I've been watching almost every YT video I could find to build out a van in 2025. *TH-cam's algorithym TOOK A YEAR to send me YOURS!* You've done all the tedious data experiments, compiled the data, analyzed the results and edited your experience in an easily comprehensible and logically layed out format. If there was a YT award for best of the best, *YOUR CHANNEL would WIN!* Subscribed and am so much more confident that when I finally choose the right vehicle, I will be rewatching your videos, step by step, to make not just my build experience more efficient, cost effective, and aesthetically pleasing, but also to capitalize on the structural integrity to weight ratio. Bravo! The *BEST,* most in depth and important van build video on the subject I have ever seen! *GET ON THE BALL, YT, and PUT THIS VIDEO onto more feeds!!!*
I’m just watching your video for the first time. I cannot believe how marvelous, ingenious and absolutely amazing this is! At the age of 73, (and a husband who sadly has Alzheimer’s) I’m guessing I will probably never have the opportunity to use this information but oh how I am in AWE! Great, GREAT, G R E A T information! Thank you so much for sharing your information and experience. Seriously, may God bless you!
I'm not crafty or handy at all, and i have no upper body strength. I have no garage. But all of these foam build tips have enabled me to insulate and make plenty of non-foam fixtures in my van. Thank you forever for these videos! My foam insulation keeps me warm for longer at night in the desert, and prevents me from burning my skin on the metal inside the van on a sunny day. Vital stuff!
@tempeleng no, the foam only melted when I tried to spray the wrong adhesives onto the foam. That's why foam needs a special foam adhesive, to avoid a meltdown. Certain adhesives and adhesive activators do this, I learned. And only hot wire heat can melt and carve the foam, otherwise, cheap eps foam is used to package and insulate heavy electronics for shipment all around the world for decades. Use foam!!
@@falkornomad big problem with your foams and synthetic resins and paints are they emit Extremely carcinogenic and hormone disrupting chemical vapours. You can remediate or eliminate this problem by casting or laminating natural fibres and low density foam like systems using Magnesium oxide/potassium dihydrogen phosphate chemically bonded ceramic rather than toxic synthetic organic materials. MgO / MgCl cements are more porous but less finicky and have longer working times. Are more porous and less water resistant. Sawdust, clay, pumice, cotton bedsheets, hemp fibre, whole chopped or long blackberry vines, bulrush reeds, split bamboo, glass fibres, pearlite or vermaculite or pumice pebble .... Are all compatible fillers and reinforcing. You can achieve non toxic, breathable, more insulating, more longlasting builds with costs less than one percent of what you are using with these systems that have been used for thousands of years. There are temples and megaliths all over the world made of "stone that floats on water", cast megalithic blocks indistinguishable from granite, basalt , marble.... These materials do not absorb infrared and solar light energy like polymers do, they do not trap condensation and do not emit chemicals that give you cancer and screw up your hormones, fertility and gut and mental processes. Ditch the toxic crap. It's been proven since the 1960s that molds and algaes and bacteria grow on these synthetic materials and break them down into toxic volatiles and microparticles. Why use this crap when you can achieve similar strength and weight to carbon epoxy foam composites with Natural free materials and binders that mix with water and set like stone or ceramic. Coating steel and other metals with the magnesium phosphate ceramics will permanently stop any corrosion. Coating timber will seal and stabilise it and eliminate decomposition and dimensional changes from heat or humidity changes. You can use it as glue to laminate timber to foam if you must, or mold mesh or natural fabric over your polystyrene foam if you must. Oil your timber surfaces with linseed oil and beeswax polishes.
Everything I could find from independent websites about XPS foam does not support most of what you are saying. I have a video “… Toxic & Flammable” that covers some of this. Do you have a specific resource discussing XPS foam bing toxic you can share?
My God, I can't believe TH-cam has buried this. I've been searching for this sort of info for a long time. You present it so clearly and concisely. Time to binge watch everything you've got.
A few years back, i made an entire camper trailer out of foam covered in canvas. It slept 3 + 2 dogs, was comfortable in temps from 0 to 75 degrees with only a fan and windows for AC. I built old sailboat style windows that allowed us to have them open even in a pouring rain. I hauled it all over the western United States, barely affecting fuel consumption (fully loaded camper weighed around 1000 lbs). A friend of mine followed my lead, and he built a 16x8 camper trailer skinned with canvas, interior walls covered in luan. His slept 5-6 had a full kitchen and bathroom, and heat/ac. Foam makes an excellent building material that has been proven to hold up. I put well over 10,000 miles on the camper, bashed a few limbs and endured numerous nasty storms. The camper still looked new when i disassembled it after 4 years of use. Btw, I used gorilla glue and expanding spray foam in the various areas to assemble the structure, using packaging tape as clamps. I used titebond waterproof wood glue to saturate the canvas skin, then painted with latex paint. The skin was incredibly tough and still flexible.
@@falkornomad I did have one pop a small hole in the canvas, but I just added a few drops of glue and smoothed it out... good as new. I backed straight into the branch in the dark, so not a light tap.
Hi! I'd love to connect with you for tips pleeeassee. I don't have much experience, but I'll have to live in one of these or be homeless so I could use all the help and mentorship I can get 🦋
You were my inspiration several years ago! Great to see you back. Built out a older sprinter short box van, ZERO wood. Foam coated with epoxy for walls ceiling and surfaces that are foam with thin aluminum bonded on one or both sides, 1 inch square aluminum tubing for framing where needed. I traveled the US for a while and now my daughter has lived in the van herself for the past year or so. Great insulation, super lightweight, easy to repair, cheap, easy to cut, looks super cool. Thank you Nomad!
Saaame, thank you dude for sharing the foam build content! His video on building a foam cabinet inspired me to use the hot wire to make an insulation barrier that fits between the driver cab and the cargo space, and more easily insulate my van 🙌
@@falkornomadyou need to treat yourself to a spa day. A facial .. a hair wash and a beard wash and trim.. like van life sucks for keeping clean ..I hate it . And I'm cold. Thanks for the info
Maybe I missed it skipping around, but there's also noise cancelling quality of the foam. And this for me is important as getting a good night rest at a noisy campsite or stealth camping in the city can be difficult.
It’s not mentioned but it’s probably true… hard to compare the difference… although the windows are the most likely place for sound to come in or go out of a van.
I've had success with 3M Super 77 and the durable plasticy packaging foam that comes with new products. Its not as dense as the commercially available rubber sheet stuff but it'll knock down vibration way better than nothing.
You warned us. It was going to be long but there was not a wasted minute or word. Well organized, well written, well said, well edited, in the right order, to the point. Much appreciated! Anyone else. including me, would have taken twice as long, and not covered it as well. You explained your reasoning quite well and convinced and converted me to do it the way you do it. In fact, I will go so far as to say, before watching this, I was only thinking about doing something like a home made cargo trailer conversion (into a tiny house on wheels to live in). Now, after watching this, I have definitely decided to do it. Before I was dreading it. Now it is fun and exciting, affordable, worth the effort, and can be built out of pocket, over time. I will include doing the 3D model, and full size mock up, for the exact same reasons you gave, but also because it is fun -- really fun. I am ordering a portable drafting table today. Thank you!
Love to hear this… if there is one thing I wish I could do for the community, it would be to encourage people to get out of the planning phase and into the doing phase! Best of luck to you!!!
@@falkornomad well done video. This would be fun to do glass over, making it one big unit with smooth, glossy, surfaces, easy to clean and very modern looking.
Aside from your craft abilities, I am impressed with your speaking and teaching skills. I am a public speaking student/ teacher ( you never graduate) . You stay natural, focused and speak extemporaneously, you seem comfortable within the topic. Very good. You have a unique skill in camera presence using gestures both visual as well as vocal. You also have a sense of humor, very critical when keeping your audience engaged. Just thought I would let you know how well you speak to an audience. Great timing for me, just so happens I’m starting a camp van build and is why your video caught my attention. Thank you!
I live in Cannada and it gets really cold here in the winter. The extra R value in this build is beyond genius not to mention the light weight construction that would save thousands of dollars in fuel costs makes the extra little bittle of labor an essential step in the build process. I am beyond grateful that you have taken so much time to put these videos together to teach others how to do this. You are a Master at working with this material and I love the flexibility and versatility the foam provides even in creating the rounded corners for cabinets etc. I will definitely be sharing this video on some of my camp sites for others who use vans/RV'S/trucks etc.
@@chickadeeacres3864 And another one from Canada here. Did vehicle buildout without access to a garage, workshop, etc., and been searching for lightweight solutions for over a year. In addition to what’s been said, the insulation could also dampen any sound from items that might move around a bit in there (think cutlery). I used my buildout 3.5 weeks this summer, so have a few minor modifications to make. Think I’ll try the XPS for a revised mockup at least.
@@ammerudgrenda Yes I am sure I live in CANADA. Just because there is a typo doesn't mean I don't live there. Is that the only comment you can make with all the info given in this video/thread? Get a life.
If it were me, I would make up a jig to get absolutely perfect dovetails every time. Would be super easy to do, a template each side of the foam and drag the hot wire along the templates
Man the time and effort you have put into this process and then the way you have made the videos to help your fellow builders ... it says so much about where your heart is. This is just amazing in all ways. Thanks man.
I have been searching the internet for ideas about how to do a lightweight, removable and modular car camping buildout for a Subaru outback. Was so frustrated that everything was overbuilt and in heavy ply, and knew there must be a better way. Thank goodness the algorithm sent me your way before I went completely mad!
I’ve been watching van build outs through RVliving ( Bob Wells) and I shake my head when I see how much wood they use in their build outs & laugh when they can’t afford the gas for traveling…. That being said, I think your idea is genius, and even if it takes more labor, I think it’s worth it …. I love how well thought out everything is …. I think the algorithm is working because your video showed up on my feed & i’m glad it did … Your ideas are definitely important in van build outs….
Liked & subscribed. That said, I wish you had less-verbose "shorts" for the several techniques. I'm autistic and tend to over-explain too, so I really have no right to complain, but brutal honesty is also an autistic trait; sorry.😢 I'm skinning with (0.040?) Aluminum sheet, so I have "other" issues. Thanks for your time & effort in creating these videos.
These sorts of "SIPs" (Structurally Insulated Panels) have been around for a while and are used to make walk-in coolers, sheds, etc...Boats also use this sort of foam-core and fiberglass layup. Just takes some special tools and learning some new techniques from traditional carpentry.
I'm watching a ton of these type of videos before I build out my truck camper and let me tell you that this method is freaking amazing. So far the best I have seen. Thank you for putting this out.
I discovered for myself the idea to use foam sandwich (fiberglas cloth on both sides) for stringers in boats. So far, absolutely no problems. The benefits are great. I mention this to emphasize the rigidity of the sandwich is very satisfactory. It withstands the cyclic pounding and vibration in boats.
Foam Bones!! This the # 1 best Rv/ Van rebuild mock up and design video I have ever seen. I have worked with foam for 30 years. Exterior foam.😮 you made me smart again with foam. I have a 28 foot 1984 Leo Craft … my imagination is going. Thank you for that!!!!😅
Your way of doing the economics is weird and ignoring the weight of the doors is absolutely cheating. PS, nobody is using plywood for insulation and insulation not on an outside wall is pretty irrelevant. Also wood everywhere is not the only choice so unfair comparison, so basically you make strawman arguments for your method vs anything else.
1/4” partial board won’t hold that water tank in place in a front end collision and all that water going all over the van is going to destroy the entire interior and possibly cause your lithium batteries to catch fire.
Dude-What an incredible video. Thank you, man! This is top notch explanation with no music and no wasted time talking about nonsense, as well as very valuable and useful information!
Awesome idea. Got another that could help with anchoring. Make up small wood blocks and insert them into the foam. This would give you wood to anchor into and the blocks would disperse the load a lot better then the small screw tabs. Could even do them on the front of the boards to attach your cabinets facing trim.
NOMAD has produced the most well organized, information rich, fact filled DIY video(s) I have ever seen. Within a couple minutes of watching I realized he is a unique talent and I became a subscriber. The amount of credible engineering data that NOMAD generates and incorporates in his presentation never gets dry or boring because he keeps the volume and the pace of information flowing at a constant but digestible rate. He is a real talent and a masterful content creator. If he were a University Professor his students would be sitting on the edges of their seats through his entire lecture. …..BRAVO. and THANK YOU.
A true DIY king! This is a brilliant, and even though the concept may be old, this guy shows just how incredibly versatile (and easy) this methodology really is. The amount of data compiled to prove this out is nothing short of beautiful. I can think of 8000 ways to put this to work outside of a van, and I'm going to start by building my son some modular fort elements so that he can mix and match new forts as he sees fit.
Bro this is brilliant and exactly what ive been looking for a master craftsman. Transforming materials into light weight quality cost effective products to meet their needs. And recess cuts to flex foam to fit mock ups builds. And create templates to cut out other materials as well wow. Brilliant.
Literally the best DIY TH-camr I have ever seen. Most people are trying to be cute for the camera build algorithm, not give real research or facts to anything they say so no one has any real idea what to do. Thanks so much.
Great to see a new video series! This is fantastic info and very well laid out. The 3D drawing and mock-up stuff is really important. It's very easy to design a bunch of 2D stuff, build it, and find fitment issues after it is too late. I've used cardboard in the past, but if you are already building with foam then it makes perfect sense to try it out and see how it will work when put to use. I know this is a lot of work to put together and it is greatly appreciated!
Man I seriously appreciate all the work you have put into getting your experience building with this material out to us! I’m going to be using this method in a upcoming flat bed camper build. A video on drawings and mock ups would be awesome. Always great to see more content from you🤙🏼
I built a teardrop foamy on a 14' flatbed trailer. 1 1/2" on side walls and 2" foam front, roof and rear. Outstanding heat retention. I can only run my heater on low in 20 degree weather. In 90 degree hot sun it stays comfortable with just a fan. Total wieght at the scale 2200 lbs. It is beautiful and sound proof unless my windows are open. Well worth the effort to build it. I live in it full time. Very satisfied.
I appreciate all the time and effort you've put into R&D of this building technique. Super informative video and I will definitely be watching the full series!
I have an opinion that I would like to share with you and all your viewers. I can't thank you enough for not only t time it takes to make videos like this, but the level of craftsmanship, skills that you detail, and t specific things that are important and explained how AND why that it is so. I have worked in residential remodeling most of life and will be using these gems of a specific type of work for my van, Thank you..😅
Incredibly detailed and first rate information delivered with the intensity of a guy that is explaining to you how he sees the number 34 everywhere. Perfect.
I am beyond stoked that you are back on the TH-cams sharing your FomBonz wisdoms. Your information is clear, concise, and all-pro. Your presentation style is fantastic and your creations - superb. Muchas Gracias from Oregon. This might be coming in a future video but I would enjoy learning your system for cutting accurate mortise and tennin/plunge cuts. I have struggled with this.
Mind Blown! This is the first I'm hearing about you or this building system and I'm beyond impressed!!! Thank you SO much for the amazing amount of knowledge, experience, and passion that you are sharing with us!!!
I appreciate you sharing your efforts! The _CheapRVLiving_ channel, (which spawned HOWA, the Homes On Wheels Alliance,) is all about sharing ideas and help, especially for people on a budget, so I am certain that they would love to interview you in person or virtually and give your channel a boost, so I would recommend communicating and coordinating with them directly. I also think that you might enjoy their content and the community they've fostered.
@@gettingintrospective Essentially, 'too tired' or 'reserving energy for other tasks'. Search "spoon theory" for a better explanation. It's not the only way to think about things, but I have a lot of disabled friends, and it's widespread enough to be common parlance among them
window screen is a great idea thanks! i just use canvas but now im going to use window screen then glue then canvas rhen glue then paint. Its amazed me that all these videos using wood panels are not concerned about the massive payloads incurred by not using foam. Good video.
On of the Greatest most Understandable Presentations I have personally sean on the internet. I'm fixing to do another van and you have just changed and simplified my whole project. Thank You...😎
Glad I met you in New Orleans! You definitely inspired me to rebuild my van, utilizing this foam bones method! Thanks for sharing! I'll be sure to credit you with the idea! Can't wait for the next part of this series!
Good to hear from you! Sorry I inspired you to do all that work, lol. I am talking with another viewer about using FRP panels rather than wood, might be something you’d be interested in looking into.
As I've been watching some videos on builds, and horrified by the use of heavy materials, I like your approach. I'm less inclined to see cost savings, which is good, but weight savings as the goal. I'm a big fan of Nomex core board used in boats, and Okume ply for its strength and waterproof glue. (I split my time between liveaboard sailboat and "Land Yacht") Keep up the good work.
I'm 72 and buying an old airstream that I plan on refurbishing, but all wood would weigh a lot. So this was a real weight saver that I had not thought about. Kudos to you!
I haven’t even watched this video yet and I already know what your going to do is going to be amazing. I have been using foam and foam glue for all sorts of things over the years and it’s amazing
Well… if you saw my prototype video from 5years ago… or my tour video from 5 months before this video came out… you’d be cheating… but I guess you just have confidence in foam and bearded man 😜
Great video! One choice I would have gone inverse of what you chose was your backer materials for the electrical and plumbing hardware mounting. Real plywood will suffer much less damage from incidental short term water exposure than even melamine covered particle board. Though if it was a matter of what one had on hand big enough to use for each task, I would just go with it, as the particle board is cheaper to replace, if it does get water damaged. One trick for mounting things in particle board, is to pull your screws and squirt some drops of crazy glue in each hole, let it dry for 5-10 minutes, and screw them back in. Will soak in, and turn the particle board around the screw, into a VERY hard plasticized composite, and it will be 10x harder to over torque it and spin it out.l, or for it to pull out, from the weight it is supporting. I use a medium thin cyano-acrylate, usually super glue brand from the dollar store... to repair particle board furniture, and reinforce the rotating cam holes, and screw holes, in the particle board when assembling new flat pack particle board furniture, and it makes it significantly more durable and reassemble-able.
Great video. I use foam in hobby crafting all the time, so finally a material I'm familiar with. One material used in hobby crafting to protect the foam is a modge podge mix with a pigment of choice. It creates a tough surface that stops dents and dings.
I built a teardrop camper with xancas over foam. I sealed the canvas with titebond III. I xamped almost every national park in the west, put over 10k miles on it, and it lasted perfectly well
Awesome content! I watched your original video some time ago, so thrilled to see this follow-up posted. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series. I am curious if the system will adapt to exterior spaces. I'd really like to figure out how to build a custom truck bed cover using foam as the primary component both for the easy customization and the weight savings. (It will cover a motorcycle I tow in the bed of an F-350.)
Love Your Videos been watching for a long time and glad to see you going strong Brother :) ! Rememebr when you did the map lay and as well as standing on the boxes ;)
I am not sure but I think I probably saw one of your first videos on the foam build and thought at the time that it was too much work. But after seeing this video, you have come along way and have pressed through. Your research and recommendations are very impressive. With these recommendations, I'm more confident to start a project. I think I will start with a shoe shelf for the motorhome we're in. Being in an rv park and not having a table saw or a place for one is an obstacle, and the park doesn't allow for construction jobs like that to be done on the property. This may be the answer to some of my building needs in the scenario that I'm currently in. Thanks!
I just want to say that I deeply appreciate your methodical and organized approach to teaching this. You gave excellent examples and highly detailed instructions, definitely inspired me to use this system on my build. Great work!
Drywall, treated wood, carpet, concrete, electrical wire, adhesives, plastics, and a thousand other things I haven’t mention, “off gas” for a significant amount of time after manufacture. You can’t escape it.
All I'm reading is False Dilemmas and Appeal to Popularity to a very reasonable concern. You can get devices to measure the TOVC. Got mine for $10. Yes it's everywhere indoors. That doesn't mean you shouldn't reduce it or compound it. In most situations it's negligible so long as you have fresh air, so it'll be a small volume of your air. If I was to give the commenters so far a benefit of doubt. I'd suggest that they're implying that no matter what material you pick you'll likely have some degree of TOVC. Doesn't mean you cannot minimise it. If you're in the space you'll be producing moisture and increasing the humidity when breathing also removing the CO2 and brining in fresh oxygen. The amount of ventilation to manage that should be enough I would imagine. Best to measure for yourself though. Keeping in mind. Some VOC are heavy and some light so ventilate high ∧ low.
I’m ADD AF, and love work like this, so I think this system is 110% worth the 20% increase in labor. Amazing explanations, testing, and execution of this system. I am planning on an enclosed trailer to convert, and this is an absolute game changer. Thank you for your incredible time and efforts!
In addition to the insulative value and all of the other advantages to foam bones, including less weight; equal better fuel mileage, less wear and tear and lowered maintenance costs or vehicle repairs, which translates into fewer money leaks, longer road trips, and more viewed scenery.
I commented below that I would like to see a video of your scale drawings, and I'll add that the 3D drawings are phenomenal and it would be very helpful for me to see a video "class" on that. What you are doing here is really cool, and I thank you for sharing in such detail.
When I finally realise my dream of living in a van I will no doubt use your techniques. I just hope the videos will still be avaiable in ehh few years time. Great videos, very inforrmative
Find your videos very interesting and educational. It’s early days for me but I’m planning to convert my pop-up rockwood camper into a “cabin on wheels”. An ambitious idea has my new camper that pops up & its walls expand to double its size. Am aware I have to keep the weight down & keep cost within reason. Using foam reinforced with plywood on inside and some sort of fiberglass on outside may be the answer. Been watching all sorts of DIY videos on modifying campers. I enjoy yours immensely due to the testing & techniques you shown us. Thanks for sharing.
You’re an absolute genius and your time has come my goodness I appreciate this video. I don’t know that I’ll build anything but I know others do are going to need this. Thank you.
I have an old RV that I need to reno in order to leave out of it later, and I am going to use your tips and tricks to do so in a way that will get everything that I want, from R-Value, to customization and building that is easier for my disabled self. Thank you for the awesome content.
I remember when Saturn used foam in their car doors and panels. You could kick a door and it would flex back into shape, insulate, and cut down on road noise. I also remember my friend t-boning a Saturn with his '78 Cadillac and seeing foam fly everywhere.
Boy you don't need to convince me.I've been building things with foam instead of wood for a long time. My latest project was a 15 foot x 1ft x 3" low height single piece mantle using 2" pink foam laminated with left over Pergo flooring planks. I have that hot knife but I used a new regular box cutter with the break away blades, took 4-5 sections of the blades to cut 2" deep. I used liquid nails to glue. A lot lighter, cleaner, single thick piece, easy to install, clean and looks great. Glad to see larger projects. 👍
SPECTACULAR! I’m going to build an ultralight trailer for my porsche (1,000 lb capacity). i’m not joking. I’m impressed with how thorough you examined this material. BRAVO!
Sir, you are a breath of fresh air. The only "improvement" I could offer is what if this information was on a git/wiki, which would make it easier to keep a living document that could be updated over years without re-shooting video. But that would get far fewer likes and far fewer clicks, and while the proper maintenance of a git repo is normal to techies, it has a learning curve which is not fun for carpenters. Fantastic video, thank you so much for your insights, and I look forward to seeing future updates.
Great video! Thanks for sharing. It illustrates a practical, simple, light weight, strong, and well proven building method. Using foam, various adhesives, reinforcing fibers, and laminates has been proven extensively in the marine and aviation worlds. You’ve done a great job of sharing this information in a format that is very easy for future builders to duplicate. The possible uses are virtually unlimited. Cheers, Rog
This is an amazing tutorial. I love it. Thank you for sharing and explaining this so well. As a woman building things I have been building things with this foam but now I have a way to build better with it. I built a little mini laundry shed to travel with me when we rv with 2 adults and 4 children. This will help me replace my wood made base because it is the heaviest part of the little shed. I used wood to make it sturdy but this will help me make it sturdy and light so thanks
Great info, this is what I like most about youtube. I'm building a sled/bed that is also the bottom of my tent for winter wilderness camping. Building with foam board, veneer and kevlar. Thanks for the video, I learned a couple things that will help.
This is genius! I did a vehicle build out for my SUV (drawers, second module, and for car fridge only) and wanted to use this method with veneer. Everyone thought I was nuts and ended up using wood. It took some time, was definitely more expensive. The other thing is that working with the foam also seems so much CLEANER to work with! I’m in a condo with no garage or workshop, so had to do it on the balcony/inside and had saw dust everywhere.
Ok this video was awesome and the Dude abides 👊 will be playing around with this idea in the shop for sure. Appreciate the heck out all the details math and editing ya did for us all man above and beyond for us simpletons. Cheers 🍻 dude
This is amazing work and a much easier and more cost effective version of the work I do with foam core composites (which are a lot more expensive and far harder to work with). I love your creativity and the fact that you’re sharing your work so openly. You’re a very clever and creative man! Thank you for sharing ❤️
I have learned more from you on foamies then any other videos I've watched PERIOD! And I have watch several on TH-cam. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANKS! For all your hard work and knowledge sharing!
Genius! I’m using every bit of your system to build my pontoon boat boathouse where weight is critical to the finished build. I’ve been racking my brain over the how-to aspects of lightweight construction and the literally tripped over your channel. Thanks for the in-depth work you’ve done and shared.
It's amazimg how analog this systems is, yet it has the features of modern building techniques. Great job and thought and research you've put into this.
You sir are a genius. Awesome job. I am planing to try building my first van out one day and I think I will do it your way after watching your video. Amazing and I hope you get lots of exposure. The brilliant ideas never get the exposure they deserve it seems.
Been following your project and looking forward to the rest of your project. Actually I am glad I found your work because with the project I'm working on you have given me answers to some of the problems I'm thinking through. Keep it coming I'm invested.
I've been watching almost every YT video I could find to build out a van in 2025. *TH-cam's algorithym TOOK A YEAR to send me YOURS!*
You've done all the tedious data experiments, compiled the data, analyzed the results and edited your experience in an easily comprehensible and logically layed out format.
If there was a YT award for best of the best, *YOUR CHANNEL would WIN!*
Subscribed and am so much more confident that when I finally choose the right vehicle, I will be rewatching your videos, step by step, to make not just my build experience more efficient, cost effective, and aesthetically pleasing, but also to capitalize on the structural integrity to weight ratio.
Bravo! The *BEST,* most in depth and important van build video on the subject I have ever seen!
*GET ON THE BALL, YT, and PUT THIS VIDEO onto more feeds!!!*
I’m just watching your video for the first time. I cannot believe how marvelous, ingenious and absolutely amazing this is! At the age of 73, (and a husband who sadly has Alzheimer’s) I’m guessing I will probably never have the opportunity to use this information but oh how I am in AWE! Great, GREAT, G R E A T information! Thank you so much for sharing your information and experience. Seriously, may God bless you!
You’re welcome, glad you enjoyed it!
Litre Oighe wondrous, >?
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I'm not crafty or handy at all, and i have no upper body strength. I have no garage. But all of these foam build tips have enabled me to insulate and make plenty of non-foam fixtures in my van. Thank you forever for these videos! My foam insulation keeps me warm for longer at night in the desert, and prevents me from burning my skin on the metal inside the van on a sunny day. Vital stuff!
Awesome!!! Way to go!
does the foam melt against the hot car body?
@tempeleng no, the foam only melted when I tried to spray the wrong adhesives onto the foam. That's why foam needs a special foam adhesive, to avoid a meltdown. Certain adhesives and adhesive activators do this, I learned. And only hot wire heat can melt and carve the foam, otherwise, cheap eps foam is used to package and insulate heavy electronics for shipment all around the world for decades. Use foam!!
@@falkornomad big problem with your foams and synthetic resins and paints are they emit Extremely carcinogenic and hormone disrupting chemical vapours.
You can remediate or eliminate this problem by casting or laminating natural fibres and low density foam like systems using Magnesium oxide/potassium dihydrogen phosphate chemically bonded ceramic rather than toxic synthetic organic materials.
MgO / MgCl cements are more porous but less finicky and have longer working times. Are more porous and less water resistant.
Sawdust, clay, pumice, cotton bedsheets, hemp fibre, whole chopped or long blackberry vines, bulrush reeds, split bamboo, glass fibres, pearlite or vermaculite or pumice pebble .... Are all compatible fillers and reinforcing.
You can achieve non toxic, breathable, more insulating, more longlasting builds with costs less than one percent of what you are using with these systems that have been used for thousands of years. There are temples and megaliths all over the world made of "stone that floats on water", cast megalithic blocks indistinguishable from granite, basalt , marble....
These materials do not absorb infrared and solar light energy like polymers do, they do not trap condensation and do not emit chemicals that give you cancer and screw up your hormones, fertility and gut and mental processes.
Ditch the toxic crap.
It's been proven since the 1960s that molds and algaes and bacteria grow on these synthetic materials and break them down into toxic volatiles and microparticles.
Why use this crap when you can achieve similar strength and weight to carbon epoxy foam composites with Natural free materials and binders that mix with water and set like stone or ceramic.
Coating steel and other metals with the magnesium phosphate ceramics will permanently stop any corrosion. Coating timber will seal and stabilise it and eliminate decomposition and dimensional changes from heat or humidity changes.
You can use it as glue to laminate timber to foam if you must, or mold mesh or natural fabric over your polystyrene foam if you must.
Oil your timber surfaces with linseed oil and beeswax polishes.
Everything I could find from independent websites about XPS foam does not support most of what you are saying. I have a video “… Toxic & Flammable” that covers some of this. Do you have a specific resource discussing XPS foam bing toxic you can share?
I was sold at the mockup part. The fact I can see and get a feel for how the build will work before everything is permanent is amazing 🤩 ‼️
My God, I can't believe TH-cam has buried this. I've been searching for this sort of info for a long time. You present it so clearly and concisely. Time to binge watch everything you've got.
cringe
Big wood don’t want you to know about this. They keep sticking their wood in everyone’s business
I agree this is so much fantastic information!
It has nearly 1 millions views. Def not buried
A few years back, i made an entire camper trailer out of foam covered in canvas. It slept 3 + 2 dogs, was comfortable in temps from 0 to 75 degrees with only a fan and windows for AC. I built old sailboat style windows that allowed us to have them open even in a pouring rain. I hauled it all over the western United States, barely affecting fuel consumption (fully loaded camper weighed around 1000 lbs).
A friend of mine followed my lead, and he built a 16x8 camper trailer skinned with canvas, interior walls covered in luan. His slept 5-6 had a full kitchen and bathroom, and heat/ac.
Foam makes an excellent building material that has been proven to hold up.
I put well over 10,000 miles on the camper, bashed a few limbs and endured numerous nasty storms. The camper still looked new when i disassembled it after 4 years of use.
Btw, I used gorilla glue and expanding spray foam in the various areas to assemble the structure, using packaging tape as clamps. I used titebond waterproof wood glue to saturate the canvas skin, then painted with latex paint. The skin was incredibly tough and still flexible.
I have a few future projects with foam exteriors that I plan to do this way… good to hear that it holds up to the occasional branch bashing!
@@falkornomad I did have one pop a small hole in the canvas, but I just added a few drops of glue and smoothed it out... good as new.
I backed straight into the branch in the dark, so not a light tap.
👍🏽
Hi! I'd love to connect with you for tips pleeeassee. I don't have much experience, but I'll have to live in one of these or be homeless so I could use all the help and mentorship I can get 🦋
@@daniellehoward4583 what would you like to know?
You were my inspiration several years ago! Great to see you back. Built out a older sprinter short box van, ZERO wood. Foam coated with epoxy for walls ceiling and surfaces that are foam with thin aluminum bonded on one or both sides, 1 inch square aluminum tubing for framing where needed. I traveled the US for a while and now my daughter has lived in the van herself for the past year or so. Great insulation, super lightweight, easy to repair, cheap, easy to cut, looks super cool. Thank you Nomad!
I'm planning on incorporating some 1x1 aluminum into my van as well. I'm cutting up an old aluminum truck cap as a material donor.
What a great story to hear! Glad I could play any part in it! You’re very welcome, my pleasure!
Saaame, thank you dude for sharing the foam build content! His video on building a foam cabinet inspired me to use the hot wire to make an insulation barrier that fits between the driver cab and the cargo space, and more easily insulate my van 🙌
❤❤❤
Would love to see that interior! got it documented somewhere?
Wow an actual teacher, and a real science and engineering approach! Best video I've seen so far! Thanks for doing all this work and sharing with us!
You’re welcome… to be clear I’m an amateur at all of this, but I give it my best effort.
I agree. You are great teacher and know how to keep your viewer’s attention
Thanks!! It’s mostly my good looks… and the small woodland creatures living in my beard 😜
@@falkornomadyou need to treat yourself to a spa day. A facial .. a hair wash and a beard wash and trim.. like van life sucks for keeping clean ..I hate it . And I'm cold. Thanks for the info
Maybe I missed it skipping around, but there's also noise cancelling quality of the foam. And this for me is important as getting a good night rest at a noisy campsite or stealth camping in the city can be difficult.
It’s not mentioned but it’s probably true… hard to compare the difference… although the windows are the most likely place for sound to come in or go out of a van.
I've had success with 3M Super 77 and the durable plasticy packaging foam that comes with new products. Its not as dense as the commercially available rubber sheet stuff but it'll knock down vibration way better than nothing.
So true. I need noise cancelling foam for sure. I snore like a freight train! Lol
My mind right now... blown. I had no idea this was a thing, and will be super critical for my electric van build.
You warned us. It was going to be long but there was not a wasted minute or word. Well organized, well written, well said, well edited, in the right order, to the point. Much appreciated! Anyone else. including me, would have taken twice as long, and not covered it as well. You explained your reasoning quite well and convinced and converted me to do it the way you do it. In fact, I will go so far as to say, before watching this, I was only thinking about doing something like a home made cargo trailer conversion (into a tiny house on wheels to live in). Now, after watching this, I have definitely decided to do it. Before I was dreading it. Now it is fun and exciting, affordable, worth the effort, and can be built out of pocket, over time. I will include doing the 3D model, and full size mock up, for the exact same reasons you gave, but also because it is fun -- really fun. I am ordering a portable drafting table today. Thank you!
Love to hear this… if there is one thing I wish I could do for the community, it would be to encourage people to get out of the planning phase and into the doing phase! Best of luck to you!!!
Exactly! This comment here, anyone who skips through will miss out on valuable information.
@@falkornomad well done video. This would be fun to do glass over, making it one big unit with smooth, glossy, surfaces, easy to clean and very modern looking.
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Aside from your craft abilities, I am impressed with your speaking and teaching skills. I am a public speaking student/ teacher ( you never graduate) . You stay natural, focused and speak extemporaneously, you seem comfortable within the topic. Very good. You have a unique skill in camera presence using gestures both visual as well as vocal. You also have a sense of humor, very critical when keeping your audience engaged. Just thought I would let you know how well you speak to an audience. Great timing for me, just so happens I’m starting a camp van build and is why your video caught my attention. Thank you!
I live in Cannada and it gets really cold here in the winter. The extra R value in this build is beyond genius not to mention the light weight construction that would save thousands of dollars in fuel costs makes the extra little bittle of labor an essential step in the build process.
I am beyond grateful that you have taken so much time to put these videos together to teach others how to do this.
You are a Master at working with this material and I love the flexibility and versatility the foam provides even in creating the rounded corners for cabinets etc.
I will definitely be sharing this video on some of my camp sites for others who use vans/RV'S/trucks etc.
Thanks for the thoughtful and kind comments and for the shares! Cheers 🍻
@@falkornomadanother 🇨🇦 here. This is even better than my glue gunning layers of cardboard idea.
@@chickadeeacres3864 And another one from Canada here. Did vehicle buildout without access to a garage, workshop, etc., and been searching for lightweight solutions for over a year. In addition to what’s been said, the insulation could also dampen any sound from items that might move around a bit in there (think cutlery). I used my buildout 3.5 weeks this summer, so have a few minor modifications to make. Think I’ll try the XPS for a revised mockup at least.
“Cannada”…are you sure you live there?
@@ammerudgrenda Yes I am sure I live in CANADA. Just because there is a typo doesn't mean I don't live there. Is that the only comment you can make with all the info given in this video/thread? Get a life.
Can cut dovetail easy with that hot knife, and really strengthen the joints. Love the thought of window screen and paint. So creative
I assume the screen is vinyl as most is these days, and not aluminum. Anyone know for sure?
@@garywheeler7039I've only ever seen it done with vinyl
@@garywheeler7039he puts up a screenshot at 13:45 id assume he used the same so it’s fibreglass
@@ginnylaw : I see that now, thanks. Technically a strong fiberglass with vinyl coating I guess.
If it were me, I would make up a jig to get absolutely perfect dovetails every time. Would be super easy to do, a template each side of the foam and drag the hot wire along the templates
Man the time and effort you have put into this process and then the way you have made the videos to help your fellow builders ... it says so much about where your heart is. This is just amazing in all ways. Thanks man.
👍🏽
Have you ever considered Doing a build on a pontoon base to build a small house boat? I would love to see that I think it would be ideal!
So you're not selling anything. You're just sharing your knowledge. That's a rarity these days.
Much Mahalo's 🤙🏼
I appreciate that, yeah... not selling anything... barely even promoting this channel! lol
And that’s exactly why I subscribed. Wholesome content for a shared passion.
I have been searching the internet for ideas about how to do a lightweight, removable and modular car camping buildout for a Subaru outback. Was so frustrated that everything was overbuilt and in heavy ply, and knew there must be a better way. Thank goodness the algorithm sent me your way before I went completely mad!
I’ve been watching van build outs through RVliving ( Bob Wells) and I shake my head when I see how much wood they use in their build outs & laugh when they can’t afford the gas for traveling…. That being said, I think your idea is genius, and even if it takes more labor, I think it’s worth it …. I love how well thought out everything is …. I think the algorithm is working because your video showed up on my feed & i’m glad it did … Your ideas are definitely important in van build outs….
Yeah the algorithm finally likes me, lol… glad it found you!
Hmmmm. They have actually built something though. Maybe you shouldn't laugh at them.
Liked & subscribed.
That said, I wish you had less-verbose "shorts" for the several techniques. I'm autistic and tend to over-explain too, so I really have no right to complain, but brutal honesty is also an autistic trait; sorry.😢
I'm skinning with (0.040?) Aluminum sheet, so I have "other" issues.
Thanks for your time & effort in creating these videos.
I only watched seven minutes of this video. I've given this guy a thumbs up. He is a great communicator.
You had me at "if you're stressed out by math, have a beer". Happy to subscribe and look forward to help with the other issues that I have in my life.
These sorts of "SIPs" (Structurally Insulated Panels) have been around for a while and are used to make walk-in coolers, sheds, etc...Boats also use this sort of foam-core and fiberglass layup. Just takes some special tools and learning some new techniques from traditional carpentry.
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😂 your comment deserves more than just a thumbs up. There are WAY better SIPs than using screen and paint. I think you may have bruised his ego.
"Sleeping" in a boat was some of the absolute loudest nights of my life.
Isn't this different though? I thought SIPs were only for insulation. These have rigidity and strength.
I'm watching a ton of these type of videos before I build out my truck camper and let me tell you that this method is freaking amazing. So far the best I have seen. Thank you for putting this out.
My pleasure!
I discovered for myself the idea to use foam sandwich (fiberglas cloth on both sides) for stringers in boats. So far, absolutely no problems. The benefits are great.
I mention this to emphasize the rigidity of the sandwich is very satisfactory. It withstands the cyclic pounding and vibration in boats.
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@@secretsquirrel6308are you using fiberglass Rosen with your glass cloth?
Foam Bones!! This the # 1 best Rv/ Van rebuild mock up and design video I have ever seen. I have worked with foam for 30 years. Exterior foam.😮 you made me smart again with foam. I have a 28 foot 1984 Leo Craft … my imagination is going.
Thank you for that!!!!😅
Thanks… that’s quite a compliment, hopefully the rest of the series/ this channel lives up to a fraction of that compliment.
I hate hour long videos. And won’t stop watching or saving this for reference. Thank you so much for this video!!
At this rate, I'm always commenting and liking every video to help out with algorithm--as a pay back for your time investment. Thank you!
Qu
That's better than a paid training, so much information and insights in this video. Thanks for putting so much effort into this!
Well, technically you did pay, but watching a few ads is pretty cheap 😜
What paid training?
Your way of doing the economics is weird and ignoring the weight of the doors is absolutely cheating. PS, nobody is using plywood for insulation and insulation not on an outside wall is pretty irrelevant. Also wood everywhere is not the only choice so unfair comparison, so basically you make strawman arguments for your method vs anything else.
1/4” partial board won’t hold that water tank in place in a front end collision and all that water going all over the van is going to destroy the entire interior and possibly cause your lithium batteries to catch fire.
What’s in the fumes that off gas when you cut this foam with a hot knife?
I truly believe this style of building will become the new standard for Van dwellings and even the RV industry as a whole. Thank you for sharing!
Wow I'm so impressed with how meticulous you are about sharing all the things that can help others succeed with this building method.
Thanks…. But honestly… to me… that’s like the best way to use TH-cam… sharing info and ideas as much as possible.
Dude-What an incredible video. Thank you, man! This is top notch explanation with no music and no wasted time talking about nonsense, as well as very valuable and useful information!
Just a few minutes in and I'm already sitting here with a smile on my face, excellent use of the Dude quotes.
Awesome idea. Got another that could help with anchoring. Make up small wood blocks and insert them into the foam. This would give you wood to anchor into and the blocks would disperse the load a lot better then the small screw tabs. Could even do them on the front of the boards to attach your cabinets facing trim.
Yep… lots of options along this line… following the glued in anchor down the rabbit hole for science👍🏽
ALUMINUM... plauzibly plastic az well
NOMAD has produced the most well organized, information rich, fact filled DIY video(s) I have ever seen. Within a couple minutes of watching I realized he is a unique talent and I became a subscriber.
The amount of credible engineering data that NOMAD generates and incorporates in his presentation never gets dry or boring because he keeps the volume and the pace of information flowing at a constant but digestible rate.
He is a real talent and a masterful content creator.
If he were a University Professor his students would be sitting on the edges of their seats through his entire lecture.
…..BRAVO. and THANK YOU.
A true DIY king! This is a brilliant, and even though the concept may be old, this guy shows just how incredibly versatile (and easy) this methodology really is. The amount of data compiled to prove this out is nothing short of beautiful. I can think of 8000 ways to put this to work outside of a van, and I'm going to start by building my son some modular fort elements so that he can mix and match new forts as he sees fit.
Love it!!! Foam Fort Activate!!!
Bro this is brilliant and exactly what ive been looking for a master craftsman.
Transforming materials into light weight quality cost effective products to meet their needs.
And recess cuts to flex foam to fit mock ups builds.
And create templates to cut out other materials as well wow.
Brilliant.
Literally the best DIY TH-camr I have ever seen. Most people are trying to be cute for the camera build algorithm, not give real research or facts to anything they say so no one has any real idea what to do. Thanks so much.
Great to see a new video series! This is fantastic info and very well laid out. The 3D drawing and mock-up stuff is really important. It's very easy to design a bunch of 2D stuff, build it, and find fitment issues after it is too late. I've used cardboard in the past, but if you are already building with foam then it makes perfect sense to try it out and see how it will work when put to use. I know this is a lot of work to put together and it is greatly appreciated!
Thanks for acknowledging how much work video production is!! Glad you find the content helpful and easy to consume… it’s a battle to find the balance.
Man I seriously appreciate all the work you have put into getting your experience building with this material out to us! I’m going to be using this method in a upcoming flat bed camper build. A video on drawings and mock ups would be awesome. Always great to see more content from you🤙🏼
You got it… I’ll see how soon I can get the drawings & models video out for you.
I built a teardrop foamy on a 14' flatbed trailer. 1 1/2" on side walls and 2" foam front, roof and rear. Outstanding heat retention. I can only run my heater on low in 20 degree weather. In 90 degree hot sun it stays comfortable with just a fan. Total wieght at the scale 2200 lbs. It is beautiful and sound proof unless my windows are open. Well worth the effort to build it. I live in it full time. Very satisfied.
You are a great combination of true craftsman geek and straight-talker with a sense of humor. So useful...and enjoyable!
Thanks! Appreciate that !
I think this is the most clearly explained, detailed video I've seen in a long time. Thank you.
Thanks! It’s a work in progress 😉
I appreciate all the time and effort you've put into R&D of this building technique. Super informative video and I will definitely be watching the full series!
Cheers!
This is awesome. I never would’ve have imagined this material for this use-case! Way to innovate in this space.
Thanks, more innovation to come (not just foam building) in future videos
I have an opinion that I would like to share with you and all your viewers.
I can't thank you enough for not only t time it takes to make videos like this, but the level of craftsmanship, skills that you detail, and t specific things that are important and explained how AND why that it is so. I have worked in residential remodeling most of life and will be using these gems of a specific type of work for my van, Thank you..😅
Incredibly detailed and first rate information delivered with the intensity of a guy that is explaining to you how he sees the number 34 everywhere. Perfect.
I am beyond stoked that you are back on the TH-cams sharing your FomBonz wisdoms. Your information is clear, concise, and all-pro. Your presentation style is fantastic and your creations - superb. Muchas Gracias from Oregon. This might be coming in a future video but I would enjoy learning your system for cutting accurate mortise and tennin/plunge cuts. I have struggled with this.
You can make a jig if you want more accuracy, but I just roll with it and fill with a little extra glue.
Mind Blown! This is the first I'm hearing about you or this building system and I'm beyond impressed!!! Thank you SO much for the amazing amount of knowledge, experience, and passion that you are sharing with us!!!
You are so welcome! You might like my first video as well.
I appreciate you sharing your efforts! The _CheapRVLiving_ channel, (which spawned HOWA, the Homes On Wheels Alliance,) is all about sharing ideas and help, especially for people on a budget, so I am certain that they would love to interview you in person or virtually and give your channel a boost, so I would recommend communicating and coordinating with them directly. I also think that you might enjoy their content and the community they've fostered.
I just thought Bob needs to see this and share it with new van lifers
@@gettingintrospective I'm currently spoonless, but if you've got the energy for it, please do contact them!
@@I.m-Me spoonles?
@@gettingintrospective Essentially, 'too tired' or 'reserving energy for other tasks'. Search "spoon theory" for a better explanation. It's not the only way to think about things, but I have a lot of disabled friends, and it's widespread enough to be common parlance among them
Thanks for the info!
window screen is a great idea thanks! i just use canvas but now im going to use window screen then glue then canvas rhen glue then paint.
Its amazed me that all these videos using wood panels are not concerned about the massive payloads incurred by not using foam. Good video.
On of the Greatest most Understandable Presentations I have personally sean on the internet. I'm fixing to do another van and you have just changed and simplified my whole project.
Thank You...😎
Glad I met you in New Orleans! You definitely inspired me to rebuild my van, utilizing this foam bones method! Thanks for sharing! I'll be sure to credit you with the idea! Can't wait for the next part of this series!
Good to hear from you! Sorry I inspired you to do all that work, lol. I am talking with another viewer about using FRP panels rather than wood, might be something you’d be interested in looking into.
@@falkornomad Absolutely! No worries! I wanted to cut down on weight. It's a great idea to work with.
I have heard that frp scratches easy, pvc does not.
As I've been watching some videos on builds, and horrified by the use of heavy materials, I like your approach.
I'm less inclined to see cost savings, which is good, but weight savings as the goal.
I'm a big fan of Nomex core board used in boats, and Okume ply for its strength and waterproof glue.
(I split my time between liveaboard sailboat and "Land Yacht")
Keep up the good work.
I was thinking similar. This is a good idea, Taking it to the next level, would involve fiberglass and epoxy. To finish with paint or a veneer.
You all do you all, but… why is everyone so into fiberglass? Seems unnecessary, messy, itchy and dries hard and brittle rather than flexible.
thanks for posting, its always interesting to see lightweight options for van builds. we opted for another non wood option.
You’re welcome
How am I just now finding your channel. Finally found someone that makes cool useful things in an economic and smart way
I'm 72 and buying an old airstream that I plan on refurbishing, but all wood would weigh a lot. So this was a real weight saver that I had not thought about. Kudos to you!
Wow it’s been a while watched your cabinet build years ago and cement floors in the barn. Glad you’re doing well my friend 😊I’ll stay tuned ☮️❤️
Thanks 👍
I haven’t even watched this video yet and I already know what your going to do is going to be amazing. I have been using foam and foam glue for all sorts of things over the years and it’s amazing
Well… if you saw my prototype video from 5years ago… or my tour video from 5 months before this video came out… you’d be cheating… but I guess you just have confidence in foam and bearded man 😜
Great video! One choice I would have gone inverse of what you chose was your backer materials for the electrical and plumbing hardware mounting. Real plywood will suffer much less damage from incidental short term water exposure than even melamine covered particle board.
Though if it was a matter of what one had on hand big enough to use for each task, I would just go with it, as the particle board is cheaper to replace, if it does get water damaged.
One trick for mounting things in particle board, is to pull your screws and squirt some drops of crazy glue in each hole, let it dry for 5-10 minutes, and screw them back in.
Will soak in, and turn the particle board around the screw, into a VERY hard plasticized composite, and it will be 10x harder to over torque it and spin it out.l, or for it to pull out, from the weight it is supporting.
I use a medium thin cyano-acrylate, usually super glue brand from the dollar store... to repair particle board furniture, and reinforce the rotating cam holes, and screw holes, in the particle board when assembling new flat pack particle board furniture, and it makes it significantly more durable and reassemble-able.
I did have this melamine on hand. When I screwed into it I went through it and into the vehicles cladding, but good tip!
Great video. I use foam in hobby crafting all the time, so finally a material I'm familiar with.
One material used in hobby crafting to protect the foam is a modge podge mix with a pigment of choice. It creates a tough surface that stops dents and dings.
Great tip! Thanks!
I built a teardrop camper with xancas over foam. I sealed the canvas with titebond III. I xamped almost every national park in the west, put over 10k miles on it, and it lasted perfectly well
Awesome content! I watched your original video some time ago, so thrilled to see this follow-up posted. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series. I am curious if the system will adapt to exterior spaces. I'd really like to figure out how to build a custom truck bed cover using foam as the primary component both for the easy customization and the weight savings. (It will cover a motorcycle I tow in the bed of an F-350.)
Thanks for sticking with me! Foamie Trailers are what you should be looking into… it’s basically the same thing you’re thinking.
Love Your Videos been watching for a long time and glad to see you going strong Brother :) ! Rememebr when you did the map lay and as well as standing on the boxes ;)
Thanks for that!
I built with milk crates, fabric cube boxes, zip ties, and winch traps. No plan, just Feng Shui all the way.
I am not sure but I think I probably saw one of your first videos on the foam build and thought at the time that it was too much work. But after seeing this video, you have come along way and have pressed through. Your research and recommendations are very impressive. With these recommendations, I'm more confident to start a project. I think I will start with a shoe shelf for the motorhome we're in.
Being in an rv park and not having a table saw or a place for one is an obstacle, and the park doesn't allow for construction jobs like that to be done on the property. This may be the answer to some of my building needs in the scenario that I'm currently in. Thanks!
I just want to say that I deeply appreciate your methodical and organized approach to teaching this. You gave excellent examples and highly detailed instructions, definitely inspired me to use this system on my build. Great work!
I have concerns about the vapors almost all foams give off
They use this same stuff in houses
Drywall, treated wood, carpet, concrete, electrical wire, adhesives, plastics, and a thousand other things I haven’t mention, “off gas” for a significant amount of time after manufacture. You can’t escape it.
@@bill4639 we all love that “new car” smell even though it’s just all the plastic and pvc off-gassing. Haha.
Omg I’ve been looking for something like this to build my own camper on my trailer!!! THANK YOU
All I'm reading is False Dilemmas and Appeal to Popularity to a very reasonable concern. You can get devices to measure the TOVC. Got mine for $10. Yes it's everywhere indoors. That doesn't mean you shouldn't reduce it or compound it. In most situations it's negligible so long as you have fresh air, so it'll be a small volume of your air. If I was to give the commenters so far a benefit of doubt. I'd suggest that they're implying that no matter what material you pick you'll likely have some degree of TOVC. Doesn't mean you cannot minimise it. If you're in the space you'll be producing moisture and increasing the humidity when breathing also removing the CO2 and brining in fresh oxygen. The amount of ventilation to manage that should be enough I would imagine. Best to measure for yourself though. Keeping in mind. Some VOC are heavy and some light so ventilate high ∧ low.
I’m ADD AF, and love work like this, so I think this system is 110% worth the 20% increase in labor.
Amazing explanations, testing, and execution of this system.
I am planning on an enclosed trailer to convert, and this is an absolute game changer.
Thank you for your incredible time and efforts!
👍🏽
In addition to the insulative value and all of the other advantages to foam bones, including less weight; equal better fuel mileage, less wear and tear and lowered maintenance costs or vehicle repairs, which translates into fewer money leaks, longer road trips, and more viewed scenery.
Money leaks!!! The worst!
I commented below that I would like to see a video of your scale drawings, and I'll add that the 3D drawings are phenomenal and it would be very helpful for me to see a video "class" on that. What you are doing here is really cool, and I thank you for sharing in such detail.
When I finally realise my dream of living in a van I will no doubt use your techniques. I just hope the videos will still be avaiable in ehh few years time. Great videos, very inforrmative
Find your videos very interesting and educational.
It’s early days for me but I’m planning to convert my pop-up rockwood camper into a “cabin on wheels”.
An ambitious idea has my new camper that pops up & its walls expand to double its size.
Am aware I have to keep the weight down & keep cost within reason. Using foam reinforced with plywood on inside and some sort of fiberglass on outside may be the answer.
Been watching all sorts of DIY videos on modifying campers.
I enjoy yours immensely due to the testing & techniques you shown us. Thanks for sharing.
You’re an absolute genius and your time has come my goodness I appreciate this video. I don’t know that I’ll build anything but I know others do are going to need this. Thank you.
Definitely not a genius, but I am willing to try new things and fail as needed… and that goes a long way 😜
I have an old RV that I need to reno in order to leave out of it later, and I am going to use your tips and tricks to do so in a way that will get everything that I want, from R-Value, to customization and building that is easier for my disabled self. Thank you for the awesome content.
I remember when Saturn used foam in their car doors and panels. You could kick a door and it would flex back into shape, insulate, and cut down on road noise. I also remember my friend t-boning a Saturn with his '78 Cadillac and seeing foam fly everywhere.
Hi, I had no idea.. learned something new today.
Thank you for your time, effort, and humor in this video. The ingenuity is phenomenal!
Even though I will never rely upon this system in Florida, for a number of reasons.
It was very informative.
A well put together presentation.
Boy you don't need to convince me.I've been building things with foam instead of wood for a long time. My latest project was a 15 foot x 1ft x 3" low height single piece mantle using 2" pink foam laminated with left over Pergo flooring planks. I have that hot knife but I used a new regular box cutter with the break away blades, took 4-5 sections of the blades to cut 2" deep. I used liquid nails to glue. A lot lighter, cleaner, single thick piece, easy to install, clean and looks great. Glad to see larger projects. 👍
He did so much work with the costs & spreadsheets. Great, great video. So happy I found this guy.
SPECTACULAR! I’m going to build an ultralight trailer for my porsche (1,000 lb capacity). i’m not joking.
I’m impressed with how thorough you examined this material. BRAVO!
it is true that the video is long as you said, but each and every minute is extremely useful, thank you.
👍🏽
What a tremendous contribution to the self build community. Thank you so much!!
You're Welcome!
Unique channel. This is fascinating and you are going to start a renaissance of creating vans with survivability. Kudos.
Sir, you are a breath of fresh air.
The only "improvement" I could offer is what if this information was on a git/wiki, which would make it easier to keep a living document that could be updated over years without re-shooting video. But that would get far fewer likes and far fewer clicks, and while the proper maintenance of a git repo is normal to techies, it has a learning curve which is not fun for carpenters.
Fantastic video, thank you so much for your insights, and I look forward to seeing future updates.
What an absolute wealth of knowledge. Your research and design is advancing a whole movement. Appreciate your work.
Great video! Thanks for sharing. It illustrates a practical, simple, light weight, strong, and well proven building method. Using foam, various adhesives, reinforcing fibers, and laminates has been proven extensively in the marine and aviation worlds. You’ve done a great job of sharing this information in a format that is very easy for future builders to duplicate. The possible uses are virtually unlimited. Cheers, Rog
This is an amazing tutorial. I love it. Thank you for sharing and explaining this so well. As a woman building things I have been building things with this foam but now I have a way to build better with it. I built a little mini laundry shed to travel with me when we rv with 2 adults and 4 children. This will help me replace my wood made base because it is the heaviest part of the little shed. I used wood to make it sturdy but this will help me make it sturdy and light so thanks
Welcome back…. I remember your R&D on the glue and its off the chart….
Great info….
I like the way your brain works! It’s perfect to show things are doable one way or another.
Thanks… I definitely have an approach of “if things don’t work out the way you planned it… adjust the plan for the way it works” lol
Great info, this is what I like most about youtube. I'm building a sled/bed that is also the bottom of my tent for winter wilderness camping. Building with foam board, veneer and kevlar. Thanks for the video, I learned a couple things that will help.
This is genius! I did a vehicle build out for my SUV (drawers, second module, and for car fridge only) and wanted to use this method with veneer. Everyone thought I was nuts and ended up using wood. It took some time, was definitely more expensive. The other thing is that working with the foam also seems so much CLEANER to work with! I’m in a condo with no garage or workshop, so had to do it on the balcony/inside and had saw dust everywhere.
Excellent! One of the best instructional, explanatory, presentations I've seen.
Great job!
What a beautiful, intelligent and easily comprehensible guide
Much love to you brother !
I was watching a guy build a wood version and i had this exact idea. Amazing to see you've dont it first. Amazing work
Ok this video was awesome and the Dude abides 👊 will be playing around with this idea in the shop for sure. Appreciate the heck out all the details math and editing ya did for us all man above and beyond for us simpletons. Cheers 🍻 dude
This is amazing work and a much easier and more cost effective version of the work I do with foam core composites (which are a lot more expensive and far harder to work with). I love your creativity and the fact that you’re sharing your work so openly. You’re a very clever and creative man! Thank you for sharing ❤️
I have learned more from you on foamies then any other videos I've watched PERIOD! And I have watch several on TH-cam. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANKS! For all your hard work and knowledge sharing!
My pleasure
I been watching catamaran builds using foam and now campers is just awesome.
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Genius! I’m using every bit of your system to build my pontoon boat boathouse where weight is critical to the finished build.
I’ve been racking my brain over the how-to aspects of lightweight construction and the literally tripped over your channel. Thanks for the in-depth work you’ve done and shared.
It's amazimg how analog this systems is, yet it has the features of modern building techniques. Great job and thought and research you've put into this.
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You sir are a genius. Awesome job. I am planing to try building my first van out one day and I think I will do it your way after watching your video. Amazing and I hope you get lots of exposure. The brilliant ideas never get the exposure they deserve it seems.
Been following your project and looking forward to the rest of your project. Actually I am glad I found your work because with the project I'm working on you have given me answers to some of the problems I'm thinking through. Keep it coming I'm invested.
Glad it found you! 👍🏽
Really like the way you're over explaining things to enforce time saving in the long run ethos, or ability too adjust.
Thanks… many have the opposite reaction (“video is too long”), but I’m not really making most of these for “casual viewing”. Cheers 🍻