Hi Greg. Going to miss the van build presentations. During the build I was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer, had surgery the end of October and so far all is looking good. Not being a daytime TV person watched all your series again and will probably have a third run in January. Your series and that of a few others have been a big help passing the hours when the wife restricts my movement. Once again many thanks and a Happy Christmas to you and your family 👍👍
Another great video Greg. I can't believe that you let that pipework (7:28) pass your high standards. As pissed as a parrot! I'm shocked, nay stunned!! Good to see that the build is done and you'll be out enjoying 14 months of hard work soon.
The end of the best van build series I've found on the net. It's been a blast learning from you Greg and I'm looking forward to seeing you and your love enjoying Europe.
Wonderful! Another mystery fitting explained. Now I can dismantle some of my gas appliances without fear. What a joy to have found your channel, Greg! I am growing very fond of you by now, like a family member. You and your wife definitely have a free place to stay in the San Francisco Bay area if you ever visit here. Happy travels through Europe! Not sure why you don't put a small permanent fresh water tank where the jug sits. This way, no dismantling tank each time to refill. You can use a hose or a jug and pour into the refill valve entry area. I would also put a sliding back panel not a permanently fixed type, so you can easily slide it out and access the innards of sink and gas fittings. Most likely you have a good reason for your current design, but just an observation. Thanks for all the great tool demos too, very useful!
Hi Greg: Art from the USA here. I have really enjoyed your videos. Your attention to detail is amazing and you explain what you are doing very well. I am recently retired and I am planning on buying a cargo van and converting it for camping and traveling across the USA. I will be using your videos to help me on my build. I hope you continue your videos as your travel across Europe. Thanks again for taking the time and effort to produce the videos and a Merry Christmas to you and your family. Cheers
You looked ,justifiably , very pleased with the MOT result.......followers of your excellent vlog wouldn't of doubted that a pass was a definite result with your attention to detail. We wish you both a Merry Christmas and a fantastic 2019 travelling the Continent.
What a fantastic job you've done on the van and the channel Greg! A valuable reference work for those who will follow your example. Enjoy the fruits of your labour, it's so well deserved!
Congratulations! You've put more attention and work into this project than the vast majority of of people converting their van, and you've surely made the more information-packed and exegetical videos about it....well done...time to enjoy it now.
It's always been my nature when I find something I'm interested in to fully submerge myself in it and learn everything I can about it. I have a thirst for knowledge and I love to share what we have built in the hopes it can help others fulfill their dreams too 😊
Dear Greg, great video's. I've been watching closely for the last 11 months as we are designing our own Sprinter L4H3 campervan. We purchased a van 2 weeks ago, so the build starts in a few days. Thanks for all the information contained in your video's. We would have had a much more difficult design process without your excellent video's. If you are ever in The Netherlands near Rotterdam, please give a shout. I'll gladly show you around. My wife and I operate a tourist attraction called Miniworld Rotterdam. It's the largest miniature world / model railway layout of the Benelux. We are actually building a new extension as we speak, namely a Great Britain layout of about 190 sqm. I would love to place a miniature version of your campervan on our new layout! :-) Have a great time on your travels. Thanks again! With kind regards, Marc
Hello Marc, that sounds amazing and I would love to see that, was a huge model railway fan when I was a kid, no surprise there 🤓 lol Please drop me a PM with contact details, we will be your way about May-June next year all being well, will look forward to meeting 👍🏼
Marc. Hoever zijn jullie met de conversie? Wij staan nog aan het begin, Greg is ook een grote inspiratie bron voor ons ;-). Kom zelf ook uit de buurt van Rotterdam, maar wij zijn nog druk aan het orienteren op L3 vs L4, en ik ben 1.91 lang dus een H2 hoogte wordt mij te krap, maar H3's zijn lastig te vinden!
You've produced an exceptional piece of work, with both your van and vids. I'm looking forward to the complete tour, if you can be bothered, now that it's all done and dusted. However, if you're holing up for Christmas; partying at New year and then heading off over the far horizon, never to be seen again (on TH-cam), I wouldn't blame you. After all the hard work, it's time to reap what you sowed. Good on you, Greg. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. x
Brilliant work - congratulations you should be so proud of your achievement; no rattles when on the road, as expected with how you have completed each stage. Looking forward to collecting my van conversion hopefully in March. I am looking forward to your trips as I am certain you will include helpful tips for the rest of us. thankyou for such great viewing 😊
Hi William, yes I was pleasantly surprised to hear no creaks or bangs while driving, apart from the copper pots in the pan draw 😂 I haven't put magnets on the cupboards doors yet and none of them opened either so that's a good sign too, the self closing hinges offer a bit of resistance.
Just spent my whole sunday watching your videos ,probably one of the best descriptive and well mannered vlogs which i wholely enjoyed , once our arches are up and running maybe then wee will get a sprinter or crafter ,wee are well versed thank you brother The treasurer Gorbals Men Shed
@@GregVirgoe wee have a tenancy and occupied space in victorian railway arches on glasgows south river bank an independant adult male project ,carpentry metal fab and environmental ,wee are all trade and craftsmen been going 16 months have large workshop capacity and space at our disposal wee are currently looking into a minibus and welfare/day type vans to engage in health and wellness relatex activities phew come up for air ..😊🏴
Vantastic build series Mr. V I have watched many builds on Utube and this one is, by far the best of the best. I can't wait for the full tour and the cost break down. It will really help me and I am sure many others to decide wether to either build or buy a rebuilt camper van. All the best in the new year and have a great time traveling through Europe and anywhere else you may venture. Dave from Canada.
It's no good you having a dig at the local neighbourhood watch! 40k of us having been watching from this side of the fence, wondering when you were gonna pull your finger out and get this finished. Nice one Greg as always. Just back from our hols to a very cold #Renovation project. Merry Christmas, Roy and Tanya
Epic journey to the completed van conversion. Been educational and fun. I have enjoyed it immensely. Look forward to your travelog. Have a great christmas.
You can use specific gas ptfe tape (yellow container) for gas fittings. As you say not on the threads of the fitting. Put the olive on the pipe then put the tape on the face of the olive then connect into fitting.
Another little victory,Greg,all that hard work and planning has paid off,I'm home in "sunny"Devon for Christmas after last trip of 2018,family Christmas for me and then trip to Spain and Portugal in mid January,time to enjoy your travels now,hope you have a good first trip.regards Paul
Hey now you can relax over the festive season, it's been a great journey in getting your fixed up the way you guys want it....and properly done !!!!! hats off to you .... can't wait to see your future videos... all the best ....
Christmas has crept up on us so fast this year as we have been so busy, I hope we can get a couple of down days before the new year. Thank you for your support and I hope you enjoy the travel videos also
Incredible work. I think the only other way to have done that would be to have prefabricated the whole kitchen unit before throwing it in. But the way you handled it is very, very nice. People should be grateful because through your workarounds and how you implement wiring and connections, you, at the same time educate many of us. That's what makes these videos worthwile 😁 Glad it's passed and enjoy your time away. Be safe 😎
Congratulations! Wow! 14 months took you to do this perfect conversion, while having a job! Not too much! And working outside.. which I think It makes it harder because of weather. Cheers!
Yep, best van build series on TH-cam! THANK YOU for sharing all your knowledge with the world. Best thing about your series is how easy it is to understand because everything makes sense. Happy Christmas to you and Lou, Greg! Looking forward to your travel vids!
The smile on your face say's it all. All we need now is a van tour!!! Looking forward to seeing your van and meeting you in person & maybe showing off my van at camp Quirky in May. All the best to you & the family at Christmas And Happy motoring for 2019.
Hello Hugh, I’m going to shoot the van tour when we are away with nicer surroundings. I really appreciate your patience and hope it’s worth the wait 👍🏼😊
I can't quite place you on the pedestal that biggebrein is doing below (although I'll happily put a miniature of your sprinter in the office!), but want to congratulate you on an excellent series, I've asked a couple of questions and you've always been kind enough to answer, your videos have been an education and inspiration. Your journeys in the new year are well deserved, I hope you continue to post, maybe some of your discoverys whilst away? Well done and thank you, happy Christmas.
Nice to see you so happy and excited now that the van conversion has come to fruition. :) Don't forget the solar panels installation video and the final van tour once everything is set up. :)
No problem Alex, I have been holding off fixing them to the roof when we don't need to use them, just because they will be generating electric for no purpose and getting dirty too. I have been searching around all year for suitable battery solutions. As much as I would love to install LifePo I cannot justify the up front cost, so it will probably be three AGMs in parallel. There will be solar video and also final battery and controls videos
@@GregVirgoe Hi Greg, nice to see you're a night owl like myself :) Regarding the batteries, I bet it will turn out as usual "nice and snug". :) Cheers :)
Well done Greg, I've followed your videos from the start and used a lot of your ideas in my own build. Sad to see them end though, hope you enjoy the van as much as I've enjoyed watching the build.😀
Congratulations Greg I must say your inlaws really did look devastated that you moved the van for the first time in 14 months. Our Van is booked in for the MOT 1st week in January hopefully getting the last of the work done tomorrow didnt want to book it in for MOT this week as if it failed we wouldn't be able to get any work done on it between xmas and new year and would end up having to pay for a second test Great vid thanks for sharing
It was so funny, we did not know they had done that until we reviewed the video, we were bust putting the fence back together 😂 They have been amazing to let us do that and take up the garden all year. Best wishes for Christmas and fingers crossed you also have a result in the new year. Please do let me know how you get on. 😊
Congratulations Greg that really is a milestone moment. Well done. 14 months of hard graft you can be really proud of. And the videos have been quite good too! 😉 We've been avidly following since day one and were stunned to see our local supermarket on this one. We know you have invites worldwide, but next time you're passing the kettle will be on.... Best Wishes for a Happy Christmas and we hope your travels are fun and safe.🌍🚐😎
You made it Greg, brilliant. So good to see you on the road at last, after a gem of a series. I notice you had a TV bracket behind you, which is a coincidence since I'm just fitting my TV as well. My last TV was a 16 inch Avtex, which was a excellent, so I ordered the latest 24inch model Avtex L249DRS-Pro, but was a huge disappointment at £430. Very average picture quality on HD and DVD. Sent it back and now have a 27inch SMART Samsung VF27F39S. It was a sqeeze fitting it in, but it's leaps and bounds better at just £219. It does run at mains 230v with a 230v/14v DC adapter. That's lucky since all I needed was a 12v/14v DC boost converter from Ebay at £6.99. This particular Samsung TV doesn't have a VESA mount, so it's no good for you, but the point is that if you keep away from the 12v Camper market TV's, you should get a much better product. Our new SMART TV means we can watch your future videos on the 'big screen' whilst we are on our travels :)
congratulations Greg, glad to hear all your hard work has paid off, I hope you have many miles of enjoyment and thank you for the wonderful videos truth be told you would have been finished sooner if not for all the video editing, wishing you and your family a happy and peaceful Christmas
Many thanks John for a lovely comment, you are spot on about the editing, 2/3rds of the time is spent filming, setting up shots, and of course editing and answering questions. But I will say I have enjoyed that part just as much as the build. It has brought together a great community of people like yourself 😃
Great to see the van almost finished, its been brilliant to follow the vanbuild series and I look forward to following you on your travels. I’m a year behind you and don’t start our travelling until 2020 and its in a factory built van as I just don’t have the skills to be able to self build like you have done. Merry Christmas and good luck.
If you just want to get on the road and travel it's the best way to go steve, it's a lot of work doing a self build, I did underestimate how long it would take us, hopefully we can now slow down a bit and enjoy it. Happy Christmas to you
I have a comment Greg - what we gonna watch while your away ? only just got into watching your channel an now your off around Europe - i feel so used lol - Have a great time touring fella, Europe is awesome for campervans, especially France - look forward to hearing of where you have been !
I hope you'll continue to follow the channel, I'll still be putting out weekly videos on lots of different topics, full time van life, travelling, locations, SketchUp tutorials, finances for long term travel, something for everyone I hope
Some great skills shown Greg. Just had a quick watch of a few vids will need to watch the lot im hooked. Best of luck for the Tour hope you both have a fantastic time.
It's been a real pleasure following you on your journey with the build. I've learned so much and you've given me lots of amazing ideas for a possible motorhome of my own. I can't thank you enough. All I can do is wish you both a wonderful Christmas and happy travels in 2019. 😁🎅
Well done Thanks to "Cruising The Cut". He recommended your channel to his subscribers, I got to visit your great channel well done on the Van. Good luck safe travels on your vacation.
Gosh, Greg! I’m so happy that the build is complete for ya’ll, but sad for me because your videos have been fabulous. Thanks for all the tips. Happy Christmas early & safe travels in the New Year!
Congratulations Greg!!!! I cant wait to be at your stage. I'm only just about to start the roof light and windows then first fixes electrics.. Greg if you get board you would be more than welcome at my workshop to guide me lol!
Happy days Greg! Glad to see you pass MOT, not that anyone ever doubted, and hope you get to have a nice holiday with the family! What’ll be the first destination? Skiing powder in the alps?
Thanks Kim, no skiing for us, we are heading south for winter like the birds to try and get to some milder climate, don't fancy snow and ice living in a van. 😎👍🏼
Based on some anecdotes I'd seen online I was a bit worried the DVLA would find a random reason not to grant “motor caravan” status. That's excellent news. Well done Greg.
I was mostly worried because other than the Windows and small hook ups it's still a big white van, and they were saying that it had to look like a Motorhome from the outside. But thankfully no issues at all 😃 and only took a week to get it back. Thank you
Hi Greg in order to use the pump and manometer from the blood pressure kit as a leak tester would a brass gas joiner fuel hose T be required to make it work ? ......If so what diameter should the hose connections measure on the brass T so that the hoses from the manometer and pump are a snug fit? Any info appreciated and a few pints on me ......Many thanks .
Happy Christmas, Greg! I know you’ll be enjoying your travels and showing off your fine handiwork in person. All the best in ‘19 and onwards! Thanks for a slew of great vids; I hope YT/Google is doing you right for them. Cheers!
Once again a terrific, informative video. Love the nice, shiny AC outlets with USB. Now I know how to do gas joints too. Have a very Merry Christmas and thank you from Australia for all the effort you have put into all of your videos.
Hey Greg. Been following you since last spring and every update is a great surprise and a joy to watch. Can't wait to see you off next year and I especially want to see how the 2 motorcycles fit in there. Great vid. Happy holidays man!
Hello Mike, the design had evolved part way though and the weight was going to be a big issue, in this video I show a revised plan with just a single bike in the back th-cam.com/video/Sc_0R1jFjkQ/w-d-xo.html. When we got to Europe for the year we will not be taking any motorbikes but will take two city bikes instead because of space and storage we need.
That is one sexy Hose Cutter, as you draw to the end of the build and will be starting the dream soon, it would be great to see what tools you plan to take with you and why you have choosen them.
Hi Karl, you must be able to read my mind, only just today I was thinking about fitting a tool chest into the garage at the back and pondering over what tools to take with us. Mostly electrical and mechanical hand tools, screwdrivers, socket sets, etc.. Great idea for a future video 👍🏼 thanks
@@GregVirgoe Mind Reading is a skill I've been refining for the last 50 years and as you know my job is to forecast the future. I see a bright early morning, with you parked in some amazing idyllic location, the Misses warm and cosy quitely sleeping above your Garage. I see you twitching and itching to get to your tools and just fix that thing and maybe film it for us. You'll just have to have a cup of tea, relax and be. Live the Dream Greg!
Beautiful Job,, Congratulations,,, Enjoy your Holidays with family,,, Looking forward to your adventures in Europe,,,I was in France 10-6 thru 10-23 2018,,, Best Regards
@@GregVirgoe We try to get to Europe every 5 yrs..The last trip was in celebration of our wedding anniversary ,,,We have been married 50 years,,,If our health holds out we may have a couple of more trips to Europe,,, Would love to go for a month or two and travel between countries,,,May happen,,,If not We will be riding along with you and looking forward to your adventures,,, Best Regards
I plan to still post some videos that focus on aspects of the van build while travelling, tool selection, budgeting, design tips, etc.. So as well as travel hope there will also be useful tech videos too
Woohoo! You're all legal and ready to go! You and Lou have to be over the moon. Best wishes to you both for a Happy Christmas and New Year. Looking forward to tracking your progress throughout your year-long adventure!
Hi Greg. Thanks so much for your videos, we are just about to buy a panel van to convert in the New Year and your series has been invaluable. If possible, we would love to see the finishing touches to your shower build, specifically the plumbing and your choice of shower. Good luck with the tour of Europe and wishing you all a Merry Christmas. Chloe and Jim
Another brilliant video dude😎👍 Congratulations on passing the MOT but we knew it would. Looking forward to some videos of your adventures in the van. I’m now looking at putting a bed in like yours after getting your idea in my head. It would make life so much easier. Thanks for your videos they have helped me so much and will be referring back to them often. 👊Boom..! A job well done 👍
Hi Greg, not sure if anyone mentioned how to fix your cooker with solid copper pipe... you basically create a large coil at the back of the cooker with your pipe, a bit like a large coil spring. This then allows you to have enough movement on the pipe and be able to move the cooker forward enough to be able to get at the joint/make the joint. Then move the cooker back. It's then got enough flexibility to move the cooker and also allows for movement on the line without it breaking. Hope that makes sense.
@@GregVirgoe no, you finish off with a straight piece of pipe to the joint which takes away any strain. You would secure the piece of pipe before the coil where the clip would be beneath the coil which supports the whole coil and straight pipe to the joint. The coil only has to be a single easy turn, 2 max. There would be zero strain on the joint, in fact, you would be building in some flexibility when the van moves. Its how all the connections are built into the fridges too.
@@GregVirgoe Yes that's correct. So we would typically connect to the appliance with a straight piece then either put on a joint which would then have a loop / coil on the feed itself, or once again have a straight pipe but with with a lazy C then put a joint to the supply, either elbow or straight depending on the location of the gas supply line at the rear of the appliance. The pipework is very flexible and quite soft as you know, the important thing is not to put a kink in the pipe so it retains its correct inner diameter throughout, even after it's been shaped. It's hard to explain as there are so many permutations of appliances. Basically, always have some 'slack' in the pipework at the rear for movement and the ability to be able to pull out the appliance for repairs, etc. When caravans & motorhomes are being manufactured they tend to put the appliances and furniture in place before they put on the walls & roof so they are able to get at the rear of the appliances easily. However, they do still leave slack in the pipework for movement and repairs. It would be far easier if you were allowed to have a flexible pipe at the appliance itself, but it's against the regulations.
Hi Scotty, the van was weighed as part of the MOT, it was very good and I will cover it in a video but don't want to reveal the exact weight just yet? 😉
Well Greg, another dance around the table!! Well deserved and great job. We've watched your videos as we complete our own self build; unfortunately for us, ours will not quite be up to the spec of your Merc. Looking forward to the European adventures, see you on the road. Well done .
You will make it your own with its own character and have the satisfaction of being able to do it yourself. I hope they have helped in some way to make some tasks a bit easier. Thanks for following our journey and very best wishes with your own travels 😊
Did you/are you going to install a split charge system alongside your solar set up and will you be making a video to accompany the install (if you are installing!?!).? Thanks Greg, all the best.
Yes and Yes 😃 The cable that links the two batteries was installed very early on, you can see the red cable in the shower build part 1 and in the Truma combi installation video.
Hey Greg, van looks superb fair play👍... I spotted an idea on another van conversion channel for a drinking water bottle and they used Hozelock connections and a wire connection simular to yours to be able to fully remove the bottle and have a lid assembly to help save contamination on the pump whist out filling up etc for easy of resulting. Might be an idea for you. 🍻👍
Are you going to do an ultimate “show off the van in one” video? Most of your videos you stay hovering around the thing you’re focused on, you need a big far back video showing everything together, a tour...if you will ;)
Don't worry Ian, I'm still going to be putting out some technical videos about the van while we travel, it won't all be sandy beaches and sipping sangria 😎🍻
Congratulations Greg - a van conversion masterclass and really interesting well presented series.👍 When you finish touring how about buying an old sailboat and doing that up (on YT). The curtain twitcher at the beginning made me laugh - I wonder if they watch the videos.😳 The regulations for rigid piping for fixed appliance is nuts and the only amelioration you could have done was to have bent a coil/loop in the line to introduce ‘flexibility’. Have a great Christmas before your dash for the sun.😀😎🚚
I'd like to add my congratulations on your inspirational story and Massive Thanks for sharing your skill and experiences. Hope you have a wild time in Europe. I have a question about insurance (sorry if youve answered this before somewhere). A friend I met today mentioned that his brother has had major difficulty obtaining insurance for his van because it is self built. Can you comment and share any advice on this issue ? Finally my suggestions for some top places to vist : Il d'Oleron & Rocamador on your way through France and Lauterbrunnen in Switzerland. Enjoy!
The insurance company that under writes most self build insurance companies is Aegis Insurance, try going direct to get the cheapest quote and no administration fees. As I'm a member of the Camping and Caravan Club I got my insurance through them. The van is insured for £25k plus £3.5k contents cover and full 365day European cover too all for £350 fully comprehensive. I do have more than 10yrs no claims and clean driving license. Hope those help you 👍🏼
Oh Happy, glorious day, Mr V😁. I had no doubt that the MOT was a sure thing given your penchant for detail. A most happy Christmas to you and yours, and here’s wishing you a 2019 filled with beautiful touring.
excellent work Greg and a massive well done! Merry Xmas and enjoy your touring in the near future. look forward to further video's from yourself and especially the completed van tour. Best series I've seen by far.
Hi Greg. Going to miss the van build presentations. During the build I was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer, had surgery the end of October and so far all is looking good. Not being a daytime TV person watched all your series again and will probably have a third run in January. Your series and that of a few others have been a big help passing the hours when the wife restricts my movement. Once again many thanks and a Happy Christmas to you and your family 👍👍
Another great video Greg. I can't believe that you let that pipework (7:28) pass your high standards. As pissed as a parrot! I'm shocked, nay stunned!! Good to see that the build is done and you'll be out enjoying 14 months of hard work soon.
The end of the best van build series I've found on the net. It's been a blast learning from you Greg and I'm looking forward to seeing you and your love enjoying Europe.
Thank you Cliff, I really do hope that all you guys continue to follow our travels and you continue to enjoy the videos that we put out 😃
@@GregVirgoe I'm a fan, I'll be watching.
Yes the best.
Wonderful! Another mystery fitting explained. Now I can dismantle some of my gas appliances without fear. What a joy to have found your channel, Greg! I am growing very fond of you by now, like a family member. You and your wife definitely have a free place to stay in the San Francisco Bay area if you ever visit here. Happy travels through Europe!
Not sure why you don't put a small permanent fresh water tank where the jug sits. This way, no dismantling tank each time to refill. You can use a hose or a jug and pour into the refill valve entry area. I would also put a sliding back panel not a permanently fixed type, so you can easily slide it out and access the innards of sink and gas fittings. Most likely you have a good reason for your current design, but just an observation. Thanks for all the great tool demos too, very useful!
Time to enjoy the fruits of your labor! ENJOY! WELL DESERVED!
Monty it’s really has served us well so far 😃👍🏼
Well done, great news. I can't see how you'd have done that gas connection any differently either.
Congratulations on completing the best van build series on TH-cam, Greg. Enjoy your tour!
Hi Greg: Art from the USA here. I have really enjoyed your videos. Your attention to detail is amazing and you explain what you are doing very well. I am recently retired and I am planning on buying a cargo van and converting it for camping and traveling across the USA. I will be using your videos to help me on my build. I hope you continue your videos as your travel across Europe. Thanks again for taking the time and effort to produce the videos and a Merry Christmas to you and your family. Cheers
You looked ,justifiably , very pleased with the MOT result.......followers of your excellent vlog wouldn't of doubted that a pass was a definite result with your attention to detail. We wish you both a Merry Christmas and a fantastic 2019 travelling the Continent.
What a fantastic job you've done on the van and the channel Greg! A valuable reference work for those who will follow your example. Enjoy the fruits of your labour, it's so well deserved!
That's very kind of you, I hope it does help loads of people to build their perfect van. Best wishes for Christmas
Congratulations! You've put more attention and work into this project than the vast majority of of people converting their van, and you've surely made the more information-packed and exegetical videos about it....well done...time to enjoy it now.
It's always been my nature when I find something I'm interested in to fully submerge myself in it and learn everything I can about it. I have a thirst for knowledge and I love to share what we have built in the hopes it can help others fulfill their dreams too 😊
Dear Greg, great video's. I've been watching closely for the last 11 months as we are designing our own Sprinter L4H3 campervan. We purchased a van 2 weeks ago, so the build starts in a few days. Thanks for all the information contained in your video's. We would have had a much more difficult design process without your excellent video's. If you are ever in The Netherlands near Rotterdam, please give a shout. I'll gladly show you around. My wife and I operate a tourist attraction called Miniworld Rotterdam. It's the largest miniature world / model railway layout of the Benelux. We are actually building a new extension as we speak, namely a Great Britain layout of about 190 sqm. I would love to place a miniature version of your campervan on our new layout! :-) Have a great time on your travels. Thanks again! With kind regards, Marc
Hello Marc, that sounds amazing and I would love to see that, was a huge model railway fan when I was a kid, no surprise there 🤓 lol
Please drop me a PM with contact details, we will be your way about May-June next year all being well, will look forward to meeting 👍🏼
@@GregVirgoe That's absolutely great! You're very welcome. Looking forward to that.
Marc. Hoever zijn jullie met de conversie? Wij staan nog aan het begin, Greg is ook een grote inspiratie bron voor ons ;-). Kom zelf ook uit de buurt van Rotterdam, maar wij zijn nog druk aan het orienteren op L3 vs L4, en ik ben 1.91 lang dus een H2 hoogte wordt mij te krap, maar H3's zijn lastig te vinden!
You've produced an exceptional piece of work, with both your van and vids. I'm looking forward to the complete tour, if you can be bothered, now that it's all done and dusted. However, if you're holing up for Christmas; partying at New year and then heading off over the far horizon, never to be seen again (on TH-cam), I wouldn't blame you.
After all the hard work, it's time to reap what you sowed. Good on you, Greg. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. x
Brilliant work - congratulations you should be so proud of your achievement; no rattles when on the road, as expected with how you have completed each stage. Looking forward to collecting my van conversion hopefully in March. I am looking forward to your trips as I am certain you will include helpful tips for the rest of us. thankyou for such great viewing 😊
Hi William, yes I was pleasantly surprised to hear no creaks or bangs while driving, apart from the copper pots in the pan draw 😂 I haven't put magnets on the cupboards doors yet and none of them opened either so that's a good sign too, the self closing hinges offer a bit of resistance.
Just spent my whole sunday watching your videos ,probably one of the best descriptive and well mannered vlogs which i wholely enjoyed , once our arches are up and running maybe then wee will get a sprinter or crafter ,wee are well versed thank you brother
The treasurer Gorbals Men Shed
Hello William, the men’s shed sounds interesting? What are the arches all about. Thanks for watching. 😊
@@GregVirgoe wee have a tenancy and occupied space in victorian railway arches on glasgows south river bank an independant adult male project ,carpentry metal fab and environmental ,wee are all trade and craftsmen been going 16 months have large workshop capacity and space at our disposal wee are currently looking into a minibus and welfare/day type vans to engage in health and wellness relatex activities phew come up for air ..😊🏴
Vantastic build series Mr. V I have watched many builds on Utube and this one is, by far the best of the best. I can't wait for the full tour and the cost break down. It will really help me and I am sure many others to decide wether to either build or buy a rebuilt camper van. All the best in the new year and have a great time traveling through Europe and anywhere else you may venture.
Dave from Canada.
It's no good you having a dig at the local neighbourhood watch! 40k of us having been watching from this side of the fence, wondering when you were gonna pull your finger out and get this finished. Nice one Greg as always. Just back from our hols to a very cold #Renovation project. Merry Christmas, Roy and Tanya
Epic journey to the completed van conversion. Been educational and fun. I have enjoyed it immensely. Look forward to your travelog. Have a great christmas.
Congratulations Greg!
Your video series of this van build were brilliant. Many thanks for your work in producing them!
Happy motoring!
Thanks Geoff , you’ve certainly upped the game for van builds across youtube Brilliant Cheers Enjoy
You can use specific gas ptfe tape (yellow container) for gas fittings. As you say not on the threads of the fitting. Put the olive on the pipe then put the tape on the face of the olive then connect into fitting.
Another little victory,Greg,all that hard work and planning has paid off,I'm home in "sunny"Devon for Christmas after last trip of 2018,family Christmas for me and then trip to Spain and Portugal in mid January,time to enjoy your travels now,hope you have a good first trip.regards Paul
hi greg Ideally you should also use pipe inserts (available from BES) on soft copper pipe joints to prevent the pipe collapsing if over tightened
Hey now you can relax over the festive season, it's been a great journey in getting your fixed up the way you guys want it....and properly done !!!!! hats off to you .... can't wait to see your future videos... all the best ....
Christmas has crept up on us so fast this year as we have been so busy, I hope we can get a couple of down days before the new year. Thank you for your support and I hope you enjoy the travel videos also
Incredible work. I think the only other way to have done that would be to have prefabricated the whole kitchen unit before throwing it in.
But the way you handled it is very, very nice. People should be grateful because through your workarounds and how you implement wiring and connections, you, at the same time educate many of us.
That's what makes these videos worthwile 😁
Glad it's passed and enjoy your time away. Be safe 😎
Congratulations!
Wow! 14 months took you to do this perfect conversion, while having a job! Not too much! And working outside.. which I think It makes it harder because of weather.
Cheers!
Brilliant and congratulations on the completion of the van.
Thanks very much Ian
Yep, best van build series on TH-cam! THANK YOU for sharing all your knowledge with the world. Best thing about your series is how easy it is to understand because everything makes sense. Happy Christmas to you and Lou, Greg! Looking forward to your travel vids!
Woop woop Sunday night viewing :)
The smile on your face say's it all. All we need now is a van tour!!! Looking forward to seeing your van and meeting you in person & maybe showing off my van at camp Quirky in May. All the best to you & the family at Christmas And Happy motoring for 2019.
Best conversion videos by far Greg it’s a credit to you. I’d love to see a full tour of the finished van when you’re ready.
Hello Hugh, I’m going to shoot the van tour when we are away with nicer surroundings.
I really appreciate your patience and hope it’s worth the wait 👍🏼😊
Well done Greg an exceptional tutorial on using ones assets to create a valuable asset👍
I can't quite place you on the pedestal that biggebrein is doing below (although I'll happily put a miniature of your sprinter in the office!), but want to congratulate you on an excellent series, I've asked a couple of questions and you've always been kind enough to answer, your videos have been an education and inspiration. Your journeys in the new year are well deserved, I hope you continue to post, maybe some of your discoverys whilst away? Well done and thank you, happy Christmas.
Congrats on the completion of the camper Greg. All the very best for Christmas to you and your family. Cheers.
Thank you very much, I hope you have a great Christmas also 👍🏼
Congrats. I can't wait to see your tour of Europe. Please keep the travel videos coming.
Will do our very best to post weekly updates of van life and our travels, glad to have you along with us
Nice to see you so happy and excited now that the van conversion has come to fruition. :)
Don't forget the solar panels installation video and the final van tour once everything is set up. :)
No problem Alex, I have been holding off fixing them to the roof when we don't need to use them, just because they will be generating electric for no purpose and getting dirty too. I have been searching around all year for suitable battery solutions. As much as I would love to install LifePo I cannot justify the up front cost, so it will probably be three AGMs in parallel. There will be solar video and also final battery and controls videos
@@GregVirgoe Hi Greg, nice to see you're a night owl like myself :)
Regarding the batteries, I bet it will turn out as usual "nice and snug". :)
Cheers :)
Well done Greg, I've followed your videos from the start and used a lot of your ideas in my own build. Sad to see them end though, hope you enjoy the van as much as I've enjoyed watching the build.😀
Congratulations Greg I must say your inlaws really did look devastated that you moved the van for the first time in 14 months. Our Van is booked in for the MOT 1st week in January hopefully getting the last of the work done tomorrow didnt want to book it in for MOT this week as if it failed we wouldn't be able to get any work done on it between xmas and new year and would end up having to pay for a second test
Great vid thanks for sharing
It was so funny, we did not know they had done that until we reviewed the video, we were bust putting the fence back together 😂 They have been amazing to let us do that and take up the garden all year. Best wishes for Christmas and fingers crossed you also have a result in the new year. Please do let me know how you get on. 😊
Great stuff. Can't wait for the full van tour. Your videos are like the motor home bible.
Congratulations Greg that really is a milestone moment. Well done. 14 months of hard graft you can be really proud of. And the videos have been quite good too! 😉 We've been avidly following since day one and were stunned to see our local supermarket on this one. We know you have invites worldwide, but next time you're passing the kettle will be on.... Best Wishes for a Happy Christmas and we hope your travels are fun and safe.🌍🚐😎
All passed and ready to go, looking forward to new year adventure, nice work as always, vans looking great, have a great Christmas 👌🎄🎄
Brilliant to see the fruits of your labour, Greg! Best of luck👌
Thank you very much for all your support 👍🏼
Yay Adventure Time! You (y’all) have worked so hard on this I can’t wait to see you enjoying it out on the road.
We'll be so pleased to have you along for the ride and hope you enjoy following our journey, happy Christmas
You made it Greg, brilliant. So good to see you on the road at last, after a gem of a series.
I notice you had a TV bracket behind you, which is a coincidence since I'm just fitting my TV as well. My last TV was a 16 inch Avtex, which was a excellent, so I ordered the latest 24inch model Avtex L249DRS-Pro, but was a huge disappointment at £430. Very average picture quality on HD and DVD. Sent it back and now have a 27inch SMART Samsung VF27F39S.
It was a sqeeze fitting it in, but it's leaps and bounds better at just £219. It does run at mains 230v with a 230v/14v DC adapter. That's lucky since all I needed was a 12v/14v DC boost converter from Ebay at £6.99.
This particular Samsung TV doesn't have a VESA mount, so it's no good for you, but the point is that if you keep away from the 12v Camper market TV's, you should get a much better product. Our new SMART TV means we can watch your future videos on the 'big screen' whilst we are on our travels :)
congratulations Greg, glad to hear all your hard work has paid off, I hope you have many miles of enjoyment and thank you for the wonderful videos truth be told you would have been finished sooner if not for all the video editing, wishing you and your family a happy and peaceful Christmas
Many thanks John for a lovely comment, you are spot on about the editing, 2/3rds of the time is spent filming, setting up shots, and of course editing and answering questions. But I will say I have enjoyed that part just as much as the build. It has brought together a great community of people like yourself 😃
Great to see the van almost finished, its been brilliant to follow the vanbuild series and I look forward to following you on your travels. I’m a year behind you and don’t start our travelling until 2020 and its in a factory built van as I just don’t have the skills to be able to self build like you have done. Merry Christmas and good luck.
If you just want to get on the road and travel it's the best way to go steve, it's a lot of work doing a self build, I did underestimate how long it would take us, hopefully we can now slow down a bit and enjoy it. Happy Christmas to you
I have a comment Greg - what we gonna watch while your away ? only just got into watching your channel an now your off around Europe - i feel so used lol - Have a great time touring fella, Europe is awesome for campervans, especially France - look forward to hearing of where you have been !
I hope you'll continue to follow the channel, I'll still be putting out weekly videos on lots of different topics, full time van life, travelling, locations, SketchUp tutorials, finances for long term travel, something for everyone I hope
You deserve all this as you have worked so hard and professionally the van is brilliant cant wait for the trip :)
Well done now your free to roam, have a great Christmas and looking forward to seeing you both on the road in the new year.
Some great skills shown Greg.
Just had a quick watch of a few vids will need to watch the lot im hooked.
Best of luck for the Tour hope you both have a fantastic time.
Well Done and congratulations Greg. What a fantastic job.
Much appreciated Norman, thank you
Congratulations Greg on the van passing its MOT🎉🎈🎊🎉. Always informative videos, l am sure you have helped many people doing a van build.👍😃
It's been a real pleasure following you on your journey with the build. I've learned so much and you've given me lots of amazing ideas for a possible motorhome of my own. I can't thank you enough. All I can do is wish you both a wonderful Christmas and happy travels in 2019. 😁🎅
FAB FAB FAB ! Luxury Motorhome sure is the right description :) :) ... damn what a fabulous job you did!
Well done Thanks to "Cruising The Cut". He recommended your channel to his subscribers, I got to visit your great channel well done on the Van. Good luck safe travels on your vacation.
Hi Greg, re oven gas connection. My instinct is to permenantly relocate outlet to the side.
Richard Smith, pretty much what I did with that extra bit of copper sticking out the side 😃
Gosh, Greg! I’m so happy that the build is complete for ya’ll, but sad for me because your videos have been fabulous. Thanks for all the tips. Happy Christmas early & safe travels in the New Year!
Awesome job !!! Well done Greg !!! Have a great Christmas with family and then let the adventures start!!!!!!
Many thanks, and best wishes to your family for a fantastic Christmas. 😃
Congratulations Greg!!!! I cant wait to be at your stage. I'm only just about to start the roof light and windows then first fixes electrics.. Greg if you get board you would be more than welcome at my workshop to guide me lol!
Happy days Greg! Glad to see you pass MOT, not that anyone ever doubted, and hope you get to have a nice holiday with the family! What’ll be the first destination? Skiing powder in the alps?
Thanks Kim, no skiing for us, we are heading south for winter like the birds to try and get to some milder climate, don't fancy snow and ice living in a van. 😎👍🏼
Super Greg, congrats on passing your MOT, that's a big tick!
Yep it was the last piece of the jigsaw puzzle, thank you Michael
Based on some anecdotes I'd seen online I was a bit worried the DVLA would find a random reason not to grant “motor caravan” status. That's excellent news. Well done Greg.
I was mostly worried because other than the Windows and small hook ups it's still a big white van, and they were saying that it had to look like a Motorhome from the outside. But thankfully no issues at all 😃 and only took a week to get it back. Thank you
Hi Greg in order to use the pump and manometer from the blood pressure kit as a leak tester would a brass gas joiner fuel hose T be required to make it work ? ......If so what diameter should the hose connections measure on the brass T so that the hoses from the manometer and pump are a snug fit?
Any info appreciated and a few pints on me ......Many thanks .
Happy Christmas, Greg! I know you’ll be enjoying your travels and showing off your fine handiwork in person. All the best in ‘19 and onwards! Thanks for a slew of great vids; I hope YT/Google is doing you right for them. Cheers!
Once again a terrific, informative video. Love the nice, shiny AC outlets with USB. Now I know how to do gas joints too. Have a very Merry Christmas and thank you from Australia for all the effort you have put into all of your videos.
Hey Greg. Been following you since last spring and every update is a great surprise and a joy to watch. Can't wait to see you off next year and I especially want to see how the 2 motorcycles fit in there. Great vid. Happy holidays man!
Hello Mike, the design had evolved part way though and the weight was going to be a big issue, in this video I show a revised plan with just a single bike in the back th-cam.com/video/Sc_0R1jFjkQ/w-d-xo.html. When we got to Europe for the year we will not be taking any motorbikes but will take two city bikes instead because of space and storage we need.
The exciting bit next , planning the journey and getting going!. Well presented as usual cheers
That is one sexy Hose Cutter, as you draw to the end of the build and will be starting the dream soon, it would be great to see what tools you plan to take with you and why you have choosen them.
Hi Karl, you must be able to read my mind, only just today I was thinking about fitting a tool chest into the garage at the back and pondering over what tools to take with us. Mostly electrical and mechanical hand tools, screwdrivers, socket sets, etc.. Great idea for a future video 👍🏼 thanks
@@GregVirgoe Mind Reading is a skill I've been refining for the last 50 years and as you know my job is to forecast the future. I see a bright early morning, with you parked in some amazing idyllic location, the Misses warm and cosy quitely sleeping above your Garage. I see you twitching and itching to get to your tools and just fix that thing and maybe film it for us. You'll just have to have a cup of tea, relax and be. Live the Dream Greg!
Great idea! Maybe a wood working video of building a tool chest?! 😉
A heat gun can be used so soften plastic tubing to allow installation on fittings.
Yes that would work also, I used the boiling water as its easily available to everyone 😊 but a good suggestion if you have a gun.
Look at you driving the van 👍
Well done 👍 nothing stopping you two now 👍 have a great Christmas and new year all the best Dave, Jo and Louie 👍😀🐾🍺🎄🍟
Beautiful Job,, Congratulations,,, Enjoy your Holidays with family,,, Looking forward to your adventures in Europe,,,I was in France 10-6 thru 10-23 2018,,, Best Regards
Thank you very much, are you travelling long term or were you just on holiday there?
@@GregVirgoe We try to get to Europe every 5 yrs..The last trip was in celebration of our wedding anniversary ,,,We have been married 50 years,,,If our health holds out we may have a couple of more trips to Europe,,, Would love to go for a month or two and travel between countries,,,May happen,,,If not We will be riding along with you and looking forward to your adventures,,, Best Regards
Well done 👍🏽 going to miss these build tutorials 😔
I plan to still post some videos that focus on aspects of the van build while travelling, tool selection, budgeting, design tips, etc.. So as well as travel hope there will also be useful tech videos too
Also looking forward to the traveling videos, so will still get my fix!
Hi Gregg thanks for everything. Have a very happy Christmas & an adventurous New Year
What an awesome Christmas you'll have!! Congrats!!!!
Have a great Christmas Greg. Enjoy the rest!
Woohoo! You're all legal and ready to go! You and Lou have to be over the moon.
Best wishes to you both for a Happy Christmas and New Year. Looking forward to tracking your progress throughout your year-long adventure!
Hi Greg all good lots of little hurdles have a great Christmas still waiting for that weekend shakedown cruise.
Thanks Doug, much appreciated
Hi Greg. Thanks so much for your videos, we are just about to buy a panel van to convert in the New Year and your series has been invaluable. If possible, we would love to see the finishing touches to your shower build, specifically the plumbing and your choice of shower. Good luck with the tour of Europe and wishing you all a Merry Christmas. Chloe and Jim
Another brilliant video dude😎👍
Congratulations on passing the MOT but we knew it would.
Looking forward to some videos of your adventures in the van.
I’m now looking at putting a bed in like yours after getting your idea in my head. It would make life so much easier. Thanks for your videos they have helped me so much and will be referring back to them often. 👊Boom..! A job well done 👍
Hi Greg, not sure if anyone mentioned how to fix your cooker with solid copper pipe... you basically create a large coil at the back of the cooker with your pipe, a bit like a large coil spring. This then allows you to have enough movement on the pipe and be able to move the cooker forward enough to be able to get at the joint/make the joint. Then move the cooker back. It's then got enough flexibility to move the cooker and also allows for movement on the line without it breaking. Hope that makes sense.
I know what you are saying but still putting strain on that final joint by not making it in position.
@@GregVirgoe no, you finish off with a straight piece of pipe to the joint which takes away any strain. You would secure the piece of pipe before the coil where the clip would be beneath the coil which supports the whole coil and straight pipe to the joint. The coil only has to be a single easy turn, 2 max. There would be zero strain on the joint, in fact, you would be building in some flexibility when the van moves. Its how all the connections are built into the fridges too.
Craig ONeill as the final joint is on the cooker you need to find a way of fixing the copper tube to the cooker as well
@@GregVirgoe Yes that's correct. So we would typically connect to the appliance with a straight piece then either put on a joint which would then have a loop / coil on the feed itself, or once again have a straight pipe but with with a lazy C then put a joint to the supply, either elbow or straight depending on the location of the gas supply line at the rear of the appliance. The pipework is very flexible and quite soft as you know, the important thing is not to put a kink in the pipe so it retains its correct inner diameter throughout, even after it's been shaped. It's hard to explain as there are so many permutations of appliances. Basically, always have some 'slack' in the pipework at the rear for movement and the ability to be able to pull out the appliance for repairs, etc. When caravans & motorhomes are being manufactured they tend to put the appliances and furniture in place before they put on the walls & roof so they are able to get at the rear of the appliances easily. However, they do still leave slack in the pipework for movement and repairs. It would be far easier if you were allowed to have a flexible pipe at the appliance itself, but it's against the regulations.
Fantastic and inspirational!
Once kitted out, would you do a weigh in of the van and perhaps cover legal weight limits?
Hi Scotty, the van was weighed as part of the MOT, it was very good and I will cover it in a video but don't want to reveal the exact weight just yet? 😉
I’ll look forward to it 😊
Amazing series of films, absolutely top notch big man.
Well Greg, another dance around the table!! Well deserved and great job. We've watched your videos as we complete our own self build; unfortunately for us, ours will not quite be up to the spec of your Merc. Looking forward to the European adventures, see you on the road. Well done .
You will make it your own with its own character and have the satisfaction of being able to do it yourself. I hope they have helped in some way to make some tasks a bit easier. Thanks for following our journey and very best wishes with your own travels 😊
Did you/are you going to install a split charge system alongside your solar set up and will you be making a video to accompany the install (if you are installing!?!).? Thanks Greg, all the best.
Yes and Yes 😃
The cable that links the two batteries was installed very early on,
you can see the red cable in the shower build part 1 and in the Truma combi installation video.
Hey Greg, van looks superb fair play👍...
I spotted an idea on another van conversion channel for a drinking water bottle and they used Hozelock connections and a wire connection simular to yours to be able to fully remove the bottle and have a lid assembly to help save contamination on the pump whist out filling up etc for easy of resulting. Might be an idea for you. 🍻👍
Well done Greg , cracking job you've done .
Are you going to do an ultimate “show off the van in one” video? Most of your videos you stay hovering around the thing you’re focused on, you need a big far back video showing everything together, a tour...if you will ;)
There most definitely will be a proper full VAN TOUR video showcasing the entire van in all it's glory 😃
MrGenedancingmachine Absolutely Sir! I too want Mr V to give us a detailed tour of this amazing machine.
When Greggie! @@GregVirgoe
Well done lovely job, glad it’s passed mot. Enjoyed watching on you tube, hopeyour’travels’
Congratulations on completing the van!
Although I have to admit, there's a bit of sadness there won't be any more build videos.
Don't worry Ian, I'm still going to be putting out some technical videos about the van while we travel, it won't all be sandy beaches and sipping sangria 😎🍻
Looks good, well done on a great conversion ,and happy travels.
Hi Greg. Massively informative as always. Was there ever any doubt that the van would pass 🙂. Loved the gas safe talk.
Sooo nice to see it back on the road. :-)
As always a great video with a bunch of useful how-to's.
Have a great christmas the both of you.
A very happy Christmas Kenneth, thank you for your continued support.
Congratulations Greg - a van conversion masterclass and really interesting well presented series.👍 When you finish touring how about buying an old sailboat and doing that up (on YT). The curtain twitcher at the beginning made me laugh - I wonder if they watch the videos.😳 The regulations for rigid piping for fixed appliance is nuts and the only amelioration you could have done was to have bent a coil/loop in the line to introduce ‘flexibility’.
Have a great Christmas before your dash for the sun.😀😎🚚
Hope your travelling is as successful. Well done
Congratulations Greg!
Enjoy the holidays and thank you for sharing your knowledge and insight!
Another thought how about stability jacks for when your parked up ?
Well done Greg looking good, really need to get my own underway, you’ve got a lot of brilliant ideas there, cheers
I'd like to add my congratulations on your inspirational story and Massive Thanks for sharing your skill and experiences. Hope you have a wild time in Europe. I have a question about insurance (sorry if youve answered this before somewhere). A friend I met today mentioned that his brother has had major difficulty obtaining insurance for his van because it is self built. Can you comment and share any advice on this issue ? Finally my suggestions for some top places to vist : Il d'Oleron & Rocamador on your way through France and Lauterbrunnen in Switzerland. Enjoy!
The insurance company that under writes most self build insurance companies is Aegis Insurance, try going direct to get the cheapest quote and no administration fees. As I'm a member of the Camping and Caravan Club I got my insurance through them. The van is insured for £25k plus £3.5k contents cover and full 365day European cover too all for £350 fully comprehensive. I do have more than 10yrs no claims and clean driving license. Hope those help you 👍🏼
Oh Happy, glorious day, Mr V😁. I had no doubt that the MOT was a sure thing given your penchant for detail. A most happy Christmas to you and yours, and here’s wishing you a 2019 filled with beautiful touring.
A very happy Christmas to you and you family Don, thank you for all your support 🎄🍻
Congratulations Greg great job, hope you and yours enjoy Christmas! going to be an awesome 2019 for you guys, well deserved
excellent work Greg and a massive well done! Merry Xmas and enjoy your touring in the near future. look forward to further video's from yourself and especially the completed van tour. Best series I've seen by far.