ENG Documentary camera van | AC and sleeper

[@benmcnights1763]

Totally agree with no identifying logos and keeping gear hidden. Part of why I like having a sedan with a big boot. I’m always a little perplexed when you see “Company Name Productions” on the side of a vehicle, maybe it’s more of a flex.

[@benmcnights1763]

Boot means trunk!

[@AndersBakfeldt]

Better than Netflix!

[@thefrub]

Very efficient! But as someone who has had to sleep on the claustrophobic top bunk of a low-roof Kenworth truck, that coffin roof bed is bringing back some memories!

[@CrankyCameraman]

I love it, sleep great as long as not too hot. I would have done well in the Navy.

[@alvinburrell]

A great insight Dave. What I found funny is that I have watched so many of your videos that I pretty much know every single thing in there apart from the power distribution. I need to get out more!

[@CrankyCameraman]

Haha, I'm no different.

[@Scorge120]

Dude, this is what I want to do! Congrats on the build and success.

[@abecoulter8550]

7:49, like what style, did i hear that correctly

[@videographerstuff539]

Yeah I heard that too! Hahaha

[@abecoulter8550]

@videographerstuff539 new kind of D-tap?

[@videographerstuff539]

@@abecoulter8550 haha I believe they say what’s happens on tour stays on tour… hahaha

[@abecoulter8550]

@@videographerstuff539 yea back when i first started in broadcast i was told, what happens in the OB truck stays in the OB truck

[@videographerstuff539]

@@abecoulter8550😂

[@dingdong5601]

Hey hope you and your had a Merry Christmas. Love this channel and all your vids. Have a Happy New Year!

[@CrankyCameraman]

Thank you, hope you have an excellent 2025.

[@ScottBalkum]

Was that a Diamond bro in the video?

[@davidmorefield]

I aspire to have the minimalism workflow of your buddy Rich! Of course, you guys have different services and workflows but I like the efficiency and his ability to bounce between local and airline. It's funny seeing the rogue vct plate there, I can never find a good spot to put mine. This is legos for adults. Legos that make money. I love it.

[@CrankyCameraman]

TV spot days in LA were great, working as the DP with a full crew. Roll up in my 911 with a light meter. Wish I had vlogs from that era.

[@davidmorefield]

@ No way, that’s literally been a goal of mine to get a white 911… bringing no gear would be a cherry on top. Until then I’ll be using my poor man’s Porsche… Subaru brz with boxer engine. Just kidding I love my car. But a 911 would be fun. Post any oics of yours in the next vlog! Would love to see and hear more about that part of your career.

[@charlesteton]

Merry Christmas/Holiday! C

[@CrankyCameraman]

Thanks! Hope you have an excellent 2025.

[@myvideoguy]

How do you feel about keeping gear in the car week in week out from an ambient heat perspective. I know with garden sheds n other in general here in Australia, we like to keep the doors open when home all day on sunny days to allow airflow, otherwise it's an oven that really seems to degrade of lot of gear (non video production) we have in our 2 x sheds. Similarly I hate having a screen or camera in a car during the day if not open or attended, not just from a security POV but also from a heat / impact perspective. Also curious if you think it affects cam battery longevity. I imagine you've not really noticed any outstanding issues, but just curious if it's something you've experienced when in Texas or Cali?

[@CrankyCameraman]

In California I lived very close to the ocean and would experience corrosion on fasteners and some metallic items in my kit. No AC at home, so there was not much benefit to in car vs garage vs house. Over the lifespan of the gear it was never an issue. Same applies here in south Texas, higher temperatures and higher humidity. I'm sure the heat and moisture is not ideal for the batteries and kit but I haven't experienced any issues again over the lifespan of the various items. And it's way too much gear to move in and out of each work day even if it was an issue.

[@hangfire6368]

Great video. Do you have a pre-filter for the DC to DC converter?

[@CrankyCameraman]

No, what is the purpose?

[@hangfire6368]

@@CrankyCameraman I'm not an electronics guy but I think the idea is to smooth out any spikes coming into the converter from the alternator. I think they are cheap. Might be worth doing a little research on.

[@abecoulter8550]

what SDI to web cam converter do you use

[@CrankyCameraman]

AJA UTAP

[@TradeshowThomas]

do any of the gear manufacturers ever reach out to you for input?

[@CrankyCameraman]

A few, but mostly requests to review gear in exchange for free equipment.

[@MrAndrewClaycomb]

I’m really contemplating trading my pickup truck in for another cargo van. A few years ago, I did the opposite and traded a Sprinter in for a Ram 1500 because I needed to be able to carry 2-4 passengers but also carry equipment, be able to do light off-road/field driving, as well as park in parking garages at hotels, but building and tearing down carts and gear for location moves is growing tiring. It would be really nice to just roll a couple of Magliners out of the back. With your Transit Connect, was there anything you didn’t like about it? It looks like it’s much more of a camera van than a G&E van, but if you didn’t need a sleeping bunk, would you have kept the Transit?

[@CrankyCameraman]

Transit connect was ideal as a camera van. At that time I had a second 16’ Isuzu box truck exclusive for G&E. The little van was compact and convenient so I used it as my daily driver as well.

[@CrankyCameraman]

Sadly the Connect is no longer available in the US due to illogical emissions regulations. Unintended consequences of government intervention. We get bigger and bigger pickup trucks instead.

[@scottievee330]

Get a fake sticker on the side of the truck that reads "Prisoner Transport vehicle" if you want thieves to leave you alone. I know you said in the past you have family in Texas. Is that why you left California for Texas?

[@CrankyCameraman]

Family is here in San Antonio. We were planning to move after highschool (+5 years), then pandemic and tenant move out. With a vacant house and California production shut down it was an opportunity to move early. I lost a lot of potential income and CA appreciation over 5 years, but it was a good decision.