of "Genius". I qualify!

[@sundanceks5074]

100% correct. Vapor barrier goes on warm side of insulation and needs all cracks sealed with aluminum tape also.

[@nairbllebpmac4179]

Lovely work there David. I'm glad things are going well for you.

[@ericc461]

Pleasant meditation, watching someone else do good work. How convenient you can just Permanently Glue it, without having to think you may be going through another nation's customs point some time. I sometimes visit our dear Canadian neighbors. If the nice Officer with shiny badge says they're having a look under your floorboards, they'll pop them up and leave them for you to replace at your convenience. Oh, I'm in your 'camp', vapor barrier the inside as if you'll be adding an aquarium.

[@Jinxid77]

I know this is an old video, but it makes me chuckle that in the last video you bought hearing protection, and claim you'll use them without fail.. and then cutting a huge sheet of plywood without :P use your safety gear ! :D

[@Vandemonium]

The video clips weren’t necessarily filmed in sequence. Plus the hearing defenders were really bought for very loud things like cutting the metal, as I did for the window install, rather than general DIY bits

[@valeriabalmaceda1069]

Very informative. Helps someone like me that has no experience but your explanation on the insulation makes all the sense now and this is after watching of hundreds of videos from other builders. Thank you!

[@Vandemonium]

Glad it was useful!

[@epj900]

You don't need the drill set to hammer for driving screws

[@briankruelle413]

Two things, though one of them might be too late to be of help. I have a travel trailer, a caravan in your neck of the woods, where I had to replace some of the floor due to a roof leak that caused the boards to rot. To cut straight edges, it is best to clamp on a guide rail to help keep your saw running straight. There are things that you can buy for a straight edge or you could use a piece of lumber like what you used for your battens, as long as it is not warped. Second thing, if you end up with a leak in the roof or side walls, you may want to cut away parts of that vapor barrier to allow things to dry out. You can always reinstall those pieces after you are sure everything is dry. I’m not an expert either, but this is something I have run across. Nice job so far.

[@Vandemonium]

I tried a guide rail but weirdly still kept coming out by a few millimetres (and I tried it three times!)

[@stilcrazychris]

I think your doing good. I also think your a little hard on yourself to. But it's your van you do what you think is best for you. I've never build one out before. So I'm not going to tell anyone that it's wrong... I sure am learning a lot for this. Thanks for sharing, Chris

[@Vandemonium]

Thank you

[@jameslynch5716]

A really good blog, I have a Cheddar cheese sandwich every day for lunch. Your best QUIP so far is still TYRED DUCKS.

[@lynnrixson3013]

Love the progress. You make it interesting and your narrative makes me chuckle. Looking forwards to the next episode 😊😊

[@flybywire5866]

Steady progress, looks great. You are really putting effort in doing nice tidy jobs! I like if things are done properly and with thought.

[@jamesnoonan7450]

I've seen "professional" carpenters do a worse job at ply lining than you've done, David. I feel as the carpenter doing the work knows it's unlikely the ply lining will ever be seen they just bang it in. It's nice to see some craftsmanship, even if it's just DIY.

[@Vandemonium]

You're very kind! 👍

[@craigwadeson9139]

Crikey you have some patience David! Another great vlog. Btw hammer action needs turning off your drill/driver. 😉

[@Vandemonium]

Shush now!! Enough!

[@iansloan4261]

Excellent job. That's going to be a very nice interior when it's completed.

[@Vandemonium]

I do hope so...

[@carringtonscapers4368]

Another good film, and a well deserved cuppa. We are hoping to convert a van sometime soon and are watching as much KZbin as possible. There are as many opinions for insulation and vapour barriers as there are vans. With any project the foundations are the most important part - all Quantity Surveyors know that ;)

[@garybrockman5682]

Great video again, fantastic effort with the flooring as you had changed the dimensions, don't be so hard on yourself! Vapour barrier, no vapour barrier is down to personal preference, I haven't got a vapour barrier and I've had no condensation but my van is always well aired. Good job 🖒

[@Vandemonium]

Cheers Gary. I'm hoping mine will also be reasonably ventilated as well; the sliding window on the side can be opened a notch at night of course, and the roof vent has permanent openings to the outside even if the main lid is shut. Anyway, I'll find out (if I ever finish building the thing!)

[@garybrockman5682]

Horses for courses as I say. When you do finish, it will be interesting to know how it all goes.

[@Vandemonium]

Absolutely. This is going to be a splendid learning experience, I think. Cheers.

[@0HARE]

I enjoyed watching this. You did a good job with it all. Best Of Luck going forward.

[@buddhajim]

Really love the blog, the way you have approached this project and the way you explain what and why and how. My one downer is the length of gaps between episodes.. I was 50 this year and I'm wondering if I'll still be around to see you finish it! Can we have some back to back episodes? Best wishes Jim

[@Vandemonium]

We've had largely cold, windy, wet weather in the last couple of months so there hasn't been much progress to make more vlogs. I can only go out and do it when the weather's nice, since I'm doing it all on the canalside.

[@thebuckeyecampers785]

Like the video about vapor barrier thanks, Eric from the Buckeye Campers and always remember home is where you park it!!!

[@53Peterbilt]

It's too late now, but if you ever find yourself in a project where you're going to have big sheets of plywood meeting up against each other... Instead of cutting the line between them, just use the factory cut edge and work out from there. It'll eliminate that wobbly seam you show us at: 18:30 Vans is coming along nicely otherwise. :) Cheers!

[@maxboonkittypoison]

good progress on your van build :)) keep up the good work! Greetings from Holland,, Kitty.

[@kdri155]

Nicely done so far, had a little laugh at the quote from Titanic...

[@Vandemonium]

I'm glad someone spotted that :-)

[@silkyjones2626]

I love tomato and mayo sandiches with cheese or even without. May fav sandwich. Enjoyed the van stuff too.

[@Vandemonium]

Mayo is terrible stuff, when I'm President of the World it will be banned.

[@alejandrayalanbowman367]

Good for you! I would ban garlic as well.

[@Vandemonium]

I totally agree!

[@heatherangellight8558]

Excellent! Learning so much although we will probably never do this. Love learning !!

[@Vandemonium]

Thank you

[@ttv2951]

Nice work your DIY skills are amazing all the more so cos it's all done canalside 😉 it's really taking shape now. Those wheel arches are killing my ocd 😄

[@daved4547]

I'm sure someone mentioned in one of your previous videos that your drill was set to hammer and you should take it off as the only use this should have is for masonry drilling. Apart from that, good to see you're still having fun with it! (The van!)

[@Vandemonium]

This vlog was recorded before the last vlog was published hence no change in the drill in this one. I've since put it back to the right setting.

[@kenpage1107]

Coming on nicely Dave.

[@mickobrien6360]

Well done.

[@robertgeorge2170]

You're quite correct about the placement of vapour barrier...placed on the warm side of insulation (i.e. inside face), the insulation warms the air-borne water-vapour passing through and creates a "dew-point" or point of water condensation at or (hopefully) outside the vapour-barrier. It's tricky to get the insulation thickness right, to end up with an ideal insulated wall system... you will need to check for water condensing between the inner and outer metal skins of the van panels (look for icicles in winter, or rust spots at seams in spring), but they are typically constructed with drain holes at the bottom to ensure water doesn't become trapped.

[@lavaria4037]

This was so satisfying to watch and I loooove your accent.

[@mickyjb2003]

Great first attempt, the old of measure twice cut once comes to mind. Vapour barrier, bit like the Space stztion.lol Keep up the good work.

[@Vandemonium]

Oh, I measured so many times!!

[@wildlifewalkswithcountryge749]

Super neat job again David, lovin the project 👍 Cheers.

[@gerrytanner1682]

Very well done David.

[@williamjordan811]

You could always put a moister absorption packet in the void before you seal up with vapor barrier. Cheers, and hope this helps. God bless

[@Vandemonium]

Could do but I'm not convinced even that's really needed. Cheers William

[@grimreboot]

Thanks for another video! Missed them recently :)

[@Vandemonium]

They're going up as regularly as ever they did...

[@grimreboot]

Vandemonium More of a cruising the cut comment really... ;)

[@Vandemonium]

Ah, hands up, you got me there I agree!

[@69Phuket]

I've a hard time getting over your toff accent. (that's where i am) Luck would have it i'm a loving soul.. So ..Ill wish you well and Strumpets Galore!

[@JasperJanssen]

Jigsaw on wood might not be as loud as on a metal resonating cavity, but why not put on the ear muffs anyway?

[@davidrussell7837]

Great vlog again,thank you !! Have you thought of a one way vapour barrier like modern goofing felt. Waterproof but breathable. And as a tintinitus sufferer.... PLEASE wear ear defenders !!!

[@Vandemonium]

I do wear them whenever it's appropriate.

[@stacieodstacieod9555]

Looks good to me being it is your first floor. I had to my floor three times and it never looked as your flood dose!

[@Vandemonium]

Just wait 'til I replace it in the next vlog ;-)

[@thepigwillfly5869]

Good video, the van is coming along nicely. I wonder if you shouldn't have used the factory edges where the two main floor boards meet in order to keep the joint good and straight. You already had to cut the other side to fit around the wheel humps.

[@Vandemonium]

Ah, well if you wait til the next one, which was recorded shortly after this...

[@stevec-b6214]

the mantra of the vapour barrier is that it goes on the `warm` ie heated side of the insulation. This is A FACT end of, and David is correct and perfect in all ways. ;)

[@Vandemonium]

David is frequently wrong, as many folk will attest, but in regards to the vapour barrier I stand my ground.

[@contrafax]

The wiring in my head can't keep track of wiring 😂.

[@johnbrookes2196]

David, its shaping up nicely. Looking at that bag of clamps I wondered what you will do with all your new tools when this project is finished.

[@Vandemonium]

I shall sprawl on them like a lottery winner sprawls on a bed of cash.

[@lv_woodturner3899]

Well done. The plywood is looking good. I find using a straight edge with the jig saw will give you a much better edge especially on long edges. Use the factory edge of one piece of plywood as the straight edge when cutting another piece. If you need to trim wood for shapes like the bumps in the floor, a rasp works much better than a file. The teeth on a file tend to fill with the wood. Dave.

[@Vandemonium]

Good tip about the rasp, nice one :-)

[@Pallethands]

And I thought the drive up to Yelvertoft was rutty. Your current mooring really takes the biscuit.

[@CaptainBee100]

Coming on nicely. I was thinking you could use any leftover wood for your stove on the boat, but maybe not as ply wood is all full of glue! 😕

[@Vandemonium]

Nah, it's being binned (or kept if they're decent-sized bits)

[@mikehatswell3961]

It's coming on a treat David, I know it's too late now but why didn't you put the join under the bed ? all the best

[@Vandemonium]

Because I'm an idiot and didn't think of it!

[@jerrybaldock5306]

Love the videos, just a quick question though. It sounds like you have your drill / driver on hammer. Shouldn't that be taken off? Cheers Jerry

[@Vandemonium]

Yes it should, that was a mistake.

[@jerrybaldock5306]

Vandemonium . keep up the good work, looking forward to the finished product :)

[@southjerseysound7340]

It's looking good but I'd recommend installing the batteries underneath the van. Not only will it save space it will be safer since you wont have to worry about the gasses associated with lead acid batteries. Chances are someone may already make a battery box for your van but if not it isnt hard to do. As for the refrigerator you might look into making your own.They sell kits that include the compressor,foam and everything else needed.Not only is it cheaper but it allows you to customize how it fits so you can maximize the space.

[@southjerseysound7340]

Also when making long straight cuts with a hand held saw you can clamp a straight edge to it as a guide.I generally use a T square but anything works. Just clamp it off to the side with your saw on the line and use it as a fence to guide your cut.

[@Vandemonium]

I'll be using AGM so no (little) worry about gassing. And there's no space under the van anyway. I tried using a straight edge as a guide but wierdly, even though I measured up against the side of the jigsaw, it still came out slightly off on three occasions!!

[@southjerseysound7340]

Great choice on AGM,I've mounted them under Transits and Sprinters so I assumed you might have room.But I've never crawled under your model as we dont have them here but figured I'd throw the idea out there anyway.As for the cuts,you did a great job with a jigsaw,I doubt i could do better but if the straight edge is moving dont be afraid to screw it down if needed ;-) They actually make a fence kit here for circular saws but once fastened it'll work for a jig saw too. I thought i could do without one for years but once I used one I cant cut anything without it.

[@JEll123]

Love the series keep it. Just had a thought, vapour barrier with silica packet inside to absorb the moisture? Probably to late a thought to help you though.

[@bnadvornik]

The small gaps aren't really a big deal. You can run some caulking in them if you must. I'm guessing that you are going to use some kind of carpeting in the van and it will hide any of the imperfections in the sub flooring. It really doesn't need to be absolutely perfect. :)

[@Vandemonium]

I did consider caulking and yes it will get lino. But the narrow long piece on the left of the van was really bad.

[@luanncrownover4]

Great progress!

[@andrewbarlow1707]

It sounds like you have your drill on hammer

[@richd7891]

For goodness sake, take your cordless off hammer! Otherwise, great videos and I can't wait to see the end result!

[@mysticvirgo9318]

the vapor barrier also acts a bit of a thermal break , as well.

[@allorenz6591]

As Magnus from Nutshell would say "not bad". I'll give it a 9 1/2 out of 10 ! 😎

[@deanbritton8441]

nice work David ,just wondering if you have made a diy faraday cage ....

[@Vandemonium]

Probably! Lightning shouldn't be a problem ;-)

[@joyo9323]

5:20 Did you do this before buying the ear defenders? cos ya not wearing them lol

[@grumkulltharaka4283]

Great progress

[@jackofblades6736]

Would be nice if someone made a rig to show both side like the show Tested.

[@CaptainK007]

If you had got a few extra long screws you could hang your coats up outside 😂

[@darrenslater1913]

when you drill, do you have it on hammer action? it sounds like it.

[@Vandemonium]

I did, by accident. Not now.

[@frankgh1]

Sitting in quarantine in Kurdistan, what I would give for a fresh cheese and tomato sandwich!

[@fluffsipad7462]

You got glass insulation you need a shield to keep.it out of your lungs. If you hit a bump you can nock loss glass dust. You should use wool insulation I don’t remember if you did or not. I seen a boat that someone fixed a picture to the inside of their boat had about 3 cm of screws sticking out. And a friend was tying down a battery he run four screws out the bottom of his boat yes check the size of your screws

[@Vandemonium]

It's not glass insulation.

[@gilb6982]

Great job ! but you forget a screw in the top left of the side panel LOL ! i think as you on the insulation anyway it is your van !

[@hasan_z]

I saw that, it bothered me a little he didn't screw that down!

[@Vandemonium]

I screwed screws back into all the places that there were screws originally.