VW T5 Camper Van - Kitchen Area Redesign... Too Drastic ?

[@stigablue1]

I like it too!! Love the oak wood.

[@normanaddelston7319]

Looks fantastic, plus the extra table area too. Your Van, your needs. Great stuff, keep on posting all your fab ideas

[@caspervanlife8466]

Thanks Norman, appreciate your feedback 👍

[@bethzolin6046]

You’ve done a brilliant job, and it looks amazing. I’d really like to get rid of my gas hob too, as I’ve only used it once ( use my Cadac outside) and could really use the space that the gas locker is in. However I’ve done a few tests with my induction hob and my 700 w power bank isn’t strong enough to do the job if off grid, as the hob pulls such pulsing variable power surges, even on level 1. Also I’m worrying about devaluing my van if I pull it all out as I’m planning to change it before too long. Also, on a practical level, I’ve been living with modern light oak furniture for a few years now and it’s been a nightmare to look after. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve had to sand down the top of my coffee table and re oil it. ( Why folks can’t put a cup down on the mat right there in front of them beats me! ). In fact I’ve sold it and gone back to dark wood, I also suspect it actually weighs a lot more than what you’ve removed! Having said that your van is always immaculate and looks beautiful ( unlike my scruffy, stuffed to the gills one, which at times has to contain me, daughter,n302 grandkids and daughters electric wheelchair, so you have probably some weight left to play with. I remain in awe of your craftsmanship. Your build quality is superb and it all looks awesome. Well done.

[@caspervanlife8466]

Wow, such kind words, thank you. Yes I only use the induction hob with on-site hookup and use a small camping stove inside or out (or jetboil) when required. I agree the solid oak is quite heavy, but close to the weight of the sink/gas hob and worktop…swings and roundabouts. I hope to do more videos very soon once I get myself sorted… thanks again for your feedback 👍

[@mobileupload4374]

Awesome job mate, exactly what I was thinking of doing myself… kind regards Jezza Aka jezzaoutdoors Aka BoB bugoutbushcraft that was 👍🏻

[@mstaines]

No way 😆 cheers Jezza, remember bugoutbushcraft well 👍 thank you for your comment…

[@stevezodiac491]

Access to beneath the bed was a big reason I didn't get a rock n' roll bed. With a rib altaire bed, you can still have those access holes in the front for small items but for storing larger items, all you need to do is lift the front leaf up and you have direct access to the full area beneath it. Again with the toilet, because we chose a long wheel base van, leaving the toilet out is no problem. It travels bagged and strapped to the back of the double passenger seat base via a bungee chord inserted at either side in holes in the seat frame and when we are stopped it again lives in a black zipped bag with foam on top of the toilet inside the bag and we use it as a foot stool or extra seat, when not in use as a toilet. Again because we have a lwb van and there being enough room, the toilet gets unzipped from the bag lid, foam cushion layer removed but still in front of the passenger seats and is available for this old man in my many nocturnal no 1 visits, without disturbing my partner. If I were you, I would put a retaining strap over the front of your toilet. If you go around a sweeping right hand bend, you could have sewage strewn all over your flooring etc if the toilet slides out of that opening along the shiny floor.

[@nealbrown3320]

Nice big worktop works great Mick👍

[@andrewpowell7234]

Love your adaptation for your own needs. I have had my T5 camper for 12 years and am only on my 2nd gas bottle, ( I think I have mainly used gas for the heater). I use an induction hob in the awning or my Cadac outside if the weather is ok. Love how you use practical ways to solve any issues you come across. Keep up the great videos!

[@caspervanlife8466]

Thanks Andrew, your comments are much appreciated 👍

[@russellnewton6660]

2 years on I’ve just got my T5 and I’m thinking about doing the same. When I do do it, it will be interesting to see if I have the same problems as you with any screws in the back. Fingers crossed, I’m hoping not.

[@gavinoneill721]

Brilliant channel great to see all the tweaks you’ve been doing to the van. At the end of the day the sink and hob unit isn’t any different from a stand alone gas burner and washing bowl. One thing that’s bugging me is seeing the tag still in your CO alarm, you need to pull that out to activate it. 👍

[@caspervanlife8466]

Thank you for your kind words…tag was removed shortly after 👍 well spotted…😁

[@RussWoodard]

Amazing stuff mate, I love watching how you have made all the mods to suit your needs. You hit the nail on the head when you said " to suit my own personal needs." It doesn't really matter what anybody else thinks, you have clearly spent a lot of time thinking about how to adapt the space for the better. It looks really smart too

[@caspervanlife8466]

Cheers Russ, appreciate your kind words and I agree, it is all about what suits you…👍

[@planningadvice1184]

Great job! Lovely finish too. We tend to use our sink etc but a great idea for those who don't. Not sure if removal of sink will affect insurance or DVLA classification for some but they had best check as some require a sink in terms of definition etc. Love the look of it.

[@caspervanlife8466]

That’s a very good point, won’t affect me, but may to others, so thank you for pointing that out 👍

[@johngracie1960]

Listen it's your van you turn it into what you want and need. TBH, l preferred the original look with sink etc, however loving your change for the opening at the rock and roll bed.... That's a good idea. Enjoy the changes. 👍😁🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇬🇧

[@caspervanlife8466]

Thanks John, as always for the feedback 👍

[@colindunscombe9882]

I’ve done exactly the same thing. I never used my sink either. Plus trying to fit a gas locker to Australian spec, proved impossible in the space available. I’ve also gone down the induction cook top route as well. Nice to see, I’m not the only one.

[@caspervanlife8466]

That makes me feel a lot better Colin, knowing there’s other people with the same feelings towards kitchen layout 👍

[@adiehull]

Absolutely agree. All I have in my van is storage shelves and a table. On the table goes a camping stove or washing up bowl. But usually we cook and clean outside... Small campervans don't need built in kitchens they are so restrictive!

[@caspervanlife8466]

Thanks Adie, my thoughts exactly, but understand it’s not for everybody 👍

[@davideverett2803]

Looks bang on 👍

[@mrlangdon2379]

Hi bud, I’m having an under mount sink and the sink is fairly large and square as I like a big sink and just a regular job.

[@timbird5494]

I think you've done a fantastic job off that work top looks really smart 👏👍

[@caspervanlife8466]

Thanks Tim 👍

[@nickpritch3152]

Absolute genius been toying with the idea myself keep up the good work the the videos, and yr absolutely right it's all about your needs nobody else 💪💪👍👍

[@caspervanlife8466]

😆thanks Nick, I’ll take genius 👍 seriously though, really appreciate your feedback…

[@dannystrange7202]

Legend mate 👍👍

[@TheAbsolomdark]

If you like it, and keep banging on about your van should be for the individual owner/user, then just get on with it. Don't make videos and encourage comments that you don't like and stroke your ego with your sycophants telling you how wonderfull and amazing your ideas are. Live your own life.

[@caspervanlife8466]

The whole purpose of KZbin and making videos is to share ideas and thoughts, so others may benefit. But thank you for your comment 👍

[@planningadvice1184]

Your video was very clear it was to suit your needs. Great job.

[@paulroberts9097]

If no video was made you’d have nothing to comment on poppet.