My Van Build from START to FINISH- Ford Transit Connect (easy & cheap)

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 27 พ.ย. 2024

ความคิดเห็น • 117

  • @erin_elyse
    @erin_elyse  10 หลายเดือนก่อน +14

    Thanks for watching everyone!! To enter the GIVEAWAY for your own SetPower FC15 green fridge/freezer:
    1. Head over to instagram and give me and SetPower a follow
    @erin_elyse1
    @setpowerusa
    2. Like the giveaway post
    3. Share the giveaway post on your story
    **Giveaway starts 1/26 and ends 1/31 and the winner will be announced by @setpowerusa on February 1st via IG story!
    **Shipping to mainland US only

  • @tomslick7684
    @tomslick7684 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +15

    For the problem of the bike rack, get a swing away mount. When you stop to get in the back just swing it our and away and open the back up no problem.

    • @kaitlinemig7719
      @kaitlinemig7719 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

      I suggest the Rocky Mounts swing arm rack. It's a van life game changer. I installed it on my truck in the REI parking lot and it made the rest of my trip easy peasy.

    • @erin_elyse
      @erin_elyse  10 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Awesome, thanks!! I will look into one!

    • @erin_elyse
      @erin_elyse  10 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Rocky Mounts, thanks for the tip!!

  • @RosalindaG298
    @RosalindaG298 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

    This fridge is just SO YOU!! It fits your van and your style perfectly. I have to get one for myself ASAP❤❤

  • @pinkwolfink
    @pinkwolfink 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +8

    Bike rack idea. Consider mounting a ladder to one of your rear doors, then a Lolorack, vertical bike rack, could be attached to the ladder. More expensive route would be to add a trailer hitch, then a swing-out arm to the hitch, then a horizontal bike rack to the swing-out arm. I've never done it, so only an idea to ponder.

    • @erin_elyse
      @erin_elyse  10 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      hmmm the ladder idea definitely intrigues me!! Thanks for sharing!

  • @michelleh5727
    @michelleh5727 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +11

    Omg... I have a 2013 for transit connect xtl that I use for vanlife and I so NEED that fridge!!!

    • @erin_elyse
      @erin_elyse  10 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

      Omg I love my little transit connect!! This fridge is the perfect size for it.

    • @kensmith2839
      @kensmith2839 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

      Thanks for the excellent video. I travel in a 2010 transit connect. Subscribed

  • @harrypottah8889
    @harrypottah8889 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    Imagine being this young, creative, and blessed!
    I’ve so badly wanted a ford transit connect but could never find one within my budget. Recently bought a short skoolie and hope to confer it, wish me luck 🤘🏾

    • @erin_elyse
      @erin_elyse  10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      That sounds awesome!! Good luck!!

  • @longzero
    @longzero 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +17

    Don't know if you use the passenger seat, but maybe it can be removed for extra space for your bike.

    • @erin_elyse
      @erin_elyse  10 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

      Ugh I use it very occasionally. Especially when I'm not traveling and just using it as my everyday vehicle at home. I've always wanted one of those passenger seats that spin around though!!

    • @justmeEnglandUK
      @justmeEnglandUK 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      UK and euro spec connect vans have a passenger seat that folds forward and completely flat with the rear floor not sure if it was available in the US spec vans . It's a fixed seat with 2 cup holders in the back which didn't have forward or backward adjustment but it's very easy to make your van one or two seat van for extra space next to the driver's seat . I can carry 8x4 sheets of ply with the seat folded down .

  • @cosysleepsounds
    @cosysleepsounds 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

    Thanks so much for sharing your story!!! Your channel is a big reason I took the plunge and just got my first van, a Ford transit connect called Vinni 😊

    • @erin_elyse
      @erin_elyse  10 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      WOW! That means so much to me. Thank you for sharing! Have the best time with Vinni!!!

  • @RottenlyMoodyChild
    @RottenlyMoodyChild 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    Another great video, Erin 😊 super helpful, informative yet succint for people looking at getting into van life, especially for a Ford Transit Connect. Thanks for sharing!
    I'm sure the change from semi part time living in the van vs being semi full time in the van was very different and a learning curve. But I think it's smart that you went pretty simple in the beginning and have made changes as you go and start to get a better sense of how you use the space. Let it evolve organically rather than just building in a cookie cutter build for a Transit Connect that may not actually work for you.
    So many amazing adventures and memories in your time in Janeway (love it!! ❤😂), and many more to come, I'm sure.
    I know I've been super annoying constantly mentioning possible bike storage and general storage ideas 😅 but I'm glad you're considering it. Just getting the bike off the floor would completely change how you could use the space.
    My idea is, if you are okay with losing the access and 'sight lines' from one of your sliding doors while the bike is in there, if the bike dimensions fit vertically with the front wheel off then could maybe have a fork mount that you could mount bike to. But I'm not sure how much height you have and what size your bike is. So not sure if that's even helpful.
    Hope you have a good weekend 😊

    • @erin_elyse
      @erin_elyse  10 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Thanks so much!! Yeah I really did try to let it evolve organically, which is why it was so fun to put this video together! Yeah the bike was definitely the killer on this last trip. I'll look into the fork mount! Thanks for sharing and watching!

  • @geneevans2600
    @geneevans2600 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    When you first talked about removing the ladder rack, I was thinking if it were me, I'd try to adapt it to a platform for storage, deck, or even a rooftop tent. I don't have a low awning to limit the space.
    I enjoyed your video & praise you for "going for it"! Back in the early 70s a lot of our exploration consisted of backpacking & hitchhiking around the country (& Europe)

  • @JoeBeech
    @JoeBeech 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    Awesome video and cool name for the van and if you have a towbar fitted to the van you can get a bike rack mounted to that and they can easily be removed when not needed 🙂

    • @erin_elyse
      @erin_elyse  10 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      Thank you!! Good idea!!

  • @fredricjulien8738
    @fredricjulien8738 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    Thanks for the Janeway tour and build journey. 😊 Definitely need to insulate for winter as well as summer heat.
    I know that I've seen swing out bike racks that would attach to the back of Janeway, and you could still open the back doors. 👍
    Not sure if this would help solve your dilemma or not. Best of luck to you.

    • @erin_elyse
      @erin_elyse  10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Yeah I didn't even talk about my adventures in the hot desert lol. Maybe some insulation is in the future haha! and yes I'll be looking into a swing out bike rack for sure! Thanks for watching!!

  • @Nicholas_Hamilton
    @Nicholas_Hamilton 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    Hey Erin, maybe you can try a custom vertical van door bike rack, where the front fork can attach to a mount on top one of the doors, if the dimensions of the van and bike are suitable.

    • @erin_elyse
      @erin_elyse  10 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      That would be so sweet!! I really am liking the vertical idea. I'm going to look into it!

  • @YSBRYD-CATH
    @YSBRYD-CATH 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    Great video as usual! Enjoyed hearing all about the build as it progressed, and definitely looking forward to the changes to come! Keep up the good work!

    • @erin_elyse
      @erin_elyse  10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Thank you!!! I'm looking forward to them too!

  • @janabanana2415
    @janabanana2415 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    You should buy small plastic watering can for a quick wash, collapsible sink, how about tying your bike flat to the deck with a bungee rope. I would not change a thing. It’s beautiful!

  • @ekdaufin1485
    @ekdaufin1485 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I love how you tell us what you changed, why and how. That deck doesn’t look easy to get up on, down from or safe to be on. I would need a ladder and some low key rails.

    • @erin_elyse
      @erin_elyse  10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      It's plenty safe and I have no problem getting up it.

  • @MrSheckstr
    @MrSheckstr 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I converted a dodge neon into a one person+one dog camper… unbolted the passenger seat, got a full size spare and put it and the donut on the floor and built a bed platform for the right side … added a yakima roof rack with a bike rack on one side and a cargo pod on the other … removing the bike seat and putting a pole in its place i could build a tepee style tent that covered the entire right side and back of the car when parked ….i drove it completely around the both wet and dry edges of the lower 48

  • @orlathornton1497
    @orlathornton1497 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    In many countries like Ireland and UK for example eggs are not stored in the fridge, look into it if you need convincing but I’m in my 50’s and haven’t died yet from not refrigerating eggs….(thats not a smart ass comment by the way). It would save you precious fridge space as I saw your eggs were stored in it. If you just have them in there to keep foodstuffs stored together then just ignore me 😀 Great van set up, safe travels.

  • @phillismable6303
    @phillismable6303 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I would use your deck for transporting the bike using a Low Profile Bike Fork Mount, its a little thing just screw it at the front mount the bike add a rear wheel grab (doesn't have to be permanent) and you are done wiht loads more space inside.

  • @angeladawn805
    @angeladawn805 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Unfortunately we have very little choice and options fir fringes in New Zealand. My van is a tad smaller than yours, so I'll be following for tips and ideas. It looks awesome 😊

    • @JNante
      @JNante 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Check out lady bugout, she has tons of ideas. She has a red transit that she's retrofitted 2x,

  • @MaceOnTheRoad
    @MaceOnTheRoad 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Very nice!!! Planning to buildout a ford connect for travelling thoughout europe for about 2 months a year. So your channel was already looking pretty interesting. However as soon as you said who your van is named after, you gained a loyal subscriber in me. Keep up the great work and keep on enjoying life girl!!

  • @vladislav_kuznetsov_
    @vladislav_kuznetsov_ 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thanks! I implemented my initial project in the same van, went on my first trip and I'm already thinking about what needs to be fixed. Thank you for the idea of the kitchen and especially the terrace

  • @holliewhitby6845
    @holliewhitby6845 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    ❤ Your uncle John and I keep trying to figure something out for that bike! Great video! 🏞

    • @erin_elyse
      @erin_elyse  10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Hahahha thank you!!! Uncle John is gonna have to be my next co-star and get featured in a video!

  • @ParadoxdesignsOrg
    @ParadoxdesignsOrg 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    cool van! I'm learning myself to get out camping with a connect. it's such a funky little van and you have to love the extra head space

    • @erin_elyse
      @erin_elyse  10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Thank you!!!

  • @-M0LE
    @-M0LE หลายเดือนก่อน

    Your train of thought is great

  • @trudyschneider3060
    @trudyschneider3060 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Yay! A giveaway!!!

    • @erin_elyse
      @erin_elyse  10 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      hehe yep!!

  • @Cornishvandweller
    @Cornishvandweller 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Super impressed: I'm after a Connect and may well mercilessly steal your ideas 😉

    • @erin_elyse
      @erin_elyse  10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Go for it!

  • @CarnivoreFrank66
    @CarnivoreFrank66 16 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Guess I’ll name my van Pricard. Big Trekkie too. Loved your van build video. I’m getting a ford transit van too soon and need to figure out how to make it work for mainly one old guy

  • @_TheDudeAbides_
    @_TheDudeAbides_ 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Very cool build, please drill a bunch of holes in your bed because there needs to be ventilation there in the long run or black mold can develop.

  • @JimmySlaughter
    @JimmySlaughter 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Cool van! I also have a Transit Connect, and mine had a desk just like yours. Nice seeing what you did with your build.

  • @terrieh5457
    @terrieh5457 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    With you being solo female, traveling and wanting to keep your bike inside… I thought of how you could use storage inside that you already have!
    The cubby above the driver and passenger seats. You could actually slide the bike tires in. Maybe create a slide out brace from underneath to hold the bulk of the bike when you’re driving ..
    The things that you store in that space, can be tucked away after making bigger, slide out drawers underneath your bed
    Let me know if you use the idea and of course make a video! I loved what you did to your van in the simplicity of it keep going loving life

  • @scarlettsutherland5808
    @scarlettsutherland5808 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Janeway is inspiringly minimal but still so cute. How do you power the fridge?

    • @erin_elyse
      @erin_elyse  10 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Thank you!! I plug it in while I'm driving and then I just plug it into my portable battery. It's not ideal but it works and I'm looking to upgrade my power situation soon!

  • @ridevirginia862
    @ridevirginia862 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    use a seasucker rack either on the back of the van or on top

  • @weeepsalotts723
    @weeepsalotts723 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Is there enough height to hang the bike vertical behind the driver seat, from the ceiling? It would clear up some floor space. You seemed to prefer to pile things on that side when you did get messy, and it would not obstruct your view quite as much, being directly behind you while driving, rather than on the passenger side. Would still have to remove the tire, but keeping it inside would still allow you to stealth park when needed.

  • @Louie12673
    @Louie12673 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Hello… I live in lower Michigan in the Downriver area, and I believe I saw that van on CarGurus. Very nice and solid Van. Enjoy your journeys.

    • @erin_elyse
      @erin_elyse  10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      No way that's crazy! That's about where I got it. Thank you!

  • @seastarma
    @seastarma หลายเดือนก่อน

    I would love to see a short video thats just about the bed setup you ended up using, modified from your original setup. I had a hard time seeing how it was built/set up/adjustable bc so much other good stuff was being shown in the other videos! I yhink what you did would work great in the connect i just got, and i would love to see s slower, more thorough demonstratiin of how the bed works and how it adjusts in your space! Thanks!! :-) nice ĵob!

  • @AniMD69
    @AniMD69 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I am a new subscriber to your TH-cam channel. I was wondering if you knew or not that in Bloomington, Indiana they have a statue of Captain Janeway?? The statue is on Indiana University's campus. You should be able to look it up to see. There are lots of pics of the statue and Kate Mulgrew for the dedication ceremony.

    • @trudyschneider3060
      @trudyschneider3060 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Aww. I love Janeway, I’ll have to check it out too.

  • @rootedremembrance
    @rootedremembrance 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    love Janeway🥰

    • @erin_elyse
      @erin_elyse  10 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      me too 💗💗

  • @DanielEnochs
    @DanielEnochs 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    They have a hitch bike rack if you have a hitch on van. They're a couple hundred dollars if you find a used one.

  • @ronedwards2584
    @ronedwards2584 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Mount a Bike Rack to your front Bumper, like the kind you see on City Transit Buses. that way it would block your back doors.

  • @DVaccarelli1988
    @DVaccarelli1988 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Janeway was the captain in Star Trek: Voyager. She was played by Kate Mulgrew.

  • @kristib4394
    @kristib4394 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Front mount bike rack….think City Bus!

  • @aguyinarkansas
    @aguyinarkansas หลายเดือนก่อน

    Probably have figured it out by now, but put a front receiver and add a bike rack on the front

  • @francesdouglas333
    @francesdouglas333 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Can you mount bike on the front and tarpe it ?

  • @shawnlinehan4005
    @shawnlinehan4005 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    You could build a bike rack for the front of the vehicle.
    Mount A hitch type thing. I know they make bike racks for front of the vehicle look into that maybe.

  • @trippinwithdon7233
    @trippinwithdon7233 14 วันที่ผ่านมา

    When you fold out your bed, How long is it? Wondering if a 6ft person would be able to sleep in a transit van.

  • @sandrawithoutborders5631
    @sandrawithoutborders5631 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Great job.

  • @longzero
    @longzero 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    How much noise does your fridge make?

    • @erin_elyse
      @erin_elyse  10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      It's very quiet!

  • @4tarsus
    @4tarsus 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    @5:09 -- Security courtesy of Louisville Slugger.

    • @dg5175
      @dg5175 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Was gonna say the same thing 😂

  • @mysurlytrucker7510
    @mysurlytrucker7510 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Try a folding e bike .

    • @erin_elyse
      @erin_elyse  10 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Ooo that might be something to look into!

    • @mysurlytrucker7510
      @mysurlytrucker7510 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@erin_elyse I have to admit I love my surly long haul trucker, but if I had to have a bike I would think of a e folder bike I would probably go on deck at rear or even back doors , right to e bike company's, tell them your a utube er ,and your looking to give a honest review on a couple of e folding bike's , nothing to loos I bet someone comes up with try this .

  • @marcoaurelio6941
    @marcoaurelio6941 หลายเดือนก่อน

    hey. i have the exact same van, im building it now. Bought it wrecked (engine wouldnt start) it is now running. How are going with this one? cheers from Europe

  • @lauren7991
    @lauren7991 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    What size is this bed when fully extended? Would a queen bed fit in a transit connect?

  • @hollydavid69
    @hollydavid69 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Do you actually live in the van 24/7?

    • @erin_elyse
      @erin_elyse  10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      For a few months at a time yes!

  • @jaewhispers
    @jaewhispers หลายเดือนก่อน

    Does the van still fit in the garage with the deck on top?

  • @TheKahota
    @TheKahota 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    This gets a like just for the name Janeway!😊

    • @erin_elyse
      @erin_elyse  10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Haha thank you!!

  • @seastarma
    @seastarma หลายเดือนก่อน

    They make a swingout trailer hitch bike rack

  • @jamesperry6436
    @jamesperry6436 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Remove the passenger seat and stow the bike there.

  • @BowBurt
    @BowBurt 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    V cool van

  • @andreafelix7040
    @andreafelix7040 หลายเดือนก่อน

    How do you heat the van during the night?

  • @jazziered142
    @jazziered142 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    I dont like my bike out on a rack. Its like a big neon steal me sign..

    • @erin_elyse
      @erin_elyse  10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Thats another concern I've had for sure! That and any storage on the outside...ugh

  • @WoofDawg486
    @WoofDawg486 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    U need a full size van, like a Ford Econoline E150… just saying.

  • @chartmann43
    @chartmann43 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    What year is your van?

  • @ekdaufin1485
    @ekdaufin1485 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Toilet? Water? Bathing?

    • @erin_elyse
      @erin_elyse  10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Nope, cant have it all at this price point and size!

  • @yasmeenchatelle8298
    @yasmeenchatelle8298 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

    😍😍😍

  • @jeanniekartis5916
    @jeanniekartis5916 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    👏👏🚙

  • @-M0LE
    @-M0LE หลายเดือนก่อน

    ❤❤❤❤
    I was sold at the van then your beauty but to name it janeway after my own favourite captain and from my best tv show ever
    I’m now fully up for marriage 💍 😂

  • @bp3145
    @bp3145 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Swing away trailer hitch bike rack.

  • @jeangray4714
    @jeangray4714 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    "...my van's name is Janeway." **Clicks Like** ^_^

  • @Yu-Gi-OhScotland
    @Yu-Gi-OhScotland 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Mount the bike to back door

  • @journeyhome98
    @journeyhome98 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Just a thought: you might want to check the weight of your van and make sure your gvwr isn’t over. I agree w the swing away bike rack.

  • @kelthrives9109
    @kelthrives9109 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Low key was a surveillance vehicle.

  • @kellypoulos8702
    @kellypoulos8702 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Swing out bike hitch, problem solved!

  • @carmenlo2391
    @carmenlo2391 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    👍🏽💜

  • @emilcurtis2645
    @emilcurtis2645 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I think it was used by like FBI or police

  • @Zinny1337
    @Zinny1337 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

    If you roll your clothes, they will take up less space. Hope this helps!

  • @aidasanchez9565
    @aidasanchez9565 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    😲👏👏👏🇪🇨🇨🇦

  • @anaisabelmoreiradossantos1881
    @anaisabelmoreiradossantos1881 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Os ovos nao se guardam no frigorífico 😂😂😂😂

  • @susantosi695
    @susantosi695 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    You sure did your build right. Start simple and see what you need or don’t need as you travel. Living in a van with too much stuff is never fun…moving things around all the time, yuck.

    • @erin_elyse
      @erin_elyse  10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Thank you!! It was definitely a learning process and I had fun along the way!