First, I love the look of your van 🙌🏼😍 You mentioned you didn't get the solar panels because you live in Norway. Was that because of the darkness in the winter months? How do you normally get electricity for the van traveling around the country? 🇳🇴❤️
Thank you 😍 that is pretty much why, when we looked into solar we got recommended that bc f the long winters/ darkness, and combined with the low sun there wasn't really that much of a point since the panels lie flat on your roof and don't capture the sun that well.. also a very important reason as well (that I don't mention in the video) was originally we wanted to use the van for weekend trips, (and to answer your next question) and since we charge while driving we calculated that it would be sufficient for us 😅we charge about 20% of our batteries w/ 1 hr of driving, and we can stand still for about 5 days or so 😊but in hindsight we should have had solar, it would have been a great supplement 😅😁
@@IdaTobias totally understand the problem with darkness during the winter months 🥶 And it sounds like you have pretty good batteries that can last that long just from changing while driving 👍🏼
Hi there. Really enjoyed your vid. Your van looks great but I can understand your regrets. Everything makes sense. Worth remembering these points. Take care both, Des
These were all great things to think about. I hadn’t realized the necessity of doing the awning before building out the van, I expect it’s true for putting a roof rack on too. Thanks for very good suggestions.
Hello, Canadian here, I am enjoying your videos, and I agree with you about the spray foam for northern climates. That lady can stay in her lane. :) I just wanted to say, so many regrets you have here, and regrets of other van lifers would have been avoided with a conversation with an interior designer or architect. I'm planning out my own van build so I'm watching many regret videos, and for a lot of the regrets mentioned designers and interior architects have answers/solutions for. (Not promoting myself here, more advocating for the profession.) If/when people have time to plan a build before jumping into it, a consultation would not cost much, maybe 100-200$, to look at your plans and give you a couple of points of feedback would be valuable in the end. Since it is such a cramped space (a van in general), and as you know, every inch matters, it's even more important to maximize the functionality and make sure it's ergonomic. Obviously you guys are doing great and love your van, and plan on having it for a long time, and if you were to build again, you know what you don't want, so it's not so much a comment for you, but for those that want to do a van build themselves. Thanks for listening to my rant! :)
You can still add an awning!!! 😊 The Ford Transit roof has pre made holes that allow you to secure roof racks to the exterior! You could easily add a roof rack and attach an awning that way 😎. Great video!! I’m sure this video will help many people with their designs!!!
That’s what we’re looking into 🥳 especially after watching your roof rack video 🤩 only problem, isn’t so easy getting hold of a decent looking roof rack here 😫
You forgot to mention your spray foam disaster. You did a wonderful job fixing the spray foam mess. Your van turned out really nice and hope you have many wonderful adventures with it. Since your in Italy have you ever been to a Leroy Merlin store. I wish they had them in the United States.
haha we know!! we made the entire video.. and then one of us "WE FORGOT THE SPRAYFOAM!!" 😂😂😂 noo haven't been there, but it looks like an amazing store!!! we'll be driving through Italy in a couple of weeks going back to Norway and we'll definitely keep our eyes open! 💸
It's always interesting to hear this perspective after a van build! Do you think you'll do another build in the future or just live with what you have? Steve came up with a fairly easy solution for connecting to shore power without cutting a hole in the Transit and you can find his video in our van build playlist. Perhaps you'll find it useful?
Probably not 🙈 at least we'll have to wait a couple of years, so that the memories of building this one is properly repressed 😂😂 YES! we'd love to see that 😀 couldn't find it on your page, do you have a link?
@@IdaTobias We have NO desire to build another van for a long time!!!! Here's a link to what we did for shore power: th-cam.com/video/QyAVzYOJ6PY/w-d-xo.html
Very relatable video for a fellow vanlife family. We're still building our van but we've already lived in it for half a year. We are also doing wood laminate for the floor but have not laid it out yet. When you said that it's sensitive to water, did you mean spills or even just moisture from the air? Sending love from the Philippines!
I guess it depends on the %, but it's at least sensitive to spills, we actually put some sealant between the boards to make it more durable, but in retrospect we should have chosen vinyl flooring 🤓
First, I love the look of your van 🙌🏼😍 You mentioned you didn't get the solar panels because you live in Norway. Was that because of the darkness in the winter months? How do you normally get electricity for the van traveling around the country? 🇳🇴❤️
Thank you 😍 that is pretty much why, when we looked into solar we got recommended that bc f the long winters/ darkness, and combined with the low sun there wasn't really that much of a point since the panels lie flat on your roof and don't capture the sun that well.. also a very important reason as well (that I don't mention in the video) was originally we wanted to use the van for weekend trips, (and to answer your next question) and since we charge while driving we calculated that it would be sufficient for us 😅we charge about 20% of our batteries w/ 1 hr of driving, and we can stand still for about 5 days or so 😊but in hindsight we should have had solar, it would have been a great supplement 😅😁
@@IdaTobias totally understand the problem with darkness during the winter months 🥶 And it sounds like you have pretty good batteries that can last that long just from changing while driving 👍🏼
We learn from our mistakes that’s why I like your video 😆. I can learn from yours. Thanks
Hi there. Really enjoyed your vid. Your van looks great but I can understand your regrets. Everything makes sense. Worth remembering these points. Take care both, Des
These were all great things to think about. I hadn’t realized the necessity of doing the awning before building out the van, I expect it’s true for putting a roof rack on too. Thanks for very good suggestions.
spectacular upload Ida & Tobias. I shattered the thumbs up on your video. Keep on up the amazing work.
🤩 thank you!! that means a lot😍🧡
Hello, Canadian here, I am enjoying your videos, and I agree with you about the spray foam for northern climates. That lady can stay in her lane. :) I just wanted to say, so many regrets you have here, and regrets of other van lifers would have been avoided with a conversation with an interior designer or architect. I'm planning out my own van build so I'm watching many regret videos, and for a lot of the regrets mentioned designers and interior architects have answers/solutions for. (Not promoting myself here, more advocating for the profession.) If/when people have time to plan a build before jumping into it, a consultation would not cost much, maybe 100-200$, to look at your plans and give you a couple of points of feedback would be valuable in the end. Since it is such a cramped space (a van in general), and as you know, every inch matters, it's even more important to maximize the functionality and make sure it's ergonomic. Obviously you guys are doing great and love your van, and plan on having it for a long time, and if you were to build again, you know what you don't want, so it's not so much a comment for you, but for those that want to do a van build themselves. Thanks for listening to my rant! :)
Your van is super amazing for a first time build. Now it is time to plan your next van! Love your stories.
Than you 😍 Think we need a break first so we can repress how much work it is before we start on a new one though 🤣
You can still add an awning!!! 😊 The Ford Transit roof has pre made holes that allow you to secure roof racks to the exterior! You could easily add a roof rack and attach an awning that way 😎. Great video!! I’m sure this video will help many people with their designs!!!
That’s what we’re looking into 🥳 especially after watching your roof rack video 🤩 only problem, isn’t so easy getting hold of a decent looking roof rack here 😫
@@IdaTobias we could talk about a DIY solution when we get to Norway perhaps?
Yes😍 can’t wait to show you guys Norway 🏔⛷
You forgot to mention your spray foam disaster. You did a wonderful job fixing the spray foam mess. Your van turned out really nice and hope you have many wonderful adventures with it. Since your in Italy have you ever been to a Leroy Merlin store. I wish they had them in the United States.
haha we know!! we made the entire video.. and then one of us "WE FORGOT THE SPRAYFOAM!!" 😂😂😂 noo haven't been there, but it looks like an amazing store!!! we'll be driving through Italy in a couple of weeks going back to Norway and we'll definitely keep our eyes open! 💸
I don’t understand why an awning can’t be installed?
It's always interesting to hear this perspective after a van build! Do you think you'll do another build in the future or just live with what you have? Steve came up with a fairly easy solution for connecting to shore power without cutting a hole in the Transit and you can find his video in our van build playlist. Perhaps you'll find it useful?
Probably not 🙈 at least we'll have to wait a couple of years, so that the memories of building this one is properly repressed 😂😂 YES! we'd love to see that 😀 couldn't find it on your page, do you have a link?
@@IdaTobias We have NO desire to build another van for a long time!!!! Here's a link to what we did for shore power: th-cam.com/video/QyAVzYOJ6PY/w-d-xo.html
Very relatable video for a fellow vanlife family. We're still building our van but we've already lived in it for half a year. We are also doing wood laminate for the floor but have not laid it out yet. When you said that it's sensitive to water, did you mean spills or even just moisture from the air? Sending love from the Philippines!
I guess it depends on the %, but it's at least sensitive to spills, we actually put some sealant between the boards to make it more durable, but in retrospect we should have chosen vinyl flooring 🤓
Turn the mains socket upside down…
why don´t you talk with a creative person? They will fix your complaints in no time?
You're correct you having rights to spend one night with your own husband and next night with other one next door person