Amazing how relatively cheap those trailers are in the US. Much more money for much less volume here in Europe. Great informative video, enjoying the clarity and delicacy.
I didn’t have to pay for it…but to me, your setup was well thought out and inexpensive for what you have. If your van goes into the shop, you can still live in the trailer. If the trailer is being remolded and is a mess, you can still escape to the van. And you are sleeping in the vehicle that can escape a bad situation. So many winning ideas with this combo build. Well done is an understatement really.
I just started researching these kinds of builds and you have no idea how helpful it was not only seeing the actual costs associated with the build, but also your proven-effective solutions to heating, cooling, electricity, and wifi. Thank you!
Well that was just about the most thorough tour I've ever watched. Great Job!!!! You not only did a fantastic job building it but you also explained it so well.
sorry to be so off topic but does someone know of a method to get back into an Instagram account..? I stupidly lost the password. I would love any tips you can offer me
@Maverick Royce Thanks for your reply. I got to the site on google and I'm waiting for the hacking stuff now. Takes a while so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.
So happy I seen this . I was thinking I was over my head . I converted a van recently and figure it’s not enough then I came up with I can do a trailer but then I thought that’s crazy two of them . But yup thanks . My nerves are okay now
Amazing video! Best walkaround I have seen. I just finished converting a 5x8 to an off grid overland trailer, part time mobile office. I feel very similar about the build costs. I don't know why there is a tendency to be ashamed about how much you spent building a rig. Great breakdown, great video. Subscribed!
Thanks Joel and congrats on finishing your build! We have to avoid certain spots because of clearance so I'm a bit jealous of all you guys with off-road rigs. You should be able to get into some pretty awesome spots with it!
Couple questions here regarding unanticipated circumstances you may have come across. Remote UV, wind, hydro access as well as hot springs geothermal power source captures. The RTFM resource you cited in the off-grid solar campervan ESs is much appreciated. You definitely were dating yourself though with those Masters of the Universe references. I admire how the primary battery storage efficiency in the camper/trailer, serves as a devibration or carbon reducing mechanism to off-grid sustainability. Imagine having a trailer as you have customized with storage components say for ebikes or even motorcycles. The trailer has 3x the wattage and amp hours of storage. Reducing fossil fuel reliance from renewables has a net minus effect between trip segments, during, before and after. I enjoy the perspective from atop RVs and campers. Would it be more expedient if UV cell placements were sufficiently versatile as to provide no impediment to having both. Outriggers providing thermal insulation or shade could radically enhance solar gains. As well as providing a potential platform for star gazing atop the rigs.
I've been thinking out living like this for awhile now, really enjoy the trailer idea. Especially with Starlink RV being a thing now, i can integrate my gaming setup still.
WOW!! what a great video! I am almost done with my 7x14 cargo trailer conversion. I just installed 400w solar panel last weekend should be hitting the road next month. So far I only put in $4,200 into the trailer not including purchase price which is $4,900. Shower, kitchen, bedroom, workspace, solar, shoreline power and plenty of storage that I have. main thing to keep in mind is making sure you have money for maintenance and repairs for both rigs. Lot of people tend to forget about that. Great build you have there!!
Thanks and hang in there on the build! So nice to finish up and start enjoying the work you put in! Agreed on maintenance - and extra for surprises. We had to replace two tires that developed bulges in the sidewalls.
I love your set-up, & totally understand the need for the trailer. I'm 66 and still working as a traveling carpenter. I just couldn't imagine not having the trailer. I have a self converted 1994 Chevy G30 cargo van & a 6'x12' enclosed trailer. The van is my bedroom & living area. The trailer is my kitchen, washroom, tool shed, and sewing shop.
Hi guys!!! So good to see you again! You did a PHENOMENAL job with your build! Loved your presentation and cannot wait to share your TH-cam channel with everyone we know! We know you have so much KNOWLEDGE to share! We are excited to see future videos! JOB WELL DONE!!!
Thanks! We've been enjoying following along with your adventures! Looking forward to meeting up with you guys again and maybe collaborating on a video!
Good idea, thanks! There was a lot attached to the interior - what would you like to see first? I'm working to finish up a video on AC power in the trailer, then I plan to do a video on the van roof rack.
Impressive, We have a similar set up. Only our 16' cargo is a work shop, food storage (canned most of it ourselves) and regular sized washer. We (two Bachelor's live in a 21' RV with a slide out. This does require our Two F150 trucks, of which one has a topper and holds all our work tools. Not as stealthy, but very comfortable. Love what you have done as well, congratulations and welcome to the Nomad lifestyle. "Cheers"
@@InnovateAnywhere mostly for fun right now, the back of one of our trucks is where we organize all our work stuff. We have found that it's cheaper to live and a lot more enjoyable to free oneself from this messed up system, no ones slave.🙂
Thanks! Your video shows me that I could better utilize my Ford Expedition for living space. I live in a 7x14 v nose cargo trailer and the alterations/remodeling never stops!
We recently met a lady who travels with two cats and a ~ 180lb pig. They all sleep in the vehicle (Honda Element I think) and she pulls a 6x12 trailer which is mostly storage but it has one of those screen room awnings attached. She's been at it for around 3 years now and seems to have dialed it in to her liking pretty well! Her instagram is @mr.gruntypants
Amazing build and video detail. Both the van and trailer are inspiring and I'm looking forward to checking out more of your videos. (I almost didn't make it through the pulsating noise... ummm... 'music'... from around 10 - 13 minutes, but glad it finally ended and I could hear again.) Thanks for sharing all of this information!
Lol, “a well thought measurement system.” Logged in just to say thanks for acknowledging the metric system. Nice build and thanks for sharing the numbers. Do you think you’ll want to add more natural light at some point?
Thanks! It would be nice to have more natural light on the days I have to be inside and work all day but it's no worse than the windowless cube I used to dwell in. We spend a lot of time outside so I don't really miss the windows.
I do adjust it pretty frequently. Recently we were parked with the nose up so I brought the head of the bed (back of van) up a good amount. Then I forgot to adjust it down for the next spot. By morning we both found our feet hanging off the end.
Awesome!! Setup, detailed info and passion.. Hats off to ya! You just inspired me to take on a build of my own. More budget friendly of course but a build none the less. Hope to share build with you some day.. Rock on
Hello, very nice build summary. Quite ingenious bed leveling assembly. I watched a few of your productions and enjoyed them. Curious though, what brand of folding bicycle do you have? Thank you for posting.
Thanks! Glad you liked them! My wife rides the red bike - Zizzo Urbano. Can be adjusted to fit both of us (5'0" or 5'10"). www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01JBF6AWQ I got the silver one from my father in law and he originally got it in the Philippines. We actually got them out on a single track trail in Colorado earlier this year and nothing broke!
I'm pretty sure you have already surmised that you probably don't need a lot of what you packed. You have a great set up but the best part of the whole video is your t-shirt.
We've made a few drop offs at Goodwill since we left. Think you can't live without something but it loses it's shine when you have to move it every day. Thanks - my favorite t-shirt! Got it from the Mag Lab at FSU. They have an open house every February - highly recommend if you find yourself in the area!
High functioning layout and built. Love it. Have pretty much the same setup inmind - also a kayaking and cycling fan. Thanks for making and sharing the video! Hugs from Zambia, Africa.
Nice job on the video. Love the voice over it always makes for better videos. Most put the entire build on fast forward to where I just turn them off. Now that the Accolades are done, we still love Fahrenheit. Why do all the crossover between millimeter, inches, gallons and liters.
Thanks! I'm like you and probably most Americans - I think in Imperial units. But my job for the last 20 year or so has made unit conversions a regular task so I'm just used to doing it. I also regularly work with people outside the US and have found it's easier when I communicate using the units they 'think' in.
I was surprised at your low electrical costs until I saw you did not use lithium batteries. I've found that using lithium just about doubles the electrical costs. In my build I did use lithium but I also have a dometic roof a/c that I can run. This is a great video and very helpful.
Yeah, I REALLY wanted to use lithium. Looked at building them myself out of cells and battery management circuit boards but they are so expensive. Was able to build the entire system for what the battery bank alone would have cost. Was a little concerned that the FLA batteries would require a lot of attention but I actually only need to top off every 2-3 months. I bet that air conditioner is nice! We were in some 90 degree, high humidity weather in Cedar Rapids, MI this summer. Almost melted.
@@InnovateAnywhere I've also thought about building my own batteries but worry if things don't go as planned I'd be very upset. Costco has Lion Energy lithium batteries for about $675 each 105AH. that looks like what I'll use this time.
Thank for all your info, you Referred to a printed wood on the ceiling of you van. was it something like vinyl Flooring or a sticker type material thank for your time.
Thanks for such an awesome video! 😊 Excellent content! Well done! 👍🏼 I have a 2016 Ford Transit 250 medium roof with a 14 ft. cargo trailer that I’m currently designing for my stealth camping build so this video helps tremendously with ideas and solutions. My goal is very similar: reduce cost of living so it allows more freedom to travel and enjoy life. As an experienced carpenter and mountain bike instructor, I’m very excited to see more detail on your build; I would love to see more detail and a breakdown of the mechanical systems: plumbing, HVAC, and especially electrical. I love the simplicity of the HVAC and was leaning toward similar design. Cold weather is my only concern and I’m contemplating a diesel heater. What was the deciding factor on the propane for your build? Thanks in advance! 🙏😊
The 3000 BTU Olympic wave keeps the van very comfortable and I haven't noticed too much condensation on the windows. We keep the driver and passenger windows cracked about 1 -1.5 inches when it's running. But that heater really wasn't big enough for the trailer. We usually hang out there during the day and were getting tired of wearing coats and wrapping up in blankets while we're sitting still working on the computer so we just got the 8000 BTU version of the Olympic wave and that seems to be about right now. I really like the diesel and gas heaters (Webasto), primarily because of the dry heat and thermostat control, but it would be fixed in the van and I wanted something that would work for both van and trailer. We've spent about $610 on heaters now ($240 for Wave 3, $370 for Wave 8) which I think is about half the cost of one of the Webasto heaters. Good luck with your build!
Wow. Excellent. I want to do this so badly but I don't know a lick about anything electrical. If only I could understand your complete electrical installation. I don't want to pay someone thousands of dollars to do it for me. I want to simply copy someone else's exact diagram and equipment. Install the same way and save myself some time and money. You don't happen to have your schematic blueprint available for sale do you?
Great video thanks: One observation, from one electronics engineer and renewables fanatic to another, is at 5:36 - the unit is a smoke detector and CO (Carbon Monoxide) detector, not CO2 (Carbon Dioxide). Lots of van tour videos make this mistake, and whilst both CAN kill you, the concentrations required are vastly different - it’s a science/chemistry thing (reference to your great tee shirt).
Amazing video, and it's truly inspiring. I'd love to see detail on the solar system. Is there a reason you opted for lead-acid batteries over lithium batteries? What panels did you use? Did you go overboard on some hardware which raised the cost or would you say you went midrange with your spending?
Thanks! Cost was the main driver for lead acid selection. Van has Canadian Solar 200W, trailer is Hanwha Q cell 310W. By overboard I mean I could have gone lower cost by building a smaller system and still have met my power needs. The van has more expensive components. In the trailer I shot for max power at min cost.
I’d hate to see what the total would be if you factored in a wage for your labor. I’m sure you’ll gain lots of subs for your well produced videos. Leslie sure is quiet.
If I factored that in I would have to retitle the video "How to overspend on an RV" I rationalize the choice by telling myself how much fun I had building it. :)
I built the rack out of Superstrut which you can get from the electrical section of Home Depot or Lowes in the US. I'll be doing a video on it sometime soon. The solar panels are 310W Hanwha Q.PRO L-G2.
this is exacrtly what im looking to do, Transit+7x16. Any idea how much your trailer weights all loaded up? and unloaded? how does the Transit do in tow? Thanks
We weighed it at a CAT scale when we first took off and the trailer was about 5300 lbs if I remember correctly. This was fully loaded with water and too much food. We also had a bunch of stuff we downsized and were bringing to family members. We've worked on jettisoning more stuff as we go so I hope it's under 5000 lbs now. The Transit does well and I try to treat it nice by taking it easy driving. I also take long mountain uphill really slow to be nice to the engine and transmission.
Great setup. Looks like you’ve really maximized the space in both van and trailer. Was the v-nose door on purpose, or was it just what was available? Nice level on the bed frame.
The door location was serendipity. I had two designs - one with the v-nose door and one with the side door. I preferred the v-nose door design (better use of space) but had heard so many horror stories of people custom ordering an enclosed trailer that I decided I would only buy one off a lot that I could inspect before buying. 99% of stock trailers have the side door, I had accepted the fact that we would end up with one. Was blown away that we found exactly what I was hoping for.
Next month I'm going to buy a 20 foot moving truck. I want to create a small 10 x 7 living space near the cab, and then I'll wall off the back half. It'll have 2 uses: during the day it'll be used for making short/local hauls in town for people for things like furniture; that will be an easy source of income each day; $100/Load. In the evening as a ministry option, the back area will easily get turned into a nice space to sleep in, so that a homeless person can stay warm and safe. I can either make them a meal, and provide them with a food, water, clothes, hygiene products, a Bible, the hammock & sleeping bag that they slept in, and $100 cash. I need to give a huge shout out to Josh who has a YT channel called: "ACTS INITIATIVE. This week I was really inspired by his amazing 24 part series called "Dead Church", that talks about the importance of not living above and beyond, but living to constantly help others who desperately in need. So this is why I'm excited to be moving out of a stick & brick next month.
Did you plan a way to move between the living space and the cab without going out the back? In an emergency you need to be able to either get into the cab to drive away or out of the vehicle all together. Good luck and be safe!
How about towing a loaded trailer with a loaded van with such a small engine? You must be very close to the weight limits of that tow vehicle engine package.
I was nervous about that too and paid close attention to the van specifications. During the build I kept a rough guess on total weight but I was sweating the first time I got it on a scale. Fortunately, we're below max on all specs.
@@InnovateAnywhere I think the idea of van + cargo trailer is great, much better than just van life or cargo /camper only. My fav is the scissor jack bed, Smart. Well done. So, after using this rig for some time. Is stealth really that important? and is there anything you would do different if building another one? Thanks
The trailer pulls nicely but you can definitely feel the weight. I do my best to baby it with slow acceleration and I don't push it on the hills. I'm sure when people pass they're surprised to find it's not a 98 year old man behind the wheel. I took it to a CAT scale shortly after we hit the road full time. So with full fresh tanks, full gas tank, and passengers we weighed: Gross weight: 13080 Vehicle weight: 7800 Trailer weight: 5280 Tongue weight: 580 We've gotten rid of stuff since then and don't travel with as much food so I'm hoping we're down 300 lbs in the trailer but haven't weighed again. In all of our travel so far our average gas mileage is 11.1MPG. This includes everything from flat roads, rolling hills, to mountain driving.
Now, I'm no electrical engineer but, using AGM batteries that provide half the capability of lithium with 20% the lifespan seems kinda dumb. Couple that with a wet item that even when dried off has nooks and crannies that hold water is stored above COMPUTERS. Hmmmmmm
Hi Charles - you forgot to mention that lead acid batteries are heavier than lithium too. FLA and AGM are cheaper than lithium. Back when we bought them an equivalent bank of lithium batteries (in terms of useable Ah) was about 6X more expensive ($4000 vs $600). The number of options for lithium is growing and the price keeps dropping so now the difference is about 2.3x In a year and a half, no water has dripped from the boats onto anything below because we wipe them down before hanging back up. But the crazy thing is we get sand raining down from them! I'm not sure where it's coming from but it must be hidden in those nooks and crannies you mentioned. Fortunately, it only happens when we're driving (and shaking everything back there) when the computers are put away. Thanks for watching!!
When you do your own van conversion you safe 60 to 70% Of the total van conversion. Because that's what you will pay a company...if the bill for all the material including appliances solar system mounts to 25,000 They will charge you twice or twice and 1/2 that..meaning $25,000 plus $50,000 =$75,000. That's what it use to be 10 years ago when I was building... Now is two and a half time The cost of materials and it might be even more..is ridiculous.. That's why is better to do your own build..because labor is were the money is at..if you spend 10,000 on everything including appliances solar system..depending on what your needs are...and you build yourself You be ok..but if you going to pay a company..get another 30,000 because that's going to be about What the company is going to charge you...of course that's if You spend 10,000 on materials. Because they now exactly how much you spend on everything.. They not domb
Finally someone who did exactly what I want to do by using a Van AND a trailer
wow man this is the best van life video ever!
I credible build. This video is evidence that you sir are truly an engineer.
Amazing how relatively cheap those trailers are in the US. Much more money for much less volume here in Europe. Great informative video, enjoying the clarity and delicacy.
So nice for somebody such as yourself breaking down the cost. Thank you be safe and enjoy.
I didn’t have to pay for it…but to me, your setup was well thought out and inexpensive for what you have. If your van goes into the shop, you can still live in the trailer. If the trailer is being remolded and is a mess, you can still escape to the van. And you are sleeping in the vehicle that can escape a bad situation. So many winning ideas with this combo build. Well done is an understatement really.
I wish there were more people out there who broke the cost down like this video did. I can see the thought put into this purchase, great job!
A+ Both work great together !
I just started researching these kinds of builds and you have no idea how helpful it was not only seeing the actual costs associated with the build, but also your proven-effective solutions to heating, cooling, electricity, and wifi. Thank you!
You've done a great job, this has to be one of the best set ups/rigs that I have seen. Very nice job!
Well that was just about the most thorough tour I've ever watched. Great Job!!!! You not only did a fantastic job building it but you also explained it so well.
sorry to be so off topic but does someone know of a method to get back into an Instagram account..?
I stupidly lost the password. I would love any tips you can offer me
@Torin Carl Instablaster :)
@Maverick Royce Thanks for your reply. I got to the site on google and I'm waiting for the hacking stuff now.
Takes a while so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.
@Maverick Royce It did the trick and I finally got access to my account again. Im so happy:D
Thank you so much, you saved my account :D
@Torin Carl You are welcome xD
This is by far one of the best tours that I have watched on youtube.
Thanks!!
Patrick, this is a great video. Production quality is outstanding. Frugal engineering was always your expertise.
Maybe one port hole window in the trailer tinted on the outside
Yeah, we could probably fit a small porthole. May do that someday.
excellent info wow, wasn't expecting that!
That was so underrated. Good job!
So happy I seen this . I was thinking I was over my head . I converted a van recently and figure it’s not enough then I came up with I can do a trailer but then I thought that’s crazy two of them . But yup thanks . My nerves are okay now
Your work methodologies are dream like
Thank you so much for this realistic view of your functional and comfortable environments.
Amazing video! Best walkaround I have seen. I just finished converting a 5x8 to an off grid overland trailer, part time mobile office. I feel very similar about the build costs. I don't know why there is a tendency to be ashamed about how much you spent building a rig. Great breakdown, great video. Subscribed!
Thanks Joel and congrats on finishing your build! We have to avoid certain spots because of clearance so I'm a bit jealous of all you guys with off-road rigs. You should be able to get into some pretty awesome spots with it!
Your channel deserves so much more subscribers, anyway I'm just one more 👍
Couple questions here regarding unanticipated circumstances you may have come across. Remote UV, wind, hydro access as well as hot springs geothermal power source captures. The RTFM resource you cited in the off-grid solar campervan ESs is much appreciated. You definitely were dating yourself though with those Masters of the Universe references.
I admire how the primary battery storage efficiency in the camper/trailer, serves as a devibration or carbon reducing mechanism to off-grid sustainability. Imagine having a trailer as you have customized with storage components say for ebikes or even motorcycles. The trailer has 3x the wattage and amp hours of storage. Reducing fossil fuel reliance from renewables has a net minus effect between trip segments, during, before and after.
I enjoy the perspective from atop RVs and campers. Would it be more expedient if UV cell placements were sufficiently versatile as to provide no impediment to having both. Outriggers providing thermal insulation or shade could radically enhance solar gains. As well as providing a potential platform for star gazing atop the rigs.
I've been thinking out living like this for awhile now, really enjoy the trailer idea. Especially with Starlink RV being a thing now, i can integrate my gaming setup still.
WOW!! what a great video! I am almost done with my 7x14 cargo trailer conversion. I just installed 400w solar panel last weekend should be hitting the road next month. So far I only put in $4,200 into the trailer not including purchase price which is $4,900. Shower, kitchen, bedroom, workspace, solar, shoreline power and plenty of storage that I have. main thing to keep in mind is making sure you have money for maintenance and repairs for both rigs. Lot of people tend to forget about that. Great build you have there!!
Thanks and hang in there on the build! So nice to finish up and start enjoying the work you put in! Agreed on maintenance - and extra for surprises. We had to replace two tires that developed bulges in the sidewalls.
I’m interested in seeing more about the cabinet build and also the leveling system for your bed. Thats ingenious!
Nice build. I spotted you using Fusion 360 too, love it.
Thanks for sharing this helpful information! 😊
Absolutely Brilliant build! LOVE This tour with details, Thank You for sharing!
Brilliant! I really appreciate you including the cost. Have been searching for other vids of cost and..I dont think they exist, except yours of course
I love your set-up, & totally understand the need for the trailer. I'm 66 and still working as a traveling carpenter. I just couldn't imagine not having the trailer. I have a self converted 1994 Chevy G30 cargo van & a 6'x12' enclosed trailer. The van is my bedroom & living area. The trailer is my kitchen, washroom, tool shed, and sewing shop.
We're in the southwest now and I'm seeing a few more people doing the same. Pretty inexpensive way to increase living space! Happy travels!!
Well done
Great video. I am surprised there aren't more "split" builts like this.
We also travel in a cargo van and 16’ cargo trailer! I love your setup!!
Hi guys!!! So good to see you again! You did a PHENOMENAL job with your build! Loved your presentation and cannot wait to share your TH-cam channel with everyone we know! We know you have so much KNOWLEDGE to share! We are excited to see future videos! JOB WELL DONE!!!
Thanks! We've been enjoying following along with your adventures! Looking forward to meeting up with you guys again and maybe collaborating on a video!
Great! Thank you for the detail. Would love to see the nuts and bolts of how you attached things to the van interior, how you cut vent holes, etc.
Good idea, thanks! There was a lot attached to the interior - what would you like to see first?
I'm working to finish up a video on AC power in the trailer, then I plan to do a video on the van roof rack.
@@InnovateAnywhere Whatever you think is most interesting. The wall boards, shelving, brackets...
In one word, WOW!
Impressive,
We have a similar set up. Only our 16' cargo is a work shop, food storage (canned most of it ourselves) and regular sized washer. We (two Bachelor's live in a 21' RV with a slide out. This does require our Two F150 trucks, of which one has a topper and holds all our work tools.
Not as stealthy, but very comfortable.
Love what you have done as well, congratulations and welcome to the Nomad lifestyle.
"Cheers"
Awesome! Is the workshop the way you make money on the road or is it just for fun?
@@InnovateAnywhere mostly for fun right now, the back of one of our trucks is where we organize all our work stuff. We have found that it's cheaper to live and a lot more enjoyable to free oneself from this messed up system, no ones slave.🙂
Brilliant guys designing brilliant layouts ! Bravo
Thanks! Your video shows me that I could better utilize my Ford Expedition for living space. I live in a 7x14 v nose cargo trailer and the alterations/remodeling never stops!
We recently met a lady who travels with two cats and a ~ 180lb pig. They all sleep in the vehicle (Honda Element I think) and she pulls a 6x12 trailer which is mostly storage but it has one of those screen room awnings attached. She's been at it for around 3 years now and seems to have dialed it in to her liking pretty well! Her instagram is @mr.gruntypants
Great content guys!
Wow so much knowledge. This is an awesome video and your builds are amazing.
Excellent vid explaining your build and looking forward to more👍👍👍
Amazing build and video detail.
Both the van and trailer are inspiring and I'm looking forward to checking out more of your videos.
(I almost didn't make it through the pulsating noise... ummm... 'music'... from around 10 - 13 minutes, but glad it finally ended and I could hear again.)
Thanks for sharing all of this information!
Very nice!!!
Thanks!!
Awesome video. Thanks for all the details so fast! ...and not getting sidetracked on the cat like so many seem to do.
Kudos to you. Thank you for this accurate, informative, and professional video! You can serve as a model for other you tubers. Awesome!
Thanks! Glad it was helpful!
Lol, “a well thought measurement system.” Logged in just to say thanks for acknowledging the metric system. Nice build and thanks for sharing the numbers. Do you think you’ll want to add more natural light at some point?
Thanks! It would be nice to have more natural light on the days I have to be inside and work all day but it's no worse than the windowless cube I used to dwell in. We spend a lot of time outside so I don't really miss the windows.
Great video! You've reforged some ideas I've been thinking about. Very nice Sir and Ma'am.
Thanks I appreciate the breakdown and cost. Like you say! Majority of people don't give cost.
It must be a nightmare to brake when driving pulling the trailer unless you have upgraded van brakes or trailer brakes. I love you setup by the way.
Eletric brakes are the best
Very helpful. Very well done! Thanx.
Good thought processes!
Great video. Looking forward to seeing more detail videos.
thanks guys . love this. solar system and kitchen top my list.
Great video!
like the unique bed design, great thinking. do you find you adjust it much?
I do adjust it pretty frequently. Recently we were parked with the nose up so I brought the head of the bed (back of van) up a good amount. Then I forgot to adjust it down for the next spot. By morning we both found our feet hanging off the end.
Straight genius!!!!!👌👌👌
great video, you can see that you both put a lot of thought into the van etc.
This setup is really well though out and thank you for the real world pricing
Thanks Jesse!
Awesome! NIce work Leslie & Pat! I've been doing road trips in my MIata these days.
Can't wait to meet up with you guys and hear about them!
Awesome!! Setup, detailed info and passion.. Hats off to ya! You just inspired me to take on a build of my own. More budget friendly of course but a build none the less. Hope to share build with you some day.. Rock on
I'd love to see it someday!! Good luck on the build!!
You can use a module off your alternator to charge your batteries in case of no sun situations.
Hello, very nice build summary. Quite ingenious bed leveling assembly. I watched a few of your productions and enjoyed them. Curious though, what brand of folding bicycle do you have? Thank you for posting.
Thanks! Glad you liked them!
My wife rides the red bike - Zizzo Urbano. Can be adjusted to fit both of us (5'0" or 5'10"). www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01JBF6AWQ
I got the silver one from my father in law and he originally got it in the Philippines. We actually got them out on a single track trail in Colorado earlier this year and nothing broke!
I'm pretty sure you have already surmised that you probably don't need a lot of what you packed. You have a great set up but the best part of the whole video is your t-shirt.
We've made a few drop offs at Goodwill since we left. Think you can't live without something but it loses it's shine when you have to move it every day.
Thanks - my favorite t-shirt! Got it from the Mag Lab at FSU. They have an open house every February - highly recommend if you find yourself in the area!
High functioning layout and built. Love it. Have pretty much the same setup inmind - also a kayaking and cycling fan. Thanks for making and sharing the video! Hugs from Zambia, Africa.
Thanks and good luck!
Nice job on the video. Love the voice over it always makes for better videos. Most put the entire build on fast forward to where I just turn them off.
Now that the Accolades are done, we still love Fahrenheit. Why do all the crossover between millimeter, inches, gallons and liters.
Thanks! I'm like you and probably most Americans - I think in Imperial units. But my job for the last 20 year or so has made unit conversions a regular task so I'm just used to doing it. I also regularly work with people outside the US and have found it's easier when I communicate using the units they 'think' in.
Very cool
Brilliant layout, I've always thought if I could live in a van I'd have a big trailer.
This setup is very good I got a in person tour!!! (Thanks for visiting the U.P of Michigan had fun kayaking)and keep up the good work 😁
Good video 👍
I was surprised at your low electrical costs until I saw you did not use lithium batteries. I've found that using lithium just about doubles the electrical costs. In my build I did use lithium but I also have a dometic roof a/c that I can run. This is a great video and very helpful.
Yeah, I REALLY wanted to use lithium. Looked at building them myself out of cells and battery management circuit boards but they are so expensive. Was able to build the entire system for what the battery bank alone would have cost. Was a little concerned that the FLA batteries would require a lot of attention but I actually only need to top off every 2-3 months.
I bet that air conditioner is nice! We were in some 90 degree, high humidity weather in Cedar Rapids, MI this summer. Almost melted.
@@InnovateAnywhere I've also thought about building my own batteries but worry if things don't go as planned I'd be very upset. Costco has Lion Energy lithium batteries for about $675 each 105AH. that looks like what I'll use this time.
This is unreal, these people can do anything. What is it they can't do?
*well thought out measuring system.... LOL* he clowning it
Thank for all your info, you Referred to a printed wood on the ceiling of you van. was it something like vinyl Flooring or a sticker type material thank for your time.
Thanks for such an awesome video! 😊 Excellent content! Well done! 👍🏼
I have a 2016 Ford Transit 250 medium roof with a 14 ft. cargo trailer that I’m currently designing for my stealth camping build so this video helps tremendously with ideas and solutions. My goal is very similar: reduce cost of living so it allows more freedom to travel and enjoy life. As an experienced carpenter and mountain bike instructor, I’m very excited to see more detail on your build; I would love to see more detail and a breakdown of the mechanical systems: plumbing, HVAC, and especially electrical. I love the simplicity of the HVAC and was leaning toward similar design. Cold weather is my only concern and I’m contemplating a diesel heater. What was the deciding factor on the propane for your build? Thanks in advance! 🙏😊
The 3000 BTU Olympic wave keeps the van very comfortable and I haven't noticed too much condensation on the windows. We keep the driver and passenger windows cracked about 1 -1.5 inches when it's running. But that heater really wasn't big enough for the trailer. We usually hang out there during the day and were getting tired of wearing coats and wrapping up in blankets while we're sitting still working on the computer so we just got the 8000 BTU version of the Olympic wave and that seems to be about right now.
I really like the diesel and gas heaters (Webasto), primarily because of the dry heat and thermostat control, but it would be fixed in the van and I wanted something that would work for both van and trailer. We've spent about $610 on heaters now ($240 for Wave 3, $370 for Wave 8) which I think is about half the cost of one of the Webasto heaters.
Good luck with your build!
Love it
Ty 👍
Wow. Excellent. I want to do this so badly but I don't know a lick about anything electrical. If only I could understand your complete electrical installation. I don't want to pay someone thousands of dollars to do it for me. I want to simply copy someone else's exact diagram and equipment. Install the same way and save myself some time and money. You don't happen to have your schematic blueprint available for sale do you?
That's not bad for everything.
Great video thanks: One observation, from one electronics engineer and renewables fanatic to another, is at 5:36 - the unit is a smoke detector and CO (Carbon Monoxide) detector, not CO2 (Carbon Dioxide). Lots of van tour videos make this mistake, and whilst both CAN kill you, the concentrations required are vastly different - it’s a science/chemistry thing (reference to your great tee shirt).
You're right. Good catch!
Amazing video, and it's truly inspiring. I'd love to see detail on the solar system. Is there a reason you opted for lead-acid batteries over lithium batteries? What panels did you use? Did you go overboard on some hardware which raised the cost or would you say you went midrange with your spending?
Thanks! Cost was the main driver for lead acid selection. Van has Canadian Solar 200W, trailer is Hanwha Q cell 310W. By overboard I mean I could have gone lower cost by building a smaller system and still have met my power needs. The van has more expensive components. In the trailer I shot for max power at min cost.
I’d hate to see what the total would be if you factored in a wage for your labor. I’m sure you’ll gain lots of subs for your well produced videos. Leslie sure is quiet.
If I factored that in I would have to retitle the video "How to overspend on an RV" I rationalize the choice by telling myself how much fun I had building it. :)
I am currently working on a 7X16 cargo trailer. I am interested in your roof rack and solar you used for it.
I built the rack out of Superstrut which you can get from the electrical section of Home Depot or Lowes in the US. I'll be doing a video on it sometime soon. The solar panels are 310W Hanwha Q.PRO L-G2.
Is the intro shot of the two of you in front of a waterfall an Cumberland Falls?
That's Tahquamenon Falls in the Michigan U.P. The second smaller one is Gooseberry Falls state park in Minnesota.
this is exacrtly what im looking to do, Transit+7x16. Any idea how much your trailer weights all loaded up? and unloaded? how does the Transit do in tow? Thanks
We weighed it at a CAT scale when we first took off and the trailer was about 5300 lbs if I remember correctly. This was fully loaded with water and too much food. We also had a bunch of stuff we downsized and were bringing to family members. We've worked on jettisoning more stuff as we go so I hope it's under 5000 lbs now.
The Transit does well and I try to treat it nice by taking it easy driving. I also take long mountain uphill really slow to be nice to the engine and transmission.
Great setup. Looks like you’ve really maximized the space in both van and trailer. Was the v-nose door on purpose, or was it just what was available? Nice level on the bed frame.
The door location was serendipity. I had two designs - one with the v-nose door and one with the side door. I preferred the v-nose door design (better use of space) but had heard so many horror stories of people custom ordering an enclosed trailer that I decided I would only buy one off a lot that I could inspect before buying. 99% of stock trailers have the side door, I had accepted the fact that we would end up with one. Was blown away that we found exactly what I was hoping for.
How did set up your solar equipment starting from fuses to the battery charging alternator
prob a cost cutting thing but im surprised u went with that battery set up
Any problems putting a wet kayak away over all those electronics?
Next month I'm going to buy a 20 foot moving truck. I want to create a small 10 x 7 living space near the cab, and then I'll wall off the back half. It'll have 2 uses: during the day it'll be used for making short/local hauls in town for people for things like furniture; that will be an easy source of income each day; $100/Load. In the evening as a ministry option, the back area will easily get turned into a nice space to sleep in, so that a homeless person can stay warm and safe. I can either make them a meal, and provide them with a food, water, clothes, hygiene products, a Bible, the hammock & sleeping bag that they slept in, and $100 cash. I need to give a huge shout out to Josh who has a YT channel called: "ACTS INITIATIVE. This week I was really inspired by his amazing 24 part series called "Dead Church", that talks about the importance of not living above and beyond, but living to constantly help others who desperately in need. So this is why I'm excited to be moving out of a stick & brick next month.
Did you plan a way to move between the living space and the cab without going out the back? In an emergency you need to be able to either get into the cab to drive away or out of the vehicle all together. Good luck and be safe!
How much does the trailer weigh and how does the van handle towing?
i would try to do every thing with aluminam for light weight and gas milage。。
This rig still out and about working?
How about towing a loaded trailer with a loaded van with such a small engine? You must be very close to the weight limits of that tow vehicle engine package.
I was nervous about that too and paid close attention to the van specifications. During the build I kept a rough guess on total weight but I was sweating the first time I got it on a scale. Fortunately, we're below max on all specs.
@@InnovateAnywhere I think the idea of van + cargo trailer is great, much better than just van life or cargo /camper only. My fav is the scissor jack bed, Smart. Well done. So, after using this rig for some time. Is stealth really that important? and is there anything you would do different if building another one? Thanks
50 k invested is nothing when you can retire millionaire in a few years. Smart move.
My question how does she pull and overhaul weight 🇨🇦
The trailer pulls nicely but you can definitely feel the weight. I do my best to baby it with slow acceleration and I don't push it on the hills. I'm sure when people pass they're surprised to find it's not a 98 year old man behind the wheel.
I took it to a CAT scale shortly after we hit the road full time. So with full fresh tanks, full gas tank, and passengers we weighed:
Gross weight: 13080
Vehicle weight: 7800
Trailer weight: 5280
Tongue weight: 580
We've gotten rid of stuff since then and don't travel with as much food so I'm hoping we're down 300 lbs in the trailer but haven't weighed again.
In all of our travel so far our average gas mileage is 11.1MPG. This includes everything from flat roads, rolling hills, to mountain driving.
how many mpg when you tow?
Newsubscriber lets c what u got former southafrica
Now, I'm no electrical engineer but, using AGM batteries that provide half the capability of lithium with 20% the lifespan seems kinda dumb. Couple that with a wet item that even when dried off has nooks and crannies that hold water is stored above COMPUTERS. Hmmmmmm
Hi Charles - you forgot to mention that lead acid batteries are heavier than lithium too.
FLA and AGM are cheaper than lithium. Back when we bought them an equivalent bank of lithium batteries (in terms of useable Ah) was about 6X more expensive ($4000 vs $600). The number of options for lithium is growing and the price keeps dropping so now the difference is about 2.3x
In a year and a half, no water has dripped from the boats onto anything below because we wipe them down before hanging back up. But the crazy thing is we get sand raining down from them! I'm not sure where it's coming from but it must be hidden in those nooks and crannies you mentioned. Fortunately, it only happens when we're driving (and shaking everything back there) when the computers are put away.
Thanks for watching!!
When you do your own van conversion you safe 60 to 70%
Of the total van conversion.
Because that's what you will pay a company...if the bill for all the material including appliances solar system mounts to 25,000
They will charge you twice or twice and 1/2 that..meaning $25,000 plus $50,000 =$75,000.
That's what it use to be 10 years ago when I was building...
Now is two and a half time
The cost of materials and it might be even more..is ridiculous..
That's why is better to do your own build..because labor is were the money is at..if you spend 10,000 on everything including appliances solar system..depending on what your needs are...and you build yourself
You be ok..but if you going to pay a company..get another 30,000 because that's going to be about
What the company is going to charge you...of course that's if
You spend 10,000 on materials.
Because they now exactly how much you spend on everything..
They not domb