I've just got to say that the quality of workmanship in your build far exceeds the so-called professional rv (caravan) builders... They should aspire to your standards instead of the other way around. I greatly appreciate that you take the time to explain the reasons behind your methods. I haven't started my build yet, but have got some ideas from you that will change a few of the things I had planned for my van.You've made yourself a beautiful home. Great job!
Hey Mike, I really do appreciate your comment and the nice things you have said. Wish you all the best with your own build, thank you for watching my videos :D
I second that. I rarely comment on videos and just scrolled down here to show my appreciation for the amount of detail and effort you put into your van build, Greg. You are an inspiration. I invent / build things for a living and your videos inspire me to do a van build myself.
I agree 100%... The guys a genius! Not forgetting the camera work and editing! I think he nicked the majority of brain cells when God was handing them out! 😂 I love learning from the Oracle (Greg) Brilliant!!
@@GregVirgoe best well thought out vent system I've seen for heating a van. Great workmanship and it all looks like it should be there from factory. Bet that van stays toasty warm inside.
Hi Greg, I've often thought you shoud do van conversions professionally too, run your own company, and I'm sure you'd get the 1yr time build right down, using your innate ingenuity. But even so, I also think that many people actually would wait a year, because they're assured of the temendous quality, and a year does soon go by. Best wishes to you, and on your travels, from Alan, Norfolk, UK.
Well I would just like to say a big thank you to you Greg, thanks to your excellent video's and the way you explain your methods, I finally got my V5 back yesterday, I now have a fully fledged motor caravan 🕺😀, Took me 6 months and a lot of hours but I got there in the end, Thanks again buddy, Happy Travels. 👍👍
@@GregVirgoe Will be doing a couple of local runs just to try it out properly first iron out any wrinkles if I find any, then camp quirky in may. Then hopefully France , Spain and Portugal later this year, then go north next year, will pop up to Scotland as well, maybe in august, looking forward to it. 👍👍
Right angle chuck is a great piece of kit, you hardly every use it but it does sometimes make the impossible possible. Looking forward to the rest of the build videos, don't give'm to use too quickly...keep us hungry for them :)
Great idea with the step for the seat, that's one annoying factor in our van that the passenger seats turns round but you'd need 50 inch legs to reach the floor as it's the entrance fo the side door, sadly I don't have the space to put in the step as you've done.
Great idea Greg... Using the shower room as a drying room as well, and the advice on draughts near the doors and the heat loss through the glazed windows in the cab. Perfect timing as I'm doing my heating and ducting this week. Cheers Buddy! ;-) Andy Kelly uk
Greg Virgoe cheers Greg, my build has taken second place as my daughter and her partner are both in Mexico and I am refitting a new bathroom while they’re away! Thanks so much for the t shirt and I will send you a picture when I get back to the truck work matey. Godbless you both and happy travels! 👍 Andy Kelly Uk
Greg, seen a few of your videos now. I'm a definite amateur lay person, but your videos are so easy to understand. I shall be taking a hell of a lot of advice off you over the next few months .
Great explanation of ducting and accessories. Doesn't actually show how to cut the pipework but I expect a jigsaw or hacksaw will do the job - taking care to keep the cut square. Learnt that the visible end caps are screwed on to the connection pieces.
G’day Greg and greetings from Tasmania Australia I would just like to take this opportunity in congratulating you in a very professional fit out of your van. It was terrific to follow the stages of the build and you explained it very clearly and the filming was good. Once again thank you for a very interesting series of fitting out a van. Kind regards John
I love this build. The ducting is neat, the wiring is neat, everything is copied down properly. It's nice to see someone that but extra to get it right.
@@GregVirgoe quite a lot has improved in my eyes. The camera work is better (is that Mrs V who should get the credit there?) But just the whole package is done well. Keep up the good work.
Greg having spent 28 years as a Journeyman Sheet Metal Worker, I would recommend a fiberglass wrap/blanket around the outside of the ducting just to help insulate it from heat loss very easy to do, plus for summer times you can use the shower as a drying room if you put another vent w the damper on it and in the cabinet side use a 12v computer type fan to circulate ambient air for drying instead of having to fire up the boiler!
Insulation around the heating duct is a very good idea, the step does keep your feet nice and warm when the heating is on. :D We have a warm air vent in the shower and extract at high level also a vent at low level in the door so it does get used as a drying room and works really well.
@@GregVirgoe I admit envy when I first saw it, though I managed to talk myself out of that day dream. I don't really have need of such a toy, tool I mean.
Another cracking video Greg 👍🏼 When we first hit the Alps we found the traditional points of heating weren’t adequate to keep us warm up on the bed in the evenings, so I attached a piece of flexible ducting to the vent under the bed and brought it up to blow warm air into the bed area.. We also attached a thick woollen blanket across the rear doors which blocked out all the cold transferring through from any exposed steelwork and glazing...Worked a treat 🚐💨
Hola greg, I'm at the start of my build on our family van conversion and I'm finding your videos extremely helpful. Appreciate you and your content. Enjoy your trip. D
Greg, I watch every single build video of yours and hats off to you sir! Absolutely love your work and I cannot wait to see the final video tour of your fantastic build! Cheers from Canada :)
Very timely with the weather Greg, and as always very nicely and concisely done. I'm not naive about TH-cam, but you really give as much as you get. Great channel, thanks immeasurably!
Love your videos, Greg! Your ingenuity and guidance are excellent resources for we who are about to embark on a build. One suggestion I have is to put batted or foam insulation into the closed spaces where your ducts are. Insulating the ducts in closed spaces will both reduce noise and preserve the temperature through the runs.
Hi Greg your van is looking great, I'm currently converting a vw crafter and have pinched plenty of your ideas and techniques and incorporated them into my build😉. Good luck on your European tour.
As we have been used to, the video and information given is spot on greatness! I'm excited for the videos about your travel through Europe, those are going to be awesome as well. Hope everything goes as planned and that you enjoy not only the destination but most important the journey. Cheers from Portugal!
@@GregVirgoe You won't regret it! The weather isn't the best right now but nevertheless is a great journey. I hope one day I'm able to travel around Europe :)
@@GregVirgoe I live in Braga, a city in the north. The weather lately is really bad, rains all day with gust of strong wind. I believe in the next few days the bad weather will stop or at least minimize... Overall, just stay way from the shore line when the authorities give the alert and that's it.
Brilliant video yet again Greg, and perfectly timed! I've just taken delivery of my Truma, and now I can start planning the ducting. Love the idea of the foot rest / combined ducting box, I'm definitely copying that one! Exciting to know there's more videos soon too, as well as your well deserved holiday. All the best.
They will be bolted to the roof this week, have been sitting in the workshop for months waiting. Still struggling to find a suitable elevation support so it might just be flat for now. The aluminium bar stock I got was too flimsy and just bent, the gas struts I have are too strong :S
Great job on the vent build and video. I was curious about the number of vent vs the size of the intake vent for the heater. How close do the need to match to get proper flow for an efficient load on the unit?
Hi Greg, It would be helpful as a final video in this build series to have a full walk through of the finished van. It’s been a very helpful series for doing my build. Even though I have not done exactly the same as you as my girlfriend intervened on the ceiling so my Moreland ply didn’t get put up! It has T&G instead. Also I ran out of money to afford Moreland furniture board. So i built it with Banova ply & Moreland lightweight unlamented ply. I figured this first build won’t stay the same for long once it’s being used all the time. So use this as a prototype and then later build it with furniture board once it’s been used and any changes needed have been noted. Enjoy Europe. Maybe our paths may cross?
Superb workmanship, im currently working on my van, may i ask a question, can the trauma combi be installed underneath the floor, having a VW lt 35 mk 1 plenty of space underneath.
Hi Greg, love the van build series, nice to see the high level of attention to detail, been a perfectionist myself. Was just wondering if it would be possible for a van tour style video, to see the overall finished product? Cheers again for all the great videos 👍
Hey , i ve been watching your video s , good job . I ve been living in my van in Belgium most of the time . Benivan 144 single bed . Winter and summer One little hint with the heating. Those tubes get really hot . And so in a way you loose alllot off heat there.. Either you insulate them or put sole wholes in the boxes in wich they run so that the trapped heat gets into your Van anyway,,, I had cancer and couldn t build my own one .. but I do love to optimise and adjust :). Greetz Jan
The stair nosing I found off eBay. There are lots to choose from with a simple search. I have three drop out vents. One in gas bottle cupboard, one under the cooler and one by the boiler in the seat.
Hi Greg, not sure if this is section to ask or if it’s been asked before. Is there a reason you didn’t block off the back of the bedroom so when back doors are open you aren’t looking straight into bedroom. Was it just so you could heat bedroom with vent or is there another reason. Cheers Stew . Great work thanks for your time and expertise
Greg - we love your video series. But as ex pat Brits living in the USA we find it very difficult to get some of the components you use for such a professional finish. I've googled and googled but cant find any manufacturer over here that has such nice furniture board. I'm also fitting the Truma 4e to our sprinter and I see it comes with a flexible hose for propane with a flared connection to the boiler. I saw info over here saying one should never use a compression fitting for an RV gas connection where vibration is a possibility , what's been your experience with the propane supply ? also finding the Truma heating ducting almost impossible to find in the US , maybe anyone reading this from the US has an idea ? - Once again thanks for a wonderful series of videos!
The RV industry in the states is massive they must get their materials from somewhere. I would approach local RV sales and service venders and ask if they have contacts for spares and replacement parts etc eBay May ship to USA that is one option.
Hi Greg, another informative video thank you. I've enjoyed them all and how nice that they are not plastered with distracting music! An off topic question if I may as I'd quite like to make some videos of carpentry projects. It's a bit of a passion of mine. What camera and microphone do you use and what's the editing programme? Do you find the editing programme good and are you using a Windows laptop? Any information would be greatly appreciated. Have a great trip.
Hello John, I do have a nice Canon eos DSLR with Rode Stereo mic for outdoor shoots but when I’m in the workshop I always use my iPhone with a lav mic plugged in for better sound. The iPhone takes clear video in focus even on low light. I have two editing softwares. A simple quick and easy one is Filmora which I use a lot. I also have Sony Movie Studio which has a lot more professional features. Most of my videos are edited on Filmora and it’s about £70 so not too expensive either and very easy to use for a beginner. I use a fast desktop PC with SSD drives running Windows 10. Although I hate windows 10 with its icon display and installed the classic shell over riding it. Hope that helps you.
Forgive me for jumping in here, but I too use Sony Movie Studio. It's an excellent product, but there is some learning to do. By the way it's not owned by Sony now, but supported by the company Vegas. I would also second Greg's recommendation of SSD drives, these really speed up your work flow. Lastly, Greg is a real natural in front of the camera, I don't think you can learn that, but I wish you good luck:)
Excellent build Greg well done a fabulous finish on the van wish I had your skill and tools so I could have had the same result on my build. I would like to ask about emission stickers that we have to display on our windscreen now for European driving where do I get them from and do I have to have a different one for each country I'm going to drive in? As I've heard the fines are quite expensive and on the spot.
Hi Greg just doing my shower tray/heating etc & noticed the insulation was wet at the bottom of the cavity. When I spoke to a pal who is a very experienced camper/builder he said what I haven't done was take off all the side moulding & squirt silicone sealer in all the holes then re-fit the moulding. Though I'd pass that on.
Hello Greg, The videos are brilliant. What do you think? Do we need professionals to a similar project? Or anybody can build it (using the information in the video), if he has talent? No need for serious mechanic and electrician knowledge? Thank you in advance for your answer.
Great video Greg, Truma really need a video explaining the vent options and how to install them on there web site. They can link yours in now as a starter:-) Question: Are those louvred end outlets the same as the "Lamellar insert"? I've not seen them with a screw nut fix on the back.
Hi great video series. Seeing your duct work I was wondering if you had done a false floor for the water and waste tanks and piping and put hot air connection in the chamber, this is common on winterized motor homes. So I checked back at the tank install and realized they are slung under the chassis. I read that you planned to insulate them and any external pipework for frost protection and just wondered with all the freezing weather if you had filled the tanks and tested the pipes and tanks don't freeze? I have seen heated pads are available if you didn't know. Great series, its a shame it has to end!!:-)
Hey , i ve been watching your video s , good job . I ve been living in my van in Belgium most of the time . Benivan 144 single bed . Winter - 10 and summer . I have the same heating system .. One little hint with the heating. Those tubes get really hot . And so in a way you loose alllot off heat there.. Either you insulate them or put sole wholes in the boxes in wich they run so that the trapped heat gets into your Van anyway,,, I had cancer and couldn t build my own one .. would have loooooved to .... but I do love to optimise and adjust :). Greetz Jan
Hi Greg, thanks for sharing your videos! I’m desperately trying to find some of the threaded trauma vent outlets that you have used but can only find the butterfly version. I wondered if you wouldn’t mind sharing the company that you bought yours from? The link seems to go to a pack with butterfly outlets. If you can help at all, that would be amazing!
As always mate a first class job . My offer still stands to buy the van when you have finished with it, can't wait for the rest of the build series and then watching your adventures in her or him. Have you decided on a name for the van at all ?
Hi Greg, that's a lot of ducting. I wonder what your profession was! Looks like your van is going to be super warm, which will be a blessing in this bad weather. I'm back on my build now trying to get the kitchen finished and thinking about our first real trip:)
Hello Greg, thanks again for the great videos. Tell me, do you find you have any issues with condensation from using propane? I have been looking at a diesel heater to avoid such issues, but with your education, maybe I am worrying about nothing?
Hi Greg - great stuff as usual you are the zen master of van conversions. But tell me - why have you not insulated the warm air ducting, and what is the flooring material you put on the footrest? Cheers Greg - not long now! :-)
Norman Boyes, regarding the lack of insulation to ducting The space is tight that’s the main thing. As long as it’s run in the van it’s going to give off heat inside. If this warms up the furniture it’s not a bad thing, that in turn will help to keep the van warm.
Hi Greg. Love the videos, agree with an earlier poster how they are so much better without any music over the top.. I was wondering, are you going to add any graphics to the outside of the vehicle? Also if you don’t mind me asking what was the mileage on the vehicle? The build quality of your van is exceptional mate.
How about glueing an additional rubber gasket around the rear doors next to that which the van manufacturers have already installed. This may reduce droughts. I have seen others do this.
gtricgtric yes that’s a good idea. Anything to act as an additional draught excluder would help. I think our doors just don’t fit very well at all which doesn’t help.
hi greg a quick question about the boiler. is setting 1 just using electric to heat the water or is it mixture. Also if your on 240 hook up can you just use the electrix elements to heat the water.. thanks mick
Great video as always great. I remember at the beginning you were looking hat having a garage for 1 or 2 motorbikes. It looks as if you don't have enough height for motorbikes or even assembled. pedal cycles. Are you still gonna travel with a motorbike?
Hello Ian, On this trip, we are taking two bicycles, and they do fit beneath the bed simply by lowering the saddle and handlebars with a quick release. We are not taking a motorbike on this trip which is why I have enclosed the back, There is room to get a motorbike in the back once the bed bases are removed. When the Europe trip is over I will use the van for track day trips and IOM TT etc
@@GregVirgoe ahh yes, i forgot that you could removed the bed and that you had a lot of cycle training to do also in preparation for the cycle challenge. 😉
Greg I've got a diesel heater with one 80mm outlet and I'd like to have 3 outlets despite mine being a small van. I'm going to order some extra pipe and fittings from your link but... Would you recommend reducing the ducting down to 65mm for the pipework? There will be no more than 3 metres of run but I need to add 2 T's to direct the duct to 3 areas. Many thanks Greg.
Mark Velo, reduce to 65mm on each branch duct after you have T off if you can get the fittings. I may benefit to put an outlet you can regulate on the ones closest to the heater. Be careful not to exceed the maximum length of duct specified in the manual as the heater will not get enough airflow and could overheat. Bigger ducts = less resistance.
@@GregVirgoe I'll do that thanks Greg, it seems to make sense. Now my build is moving on I'm realising sourcing parts is really slow and frustrating Lol
Hi Gregg Great channel I find you videos and methods extremely good As a joiner I’ve thought of doing a conversion for a while. I’m not sure if your still occasionally running your van but if I were to do one it would be stood for the whole period maybe 1 year or more. Do you think this would have a detrimental effect the van Thanks
collcolin, mine was stood for similar time. I started it regularly and allowed it to fully warm up. Chocked the wheels with handbrakes off. Did end up replacing brake discs as they were very rusty but otherwise it was fine for that period of time. 👍🏼😀
The link is in the video description guys, here it is for you rover.ebay.com/rover/1/710-53481-19255-0/1?ff3=4&toolid=11800&pub=5575265109&campid=5338027957&mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fsch%2Fi.html%3F_from%3DR40%26_trksid%3Dm570.l1313%26_nkw%3Dheavy%2Bduty%2Bright%2Bangle%2Bdrill%26_sacat%3D0%26LH_TitleDesc%3D0%26_dmd%3D2%26_osacat%3D0%26_odkw%3Dright%2Bangle%2Bchuck%26rt%3Dnc
I am from Quebec Canada and I am following your project with great interest. I am building my own caravan using european concepts, especially, drop down vents for gas. I noticed some manufacturers are adding some kind of deflectors to prevent rain water to enter while the van is running. I also noticed that many others don't put anything: can you just tell me what you did and most important, why you did it.
If you have any LPG / Butane gas appliance in your van it is a safety feature to include a drop out vent local to each appliance and where your bottle is stored. As your van is moving all the time there is a possibility that you may develop a leak and as LPG is heavier than air it will fall to the lowest points, the drop out vent allows the gas to vent directly to outside thus reducing the risk. I would also recommend gas detection and CO detection near a heater. Hope that helps
Thank you Greg for your quick response. I totally agree with it, I was planning to do all the items you suggested, even if they are not required by law here in Canada, specifically gas drop out vents. My question was about rain water intrusion in your van by the floor when your are running your van.
Hi Greg. Could you tell me if the 12v supply to the boiler comes from the control panel or is the 12v feed from the 12v fuse panel. Just need to check I have all the cables in before I seal up. Can't seem to find a truma wiring diagram
The boiler needs a 12v DC supply from fuse panel protected by 10amp fuse. The CP Plus controller needs a separate 12v DC supply protected by a 1Amp fuse. On the mains side the boiler needs a 230volt AC supply from the hook up with a 10Amp fuse. Then the control cable plugs in between the boiler and controller. The boiler also has a remote temperature sensor wired back to it. Hope that helps 😊
Thanks for the prompt reply . Just to check with you is the following correct ; 12v from fuse board to control panel (1amp fuse) . 12v direct from fuse board (10amp fuse) to truma . Or 12v from fuse board to control panel and then 12v on to the truma . Is the 1.5mm 12v cable ok to supply the truma or do I need 2.5mm. Again thanks
Hi Greg.. just two little things.. the heat vent. in the back of the van, why did you put it up so high ? I would think that it should be down at the bottom of the van, closer to the floor. So that the heat can warm up all of the space, not only the top half... second.. do you think that one vent. at the side of the van can heat all the way across to the other side ? Thats it ! Great video as allways ! 👍
Hello, I am confident that this will be enough to keep the chill away from the back of the van. Below this level it is just doors and unusable space, I mainly wanted it to keep the chill off the bedroom.
I've just got to say that the quality of workmanship in your build far exceeds the so-called professional rv (caravan) builders... They should aspire to your standards instead of the other way around. I greatly appreciate that you take the time to explain the reasons behind your methods. I haven't started my build yet, but have got some ideas from you that will change a few of the things I had planned for my van.You've made yourself a beautiful home. Great job!
Hey Mike, I really do appreciate your comment and the nice things you have said.
Wish you all the best with your own build, thank you for watching my videos :D
I've enjoyed watching them and look forward to seeing Europe through your lens... Time to get out there and enjoy the fruits of your labor 😉
I second that. I rarely comment on videos and just scrolled down here to show my appreciation for the amount of detail and effort you put into your van build, Greg.
You are an inspiration. I invent / build things for a living and your videos inspire me to do a van build myself.
I agree 100%... The guys a genius! Not forgetting the camera work and editing! I think he nicked the majority of brain cells when God was handing them out! 😂 I love learning from the Oracle (Greg) Brilliant!!
@@GregVirgoe best well thought out vent system I've seen for heating a van. Great workmanship and it all looks like it should be there from factory. Bet that van stays toasty warm inside.
10/10 as always Greg. Very few people come close to your craftsmanship!
Thank you very much Mark
Greg, you need to do this as a profession. This build is amazing!
Thank you very much, but nobody would wait a year for their van to be built :D LOL
@@GregVirgoe lol. You would be surprised.
Hi Greg, I've often thought you shoud do van conversions professionally too, run your own company, and I'm sure you'd get the 1yr time build right down, using your innate ingenuity. But even so, I also think that many people actually would wait a year, because they're assured of the temendous quality, and a year does soon go by. Best wishes to you, and on your travels, from Alan, Norfolk, UK.
Well I would just like to say a big thank you to you Greg, thanks to your excellent video's and the way you explain your methods, I finally got my V5 back yesterday, I now have a fully fledged motor caravan 🕺😀, Took me 6 months and a lot of hours but I got there in the end, Thanks again buddy, Happy Travels. 👍👍
That’s great news, congratulations. What are your plans now the van is done?
@@GregVirgoe Will be doing a couple of local runs just to try it out properly first iron out any wrinkles if I find any, then camp quirky in may. Then hopefully France , Spain and Portugal later this year, then go north next year, will pop up to Scotland as well, maybe in august, looking forward to it. 👍👍
Please do come say hello at CQ I hope I can check out your van too 👍🏼 have fun with it
@@GregVirgoe I certainly will buddy, and yes you can 👍 I'm looking forward to getting started breaking free lol 😃
Right angle chuck is a great piece of kit, you hardly every use it but it does sometimes make the impossible possible. Looking forward to the rest of the build videos, don't give'm to use too quickly...keep us hungry for them :)
You are an artist. Need I say more. Do hope you both enjoy your trip, I am sure with all the work you have put in you will.
The video series are not over. Thanks!
I have lots of ideas for videos still to come on building
Great idea with the step for the seat, that's one annoying factor in our van that the passenger seats turns round but you'd need 50 inch legs to reach the floor as it's the entrance fo the side door, sadly I don't have the space to put in the step as you've done.
Great idea Greg... Using the shower room as a drying room as well, and the advice on draughts near the doors and the heat loss through the glazed windows in the cab. Perfect timing as I'm doing my heating and ducting this week. Cheers Buddy! ;-) Andy Kelly uk
Andy Kelly, glad that it helped you and good luck with your build 👍🏼😊
Greg Virgoe cheers Greg, my build has taken second place as my daughter and her partner are both in Mexico and I am refitting a new bathroom while they’re away! Thanks so much for the t shirt and I will send you a picture when I get back to the truck work matey. Godbless you both and happy travels! 👍 Andy Kelly Uk
Greg, seen a few of your videos now. I'm a definite amateur lay person, but your videos are so easy to understand. I shall be taking a hell of a lot of advice off you over the next few months .
Great explanation of ducting and accessories. Doesn't actually show how to cut the pipework but I expect a jigsaw or hacksaw will do the job - taking care to keep the cut square. Learnt that the visible end caps are screwed on to the connection pieces.
The duct is made from cardboard and foil with a wire coil inside. So it can be easily cut with a craft knife and wire cutters. 👍🏼😃
G’day Greg and greetings from Tasmania Australia I would just like to take this opportunity in congratulating you in a very professional fit out of your van. It was terrific to follow the stages of the build and you explained it very clearly and the filming was good. Once again thank you for a very interesting series of fitting out a van. Kind regards John
I really appreciate you taking the time to give such great feedback and am really pleased you enjoyed it, best wishes John
Just found your channel - please keep these vids up for another 5 yrs when it time for me to start my build!
I love this build. The ducting is neat, the wiring is neat, everything is copied down properly.
It's nice to see someone that but extra to get it right.
Very impressed with the step and the rest of the ductwork.
As expected, stellar engineering and craftsmanship, Mr V👍🏻👍🏻
Cheers Don , much appreciated.
Hi Greg.. Great watching you work. and talking common sense.. cheers bud
Patiently waiting for the lpg enclosure build video. One of the last things I need to do.
You have built yourself a great piece of kit Greg, cheers...
Recently came across your channel. Vids seem excellent. Will be checking them all out now. Really helpful resource thanks.
Great video Greg, I must say, your video quality keeps getting better. Your editing has improved dramatically and your videos are a pleasure to watch.
Can I ask about the editing, which parts that have improved in your eyes. It will really help me for future videos. Thank you 😊
@@GregVirgoe quite a lot has improved in my eyes. The camera work is better (is that Mrs V who should get the credit there?) But just the whole package is done well. Keep up the good work.
Thank you Mr Greg, what a beautiful work , what a nice teacher thank you again
Greg having spent 28 years as a Journeyman Sheet Metal Worker, I would recommend a fiberglass wrap/blanket around the outside of the ducting just to help insulate it from heat loss very easy to do, plus for summer times you can use the shower as a drying room if you put another vent w the damper on it and in the cabinet side use a 12v computer type fan to circulate ambient air for drying instead of having to fire up the boiler!
Insulation around the heating duct is a very good idea, the step does keep your feet nice and warm when the heating is on. :D We have a warm air vent in the shower and extract at high level also a vent at low level in the door so it does get used as a drying room and works really well.
As always, great viewing and learning, thanks Greg....let the roads be clear, and smiles that grow day to day....happy travels mate 😉😊👍🏼
Quality advice as always, that new toy (tool) is impressive also.
It’s really handy cliff and has got me out of a couple of tight situations 👍🏼😀
@@GregVirgoe I admit envy when I first saw it, though I managed to talk myself out of that day dream. I don't really have need of such a toy, tool I mean.
Another cracking video Greg 👍🏼
When we first hit the Alps we found the traditional points of heating weren’t adequate to keep us warm up on the bed in the evenings, so I attached a piece of flexible ducting to the vent under the bed and brought it up to blow warm air into the bed area.. We also attached a thick woollen blanket across the rear doors which blocked out all the cold transferring through from any exposed steelwork and glazing...Worked a treat 🚐💨
Fantastic advice on the routing and location of the outlets - thank you!
Very good job and very neat. John
Hola greg, I'm at the start of my build on our family van conversion and I'm finding your videos extremely helpful. Appreciate you and your content. Enjoy your trip. D
Another great video Greg, your series has been absolutely excellent.
Hope you have a great trip.
Thanks, Mack, really appreciated.
Greg, I watch every single build video of yours and hats off to you sir! Absolutely love your work and I cannot wait to see the final video tour of your fantastic build! Cheers from Canada :)
Many thanks for watching all the videos, I do appreciate your support.
Another great video that will no doubt help lots of people out. Looking forward to the next one. Safe travels to you and the boss.
Very nice job Greg. Well planned out mate.
Very timely with the weather Greg, and as always very nicely and concisely done. I'm not naive about TH-cam, but you really give as much as you get. Great channel, thanks immeasurably!
Looking forward to the gas cupboard video, just building mine now ! 👍 another great vlog 👏
I will cover the current requirements plus a couple of extra safety features 👍🏼😀
Thanks Greg - some great ideas in this one
Glad it helped you 😃
Love your videos, Greg! Your ingenuity and guidance are excellent resources for we who are about to embark on a build. One suggestion I have is to put batted or foam insulation into the closed spaces where your ducts are. Insulating the ducts in closed spaces will both reduce noise and preserve the temperature through the runs.
Just perfect....I'm dying the very same heating system right now!! Cheers Greg. ;-) Andy Kelly uk
Can’t wait to see the final reveal
Hi Greg your van is looking great, I'm currently converting a vw crafter and have pinched plenty of your ideas and techniques and incorporated them into my build😉.
Good luck on your European tour.
Thank you for the compliment and good luck with your own build.
Once again a superb video, will be sorry when the build is finished have enjoyed watching this 😢
As we have been used to, the video and information given is spot on greatness! I'm excited for the videos about your travel through Europe, those are going to be awesome as well. Hope everything goes as planned and that you enjoy not only the destination but most important the journey. Cheers from Portugal!
We are looking forward to heading down through Portugal, never visited before so it will be all new for us.
@@GregVirgoe You won't regret it! The weather isn't the best right now but nevertheless is a great journey. I hope one day I'm able to travel around Europe :)
Can you give me the latest and what part are you in?
@@GregVirgoe I live in Braga, a city in the north. The weather lately is really bad, rains all day with gust of strong wind. I believe in the next few days the bad weather will stop or at least minimize... Overall, just stay way from the shore line when the authorities give the alert and that's it.
Yet again a job done very well Greg; but we've come to expect nothing less now👍🏼😊
I have raised the bar for myself now :D lol
@@GregVirgoe lndeed 😊
Brilliant video yet again Greg, and perfectly timed! I've just taken delivery of my Truma, and now I can start planning the ducting. Love the idea of the foot rest / combined ducting box, I'm definitely copying that one! Exciting to know there's more videos soon too, as well as your well deserved holiday. All the best.
I'm sure you will be very happy with it, and also glad that these few ideas will be useful too, good luck with your build.
Excellent explanation and tutorial.. as per usual from you.
I can't wait to see your tour of the van video!
Love the detail. Can't wait to see a tour of the end result.
Another nice informative video Greg can’t wait for the other to be released, and the tour 🚐👍
Great video as always Greg...looking forward to the solar panel video, as it's a bit of a minefield for me.
They will be bolted to the roof this week, have been sitting in the workshop for months waiting.
Still struggling to find a suitable elevation support so it might just be flat for now.
The aluminium bar stock I got was too flimsy and just bent, the gas struts I have are too strong :S
My Truma has just arrived and this is absolutely brilliant. Hopefully you can do a quick "switch on" video when the Truma is running Greg :)
Thanks for the video, keep them coming!
No problem, I have many ideas for new content. :D
Just Brilliant Greg!
Beautiful job.
Cheers John
Cracking professional job as always.
ive had one of them 90 chucks for a while,,, really handy can spin out of your hands if you go to fast lol
Great job on the vent build and video. I was curious about the number of vent vs the size of the intake vent for the heater. How close do the need to match to get proper flow for an efficient load on the unit?
Hi Greg, It would be helpful as a final video in this build series to have a full walk through of the finished van. It’s been a very helpful series for doing my build. Even though I have not done exactly the same as you as my girlfriend intervened on the ceiling so my Moreland ply didn’t get put up! It has T&G instead. Also I ran out of money to afford Moreland furniture board. So i built it with Banova ply & Moreland lightweight unlamented ply.
I figured this first build won’t stay the same for long once it’s being used all the time. So use this as a prototype and then later build it with furniture board once it’s been used and any changes needed have been noted.
Enjoy Europe. Maybe our paths may cross?
I love your ideas
👍😉👍
Thank you :D
Superb workmanship, im currently working on my van, may i ask a question, can the trauma combi be installed underneath the floor, having a VW lt 35 mk 1 plenty of space underneath.
hi greg, just an idea if top of step was removable say with dowels to locate you could have a little storage/hiding place
Nice work as always 👌
Hi Greg, love the van build series, nice to see the high level of attention to detail, been a perfectionist myself. Was just wondering if it would be possible for a van tour style video, to see the overall finished product? Cheers again for all the great videos 👍
Great video thanks can you tell me where the cut out switch is on this boiler thanks
Excellent vid again Greg 👍 best regards to you and Lou
Dave, Jo and Louie 👍😀🐾🍺🍟
Thanks Dave, I figure if I can blow enough hot air about it will keep her indoors happy and save my ears in the process 😉
Greg Virgoe LOL good plan mate or you just get a whippet and use it as an hot water bottle 👍😀🐾🍺🍟
I really want a Staffy, but the misses is not too keen 🥴
Greg Virgoe it’s the last part🐶 you need now for the perfect life of adventures 👍😀🐾🍺🍟
Hey , i ve been watching your video s , good job . I ve been living in my van in Belgium most of the time . Benivan 144 single bed . Winter and summer One little hint with the heating. Those tubes get really hot . And so in a way you loose alllot off heat there.. Either you insulate them or put sole wholes in the boxes in wich they run so that the trapped heat gets into your Van anyway,,, I had cancer and couldn t build my own one .. but I do love to optimise and adjust :). Greetz Jan
great info and reasoning, i will be using your ideas for my van great video!
Great Videos Greg, thanks for sharing. What stair nose did you use and how many dropout vents does your van have?
The stair nosing I found off eBay. There are lots to choose from with a simple search. I have three drop out vents. One in gas bottle cupboard, one under the cooler and one by the boiler in the seat.
Hi Greg, not sure if this is section to ask or if it’s been asked before. Is there a reason you didn’t block off the back of the bedroom so when back doors are open you aren’t looking straight into bedroom. Was it just so you could heat bedroom with vent or is there another reason. Cheers Stew . Great work thanks for your time and expertise
Greg - we love your video series. But as ex pat Brits living in the USA we find it very difficult to get some of the components you use for such a professional finish. I've googled and googled but cant find any manufacturer over here that has such nice furniture board. I'm also fitting the Truma 4e to our sprinter and I see it comes with a flexible hose for propane with a flared connection to the boiler. I saw info over here saying one should never use a compression fitting for an RV gas connection where vibration is a possibility , what's been your experience with the propane supply ? also finding the Truma heating ducting almost impossible to find in the US , maybe anyone reading this from the US has an idea ? - Once again thanks for a wonderful series of videos!
The RV industry in the states is massive they must get their materials from somewhere. I would approach local RV sales and service venders and ask if they have contacts for spares and replacement parts etc eBay May ship to USA that is one option.
Great as always
Hi Greg, another informative video thank you. I've enjoyed them all and how nice that they are not plastered with distracting music! An off topic question if I may as I'd quite like to make some videos of carpentry projects. It's a bit of a passion of mine. What camera and microphone do you use and what's the editing programme? Do you find the editing programme good and are you using a Windows laptop? Any information would be greatly appreciated. Have a great trip.
Hello John, I do have a nice Canon eos DSLR with Rode Stereo mic for outdoor shoots but when I’m in the workshop I always use my iPhone with a lav mic plugged in for better sound. The iPhone takes clear video in focus even on low light. I have two editing softwares. A simple quick and easy one is Filmora which I use a lot. I also have Sony Movie Studio which has a lot more professional features. Most of my videos are edited on Filmora and it’s about £70 so not too expensive either and very easy to use for a beginner. I use a fast desktop PC with SSD drives running Windows 10. Although I hate windows 10 with its icon display and installed the classic shell over riding it.
Hope that helps you.
Hello Greg and thanks for the speedy reply, much apprciated.
Forgive me for jumping in here, but I too use Sony Movie Studio. It's an excellent product, but there is some learning to do. By the way it's not owned by Sony now, but supported by the company Vegas. I would also second Greg's recommendation of SSD drives, these really speed up your work flow. Lastly, Greg is a real natural in front of the camera, I don't think you can learn that, but I wish you good luck:)
Excellent build Greg well done a fabulous finish on the van wish I had your skill and tools so I could have had the same result on my build. I would like to ask about emission stickers that we have to display on our windscreen now for European driving where do I get them from and do I have to have a different one for each country I'm going to drive in? As I've heard the fines are quite expensive and on the spot.
Kirston Tozer www.theaa.com/european-breakdown-cover/driving-in-europe/european-low-emission-zones
Hi Greg just doing my shower tray/heating etc & noticed the insulation was wet at the bottom of the cavity. When I spoke to a pal who is a very experienced camper/builder he said what I haven't done was take off all the side moulding & squirt silicone sealer in all the holes then re-fit the moulding. Though I'd pass that on.
Mike Boyce, if you can get to them it's much easier to cover the clips from inside 😃 without taking the trim off
Greg Virgoe good thinking
Hello Greg,
The videos are brilliant. What do you think? Do we need professionals to a similar project? Or anybody can build it (using the information in the video), if he has talent? No need for serious mechanic and electrician knowledge? Thank you in advance for your answer.
Great and interesting video thanks for sharing 👍🏻
Great video Greg, Truma really need a video explaining the vent options and how to install them on there web site. They can link yours in now as a starter:-)
Question: Are those louvred end outlets the same as the "Lamellar insert"?
I've not seen them with a screw nut fix on the back.
Hi great video series. Seeing your duct work I was wondering if you had done a false floor for the water and waste tanks and piping and put hot air connection in the chamber, this is common on winterized motor homes. So I checked back at the tank install and realized they are slung under the chassis. I read that you planned to insulate them and any external pipework for frost protection and just wondered with all the freezing weather if you had filled the tanks and tested the pipes and tanks don't freeze? I have seen heated pads are available if you didn't know.
Great series, its a shame it has to end!!:-)
Hey , i ve been watching your video s , good job . I ve been living in my van in Belgium most of the time . Benivan 144 single bed . Winter - 10 and summer . I have the same heating system .. One little hint with the heating. Those tubes get really hot . And so in a way you loose alllot off heat there.. Either you insulate them or put sole wholes in the boxes in wich they run so that the trapped heat gets into your Van anyway,,, I had cancer and couldn t build my own one .. would have loooooved to .... but I do love to optimise and adjust :). Greetz Jan
Hi Greg, thanks for sharing your videos! I’m desperately trying to find some of the threaded trauma vent outlets that you have used but can only find the butterfly version. I wondered if you wouldn’t mind sharing the company that you bought yours from? The link seems to go to a pack with butterfly outlets. If you can help at all, that would be amazing!
Hi Greg good video. Did you ever mention which inverter you installed in the van?
This will come in my next controls video, but I will say it's nothing special, just a cheap Chinese inverter that I got some time ago
Hey Greg just found your channel, it’s come it very handy. Can I ask what size hole you still for the vent grill/nut etc
As always mate a first class job . My offer still stands to buy the van when you have finished with it, can't wait for the rest of the build series and then watching your adventures in her or him.
Have you decided on a name for the van at all ?
Hi Greg, that's a lot of ducting. I wonder what your profession was! Looks like your van is going to be super warm, which will be a blessing in this bad weather.
I'm back on my build now trying to get the kitchen finished and thinking about our first real trip:)
Spot on as always Greg... Please could you tell me where you got your metal L section step fascia trim please 🤙
Hello Greg, thanks again for the great videos. Tell me, do you find you have any issues with condensation from using propane? I have been looking at a diesel heater to avoid such issues, but with your education, maybe I am worrying about nothing?
Hi Greg - great stuff as usual you are the zen master of van conversions. But tell me - why have you not insulated the warm air ducting, and what is the flooring material you put on the footrest? Cheers Greg - not long now! :-)
Norman Boyes, it was a piece of Altro Walkway that we cut off when laying the main floor so they both match 👍🏼😀
Norman Boyes, regarding the lack of insulation to ducting
The space is tight that’s the main thing. As long as it’s run in the van it’s going to give off heat inside. If this warms up the furniture it’s not a bad thing, that in turn will help to keep the van warm.
I just watched your video. Can you tell me who you can purchase the round grills from? I would like to replace the grills installed in my Travato.
Yes you can buy them direct from Truma spares dept in Derby or there are some on sale on eBay if you search “Truma Air Vent”
I hope one day I will have so well planned campervan Like Your end that Quality
Hi Greg. Love the videos, agree with an earlier poster how they are so much better without any music over the top.. I was wondering, are you going to add any graphics to the outside of the vehicle? Also if you don’t mind me asking what was the mileage on the vehicle? The build quality of your van is exceptional mate.
How about glueing an additional rubber gasket around the rear doors next to that which the van manufacturers have already installed. This may reduce droughts. I have seen others do this.
gtricgtric yes that’s a good idea. Anything to act as an additional draught excluder would help. I think our doors just don’t fit very well at all which doesn’t help.
gtricgtric - can you post the videos where you have seen this, or the products? Thanks in advance.
hi greg a quick question about the boiler. is setting 1 just using electric to heat the water or is it mixture. Also if your on 240 hook up can you just use the electrix elements to heat the water.. thanks mick
Great video as always great. I remember at the beginning you were looking hat having a garage for 1 or 2 motorbikes. It looks as if you don't have enough height for motorbikes or even assembled. pedal cycles. Are you still gonna travel with a motorbike?
Hello Ian, On this trip, we are taking two bicycles, and they do fit beneath the bed simply by lowering the saddle and handlebars with a quick release. We are not taking a motorbike on this trip which is why I have enclosed the back, There is room to get a motorbike in the back once the bed bases are removed. When the Europe trip is over I will use the van for track day trips and IOM TT etc
@@GregVirgoe ahh yes, i forgot that you could removed the bed and that you had a lot of cycle training to do also in preparation for the cycle challenge. 😉
Greg I've got a diesel heater with one 80mm outlet and I'd like to have 3 outlets despite mine being a small van.
I'm going to order some extra pipe and fittings from your link but...
Would you recommend reducing the ducting down to 65mm for the pipework?
There will be no more than 3 metres of run but I need to add 2 T's to direct the duct to 3 areas.
Many thanks Greg.
Mark Velo, reduce to 65mm on each branch duct after you have T off if you can get the fittings. I may benefit to put an outlet you can regulate on the ones closest to the heater.
Be careful not to exceed the maximum length of duct specified in the manual as the heater will not get enough airflow and could overheat.
Bigger ducts = less resistance.
@@GregVirgoe I'll do that thanks Greg, it seems to make sense. Now my build is moving on I'm realising sourcing parts is really slow and frustrating Lol
Mark Velo, I totally get you on that one, my most annoying one was not having the right size screw to hand, the solution was a box of each size 😂
Hi Gregg
Great channel
I find you videos and methods extremely good
As a joiner I’ve thought of doing a conversion for a while.
I’m not sure if your still occasionally running your van but if I were to do one it would be stood for the whole period maybe 1 year or more.
Do you think this would have a detrimental effect the van
Thanks
collcolin, mine was stood for similar time. I started it regularly and allowed it to fully warm up. Chocked the wheels with handbrakes off. Did end up replacing brake discs as they were very rusty but otherwise it was fine for that period of time. 👍🏼😀
Greg Virgoe
Thanks for reply
I’m going to give it a go
Maybe this year maybe next
That right angled drill attachment is amazing, there isn't a link for the one you used in the description though? We'll have to get one for our van!
The link is in the video description guys, here it is for you rover.ebay.com/rover/1/710-53481-19255-0/1?ff3=4&toolid=11800&pub=5575265109&campid=5338027957&mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fsch%2Fi.html%3F_from%3DR40%26_trksid%3Dm570.l1313%26_nkw%3Dheavy%2Bduty%2Bright%2Bangle%2Bdrill%26_sacat%3D0%26LH_TitleDesc%3D0%26_dmd%3D2%26_osacat%3D0%26_odkw%3Dright%2Bangle%2Bchuck%26rt%3Dnc
I am from Quebec Canada and I am following your project with great interest. I am building my own caravan using european concepts, especially, drop down vents for gas. I noticed some manufacturers are adding some kind of deflectors to prevent rain water to enter while the van is running. I also noticed that many others don't put anything: can you just tell me what you did and most important, why you did it.
English is not my first language, I am sorry! Maybe, I should have used the term "clamshell" instead of "deflector"?
If you have any LPG / Butane gas appliance in your van it is a safety feature to include a drop out vent local to each appliance and where your bottle is stored. As your van is moving all the time there is a possibility that you may develop a leak and as LPG is heavier than air it will fall to the lowest points, the drop out vent allows the gas to vent directly to outside thus reducing the risk. I would also recommend gas detection and CO detection near a heater. Hope that helps
Thank you Greg for your quick response. I totally agree with it, I was planning to do all the items you suggested, even if they are not required by law here in Canada, specifically gas drop out vents.
My question was about rain water intrusion in your van by the floor when your are running your van.
@@charlevoix418 It can only make your van much safer :D That has got to be worth doing right in my book.
Brilliant 😀
Hi Greg. Could you tell me if the 12v supply to the boiler comes from the control panel or is the 12v feed from the 12v fuse panel. Just need to check I have all the cables in before I seal up. Can't seem to find a truma wiring diagram
The boiler needs a 12v DC supply from fuse panel protected by 10amp fuse.
The CP Plus controller needs a separate 12v DC supply protected by a 1Amp fuse.
On the mains side the boiler needs a 230volt AC supply from the hook up with a 10Amp fuse.
Then the control cable plugs in between the boiler and controller.
The boiler also has a remote temperature sensor wired back to it. Hope that helps 😊
Thanks for the prompt reply . Just to check with you is the following correct ; 12v from fuse board to control panel (1amp fuse) . 12v direct from fuse board (10amp fuse) to truma . Or 12v from fuse board to control panel and then 12v on to the truma . Is the 1.5mm 12v cable ok to supply the truma or do I need 2.5mm. Again thanks
Greg, for screwing into the zebrano from Moreland, which type of screw did you utilise? The more open thread or the more closed thread? (Kreg toool).
Hi Greg.. just two little things.. the heat vent. in the back of the van, why did you put it up so high ? I would think that it should be down at the bottom of the van, closer to the floor. So that the heat can warm up all of the space, not only the top half... second.. do you think that one vent. at the side of the van can heat all the way across to the other side ?
Thats it ! Great video as allways ! 👍
Hello, I am confident that this will be enough to keep the chill away from the back of the van.
Below this level it is just doors and unusable space, I mainly wanted it to keep the chill off the bedroom.
@@GregVirgoe okay, thx for the answar.
Oooo what to watch this or the latest Project Binky? This of course 😀