FULL VAN BUILD: The Craziest Year of Our Lives.

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CHAPTERS:
00:00:00 - We bought a van! (insulation, subfloor, fan installation, wiring)
00:21:41 - Seat swap road trip, installing the skylight and building the benches
00:40:13 - Building the cabinets and pull-out platform
00:59:13 - Turning a free slab into custom window frames (while getting married)
01:18:32 - Turning a free pallet into a van workstation, water fill port, vinyl flooring, drawers
01:33:24 - Building our counters and dining table from free wood scraps, sink and stove, upper cabinets, systems installation, MOVING IN!
01:51:09 - First week living in our (unfinished) campervan: problems and solutions
02:04:28 - FINISHING THE BUILD
VIDEOS:
• Everything is about to...
• Turning an Empty Van i...
• 47 Days until Move-In ...
• Beautiful Free Slab Tu...
• Turning a Free Pallet ...
• Turning Free Wood into...
• Oddly Satisfying Hacks...
• Couple Builds Their DR...
RESOURCES/MENTIONS:
Bench seat to bucket seat swap tutorial: www.vanlifeoutfitters.com/swa...
Pull-out deck inspiration: ‪@MaxandOccy‬
Huge thanks to Markis from @smalltown.builds for giving me the beautiful slab of birch for our window frames! / smalltown.builds
Table saw jointing tutorial: • Table Saw Jointing WIT...
Catskills Mountain Maker Camp: catskillmountainmakerscamp.com
Converted ambulance by Josh Sheldon: / josheldy
The Northern Joinery: thenorthernjoinery.ca
Making the crescent coffee table: • Turning Free Wood into...
THINGS I USED IN THIS VIDEO:
WOODWORKING TOOLS: www.amazon.com/shop/morleyker...
VAN CONVERSION SUPPLIES: www.amazon.com/shop/morleyker...
TotalBoat products (save 5% by using these links):
Halcyon water-based marine varnish : www.totalboat.com/products/ha...
Penetrating epoxy: www.totalboat.com/products/pe...
High Performance epoxy resin: www.totalboat.com/products/hi...
Medium hardener for high performance epoxy resin: www.totalboat.com/products/hi...
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:
Blue Sea Systems Battery Switch: amzn.to/49wSXHg
Blue Sea Systems AC Main panel: amzn.to/47kGBAx
Blue Sea Systems 12 volt fuse block: amzn.to/3Qosrqs
Save $50 on Battle Born Batteries and 25% on merchandise with the below link and code "morley":
battlebornbatteries.com?afmc=ku&
Batteries - 270Ah 12V LiFePO4 Deep Cycle GC3 Battery: battlebornbatteries.com/produ...
Bus bars - Victron Lynx Distributor: battlebornbatteries.com/produ...
Battery monitor - Victron BMV-712 with bluetooth: battlebornbatteries.com/produ...
System monitoring - Victron Cerbo GX: battlebornbatteries.com/produ...
Touch screen - Victron GX Touch 50: battlebornbatteries.com/produ...
Solar panels - 2 x 200W 12v monocrystalline solar panels: battlebornbatteries.com/produ...
Solar charge controller - Victron SmartSolar MPPT 150/70: battlebornbatteries.com/produ...
Inverter charger - Victron Multiplus: battlebornbatteries.com/produ...
Alternator charger - Victron Orion-Tr Smart 12/12-30A non-isolated: battlebornbatteries.com/produ...
MY FAVORITE THINGS:
www.amazon.com/shop/morleykert
Note: The above shopping links are affiliate links, meaning that, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
INSTAGRAM: / morleykert
TWITTER: / morleykert
TIKTOK: vm.tiktok.com/xSfbdj/
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#DIY #vanlife #vanbuild

[@MorleyKert]

Click betterhelp.com/morley for 10% off your first month of therapy with our sponsor, BetterHelp. Join over 4 million people who’ve met with a therapist on BetterHelp and started living a healthier, happier life.

[@tess8281]

Hi Morley, could you tell me what you use to set your curls, please? 😊

[@tess8281]

Pelican 😁

[@tess8281]

Pelican 😁

[@tess8281]

@MorleyKert ???

[@MorleyKert]

@@tess8281 Innersense “I Create Volume”

[@lindaconover7245]

Pelican we are in our middle 70 I especially enjoyed watching. My husband and I in 1969 owned a motorhome cab and chassis unit. We lived in it and did it when it was not popular. We are past our prime and probably will not be able to camp and travel. Over a lifetime we've enjoyed what you're enjoying now we will be married 55 years next month unbelievable. I will be three quarters of century old and really enjoy watching you young people build your Vans buses etc and enjoy that life. Congratulations on your marriage I hope you two live a long life together I'm sure you will. You'll be living loving and working together nothing better in life than that!!!!!💕

[@lindaconover7245]

Thank you for taking time to read my story.

[@michaelm6867]

@@lindaconover7245 You sound like you have loads of beautiful memories together. Congratulations on 55 years!

[@lindaconover7245]

Thank you you're right there are a lot of memories sometimes I need the pictures to remind me what happened as you get older you get some things. You have a great day!

[@jojocook3574]

Pelican

[@Ghurjings]

What does pelican mean

[@yosunmi]

Pelican friends! When I started watching this at 11pm, I had no intention of finishing the whole thing in one go. Yet I found myself in awe, curiosity, and a tiny bit of jealousy (I’m a mother of three young kids, and I’m slowly starting to find me time after 9 years). Absolutely amazing. You are truly inspiring. Thank you for sharing your journey. Travel safe!

[@MorleyKert]

I love to hear that! Thanks for watching 😊

[@TammySteed]

PELICAN!! I don't know how I happened upon you two, but thrilled that I did!! Wishing you both a lifetime of happiness! Love your new home! Happy Trails!!

[@The_Tumbler_Witch]

As a woman who's over 50, you're absolutely right. You can't make those memories again and you want to make them while you're young enough to enjoy them. Good for you for your decision!! Congratulations!! And after the building, many safe and happy travels!!❤❤

[@alanhat5252]

You're _always_ young enough to make memories!

[@Marie-yx5ie]

I agree Alan 100 % 👍😉🇨🇮☘️Eire

[@nowboardingvlogs]

I am still waiting on you 2 to start a van life channel since you mainly want this channel to be centered around making. Would be fun to follow along your journey around Canada and the US through vlogs. Showing off places you eat, stay, explore, etc.. Come on you 2... you can do it!

[@burndowntheworld]

Why couldn’t they post it to this channel because he cant do woodworking on the road.

[@nowboardingvlogs]

@burndowntheworld He could but his channel was all about being a maker. So he might want to start a new channel if he wants to do van life travel vlogs. I'm fine either way but he might not want to risk changing up his channel

[@mark029]

2@2@​@@nowboardingvlogs

[@sharireed9362]

Pelican

[@tinagolden1032]

Pelican ❤😂🎉👐🫶

[@user-xs9yx7jl3n]

Pelican!!! This is absolutely insane. I'm 54, solo female and decided to pull the trigger and do it. I just ordered the van from a local dealer three days ago. I do plan to DIY most of it and have the solar/electrical as well as the plumbing done by someone far more knowledgeable. Thanks for sharing.

[@lindaconover7245]

Go Girl 😃❤️ be safe and have fun 👋!!!!!!!!

[@jctt1670]

You can always hand paint the white gap around the window frames with an artist brush.

[@leteshamckenzie]

The finished product looks so great! Plus the fact that Eden starts the video as your fiancé and ends as your wife is beautiful. Congratulations on your newest adoption, the van. Pelican.

[@idlepopz7136]

I love seeing people follow their passion and doing whatever they want and achieving personal goals in life. Appreciate you and your supportive wife bro🔥🔥🔥

[@ginagalpin5145]

Pelican, you pooped up on my TV so thought I’d watch because I love watching people travel in vans. I love what you did with the van. Safe travels and enjoy.

[@Applecider-Poetry]

ya pooped up on mine too

[@r1ck0sh4y]

Planning (your build) Execution (the plan) Love (each other) Inspiration (to others) Commitment (to each other and the plan) Anxiety (overcome!) Nourish (your souls)

[@elmerelm]

Nice creative reply @r1ck0sh4y

[@ferventlypassionatebelieve3146]

Just perusing through van stuff and came across your channel, a couple of hours later, and "pelican." I feel like I have just been invited into your collective mind and into your shared world, in some van life type of way - and i Dig it! Thanks!!! Blessings on y'alls new covenantal agreement of Love. You two are so fun together and talented as well. I'm praying for protection, in your life, on the road, and over your vehicle. How fun!!! Congratulations, embrace this adventurous time of your union together. I'm looking forward to enjoying more on KZbin from y'all. ❤🙏 Btw, I liked and subbed.

[@jaredroman4848]

no no no no whatching this video in one sitting is a commitment ok? I have to pause half way in, be back later to continue watching it.

[@bc49224]

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm golden glow across the tranquil bay, two figures strolled along the sandy shore. The rhythmic lapping of the waves provided a soothing soundtrack to the evening, while seabirds wheeled and called overhead. With each step, the Kerts couldn't help but marvel at the graceful flight of a majestic pelican! well done you two.

[@heatherwhyte9527]

I'm 38 minutes in, just wanted to say that I really like you guys a lot! I'm having a blast watching. I dig your personalities and the way you work so great together as a team. Can't wait to see the rest and follow along on your adventures! Thank you so much for sharing the process. :)

[@heatherwhyte9527]

Oh! Pelican! And, good Girl! :)

[@rosefrank148]

Very enjoyable. Got to the end. Pelican. Really enjoyed your 3D print solutions. We owned. 1972 VW van and took it on a road trip in 1973. Loved every minute. We are married for 55 years. Congratulations on your wedding.

[@1966Fuzz]

Great job guys. This pelican watched your vid until the end. Enjoyed the progress 👌👌👍👍

[@cynthiabrown7144]

Pelican, awesome build and congratulations 🎉on your marriage, enjoy life, n joy each other forever

[@sharimctiver8952]

Reconsider the wall covers on the rear pillars, because they are your mechanic's access to servicing your tail & brake lights. New subscriber here - I love your creativity & energy. And your Bambu!!! PELICAN

[@tammyjohnson9046]

Pelican my dude… this was another inspirational video to see. That’s like 4 hours tonight lmao, thank you guys for another good one. Lots of ideas flowing. Cheers! 🍻

[@MsLally5]

you should add a trailer hitch - and a trailer hitch storage box for your tools

[@amybee40]

Props for the patient woodworking on those window frames. I could never...

[@SnoringVids]

It's so awesome to see you two grow together. You seem so comfortable and happy!

[@lindaali6703]

Good Boy & Girl! Pelican!

[@SunshineJoleen]

Baby locks for the drawers! If they can keep my todddler out, I promise they'll resist the van turning. Get the ones that secure with a latching mechanism rather than a magnet.

[@pats1168]

Pelican. Thanks for taking us along on the journey. It's been an amazing ride. If only we were younger. 😊

[@MorleyKert]

Thanks for watching!

[@imoseetruth1980]

Pelican. Loved watching the two of you create a lovely home on wheels. Good luck in the future.? Oh yes. Congratulations on your marriage! Be blessed.

[@racquelthompson3931]

Hey Pelican, wow, I can't believe I watched the whole video on your van build. It's amazing and beautiful. I'm in my 50's and living vicariously thru van lifers videos and them traveling all over. It was one of my dreams for the longest time, but unfortunately, without the funds, it is impossible to be able to do what van lifers do, even if it is in an astrovan that's the beauty of it.That is how I travel by subscribing to vanlifers journey around the world. Thank you for sharing this video on your van build it was very informative, and I love it, and I also find it very interesting. I wish you and Eden a happy, wonderful life together. Cherish each other and love each other unconditionally. Be safe travel safe, and hopefully you will consider uploading videos of your journeys. Have fun!😊

[@narvelacook8672]

PELICAN!! I was glued to the video, I love you two, you’re an amazing team!! Oh and, CONGRATULATIONS on your recent nuptials.

[@josiespreitzer1690]

It looks soooooooo beautiful. What an amazing way to start your life together ❤️❤️❤️

[@gratefully.1955]

I just came across your U-tube channel can't wait to see the finished result. You just brought your first home😊

[@elainefuehrer5739]

i enjoyed watching this build. we are in our 70's now. we own 2 camp trailers. one very tiny and a bigger one. while i love having a bathroom, we have still camped in a Tent. we only do part time and it is refreshing to go camp and 4 wheel.

[@samahasurfboards9333]

Took a week off and on but made it to the Pelican. So many cool features!! 🤘🏻

[@valappleby9960]

We really enjoyed watching this whole video!! Great job on the van and we loved sweet attitude of you both! Congrats on your marriage and best wishes on your van life!!

[@987rebekah654]

Pelican! Great job completing your home. We enjoyed watching your creativity and problem solving. Enjoy!❤

[@katchewy2469]

Pelican! It's beautiful! Drawer & cabinet solution: did you look into child locks? Annoying, but they keep things closed. A latching bracket from the bottom of upper cabinets to the ceiling may also help. That way, you don't have to hold it open with your head. Or brackets on the inside that lock when it's open... kind of like the ones you used on the drop-down counter.

[@katchewy2469]

It's beautiful! Drawer & cabinet solution: did you look into child locks? Annoying, but they keep things closed. A latching bracket from the bottom of upper cabinets to the ceiling may also help. That way, you don't have to hold it open with your head. Or brackets on the inside that lock when it's open... kind of like the ones you used on the drop-down counter.

[@OnePunchFro]

PELICAN!! I absolutely loved this! I don't have any aspirations to go on my own van adventure, but you and Eden absolutely smashed this project. I hope all goes well for you four!

[@user-xz5yl8dp7d]

I live in Australia this was the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen. I hope you both have an amazing adventure. Got a lot of ideas for my van, enjoy Pelican

[@paulettedavis3849]

Pelican, wonderful to having y'all in my life! Peace be with you.

[@Berryqueenstitching]

Pelican. I could not stop watching, I appreciate you sharing your experience. Good girl.

[@livintheretiredlife6713]

LOLPelican! This was fun to watch. Of course I had to put it on hold as I went about my life, but I did watch it in one day over a few hours. Hope you continue to vlog your travels.

[@bkind2wolves]

(Pelican) looks great you guys. Life is so short. Lots of us can live vicariously through you 4😅 thnx for sharing...

[@DaeliaVanlife]

One of my favorite vanlife video so far and my favorite pars is when everything done and the test begin and you fix😂

[@bigmandd1]

Watching you turn the stock van into a livable, functional space from start to end was great! Pelican

[@maureenbrennan9092]

PELICAN!!! What a great way to spend a Sunday morning. Congratulations on your wedding and amazing adventure. Great video! Very inspiring.

[@karccrn]

You guys have the best , most funnest energy! I am looking forward to your videos!!!

[@cattohuman1]

Pelican - I really enjoyed this video, personally I love long form videos so I was happy when I saw this 2 hour video from you.

[@annah8380]

Pelican! 😄 your van looks beautiful! I’m so amazed by those 3D printers, very cool! 😊

[@virginiamcclary7893]

Pelican, it's quite the journey, and so nice to see a young couple work to make your dreams come true. Best of luck, always!!

[@wesleypulkka7447]

You two are (Pelican) a wonderful team with seemingly endless energy! Congratulations on a stunning van build! Best of everything along your journey!

[@lvcduek]

Pelican. Lovely couple, lovely projects, lovely van, lovely life. Keep it up.

[@bodhitrent192]

Pelican! You guys ROCKED it!! Thanks for sharing your adventure (and lessons 😉) with us! 🤟

[@NoPodcastsHere]

Magnets are an easy solution for the drawers that would work perfectly 95% of the time. I think having a series of solenoids for each drawer that is interlocked with the ignition relay so that all the drawers automatically lock & unlock themselves whenever you turn the van on and off. Could maybe use an electromagnet that energizes with the alternator. Good luck!

[@alanhat5252]

It is possible to wire a pair of relays such that when the ignition is on & the generator light is off a circuit is energized. I use this to run a small inverter for chargers but there are many potential uses.

[@Bigcat624]

Wow that was amazing “pelican”. I also starting following you guys on IG. Your van build is amazing and your woodworking is awesome. Oh Abbey was awesome. What I did notice was missing was a bathroom.

[@donnakruesel6039]

Im so glad I found your channel. I look so forward to see updated video's. I have watched all till now. You and Eden are so inspiring

[@JozieLeePro]

Pelican. You two rock!! Loved the video.

[@TwistedAndVertigo]

Thanks for being in the Pelican club ;) I enjoyed every step in your build, what an awesome home! Enjoy your journey together and never stop building!

[@irminperez5926]

Pelican, this van build is awesome, and a great video. Congratulations on your journey!! Have a wonderful and safe trip.

[@rebeccahenson5328]

You guys did such a good job . Pelican? Yes I made it to the end. I couldn’t stop but I did skip a little bit of the middle, because I had a time limit. I love the sagey green color. It all looks like clean lines and a thorough build. You make such a nice couple. Thanks for the wonderful video!

[@skiddo0391]

pelican, I really enjoy having your videos playing in the background while doing school or stuff like that. I love these compilations sm!

[@patriciaching100]

Pelican .. loved the journey.. beautiful.. workmanship.. wishing you both and critters the best!!

[@zachprock9186]

Pelican!!!! Fantastic job it looks amazing and it’s so inspiring that you two are on this journey together!

[@mef7266]

Pelican! You two are so cute together. I really enjoyed watching this during my insomnia episode. First time you’ve come across my feed, and I learned a lot. Most importantly, that I won’t be doing a van build 😂. You guys rock!

[@karenbramley9981]

Beechwood can have a pinkish hue, and is known for its fine grade , so it doesn't splinter . BTW , great video . So relaxing and informative . I hope you two have many happy years together . You two make a great team . Pelican ❤

[@seven_o_savage]

Pretty sure I now have a new favorite vanlife channel!

[@amberwilliams8661]

Pelican!!! Great job! This was my 2nd marathon viewing of your content so far, and your team keeps me coming back for more. Love the couple. Love the projects. Love the animals. Talented. Inspiring. Entertaining. I wish you many happy years together and the greatest success. ❤️

[@CandasNichole]

Pelican!!! Loved the video! Was fun to watch ❤️ congratulations guys! Live, laugh, love and enjoy!!

[@faithhealz8556]

PELICAN! Great job! It turned out nice and you are a real cute and sweet couple! Congrats on the marriage and everything else!

[@TheLittleLady]

Pelican!! Congratulations to you both and also to the pets.

[@annettecochran2606]

Pelican. Just stumbled across your video and I was hooked. Finished watching at 3:30am. You guys are awesome and so much energy. I love the way the van has turned out it looks amazing. Can't wait to see more.

[@SFNativeGal]

Pelican! Loved this marathon build. The green pain is perfect!

[@erikads2764]

Pelican!!! Congratulations on your build.

[@midgediener3461]

Pelican, enjoy your pleasant personality (both of you) and your fantastic ability to make something beautiful.

[@lookingback5889]

PELICAN OHMYGOODNESS! You are so talented.. You made this project look so easy. Thank you for such an enjoyable video. Looking forward to seeing more of you guys. Congratulations to you both on your new journey

[@luvspin364]

Wow! What an amazing video! Loved every minute. You are an amazing couple and so fun! Eden is amazing! What a beautiful person and so fun, an absolutely a trooper! You treat each other so well. That is a joy to see. God Bless you both.

[@RAD_DAD_2077]

Pelican !!! I loved the entire video and enjoyed every minute of the van build

[@NLA81]

Pelican! The van/house looks amazing, and it's nice to see all the hard work payoff. Enjoy your journey! ✌️😎❤🚐💨🌴

[@SuperSunGodess]

Pelican. I love this van build! I have been trying to find a build that I could live in full-time and still have room for a three-screen laptop set up to work from home full-time. I think this is it. Thanks, and enjoy!😊

[@ImInMyELEMENT]

I really enjoying watching the process in the beautiful work you’ve done

[@nightlight2108]

Pelican!! Amaizing build and wish you the best.

[@Jan-el2iz]

Congratulations on your wedding. Hope you have a wonderful life and lots of fun !!!

[@perzonator]

Pelican! I love your videos. I live in a rv with my wife and kid. It is so nice to see the van life problems are everywhere. Keep it up!

[@joypeach3]

Fascinating! You both are very talented. I loved your full year video!! Great job!

[@Expat_Eva]

Pelican! The van build looks amazing. Safe travels.

[@alanhat5252]

An idea for your loose drawers: a narrow door that overlaps your drawer by an inch or so with a vertical hinge line as close as possible to the side of the drawers, held closed with a magnet or a bungee.

[@abhinavsa7]

I had already watched all the videos when they were out. So this was a revise and had a lot of fun. Also Pelican!

[@user-gj7lv8gm8k]

Pelican ! Awesome build, wishing you both many happy travel miles in your new abode.

[@daizydayze9440]

Pelican!!! Great video, great work great finish.🎉

[@HereThereClaire]

Pelican! 😋 I loved watching the whole journey - once I started watching, I was invested and I couldn't stop. Well done on completing this mammoth project - you both did a brilliant job! Your van is amazing! 👏

[@renesysval]

Pelican!!! You two are living my dream. I loved watching your video and envy how well you two work together! Thank you for sharing! ❤❤❤❤

[@luvlove71]

Makes me want to take a woodwork class...something I've always wanted to do...best inspirational site ever.

[@JT-xw3hs]

Pelican! Fun video and congrats on your pulling this off you two! Enjoy and have a blast!

[@alanhat5252]

An idea for your loose drawers: Take a piece of dowel or broom handle (maybe 1" diameter), put a flat along one side (less than half the diameter but not much less), take the drawers out & cut a groove in the cabinet deep enough that when the dowel is in it with the flat showing the drawers are unobstucted but when the dowel is rotated it engages in a matching groove in each drawer. Put a groove around the dowel & glue in ⅛" or thinner plywood trimmed to be a handle, probably between the top drawer & the next one. You may want to turn down parts of the dowel just leaving thick discs to lock the drawers, you may want to block the slides not the drawers, you may want to fabricate something from discs & tubes. Have a think, I'll be interested to see what you come up with.

[@brianbarlow1480]

Great work guys loved it

[@kaytoka717]

I love the idea of the 3D print repairs. I love watching builds and interesting to find problems and how you fix / change things.

[@RikHeijmen]

Pelican! What a great build. The both of you are so inspiring thx!

[@debramoyer732]

Congratulations on your marriage and getting the van finished ❤

[@juliamurphy9000]

I honestly can’t believe I watched the entire video. The Pelican is lovely. Amazing job. Congrats.

[@loosebootwoodworking]

Pelican - Dude, Awesome build. I love the fact that you've been able to make KZbin your full time thing. Living the dream! Congratulations.

[@MorleyKert]

Thank you! I feel very lucky.