I'm 84 & live in a traditional home, but watch hundreds of fascinating tiny home videos. Yours is one of the best. You are a teacher already. With your soothing voice, you can do voice overs or audio books. Our children will be blessed to have you in their lives. You are the best!!!
I am also 84 and live in a small home and like you are fascinated with tiny home videos. It is son interesting to see just how many different ways there are to put all you need into even the smallest space.k
I have watched many vids on tiny homes... I love that he left the outside of his van as is... it is genius... He will make a truly wonderful teacher...Btw.. my son is a teacher still going to college to continue his education...so I understand the cost of education...I am so impressed by this young man...and hope all his dreams come true...
You've made my top five! I've watched HUNDREDS of these videos...and for all those fancy, hi dollar builds out there, while beautiful...are still not achievable to people on a REAL budget! No offense anyone! You found an awesome jewel in the truck AND the wood stove! Someone was looking out for you! The way you've hidden your compost toilet, your shower, your TABLES! You have made a wonderful home! And it still so ROOMY....you kept so much space it's amazing! Thank you for sharing it! 💚💜💛💙
Firstly, thank you! I too watched as many videos as I could and noticed the same two things: limited or crammed space and over engineered pricey builds. I didn’t want the first and the second, sadly lol, wasn’t an option. So I did my best with space and skills I had.
Sylvan Secrets You have very much skill, and artistic talent which shows in this build! And you are beautiful inside and out....I, too, have watched so many conversion videos....this is in the top 5...and is at the #1 spot! I just love your mobile home! thanks for sharing
Okay after watching this my first initial response was hm a seating area split to the toilet underneathth seating , having said that on seeing the clever use of space i get the layout and think for something so beautifully ickle the conversion is a worthwhile venture to be had. Going back to that underneath toilet, is boxed in anyway and made me chuckle with the toilet roll holder custonized to fit . The hidden details for storage space adjourning right from the cooker for the bottle and other storage usage is a great idea as is the way everything is kept to it's own fitting this way. The board areas to the bed , shelf & seating also looks really nice bringing with it a character to the van with its curve appeal. A lovely watch to a shared experience on this van conversion enjoyed. Thanks for sharing , leaving me with nothing but a genuine appreciation of what can be done working with space as you have proven .xx
This is honestly one of my favorite setups. I always think that those "bread trucks" are underutilized with a lot of tiny living that I see online. It's relatively roomy, well thought out, cozy and utilitarian all at he same time. Great job man.
I stumbled across your final tour of the step van and had to go back and binge watch all of the construction videos. Watching them you can really see that you are destined to be a teacher. I loved your patient explanations of what you were thinking of doing and how you included solving the problems as well. Your completed home is beautiful. Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with all of us. Good luck
I think that showing mistakes and solutions helps people realize that projects like this aren’t just impossible dreams. Nothing comes out perfect the first time, but that’s ok :)
I've been trawling youtube for van conversion inspiration and I particularly love the space you've made for your hobbies in this van. There are so many personal artistic touches that make your van seem like a proper home/reflect your lifestyle. Thanks for putting this up here! :)
Your a inspiration to all young people, your studying, your working, you've built your own tiny home & best of all, your living life! Enjoy & good luck to your future...
Love the build, loved the flow. I’m a skipper through videos, however no one should skip yours. This video has so many goodies throughout. You will become a great teacher 👨🏫
I'm the same way ... I usually skip through these videos just really to be honest looking at their techniques and I take what I find useful and look for things that I may be able to incorporate into my build/conversion but this video was really smooth and not overstuffed with technical mumbo jumbo and he seems to keep you interested and intrigued throughout the whole video .. great job on not only the build or well rebuild I should say but the video as well ...
I'm a skipper too! Some of these videos are an hour long (I have a short attention span - lol) and really could be parred down to 15 minutes or less. But this video was very short, precise and loaded with great ideas.
This is one of the BEST conversion I have seen.....love your artistic flare. This is functional and you have 3 writing surfaces....wow. I bet you are going to be an Art Teacher...good luck. Your kids are going to be lucky to have you!!
What a beautiful soul. Great, imaginative build. Thanks so much for sharing and I hope his journey is paved with an abundance of joy and all of his desires. Blessings! 🌸
Boy! Practical, attractive and low cost: definitely a winner. Some ingenious features, too, such as the slot for toilet paper and very simple shower solution and awesome dutch doors. You're to be commended for a much more practical solution to living.
You have a beautiful home ! I love all the wood, the Dutch door, woodstove.....it reminds me of a cabin ! I love the bed build and the sweet window ledges. I'm sure you will be a wonderful teacher, we need people like you to teach our children what freedom means. Good luck with everything and thank you so much for sharing ! I enjoyed your video !!!!!!
It’s very much a rolling cabin at the moment! I just finished making some shelves with more “sweet window ledges”. As for teaching, the opportunity is a real gift.
You are a very special person. I love what you have done here and your blue lady, awesome. Also love the hippie vibe you and your home gives me. All the best blessings for you as you move through your life journey's. ☮️🙏💜
well done on your van tour... looks incredible! one suggestion I learned is to put the knives on the magnet point down with the handle on the upper side. they NEVER fall off when that way. if point side up, over time with enough driving vibration (long drives on rough roads) they will fall off. BTW thanks for the inspiration plug at the end!
I may have to lower the magnet bar, but I will take your advice. I've been wounded enough for one year from kitchen knives already. You're very welcome for the much deserved plug. You're the reason I chose a step van to begin with.
It's funny to see your comment here, Seven. I just watched your Box Truck vs Step Van th-cam.com/video/LFj8hau-xvM/w-d-xo.html video and was going to go back to it and link to here. You two should do video together sometime if your geo coordinates ever overlap..
I have to say this is probably my favorite build I have seen. I like the rustic, simplistic, and utilitarian look and function of your build. That writing desk/easel is genius! My kiddo is an amazing young artist and when I do move back up to a full time rig she would love a space like that. I also am disabled so my time and energy and very limited by my health. I like the small, but impactful things you did, such as the simple scroll top on your nightstand. I grew up with wood heat and my first thought was “wow, that’s a pretty big stove” so I’m glad you mentioned the size as well. Wood heat is an amazing very comforting and what my body is accustomed to so I may include a micro-stove in my future full time rig. Thanks for taking time to make this video. I like your vibe and approach to life. Best of luck as a teacher. I taught for a couple years and did the rent a room/nightmare thing. I looked into a mobile unit of some kind then, but didn’t find van life. Even if I had I doubt my 10 days notice of being hired 300 miles away from home would have allowed for much of a vehicle search/build. Best wishes, Chris
Thank you. I think my experience is pretty common. I’m glad you shared yours. I’m really enjoying the wood heat so far, though it doesn’t seem to be quite enough most nights. I’m sure your kid would love any small artistic touches you add to your future home.
Hey, I'm excited to see this. It's been an idea banging around in my head for a while. A step van lets you take off is need be without going outside and I love the stealth idea; the way it blends in in a city. Very neat. Good for you.
I would feel trapped in the box if I couldn't get to the cockpit directly. Your's seems perfect. Since seeing yours, I'm working my way through all the steps I can find on YT, lol.
I also think only having one way out is a major safety concern. Heaven forbid there was an emergency blocking your only exit.... yikes! Even being able to push out the fantastic fan and shimmy out is an option for thin folks like yourself. I also like access to the cab for safety and convenience. For example, if someone rear ended your box truck in the city you can still get out via the cab and vice versa. That reminds me. Do you have a fire extinguisher and carbon monoxide detector in your build? If not, you might want to include them for peace of mind.
First things first, I have an emergency escape hatch in the ceiling. When the roll up door is opened to reveal the “cabin look” I also have the back door and window as egress. I think you may be confused about that set up. The main entrance is the sliding door to the cab. And yes, I have all my alarms and two extinguishers.
I'm a carpenter and want to compliment you on your build. Fantastic job! You've made a true home for yourself. That's something to be very proud of. This is one of the nicer ones I've seen as far as the cozy factor. Good luck with school!
@@SylvanSecrets I'm just now seeing this reply and I'm not judging...I'm just impressed! The main thing is that it is a nice and functioning home for you and suits your needs. This is a place I would live in happily! My wife loves it too!
You did a great job! Super Stealth! And open the rollup and a beautiful log cabin feeling home inside! I love how you were inspired, and applied, took action, and put thought into action by getting your own, and customized into your own build! I'm sure you'll have many innovative new solutions to facilitate changing life needs. It looks beautiful inside, from the warmth of the wood, copper, and the colors of fabrics inside. Thanks for sharing a view into your home! God bless you on your journey!
Allen Rousseau thank you for your kind and insightful reply. Balancing stealth and the feeling of home was very important to me. It took a while to be able to make this change. It’s a big step, but one which has been well worth it.
Ok... so anybody that has come along for the tour I encourage you to check out the build series. It’s really amazing. As far as you being a teacher I think that is so awesome. You are a natural teacher. If I was to do a inspiration list... you would be on mine. I really have found your build to be so cool. I loved every minute and I found you to be a true inspiration. Again thank you👍
First impression was that it reminds me of a Gypsy wagon. Your creativity shines throughout your home, with an incredible use of space, all on a tight budget. Just wonderful!
Hey man! Your a beautiful soul and I admire your strength and energy in creating a wonderful home. Your working and going to school along with being your own man! Fantastic! God bless you and I’m sure you’ll be a great teacher.
I like your shower "pump"! I remember expanding a business of a life long friend and got tired of moving from apartment to apartment and finally bought a 35 ft travel trailer. I gave away my beds and other furniture to my daughter and a lot of my clothes to the Salvation Army and moved in. I lived in it for almost five years and saved more than enough in rent to cover the cost of buying it two times!
I really like your set-up! Everything you need and not throwing all your money into rent and utl which is fantastic! I really like the way you hid the toliet and makes a little sitting area. nice bed and cook area. Put in a llittle apartment size fridge that has freezer and can run on propane or elect. Keep us updated!
Also want to echo the many comments that refer to YOU: calming, creative and just repeated acknowledgement for your wonderful presence as an educator. You have a special gift. Blessings.
Your van tour ACTUALLY helped me! I took notes and screen shotted a few things I'll definitely need to get when we start building. Like the gas jugs and camper faucet is just a GREAT idea for our next build. I want to work with simple components for our first build and understand all the basics. This all just made sense to me and was so minimal! Thanks again for making this video!
That's great to hear! The camp faucet isn't the best. I need to make sure that it's always in the open position or the pressure bursts the tubes. Because of the foot pump, my system may work differently though. I used it because I had it, but the jug system works great.
Been a teacher all my life (over 25 plus years) academics and dance and arts specialties too and I love this and know you will be one of the best teachers...as so many others comments also say. And you know you already ARE, right now.
Oh wow! There’s nothing I can say that hasn’t already been said! Your home is just beautiful, so many creative solutions & beautiful touches. I love it. I’m going to subscribe & then watch this again. Someday I hope to do something like this & your video has inspired me. Thank you for showing us your home & sharing your story.
Wow! I'm blown away by what you've done! You are a problem solver! I love your ingenious hacks like the shower and the drawing table. I never would have thought of that! You will be an awesome teacher. This world needs more people like you.
Was watching the video where a couple tries breaking in-had to come to THIS video to see what you were talking about regarding secondary wall. GENIUS for so many reasons!!!
You are living your best life, my man! Incredibly inspired and motived to build my own after watching you enjoy yours! Many happy travels and bless you for wanting to teach! We need more people like you around!
This is incredible!! Great job!!! Good luck with your dream of being a teacher that's amazing!! I plan on an early retirement grab my pension and head out on the road in my custom built vanhome can't wait!!! Thanks for the inspiration! I love that you found room for your kayak I will be sure to make room for mine!!
I love his home. The desk within the bookcase is wonderful. And please don't change the cab dashboard. Love, love, love it's vintage retro look and feel.
I absolutely love, love, love your van build and your video tour! I have watched so many but yours is now one of my favorites! Very intelligent planning and presentation, clear and well spoken. I adore your "hidden bathroom", all the nooks and crannies for storage and I think the bed is gorgeous, it reminds me of the Gypsy Vardo styles. What an adventure to have while going to school to be a teacher! The things you will be able to share with your students will be amazing, inspiring and I have no doubt, unforgettable. You will be the kooky, fun, genius teacher that we all wish we had! Thank you so much for sharing this with all of us and I wish you the very best!
Nice. I was just looking at one of these vans for my son. Hes 18 and wants to move out within the next year or 2. He also doesnt like the idea of rent and is a minimalist so this is exactly his dream. Thanks for the video man. You did a great job and seem quite content with your living arrangement. I must confess i am rather jealous of your freedom.
this was so far my favorite RV! I couldn't see myself "living" in any of the ones I've seen so far, when I saw this I immediately thought "THAT'S going to be my new home!" My favorite part was the wood burner, I never liked the idea of depending on a Little Buddy or propane. Wood is free! oh, and the back door idea stealth mood and extra security...Love love this, it's made for an artist/writer like myself.
I like yours the best. It seems spacious yet has everything. Soon im hitting the road in my 85 blazer...its got rebuilt machinery but idk how living in it will go. Im trying it for a month or two..maybe longer if i can adjust. Its the parking sleeping part that freaks me out. I dont want to be harassed for parking somewhere overnight
Awww I really enjoyed seeing Your Home and it is a Home and looks comfy and everything You need :) Good for You gonna be a School Teacher cuz we sure need someone teaching Our Children You don't need Money to be Happy ; Way to go a Big Thumbs up to You and i wish You all the luck in the World .
Can teach the kids about liberty and the fight for it and would be very hard to stay out of jail living that way. The man wants you to waste your way into his county collection
When it's cold outside, you don't want your cab windows to steam up-- a clear indication that somebody is inside the van. What I did when I was living in my RV (7 years) was set the heater controls to "outside air" and "defrost" just before shutting down the engine. If you then put your fantastic fan on the lowest setting, it will draw air through the defrost vents in the front to keep the windows clear. Also, if you are on a budget and a "fantastic fan" is too much money, you can use a standard RV vent, but add a 12-inch 12V radiator fan and a PWM controller from *Bay to get variable speed. Kind of building your own fan I guess. If you are really crazy, you can buy a 16-inch radiator fan that pushes 3000 cfm (3X more than the fantastic fan)-- and use a marine (boat) style hatch instead of an RV vent.
Very cool suggestion. It’s so simple, but not obvious. So koodos. I’d give it a try if I had a defrost setting or needed stealth over the winter, or if I lived somewhere without inevitable snow over the fan.
Makes me wish I was young again! I think it’s great how you live. You did a great job building this & so much thought went into it as well. I wish you safe travels & I really think you’ll make a great teacher. You’ve already taught me a few things & that’s just from one video. BTW, they desk you made is so awesome! Take care now, God bless.
Totally love your build out. Looks real homey. All the pans and your family knives on the wall space is brilliant leaving such a clean uncluttered space and eliminating need for cabinets. I've also absorbed as many builds as I can over the past year and a half and yours in definitely a total fav. You rocked that rig for sure.
I adore your home. It looks comfy and freeing. Thank you so much for sharing your home, I was becoming overwhelmed and doubting whether I should pursue same dream and you have revived my confidence. :D
I really love your sense of style, the woodworking projects like the desk etc. dutch door functionality is brilliant. It really looks like a home in a way other builds don't. Very impressive, a real inspiration.
This is perfect. When I was two, my dad made a camper out of a step van and my best childhood memories are of traveling in it. Now, I'm exploring the idea of mobile living and would like to customize a step van and your desk idea is perfect for artists as well. I'm an artist and would use that for a drafting table to do my illustrations on. Thanks for this inspiring video
Wow, came for the "They tried to break in" vid (suggested during another early-morning tinyhouse\vandwelling binge) and stayed for the rest! #Subbed 👍🐻👍 What an awesome build & positive spirit! #LiveFreeAndBlessedBe
Beautiful job man, love the simplicity and integration of all the necessities, like the shower, toilet and table. Best use of space ever, and super stealth. All the best
this tiny houses are more complete that the small room i'm caught in quarantine, and i still paying the rent and is to expensive 🥺😢😭 Living in this small room for rent, I think getting something like that would be an improvement for me, with the added bonus that I could travel
I love the 'cabinesque' look of your house. I thought the little porch in back was a great idea, even though you lose a bit of space. The barn door would be great for those beautiful mornings. All in all a very nice place. Good job
May I ask you a question? Since I want to downsize too...how much do you have invested in the van and the conversion itself? If you'd rather not say, it's ok. Thanks.
I don’t know the number. I’d guess just over 3k went into the conversion. That’s on top of the van. But it’s probably more. I’d honestly rather not know exactly. I definitely went over budget.
People ask - The truth is "your mileage may vary" . Some people find great deals on used equipment, he said the stove came with the van, I would guess $1000 to purchase (the stove, heat shield, flue pipe, ect.) just what was shown. He had pine wood walls, sheet rock would be cheaper. Those "Fantastic" fans are overpriced, using that to vent cooking if there are fried foods will be an expensive lesson about grease. A floor vent and a roof vent have natural convection, a boost fan on the intake(s) (floor) would function the same. The greatest cost factor variable will be the area where you would be buying in, generally a larger metro area has more choice and better prices. I do wish you good luck. Me? - I was off grid 12 years, designed and built everything, so please don't try to be cheap around wood stoves.
When you watch the video you almost forget you are in a van, great build on your tiny home. Love the kitchen area. The "shower" works in a small space and you can always move it outside if you don't have company. The folding easel desk is awesome. What a great conversion of a small space into a home.
Sylvan Secrets, for the area you haven't decided what to do with, make a double sided door. Hang containers on out side for art supplies, add shelves for other art supplies on the back side.
I'm 84 & live in a traditional home, but watch hundreds of fascinating tiny home videos. Yours is one of the best. You are a teacher already. With your soothing voice, you can do voice overs or audio books. Our children will be blessed to have you in their lives. You are the best!!!
older than JOE BIDEN HAYHE
I am also 84 and live in a small home and like you are fascinated with tiny home videos. It is son interesting to see just how many different ways there are to put all you need into even the smallest space.k
I think he'd make a great teacher. The way he talks makes you listen to what he's saying. Good luck with your dream dude!!
Agreed 🖤
Absolutely!! Go dreamer go!
True!
Or a great cult leader
I agree. He also just seems very kind.
I have watched many vids on tiny homes... I love that he left the outside of his van as is... it is genius... He will make a truly wonderful teacher...Btw.. my son is a teacher still going to college to continue his education...so I understand the cost of education...I am so impressed by this young man...and hope all his dreams come true...
You've made my top five! I've watched HUNDREDS of these videos...and for all those fancy, hi dollar builds out there, while beautiful...are still not achievable to people on a REAL budget! No offense anyone! You found an awesome jewel in the truck AND the wood stove! Someone was looking out for you!
The way you've hidden your compost toilet, your shower, your TABLES! You have made a wonderful home! And it still so ROOMY....you kept so much space it's amazing! Thank you for sharing it! 💚💜💛💙
Firstly, thank you! I too watched as many videos as I could and noticed the same two things: limited or crammed space and over engineered pricey builds. I didn’t want the first and the second, sadly lol, wasn’t an option. So I did my best with space and skills I had.
Sylvan Secrets You have very much skill, and artistic talent which shows in this build! And you are beautiful inside and out....I, too, have watched so many conversion videos....this is in the top 5...and is at the #1 spot! I just love your mobile home! thanks for sharing
"Real Budget" is the key!....The true reality for most of us!
Okay after watching this my first initial response was hm a seating area split to the toilet underneathth seating , having said that on seeing the clever use of space i get the layout and think for something so beautifully ickle the conversion is a worthwhile venture to be had. Going back to that underneath toilet, is boxed in anyway and made me chuckle with the toilet roll holder custonized to fit . The hidden details for storage space adjourning right from the cooker for the bottle and other storage usage is a great idea as is the way everything is kept to it's own fitting this way. The board areas to the bed , shelf & seating also looks really nice bringing with it a character to the van with its curve appeal. A lovely watch to a shared experience on this van conversion enjoyed.
Thanks for sharing , leaving me with nothing but a genuine appreciation of what can be done working with space as you have proven .xx
For real though. that desk/easl. Dankness my good sir! Best of luck on your journey
I LOVE this! That "front door" hiding behind the back sliding door is fantastic!!
Concur.
I agree. Wonder if he has mosquito net for summer.
Great idea
This is honestly one of my favorite setups. I always think that those "bread trucks" are underutilized with a lot of tiny living that I see online. It's relatively roomy, well thought out, cozy and utilitarian all at he same time. Great job man.
Awesome home. So glad you are studying to be a teacher. Our young people need your personality. You have so much to share. Enjoy your journey.
This young man's creativity will serve him well as a teacher. Love this build..I want it 😍
I stumbled across your final tour of the step van and had to go back and binge watch all of the construction videos. Watching them you can really see that you are destined to be a teacher. I loved your patient explanations of what you were thinking of doing and how you included solving the problems as well. Your completed home is beautiful. Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with all of us. Good luck
I think that showing mistakes and solutions helps people realize that projects like this aren’t just impossible dreams. Nothing comes out perfect the first time, but that’s ok :)
I've been trawling youtube for van conversion inspiration and I particularly love the space you've made for your hobbies in this van. There are so many personal artistic touches that make your van seem like a proper home/reflect your lifestyle. Thanks for putting this up here! :)
Your welcome. You shouldn’t have to give up your passions to live this lifestyle.
Nice use of a small living space. It proves we don't need big homes to live! Congratulations on a great job.
You will be an excellent teacher!! Thinking outside the norm creates solutions.
That’s exactly right :)
I love how you put a door/mini porch behind the rollup door...Not many people do that! Awesome idea especially for stealth mode
Your a inspiration to all young people, your studying, your working, you've built your own tiny home & best of all, your living life! Enjoy & good luck to your future...
Well done son..All the best for the future. Chers
You are winning at life. What a wonderful opportunity you've created for yourself. And your home is wonderful.
Love the build, loved the flow. I’m a skipper through videos, however no one should skip yours. This video has so many goodies throughout. You will become a great teacher 👨🏫
High praise indeed! Flow; go with it.
Nice
I'm the same way ... I usually skip through these videos just really to be honest looking at their techniques and I take what I find useful and look for things that I may be able to incorporate into my build/conversion but this video was really smooth and not overstuffed with technical mumbo jumbo and he seems to keep you interested and intrigued throughout the whole video .. great job on not only the build or well rebuild I should say but the video as well ...
I'm a skipper too! Some of these videos are an hour long (I have a short attention span - lol) and really could be parred down to 15 minutes or less. But this video was very short, precise and loaded with great ideas.
This is one of the BEST conversion I have seen.....love your artistic flare. This is functional and you have 3 writing surfaces....wow. I bet you are going to be an Art Teacher...good luck. Your kids are going to be lucky to have you!!
What a beautiful soul. Great, imaginative build. Thanks so much for sharing and I hope his journey is paved with an abundance of joy and all of his desires. Blessings! 🌸
Boy! Practical, attractive and low cost: definitely a winner. Some ingenious features, too, such as the slot for toilet paper and very simple shower solution and awesome dutch doors. You're to be commended for a much more practical solution to living.
You have a beautiful home ! I love all the wood, the Dutch door, woodstove.....it reminds me of a cabin ! I love the bed build and the sweet window ledges. I'm sure you will be a wonderful teacher, we need people like you to teach our children what freedom means. Good luck with everything and thank you so much for sharing ! I enjoyed your video !!!!!!
It’s very much a rolling cabin at the moment! I just finished making some shelves with more “sweet window ledges”. As for teaching, the opportunity is a real gift.
You are a very special person. I love what you have done here and your blue lady, awesome.
Also love the hippie vibe you and your home gives me. All the best blessings for you as you move
through your life journey's.
☮️🙏💜
@@SylvanSecrets , It's a rolling home, lovely 🏠, ans is completely yours.
@@SylvanSecrets i think you should put pennies on the door to the cabin!! it'll match and look better. also it matches the copper backdrop!
As in replacing the paining? That's a lot of pennies which are bard to find. It would be really cool though.
Wow! Your home is gorgeous. Great work. I think you will be a fantastic teacher.
The writing/easel idea and the toilet area ideas are great. :)
You will be a great teacher! I agree with everyone prior who recognize your beautiful soul and my day is brightened by you.
well done on your van tour... looks incredible! one suggestion I learned is to put the knives on the magnet point down with the handle on the upper side. they NEVER fall off when that way. if point side up, over time with enough driving vibration (long drives on rough roads) they will fall off. BTW thanks for the inspiration plug at the end!
I may have to lower the magnet bar, but I will take your advice. I've been wounded enough for one year from kitchen knives already. You're very welcome for the much deserved plug. You're the reason I chose a step van to begin with.
He needs a hard hat and a clip board like you have Seven. Really makes your van look like a work truck.
Mr Grey.... you are an inspiration.... how cool is that ..!
It's funny to see your comment here, Seven. I just watched your Box Truck vs Step Van
th-cam.com/video/LFj8hau-xvM/w-d-xo.html video and was going to go back to it and link to here. You two should do video together sometime if your geo coordinates ever overlap..
And the mural on the door is majestic too. Love it. Great van home build.
Such a fantastic conversion. I love your style and flair throughout. Good luck with your studies, wishing you success. 😃
I have to say this is probably my favorite build I have seen. I like the rustic, simplistic, and utilitarian look and function of your build. That writing desk/easel is genius! My kiddo is an amazing young artist and when I do move back up to a full time rig she would love a space like that. I also am disabled so my time and energy and very limited by my health. I like the small, but impactful things you did, such as the simple scroll top on your nightstand. I grew up with wood heat and my first thought was “wow, that’s a pretty big stove” so I’m glad you mentioned the size as well. Wood heat is an amazing very comforting and what my body is accustomed to so I may include a micro-stove in my future full time rig.
Thanks for taking time to make this video. I like your vibe and approach to life. Best of luck as a teacher. I taught for a couple years and did the rent a room/nightmare thing. I looked into a mobile unit of some kind then, but didn’t find van life. Even if I had I doubt my 10 days notice of being hired 300 miles away from home would have allowed for much of a vehicle search/build.
Best wishes,
Chris
Thank you. I think my experience is pretty common. I’m glad you shared yours. I’m really enjoying the wood heat so far, though it doesn’t seem to be quite enough most nights. I’m sure your kid would love any small artistic touches you add to your future home.
Hey, I'm excited to see this. It's been an idea banging around in my head for a while. A step van lets you take off is need be without going outside and I love the stealth idea; the way it blends in in a city. Very neat. Good for you.
I'm obsessed with step vans now though for stealth a box truck would probably be a little better.
I would feel trapped in the box if I couldn't get to the cockpit directly. Your's seems perfect. Since seeing yours, I'm working my way through all the steps I can find on YT, lol.
I also think only having one way out is a major safety concern. Heaven forbid there was an emergency blocking your only exit.... yikes! Even being able to push out the fantastic fan and shimmy out is an option for thin folks like yourself. I also like access to the cab for safety and convenience. For example, if someone rear ended your box truck in the city you can still get out via the cab and vice versa.
That reminds me. Do you have a fire extinguisher and carbon monoxide detector in your build? If not, you might want to include them for peace of mind.
First things first, I have an emergency escape hatch in the ceiling. When the roll up door is opened to reveal the “cabin look” I also have the back door and window as egress. I think you may be confused about that set up. The main entrance is the sliding door to the cab. And yes, I have all my alarms and two extinguishers.
I'm a carpenter and want to compliment you on your build. Fantastic job! You've made a true home for yourself. That's something to be very proud of. This is one of the nicer ones I've seen as far as the cozy factor. Good luck with school!
Wow, thanks man! Maybe don’t watch the building videos for your own sanity though 😄
@@SylvanSecrets I'm just now seeing this reply and I'm not judging...I'm just impressed! The main thing is that it is a nice and functioning home for you and suits your needs. This is a place I would live in happily! My wife loves it too!
You did a great job! Super Stealth! And open the rollup and a beautiful log cabin feeling home inside! I love how you were inspired, and applied, took action, and put thought into action by getting your own, and customized into your own build! I'm sure you'll have many innovative new solutions to facilitate changing life needs. It looks beautiful inside, from the warmth of the wood, copper, and the colors of fabrics inside. Thanks for sharing a view into your home! God bless you on your journey!
Allen Rousseau thank you for your kind and insightful reply. Balancing stealth and the feeling of home was very important to me. It took a while to be able to make this change. It’s a big step, but one which has been well worth it.
FABULOUS JOB. I love how people are becoming nomadic again n using so little resources. Such a cute tiny home.
The pool noodle solution was very good. Nice HOME!
I love every function on this van. Its just super creative from the toilet to shower to the bed to the working desk. Every corner has its functions.
Ok... so anybody that has come along for the tour I encourage you to check out the build series. It’s really amazing. As far as you being a teacher I think that is so awesome. You are a natural teacher. If I was to do a inspiration list... you would be on mine. I really have found your build to be so cool. I loved every minute and I found you to be a true inspiration. Again thank you👍
First impression was that it reminds me of a Gypsy wagon.
Your creativity shines throughout your home, with an incredible use of space,
all on a tight budget.
Just wonderful!
Hey man! Your a beautiful soul and I admire your strength and energy in creating a wonderful home. Your working and going to school along with being your own man! Fantastic! God bless you and I’m sure you’ll be a great teacher.
Agree
I like your shower "pump"! I remember expanding a business of a life long friend and got tired of moving from apartment to apartment and finally bought a 35 ft travel trailer. I gave away my beds and other furniture to my daughter and a lot of my clothes to the Salvation Army and moved in. I lived in it for almost five years and saved more than enough in rent to cover the cost of buying it two times!
I really like your set-up! Everything you need and not throwing all your money into rent and utl which is fantastic! I really like the way you hid the toliet and makes a little sitting area. nice bed and cook area. Put in a llittle apartment size fridge that has freezer and can run on propane or elect. Keep us updated!
A fridge would be nice. But I’d rather have a chest style. They are more efficient and one would fit in the build as is.
Also want to echo the many comments that refer to YOU: calming, creative and just repeated acknowledgement for your wonderful presence as an educator.
You have a special gift. Blessings.
This whole thing is a beautiful work of art! Very inspiring!
Your van tour ACTUALLY helped me! I took notes and screen shotted a few things I'll definitely need to get when we start building. Like the gas jugs and camper faucet is just a GREAT idea for our next build. I want to work with simple components for our first build and understand all the basics. This all just made sense to me and was so minimal! Thanks again for making this video!
That's great to hear! The camp faucet isn't the best. I need to make sure that it's always in the open position or the pressure bursts the tubes. Because of the foot pump, my system may work differently though. I used it because I had it, but the jug system works great.
This is one of the best van builds I've seen. I really appreciate the details. Thank you for sharing!
This video was so well edited! Loved seeing your creativity with what you had at the time!
This turned out AMAZING! But the blue lady is my favorite.
Been a teacher all my life (over 25 plus years) academics and dance and arts specialties too and I love this and know you will be one of the best teachers...as so many others comments also say. And you know you already ARE, right now.
Oh wow! There’s nothing I can say that hasn’t already been said! Your home is just beautiful, so many creative solutions & beautiful touches. I love it. I’m going to subscribe & then watch this again. Someday I hope to do something like this & your video has inspired me. Thank you for showing us your home & sharing your story.
Wow! I'm blown away by what you've done! You are a problem solver! I love your ingenious hacks like the shower and the drawing table. I never would have thought of that! You will be an awesome teacher. This world needs more people like you.
He should do audiobooks or something because he has such a nice, calming voice!
He sounds like john malkovich.
No.
Ha ha ha ha ha . . . . . . . !
Yeah. Good aura.
Uru Sledge j fr
Was watching the video where a couple tries breaking in-had to come to THIS video to see what you were talking about regarding secondary wall. GENIUS for so many reasons!!!
That is a great idea for the pool noodles!
You are living your best life, my man! Incredibly inspired and motived to build my own after watching you enjoy yours! Many happy travels and bless you for wanting to teach! We need more people like you around!
Great Sylvan solution. Nice dreams; and what a sweet human you are!
I love the slide out table, adjustable desk, and night stand. Nice personal touches and comfortable place.
This is incredible!! Great job!!! Good luck with your dream of being a teacher that's amazing!! I plan on an early retirement grab my pension and head out on the road in my custom built vanhome can't wait!!! Thanks for the inspiration! I love that you found room for your kayak I will be sure to make room for mine!!
I love his home. The desk within the bookcase is wonderful. And please don't change the cab dashboard. Love, love, love it's vintage retro look and feel.
Great job, I am a teacher and you will be a wonderful teacher. Your students will be blessed to have you. Congrats on all your hard work. Beautiful!
Thanks. There’s a ways to go, but I’m very excited to join your profession :)
That desk is genius! Desk, easel, standing desk, etc... Nice job on your very nice box-truck, tiny-home on wheels.
.......excellent build........intelligently thought out........thumbs up.
Thank you. I put in a lot of planning and it has paid off well.
The van is adorable. He's adorable. I love it all!!!
Good job and thanks for sharing.
Peace and Blessings
Thanks for sharing. Love all the thoughtful details.
I absolutely love, love, love your van build and your video tour! I have watched so many but yours is now one of my favorites! Very intelligent planning and presentation, clear and well spoken. I adore your "hidden bathroom", all the nooks and crannies for storage and I think the bed is gorgeous, it reminds me of the Gypsy Vardo styles. What an adventure to have while going to school to be a teacher! The things you will be able to share with your students will be amazing, inspiring and I have no doubt, unforgettable. You will be the kooky, fun, genius teacher that we all wish we had! Thank you so much for sharing this with all of us and I wish you the very best!
You did an amazing job!! Be well!!
Nice. I was just looking at one of these vans for my son. Hes 18 and wants to move out within the next year or 2. He also doesnt like the idea of rent and is a minimalist so this is exactly his dream. Thanks for the video man. You did a great job and seem quite content with your living arrangement. I must confess i am rather jealous of your freedom.
Out of all the builds I’ve seen, I genuinely think this is my favourite
Very nice bro, very nice set up.stove is awesome also love the woodwork.
this was so far my favorite RV! I couldn't see myself "living" in any of the ones I've seen so far, when I saw this I immediately thought "THAT'S going to be my new home!" My favorite part was the wood burner, I never liked the idea of depending on a Little Buddy or propane. Wood is free! oh, and the back door idea stealth mood and extra security...Love love this, it's made for an artist/writer like myself.
Bravo. Well conceived and idealistic. I'm very impressed, and wish you great success. Safe travels.
I don't see how it could be a more perfect place to live! I've watched this one twice and just love it! Hope life is treating you well!
I like yours the best. It seems spacious yet has everything. Soon im hitting the road in my 85 blazer...its got rebuilt machinery but idk how living in it will go. Im trying it for a month or two..maybe longer if i can adjust. Its the parking sleeping part that freaks me out. I dont want to be harassed for parking somewhere overnight
I like this van conversion the best,.. innovated shower,. To take less space...What a sweet soul...a teacher to be... blessings, young man..
Awww I really enjoyed seeing Your Home and it is a Home and looks comfy and everything You need :) Good for You gonna be a School Teacher cuz we sure need someone teaching Our Children You don't need Money to be Happy ; Way to go a Big Thumbs up to You and i wish You all the luck in the World .
Can teach the kids about liberty and the fight for it and would be very hard to stay out of jail living that way. The man wants you to waste your way into his county collection
When it's cold outside, you don't want your cab windows to steam up-- a clear indication that somebody is inside the van. What I did when I was living in my RV (7 years) was set the heater controls to "outside air" and "defrost" just before shutting down the engine. If you then put your fantastic fan on the lowest setting, it will draw air through the defrost vents in the front to keep the windows clear. Also, if you are on a budget and a "fantastic fan" is too much money, you can use a standard RV vent, but add a 12-inch 12V radiator fan and a PWM controller from *Bay to get variable speed. Kind of building your own fan I guess. If you are really crazy, you can buy a 16-inch radiator fan that pushes 3000 cfm (3X more than the fantastic fan)-- and use a marine (boat) style hatch instead of an RV vent.
Very cool suggestion. It’s so simple, but not obvious. So koodos. I’d give it a try if I had a defrost setting or needed stealth over the winter, or if I lived somewhere without inevitable snow over the fan.
Makes me wish I was young again! I think it’s great how you live. You did a great job building this & so much thought went into it as well. I wish you safe travels & I really think you’ll make a great teacher. You’ve already taught me a few things & that’s just from one video. BTW, they desk you made is so awesome! Take care now, God bless.
Retired AMMO461 I’m old and I’m planning to do this in a year!
Probably my favorite stepvan build. I'm gonna steal the compost toilet idea. Love the penny hearst.
Wow what a beautiful home,thanks for sharing.
Totally love your build out. Looks real homey. All the pans and your family knives on the wall space is brilliant leaving such a clean uncluttered space and eliminating need for cabinets. I've also absorbed as many builds as I can over the past year and a half and yours in definitely a total fav. You rocked that rig for sure.
Wow thank you so much. Out of curiosity; family knives?
Sylvan Secrets not really sure where "family" came from at all. it must have been a Google correction...crazy huh
Well done, good use of space. Enjoying watching...you would make an excellent teacher.
I absolutely love what you did in the back! The Dutch doors are a nice touch.
Very nice build. Thanks for sharing.
I can completely see this guy being a teacher and probably everyone's FAVORITE teacher.
“Stealth Mode” that cracked me up!
Also, you are going to be a great school teacher....why, you're already being a great teacher now, to us! Thank you!
Hi mate, new subscriber here..I have seen many RV videos..your interior design is amazing and it has a warm home feel :-)👍
Very cozy! Well thought out built-in spaces. Love the desk too! Good idea to have it hidden in a regular looking truck👍🏽
I adore your home. It looks comfy and freeing. Thank you so much for sharing your home, I was becoming overwhelmed and doubting whether I should pursue same dream and you have revived my confidence. :D
That makes me very happy to hear. Please hold onto that confidence and make your dream happen.
I really love your sense of style, the woodworking projects like the desk etc. dutch door functionality is brilliant. It really looks like a home in a way other builds don't. Very impressive, a real inspiration.
This is perfect. When I was two, my dad made a camper out of a step van and my best childhood memories are of traveling in it. Now, I'm exploring the idea of mobile living and would like to customize a step van and your desk idea is perfect for artists as well. I'm an artist and would use that for a drafting table to do my illustrations on. Thanks for this inspiring video
Great job! Much better than throwing rent away. I'm hoping to purchase a van & begin converting it this summer. :)
Wow, came for the "They tried to break in" vid (suggested during another early-morning tinyhouse\vandwelling binge) and stayed for the rest! #Subbed 👍🐻👍 What an awesome build & positive spirit! #LiveFreeAndBlessedBe
I love your addition to blessed be. I may be borrowing that!
Sylvan Secrets - Glad to contribute! 👍🐻👍❤️
Beautiful job man, love the simplicity and integration of all the necessities, like the shower, toilet and table. Best use of space ever, and super stealth. All the best
Beautiful build!!
This is the best one yet. Really like the arrangement.so cool and practical. Nice job.
It's basically the size of a new york apartment.
But better cause its mobile.
@@The_Gallowglass and even better because it's not in new york! Lol🤣
this tiny houses are more complete that the small room i'm caught in quarantine, and i still paying the rent and is to expensive 🥺😢😭 Living in this small room for rent, I think getting something like that would be an improvement for me, with the added bonus that I could travel
Did we forget rent free😊
Wow! I have watched tons of videos. I've never commented on any. Best realistic build ever!
You’ll be a very cool, popular teacher. Cheers!
I love the 'cabinesque' look of your house. I thought the little porch in back was a great idea, even though you lose a bit of space. The barn door would be great for those beautiful mornings. All in all a very nice place. Good job
The “porch” as you call it needs to be there. Otherwise the gap above would have to be about a foot bigger. It’s due to the track curving.
Absolutely fantastic. Great job! The project is actually a very great reinvestment in yourself.
That’s certainly the way that I see it.
What a beautiful build! And I love your explanations of how you chose certain things. Best wishes on your journeys!
May I ask you a question? Since I want to downsize too...how much do you have invested in the van and the conversion itself? If you'd rather not say, it's ok. Thanks.
I don’t know the number. I’d guess just over 3k went into the conversion. That’s on top of the van. But it’s probably more. I’d honestly rather not know exactly. I definitely went over budget.
People ask - The truth is "your mileage may vary" . Some people find great deals on used equipment, he said the stove came with the van, I would guess $1000 to purchase (the stove, heat shield, flue pipe, ect.) just what was shown. He had pine wood walls, sheet rock would be cheaper. Those "Fantastic" fans are overpriced, using that to vent cooking if there are fried foods will be an expensive lesson about grease. A floor vent and a roof vent have natural convection, a boost fan on the intake(s) (floor) would function the same.
The greatest cost factor variable will be the area where you would be buying in, generally a larger metro area has more choice and better prices. I do wish you good luck. Me? - I was off grid 12 years, designed and built everything, so please don't try to be cheap around wood stoves.
When you watch the video you almost forget you are in a van, great build on your tiny home. Love the kitchen area. The "shower" works in a small space and you can always move it outside if you don't have company. The folding easel desk is awesome. What a great conversion of a small space into a home.
It’s true. You do forget about the vehicle aspect of things when your in the house section :)
Sylvan Secrets, for the area you haven't decided what to do with, make a double sided door. Hang containers on out side for art supplies, add shelves for other art supplies on the back side.
You’re too late I’m afraid.