A Promaster City Solo Traveler camper van named Mini-Me. Bringing the design to life!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 11 ก.พ. 2025
- The Promaster City is the ideal camper van platform for the extended weekend Solo Traveler. All the features and amenities of the larger custom vans in her family, this little baby is finally being born at the Humble Road van studio.
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#onahumbleroad #customtransitvan #customvanbuild
Yes!!! Been waiting for The Humble Mini! As a Nurse, being able to sleep between shifts without leaving would make life so much easier!! ( showers are in house )
Ahhhh! Great use!
This is actually a great use for a small camper van
I couldn't wait to come here to see the baby
Love it!
I wonder if you are going to need to lower the bed just a bit. Kind of need to sit up even if sitting lower. Also maybe no hot water? I’ve traveled for years in the camper I built. When I need hot water I heat a pot in the induction. Works awesome. Sponge baths all the small traveler needs. Keep it real simple. I LOVE what you have done with this. It’s amazing!
I so agree with the single non-pull-out bed for this size van. And these vans are definitely for a single person. It would be a really rare couple that could make this work. I love it!
Good Morning George
Always Enjoy Your Videos
Love The Mini Me Van Build
Thanks
Been waiting for a video of you building the MiniMe....and finally...here's part One!:) Waiting eagerly for No 2...and 3...and...
More to come!
Awesome
You are the first builder I have seen to provide an in the floor access panel for the fuel pump. I'm starting a Promaster City conversion and have been thinking about this for months.
I'm definitely following this. :-) I may have to think bigger van as I want to stand up.
I’m so excited 😆. I’ve been looking forward to this build.
I’ve been obsessively watching micro van conversions and I haven’t seen one yet that is anything like a Humble Road van. Even with just the skeleton this mini me is already far superior to anything I’ve seen. I love that it’s modeled after your first van, since this is also a first of a new type. I LOVE that you’re planning on incorporating a 📺 screen. When I road trip after a long day of driving I love to be able to chilax watching something entertaining. I’m coveting this mini me already😜as I’m sure many others are as well. 👍🏼🚐♥️
totally agree! been watching them to get an idea how Humble Road would put everything in such a small space.
I like it, but I would need higher overhead.
@@StellarFella I’m pretty short so would definitely work for me🙌🏼
Duel x made an interesting design bout a year ago, his craftsmanship is no where near humble road but the layout was cool and functional. I can’t wait to see this “mini me” when completed. I am wondering the price point fully completed?
@@nathairsgiatach2757 if you have the vehicle, approximately $35,000 all in.
Your approach to everything you do is world class.
You are an amazing man
This layout is just the ticket for this solo gal. Only tweaks for me would be a simpler galley; I don't need heated water and a huge sink. The bed is exactly what I've been imagining!
Oh this solo gal wants a big sink with hot water to wash my hair in and take a bird bath when needed. I love all the Humble Road builds and could be happy in any of them and the MM is no exception.
@@maitildamcintyre9344 I have no water on my van, not yet anyway, my hair does just fine with a couple of buckets. Different story if it's long tho.
I've yet to research using dry bicarb, which I was told is a good solution for those on chemo or with sensitive scalp.
It's called the pommy bath here, but works well enough. A good scrub over, rinsing bucket as well,
These are great videos. Love your attention to detail and random (pre-cable TV) cultural references.
Thank you, Your mantra of access makes the best sense. Coming from an AutoTrail (U.K) to a VW now ( the widest coming into the country atm-AU.
Building my van from 25mm extrusion. I'm loving it. I want to know where everything is and find some dodgy things along the way- the latest being a Dometic fridge.
Thanks again Mr. Humble. Your Inspiration is think smarter, not harder, so often I find myself as I lean toward finishing some things.
To keep it light and keep it simple. We do tend to over-engineer our own critical thinking sometimes
There does seem to be a lot that people don't understand about solar and inverters, which will take another episode from you.
I got bagged out the other day from doing a review on one of the cheapest induction cookers available here. The sky is falling, but it's a bit like going from a dart to an airplane.
Wishing you delicious cheese.
I've said it before and I'm saying it again.... you fascinate me. I so appreciate your practical, common sense thought process, design, and focus on quality and really enjoy watching you create these wonderful vehicles through these very well presented, and classy videos. You and your team are truly craftsman!
Some day I will own a Humble Road van.
Eeeeek!!! I’m so excited to see what you are going to do with a mini!!!
Another work of art.
This is is remarkable! It's the details that will make it !
I just love how you think, George - the attention to detail, while keeping practicality as the priority, all wrapped up in a beautiful and comfortable package.
Long may you run....
Very excited to see most people adapting to the small van builds! They are indeed a challenge to build!
Whoo hoo! Thanks for the update!
YAY George!! =D
Excellent ! Been patiently waiting to see the mini me. I am hoping you do a solar and roof rack video for it . Thank yo u George !
You just made me realize that I sleep like a cadaver.
Looking forward to that color scheme.
Two different color schemes, one cool, one warm. Both non-committal. The accents are up to you. As it should be..
Oh my God, this is EXACTLY what I need/want!! What an amazing job you do!!
Hey George, those Bosch water heaters are 12amp / 1440w. They'd run easily on your 3000w inverter
so glad we are onto the mini me , as i am currently doing my own micro build ,taking my time as I've reworked my kitchen a couple of times and changed the bed/seating as i didn't factor in the foam for the seat ,and changed it from a slide out ,to having a wider more comfortable seating area ,as its only me .and it still leaves me with plenty of leg room.
mine will have a microwave oven ,small portable burner /cooler and storage which is an issue with smaller builds"every inch counts"
Very nice buildout. My wife and have traveled part time for the past three years with no issues in the European version of this van. Converting the seats into a 120cm wide bed for the two of takes about 5 minutes. No worries. We find it very roomy after traveling on our bikes and using a small tent for overnights.
Is there a builder in Europe Who makes these small conversion?
Carol Merrill? She retired from television in 1977.
That's an obscure inside reference if there ever was one. I used to have a juvenile crush on her.
That sink is big and deep like it should be.
Your ideas on space utilization sure are put to the ultimate test on these small vans.
“Thunder Gray”, ha! I’m an old photographer too…
I too like the idea and layout. One thing that has always concerned me with a cook top in a van or camper is venting the stove. A vent could serve two purposes. Stove and basic air movement. When waking up in the morning, I always liked rolling over and flipping on the coffee pot. But this process always creates a lot of moisture inside. Hence the need for a vent. I like that the induction unit can be taken outside for cooking which is the way to go. The anchovies and garlic odor inside while cooking puttanesca would be off putting to say the least. Cheers!
Mimi-me is shaping up to be a nice option for weekend warriors
I would like to see more content on the use of the 80/20 aluminum. And how it is used maybe as an idea for content, where to buy it good vendors pricing and just general information on bracket types, and different solutions that can be used with it. Kind of a deep dive down the rabbit hole
Just watch all of George's videos! He has done many excellent videos on the subject. Great job George and not so good of a job by Brokenfang772 for not looking very hard!
Love seeing a build without the slide out bed. Would drive me nuts to be in such a small space with another person. And a permanent bed is a must, at least to me. Great stuff here!
I’ve been waiting for this!!
Meeee toooooooo!
@@lynnekerr3890 me three🙋🏻♀️
Now just raise the ceiling! Yes??? Much success to you. I am an older woman... and believe me... If the rent situation doesn't stabilize, a mini me is my only option.
Look at the lens! I quite like it.
Hamble road job super good quality, but I think it's unnesesery,love to watch every product, very very interesting,Thanx👍☮️✌️
Thanks for sharing. Like #31, view 236
OMGosh: Finally here.😊. George I vote no on a hot water system. MM is a different eco-system and trying to place a safe reliable setup in that form factor is just too much. IMHO. Perhaps a high-end bespoke option for down the road ? A beauty as designed. QUESTION: Width dimension on the bed, I presume 36" as you said "twin bed". Dont forget to put some of those "strip things" or Trak strips that hold iPads and other items. Sink is perfect ! Sleek design and good for storage and for those of us who eat healthier need the bigger sink.
Great ideas. For solo travellers the most vital requirements relate to security at all levels, including thermal imaging to know ones surrounding in back country, or city area. Ever so important specially if solo is a woman with limited fight back abilities.
Never heard of this. How does it work?
Yes please explain!
Loving this layout! My PMC has been on loan and coming back to me soon. Can’t wait to do a rebuild of the first version of its conversion. I’d add that the back of the van is higher than the front, so you might want to consider adding a lift to level things out or switch up your head/foot positions. Anxiously awaiting all the details and final reveal!👍🏼💚
QUAZAR (Works In A Drawer) by Motorola. That was a color TV that Motorola used to make.
We got our first set in early summer of 72 just in time to watch the Olympics in color. Mark Spitz. what an athlete!
But their electronics in a convenient pullout drawer, is a smart idea like you are implementing on a larger scale for your vans.
Here's an idea to extend the bed length. My bed/couch in my 2021 Embassy Traveler Sport on the Transit chassis butts up to the rear of the driver seat, just like this MM. I'm 5'11" tall and if I leave the driver seat back in its driving position, I don't like it. So, I move the seat back straight up and I'm good. The idea I have for you and you may have considered this, I don't know is to move the driver seat forward and have a length extender on the end of the bed that flips up or slides out, say 3-6" for your taller customers. Flip it back down for travel. BTW, I Love that shower design in the other van you referenced. That is great thinking there for a customer that wants a large shower space...
Good morning! I’m so happy to meet the Mini Me. I’d wondered if you’d take out the passenger seat…kinda affects stealth, bunch of space. Ongoing conundrum.
Design sounds beautiful, you had me at “Van One”. 💜
Always OPTIONS! Love it!
You got that right!
Nice. I missed space heater location (if it gets one) and will it get a (big) maxxair fan or two small mushroom vent fans?
I find it smart that there are no cabinet doors.
I would reduce the interior decoration colors to 2 with one extra for accents (less chance of sensory overload for certain people).
I marvel at your time management. Where do you find the time to shoot and edit these videos. Do you live in a parallel universe?
Always so informative.
Do you think you may ever sell some of your 80-20 plans for the galley or back area? You seem to have it all down to a science. 💞
You might try this portable sink and shower combination. I think this would be perfect for the van of this size. And the nice thing is you can move it around and collect water from any place. Joolca is the brand.
😂😂😂 I do! I sleep like a cadaver, belly up, legs fully stretched and all! That is, minus rigor mortis! But I'm 5'4"! I would fit it anyway!😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😘 Congrats!
13:46 that line is so random and funny lol 😂
Beautiful and functional. Yet another in a long line of finely crafted vans, (By George) I like it! My only not so positive comment, is you should work on a solution for the big bundle of cables snaking out of the cabinet to the driver seat. Seems incongruent with the rest of the fine details of the build!
The sound effects at 3:08 are funny……and fabulous.
More helicopter 🚁 Love it !
It's fun! But, I don't have a pilot's license so keep it hush hush... 🤗
@@HumbleRoad Your "helicopter" weighs under 254 pounds, so you're legal to fly without a license. :)
Have you considered the slim square isotherm water heater? Very efficient use of space and very well insulated with 750 watt heater element (that I never use but have if needed for stationary shore power hookup). I run my isotherm off the return heater circuit with a bypass manifold for if I ever need to drop it from the coolant loop (probably overkill but there is a manual bypass safety option). Plenty of hot water off engine that stays hot for well over 30 hours.
Too big for this application.
Interesting. Getting there.
Maybe it would work to store the Induction cooktop vertically in a narrow cubby/cabinet at the end of the galley near the sliding door? That would free up space for the water heater.
Love the materials and the design, although I am not sure I would have lost the bed length for the storage. Keep up the great videos.
I thought the head would be at the sink end where the headboard is. If you sleep that way the toilet can go towards the wider opening near the side door.
I was going to make the same comment. An additional benefit of that is that you can scoot the driver's seat forward a smidge and allow your feet to hang off the edge of the short mattress whether you're a stomach or back sleeper.
Thought of that. Serviceability of the power plant is better in the forward bay. We're not locked in yet.
@@HumbleRoad LOL We all know that you put a LOT of thought into everything you do. No doubt it will be stellar, as usual. Exciting!
I really like this. For what I want to use it for I would want a few tweeks. Heater (espar) they are supposed to be coming out with a 5,000 BTU gas heater that will run off your gas tank. Some sort of ventilation fan or air conditioner. Need the van to be temperature controlled. If I get the pro master city like I want I might be contacting you.
MiniMe - Zero Breeze Mk 11 - small enough to stash. In an insulated minivan size platform it would probably work well enough to take the edge off humidity and heat overnight. Power consumption, maybe pack an extra dedicated (Zero Breeze) battery pack??
Love this George. You had me at 3000-watt inverter. Any way to add a Skylight/hatch over the rear end and MaxAir fan mid-ship? I also like the idea of removing the passenger seat and replacing it with a 'pedestal' that could be a pet perch, housing for heat, a safe, etc. I'm interested in a build like this. Great start. I can't wait to see more.
With the big battery I'd probably be looking at a Dometic rtx 1000 on the roof!
Good call! I'll be removing the passenger seat in mine, as I am solo. I have ideas for all that space!
Would be good to put the fan right above the cook top, in order to suck the steam immediately out of the van.
Don't forget you still need room for solar.
@@joelv4495 have you seen the depth of the protrusion into the cabin. It deep! Cuts out a lot of head room
I had the 2.5 gallon Bosch water heater. It’s about 1500 watts and works well. However I’m in a freezing climate in WY and there’s no way to drain the water heater without removing it, so I switched to the IsoTemp. I’ll only use the IsoTemp in electric mode though.
High quality mini.
My understanding is the CITY and NV 200 have option to add swivels to front seats, not possible with Transit Connects with shifter between seats.
I've never seen a US convert do this but they do in UK.
If you forfeited the rear cubbies, moved electronics to middle
can swivels still be an option. Talk about a swivel executive chair with bed footrest in a luxury cabin that gets 30 mpg.
Man I always like the little details that you think of. If I were to do a van I would be bringing it to you. BTW when you mentioned thunder gray the first thing that came to my mind was studio photography, then I remembered you mentioned being a photographer before.:)
I had a 2015, there was tons of space underneath that was safe for tanks.
For any youngsters, the "Carol Merrill" reference is from 60's about a well known TV model from the show "Let's Make A Deal" with game show host Monty Hall. And Carol is still with us at 81 years.
Thank you. Wasn’t sure how to spell for google.
The first incarnation of that show ended in 1977. Great legs, beautiful hair, and beautiful face. She seemed a bit tall too although she was only 5' 2".
Nice start. I put the gray water tank under the van between the fuel tank and the foot well. This allows for 15 gallons of water. I also have a generator and microwave and A/C. However I needed to accommodate two people with nightly bathroom trips so I was forced to add a slide. I don't use the slide when traveling alone. See on TH-cam under Roy King.
The video shows a electric water and ceramic heater along with a gas furnace. Also a swivel seat.
It's roy king CityMiniVan
This will be a great quality conversion for sure. Only a thought, while you are still in the testing out stage, I’ve seen some micro van beds fitted with an extra piece for the bed to be used when the passenger seat was pulled forward. Might be worth looking at for a more comfortable length of bed?
Very much looking forward to seeing the final results. 😎👍✅✅
cadaver sleeper approves
@@Eric-R flat out, I know what you mean 😂
You ever thought of a slide out patio platform for the back door of the mini me? Give you more space that you can sit outside and enjoy the view.
The MiniMe is built as an entry level coach. In order to stay at a certain price point, I have to omit the slide out patio.
The smaller they get, the more difficult to solve basic needs for even just a weekend traveler. You seem to be trying to make this more of an extended journey "mini-motel" !?. I would of chosen the ProMaster 118 inch WB (low roof only) version for these "smaller projects". In Fact, I've been pondering (pondering is good) over and over the 118 vs the 136 (low and high) for months . Not because of a price issue, but rather wether or not to make a conversion MORE of a "Mini-Home" vs an extended "OverLanding" vehicle . You said yourself, the ProMasters have the "best" sizing ! That's my 2-cents. I'm learning so much that IF I had the will, the $$$, the tools, and the "gumption" (Forest Gump-tion?) I'd take a wack at it ! !
As usual, well thought out use of spaces.
I would call this a great weekender or short vacation van. Not sure about full time though. Still, a lot of features in a tiny van. If there is only one person, the passenger seat area could also be converted to storage. Or have a removable storage compartment strapped to the seat that could be taken off and stored in the back if the owner does take on an occasional passenger.
And/Or use the side door area as storage and only have access through the front or back doors. Compromises.
Look at the RedArc Revision Battery Management System (comes from Australia with a long history and track record in overlanding). It's a very compact and all-in-one system. Not only does it manage the battery, and is able to charge via 120v, solar, and alternator, but also switches components on/off, and monitors the temperature, fluid levels, etc. It's what I have in my Toyota 4Runner build where space is less than the Promaster City. For hot water, I installed a DERNORD 12V 300W DC (there are large capacity) Immersion Heater Submersible Water Heater Element Stainless Steel Heating Element into a 10gal water tank heat the water. It draws ~14amps, so I turn it on while driving. It heats the water for showering, etc., keeps the water tank from freezing, and I have hot water for preparing food (Cup-O-Noodle, coffee, etc.) straight from the water tank. Thanks for sharing.
Submarine-duty ergonomics.
With a longer van with higher overhead, I envision two or four sturdy suspension points put diagonally from each other.
Each point has hardware to hook the end of a hammock to. And with a crank to increase the tension of a taught hammock. Heavy-duty cable construction. An end-of-day suspended bed that would stay out of the way until needed.
Great to see the progress! I like seeing the whole thought process.
Re: Water heater: Could you mount one on the back/side of the sink cabinet at the rear? Facing the rear door? It looks like you have about the same space as at the footboard of the bed?
Smart design… but damn that is a small van you have chosen.
Most impressive layout. I’m curious why you haven’t incorporated solar power as an option. This van looks perfect for an individual.
The MiniMe comes with 300W of solar on the roof! Watch the tour videos!
Looking good George! It seems like in a smaller vehicle customization that which amenities are needed and what can be forgone is really going to depend on the end user. You mentioned a long time ago that these would have AC units and I'm really curious to what you came up with. In my opinion, there are no good off the shelf compact AC units. I want to see more micro split systems like the MINI by ForestAir. I'm not a fan of through the roof single units for their weight, noise and difficulty in servicing. A true split system would make fitment and service easier, as well as make the inside quieter.
agreed. The small portable unit I was interested in would not do the job.
*Did you consider having the potty at the back middle of the isle and then you could lower the bed a bit? I wouldn't want to hunch down while sitting on my bed since it's the only place to sit, really. I also NEVER slept with my head at the front. It's easier to jump outta bed into the driver's seat, in an emergency, if your feet are at the front and head is at the back, because you're already oriented the correct way. Will these be available for customization? How much are you charging for the "minis"? Looks like a great start!!*
I want to keep a clear pass through aisle front to back, hence the buried potty. The bed height is not bad unless you have NBA aspirations 😁 These Mini-Me vans are not for anyone taller than 5'9" or so... If you have the vehicle the price is $35,000 complete.
I’m going to build out my Mercedes Metris cargo van it’s more of a midsize van, I’d love to see you use the Metris for the mini me builds.
I have been thinking about the Metris. My thought is that the Metris is a mid-way purgatory. Either micro or if you're not willing to go that small, consider the smaller full sized chassis. You can get a short wheelbase low roof full size van, which will perform much better than the Metris in terms of livability. Not to mention the excessive costs of maintaining a Mercedes. If you really want that platform, then all the mini-vans should be considered.
Cinema screen??? Sweet!
Some tradespersons have 4" or 6" dia capped pipes along the top of their vans for items like plumbing pipes, drywall beads, etc. Were I to have a MM, I'd have a couple on my roof - a PVC one to take 'normal' water, and an ABS one (black) that would heat up in the sun for a shower. Both would be gravity-fed for their respective functions. I could be in stealth mode but look like I'm in business. I'd probably go as far as mounting another pipe or two underneath to take grey-water. Every cubic inch counts.
@Humble Road Thinking out loud - how does this compare to the dodge grand caravan with seat storage bins , two behind front seats for stow'n'go and one full width behind the rear axle. Interior ceiling height may a bit taller in the city but those bins in the caravan could take a water tank, batteries or inverters. The caravan takes 4x8 sheets on flat. The sides would probably be an absolute pain though.
If I were to build on the Dodge Caravan footprint, I would go straight to the Mercedes Metris instead, or better still, a low roof short wheelbase Promaster
What’s the plan for a/c, fans or heating? Can a small microwave be exchanged for the portable cook top?
You will have to stay tuned! 😇
Great as always!
1:30 Is it Cintras? Sintras? Cintrax?
I really like the cubbyhole pockets in the rear. Amazing that it has all the amenities. Great design. 👍
Yay, Mini Me is here! Is a Ford Transit connect a similar size to the Dodge? Have you thought about putting a small window, like above the sink?
edit : How about some kind of table that folds down from the rear door when it's open? For cooking outside or whatever.
And a flip-up counter at the end of the counter by the passenger door.
If possible slide the cooktop sideways into door space with a double layered slide to enable it to slide out through the door space .
Options , options, options.
Howsabout a couple of ceiling hook loops for hanging a hammock if you had to sleep two people.
finaly!!!!!
It would be incredible if you made the bed with the adjustable power bed features of the newest large vans raise your head, raise your feet etc
Great progress on the M&M- looks like another winner. In a future build, I would like to see you recreate the layout of a VW Westy. Maybe you could call it the Easty, the Jersey, better yet the Georgie.
Thanks for the idea! Very clever and good humor.
The Westy was a good layout. I think the folks at Sportsmobile still build vans using variations of that floorplan...
@@DavidHuffTexas - Their former Fresno location has gone its own way and is renamed, but still builds vans full-time.
Any plans for a two-person version in the future? I would love to see what you would come up with for a mini-me-me!
Ha! Mini-Me-Me! 😀
George - what is the minimum gpm flow rate that works for your previous hot water sinks and showers. We have installed these in commercial buildouts for single person bathroom sinks with no call backs yet, after 6 years. They probably hog too much electrical juice though. Really tidy size though.
I looked at so many of the POU heaters that I don’t remember exactly and I’m home now so I can’t check, but the rule of thumb is the slower the flow the warmer the water. I bought the 2500W variety from a German company. In the MiniMe, we need hand washing and hair washing. That’s it. Big hot showers will be found at your gym membership, campgrounds or truck stops.
what video if you have done it..... how do you attach the 80/20 to the van and why do you chose the points and parts you do... I don't think you ever really did a big show and tell and if so could you tell me when video... love to learn more... for my van build...
Hi George. Loving the mini-me! Watching with interest as I’m a solo female traveller that wants a stealth van that can be parked anywhere. Shame I’m in England or you could build it for me!
Would you mind sharing the width dimensions of the bed, kitchen unit, and the space between? 🙏
Also I have a question. As there’s no bulkhead what would happen in an accident. Would that framework crumple or would it become a spear?!