Totally blown away by your knowledge, craftsmanship, and ability to teach these challenging skills in a really engaging and interesting way. Wish I had you as my woodwork teacher at school. If I can convert my van to a fraction of the standard of yours, I will be amazed!
It is totally achievable, I've only had office based jobs and come from a theoretical background so if I can turn this around with minimal hand on experience with tools I'm sure you could do a very good job also. I find practising on scraps first to get use to the tools helps a lot as well. Best wishes with your own van build :D
@@GregVirgoe Its a lot to get my head around and quite daunting but I'm going to remain positive and look forward to the build process. Your videos will certainly help, so thank you ever so much.
Crumbs Greg! I've learned more in 45 minutes watching your videos than I learned watching any of the SketchUp Tutorials. You are an awesome teacher, and I can't thank you enough for putting this information out there. Design 2.0 will be underway shortly ... I'm picking up my van on Thursday and looking forward to getting going on this project. 😁🙏
I find sketch-up really user friendly. It’s such a shame the greedy new owners stopped it being a free download. Glad you like the videos. Some of my other sketch up videos are worth a watch even if I’m drawing something not van related they are still relevant to learn how to draw. 🤩
Watching this for a second time...what an awesome teacher you are! As a retired teacher, I know what I’m talking about. I can’t wait to find my van and get started on my own project! Thanks a million, Greg. Cheers!
I really need to crack on with my camper but feel I can’t until I’ve seen you complete yours as you are a font of knowledge!! Thank you so much for investing the time and effort to produce these videos, it takes soooo much time and effort, which is clearly appreciated by your fans!! And me 😉!!
Hi Tobias, that's very high praise indeed, many thanks. I have given myself a fairly tight deadline of 20th April to have it liveable as we have booked our first weekend festival. So I'm going to have to get my finger out and crack on as now only 3months away and with working full time, the only productive days are weekends. Hopefully I won't run into any problems and can pick up the pace a little. Can you give me some details of your build, van type and what you want to do with it after?
I know the dead line feeling, I’ve set mine as May bank hol!! I have just got a Peugeot boxer as me and the family are out growing our old VW!! Being a VW Fan i wanted a mwb crafter but just couldn’t make the conversion work, so went for a boxer as they are wider!! Didn’t fancy a lwb like yours as I may use it as a daily!! Been challenging designing it because of the 4 berth and needing kids travelling Seats but have it finalised now, so once my elec plan is complete I’ll make a start!! Then we can continue our uk exploration and then Europe!! Thinking about documenting it on video so may publish to TH-cam!!
I have to say, this is getting better and better with every video. Thank you for explaining every detail on how to sketch. Your knowledge is well appreciated. Cheers!!
I have watched a lot of sketchup videos and this is by far the best. Very easy to understand and follow. Thanks a lot Greg, it's been very helpful in my Van plan.
What an amazing program to calculate the measurements of everything! I hope people realize what a cost savings this can be when compared to the trial and error method. Thanks, Greg!
what a fantastic tutorial for sketchup. I'm borrowing so many things from you. still looking for my van and cant wait to get started. much appreciate the time and effort you put into your videos. enjoy them immensely
a thoroughly enjoyable series of videos from one of the most engaging personalities in the van life world. You know your stuff Greg. This was a marvel. Not just to be understanding what you want, but to design it in Sketchup, record it live with excellent control of panning and capture it all into a video with faultless clear voice over! A lot of skills involved and you are clearly loving it. No wonder the subscription is at 14k now. Thanks fella, I learned a lot there. R&T.
Hi Tanya and Roy, you're right, I am really enjoying every aspect of this build. What makes it all worthwhile is receiving fantastic comments like yours. It's wonderful to read them. (Your cheque's in the post) 😉 Thanks guys
Thank you for showing how to use this software I think it’s brilliant way of planning a build or anything else, gives a very good model of both the construction idea and what it will look like before positioning units and possibly makings costly mistakes and wasting materials. The end result will be a much better conversion
Hi Darren, I've used AutoCAD for years in work but I find SketchUp much more satisfying. You can generate a very realistic representation of your project in minutes with a few simple tools and see exactly what you're planning to build. Really pleased you liked the video and thank you for such great feedback. Best wishes
This was a terrific video. I had tried sketch up in the past when it was released but was overwhelmed by it and didn’t know where to start. This video has helped me see that I should invest my time into it. Thanks for the effort you have put in and your clear guidance.
hi greg i was very slow at this sketch up and almost gave up and went back to paper and pencil, but im am getting faster.and your vids really helped me a lot thanks
That's great Chris, look back through my Sketchup playlist, some of the simple builds like the wall cupboards for the workshop will get you going in no time at all. You only need to use a few simple tools to get some great results. SketchUp Tutorials th-cam.com/play/PLLhAyWhGGbi63tiEYE-5DpkuXFoRVODlD.html
Excellent tutorial! Again I've learned something new and I can't wait to put it to use. A while ago, before I found your channel, I made an interior drawing in SketchUp but in the most basic way possible, so now I want to redo it properly using al the techniques as you've showed. All I need now is time. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, you're a man of many talents.
Really pleased that you found these to be useful to you. Thanks for a great comment. Please try out my other Sketchup videos. th-cam.com/play/PLLhAyWhGGbi63tiEYE-5DpkuXFoRVODlD.html
That's a great part 2. I will inch through this to grasp all the 'then hold the shift key down' tricks. Oh and I'm humbled to have my ownlayout displayed at the end. Thank you.
Hi Rob, I'm glad you picked up on the SHIFT key as that is a very useful tool. When ever you want to lock a tool onto a specific axis press and hold the shift key. This applies to drawing lines, moving objects or manipulating parts. I think your layout is unique. Thank you
I've lost count of how many layouts I've considered. Probably the number one feature everybody wants is a fixed bed. Downside of course, when you are not using it, it's just dead space and you've lost the potential of a lounge area. So I compromised on a semi-fixed bed, where it is actually possible to leave the bed out and still be able to live and move around the van. We know we have sacrificed the potential of a large under bed garage space, but in the end we will just pack less. On those busy (lazy?) camping days, we can just get up, breakfast and be off and leave the bed out ready for the evening. A further plus is that a comfortable lounge area is great for entertaining friends and family or just parking up and overlook the sea in comfort. Now back to those SHIFT keys:)
Everyone wants different things, the beauty of doing it yourself is you can have it exactly how you want it. What's next for you guys on the build front?
My floor work has ground to a halt, since the cable and pipe runs are causing me problems. Further I'm not feeling too good and this terrible weather is not helping. On the plus side, I now have the toilet, a Thetford C220 and coming tomorrow a Truma Varioheat gas heater. Can't decide whether to go for a Propex 10L electric boiler or a Truma 14L. Completely undecided on the fridge, I might even build one myself.
Sorry to hear you've not been well. I too have had this flu that's been doing the rounds. You can hear in this video how bunged up I am as my voice sounds very different. With the snow today I gave the van a miss in favour of going to see Star Wars at the cinema :D The same toilet as me, I'm also going with Truma, but with the Combi 4 heating and 10L hot water. I too cannot decide on the fridge, I don't want to go gas and cannot understand why they are so expensive? Did you say you were going to build your own fridge? That I must watch!
Thank you Dave, I do spend just as much time editing as I do actually building things. I'm my own worst enemy as I'm bit of a perfectionist and end up retaking shots if they are not right. Fortunately as you may notice I'm becoming more comfortable in front of the camera and these out takes are becoming fewer. There has been some classics though. Fly landing on camera etc lol
Brilliant stuff, mate. I'm just planning out the fit out of a MWB Sprinter, found one of your videos and am now working through them all. Learning so much from you about things that are useful outside of van life too - carpentry, using Sketch-up and so on. Good luck on your travels, and thanks for the inspiration, advice and general help.
Really really useful your video. Thanks, today I decided to finally learn how to use SketchUp after years of hearing about it....and what is more important: interested in converting an old van into a camper. Cheers and thanks from Catalonia.
Hello Tony, take a look at my Sketchup playlist, I have some simple builds that are very easy to follow and will get you going in minutes. SketchUp Tutorials th-cam.com/play/PLLhAyWhGGbi63tiEYE-5DpkuXFoRVODlD.html The wall cupboard is particularly good one for beginners.
I just found your channel and am really enjoying these detailed well produced videos. Brilliant work very inspirational. I can't wait to see the finished van.
Thank you again for this detailed description, great work, I've down loaded the program and your van drawing. As my van is the sprinter 310 2013 MWB I'll need to modify the drawing for a shorter length, and then as my van is partially fitted out as a welfare van reproduce the internal details before moving on. I'll report back when I have made more progress but this will be so useful as I want to modify the internal arrangements and add features like add high level wall cabinets, and re arrange the kitchen, and plan where a bed can be fitted.
Hey Greg! Thanks for putting in all of this hard work for us it's super helpful. Is any chance you wouldn't mind doing a short video on how you did the wheels and windows? I tried doing what you explained in another comment about the Follow me tool but I couldn't figure out what shape and path to create. Thanks!
Hi Greg, Thank you for your videos, been looking at van conversions for a long time. Yours just made it real for me. I am really curious on how the garage is going to turn out. Can't wait, keep it up!
Thanks very much. Been looking at some alternative ideas for demountable bed as head room over a fixed garage is really limited and as we plan to live in it long time need more comfort when not shifting bikes about. Hope to pin it down this week. Cheers
Hi Greg, I'm about to convert my first van and I am very new to all of this. I've been watching the sketch up videos and wanted to know how you got the wheel arch inside the van and also the windows as I can't seem to find that video, unless there isn't one. Many thanks
Again a great and very informative video. I learned an awful lot about SketchUp. I used to be an AutoCad and Inventor designer 8 to 9 years ago and loved it. Actually I still miss it and want to start again. SketchUp seems to be a very interesting program. The way you explain what to do and how to do it is astounding. A few times I thought of questions I had to put in the comment section. But each time you addressed the the problem right away. Thank you for this video and can’t wait for the next one. ;)
Thank you so much for amazing feedback. If you know AutoCAD you will find picking up SketchUp a breeze. Please try some of my other SketchUp videos. What sort of things did you invent/design?
Amazing video Greg, you obviously have a technical background and these video's are showcasing your skills. I can now use sketchup properly thanks to your tutorials, keep up the good work! (Great conversion).
Hello Craig, I started work 30 yrs ago as a draughtsman in a mechanical services company drawing building services and control panel wiring diagrams with ink pens on tracing paper. Have come a long way since those days, I jumped into AutoCAD when that was released and put myself through a C&G course. Sketchup I find so intuitive and very easy to use and get such fantastic results, love it.
Hi Greg, yes I thought so. Great logical thinking from theory through to practice. I'm a joiner by trade and have been dreaming about doing my own conversion for about 4 years now. I'm currently at the stage of picking my van and designing my layout, but I change my mind like the weather haha. Tried using sketchup before but shortly lost interest due to my own lack of experience, but I will certainly persist with it from now on. All the best Greg.
Hi Craig, try some of my previous SketchUp videos. What I’m drawing may not be applicable but the basic principles are the same. Best wishes with your forthcoming build. 👍🏼
Well Greg, after a reccomendation from Vandemonium / Cruising the Cut, I have now watched all your vlogs and I'm really looking forward to many more. I have even downloaded Sketchup. Thank You for a good series.
I feel very honoured Brian, thank you for taking time to watch my videos. I'm a big fan of David's channels, like his delivery and sense of humour. Hope you continue to enjoy the rest of the videos and welcome aboard. Best wishes with your own build.
Tip for Mac users. After downloading the wood textures from 3D Warehouse and placing into your model, you can not use the Materials window to select it! Instead you must select the Paint Bucket tool (press B) then hold the Cmd key while hovering the cursor over the texture. Basically this is how you gain access to Sketchup's pipette instead of the Mac OS's pipette.
Thank you for being so thorough in covering your build. I've always wanted to know how to use CAD programs and this has given me a practical intro into how to do so. Also, thank you for including your thought processes in your design. I'm very analytical and this is a great aid to me in planning my build! :-D
Great vid Greg, fantastic series, you're the man. Is this the XXL / LWB of the sprinter you measured and transposed into the sketchUp ? Thanks 4 sharing mate
Greg, first let me say that Your videos are hands down the best I have ever seen on conversions. Awesome job on the van and on explaining everything, almost fools me this can't be that hard (which is of course false feeling :) ). I am writing to ask you for reupload of Your van's SketchUp file - I want to run around with a measure as I'm trying to design similar design holding 2 race track Yamahas R6 in a L3H2 Ducato (6m long, 3,7m building area) and I still can't figure out how you have fit everything in (assuming you have a 7m long Sprinter with 4,3 building area) since Your garage was supposed to park a motorbike too - one would think 60cm isn't that much... Enjoy the travels! Cheers!
Hi Greg!really enjoying your sketchup series.One question about the way you designed your van. How did it translate from computer screen into reality? One example minute 16:31, that divider shape is tricky, and my guess is the program decided that divider measures once you gave it the measure of the other components (front,Back,battons etc)???Once you cut it in wood did it fit ok?thanks
Hi Jeff, what I would do is start by placing some guide lines at equal distance from the edges, use these to help draw a line with the pencil tool, you can round the corners with the circle tool. Use the eraser to delete portions of the lines you do not need. Then once you have a complete outline use the push pull tool to push through to the other face and create a hole. My assembly table tutorial shows you exactly how this can be done. Hope that helps.
@@GregVirgoe I can't find that video, can you put the link here. Thanks to your tutorials I have now started to sketch a generic van interior just to get different version to choose from regarding floor plan and placement and size of storage and furniture, thanks :-)
Hi Greg, this is so useful thank you so much. We had really struggled before coming across your videos! We can't seem to find the instructions on how you added in your windows? Could you please point us in the right direction? Thank you!
Georgia Yiapanis that’s really easy. In the materials section there is a group for transparent materials like fencing and glass where you can see through them. Just select that material and paste it onto a surface to change its properties. Hope that helps.
WOW ive watched your vids i think it is fantastic, I love how you go into detail step by step,and your workmanship is top notch,then i clicked the links to the companys you got the items off and it was all there,cant wait get started already got my sprinter a 2013 that i have been running back and to to spain with dogs and cats but now its time to slow down as im no spring chicken,so turning into a motor home,one Question Greg if you can answer it once i complete the van do i have to register with the d.v.l.a as a motorhome or leave it as a van ? once again fantastic job m8 cant wait get started cheers regards steve.
Pets2Move Pets2Move thanks very much for watching the videos and I’m pleased you like them. No, you don’t have to register it as a motor caravan you can leave it as a van. The process has been made harder by the DVLA and very few get changed now most get the status Van with Windows. It changed the MOT class, insurance and speed limits. But it’s not legal requirement unless you make drastic changes to the appearance like colour.
@@GregVirgoe thanks for speedy reply Greg i was up till 4 this morning watching your vids every time at the end my eyes was going id say thats enough for tonight,but couldnt leave it there so id click the next one,lol take care pal
I use a wheel mouse, press the wheel button and you can rotate the model, hold down the shift key as well to pan, spin the wheel to zoom in and out, the zoom always centres on where your mouse cursor is. Try zooming out, moving your mouse and zoom back into another place.
WOW! Awesome stuff greg... Could you technically use these finished files for CNC cutting? its certainly an attractive option if so... do you think it would be precise enough for following the curved profile of the van... or would you oversize then scribe after? Did you use these drawings for your final templates in the end?
If you had a very accurate template to draw off then yes you could cut them with CNC in reality every van would be slightly different depending on how it’s been panelled out initially. So manufactured flat pack furniture fir vans comes square and you have to scribe it yourself to fit the van. I used the kitchen carcass design as a cutting plan. The rest I used for sheet planning to make best use of the laminate.
Thanks Marc, I'm hoping that after these few videos you can see a trend occurring. I only really use a handful of tools to get these results. You don't need to know 100% of it how works to turn out good looking drawings. Thanks again.
Greg Virgoe very much like me when I first used sketchup (2001), figured out much as it was the same kind of software as Bryce and others. Once mastered the basics much is through trail and error or....hours of reading (back then)…great work anyway. 👍🏼😊
Me too Marc, I brought a couple of books when it first came out, I also remember they did a video podcast series when that was popular. But now with TH-cam, if I need to know how to do something you can pretty much guarantee that somebody else has done a video on it. TH-cam is my library, my encyclopaedia and my teacher, love it!
You didnt do the wheel wells in the last video, does it follow the same concept as the curve in the roof? I assume you make a series of curves then give it depth with the 3d tool?
Hey Greg, love your video's and the way you explain things! Drawing my own van, a VW lt28 now, but i can't find the 2nd movie, where u detail the base, like windows etc. Could u post a link for it?
RobWarburton I used 7 full sheets and to give you an idea of how I used them here is a cutting plan. www.dropbox.com/s/5tbb3zb36c0o3wm/Cutting%20Plan.pdf?dl=0
Your vids are by far the best and most detailed on the subject i have seen, im now a subscriber and hope your channel grows with more great content. Well done 👍
if you watch my other sketchup videos, like the wall cupboard or picnic table, they all use the same basic tools and you only need to learn a few simple things to create great looking plans
Greg Virgoe i watched the wall cupboard and it seems to be quite similar to my photoshop ten program. It will take me awhile but i should be able to figure that out. Im just worried about getting the right plan for my van. I still have lots to learn but thanks to people like you, its possible to teach old gals new tricks. Lol
i thought i kinda knew my way around sketchup. but i just learned some TOP tips. THANKS.... from the component list can you print it out and make a template to draw onto final material with? oh. and...... is it built yet, is it finished yet? is it is it is it is it????? looks excellent.
Hi darren, check out part 2 of the picnic table video where I build a cutting plan from components. You can print full size but you would need a large scale printer or something like Matthias Wandel Big Print program. Still building the van buddy, the videos are week or two behind the build.
great tutorial was finding sketch up tutorials boring and difficult, im starting a business cutting interiors on a cnc machine so this knowledge is fantastic for me, any resources you can direct me to wold be helpful.
Thanks for another great video. Are you going to be using zebrano veneer? It looks very dark to me and would suck all of the light out of your living area.
That was one of our concerns Tony, so we drove all the way to North Wales to the Morland factory and they kindly got some full size boards out to show us as the free samples they send out are only very small and you don't get the full picture. It will be darker, but high gloss acts like a mirror and bounces light about. We have two skylights and the big front windows and tons of lights so it should be ok. I think light maple shades look too 70s caravan to me. It's all personal taste though hey?
Hi Greg, I haven't watched all the videos to find it, (and apologies if I skipped over) but could you please bullet point he exact van details of your van. e.g. Year Model FWD/RWD Wheelbase Height Length - extended etc etc. Can wait for the full van tour video, love your work! Lee
I'm in the process of redesigning the main bed area to make it removable in sections. After much head scratching, I think two is going to be too ambitious. I have batteries and gas to fit in the garage and overall carry weight to consider too. Expect a revised plan and walk through very soon.
Greg this is amazing. I've never used sketch up and I want to try but feel like I'll have no idea how to even start. I am rebuilding an RV it is 30inchs long by 8ft high. I just have some questions if you could help please. When you design is the wood options stock in software or do I need to download alot to make designs. I see in video you had sinks,wood grain etc... Also I want to build a loft so I would need to place 4x4 inside with joist hangers and really try to construct this in depth. Is this very difficult to do or should I just stick to pencil and paper? I'm good at construction and building but not like this would love to see it before I build it.
Curtis Hanson it’s very easy to create timber sections simply by drawing the end rectangle and using push pull to extrude to the length you desire. If you watch my other sketchup tutorials they will show you the same tools in very simple terms. I follow the same steps. Draw rectangle, push pull to length, triple click to select all, apply texture then right click and make it a component. For other more complicated objects you can search the 3D warehouse and download pre-drawn models to save a lot of time. Once you get the hang of it it’s a fabulous tool to visualise your plans and literally walk though them before cutting any wood.
Great job Greg! You know your way around sketchup! BTW, anytime you can mention inches or feet (which I believe you did) It's appreciated! Otherwise for us in the USA I guess I need to learn more about the metric system. Again, thanks for this video!
Hello Pete, that's a fantastic comment, thank you. I grew up on feet and inches and find I can visualise things in my head easier if you say 6ft rather than 180cm. When using Sketchup with imperial units you have to type the fractions and it's just easier for me to work in MM. I will try in future to mention both sets of dimensions, as a 1/3 of my viewers are from North America. Thank you
I might be missing something here, but can you please post the link for the tutorial on how to add windows and wheel arches. I can't seem to find it and would love to follow along. Just started the design on my Mitsi L300 conversion and your tutorials are excellent! Thanks :-)
Hello, I didn't shoot any specific video of that, but in simple terms, I drew the outline of the window on the side panel, this gives you a surface inside the line that you can change the material texture. In the materials menu, you will find a list of glass. When you paint these on it makes the object go see through. For the wheel arch, I drew the outline on the floor and the side wall then used the "follow-me" tool to develop it into a 3D object with one click. I will have to do a video just on the "follow-me" tool it's probably my favourite and the most powerful.
Hey greg, first of all nice job! I really apreciate all your effort... I miss the video when you make the windows and the tires space... Do you upload this video? best regards!
Hello Raphael, no I did not produce a video for this part. It is easy to do. On the side panel simply draw the outline of the window with pencil and arc tools using similar methods. Then paste a glass material to the surface to make it see through. The wheel arch I drew the shape on the side and pull away the thickness. You can download my van sketch from my 3D warehouse. Hope that helps you.
@@GregVirgoe I have been trying to do just this, but then the windows are on a different plane than that section of the van walls. I assume that I can address it with the rotate tool. Will keep trying. :)
Hello Mike, I prepared a cutting plan purely for the purpose of maximising the use of expensive furniture boards. I didn't actually cut anything to these dimensions as every board was measure and cut from dimensions taken in the van. You can get a PDF copy here www.dropbox.com/s/r6zrqizjsci03bl/Sprinter%20Camper%20Van%20Cutting%20Plan.pdf?dl=0 and use it as a guide. I plan to release the full SketchUp file at a later date to coincide with a build manual I'm working on.
Excellent vid thanks Greg. Do you still use SU make 17? I have the same... all functionality seems to work so far... Don't really want to move to subscription model :(
Hi Greg! I am really enjoying watching your videos and journey with this camper. Can I ask, how long it took to learn sketch up for you and is there any other courses or tutorials that are good to learn off. thanks so much will be watching from Central Australia. James :)
Hi James, I had a bit of a head start as I already knew how to draw with AutoCAD so I picked it up very quickly. I did buy a couple of books including Sketchup for Dummies but by far the best way to learn is here on TH-cam. th-cam.com/video/pv7TrGnZ17w/w-d-xo.html is a good starting point or just look at my other videos :D Thanks
Hello Greg, thank you for all your video, it is going to be a great help for me, using Sketchup. one question where do you get the hose for the truma? Have fun
Hi! thanks for the videos. My shelf is kinda sticking a tony bit outside my van like i can see it if i zoom out i can see the lines of the panells and batons etc. How do i solve this?>
Hey Greg! As a long time sketchup user, great tutorial! Lots of functions i know but rarely remember to teach new users. A question, you said that you are using a lightweight furniture board. Since you later in the video said that you would fix the battens with pocketholes, i guess you mean MDF, or possible lightweight ply? I have been interested in Egger eurolight for some applications, but the downside is you only can attach screws around the edges.
Hello, the 15mm lightweight furniture ply is typically a 9 ply board with a veneer finish both sides. I won’t be using any MDF because it doesn’t take screws at all and blows up if it get wet. I will Be glueing the cabinets and using concealed pocket hole screws to hold them together while the glue goes off. Morland is one company that supplies the board and will send you samples too. Hope that answers your question.
Greg Virgoe, mdf has its uses and I agree ply is better in this scenario. You only said “lightweight furniture board” in the video, but I take it you are using ply then. :) Built my van with 18mm constructionply with A/B rating, it’s unbelievably strong and I can hang in all my cabinets even when they are fully loaded. but I am really interested in trying new materials for my next build, especially with a better finish. :)
Sorry Jack, I do mean the lightweight furniture plywood specifically designed for use in motorhomes and campers. www.morland-uk.com/shop/panel-products/sheet-materials/lightweight-furniture-ply.html
Hello, I originally trained in AutoCAD and use this for work. However I taught myself how to use Sketchup and I don't think you need any other drawing skills to learn it. I started with a couple of books as their wasn't much internet content but now the best resource is here. I subscribe to a couple of Sketchup tutorial creator on TH-cam, this one is a great beginner series. th-cam.com/play/PLF001616C0ADF4245.html Watch my other tutorials and they go through similar steps to draw real life objects. Jay bates and Matthias Wandel have some good tutorials too.
Great vids. I tried sketch up before and failed but this is way more helpful than the generic videos. Question. For the cupboard doors did you just use the rectangle tool then radius the ends, Some how removed that piece. Then removed say 5mm off its length and height and put it back in??
Hi David what you can do is create the flat shape as you describe then use the offset tool to create a second line exactly the same shape but either smaller or larger to create a gap or overlap then use the push pull on the new size shape deleting any bits you don’t need afterwards. Hope that makes sense.
Your videos on sketchup are so easy to understand, thank you for your comprehensive work. Do you know if there is a place where i can download a sketchup file of a specific model of van so I already have the shell/template ready to build on?
Click on the 3D warehouse link either in Sketchup or from my youtube home page. There you can type a search for the van you want. Usually someone will post one for you to download. 👍🏼😊
Greg Virgoe well i sort of feel like an idiot because i cannot find a search function from the 3D Warehouse area. It is prompting me to save my current project to the 3D Warehouse... I’m on an iPad, and because I couldn’t actually use the link to download the 2017 version, I am using the free online version. I’m probably going about it all wrong, eh?
Totally blown away by your knowledge, craftsmanship, and ability to teach these challenging skills in a really engaging and interesting way. Wish I had you as my woodwork teacher at school. If I can convert my van to a fraction of the standard of yours, I will be amazed!
It is totally achievable, I've only had office based jobs and come from a theoretical background so if I can turn this around with minimal hand on experience with tools I'm sure you could do a very good job also. I find practising on scraps first to get use to the tools helps a lot as well. Best wishes with your own van build :D
@@GregVirgoe Its a lot to get my head around and quite daunting but I'm going to remain positive and look forward to the build process. Your videos will certainly help, so thank you ever so much.
Always happy to give some useful advice if you need it :D
Crumbs Greg! I've learned more in 45 minutes watching your videos than I learned watching any of the SketchUp Tutorials.
You are an awesome teacher, and I can't thank you enough for putting this information out there.
Design 2.0 will be underway shortly ... I'm picking up my van on Thursday and looking forward to getting going on this project. 😁🙏
I find sketch-up really user friendly. It’s such a shame the greedy new owners stopped it being a free download. Glad you like the videos. Some of my other sketch up videos are worth a watch even if I’m drawing something not van related they are still relevant to learn how to draw. 🤩
If teachers (high school) were to watch your videos their teaching skills would only improve. As always I am impressed, thank you for your tutorials.
Thank you so much Cliff, really nice of you to say so
Watching this for a second time...what an awesome teacher you are! As a retired teacher, I know what I’m talking about. I can’t wait to find my van and get started on my own project! Thanks a million, Greg. Cheers!
That's very kind of you.
What are your van goals?
I really need to crack on with my camper but feel I can’t until I’ve seen you complete yours as you are a font of knowledge!! Thank you so much for investing the time and effort to produce these videos, it takes soooo much time and effort, which is clearly appreciated by your fans!! And me 😉!!
Hi Tobias, that's very high praise indeed, many thanks. I have given myself a fairly tight deadline of 20th April to have it liveable as we have booked our first weekend festival. So I'm going to have to get my finger out and crack on as now only 3months away and with working full time, the only productive days are weekends. Hopefully I won't run into any problems and can pick up the pace a little. Can you give me some details of your build, van type and what you want to do with it after?
I know the dead line feeling, I’ve set mine as May bank hol!! I have just got a Peugeot boxer as me and the family are out growing our old VW!! Being a VW Fan i wanted a mwb crafter but just couldn’t make the conversion work, so went for a boxer as they are wider!! Didn’t fancy a lwb like yours as I may use it as a daily!! Been challenging designing it because of the 4 berth and needing kids travelling Seats but have it finalised now, so once my elec plan is complete I’ll make a start!! Then we can continue our uk exploration and then Europe!! Thinking about documenting it on video so may publish to TH-cam!!
I would like to see your progress and you plans. 😃
Thank you for teaching us. Im proud of you from philippines
I have to say, this is getting better and better with every video. Thank you for explaining every detail on how to sketch.
Your knowledge is well appreciated. Cheers!!
Thank you very much for your kind comment Oscar
I have watched a lot of sketchup videos and this is by far the best. Very easy to understand and follow. Thanks a lot Greg, it's been very helpful in my Van plan.
You are a fantastic teacher!
Thank you 🙏🏼😊
Greg, like everyone else on here, your videos and craftsmanship are superb and very much appreciated.
Keep up the great work,
Cheers,
Dan
Than you for taking the time to leave such great feedback, it is really appreciated.
Wow, BEST instruction for using 3D app!!! I feel like I can now go draw my van's interior.
eric tan glad it was useful. Have a look at my other sketchup videos they are also easy to follow and may help you get started.
What an amazing program to calculate the measurements of everything! I hope people realize what a cost savings this can be when compared to the trial and error method. Thanks, Greg!
Denis Foley it’s a great too to visualise your design and do a virtual walk through before buying any materials. I love using it 😃
what a fantastic tutorial for sketchup. I'm borrowing so many things from you. still looking for my van and cant wait to get started. much appreciate the time and effort you put into your videos. enjoy them immensely
Thank you very much for your continued support.
What sort of van are you looking for and what are your plans with it?
I like your style men. You truly a great inspiration to many..
Thank you very much
definitely the best tutorial on youtube... Thanks!
a thoroughly enjoyable series of videos from one of the most engaging personalities in the van life world. You know your stuff Greg. This was a marvel. Not just to be understanding what you want, but to design it in Sketchup, record it live with excellent control of panning and capture it all into a video with faultless clear voice over! A lot of skills involved and you are clearly loving it. No wonder the subscription is at 14k now. Thanks fella, I learned a lot there. R&T.
Hi Tanya and Roy, you're right, I am really enjoying every aspect of this build. What makes it all worthwhile is receiving fantastic comments like yours. It's wonderful to read them. (Your cheque's in the post) 😉 Thanks guys
hi... I’m am so happy that I came across your tube channel. this has helped me so much… thank you
Thank you for showing how to use this software I think it’s brilliant way of planning a build or anything else, gives a very good model of both the construction idea and what it will look like before positioning units and possibly makings costly mistakes and wasting materials. The end result will be a much better conversion
Hi Darren, I've used AutoCAD for years in work but I find SketchUp much more satisfying. You can generate a very realistic representation of your project in minutes with a few simple tools and see exactly what you're planning to build. Really pleased you liked the video and thank you for such great feedback. Best wishes
Thanks for sharing.... you make it look so simple... will give it a crack @ it.
Keep you posted.
This was a terrific video. I had tried sketch up in the past when it was released but was overwhelmed by it and didn’t know where to start. This video has helped me see that I should invest my time into it. Thanks for the effort you have put in and your clear guidance.
2dexandsumplastik hopefully you find my other sketchup videos to be useful too
hi greg i was very slow at this sketch up and almost gave up and went back to paper and pencil, but im am getting faster.and your vids really helped me a lot thanks
That's great Chris, look back through my Sketchup playlist, some of the simple builds like the wall cupboards for the workshop will get you going in no time at all. You only need to use a few simple tools to get some great results. SketchUp Tutorials
th-cam.com/play/PLLhAyWhGGbi63tiEYE-5DpkuXFoRVODlD.html
Excellent tutorial! Again I've learned something new and I can't wait to put it to use. A while ago, before I found your channel, I made an interior drawing in SketchUp but in the most basic way possible, so now I want to redo it properly using al the techniques as you've showed. All I need now is time. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, you're a man of many talents.
Really pleased that you found these to be useful to you. Thanks for a great comment. Please try out my other Sketchup videos.
th-cam.com/play/PLLhAyWhGGbi63tiEYE-5DpkuXFoRVODlD.html
That's a great part 2. I will inch through this to grasp all the 'then hold the shift key down' tricks. Oh and I'm humbled to have my ownlayout displayed at the end. Thank you.
Hi Rob, I'm glad you picked up on the SHIFT key as that is a very useful tool. When ever you want to lock a tool onto a specific axis press and hold the shift key. This applies to drawing lines, moving objects or manipulating parts. I think your layout is unique. Thank you
I've lost count of how many layouts I've considered. Probably the number one feature everybody wants is a fixed bed. Downside of course, when you are not using it, it's just dead space and you've lost the potential of a lounge area.
So I compromised on a semi-fixed bed, where it is actually possible to leave the bed out and still be able to live and move around the van. We know we have sacrificed the potential of a large under bed garage space, but in the end we will just pack less.
On those busy (lazy?) camping days, we can just get up, breakfast and be off and leave the bed out ready for the evening. A further plus is that a comfortable lounge area is great for entertaining friends and family or just parking up and overlook the sea in comfort. Now back to those SHIFT keys:)
Everyone wants different things, the beauty of doing it yourself is you can have it exactly how you want it. What's next for you guys on the build front?
My floor work has ground to a halt, since the cable and pipe runs are causing me problems. Further I'm not feeling too good and this terrible weather is not helping. On the plus side, I now have the toilet, a Thetford C220 and coming tomorrow a Truma Varioheat gas heater. Can't decide whether to go for a Propex 10L electric boiler or a Truma 14L. Completely undecided on the fridge, I might even build one myself.
Sorry to hear you've not been well. I too have had this flu that's been doing the rounds.
You can hear in this video how bunged up I am as my voice sounds very different.
With the snow today I gave the van a miss in favour of going to see Star Wars at the cinema :D
The same toilet as me, I'm also going with Truma, but with the Combi 4 heating and 10L hot water.
I too cannot decide on the fridge, I don't want to go gas and cannot understand why they are so expensive?
Did you say you were going to build your own fridge? That I must watch!
wowwwww!! Very nice! cheers from Brazil! Thanks for sharing those tips!
Hats off to you, your videos are amazing, they must take you forever to make and edit.
Thank you Dave, I do spend just as much time editing as I do actually building things. I'm my own worst enemy as I'm bit of a perfectionist and end up retaking shots if they are not right. Fortunately as you may notice I'm becoming more comfortable in front of the camera and these out takes are becoming fewer. There has been some classics though. Fly landing on camera etc lol
Discovered you a few day ago, I'm catching up with your fantastic videos. Many thanks for the template!!
Brilliant stuff, mate. I'm just planning out the fit out of a MWB Sprinter, found one of your videos and am now working through them all. Learning so much from you about things that are useful outside of van life too - carpentry, using Sketch-up and so on. Good luck on your travels, and thanks for the inspiration, advice and general help.
Really really useful your video. Thanks, today I decided to finally learn how to use SketchUp after years of hearing about it....and what is more important: interested in converting an old van into a camper.
Cheers and thanks from Catalonia.
I have just today got SketchUp and this was so helpful, its very daunting when you first start, but your tutorial was so well explained, thanks
Hello Tony, take a look at my Sketchup playlist, I have some simple builds that are very easy to follow and will get you going in minutes. SketchUp Tutorials
th-cam.com/play/PLLhAyWhGGbi63tiEYE-5DpkuXFoRVODlD.html
The wall cupboard is particularly good one for beginners.
I just found your channel and am really enjoying these detailed well produced videos. Brilliant work very inspirational. I can't wait to see the finished van.
Thank you very much Paul, and welcome aboard. 👍🏼
BRILLIANT explanation and got me raring to go. Thank you
Thank you again for this detailed description, great work, I've down loaded the program and your van drawing. As my van is the sprinter 310 2013 MWB I'll need to modify the drawing for a shorter length, and then as my van is partially fitted out as a welfare van reproduce the internal details before moving on. I'll report back when I have made more progress but this will be so useful as I want to modify the internal arrangements and add features like add high level wall cabinets, and re arrange the kitchen, and plan where a bed can be fitted.
I think the "Virgoe Standard" may become a thing on youtube, another excellent video. 😊 can't wait for the next one.
Thanks once again dude. Always good to see your evil skull appear in the comments lol
Thank you! We've been learning so much from you!
You are welcome Miguel, glad they have been useful to you.
Greg Virgoe it has! I had no idea how to get to the 3d model haha. Is your van still under construction, or have you completed building it?
Hey Greg! Thanks for putting in all of this hard work for us it's super helpful. Is any chance you wouldn't mind doing a short video on how you did the wheels and windows? I tried doing what you explained in another comment about the Follow me tool but I couldn't figure out what shape and path to create. Thanks!
I would love to know it too. I tried and tried and still didnt figure how to do it 😢
Hi Greg,
Thank you for your videos, been looking at van conversions for a long time. Yours just made it real for me. I am really curious on how the garage is going to turn out. Can't wait, keep it up!
Thanks very much. Been looking at some alternative ideas for demountable bed as head room over a fixed garage is really limited and as we plan to live in it long time need more comfort when not shifting bikes about. Hope to pin it down this week. Cheers
Sir, please do more tutorials. I am genuinely learning so much and you have a nack or breaking things down simply.
With your varied skills its a wonder what kind of work you were in to learn all these skills or was it a series of different jobs over the years?
sim6699 I’ve been a mechanical services design engineer all my working life.
So that involves so many different disciplines. 😀
Hi Greg, I'm about to convert my first van and I am very new to all of this. I've been watching the sketch up videos and wanted to know how you got the wheel arch inside the van and also the windows as I can't seem to find that video, unless there isn't one. Many thanks
amazing tutorial mate!
I’m pleased you liked it 👍🏼😃
Again a great and very informative video. I learned an awful lot about SketchUp. I used to be an AutoCad and Inventor designer 8 to 9 years ago and loved it. Actually I still miss it and want to start again. SketchUp seems to be a very interesting program.
The way you explain what to do and how to do it is astounding. A few times I thought of questions I had to put in the comment section. But each time you addressed the the problem right away.
Thank you for this video and can’t wait for the next one. ;)
Thank you so much for amazing feedback. If you know AutoCAD you will find picking up SketchUp a breeze.
Please try some of my other SketchUp videos. What sort of things did you invent/design?
very very very impressive. well done
That is so clever .I can't wait for the next part.
Thank you Mario, pleased you liked the video.
Great tutorial, I feel confident to have a stab at designing my own camper now :D Thanks a million!!
With a few simple tools you can create great designs.
@@GregVirgoe You certainly did, great work!
The video is so nice!!!keep going!! your videos are helping me to make my dream van so much~ Thank you!
Awesome video/tutorial, as always, Greg!
Thank you for your continued support John, very much appreciated
Amazing video Greg, you obviously have a technical background and these video's are showcasing your skills.
I can now use sketchup properly thanks to your tutorials, keep up the good work! (Great conversion).
Hello Craig, I started work 30 yrs ago as a draughtsman in a mechanical services company drawing building services and control panel wiring diagrams with ink pens on tracing paper. Have come a long way since those days, I jumped into AutoCAD when that was released and put myself through a C&G course. Sketchup I find so intuitive and very easy to use and get such fantastic results, love it.
Hi Greg, yes I thought so. Great logical thinking from theory through to practice.
I'm a joiner by trade and have been dreaming about doing my own conversion for about 4 years now. I'm currently at the stage of picking my van and designing my layout, but I change my mind like the weather haha.
Tried using sketchup before but shortly lost interest due to my own lack of experience, but I will certainly persist with it from now on.
All the best Greg.
Hi Craig, try some of my previous SketchUp videos. What I’m drawing may not be applicable but the basic principles are the same.
Best wishes with your forthcoming build. 👍🏼
Another excellent tutorial, thank you
Excellent tutorial well done
Great video and super informative thank you
Thank for the great tutorial on Sketchup. I have been using it since Google put it out but have not learned all of the tricks.
David
As you will see in my tutorials I only use a handful of tools but still get good results. Thank you David
wow Greg awesome some serious skills there. never seen out like it
Thanks Nell, glad you are enjoying them. Your T-shirt is on its way to you 😃
Thanks Greg another great video! I'll head over to check the van sketch out as I need to do mine!
Thank you for your continued support, it means a lot to me. Cheers
nice work you are a good teacher in Sketchup,
Thank you very much Stephen 👍🏼
Your an absolute legend!
Well Greg, after a reccomendation from Vandemonium / Cruising the Cut, I have now watched all your vlogs and I'm really looking forward to many more. I have even downloaded Sketchup. Thank You for a good series.
I feel very honoured Brian, thank you for taking time to watch my videos.
I'm a big fan of David's channels, like his delivery and sense of humour.
Hope you continue to enjoy the rest of the videos and welcome aboard.
Best wishes with your own build.
Tip for Mac users.
After downloading the wood textures from 3D Warehouse and placing into your model, you can not use the Materials window to select it! Instead you must select the Paint Bucket tool (press B) then hold the Cmd key while hovering the cursor over the texture. Basically this is how you gain access to Sketchup's pipette instead of the Mac OS's pipette.
Fantastic videos
Thank you for being so thorough in covering your build. I've always wanted to know how to use CAD programs and this has given me a practical intro into how to do so. Also, thank you for including your thought processes in your design. I'm very analytical and this is a great aid to me in planning my build! :-D
My other SketchUp tutorial videos will give you a good start to even if the subject is not applicable the techniques are the same
Great vid Greg, fantastic series, you're the man.
Is this the XXL / LWB of the sprinter you measured and transposed into the sketchUp ?
Thanks 4 sharing mate
I have the LWB version 👍🏼🚐
Greg, first let me say that Your videos are hands down the best I have ever seen on conversions. Awesome job on the van and on explaining everything, almost fools me this can't be that hard (which is of course false feeling :) ). I am writing to ask you for reupload of Your van's SketchUp file - I want to run around with a measure as I'm trying to design similar design holding 2 race track Yamahas R6 in a L3H2 Ducato (6m long, 3,7m building area) and I still can't figure out how you have fit everything in (assuming you have a 7m long Sprinter with 4,3 building area) since Your garage was supposed to park a motorbike too - one would think 60cm isn't that much... Enjoy the travels! Cheers!
This looks like a t1n ! I would love to be able to get the shell template from you somehow
You can just go on the 3D Warehouse and search my name or just click the links in the description
@@GregVirgoe thank you so much
Superb videos, really informative. Thank you!
You're really welcome Dave, thanks for watching.
Brilliant!
Many thanks SJ Allsopp
Well done mate grate videos I can't wait to see the end result 👍
Thank you Neil, hope you enjoy the rest of the series.
Hi Greg!really enjoying your sketchup series.One question about the way you designed your van. How did it translate from computer screen into reality? One example minute 16:31, that divider shape is tricky, and my guess is the program decided that divider measures once you gave it the measure of the other components (front,Back,battons etc)???Once you cut it in wood did it fit ok?thanks
wonderfull job!!!!!!!!
Thank you
I've downloaded sketchup and going to give it a go but how would you cut out the holes for the cupboard doors? Great tutorial.
Hi Jeff, what I would do is start by placing some guide lines at equal distance from the edges, use these to help draw a line with the pencil tool, you can round the corners with the circle tool. Use the eraser to delete portions of the lines you do not need. Then once you have a complete outline use the push pull tool to push through to the other face and create a hole. My assembly table tutorial shows you exactly how this can be done. Hope that helps.
Thank you Greg. love your tutorials and will check out the table one now. Many thanks.
@@GregVirgoe I can't find that video, can you put the link here. Thanks to your tutorials I have now started to sketch a generic van interior just to get different version to choose from regarding floor plan and placement and size of storage and furniture, thanks :-)
Peter Johansson this is the complete sketchup playlist th-cam.com/play/PLLhAyWhGGbi63tiEYE-5DpkuXFoRVODlD.html
Excellent!!
Many thanks!
Thank you Dude. 👍🏼
Hi Greg, this is so useful thank you so much. We had really struggled before coming across your videos! We can't seem to find the instructions on how you added in your windows? Could you please point us in the right direction? Thank you!
Georgia Yiapanis that’s really easy. In the materials section there is a group for transparent materials like fencing and glass where you can see through them. Just select that material and paste it onto a surface to change its properties. Hope that helps.
WOW ive watched your vids i think it is fantastic, I love how you go into detail step by step,and your workmanship is top notch,then i clicked the links to the companys you got the items off and it was all there,cant wait get started already got my sprinter a 2013 that i have been running back and to to spain with dogs and cats but now its time to slow down as im no spring chicken,so turning into a motor home,one Question Greg if you can answer it once i complete the van do i have to register with the d.v.l.a as a motorhome or leave it as a van ? once again fantastic job m8 cant wait get started cheers regards steve.
Pets2Move Pets2Move thanks very much for watching the videos and I’m pleased you like them.
No, you don’t have to register it as a motor caravan you can leave it as a van. The process has been made harder by the DVLA and very few get changed now most get the status Van with Windows.
It changed the MOT class, insurance and speed limits.
But it’s not legal requirement unless you make drastic changes to the appearance like colour.
@@GregVirgoe thanks for speedy reply Greg i was up till 4 this morning watching your vids every time at the end my eyes was going id say thats enough for tonight,but couldnt leave it there so id click the next one,lol take care pal
Awesome videos en thnx for the file!
You're welcome Guy. Interesting name choice lol
Greg at 15:15 you’re tracing but also able to adjust your view. How do you do that?
I use a wheel mouse, press the wheel button and you can rotate the model, hold down the shift key as well to pan, spin the wheel to zoom in and out, the zoom always centres on where your mouse cursor is. Try zooming out, moving your mouse and zoom back into another place.
WOW! Awesome stuff greg... Could you technically use these finished files for CNC cutting? its certainly an attractive option if so... do you think it would be precise enough for following the curved profile of the van... or would you oversize then scribe after? Did you use these drawings for your final templates in the end?
If you had a very accurate template to draw off then yes you could cut them with CNC in reality every van would be slightly different depending on how it’s been panelled out initially. So manufactured flat pack furniture fir vans comes square and you have to scribe it yourself to fit the van.
I used the kitchen carcass design as a cutting plan. The rest I used for sheet planning to make best use of the laminate.
Your just to bloody good at this my friend....well done mate 👍🏼😊
Thanks Marc, I'm hoping that after these few videos you can see a trend occurring. I only really use a handful of tools to get these results. You don't need to know 100% of it how works to turn out good looking drawings. Thanks again.
Greg Virgoe very much like me when I first used sketchup (2001), figured out much as it was the same kind of software as Bryce and others. Once mastered the basics much is through trail and error or....hours of reading (back then)…great work anyway. 👍🏼😊
Me too Marc, I brought a couple of books when it first came out, I also remember they did a video podcast series when that was popular. But now with TH-cam, if I need to know how to do something you can pretty much guarantee that somebody else has done a video on it. TH-cam is my library, my encyclopaedia and my teacher, love it!
You didnt do the wheel wells in the last video, does it follow the same concept as the curve in the roof? I assume you make a series of curves then give it depth with the 3d tool?
I drew a single line profile and used the FollowMe tool to form the wheel arch shape.
Did you figure the wheel well out? If so, can you share how...in detail please
Hey Greg, love your video's and the way you explain things! Drawing my own van, a VW lt28 now, but i can't find the 2nd movie, where u detail the base, like windows etc. Could u post a link for it?
@greg virgoe if you don't mind me asking, how many furniture boards did you use to complete the build.
RobWarburton I used 7 full sheets and to give you an idea of how I used them here is a cutting plan. www.dropbox.com/s/5tbb3zb36c0o3wm/Cutting%20Plan.pdf?dl=0
Your vids are by far the best and most detailed on the subject i have seen, im now a subscriber and hope your channel grows with more great content. Well done 👍
Oh man, i love you for this!
Glad you like it. Cheers
Greg Virgoe i just hope i can figure it out. Lol
if you watch my other sketchup videos, like the wall cupboard or picnic table, they all use the same basic tools and you only need to learn a few simple things to create great looking plans
Greg Virgoe i watched the wall cupboard and it seems to be quite similar to my photoshop ten program. It will take me awhile but i should be able to figure that out. Im just worried about getting the right plan for my van. I still have lots to learn but thanks to people like you, its possible to teach old gals new tricks. Lol
Why not draw your own van from your own dimensions?
th-cam.com/video/b47sF7l1yDM/w-d-xo.html
i thought i kinda knew my way around sketchup. but i just learned some TOP tips. THANKS.... from the component list can you print it out and make a template to draw onto final material with? oh. and...... is it built yet, is it finished yet? is it is it is it is it????? looks excellent.
Hi darren, check out part 2 of the picnic table video where I build a cutting plan from components. You can print full size but you would need a large scale printer or something like Matthias Wandel Big Print program. Still building the van buddy, the videos are week or two behind the build.
great tutorial was finding sketch up tutorials boring and difficult, im starting a business cutting interiors on a cnc machine so this knowledge is fantastic for me, any resources you can direct me to wold be helpful.
Thanks for another great video. Are you going to be using zebrano veneer? It looks very dark to me and would suck all of the light out of your living area.
That was one of our concerns Tony, so we drove all the way to North Wales to the Morland factory and they kindly got some full size boards out to show us as the free samples they send out are only very small and you don't get the full picture. It will be darker, but high gloss acts like a mirror and bounces light about. We have two skylights and the big front windows and tons of lights so it should be ok. I think light maple shades look too 70s caravan to me. It's all personal taste though hey?
Hi Greg, I haven't watched all the videos to find it, (and apologies if I skipped over) but could you please bullet point he exact van details of your van. e.g.
Year Model
FWD/RWD
Wheelbase
Height
Length - extended etc etc.
Can wait for the full van tour video, love your work!
Lee
Hi Lee, yeah sure it's a 2008 (58 Plate) LWB Hi-Roof Mercedes Sprinter single rear wheel drive 3.5T 2.15 TD with 6-speed gearbox
@@GregVirgoe legend, thanks!
Lee Fennell No problem 😃
I like your video.
Full of knowledge😊👍✌️.
Which is better software for 3D modeling ?
Hi Greg
What are the dimensions of the Motorcycles you plan on travelling with?
I'd be very interested in seeing how you plan to squeeze two in.
I'm in the process of redesigning the main bed area to make it removable in sections.
After much head scratching, I think two is going to be too ambitious.
I have batteries and gas to fit in the garage and overall carry weight to consider too.
Expect a revised plan and walk through very soon.
Greg this is amazing. I've never used sketch up and I want to try but feel like I'll have no idea how to even start. I am rebuilding an RV it is 30inchs long by 8ft high. I just have some questions if you could help please. When you design is the wood options stock in software or do I need to download alot to make designs. I see in video you had sinks,wood grain etc... Also I want to build a loft so I would need to place 4x4 inside with joist hangers and really try to construct this in depth. Is this very difficult to do or should I just stick to pencil and paper? I'm good at construction and building but not like this would love to see it before I build it.
Curtis Hanson it’s very easy to create timber sections simply by drawing the end rectangle and using push pull to extrude to the length you desire.
If you watch my other sketchup tutorials they will show you the same tools in very simple terms. I follow the same steps. Draw rectangle, push pull to length, triple click to select all, apply texture then right click and make it a component. For other more complicated objects you can search the 3D warehouse and download pre-drawn models to save a lot of time. Once you get the hang of it it’s a fabulous tool to visualise your plans and literally walk though them before cutting any wood.
Great job Greg! You know your way around sketchup! BTW, anytime you can mention inches or feet (which I believe you did) It's appreciated! Otherwise for us in the USA I guess I need to learn more about the metric system. Again, thanks for this video!
Hello Pete, that's a fantastic comment, thank you. I grew up on feet and inches and find I can visualise things in my head easier if you say 6ft rather than 180cm. When using Sketchup with imperial units you have to type the fractions and it's just easier for me to work in MM. I will try in future to mention both sets of dimensions, as a 1/3 of my viewers are from North America. Thank you
I might be missing something here, but can you please post the link for the tutorial on how to add windows and wheel arches. I can't seem to find it and would love to follow along. Just started the design on my Mitsi L300 conversion and your tutorials are excellent! Thanks :-)
Hello, I didn't shoot any specific video of that, but in simple terms, I drew the outline of the window on the side panel, this gives you a surface inside the line that you can change the material texture. In the materials menu, you will find a list of glass. When you paint these on it makes the object go see through. For the wheel arch, I drew the outline on the floor and the side wall then used the "follow-me" tool to develop it into a 3D object with one click. I will have to do a video just on the "follow-me" tool it's probably my favourite and the most powerful.
A+ demonstration.
My only problem is at 15:38 sketchup doesn't make a surface, it just keeps wanting to draw more lines...
If i started the surface from bottom right (instead of bottom left) it worked.
Hey greg, first of all nice job! I really apreciate all your effort... I miss the video when you make the windows and the tires space... Do you upload this video? best regards!
Hello Raphael, no I did not produce a video for this part.
It is easy to do. On the side panel simply draw the outline of the window with pencil and arc tools using similar methods. Then paste a glass material to the surface to make it see through.
The wheel arch I drew the shape on the side and pull away the thickness.
You can download my van sketch from my 3D warehouse.
Hope that helps you.
I will try!! thank you for your great tips...
If you have any questions please do ask me. Cheers
If you have any questions please do ask me. Cheers
@@GregVirgoe I have been trying to do just this, but then the windows are on a different plane than that section of the van walls.
I assume that I can address it with the rotate tool.
Will keep trying. :)
Hi Greg happy new year. Have you got a copy of your cutting plan in sketch up you can share please. Many thanks & have a great year Mike
Hello Mike, I prepared a cutting plan purely for the purpose of maximising the use of expensive furniture boards. I didn't actually cut anything to these dimensions as every board was measure and cut from dimensions taken in the van. You can get a PDF copy here www.dropbox.com/s/r6zrqizjsci03bl/Sprinter%20Camper%20Van%20Cutting%20Plan.pdf?dl=0 and use it as a guide. I plan to release the full SketchUp file at a later date to coincide with a build manual I'm working on.
Many thanks
Greg, I don’t suppose you want to share your cutting plan for the kitchen cabinets do u? 👍
Excellent vid thanks Greg. Do you still use SU make 17? I have the same... all functionality seems to work so far... Don't really want to move to subscription model :(
Vidualise Films yes SU MAKE 2017 is free for personal use. Ignore the 30day warnings it will still work ok afterwards. No need to pay the subs.
Hi Greg! I am really enjoying watching your videos and journey with this camper. Can I ask, how long it took to learn sketch up for you and is there any other courses or tutorials that are good to learn off. thanks so much will be watching from Central Australia. James :)
Hi James, I had a bit of a head start as I already knew how to draw with AutoCAD so I picked it up very quickly.
I did buy a couple of books including Sketchup for Dummies but by far the best way to learn is here on TH-cam.
th-cam.com/video/pv7TrGnZ17w/w-d-xo.html is a good starting point or just look at my other videos :D Thanks
Hello Greg,
thank you for all your video, it is going to be a great help for me, using Sketchup. one question where do you get the hose for the truma?
Have fun
Hi! thanks for the videos. My shelf is kinda sticking a tony bit outside my van like i can see it if i zoom out i can see the lines of the panells and batons etc. How do i solve this?>
Hey Greg! As a long time sketchup user, great tutorial! Lots of functions i know but rarely remember to teach new users.
A question, you said that you are using a lightweight furniture board. Since you later in the video said that you would fix the battens with pocketholes, i guess you mean MDF, or possible lightweight ply? I have been interested in Egger eurolight for some applications, but the downside is you only can attach screws around the edges.
Hello, the 15mm lightweight furniture ply is typically a 9 ply board with a veneer finish both sides. I won’t be using any MDF because it doesn’t take screws at all and blows up if it get wet. I will Be glueing the cabinets and using concealed pocket hole screws to hold them together while the glue goes off. Morland is one company that supplies the board and will send you samples too. Hope that answers your question.
Greg Virgoe, mdf has its uses and I agree ply is better in this scenario. You only said “lightweight furniture board” in the video, but I take it you are using ply then. :)
Built my van with 18mm constructionply with A/B rating, it’s unbelievably strong and I can hang in all my cabinets even when they are fully loaded. but I am really interested in trying new materials for my next build, especially with a better finish. :)
Sorry Jack, I do mean the lightweight furniture plywood specifically designed for use in motorhomes and campers.
www.morland-uk.com/shop/panel-products/sheet-materials/lightweight-furniture-ply.html
Greg, Where / how did you learn SketchUp ?
Can you recommend a particular book or training program?
Thank you for a great video !
Hello, I originally trained in AutoCAD and use this for work.
However I taught myself how to use Sketchup and I don't think you need any other drawing skills to learn it.
I started with a couple of books as their wasn't much internet content but now the best resource is here.
I subscribe to a couple of Sketchup tutorial creator on TH-cam, this one is a great beginner series.
th-cam.com/play/PLF001616C0ADF4245.html
Watch my other tutorials and they go through similar steps to draw real life objects.
Jay bates and Matthias Wandel have some good tutorials too.
Great vids. I tried sketch up before and failed but this is way more helpful than the generic videos. Question. For the cupboard doors did you just use the rectangle tool then radius the ends, Some how removed that piece. Then removed say 5mm off its length and height and put it back in??
Hi David what you can do is create the flat shape as you describe then use the offset tool to create a second line exactly the same shape but either smaller or larger to create a gap or overlap then use the push pull on the new size shape deleting any bits you don’t need afterwards. Hope that makes sense.
Your videos on sketchup are so easy to understand, thank you for your comprehensive work. Do you know if there is a place where i can download a sketchup file of a specific model of van so I already have the shell/template ready to build on?
Click on the 3D warehouse link either in Sketchup or from my youtube home page. There you can type a search for the van you want. Usually someone will post one for you to download. 👍🏼😊
Greg Virgoe well i sort of feel like an idiot because i cannot find a search function from the 3D Warehouse area. It is prompting me to save my current project to the 3D Warehouse... I’m on an iPad, and because I couldn’t actually use the link to download the 2017 version, I am using the free online version. I’m probably going about it all wrong, eh?
joey ortez try this link there should be a search box at the top. 3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/by/gregv?tab=models
@@GregVirgoe thank you sooooo much!!! this link worked great! there are a bunch of results to work with from your search bar! thanks again!
joey ortez glad it worked and happy to help