For someone who is about to take the plunge into full time van living, without ever having much camping or van conversion experiences, the info you shared was very appreciative and practical as well. Thank you, my friend.
The thing I see when things get fancy is that it takes up so much of an already small space. The best ideas I see are functional and economical in terms of space. For example, I really like the small single burner propane stoves. That makes sense to me. I like your shower can. That's a good solution in a pinch.
GREAT advice. I'm plotting my design now and I've already figured out that I don't need a bathroom and shower (too much maintenance/work) and the kitchen's currently on the chopping block. Once I figure out what I actually need, then I'll know what vehicle I'll need to get (NOT a Sprinter).
Very practical perspective. May I suggest looking for a wheel chair van. Likely you won’t find one in 4x4. I picked up a dodge b2500 for 2.5k and there’s enough room to almost stand and makes a huge difference, but a very very small price tag compared to a sprinter. Good luck!
I for one really appreciate your minimalistic approach, and your honest advice in this regard. It's really easy to get sucked into all the gee whiz complex builds. And while for some applications, some of those things may be nice to have, while for other more simple applications it just sucks money on things that aren't really needed. It just depends on the individual. So, start simple, and add as you gain experience of your individual needs is the best advice I've seen on the van build videos. Thanks!
You watch those TH-cam channels and you think you need all that stuff and that's how you end up with a 200k car loan for a sprinter van. Les is more 💪💪💪
The positioning of your bed is pure genius brother thank you. I never thought of it that way from the view perspective plus you can put your kitchen stuff underneath the bed there.
Dude i love your ingenuity. I litterally built out my van similarly and just returned the tools i would buy as I needed them so I wouldnt have to cary them around. Very effective!!!
Keeping it simple is the best way to go. I'm not a van lifer or anything. But I worked on the road outside of my state. *WILL NOT DO THAT IN CALIFORNIA AGAIN* !!! But I stayed in Motels and hotels when I could get a solid weekend or 24 hour day or week to do so or stayed at one of my Uncles properties either in San Francisco , Stockton CA. Or elsewhere. I never really got cooking inside a van, but having hot water was great! Same with a small chiller freezer to keep drinks cool.
Thank you for sharing your van build. I think the 4×4 logo on the side of the van tells everyone that your van is there . The light bar gives people the idea that you are not a stealth camper. I like the simple interior that fits your needs and requirements.
Stumbled across your channel a few days ago, have watched everything thus far, keep it up! Love the breakdown, definitely seems like a more realistic view of van life for the majority of those who do it.
I like having all the electrical centerized behind/in cabinet. Easy access for maintenance! Wondering what the material walls are used. (Maybe I should read comments before asking 🤔) Nice build! Beautiful and Functional! Well thought out.
Just got a free running 95 Chevy G30 Ext Cab with 40/60 doors on side. Needs a lot of work inside ie sealing/rust but I'm very excited to finally begin this journey. I just started working on it last week and removed flooring.
Your Van is awesome! I have the Econline 250 Im building it right now, just completed my subfloors. Your too humble your diy carpentry looks like a pro did it! Thank you so much for listing all that used its very helpful & I agree about keeping it simple and add as you go along,great build!
True minimalist. Perfect build. 👍👍👍👍👍 5 thumbs up. Just found today. And subscribed. Definitely be looking at your videos. I lived in a van for a year then lived in a sailboat at a marina for about 6 months. I still have my 1991 chevy van. I like old vans because I can do all my repairs. I rent a room now. Planning on heading back to the East Coast in 2024 🙋🏼♂️
Just purchased my 98 yesterday and eager to do my no build! Planning on using a portable fish cleaning station as sink with faucet and drip area, storage underneath for cassette toilet, put a curtain around it and voila!
Very nice setup! About your fridge, try running it outside the drawer & see if it doesnt work properly. I wonder if build-up of heat in a tight space & lack of ventilation is fooling thermostat into working overtime?
Great video thank you. I just bought a 2003 e350 long wheel base. I'm going simple and having more room to stretch out and not be cramped. I'm getting out of my home because there's too much stuff around. I want simplicity now.
I like the simplicity of your build. You have ample room and storage as well as all of the necessities to live comfortably. Nice job. I think you scored big on the van itself. I am hoping to come across the right van in the near future.
Hello Bart, I just found your video. I have an idea, the cabinet in the back under your bed, pull the bottom drawer out far enough for the stove to fit and cut a piece of thin plywood to lay across the top edges. It would lower the stove and the thin piece of plywood could possible lay or stored on or under the stove or the bottom drawer.
I've watched a ton of these builds and you did it perfectly. It's simple but perfect and you have everything you need and it looks nice. You can change things if needed but this is the way to live!! I wouldn't put a window in but maybe a sink? Maybe you didn't need that's but I'm impressed. I wish I could live this lifestyle.
I prefer the high top van. I dont have a need for 4x4, per se.... so less expense. I also prefer a low tech build... bed platform in the back w room for up to (9) large black/yellow top storage bins. Platform is in 3 sections and everything can be removed easily. I can then haul a motorcyle inside if needed (I have!) / and hitch for travel trailer, boat etc as needed. TJHANKS
Thanks I'm just trying to show how it really is and don't sugar coat anything. I'll be making a video from a new campervan build and answering some questions soon. Be patient and thanks for watching
Love the fact that you live in it before you build it out. See what you need. How much did the van cost? If you don't mind d me asking. And we're did you find it.
My first setup was a blow up mattress from Walmart a backpacking stove and two small plastic crates with some clothes and personal stuff. Regarding the price I'll probably do a short video about that when I get back to USA. Thanks for the comment
What a great balance of everything you need with restraint. I think if you put a cutting board cover on the bottom pull out kitchen drawer it could become a table. Make it rest inside the drawer if that makes sense? Of course you could always hit up Super Burrito on Wells Ave. 😉
Very smart. Excellent wiring and only the essentials. Plus its on a proven chassis platform! Cheers from TX. SPI and PINS are some great places to visit dude. Enjoy your travels!
For someone who is about to take the plunge into full time van living, without ever having much camping or van conversion experiences, the info you shared was very appreciative and practical as well. Thank you, my friend.
I'm happy that it helps.
How's it going so far? About to be doing the same.
The thing I see when things get fancy is that it takes up so much of an already small space. The best ideas I see are functional and economical in terms of space. For example, I really like the small single burner propane stoves. That makes sense to me. I like your shower can. That's a good solution in a pinch.
I truly love your simple build , what YOU need. I believe thats as simple as it gets.
Best way to do it. Go simple if you truly need something you can always add to it
I love the fact that it's a minimalist van build. Good job. 👍🏾
This is the perfect van in my mind, really. So nicely done and YOU did it, so it's so special.
Except gas mileage .
Thank you it was really nice and cozy. But yes the gas mileage for the V10 isn't the best.
GREAT advice. I'm plotting my design now and I've already figured out that I don't need a bathroom and shower (too much maintenance/work) and the kitchen's currently on the chopping block. Once I figure out what I actually need, then I'll know what vehicle I'll need to get (NOT a Sprinter).
In my opinion that's the best way to do it.thanks for the comment
Very practical perspective. May I suggest looking for a wheel chair van. Likely you won’t find one in 4x4. I picked up a dodge b2500 for 2.5k and there’s enough room to almost stand and makes a huge difference, but a very very small price tag compared to a sprinter. Good luck!
Perfect! Thank you for the information! Im beginning my van life in the first week of february.
Let me know how it goes. Do you have a vehicle already?
Van is 🔥🔥...can't wait for da next adventure🚀
Hey thanks for the comment 😊 more videos coming soon
I love your build!!! Even with a low top van you made the inside look soooo spacious and still showed how to maximize storage space!!! Amazing!!!
Glad you like it. Yes it feels very spacious inside
@@wanderingbartyou can be just a guy going to a work site ! If your boondocking , tell them you got there early 😂
That Van is Badass! I like the story behind it & minimalist build.
Thanks🙏
@@wanderingbart Gonna look for a Border Service Van!
I for one really appreciate your minimalistic approach, and your honest advice in this regard. It's really easy to get sucked into all the gee whiz complex builds. And while for some applications, some of those things may be nice to have, while for other more simple applications it just sucks money on things that aren't really needed. It just depends on the individual. So, start simple, and add as you gain experience of your individual needs is the best advice I've seen on the van build videos. Thanks!
Exactly some things work for some people but not for everyone. Thanks for the comment
Love the simplicity!
Great tour of your van! Thanks!
Thanks for watching
Beautiful, comfy for you. Good job 👏 😊
Kia ora from New Zealand. Sweet rig! Brilliant advice too, it's so easy to get swept into making the build overly complicated!
You watch those TH-cam channels and you think you need all that stuff and that's how you end up with a 200k car loan for a sprinter van. Les is more 💪💪💪
Excellent. Good luck.
The positioning of your bed is pure genius brother thank you. I never thought of it that way from the view perspective plus you can put your kitchen stuff underneath the bed there.
Glad you like it😁 did you have a chance to see the new camper project?
This was very helpful! Nice build, calming and cozy.
Thanks I'm glad you like it
Great build! Thank you for sharing!
I’m with you! Good advice at the last! I like to hear that! Thank you
Thanks work the comment
Dude i love your ingenuity. I litterally built out my van similarly and just returned the tools i would buy as I needed them so I wouldnt have to cary them around. Very effective!!!
That's the best way. Buy as you need instead of buying and trying to figure out if you ever going to use it.
Keeping it simple is the best way to go. I'm not a van lifer or anything. But I worked on the road outside of my state. *WILL NOT DO THAT IN CALIFORNIA AGAIN* !!! But I stayed in Motels and hotels when I could get a solid weekend or 24 hour day or week to do so or stayed at one of my Uncles properties either in San Francisco , Stockton CA. Or elsewhere.
I never really got cooking inside a van, but having hot water was great! Same with a small chiller freezer to keep drinks cool.
Thank you for sharing your van build. I think the 4×4 logo on the side of the van tells everyone that your van is there . The light bar gives people the idea that you are not a stealth camper. I like the simple interior that fits your needs and requirements.
Oh definitely you can tell it's a camper. I wasn't really trying to be super stealth.
I think you did a great job man and I agree you don’t need all that stuff
Thank you. Don't forget to check out my new build on my channel
I think you did a wonderful job! You should be very proud!
Thanks for the good vibes😁
Awesome build for your first time!
Thanks bro
I love your van build.. Mahalo for sharing. God Bless you Bart.
Thanks glad you like it. It was simple but functional.
hello from Canada i traveled in my tinny car this summer new to your channel
Welcome 😁 and thank you for the comment
You did a great job on your build thumbs up!
Thanks
I knew I recognized those building. Some good sights around here.
I think it is perfect, simple build is better.
Looks good! What wood did you use for the ceiling?
Stumbled across your channel a few days ago, have watched everything thus far, keep it up! Love the breakdown, definitely seems like a more realistic view of van life for the majority of those who do it.
Ya i figured I'll take a different approach to it. Thanks for the comment
Right on! Nice Chanel. Great VanLife information. Thanks for Sharing. Looking forward to watching more of your upcoming Vlogs.
I like having all the electrical centerized behind/in cabinet. Easy access for maintenance!
Wondering what the material walls are used. (Maybe I should read comments before asking 🤔)
Nice build! Beautiful and Functional! Well thought out.
The walls are made out of a very thin plywood.
Just got a 04 E350 for 600$ with 213k planning to live in it about to start watching hope it helps looks like the best one on here
Nice build bro👍
Thank you
Just got a free running 95 Chevy G30 Ext Cab with 40/60 doors on side. Needs a lot of work inside ie sealing/rust but I'm very excited to finally begin this journey. I just started working on it last week and removed flooring.
Hey good luck and let me know how the build goes
Thanks, will do!@@wanderingbart
Your Van is awesome! I have the Econline 250 Im building it right now, just completed my subfloors. Your too humble your diy carpentry looks like a pro did it! Thank you so much for listing all that used its very helpful & I agree about keeping it simple and add as you go along,great build!
Thank you for the comment.
True minimalist. Perfect build. 👍👍👍👍👍 5 thumbs up. Just found today. And subscribed. Definitely be looking at your videos. I lived in a van for a year then lived in a sailboat at a marina for about 6 months. I still have my 1991 chevy van. I like old vans because I can do all my repairs. I rent a room now. Planning on heading back to the East Coast in 2024 🙋🏼♂️
Just purchased my 98 yesterday and eager to do my no build! Planning on using a portable fish cleaning station as sink with faucet and drip area, storage underneath for cassette toilet, put a curtain around it and voila!
Hey I really like this build you don’t need to be fancy all that counts is that it works for you
I agree. Build for your needs.
Very nice, simple and effective!
Thanks 🙏
Excellent!! greetings from México
Welcome
itsa sweeet van!
🤘
good advice to keep it simple.
Thanks
@@wanderingbart
✌
thanks for the inspo! ive been feeling intimidated about having to do this in an apartment complex/home depot lot
Just subbed great rig really like the setup!
Thanks for the sub
This is my dream to be in a van down the river
You did a beautiful build 😍
Glad you like it
Very nice build! 5 Star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!
Thank you
A great video... Congratulations nice tips, nice Van, thanks...
Thanks for watching 😁
Great Job
Thanks for sharing your van, it was great. Where is the link for the shower make though? Very intrigued with that. Thanks
What a nice build!❤
Thanks
Thank you for keeping it simple.
_very clean build!_
Very nice setup!
About your fridge, try running it outside the drawer & see if it doesnt work properly. I wonder if build-up of heat in a tight space & lack of ventilation is fooling thermostat into working overtime?
There is some ventilation. But the thermostat was broken. The company replaced it for a new one
No body around u a true blessing (4 short time) in case I dont get into trouble, and need help!!!!!!!
Genial todo el trabajo que hiciste en tu van, felicidades ❤❤❤❤
Great video thank you. I just bought a 2003 e350 long wheel base. I'm going simple and having more room to stretch out and not be cramped. I'm getting out of my home because there's too much stuff around. I want simplicity now.
Congrats and good luck hope you have fun with your new way of living.
I like the simplicity of your build. You have ample room and storage as well as all of the necessities to live comfortably. Nice job. I think you scored big on the van itself. I am hoping to come across the right van in the near future.
Thank you.if your not in a hurry take your time to find what's Right for you.
I'm looking too.
Hello Bart,
I just found your video. I have an idea, the cabinet in the back under your bed, pull the bottom drawer out far enough for the stove to fit and cut a piece of thin plywood to lay across the top edges. It would lower the stove and the thin piece of plywood could possible lay or stored on or under the stove or the bottom drawer.
Good idea 👍 thanks I'll definitely try it out
32 deg. Farenheit is freezing. A frig should be set in the 40-45 deg. Range.
A freezer should be set well below 32 deg.
Great build!! We are working on our first one now.
Your cabinetry is awesome! Great build 🏔🚐💨
Thank you I did my best
Don't put your build down mate it works for you and your needs, it's lovely, like you say build it the way that suits you best👊
Good advice at the end 👍🏾
Thanks
You do well💜💙🧡
I did it simply last year.
I have some clips
I've watched a ton of these builds and you did it perfectly. It's simple but perfect and you have everything you need and it looks nice. You can change things if needed but this is the way to live!! I wouldn't put a window in but maybe a sink? Maybe you didn't need that's but I'm impressed. I wish I could live this lifestyle.
Great looking van you did a great job !
liked your build. Need link to build hot water shower. Cheers. Rod
simple is always the best for traveling!
That's what I think to
I absolutely this … I’m also working towards a Minimalist Van set up … Thank You
Thank you for sharing..
Great advice …. It’s truly appreciated 🤗
Great channel , very discriptive .
Welcome aboard!
I prefer the high top van. I dont have a need for 4x4, per se.... so less expense. I also prefer a low tech build... bed platform in the back w room for up to (9) large black/yellow top storage bins. Platform is in 3 sections and everything can be removed easily. I can then haul a motorcyle inside if needed (I have!) / and hitch for travel trailer, boat etc as needed. TJHANKS
I love your project bro
Thanks man 🙏 did you had a chance to check out the new camper that I'm building?
Loved your honest and blunt opinions and build on this vid. And this van is super cozy looking! Where are you from?
Thanks I'm just trying to show how it really is and don't sugar coat anything. I'll be making a video from a new campervan build and answering some questions soon. Be patient and thanks for watching
Love the fact that you live in it before you build it out. See what you need. How much did the van cost? If you don't mind d me asking. And we're did you find it.
My first setup was a blow up mattress from Walmart a backpacking stove and two small plastic crates with some clothes and personal stuff. Regarding the price I'll probably do a short video about that when I get back to USA. Thanks for the comment
Great setup!
What a great balance of everything you need with restraint. I think if you put a cutting board cover on the bottom pull out kitchen drawer it could become a table. Make it rest inside the drawer if that makes sense? Of course you could always hit up Super Burrito on Wells Ave. 😉
Ya i tried that few times it works.
Lovely video man. I want an e350
love it brother , Rock!
Thanks for the sub
I don't know anything about electrik and electronic, Good jon.
I bought a Bluety 800w and 100w sunsolar cell :)
when I started my build I also didn't know anything
Biggest issue, finding a van that doesn't break the bank even used.
Try looking on government auctions. Like border patrol, airport service and prisons. Way cheaper than from a private owner or a dealer.
Go to church
I just got one with a topper for 5k
@@davi-un7ku Condition, year, miles? Thanks!
@@christopherjay7018 1998 Chevrolet express 3500, 120,000 miles 1 ton payload 6.0 L with topper for 5k in Arizona, drove it to Washington state
Sick vid!
Good layout
Good one!
I use my van for weekends, maybe hunting cooking
that's awesome
Very smart. Excellent wiring and only the essentials. Plus its on a proven chassis platform! Cheers from TX. SPI and PINS are some great places to visit dude. Enjoy your travels!
Thank you for the vid.
No problem!
If you are thinking about adding window, I would put it at the head of the bed.
watching this video has helped my city girl wife want to have a camper van! What do you do for a potty?
Hey what dealership did you get this from? I’m in Minnesota and was looking into a newer van. This is kinda what I’m looking for. Sweet set up.
I don't remember right now but it was in Baker Minnesota.
🇬🇧 Only thing I would say is put windows In the side doors, so useful when at some junctions. Other than that a very nice simple build. 👍👍👍👍👍
Yes definitely those windows would help in the city.
@@wanderingbart I own a VW Transporter and have found them very useful at times. Good luck with your travels. Stay safe.
Awesome
Thank you
Pozdrowienia z Polski 🇵🇱🇵🇱🇵🇱
How did you build the jerry can shower?
Simple submersible water pump and a 12v battery. There's plenty videos on TH-cam how to do it. It's not my idea I used one of the videos
Love the van build! Where did you get the paint job done and how much was it?
Hay bro luv the van , Great concept one question. How do you go to the restroom? What do you have set up for that and also?
What about AC? How does that work out for you? Thank you