I love the “welcome to dogcatmanvan” - just embrace the potential cheesiness - it’s not as bad as you think it is. Every personal TH-cam channel inevitably has come campiness, but it is very endearing in this context, since it IS a personal channel.
Another authentic video with great humor and brilliant editing. Your producer, Archer, and director, Rocky, continue to entertain us. Like, subscribe, etc. DBVB Bri
Love the new vid, hope all is well :) It'd be cool to see a video of all the things you'd change if you had to build another van, no pressure though. Keep doing what you're doing!
Nice job, Ben! We want to do a Sprinter someday soon, but we’re now convinced to make it more ‘analog’ w/o water pumps n stuff that can break down. Solar maybe different story... maybe more of a portable unit. Dig the videos though, man! You’re doing a great job & inspiring a lot of people. Keep the content coming, even if there is none! Peace... Dave
What do you hate? The intro was good. I liked it. Shirt looks nice on you too 👕 What you have left out, all things considered, is what it would cost to have had a car and an apartment. Apartment = mo pmt + utilities and Pet deposit plus a separate Auto = mo pmt, gas, repairs, and insurance. Then compare that to the cost of your van. You would be closer to having spent 40,000 with a $200 minimum car pmt, monthly gas, $700 rent, pet deposit, and monthly utilities; over 26 months. On top of owning it and getting money back if you sold it. You can't sell an apartment. Example : Van = 40,000 Min Sale $20,000 = 26 months for $20,000. Apartment + Car = $40 ,000 - cost to sell used car = NOT $20,000 but instead lucky if downpayment for a new one; therefore = ZERO See 👀Your trickle income is bonus to your $20,000 minimum you would get back for the van if you sold it. 🤷🏼♀️ Live in it till its paid for ... say after 6 years and still worth $20,000 sold, your rent will have ended up equaling a whopping $277.75 a month. 40,000 - 20,000 (sold) = $20,000 = Cost of living in van for life of loan. 20,000 divided by 6yrs (life of loan) = $3,333 (each year) or $277.75 a month. Compared to apartment/ car $1500 a month or 18,000 a year; for a car and apartment for 6 years = $108,000 total. $108,000 apartment car cost - $20,000 van cost ------------------------------------- $88,000 is what you will have saved compared to apartment/car if you wait to sell for $20,000 or more once the loan is paid off. ⭐️ roughly 6X as much.
So for what it is worth, those extended protection plans ("warrantees") are often useless. I got one for my jeep and because I didn't flush the radiator like 2 minutes after buying it, when the radiator went bad a few months later, they refused to cover it. So, if there's any scheduled maintenance, make sure you do it, or you could find yourself in the same boat (or van! 😂). And, don't be hating the intro... it;s cool and will grow on ya@! Thanks for the video, buddy!
I was able to get my transmission completely replaced because with the warranty which basically paid for itself right away. I then had a hub bearing issue and tried to get that fixed, but they wouldn't cover it. I've done the work myself or with family and friends from then on to save money on labor costs. The warranty can be hit or miss sometimes I guess.
Here's an offbeat idea... What if you mounted the A/C into the wall of your bathroom at the ceiling level with A/C facing your bed ? The heat from the A/C would vent out of your bathroom ceiling vent and the water would drip down to your drain . You wouldn't need a lot of head room over the toilet. It might work :-)
I tried a similar AC setup in my 7x14 utility trailer conversion and failed miserably. I've since switched to a portable dual hose AC with heat that vents through the floor (Whynter ARC 14-SH) and it works great!
Limitation is the mother of creativity. So, if you ever decide to build out a new van, check out the Ladi & Margaret TH-cam channel (especially their first build, a 6000USD build that matches yours in most areas). Ladi is a true Jedi master, at everything! But I think you definitely have what it takes to skill up to his level in no time. You and I are not far off from one another in a lot of areas, skill wise, and I'm gaining on Ladi, fast. Love your channel & wish you all the best in all future adventures. Build related and otherwise :-)
@@cmzasada1 There's other people who have claimed success with a floor mounted ac, so I was thinking it had something to do with how he handled the ventilation around the sides and rear of the ac unit to maintain it's efficiency. Other people just modify their vents to point higher so the cold air shoots upwards.
@@SoCalKevin I tried it in my 7x14 trailer conversion with one hole in the floor and the intake and exhaust separated with no success, figured I’d have to add more ventilation through a wall and decided to get a dual hose portable unit instead since I didn’t want to cut any holes in the sides, the portable unit works perfectly
Hey Sandra, not sure if you're on the Patreon, but the video I made last week was only released on there. I should have a new video for the channel within the next few days.
You're already well in profit, if you consider having not done it the cash you would have spent one or more of the following, cost of owning a car or spending money on buses/train/planes, plus you inevitable would have gone on vacations including hotels/eating out, which the van will have saved you at least some of 👍 I'd guess you're probably 5G up as opposed to down, think I'll be following in your footsteps rather soon, great vid thanks
Batteries? Ok what batteries? Looks like Lead acid AGM. Ok then, how many amps? Dude, you come off as clueless and trying too hard. Also, this van seems highly unbalanced. Seriously the fresh water tank all to one side instead of underneath? THis seems like a bad amateurish build. The propane tank seems like something he was talking into, no way that needed to be that complicated. Most people used a replaceable tank inside. This is a built made after not enough research. Reflectives are NOT insulating material and too many people make this mistake, they reflect heat, seriously it's in the name. You putting them inside those bags just completely negates their purpose. If you use them to protect against cold, there are better materials.
Clueless and trying too hard is my thing! There's links to all the products I used within the description including the batteries. The batteries counter balance the fresh water tank. The propane set up isn't all that complicated. I wanted to save as much space on the inside for storage so I decided to mount it outside. That's typically where Class B campers have their propane tanks. I did plenty of research when I initially built the van. I will say after two and half years there's a lot more information out there for converting a van. The reflectix were a mistake, but it can easily be fixed and I mainly just use them as window blackouts and the curtains as an insulator since the cab is pretty difficult to control with all the cracks and openings under the plastics to the engine. You never know until you try.
I love the “welcome to dogcatmanvan” - just embrace the potential cheesiness - it’s not as bad as you think it is. Every personal TH-cam channel inevitably has come campiness, but it is very endearing in this context, since it IS a personal channel.
That’s cheap! You saved a lot on labor! If you bought a class B camper van with the same features it would cost over 100,000. Great job Ben! 🚐👍
I’m so glad Rocky doing better
Entertaining even if we are talking about money .. that's something. LOL
Dude, I didn't even think to write off the van until you mentioned it. Genius! thanks again for great content.
Another authentic video with great humor and brilliant editing. Your producer, Archer, and director, Rocky, continue to entertain us. Like, subscribe, etc. DBVB Bri
I love how the animals always need to be in the action. They love the spotlight (or just love Ben ❤️😺🐺).
Hitting the like button during opening commercial! ❤️🤘
The skate table is legendary.
that thing will still be worth what its costs and more after. you did good, dont worry man !
Finally, a vid breaking down the cost of a conversion from vehicle purchase to materials. Good job! 👍 Looks cozy.
Very informative and entertaining. You did great man! Keep it going.
Loving the energy in these last two videos!!! Not working 10 jobs looks good on you!
Love the new vid, hope all is well :) It'd be cool to see a video of all the things you'd change if you had to build another van, no pressure though. Keep doing what you're doing!
Nice job, Ben! We want to do a Sprinter someday soon, but we’re now convinced to make it more ‘analog’ w/o water pumps n stuff that can break down. Solar maybe different story... maybe more of a portable unit. Dig the videos though, man! You’re doing a great job & inspiring a lot of people. Keep the content coming, even if there is none! Peace... Dave
What do you hate? The intro was good. I liked it. Shirt looks nice on you too 👕 What you have left out, all things considered, is what it would cost to have had a car and an apartment. Apartment = mo pmt + utilities and Pet deposit plus a separate Auto = mo pmt, gas, repairs, and insurance. Then compare that to the cost of your van. You would be closer to having spent 40,000 with a $200 minimum car pmt, monthly gas, $700 rent, pet deposit, and monthly utilities; over 26 months. On top of owning it and getting money back if you sold it. You can't sell an apartment. Example : Van = 40,000 Min Sale $20,000 = 26 months for $20,000. Apartment + Car = $40 ,000 - cost to sell used car = NOT $20,000 but instead lucky if downpayment for a new one; therefore = ZERO See 👀Your trickle income is bonus to your $20,000 minimum you would get back for the van if you sold it. 🤷🏼♀️
Live in it till its paid for ... say after 6 years and still worth $20,000 sold, your rent will have ended up equaling a whopping $277.75 a month.
40,000 - 20,000 (sold) = $20,000 = Cost of living in van for life of loan.
20,000 divided by 6yrs (life of loan) = $3,333 (each year) or $277.75 a month.
Compared to apartment/ car
$1500 a month or 18,000 a year; for a car and apartment for 6 years = $108,000 total.
$108,000 apartment car cost
- $20,000 van cost
-------------------------------------
$88,000 is what you will have saved compared to apartment/car if you wait to sell for $20,000 or more once the loan is paid off. ⭐️ roughly 6X as much.
So for what it is worth, those extended protection plans ("warrantees") are often useless. I got one for my jeep and because I didn't flush the radiator like 2 minutes after buying it, when the radiator went bad a few months later, they refused to cover it. So, if there's any scheduled maintenance, make sure you do it, or you could find yourself in the same boat (or van! 😂). And, don't be hating the intro... it;s cool and will grow on ya@! Thanks for the video, buddy!
I was able to get my transmission completely replaced because with the warranty which basically paid for itself right away. I then had a hub bearing issue and tried to get that fixed, but they wouldn't cover it. I've done the work myself or with family and friends from then on to save money on labor costs. The warranty can be hit or miss sometimes I guess.
I always wondered about the breakdown. Thank you, hopefully my build goes under budget.
We loved your video we laughed a lot good sense of humor
Here's an offbeat idea... What if you mounted the A/C into the wall of your bathroom at the ceiling level with A/C facing your bed ? The heat from the A/C would vent out of your bathroom ceiling vent and the water would drip down to your drain . You wouldn't need a lot of head room over the toilet. It might work :-)
Impressive
Love your channel and love your spirit, great job
Thanks for the info! :D
I just watch everything I already knew. You saved so much money because of Greg. Lmao
I tried a similar AC setup in my 7x14 utility trailer conversion and failed miserably. I've since switched to a portable dual hose AC with heat that vents through the floor (Whynter ARC 14-SH) and it works great!
Oohh, monsieur bois du perrier 👌😎😅 fancy!
Hi Ben, sending you love from the Philippines
Very informative. Thanks.
Love the video! very well done :)
Your dog so cute.He too bored to listen you explain all that cost.Lol
Great vid as usual. And bottom line here is get an RV. A lot less work and same (or less) money for same function.
LOVE THIS!
Limitation is the mother of creativity. So, if you ever decide to build out a new van, check out the Ladi & Margaret TH-cam channel (especially their first build, a 6000USD build that matches yours in most areas). Ladi is a true Jedi master, at everything! But I think you definitely have what it takes to skill up to his level in no time. You and I are not far off from one another in a lot of areas, skill wise, and I'm gaining on Ladi, fast. Love your channel & wish you all the best in all future adventures. Build related and otherwise :-)
Greg: priceless
Have you insulated the pipes and gray water under the van yet? Winter is coming...lol
Not yet haha
Can you do a detailed vid on why the window air conditioner failed?
he did, its physics, Heat rises, cold air sinks. The cold air just sat on the flow and never cooled the whole van.
@@cmzasada1 There's other people who have claimed success with a floor mounted ac, so I was thinking it had something to do with how he handled the ventilation around the sides and rear of the ac unit to maintain it's efficiency. Other people just modify their vents to point higher so the cold air shoots upwards.
@@SoCalKevin I tried it in my 7x14 trailer conversion with one hole in the floor and the intake and exhaust separated with no success, figured I’d have to add more ventilation through a wall and decided to get a dual hose portable unit instead since I didn’t want to cut any holes in the sides, the portable unit works perfectly
Entertaining even if we are talking about money .. that's something. LOL
Rocky really getting bored, lol 💕💕💕
Sell it for $100k get a Mercedes 4x4 and convert that for $14000, your still winning.
Ben where are you? It makes me worried when you dont show up. I know it's none of my business but I do worry because of the covid situation.
Hey Sandra, not sure if you're on the Patreon, but the video I made last week was only released on there. I should have a new video for the channel within the next few days.
@@dogcatmanvan thank you Ben
You're already well in profit, if you consider having not done it the cash you would have spent one or more of the following, cost of owning a car or spending money on buses/train/planes, plus you inevitable would have gone on vacations including hotels/eating out, which the van will have saved you at least some of 👍
I'd guess you're probably 5G up as opposed to down, think I'll be following in your footsteps rather soon, great vid thanks
👍
I will buy it. Pick me first hahaha
grrrrrrrrrrrrrrreat vid!!!
The fridge is 12 volts, o a regular 110? Great video!!
Regular AC 110. Didn't have the cash to spring for a DC 12v
@@dogcatmanvan thanks man
👍👍👍
Is the wiboost worth it?
Not for me. I never use it. Initially I thought I would be a bit more nomadic in a rural setting.....sadly that hasn't been the case quite yet.
1st Punctual!
Dude Ive been talking about you highly. I want to get a van and do a shower in it.im a skater from Portland, oregon.
Yes - please do set up a paypal account! :D
Oh btw thanks for the cost rundown ... probably works out to more than double that cost in Australia.
Why did you use sheet metal on a van build 🙈 Your van weights about 4tons ... Did you consider your gas consumption by making the van so heavy...
I kind of address that in this video. th-cam.com/video/ldYgtvw4hVQ/w-d-xo.html
yo
First
upgrade your batteries .AGM are the worse.
I'm saving up!
@@dogcatmanvan Ya shits expensive
Batteries? Ok what batteries? Looks like Lead acid AGM. Ok then, how many amps? Dude, you come off as clueless and trying too hard. Also, this van seems highly unbalanced. Seriously the fresh water tank all to one side instead of underneath? THis seems like a bad amateurish build. The propane tank seems like something he was talking into, no way that needed to be that complicated. Most people used a replaceable tank inside. This is a built made after not enough research. Reflectives are NOT insulating material and too many people make this mistake, they reflect heat, seriously it's in the name. You putting them inside those bags just completely negates their purpose. If you use them to protect against cold, there are better materials.
Clueless and trying too hard is my thing! There's links to all the products I used within the description including the batteries. The batteries counter balance the fresh water tank. The propane set up isn't all that complicated. I wanted to save as much space on the inside for storage so I decided to mount it outside. That's typically where Class B campers have their propane tanks. I did plenty of research when I initially built the van. I will say after two and half years there's a lot more information out there for converting a van. The reflectix were a mistake, but it can easily be fixed and I mainly just use them as window blackouts and the curtains as an insulator since the cab is pretty difficult to control with all the cracks and openings under the plastics to the engine. You never know until you try.
That’s cheap! You saved a lot on labor! If you bought a class B camper van with the same features it would cost over 100,000. Great job Ben! 🚐👍