We made BIG van upgrades after 3+ years of VAN LIFE! 🚐

After spending the first part of 2023 exploring different parts of the world by plane (and boat!), we are getting back into van life for the next six months. But before we hit the road, we had some big upgrades we wanted to make to make life on the road more comfortable and less stressful. So over the last 5 months as we spent time in Texas off and on, we got to work and made some changes. And we’re sharing what we changed and why in this video!
🔗Links
See all products we used: adventuresofaplusk.com/upgrad...
Install video for Dometic RTX 2000: • Sprinter Van Build Dom...
Dometic RTX 2000 test video: • Dometic RTX 2000 Rooft...
Read more of our van life posts: adventuresofaplusk.com/van-life/
⌚Timestamps
00:00 Introduction & our journey with van life
01:24 Upgrading our batteries
05:55 Adding a 12V outlet
07:52 Installing an AC unit (to a finished van)
17:22 Changing our solar panels
18:58 We got a MoonShade
23:04 What we use for internet + getting Starlink
24:41 Making some small updates
25:00 How much did all of this cost?
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📷 See ALL of our gear: adventuresofaplusk.com/gear/
🚐 Our Van Life products: adventuresofaplusk.com/blog/v...
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🌎 See everywhere we have been + view our blogs and travel guides:
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👋🏼 About us
Hi y’all! We’re Adam, Kathryn, and Kona, an adventurous married couple (+ pup!) living on the road in our self-converted sprinter van! You can often find us driving all around the US and Canada, scoping out the best coffee shops, eating tacos and ice cream (we're a 5+ taco and 2+ scoop household), and enjoying nature.
We help travelers spend less time (and stress!) planning their trip and more time enjoying it! Our detailed travel guides, KZbin videos, and travel resources share the must-visit local eats, popular and off the beaten path sights, and tons of tips to make planning your next adventure a whole lot easier.
Note: We’ve linked a handful of items so you can see exactly which products we take with us. Full disclosure--if you click on these links and make a purchase, we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. We will only ever recommend products we truly love, actually use during our adventures, and think you can benefit from too!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

See all of the products we used in this video: adventuresofaplusk.com/upgrades-to-our-van-conversion Read about our van conversion: adventuresofaplusk.com/blog/van-conversion-cost-tour-mistakes Van life FAQs: adventuresofaplusk.com/van-life-faqs/ Get tips for van life: adventuresofaplusk.com/van-life/

[@amarlow7]

One of the reasons I love your channel is (no shade to other creators) that you aren’t trading your van in for a new one, instead you’ve continuously learned and educated yourself on upgrades and fixing things where you can. Many of us trying to embrace or have some version of living out of our vehicle don’t have the funds to just trade up so easily. Keep the videos coming!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

We can't imagine ever getting rid of our van Brisket! Even when it stops running we're going to have it parked on our land we hope to have one day! Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@carmenraynor5548]

I found you by accident and now I'm hook all my co worker's are also watching keep it coming😊

[@rickihoffman2226]

I remember when you were building your first van. I can’t believe it’s been 3 years. I’ve used so many of your guides and videos to help plan my road trips. So excited for these upgrades for you

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

That means so much to us! We're so happy to be a helpful resource! Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@JROCKGAMING]

You guys are so awesome. Loving your adventures and wishing you nothing but the best!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Thank you! You as well!

[@watkinsphoto]

I am very impressed with your resourcefulness!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Thank you!

[@alexandrak3847]

I always love your content; down to earth, informative, relatable for peoples like me who don’t have a ton of money and all, funny, real. Watching your videos always helps me relax.

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

That's so awesome to hear! Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@ramonmirabal101]

Hi just watch your video I have 2014 Roadtrek Agile and added Added 600 amps lithium the same batteries you have new Houghtong air conditioning, 3000 Victron inverter, 3 Victron dc to dc 30 amps each total 90 amps engine running plus solar panels 300 amps, we sleep two nites with the a/c on all nite long after two days we still have above 27% plus two refrigerator. Extremely happy with our setup.

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Sweet setup!

[@ashleyjohnson9310]

I love that after all the high fives, that you guys are still goofy High fivers. It’s super cute. 😂

[@suzanneaydelotte801]

I have to say I was nervous for you to cut a hole in the roof but I’m so glad you were able to add the AC so you three can be more comfortable 🎉. Adam, you did a fantastic job with it! Enjoyed watching guys! Keep traveling safe❣️😘❤️❤️❤️🐶🥰

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

I was super nervous too! So happy it turned out well. Very thankful for expert guidance too!

[@bobculhane4746]

Love ❤️ all the updates to Brisket! The AC and new battery banks plus starlink will be huge.

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

The AC has been so clutch as well as the batteries. We'll update on starlink in a future video. Haven't tried it out yet

[@michellehoneycutt6807]

Definitely easier to put poles in moonshade before hanging it. They also make heavy duty magnets instead of suction cups. I like them much better!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Good to know! Thank you!

[@MrJocomomola]

I binged all your videos last week and became a big fan. You are transmitting so good vibes. It is a pleasure to watch your adventures and the fantastic landscape. Many greetings from DC!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Wow thank you so much!

[@colesadventures8727]

I’m glad your back to Van life Safe travels

[@letty88]

Hats off to Adam!!! Damn, my eyes were glued to the screen watching you install the ac. That's so impressive that you did that on your own. (Of course with dad assistance) Thumb up 👍🏼 As always thank you for sharing. Can't wait to watch more. Take care A&K

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

I'm thankful for Kathryn's dad's expert guidance! Thank you!

[@michaelbecnel63]

Awesome upgrades....Great work too

[@disp3rsion]

Using an inverter is what makes the battery drain fast. The batteries are DC, inverter converts to AC, then you convert back to DC to power your laptops. You can just buy a USB-C with PD charger that plugs in the 12V outlet. That will get you about 40% more battery life

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Like we mentioned in the video we’re going to be getting a 12v charger for the laptop. Thanks for watching

[@toh2002]

Great job!!!

[@carolguezen5829]

Can't wait to see you guys out on the road again!

[@stargazer5073]

smart upgrades, great job! so proud of all you do!

[@mikecastles]

Nice work guys, showing the less glamours part of van life should help lots of people considering their own build.

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

We love living in the van, but we can assure you it's not all glamorous! 😂 Thanks, Mike!

[@williamleopold507]

We have been following your adventures for a long time now . Interest to watch you upgrading your van again .

[@davidnilles3117]

Great job, you guys! What fantastic improvements. I know you will enjoy all the updates! 👏

[@joemorin6247]

We're looking forward to your upcoming summer trips in the van! Safe travels.

[@shiladityabanerjee115]

Nice upgrades guys ! Looking forward to your adventures and see how these upgrades come into use for you all. Good luck folks.

[@arlenebaltrus9709]

Happy to hear you are coming to Canada. Come visit the beautiful Columbia Valley- headwaters of the Columbia River.

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

We're excited to get back to Canada as well! The Columbia Valley looks amazing, but we'll be visiting the Canadian Maritimes on this adventure though!

[@danielcargill8019]

Nice upgrades!!!

[@debrabalawajder2617]

Congrats on getting your upgrades done! Looking forward to your upcoming adventures!!

[@ericac2713]

I have to say that I truly enjoy watching your videos. You always capture the prettiest scenery and it is so obvious how much time, care and thought you put in when creating your beautiful videos. You are both so down to earth and truly a delight! Also, Kona is so cute and I always enjoy seeing her on your adventures. You have done great work on your van. I look forward to watching more of your videos. Have a wonderful day!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Thank you so much, Erica! That means a lot to us!

[@brunnie]

Great upgrades and ideas. You gave me a couple more research sources for things I am contemplating for our trailer. Thanks. Until next time... See you on the road and Travel safe.

[@cmichaelhaugh8517]

Wow! That’s some work plan!

[@danfried9498]

Welcome home!

[@ladyofrange7633]

Katherine is a very lucky woman! I had no idea Adam renovated that van like that! That's awesome! I love a man that's good with his hands and he's cute too!😍

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

You're very kind - thank you and thanks for watching! I had expert help in Kathryn's dad and Kathryn helped a ton as well!

[@shaunvarner9939]

It's crazy I have been following your adventures since your Idaho episodes. I like that your guys do your research and explain the places you are at. I appreciate you guys and the love you bring to the world.

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Thank you for sticking with us Shaun!

[@UpstateCamperVan]

Looking forward to van videos!

[@MajorAddiction]

Great project video👍🏼

[@jaimep741]

I enjoy watching you two helping each other doing all projects to your van. I like how you do not divert from what you do because I have seen other nomads videos and they just of the beat and do something different and boring. Please keep up on what you are doing. Thank you

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

We're glad you're enjoying the videos. Thank you for your comment and thanks for watching!

[@stevec9669]

Thumbs up, no doubt. Can't wait to see you adventure with these upgrades. 👍

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

We’re stoked to be back on the road!

[@user-vi1jt7ho3e]

Great Job! So looking forward to your summer adventures especially in Canada! Thanks guys!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

We’re stoked as well! Thanks and thanks for watching!

[@chadrobb1044]

Your upgrades look so cool (no pun intended) LOL. I am sure it will make van life a lot more enjoyable. As far as getting rid of the water tank, I never had a problem with your smell while watching a video, so if you skip a shower or too; it should be OK 😄. I cannot wait to see where your adventures take you this summer. Have fun, be safe and thanks for the videos. I enjoy all of them.

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

haha it's a good thing they haven't come up with smell-o-vision yet! 😂 Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@alrichardson7027]

Kathryn & Adam, im so excited to see that you will soon be on the road again...on the road again...just can't wait to get on the road...Ohhhh I can't wait! Wondering if your going back to Mammoth Cave National Park. AWESOME Video footage.

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

We'll be focusing on our remaining 7 states on this next adventure. We went to Mammoth Cave a couple years ago, but had an unfortunate event happen there so we definitely have to visit again!

[@maiaohe]

So looking forward to more van videos. Nice work on the upgrades.😊

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Thanks and thanks for watching!

[@myjourneysinfaith]

Yay. Glad to see you guys back home. I'm sure Kona is happy to see you.

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

We're glad to be back as a family!

[@annettemills2399]

So glad you are back in the van. Can’t wait for your next adventure.

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

We're happy to be back on the road as a family!

[@docham]

I'm really looking forward to riding with you. Thanks for all that you do!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

We're excited to be back on the road! Thanks and thanks for watching!

[@donstravelsandrants.]

Well worth the upgrade. Looking forward to lots more adventures from A + K.👍😊🏆

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

We're stoked to be back on the road as a family!

[@rudyhachey7440]

Adam so impressed with your tech, skills and knowing what to do and what goes where. I for one could not have done that....The upgrades to the van top notch, your touring with AC!! What a wonderful experience that will be and you can sit outside in the shade. Congrats once again, look forward to your next journey to CANADA!! Thank you once again....

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Thank you! I'm very thankful for the expert guidance of Kathryn's dad! We're excited to be on the road with these new upgrades!

[@TaylorNava]

Awesome upgrades! Excited for more van adventures!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Thanks, Taylor!

[@anthonylozano3645]

Most laptops sell a 12V plug so you may not need the small inverter but I carry a small powerstrip invertor for plug in devices. You really don't need your 300 watt invertor unless the AC needs it. You could add back the water tank by removing the 300 watt invertor.

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Hey Anthony! Yeah we mentioned in the video we’re going to pick up a 12v charger for our laptops. Still gotta do that so thanks for reminding us! The big blue box by the batteries is a 3,000 watt inverter. We definitely need that for our water heater and a couple other high power consuming electronics. The AC is 12v so it doesn’t use the inverter. Over the past few weeks we’ve been doing great without the second water tank so far! 👍 Thanks and thanks for watching!

[@shaneomack5018]

The Dance vibes at 20 seconds 💃🕺

[@MWILSON7]

Looks like some awesome upgrades! Can’t wait for you guys to get back on the road!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

We're excited to be traveling as a family again!

[@mcnater]

Game changing video!!! 😂 love the upgrades you 2. So awesome. Cheers to being back on the road.

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

The game has officially been changed! 😂🤦

[@AngieRodriguez-kg7ny]

Yous are so great. Thank you so much for your videos.

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Thanks, Angie!

[@mbrooks5555]

Love watching you upgrade and keep such good care of your home! And I really appreciate that you include the costs and comparisons so people really know what it takes for this type of lifestyle. Super-stoked to hear you're heading to Canada!!! Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Alberta, Jasper NP and Banff NP are on my travel lists!! Can't wait to see where you go!!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

We're stoked to be traveling as a family again! These upgrades have been so nice already! Thank you!

[@JohnandCaraRetiredTravellers]

Bravo guys!!!!! You are going to be so comfortable on this next adventure!!! Grooving 😂😂! Great job! ~Cara 😊

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

We're so happy to be back on the road as a family!

[@Alltheoutdoorthings]

So happy for you guys on all your upgrades and excited to see you back in the van!! 🎉👏👏🚐🚐

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

We're very happy with these upgrades and very happy to be back on the road as a family!

[@ChasingTheSunRV]

You guys are awesome and i love following your adventures! We are full-time RVers and watching your videos has helped us with planning where to go!!! We are spending the summer in Colorado and i appreciate all the videos and blogs you have posted about the area!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Hey Emily! We're glad we could be a resource! Thank you and thanks for watching and reading! Safe travels!

[@stevedietrich8936]

I've said it before, but I am always so impressed by the resourcefulness of Adam and Kathryn's dad. I'm not much of a "buider", but I think the two of you can do just about anything. I hear we're going to Canada again. I'll start packing.

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Thanks, Steve! We're lucky to have him and his guidance! Canada here we come!

[@Hefmier]

Enjoy your new upgrades to your van, and happy travels in "Brisket". :) Greetings from Washington state!!

[@kimberlyshalaby1134]

So good to see you both! Now you will be able to stay cooler not only in the van with your new AC, but on nice days with a awning when it's not as hot. Kona will love it sitting out with you. Looking forward to your future reviews of how well your new Solar system works, how your AC performs, & going to Canada. I hope you both have a good week! Loved Peaches 'n Cream!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

The AC has been so nice already! We can't wait to use the other upgrades more as well! We'll update how it's all going in a future video!

[@LordDurak]

Nice upgrades, and very happy to have you soon again on the roads with your van ! :)

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Thanks and thanks for watching!

[@mpalmer362]

I’m SOOOO excited for your Brisket content again!! 🎉 I love your international content too, but I’m ready to hit the road! ❤

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

We're excited to be traveling as a family again!

[@remitremblay2091]

Very interested in the efficiency with the new AC! Can’t wait to understand what is does to your lithium batteries…

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

It takes very little energy. We can run the AC for hours without losing much battery. And when the sun is out the energy lost and gained about equals out!

[@TakeATripTogether]

So glad to see you guys back in the US in your van!!! Wow, amazing upgrades. You guys are going to love them all. You'll have to let us know which ones you appreciate most after you have used them for awhile. Kinda pricey so I guess you guys are doing really well. A reward for all of your hard work. ❤️ We have a canopy with walls for our tiny camper and having walls you can put up is so helpful. Looking good!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

That tshirt money got zapped real quick on all these upgrades! 😂 We've been really happy with the upgrades! Thanks and thanks for watching!

[@TakeATripTogether]

@@AdventuresofAplusK I'm sure it did. I've always been super impressed with the build quality of your van and these upgrades really take it over the top. Well done, you two. Enjoy!!!

[@marieb4]

Ok this isn't van related but I gotta ask this. I am in the middle of reading your Alaska Highway guide and it's so incredible. I appreciate this so much, you have no idea. This is so useful. Would you ever consider publishing it in book form? I'd be first in line. I love you guys. 😊

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Hi Marie! We do have plans to convert it to an ebook and sell it on our website. We hope to have that one and a few others available later this year! Stay tuned and thank you so much for watching and reading!

[@nationalparksprincess3216]

I really loved your series in Vietnam 😊 I'm really looking forward to more van fun adventures! 😀

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Thank you! We're excited to be back on the road as a family again!

[@jameswaldecker1236]

I cannot tell you how much I'm looking forward to seeing where you go in Canada. I just got back from the Northeast this past Thursday (long drive from Lake Placid to Detroit), and I can tell you that you did not let me down on all your 2021 videos from Franconia Ridge, Mount Pisgah, Mount Mansfield, and Mount Marcy! I did those four hikes within three days, as well as another four hikes in New Hampshire that you did. I was prepared for "the gap" on the Maple Ridge Trail going up to Mount Mansfield. I was prepared for the rocks on Mount Marcy. I made the most of the Greenleaf Hut. Thank you! In the past week or so, I also did some things in New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts, so I'll be looking forward to see how much your experiences will overlap. And just like you, I'll be getting to 50 states this year. My last two are Idaho and Oregon (and I'm finally doing things that are non-lame in Washington), so I've been adding views to many of your travel guides (especially the Washington hikes guides, which I've been studying). This is going to be a great summer.

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

We're not gonna lie, we always think it's funny and fun to look on AllTrails for a hike we're going to do and see a James Waldecker review! You always go hard on your trips and it's impressive! You're reviews are very helpful as well! We did some of the hikes you did in the Northeast this past week and still have a couple left. We were able to say "we are walking in the footsteps of James!" Early congrats on your 50 states! Way to go! Those are two of the best states too. Tons to see and do out there. The PNW is our favorite Thanks, James!

[@jameswaldecker1236]

Thanks! I do my best with the reviews although I couldn't resist a very subtle Bon Jovi bon mot after doing my first New Jersey trail, Mount Tammany, in the rain ("Slippery When Wet" was their breakthrough album in 1986). What's funny is that I always think I'm walking in the footsteps of A+K. :) From Guadalupe Peak to Black Elk Peak to Denali NP to Franconia Ridge to Mount Marcy, I've done just that! And I'll do a lot more of that in the PNW. July 24 is circled on my calendar as the day I can finally say I've been to all 50. If you're doing some of the hikes I did in the Northeast, watch out for those 7 feet of elevation gain to Jerimoth Hill, the high point of Rhode Island! I love how much the AllTrails people drop lines about oxygen masks and ice picks in their reviews on that one.

[@GaugingGadgets]

Great video idea. Super entertaining. Were you able to sell the old batteries? Is that possible?

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Yes we were able to sell the batteries and solar panels

[@mountainmanwannabe9495]

You are now Stylin' The A+K Way! And it all looks so good! Swing by my place on your way to Canada and pick me up, eh.

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

We’re pumped to be back on the road!

[@gerrysherman2007]

I upgraded to a Renogy 3000 watt inverter two years ago and have no battery load when on but nothing plugged in. Not all inverters are the same. Installed a Victron 30 amp DC to DC charger last year and has been a game changer.

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Yeah the DC to DC charger has saved us many times! That's nice to not have any draw on the inverter just for having it on

[@paulab984]

Love all the upgrades. I've missed your van life and can't wait to get on board with your upcoming adventures. I can't remember if you did this in Alaska or not, but would you please always let us know the time of year you're in an area and how the temps are? That's one things a lot of creators don't address. Have fun! See you next week!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

We're very excited to be back on the road as a family! We always try to include the month the video was filmed in the description or pinned comment. Thanks and thanks for watching!

[@Greenchileaddict]

I'm sure Brisket appreciates the upgrades.

[@baccamau80]

Hope you come back texas .Love from Vietnam 🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳

[@sheafan1971]

I enjoyed learning about the Updates to Brisket. I am sure the rest of 2023 will be exciting, and Kona will be in 49 of 50 states.

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Kona is a very well traveled dog! After this year she'll have 49 states, 5 Canadian provinces and 2 Canadian Territories!

[@sheafan1971]

@@AdventuresofAplusK so awesome Love the reactions after you try food

[@luciamedina2]

You two are so cute!

[@jasonwadwell7404]

Visit the towns of Asbury Park / Ocean Grove in New Jersey! Great restaurants in Asbury Park and great beach in the historic town of Ocean Grove.

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Those look nice! We focused on the nature mostly in NJ and we're really impressed!

[@PatrickRU1992]

I had always felt that if I chose van life/RV life, I couldn't do anything you guys do without A/C and wifi. And there you go :)

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

It was tough without AC and it's been so nice having it now!

[@waynemortensen8769]

Thanks for the 15min of joy you guys bring every few days! Must be a headspin after being in Vietnam just last week! All the best with the van, just curious, what kind of work do you do to let you travel and work .. video work? Cheers!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Hey Wayne! It was definitely a whirlwind! We earn our income through KZbin and our website We share more about what we did before content creation and how we afford to travel now at this blog post on our website: adventuresofaplusk.com/blog/travel-budgeting/

[@waynemortensen8769]

@@AdventuresofAplusK thanks :)

[@heatherthanner9374]

What are the depth of your upper cabinets in the front and back? We are trying to decide how far to bring ours out, and yours look perfect. Loving the upgrades! ☺️

[@terizumbusch8408]

If you take a look at traveler's tale He has a bed that is on a raising and lowering system. So he doesn't have to tear the table down the table at bedtime. . No idea how much it cost but oh my gosh it looks wonderful. That might make it really nice too.

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

That is a fun way to do it! We don't mind changing it from bed mode to table mode at all. It takes maybe 90 seconds max to do it.

[@BopjoWebDesign]

Those new tires look badass! How often do you need to change them? You guys do things right - smart and capable!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

The tires are nice when they are fresh and clean! We need to clean them more often! 😂 When we built the van we wanted to get nicer wheels, but the ones we wanted were sold out and now the desire has passed. We put 50k+ on the last set and if we hadn't done the Dempster I probably would've waited a little longer but that road took some good chunks out of them!

[@kristasahlin]

Love these upgrades!! These are all upgrades we are looking to do to our van, but terrified. HAHA!! Question about the Moonshade, are you planning on keeping the suction cups up on the roof? Or do you put it in place each time you use? How do you use it on the road (aka without a ladder?) Thanks!!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

The upgrades have been awesome! To be honest, we haven't used the Moonshade yet and the suction cups were a pain the one time we set it up in this video 😂 We actually just ordered their Sprinter rail mounts and will get them in a couple weeks and those should be wayyy better!

[@davep6977]

"AUG" is not a word or acronym. When you see it, you say the letters "A" "W" "G" it's for American Wire Gauge. Like PVC

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Ok thank you. I've heard people say "ott" and wasn't sure what that meant or how you correctly pronounce any of this stuff. Thanks!

[@steventoney4018]

take a look at hacks to converting starlink to use 12 vdc connection and for disabling motors with a switch and leaving it mounted on the roof - semipermenantly but with otpion to put on original stand on longer wire.. this is a great mod of starlink -- nearly 95% of the time -- to use SL in my van is just turning on a switich -- I also chose to use an alternate peplink cellular router - BR1 5G pro and got rid of the SL tourer for a more flexible better router setup with cellular wifi antenna on the roof -- a few facebook show all these optional setups and mods.. it is really nice to have the dish on the roof nearly all the time and have no real setup time when parking at most sites

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

I'll look into it more. All of the examples I've seen people cut into the dish and I'm not interested in doing that - at all. We didn't want the dish on the roof for a few reasons. We don't really have room for it, don't want it to get stolen, and if we park in the woods we need to place the dish in a spot where it can pick up the satellites Thanks for the info!

[@steventoney4018]

@@AdventuresofAplusK no worries......... after having my SL for 6 months -- I chose to do the surgery for putting in a switch to turn the motors on/off -- a friend with SL who is good at crimping rj45 network cable help me do the surgery on cables for the 12 vdc -- I still have extra SL cable that are intact and can use the dish in stock mode with the SL router -- but since the conversion and use of danny hightowers mounting box about a year ago -- I have just used the dish on the roof 97% of the time - stop for the night - turn switch and SL just works - and the dish is safe in its nest on the roof -- I have only gone up on the ladder to fetch the dish down once to put in on a longer cable to move it out from the van for open sky... it just works mounted on the roof - it actually still works in motion although it is not cleared for that purpose -- been in several places with no cellular and SL rocked - even for wifi calling with the verizon iphone 12 I use.. anyway -- enjoy SL -- but always have some backup ways to have internet connectivity -- I have ways to use all 3 major cellular carriers and SL

[@MagneticOriginals]

Beautiful upgrade! You need to put in a magnetic board instead of your photo grid!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Sounds like a good idea! We’re happy with the grid for now though. Thanks for watching

[@donaldchoi3912]

you should have got ecoflow wave 2 - low battery usage and does both ac and heat…

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Hey Donald! We looked at options like those, but didn’t think they would cool enough and we wouldn’t have anywhere to store it. It looks big and bulky for our setup. The ac we chose is on the roof and out of the way. We also already have a heater. Looks like a good option for others though!

[@machambers00]

❤

[@billnalen]

Might be worth replacing the usb/12v outlet with a dedicated usb-c outlet. I bought the same one you have but it's only rated for 120 watts total. I couldn't tell which MacBook Pro you have, but my 16" pulls 140 watts.

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Good to know! Thanks, Bill!

[@billnalen]

@@AdventuresofAplusK Also just bought the moon wall based on your recommendation (already have the shade). We had the same issue with the suction cups. We bought the magnets and the stick on hooks to try.

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Thanks for the magnet and hook tip! We have been hoping someone else with the shade can tell us what we did wrong or how they have made it work. We have yet to use it since we are mostly in parking lots these days, but hopefully we can get it to work and if not, glad there are other options!

[@odysseyusa]

Big question…How did you learn to do all of this? From building out the van (carpentry) to doing all the electrical? That one is definitely a challenge to me. I’d love to learn but I don’t think KZbin would be enough for me as I tend to do better learning with hands on experience. Thanks!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

We are extremely lucky to have the expert guidance of Kathryn's dad to help us. It would have been even tougher without his help and expertise. We learned alot through KZbin and messing up a bit and learning from those mistakes. Electrical though....is something I still am very lost on!

[@traveleats6833]

Tell us more about your Canadian plans. We live on the west coast, Vancouver Island but last year we did our 'rock-to-rock tour' from Vancouver island to Newfoundland and back!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

We're sharing more of our travel plans this year in our next video! A rock-to-rock tour sounds like a lot of fun!

[@connor401]

Just curious. Why did you choose the portable Starlink versus the use in motion rooftop option?

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

We didn't want to permanently mount it on the roof for a few reasons. Mostly we didn't want it to get stolen, didn't want it up there for aesthetic reasons, and didn't have room for it. Also, if we camp in wooded areas we wanted to be able to move the dish around for best reception without having to move the van. And lastly, (I'm not 100% sure on this) when we ordered it I don't think that option was available. We ordered it several months ago. Hope that helps. Thanks for watching, Connor!

[@topdragon502]

Texas, where? I love to have lunch with you guys if you're in Dallas.

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Hi! Our address is in Austin. We’re long gone from Texas for most of the year, but if you see us out and about say hi! Thanks for watching!

[@pixiedust1126]

I didn't recognize you in thumbnail lol, I almost missed this video

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

That's when the notification bell comes in handy! 😊 Thank you for watching!

[@pixiedust1126]

@@AdventuresofAplusK true, I forget to check. Love watching your videos and my pup loves seeing Kona.

[@liveleak2jz323]

should also upgrade the suspension

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

We upgraded the suspension last year before heading to Alaska to this kit: (agileoffroad.com/product/agile-sts1-sprinter-2500-2wd/). This round of upgrades/updates we put new rear shocks on (the same ones, but new) and there is a quick clip of me near the end of the video swapping it out.

[@wendywolfe8684]

Another KZbinr, From She To Me, uses magnets to hold up her moon shade. It seems to work easily

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Yeah we almost bought the magnets that MoonShade sells. We might in the future Thanks for watching!

[@Kian2931]

Could this Canada year be a road to visiting all the most drivable National Parks of Canada?

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

That does sound fun, but this Canadian adventure will be to the Canadian Maritimes!

[@mikewatson5281]

What do you guys do for a living

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Our KZbin and our website, adventuresofaplusk.com are our full time business. You can read more about how we make money and what we did before at this blog post: adventuresofaplusk.com/blog/travel-budgeting/

[@TJK50014]

yeah, grab a 12-19v adapter for your laptop. No inverter needed

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

We still need to pick one up! Thanks for the reminder!

[@shannoninalaska]

Yeah, that was expensive but still cheaper than 3 months of rent here in Alaska!! 😂

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

That’s how we look at it too! The van ownership is much cheaper than a house!

[@shannoninalaska]

@@AdventuresofAplusK 💯

[@stargazer5073]

Why did you buy a sprinter instead of a motor home?

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

We chose a Sprinter mostly because we liked the way it looked better than the Ford or Dodge vans and the dependability of the engine. And we didn’t want a motorhome because we wanted the inside to be more homey and custom instead of the stock interior

[@paulskystoneadventures]

👍👍🚐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐👍👍