WE HAVE A BOX... Our Overland build

Building our overland truck was always going to be a mission, and getting the box cut down to size has been the biggest challenge of all.
Fitting a few more windows and doors, chassis brackets and a host of other jobs, it's fair to say everything takes longer than you can ever imagine.
Do we finally end up with the box of of dreams?
Subscribe and join us on our truck build journey, where we share our highs and lows.
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[@eddy802]

I’ve no intention of making such an undertaking, but am really enjoying that you decided to record and share so much of your project process, build effort, and reflection 🍻 Cheers

[@TheGapDecaders]

LOL, this is funny. Thank you for your thoughts, never say never 😀... you may decide that building an overland rig's for you. If so, I'm here for you 😂😂👍🏻🙏

[@webmastercampervideo7604]

You have a truck, you have a box, you have a subframe. Great progress! Let the fun begin... love to learn from this.

[@TheGapDecaders]

😀😀 thank you, yep it's coming together 🙏

[@timjones2789]

Look at Clayton power units. I am just starting a Vario build and am definitely going that route instead of Victron. Clayton was built for commercial so ideal for you!

[@TheGapDecaders]

Hi Tim, I do love a Vario 👌 We've already bought our Victron set up (back in March), we're happy with Victron as we've had various vans & properties using the blue stuff, and we haven’t ever had a problem, in fairness we got an exceptional deal from Energy Monkey. I'm not familiar with Clayton, so I'm going to head off now and do a little research 🙏😀 Good luck with the build 👍🏻

[@robhughes4249]

Phil - if you put the waste tank fitting in the base of the tank won’t this create a lip in the base from the fitting thread that water/ sludge/food particles will sediment down below and you won’t be able to clear it out?

[@TheGapDecaders]

Hi Rob, yes good observation - there's a 5mm upstand from the plastic nut (remainder of thread trimmed off), this does create effectively a sump where sediment can settle, that's why I installed a second access panel cos periodically I jet wash it out. You can also use the silicone tank cleaning balls to help keep the scum off the sides. We had the same set-up previously and didn’t have an issue, other than having to clean it 2-3 times annually (full-timing)

[@evatoews3774]

Hey Phil and Izzy - i love your channel, especially the videos about your travels. Any idea when you will be back on the road? Do you have any friends i could watch until you're back? Im sure your new truck build is fascinating😅 but im here for the travels!! Love to you both!

[@TheGapDecaders]

LOL, love this, at least you're honest. You could check out - Live and Give 4x4, The Outfit and Global Traces. See you later in the year I hope 🙏😀

[@evatoews3774]

@@TheGapDecaders thanks for the suggestions! ❤️

[@gordonbryson2986]

Brilliant abso brilliant well done

[@TheGapDecaders]

Cheers Gordon 👍🏻

[@mrheaneyp]

Amazing progress guys 👍

[@TheGapDecaders]

Cheers Paul

[@richardsicard8890]

Lots of work, a lot of worry, but what a sense of achievement Phil. Another great vlog, cheers.

[@TheGapDecaders]

Cheers Richard, appreciated 🙏

[@London2Turin]

Great progress and glad the weather gave you a break when you needed it. What is that large structure behind you when you were showing the waste tank?

[@TheGapDecaders]

Thank you, it's a converted outbuilding and an old barn 😀

[@pathfinder303]

Hell of a job ! Well done and mission accomplished. I salute you Sir.

[@TheGapDecaders]

😀😀 Just catch up on here, but thank you. Appreciate your thoughts 👍🏻☺

[@livingworkingoutsidebox]

Great to see the progress 👏 👍 What would you consider to be the most notable change in this habitat from your old one?🤔 Besides the size and added space. 😊

[@TheGapDecaders]

Hi, very little in truth. It's 200mm lower, 600mm longer and a little wider so proportional it works on this bigger base vehicle. This build was always more about extra capacity, we had 3 big roof lights in our old truck limiting solar, it was only 8.4t GVW so there was no ability to add extra weight. But the layout will be very similar, we'll have a separate toilet & shower, nearly double the fresh water and 3.5 times the electrical set up, but that's pretty much it 😀

[@mattkendrick8941]

Amazing work Phil as always. I had the same idea about a freezer Body, so it's great to see you bring it to life. 😀

[@TheGapDecaders]

Cheers Matt, catching up on here - it's a lot of work but obviously doable 👍🏻😀

[@trickyricky1968]

Did I see you at the Coach and Horses after the Norwich v Leeds game today?

[@TheGapDecaders]

😁😁 I'm afraid not 👍🏻😀

[@ronbirchard5262]

your waste tank is it black and grey water ? are you adding a black water mulcher ?

[@TheGapDecaders]

the waste tank is grey only, we'll install a Separett Tiny compost toilet (exactly the same as our last truck) - see our video on the Separett Tiny toilet. 👍🏻

[@backbeatpat]

Nice box - what weight will the box be.?

[@TheGapDecaders]

The empty box weighs approx 1.75t

[@robhughes4249]

Also…does the waste tank actually need a breather when the tank can release pressure back through any of the waste pipes back up into the box? Unless you keep plugs in the sinks?

[@TheGapDecaders]

Hi Rob, you could probably get away without one however, I'm assuming you're putting traps in and therefore technically it's sealed. I've fitted a 21.5mm overflow which you definitely need, and this will double up as my breather.

[@censon]

Great work. You should be well chuffed!

[@TheGapDecaders]

thank you 👍🏻☺

[@peterfinch3548]

Absolutely brilliant progress. Really great to see the box coming together. Will you be having a topping out ceremony when the box is fitted to the chassis? I think it would be fitting way to mark a major milestone in the build.

[@TheGapDecaders]

😀 Thanks Peter, yeah it's been a busy few weeks but it's all going in the right direction. I'm playing catch up here (again) , I think there may have been a missed opportunity with the topping out 🙈👍🏻😀

[@robjopling1573]

A really interesting video. Im enjoying this build series. One question: why go for a conventional black water tank rather than a composting toilet?

[@TheGapDecaders]

Hi thank you, this is for our grey waste only. We'll fit a Separett Tiny compost toilet (exactly the same as in our last truck) We even made a video about it and both agree, that it was our best upgrade to date 👍🏻😀

[@robjopling1573]

@@TheGapDecaders Thanks for taking the time out to respond. I know you are very busy. Much appreciated. 😀

[@stanyvandeweyer8729]

Hello, I am also busy converting my truck into a motorhome and saw that you had bought springs for your chassis, can you tell me where I can buy springs for my intermediate chassis, thanks Stany

[@TheGapDecaders]

hi, for all your spring needs - check out Springmasters in Ridditch. They've got a good website, look for die springs and ask to speak with their technical director Carl Jackson. Carl is a font of knowledge when it comes to springs but he won't know you’re vehicle, dynamic loads or purpose so there's only so much he can advise.

[@stanyvandeweyer8729]

@@TheGapDecaders Thank you, i will contact him 👍