When he wants to feel relaxed he just gets on his phone. There he pulls up the app for his banking and sees how much money he's saving a month, takes a big deep sigh and sleeps like a baby!
@@mrb5217 This is quoted verbatim; "I'm a mechanical engineer and used to be an engineer in a class A motor home factory. Some things about internally vented gas heaters you should know: 1) the most likely cause of CO (Carbon monoxide) generation is a) If your heater is 'not operating correctly but still runs', of b) if it uses up oxygen in your small space and that oxygen is not replaced, you are most at risk for CO generation. 2) Open windows are not open to vent CO. They admit oxygen to maintain healthy oxygen levels for breathing and combustion as well as to vent water vapor which is produced by fossil fuel burning....3) Be aware that CO is a HEAVIER-THAN-AIR gas. It is a product of 'incomplete combustion', not normal combustion. Your CO detector needs to be mounted below the level of your bed. When CO begins to collect, it will collect on the floor in a layer, displacing the oxygen. The layer will continue to rise as more is generated. If your CO detector is incorporated in a smoke detector that is mounted high up on the wall (as is proper for a smoke detector because smoke rises), it will never go off. For this reason, make sure your smoke alarm is not in the same module as your CO alarm and position each so that they alarm will go off appropriately meaning before the harmful gas you are trying to detect reaches you. Combination CO, propane and smoke detectors are legal but inadvisable. Smoke is light, CO and propane heavy. Get and mount the appropriate detector correctly if you use unvented combustion heating. Your RV is most likely NOT correctly equipped from the factory (they cheap out with one 3-way detector mounted high)."
@@patrickio8084 www.ncbi.nlm.nih (dot) gov/m/pubmed/21536403/ Contrary to a significant amount of public opinion, CO did not layer on the floor, float at the middle of the chamber, or rise to the top. In each case, the levels of CO equalized throughout the test chamber
@@patrickio8084 no, man, you're kinda wrong here... CO basically LIGHTER than O2, because carbon atom is lighter than oxygen atom, and there are plenty of tragedies when people use bad heaters inside tents during winter fishing, and when CO level rises and they feel that something wrong they get up to run from the tent out and drop down unconscious with the first breath in, because they breath in higher level of CO than when they were sitting... And then die due to suffocation caused by CO... So, basic rule is if you fell dizzy inside the tent, drop down on your knees and crawl out of the tent fast.
You had me UNTIL that line. Why are you concerned about what these women are doing with their bodies? You could have easily made this entire video without making a misogynistic comment like that. Stay out of women’s business and learn real jokes because this “humor” is embarrassing and distasteful as hell
@@ashxx836 He never said "women". Guys also take photos half-naked in a beach. He was being critic towards people who use a camper van a few weekends during the summer and they spam it on their social media. Living in a van is not fun nor fancy.
Aero FPV there are flexible solar panels that are extremely thin (like a few mm or 1/8 inch at max), I plan on using one for my sports cars very curvy roof since I don’t want to throw off the aerodynamics, and a roughly 100w (rated 120w) panel is about 4 pounds or 1.8 kG so it doesn’t weigh enough to worry about in terms of my driving style (which is face pressed to the glass on turns and spitting flames having fun!). They are not as durable, or usually quite as efficient, and they cost more and may only last a few years so not recommended for non-curved applications, but if you need super low profile for “stealthy” or weight they are great options. It’s like $1.10 US per watt or so. Which isn’t bad, it’s not much more than regular sturdy rigid panels but they notoriously won’t last as long.
Aero FPV I don’t think it will be much of a project though, haha, but I noticed you do FPV, my project goal is to solar charge my quadcopter/airplane batteries so I can fly almost indefinitely and charge when I’m getting out of work or at flying location. It should be pretty simple with nothing to really report, as I did some initial testing with ~28w solar panel (diy solar panel project from a while back when I was like 14 or something) seemed to work fine sitting in the back window for 1 amp charge on 4s 850mah packs and plenty for a dozen tiny whoop batteries at once. However I need to be able to charge like 8 batteries at once to keep up flying so I’m going for a little overkill so that it works even if the sun isn’t optimal and clouds etc. Hopefully it’s any easy project with nothing to report, the only complicated thing I can think of is if I program an Arduino to activate charging of specific batteries through relays (like for optimizing power draw to not over-load the panel by having it also measure the incoming voltage for a target threshold) or if I want it to come on automated at a specific time (such as 30 minutes before work ends) or wirelessly activated (since I have a ham license I can just have a key-fob sized transmitter with 1/2 mile range to activate the system for like $2 in cost, but they also sell those without needing an Arduino, but I like the little challenge and learning so I’d use one anyways, haha!) It might be useful to other FPV pilots out there, but I think most of us are inherently good and knowledgeable for small projects like these so I don’t plan on posting it (unless people really wanted a schematic or real world data on what power you really get and the capabilities for the money, but I’m not a solar expert, most of my electronics knowledge comes from a robotics and just modding everything I get ahold of).
Robert Ottwell lol color of the trim has nothing to do with making look like a roof rack. I have tons of friends with actual roof racks and they all range in all different colors
@@richardr7947 20,000 for decent cargo van, 2,000 for a minivan equivalent. People dont often sell their work vehicles, so finding dependable used cargo vans is tough. when they do come for sale theyre pretty tired. 300k miles dirty and mostly destroyed.. still selling for 20k. I've been looking for a few years looks like new is the best option and then youre looking at 40k+ for a good sprinter style hightop van
I think the most interesting thing about these van tour videos from various TH-camrs is seeing how they used their space available and how they make their setups work for their needs. As someone who owns a small house (not a tiny house, just a small one) and complains about how cramped it is, I feel dumb when I watch minivan/van tours that do a much better job of utilizing a fraction of the space. I have a garage that is almost as much square footage as my house, so I have a LOT of extra space that I'm just not utilizing efficiently. I really appreciate these videos because it inspires me to improve myself. Also, I really love the idea of converting a regular vehicle into a livable space and I admire those who actually do it. Thanks for the videos!
You shouldn't admire us. Every single one of us wants a home. Were doing this because we have no stability and instead of having a house we said fuck it I'll explore america if I can't get a home. It's that simple. The american government and america is causing mass homelessness. Instead of be sad about it and give up we decided to fight against them to survive any way we can. Don't ever envy us because we want a house. Do you think any one of us wakes up in our cars cold as fuck with no bathroom thinking how much better we have it than someone who owns a house? That's ignorance at its finest.
When property owners and real estate agents demand you make 3.5 times the rent, van life is what happens. In california average rent of a studio is over 1700 dollars. Times that by 3.5. noone makes that monthly. We don't do this because we think it's cool buddy. We do this because of property owners and real estate agencies greed and incentives on causing homelessness and hiking up rent for new tenants. Property owners have incentives to rent and evict instantly to hike rent up for the next tenant. Despite what people say evictions are easy to do to anyone and cost near no money for the property owner. Just takes time in court. So there's nothing but incentives for property owners to evict and cause mass homelessness. Imagine that. A millionaire property owner so greedy they'll willingly cause homelessness to get a couple thousand bucks.
@@fredfredburger1328 You don't need to own a home to have a place to live, you can rent instead. I bought a house because it was cheaper to buy a house with a longer commute than to rent in the area where I worked. Even cheaper would have been to buy a condo with the same square footage. "Don't ever envy us..." I don't. "Do you think any one of us wakes up in our cars cold as fuck with no bathroom thinking how much better we have it than someone who owns a house?" No. "That's ignorance at its finest." I'd say that your comment above is the epitome of ignorance. Half of what you said didn't apply to my original comment, and the other half was you speaking for every single TH-camr who makes videos about living out of their cars. "In california average rent of a studio is over 1700 dollars." YOU HAVE A VAN. GO LIVE SOMEWHERE CHEAPER. My mortgage is $1000 a month. I can easily find decent living spaces that would cost even less than that. I don't make 3.5x my mortgage. You're full of crap. Sounds like you're just making excuses for being in a situation you don't want to be in.
It'd be a niche market, but so is the "tiny house" craze. People who aren't so savvy with this kind of stuff (like me) would certainly appreciate the option to either have something 'built' or have an 'adviser' to help make one.
@@SpartanArmy117 Being a loser is basically my exact aspiration lol. If you're not doing it different to everyone else or at least beating the system in some way then you're not really living, in my opinion.
Working and saving $2,000 month by doing this can put someone on a better course later. 👍 Most people piss money away like it's free. Guess how many people I've met who are 25-55 that don't have even $100 after working many years Dumbasses.
SpartanArmy117 your idea off “success” is clouded by your delusional society standards. I’m sure most people living in vans are richer in experiences then you are. Wealth comes in many forms
Not gonna lie, my Seattle apartment is only slightly bigger and I pay almost a grand a month for it (and based off what else I've seen available here I'm actually pretty lucky). I stretch out in about the same way at this point. This guy has got it figured out.
Just watched a Feb 2024 vid and wanted to figure out where I started watching. I think this was the first one that YT recommended. Lots of changes since then! Looking forward to following your journey as long as you keep sharing. Thanks!
Yeah punch them in the face by dialing down the living quality from 5/10 to 1/10 and implement claustrophobic nightmares if sleeping in a van parking on the side of the road is even remotely possible. My intention is not being discouraging. The solution presented in this video may help some but may lead a lot others to a path that ends being impractical or impossible.
You did a great job....I would have laughed if you told me the plan before .....but I will give credit when due......you did an Amazing job....well thought out...more efficient then many full size campers..... 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Great great job now you can come and do mine....lol just joking I think you just showed us. With enough info and encouragment anyone can follow, great job Suzanne
The disadvantage of being both not very creative, and 6' 2" is that I could never do something as awesome as this build. Well done mate, what a superb piece of engineering and creativity!
Well done While the solar panel may arise suspicion some decals and graphics on the van exterior making it look like a green initiative maybe even a university funded venture or something to that affect would make them go oh and keep walking, maybe even a custom designed magnet from somewhere like Vista print they're cheap and would allow for scenario changes, just an idea, cheers!
How about using one of those hard shell luggage carriers? Mounted with the top cut open and a clear lexan panel to admit light. It would hide the panel from casual observation and protect them while driving
For the fuel pump get a thick piece of rubber (they sell for furniture protection at Lowe's) and put that behind the pump to absorb the vibrations. I've seen other people do this and have great success. Amazing van, very smart!! This is the true, original, van life, seriously good on you man.
@keith cunningham actually, tall people live longer. Just look at any deceased tall male actors over the years. Their average age at death is mid eighties.
Ya i am the same height. The door measurements gave me back pains immediately. Id need a pair of knee guards living in there since I could never ever even stop extreme hunching at the very best.
TH-cam suggested this for some unknown reason so I checked it out. That led me to watch some more videos along these lines and I have to say, your set up by far is the nicest I've seen.
Excelent work. Considering the relative small size of the car, the layout and interior space is very well designed. I think this is the best DIY conversion i've seen on youtube. Even managed to get a bike in there??! Amazing.
Wow! That looks amazing. You did a wonderful job. The whole thing looks so seamless, and you chose nice paints. The coloring in there makes it look cozy and comfortable and not closed in. Doesn't look at all like someone could be living in there. I bet a lot of people are going to borrow your design here.
Wow. That actually looks amazing, man. Yeah, it's short but it looks so much better than 80% of all van/kombi conversions I've seen. And a minivan can be way more affordable. Not to mention that the driving is waaay better. Way to go, man.
I have a sienna minivan with 2 - 100 watt panels, I have painted the aluminum frame of the panels black to blend in with the roof rack. You might give that a try it does blend well for stealth Nice job, looks great
Awesome build. Your carbon monoxide dectector is mounted too high, carbon monoxide fill from the bottom up. At that height above your bed you would be deep sleep before it dectect. It should be down near your ankle.
@@NatJac-gg3mv or just wear it on a headband like this freaking beauty www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/memoryalpha/images/2/2e/Kirok.jpg/revision/latest?cb%3D20050616235154%26path-prefix%3Den&imgrefurl=memory-alpha.fandom.com/wiki/Kirok&tbnid=EF_vr-To6t_wxM&vet=1&docid=40pqR-eSuhPVjM&w=387&h=334&source=sh/x/im
@@DIYDaveT Four dogs, (although the day's still young), no wife, zero interest in dating at this stage of life, (finally!) That is one impressive van build! I rode a bicycle across the U. S. back in 07. I started out with a lot of gear and quickly learned what was essential and what was excess... In a month I'd dropped a LOT of baggage... It was freeing and I was better off for it. I want to go back to that lesson learned... =]
Hey mate, that is one amazing little van, you've done such a good job man' allot of things look better on camera than what they really are but I can see and tell that the effort you have put into that little house on wheels is mint! also there are smaller hotel rooms in Tokyo literally. So looking forward to this summer to see you on the pedals, that's the life man. Anyway great to see you well done and see you on the next one. Keep that crank turning.
Freaking beautiful bru. Very envious. True solidarity and comfort of one's self. No better company in world full of followers. Lead your own life. Much respect and plenty of love.
Thumbs up to you for engineering a unique van build. Most youtubers seem to just copy the basic format of what everyone else is doing. I really like how you have the garage space for your bike up in the front of the van. It is a very efficient use of the space. Minivan builds are usually the most boring and cramped, but you have made yours interesting and functional.
@@lylestavast7652 I know stuff you could get at a building system level, but not turn key. I could probably design something like that though. Its not too complicated
That's a whole lot crammed into such a small space. I've got an 02 Honda Odyssey, a little larger than an Uplander that I've thought about turning into a stealth camper. Good work!
I worked at a honda dealer ship as a auto tech for years let me tell you the first and second generation odysseys are bullet proof mechanically and super big inside when the seats are removed. They would be the BEST van for this type of living hands down second to none. Although this guy has made great work with what he has.
@@LarryTheButcher exactly show me another van that would Have 500kms on original engine I would see vans like yours all the time which makes me speak of them so highly. Not knocking yours but imagine if you were to find one with 150-250 km it would be perfect for living out of with plenty of mechanical life left in it
@@internetexpert8153 It's been a good vehicle to me! 3 kids and all our stuff fits in it as is. And as a bug out vehicle when it gets fixed would be an awesome weekend escape machine!
Nice work, man. I was thinking of stealthing out a minivan, but so far I haven't tried because I thought it was just too small. Now, I am going to have to reconsider. Very smart use of space in your van, and it even looks stylish. Very well done.
Boxing4Fitness I lived in my customized Chevy van back in 1980 til 85. Freakin LOVED it👍NO rent NO bills just gas for van & food. NOTHIN AT ALL WRONG WITH IT. Save BIG $$$$$$
I have a solution for that fuel pump ticking. Temporarily remove it and use dyno-mat or some sort of sound dampening patch between it and the wood. (Maybe Flex-seal?) That should quiet it because I believe that the sound is reverberating through the wood.
I simply don’t understand why so many who live or travel alone insist upon retaining their Passenger Seat, so much Useful space denied them. Really pleasing to see that you have overcome this Mindset.
My seat folds down into a little table...and, even if it didn't, the tire jack is bolted under there. Plus, I just don't want to deal with the sensors and have no place to store the seat (not going to sell it or throw it in the garbage.)
There are places in the world (Australia), where the vehicle would be unroadworthy, should the cops pull you over. More importantly in NSW you require an annual inspection and all the seats need to be fitted as the car was designed.
That's a really cool setup. I've got a van I use for van type stuff, moving building materials, fire wood, bikes etc. I've sound deadened and insulated it and am toying with the idea of making a fold-away bed and stuff for stealth camping. Problem is I snore like Little Nicky, there's nothing stealthy about that!
I'd like to see a version of ForestyForest's van tour without a wide-angle lens. Despite the measurements telling how small his land-spaceship is, the wide-angle lens makes the interior look spacious.
i back packed through Australia, Asia, USA, Canada, Mexico, Guatemala, France, Switzerland, UK, Italy, Greece, and was surprised how little was needed, you have done a brilliant job. I have built my 3 level home, and run some large construction projects and worked over seas on several projects and raised a family. you are funding an interesting adventure. i hope you are looking after your education. life can be flexible and successful. your home can be converted back and used as a work vehicle, or commuter car, or sold. you are preserving your capital and living an adventure. keep an eye on the other parts of life. love your videos.
"If I wanna relax I can kinda stretch out like this"...*hunched over, knees bent up* lol, great van though
yeah, why not just layout on the bed?
@@nofurtherwest3474 ikr
Not gonna lie.. My "relaxed" position was awkward haha. I hit my knee on the table in the first take 😂 Laying down on the bed is pretty ok though 👍
When he wants to feel relaxed he just gets on his phone. There he pulls up the app for his banking and sees how much money he's saving a month, takes a big deep sigh and sleeps like a baby!
@@forestyforest you look pretty tall. A shorter guy would definitely fit just fine though.
I felt much more comfortable about this when I saw the carbon monoxide detector
carbon monoxide detectors need to be near the floor as this gas is heavy and stays low
@@patrickio8084 This is not at all true. CO is almost exactly the same density as air.
@@mrb5217 This is quoted verbatim; "I'm a mechanical engineer and used to be an engineer in a class A motor home factory. Some things about internally vented gas heaters you should know: 1) the most likely cause of CO (Carbon monoxide) generation is a) If your heater is 'not operating correctly but still runs', of b) if it uses up oxygen in your small space and that oxygen is not replaced, you are most at risk for CO generation. 2) Open windows are not open to vent CO. They admit oxygen to maintain healthy oxygen levels for breathing and combustion as well as to vent water vapor which is produced by fossil fuel burning....3) Be aware that CO is a HEAVIER-THAN-AIR gas. It is a product of 'incomplete combustion', not normal combustion. Your CO detector needs to be mounted below the level of your bed. When CO begins to collect, it will collect on the floor in a layer, displacing the oxygen. The layer will continue to rise as more is generated. If your CO detector is incorporated in a smoke detector that is mounted high up on the wall (as is proper for a smoke detector because smoke rises), it will never go off. For this reason, make sure your smoke alarm is not in the same module as your CO alarm and position each so that they alarm will go off appropriately meaning before the harmful gas you are trying to detect reaches you. Combination CO, propane and smoke detectors are legal but inadvisable. Smoke is light, CO and propane heavy. Get and mount the appropriate detector correctly if you use unvented combustion heating. Your RV is most likely NOT correctly equipped from the factory (they cheap out with one 3-way detector mounted high)."
@@patrickio8084 www.ncbi.nlm.nih (dot) gov/m/pubmed/21536403/
Contrary to a significant amount of public opinion, CO did not layer on the floor, float at the middle of the chamber, or rise to the top. In each case, the levels of CO equalized throughout the test chamber
@@patrickio8084 no, man, you're kinda wrong here... CO basically LIGHTER than O2, because carbon atom is lighter than oxygen atom, and there are plenty of tragedies when people use bad heaters inside tents during winter fishing, and when CO level rises and they feel that something wrong they get up to run from the tent out and drop down unconscious with the first breath in, because they breath in higher level of CO than when they were sitting... And then die due to suffocation caused by CO...
So, basic rule is if you fell dizzy inside the tent, drop down on your knees and crawl out of the tent fast.
about the size of an affordable Tokyo apartment
Hahaha 😂☺️🤣😅😅🤣😊😆😁☺️😄😃😀😊😂👍
Hong Kong too ..lol
Indeed 😁
Same as Toronto.
Dont forget NYC
"This isnt your typical #vanlife conversion, wont be spending anytime on the beach taking half-naked selfies".... you had me with that line
Rampampulin that was hilarious! lol
You had me UNTIL that line. Why are you concerned about what these women are doing with their bodies? You could have easily made this entire video without making a misogynistic comment like that. Stay out of women’s business and learn real jokes because this “humor” is embarrassing and distasteful as hell
@@ashxx836
He never said "women". Guys also take photos half-naked in a beach.
He was being critic towards people who use a camper van a few weekends during the summer and they spam it on their social media. Living in a van is not fun nor fancy.
@@ashxx836 oh come on he never specified woman and even if he did he can have an opinion on it and he can share it
@@ashxx836 stop being offended by everything. I’m a woman and laughed extremely loud when he said that. Both men and women do it have several 💺 💺 💺 💺
To make your solar panels more stealthy, paint the silver trim black so it looks like a roof rack.
Wish there were custom solar panels that could fit between the racks vs laying on top of them.
Aero FPV there are flexible solar panels that are extremely thin (like a few mm or 1/8 inch at max), I plan on using one for my sports cars very curvy roof since I don’t want to throw off the aerodynamics, and a roughly 100w (rated 120w) panel is about 4 pounds or 1.8 kG so it doesn’t weigh enough to worry about in terms of my driving style (which is face pressed to the glass on turns and spitting flames having fun!).
They are not as durable, or usually quite as efficient, and they cost more and may only last a few years so not recommended for non-curved applications, but if you need super low profile for “stealthy” or weight they are great options. It’s like $1.10 US per watt or so. Which isn’t bad, it’s not much more than regular sturdy rigid panels but they notoriously won’t last as long.
@@jakegarrett8109 Great info mate. Keep me posted with that project. It sounds to be a winner man. Cheers
Aero FPV I don’t think it will be much of a project though, haha, but I noticed you do FPV, my project goal is to solar charge my quadcopter/airplane batteries so I can fly almost indefinitely and charge when I’m getting out of work or at flying location. It should be pretty simple with nothing to really report, as I did some initial testing with ~28w solar panel (diy solar panel project from a while back when I was like 14 or something) seemed to work fine sitting in the back window for 1 amp charge on 4s 850mah packs and plenty for a dozen tiny whoop batteries at once. However I need to be able to charge like 8 batteries at once to keep up flying so I’m going for a little overkill so that it works even if the sun isn’t optimal and clouds etc.
Hopefully it’s any easy project with nothing to report, the only complicated thing I can think of is if I program an Arduino to activate charging of specific batteries through relays (like for optimizing power draw to not over-load the panel by having it also measure the incoming voltage for a target threshold) or if I want it to come on automated at a specific time (such as 30 minutes before work ends) or wirelessly activated (since I have a ham license I can just have a key-fob sized transmitter with 1/2 mile range to activate the system for like $2 in cost, but they also sell those without needing an Arduino, but I like the little challenge and learning so I’d use one anyways, haha!)
It might be useful to other FPV pilots out there, but I think most of us are inherently good and knowledgeable for small projects like these so I don’t plan on posting it (unless people really wanted a schematic or real world data on what power you really get and the capabilities for the money, but I’m not a solar expert, most of my electronics knowledge comes from a robotics and just modding everything I get ahold of).
Robert Ottwell lol color of the trim has nothing to do with making look like a roof rack. I have tons of friends with actual roof racks and they all range in all different colors
Im amazed how little room this guy needs. Clever distribution of space
you used the magic word... NEED... most people don't NEED much space but they do WANT more space ;-)
if i was going to live in a van i get a full size cargo van not a mini van. Lots of room in a full size cargo van.
@@richardr7947 20,000 for decent cargo van, 2,000 for a minivan equivalent. People dont often sell their work vehicles, so finding dependable used cargo vans is tough. when they do come for sale theyre pretty tired. 300k miles dirty and mostly destroyed.. still selling for 20k. I've been looking for a few years looks like new is the best option and then youre looking at 40k+ for a good sprinter style hightop van
@@richardr7947 And they wont stick out. Just guessing, 200 or more % of room.
Beats the tent on a sidewalk thing. Doesn't it?
Inconspicuous for a Walmart landing pad.
Never seen a van build quite like this. Incredible.
Incredibly small... and uncomfortable.
@@MidnightHabit and fiscally responsible...
I find it credible.
Midnight Habit For you maybe...
Submarines and astronauts waste more space than this guy. Impressive.
It's so strange getting this recommended all these years later. Your journey has been so great to watch
Car looks small from the outside, and so big from the inside.. incredible
chanelname969 its a Tardis
Wide angle lens does wonders.
kinda disappointed about no half naked beach selfies but I gotta say, thats one sweet home!
Or the House music and aerial drone shots.
I want to vote up but don’t want to change that 666 for luck reasons . Haha
I was really hoping if there were it would please, please be the top half.
Ya where’s your obligatory hot girl passenger that fakes living in the van and helps you raise $200k per year 😂
Sell passenger side airbag and build a fridge into the dash.
Or a urinal.
I agree there seems to be a bit of room for something other than footwear, but it’s kinda cool that there is even spare real estate in there
@@TheLeatheryman It's free real estate.
During winter though he doesn't need a fridge bc he can keep the milk outside.
I've seen dudes put a "piss chute" in that just dumps straight outside under the van. Can come in handy
Major Dick my friend actually put a big mini fridge and he put a pop up roof in it and had a full bathroom
Incredible build Foresty. Still watching 2024 ❤
Now 2025....
I think the most interesting thing about these van tour videos from various TH-camrs is seeing how they used their space available and how they make their setups work for their needs. As someone who owns a small house (not a tiny house, just a small one) and complains about how cramped it is, I feel dumb when I watch minivan/van tours that do a much better job of utilizing a fraction of the space. I have a garage that is almost as much square footage as my house, so I have a LOT of extra space that I'm just not utilizing efficiently. I really appreciate these videos because it inspires me to improve myself. Also, I really love the idea of converting a regular vehicle into a livable space and I admire those who actually do it.
Thanks for the videos!
You shouldn't admire us. Every single one of us wants a home. Were doing this because we have no stability and instead of having a house we said fuck it I'll explore america if I can't get a home. It's that simple. The american government and america is causing mass homelessness. Instead of be sad about it and give up we decided to fight against them to survive any way we can. Don't ever envy us because we want a house. Do you think any one of us wakes up in our cars cold as fuck with no bathroom thinking how much better we have it than someone who owns a house? That's ignorance at its finest.
When property owners and real estate agents demand you make 3.5 times the rent, van life is what happens. In california average rent of a studio is over 1700 dollars. Times that by 3.5. noone makes that monthly. We don't do this because we think it's cool buddy. We do this because of property owners and real estate agencies greed and incentives on causing homelessness and hiking up rent for new tenants. Property owners have incentives to rent and evict instantly to hike rent up for the next tenant. Despite what people say evictions are easy to do to anyone and cost near no money for the property owner. Just takes time in court. So there's nothing but incentives for property owners to evict and cause mass homelessness. Imagine that. A millionaire property owner so greedy they'll willingly cause homelessness to get a couple thousand bucks.
@@fredfredburger1328 You don't need to own a home to have a place to live, you can rent instead. I bought a house because it was cheaper to buy a house with a longer commute than to rent in the area where I worked. Even cheaper would have been to buy a condo with the same square footage.
"Don't ever envy us..."
I don't.
"Do you think any one of us wakes up in our cars cold as fuck with no bathroom thinking how much better we have it than someone who owns a house?"
No.
"That's ignorance at its finest."
I'd say that your comment above is the epitome of ignorance. Half of what you said didn't apply to my original comment, and the other half was you speaking for every single TH-camr who makes videos about living out of their cars.
"In california average rent of a studio is over 1700 dollars."
YOU HAVE A VAN. GO LIVE SOMEWHERE CHEAPER. My mortgage is $1000 a month. I can easily find decent living spaces that would cost even less than that. I don't make 3.5x my mortgage. You're full of crap. Sounds like you're just making excuses for being in a situation you don't want to be in.
@@fredfredburger1328 I've been there and I agree.
@@fredfredburger1328 This is what drove me out of the US. Luckily I had a small inheritance and could afford to leave or I'd be living in my car now.
youve got one of the most practical, aesthetically pleasing van builds ive seen. good job, man. love the videos.
Maybe you should think about going into business making stealth camper conversions lol. Very impressed.
It'd be a niche market, but so is the "tiny house" craze.
People who aren't so savvy with this kind of stuff (like me) would certainly appreciate the option to either have something 'built' or have an 'adviser' to help make one.
@Applee123 Your sarcasm aside, there actually are for what I'm talking about: vanclan.co/stealth-camper-van/
Same
Yes, I agree after a few min of watching I thought to myself I wonder if I could hire him. Looking to do to my Odessy asap. Great work, be safe!!
Right I would like a van conversion!
Man this is so cool.. I’d love one for the rainy days in England, tucked up on a stormy night in the middle of nowhere with a hot cup of coco.
Except this isn’t just for those moments
@@chinadashauthority65 No reason why it can't be... You can use it however you like.
If I had a van I park it at Walmart smoke a big fat bowl of weed and sit in the back and chow down
@@funnyschuman3667 you know it!! In fact it goes without saying..
CHINA DASH AUTHORITY
Why not ?
Solar panel, diesel heater, front seat removal for extra room. space for the fatty. Lot of great ideas... It all looks dialed in!
until he needs to take a shit ...
got to have room for a fatty man or some sort of fatness "the computer not to be confused with the police"
yeah very clean build for sure
Forest this build is awesome man. You've done a lot with a smaller van. Good job dude.
No way my big ass would be able to get in that lol. 6'5 and 325 lb. Very cool build. Kinda looks like one of those pod rooms in Japan. Props man.
Im 6'6 we owned a 1994 ford econoline with only 2 seats i would sleep in back when i drunk too much at friends house
Instead of commenting on TH-cam you should trying out for the NBA
Megaglow Z NFL built ass
then leave 100 lbs outside and move forward in life ;-)
"Hopefully next time we talk I'll be living full time out of this van." A string of words I never expected to hear.
Nice picture
@@SpartanArmy117 Being a loser is basically my exact aspiration lol. If you're not doing it different to everyone else or at least beating the system in some way then you're not really living, in my opinion.
Working and saving $2,000 month by doing this can put someone on a better course later. 👍
Most people piss money away like it's free. Guess how many people I've met who are 25-55 that don't have even $100 after working many years
Dumbasses.
SpartanArmy117 Try not having Mummy and Daddy pay the bills and then see who is winning and losing pal.
SpartanArmy117 your idea off “success” is clouded by your delusional society standards. I’m sure most people living in vans are richer in experiences then you are. Wealth comes in many forms
I always liked being tall. Never could find a real reason why being tall would suck...
Until I started building a camper van.
jaaa!!
Buying pants lol
Buy bottoms built for regular folks and you look like you're ready for flash floods
And I'm starting to appreciate that I'm 5'6
Flea markets in the third world have lots of ways for you to brain yourself and poke your eyes out.
I'm 6'2" and being tall sucks. Can't count the number of times I've smashed my head on something
Hell yeah! This is what I'm talking about when it comes to minivans you gotta get creative, and you sure have gotten creative
I thought this was your video when I saw his name lmao.
@@ConnorLipke kinda funny how two people are making super unique minivan builds at the same time with almost the same name hahah
when he 'stretched out to relax' i could not stop laughing
You mean, stretched "oot"
Same hahah
Not gonna lie, my Seattle apartment is only slightly bigger and I pay almost a grand a month for it (and based off what else I've seen available here I'm actually pretty lucky). I stretch out in about the same way at this point. This guy has got it figured out.
@@sleepingdogpro you live downtown?
@Universal Thirst bigly
Just watched a Feb 2024 vid and wanted to figure out where I started watching. I think this was the first one that YT recommended. Lots of changes since then! Looking forward to following your journey as long as you keep sharing. Thanks!
This is probably the coolest minivan setup I’ve seen. Compact and practical.
Check out a GTRV conversion of a Chevy Astro, or a VW Vanagon Westy, for ideas as well...
I just love how people are learning to rig out their cars and saying screw you to the landlord! Power to the people lol!
I question everything right ! We will be our own landlord yewwww
With that amount of forehead real estate I don’t blame you for questioning everything.
@@Seymour-Butts_666 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Jonathan Stapleton lol she took her profile pic down.
Yeah punch them in the face by dialing down the living quality from 5/10 to 1/10 and implement claustrophobic nightmares if sleeping in a van parking on the side of the road is even remotely possible. My intention is not being discouraging. The solution presented in this video may help some but may lead a lot others to a path that ends being impractical or impossible.
best van build I've ever seen. I believe you're a genius. you will never feel like you are sitting in the back of a minivan haha.
It's been 3 year's foresty forest I watch this again keep it up.
From Philippines 👍
You remind me of my late uncle!
Be safe both of you 🥰
You did a great job....I would have laughed if you told me the plan before .....but I will give credit when due......you did an Amazing job....well thought out...more efficient then many full size campers..... 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Great great job now you can come and do mine....lol just joking I think you just showed us. With enough info and encouragment anyone can follow, great job Suzanne
Love the segmentation/organization. When you were giving the inside tour, I kept forgetting you were in a minivan. Cool design!
The disadvantage of being both not very creative, and 6' 2" is that I could never do something as awesome as this build. Well done mate, what a superb piece of engineering and creativity!
Haha, the only difference is you need a 15% larger van, dude
Use a full sized van, preferably one with a raised roof for package delivery....
my OH is 6ft 2in too. it will take quite a bit of finagling to do our minivan conversion!
Seems like people overlooked the first disadvantage which is the more important one haha.
@@aerofpv2109 Necessity is the mother of invention. Excuses are the assasin.
Interesting how the TH-cam algorithm brings up these older videos. Looking forward to your new fridge and upgraded alternator on the new van!
I think your camper van is really clever - thank you for sharing - stay safe - - -
The interior looks like a condo! great job, awsome look!!!
This is amazing!! So much respect, and from a design perspective it is really pleasing.
Add netflix and one might never come out of the van. incredible setup. You can go wherever you want and just relax in the van as it's home.
Foresty Forest IS Netflix :)
Wow, you fit sooo much into that small vehicle. You should be proud.
This is one of the nicest small builds ive seen, really good job dude!
i've watched alot of camper van builds and tours this is legit one of the best i seen.
Dude said “stretch out like this” and hit the baby in a womb pose
Eetswa AND he’s 5’7”.
🤪🤣😜
Fetal position
I'm cryin'! 😂🤣🤣🤣
Eetswa its called the “fetal position”
Well done
While the solar panel may arise suspicion some decals and graphics on the van exterior making it look like a green initiative maybe even a university funded venture or something to that affect would make them go oh and keep walking, maybe even a custom designed magnet from somewhere like Vista print they're cheap and would allow for scenario changes, just an idea, cheers!
A flexible solar panel would be a lot more stealth being 1/8” thick
Or it would arise more suspicion and get broken into if you leave it
you're a genius
How about using one of those hard shell luggage carriers? Mounted with the top cut open and a clear lexan panel to admit light. It would hide the panel from casual observation and protect them while driving
@@popuptarget7386 and probably fit one of those small wind turbine things too
For the fuel pump get a thick piece of rubber (they sell for furniture protection at Lowe's) and put that behind the pump to absorb the vibrations. I've seen other people do this and have great success. Amazing van, very smart!! This is the true, original, van life, seriously good on you man.
I've seen a trillion van builds, but that's the most intuitive floor plan/layout of a mini van I've ever seen! Insanely good job dude!! 🤘
man. That is like the most original van build i have ever seen
you know this might be on of the smallest living areas set up I've seen but you've really nailed it; just like a capsule hotel.
Loved how you brought up point about half naked selfies lol. That’s only way the sell van life. Yours is real life!
I'm 6'3" and just watching this video gave me backache.
I'm 4'11" and felt the same way
Same, 6'3 too. *internet highfive*
@keith cunningham actually, tall people live longer. Just look at any deceased tall male actors over the years. Their average age at death is mid eighties.
Ya i am the same height. The door measurements gave me back pains immediately. Id need a pair of knee guards living in there since I could never ever even stop extreme hunching at the very best.
Go back to your cave ogre
I've watched a lot of van tours and have been impressed by only two of them. This is one.
TH-cam suggested this for some unknown reason so I checked it out. That led me to watch some more videos along these lines and I have to say, your set up by far is the nicest I've seen.
I would not have thought that all could be done in a minivan. Nice job.
This is actually really impressive how much you put inside.
Excelent work. Considering the relative small size of the car, the layout and interior space is very well designed. I think this is the best DIY conversion i've seen on youtube. Even managed to get a bike in there??! Amazing.
Wow! That looks amazing. You did a wonderful job. The whole thing looks so seamless, and you chose nice paints. The coloring in there makes it look cozy and comfortable and not closed in. Doesn't look at all like someone could be living in there. I bet a lot of people are going to borrow your design here.
This is one of the coolest minivan builds I've seen yet!
Wow. That actually looks amazing, man. Yeah, it's short but it looks so much better than 80% of all van/kombi conversions I've seen. And a minivan can be way more affordable. Not to mention that the driving is waaay better. Way to go, man.
I love the diesel heater setup and the easy access of the living space.
Compost toilet may help with waste management, lol.
Stay safe.
I have a sienna minivan with 2 - 100 watt panels, I have painted the aluminum frame of the panels black to blend in with the roof rack. You might give that a try it does blend well for stealth
Nice job, looks great
Awesome build.
Your carbon monoxide dectector is mounted too high, carbon monoxide fill from the bottom up. At that height above your bed you would be deep sleep before it dectect. It should be down near your ankle.
Not really, the whole carbon monoxide heavier than air thing only occurs at very low temperatures. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21536403
@@chrisstone1710 maybe get 2 just to be sure :D
He tried mounting it down lower but it kept going off
How about he just mount 1 high and 1 low just to be on the safe side?
@@NatJac-gg3mv or just wear it on a headband like this freaking beauty www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/memoryalpha/images/2/2e/Kirok.jpg/revision/latest?cb%3D20050616235154%26path-prefix%3Den&imgrefurl=memory-alpha.fandom.com/wiki/Kirok&tbnid=EF_vr-To6t_wxM&vet=1&docid=40pqR-eSuhPVjM&w=387&h=334&source=sh/x/im
Just WOW! I have been marathon watching converted minivans/vans and this is the 1st that utilized a minivan this way! #Awesome!
Awesome job. I love that it seems attainable and not like a 50k remodel to a sprinter van!
I love building and creating awesome stuff... But THIS..... Is truly amazing. Beautiful Job
This is the best minivan build I’ve ever seen!
I live in a three bedroom home in the burbs and I think...
I’m envious. 👍
OK fantasy over, back to the burbs. It's not the van you are envious of, its being away from the wife.
@@DIYDaveT
Four dogs, (although the day's still young), no wife, zero interest in dating at this stage of life, (finally!)
That is one impressive van build!
I rode a bicycle across the U. S. back in 07. I started out with a lot of gear and quickly learned what was essential and what was excess...
In a month I'd dropped a LOT of baggage...
It was freeing and I was better off for it.
I want to go back to that lesson learned... =]
Hey mate, that is one amazing little van, you've done such a good job man' allot of things look better on camera than what they really are but I can see and tell that the effort you have put into that little house on wheels is mint! also there are smaller hotel rooms in Tokyo literally. So looking forward to this summer to see you on the pedals, that's the life man. Anyway great to see you well done and see you on the next one. Keep that crank turning.
This is an impressive use of space. Great job filling it with features, yet keeping it clutter free.
This is one of the best stealth van builds I have seen. Nice job 👍🏻
Freaking beautiful bru.
Very envious.
True solidarity and comfort of one's self. No better company in world full of followers.
Lead your own life.
Much respect and plenty of love.
Beautiful, honestly most original and well designed stealth camper I’ve seen on TH-cam. Kudos 🤙🏼
Thumbs up to you for engineering a unique van build. Most youtubers seem to just copy the basic format of what everyone else is doing. I really like how you have the garage space for your bike up in the front of the van. It is a very efficient use of the space. Minivan builds are usually the most boring and cramped, but you have made yours interesting and functional.
Simon, So glad to see the new van conversion. It's even better than the last setup. Hope you get to do tours in it soon.
You should probably get an NO2 detector as well if you are using a diesel heater
absolutely need it. Does anyone make a sensor/alarm - solenoid actuator that pops open a floor vent when CO or NO2 in dangerous levels is detected ?
@@lylestavast7652 I know stuff you could get at a building system level, but not turn key. I could probably design something like that though. Its not too complicated
That's a whole lot crammed into such a small space. I've got an 02 Honda Odyssey, a little larger than an Uplander that I've thought about turning into a stealth camper. Good work!
I worked at a honda dealer ship as a auto tech for years let me tell you the first and second generation odysseys are bullet proof mechanically and super big inside when the seats are removed. They would be the BEST van for this type of living hands down second to none. Although this guy has made great work with what he has.
@@internetexpert8153 Mine has almost half a million km on it. It needs some work, Ball joint, windshield. Maybe an alternator. But It's been awesome!
@@LarryTheButcher exactly show me another van that would Have 500kms on original engine I would see vans like yours all the time which makes me speak of them so highly. Not knocking yours but imagine if you were to find one with 150-250 km it would be perfect for living out of with plenty of mechanical life left in it
@@internetexpert8153 It's been a good vehicle to me! 3 kids and all our stuff fits in it as is. And as a bug out vehicle when it gets fixed would be an awesome weekend escape machine!
Agreed, my 2016 Odyssey is killer and is a perfect size living space for one person.
How far along you've come....congratulations, man.
This is awesome! You can tell you put a lot of time into planning the layout and you did a fantastic job!
best camper camper I've ever seen in my life, congratulations on doing a good job
Nice work, man. I was thinking of stealthing out a minivan, but so far I haven't tried because I thought it was just too small. Now, I am going to have to reconsider. Very smart use of space in your van, and it even looks stylish. Very well done.
“There’s nothing wrong with living in a car man, I did it for nine years. The best years of my life” -Ray
Way of the road bubs
Boxing4Fitness I lived in my customized Chevy van back in 1980 til 85. Freakin LOVED it👍NO rent NO bills just gas for van & food. NOTHIN AT ALL WRONG WITH IT. Save BIG $$$$$$
That's the fucking way she does
Cool to find other TPB fans out here😂 fuckin way she goes
😂😂😂😭
I would've never bought a house if I had that machine back in my Van Life days.... Happy your keeping the fat bike close by. Nice Job!!👍
I have a solution for that fuel pump ticking. Temporarily remove it and use dyno-mat or some sort of sound dampening patch between it and the wood. (Maybe Flex-seal?) That should quiet it because I believe that the sound is reverberating through the wood.
Dann i love the way you designed it, door in the front if the car instead of the side or back
I'm really impressed. I had no idea you could do so much with such a small space. It must be so cool to have your home with you all the time
I simply don’t understand why so many who live or travel alone insist upon retaining their Passenger Seat, so much Useful space denied them. Really pleasing to see that you have overcome this Mindset.
My seat folds down into a little table...and, even if it didn't, the tire jack is bolted under there. Plus, I just don't want to deal with the sensors and have no place to store the seat (not going to sell it or throw it in the garbage.)
You kind of have to give up the fantasy of meeting a chick one day LOL
@@peterdods425 spending all your date money on rent isn't much better.
@@peterdods425 I got a chick BEFORE moving into then van became a thing.....and she's into it!
There are places in the world (Australia), where the vehicle would be unroadworthy, should the cops pull you over. More importantly in NSW you require an annual inspection and all the seats need to be fitted as the car was designed.
Someone should give you a job designing the next VW Westy / Vanagon camper. Great build mate.
I’m doing something very similar with my Chevy Trailblazer currently. I’m 6’3 so it’s a challenge but I’m excited to move in soon!
Rlam 46 good luck!!
The area for your bike is very unique. Great job, may your journey be fruitful.
Laundry slot was everything👏👏👏 this is a very nice build neat not over crowded love it💗💗💗
K
@@Sumtingwongbruh123 😂😂😂
He's done a great job with that van!
Dude,I am so impressed with your van,I can't believe your set up that you have,thats so awesome ,Good job,gives me ideas for my van.
Wow! This 63 year old lady is very impressed! Great job
That's a really cool setup. I've got a van I use for van type stuff, moving building materials, fire wood, bikes etc. I've sound deadened and insulated it and am toying with the idea of making a fold-away bed and stuff for stealth camping. Problem is I snore like Little Nicky, there's nothing stealthy about that!
I pay 1400 a month for a basement apt with a 6 foot ceiling. I’m 6’2. This looks preferable to where I am.
You could probably buy a van with one month of your rent
@@twobrokewolves5884 yeah, save for a year and you've got a used sprinter van or a nice 20ft rv
You won't be able to stand in a van either.
@@CoderShare ..yes, friend, there are high roof Sprinter vans available
@@twobrokewolves5884 a van for
$1400?? That’s a bit of a stretch…
Now THAT’S van life!!! Awesome van! Travel safe.
Amazing how you figured out a design that allowed you to fit your bike. I love the minimal color scheme too! It reminds me of old school Star Trek. 🖖
Looks very pretty! Keep going this way. Greetings from Holland (Europe)
This would be a good build for a college student
I'd like to see a version of ForestyForest's van tour without a wide-angle lens. Despite the measurements telling how small his land-spaceship is, the wide-angle lens makes the interior look spacious.
i back packed through Australia, Asia, USA, Canada, Mexico, Guatemala, France, Switzerland, UK, Italy, Greece, and was surprised how little was needed, you have done a brilliant job. I have built my 3 level home, and run some large construction projects and worked over seas on several projects and raised a family. you are funding an interesting adventure. i hope you are looking after your education. life can be flexible and successful. your home can be converted back and used as a work vehicle, or commuter car, or sold. you are preserving your capital and living an adventure. keep an eye on the other parts of life. love your videos.
Unbelievable use and planning of a small space. Impressed ! Great Job.
Damn that looks good! This is a very unique approach, I really like it
You could get a roof rack storage box and cut out the top and place the solar panel in its place to make it a bit more stealthy.
I like to see his old van because it reminds me of a simpler time.
It was all good until a giant tryed fitting in there and bursted the whole van into pieces. Lol.