How I Bought My DREAM Van! Micro Camper Conversion Ep 1
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 27 เม.ย. 2022
- I still can't believe I bought my dream van! Stay tuned for the van conversion and epic travels!
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Can tell you're not a car/van guy in the slightest, however that's what's unique about your channel...you don't seem to care, which I think a lot of people like. You're also honest unlike the vast majority of TH-cam these days and leaving your comfort zone. Keep up the great work!
Thanks Sam!
Thats what i love about alex he is just a simple honest guy. ❤
Alex, you have something really special about your channel. It is really relatable, as these things you are doing are something many of us want to but cant, at lease not right now. You are giving us both many useful tips along the way about many things but also we can wee what would actually take to do all these things. Really exciting content! Looking forward to see how the adventure unfolds 👍😁
Thanks so much, glad you enjoy the channel! :)
I agree he reminds me of me when I was younger
Kinda relatable except he is rich
@@morrisman4761 don't see where you're getting that from. Because he bought a van? Which he paid for with money he earned from working and building up not one but three You Tube channels over time? Sounds like sour grapes on your part to me.
@@morrisman4761 I don’t judge any person, I don’t care how much money he owns. I just see a young person with gusto going on his own path and I relate to that. Personal wealth has nothing to do with this for me I’m afraid 😀
Ohh.. adventures await Alex! I'm currently working on my own camper conversion, so I share your excitement! 🙃
Hi Alex I have just stumbled onto your channel and can't wait to see how this turns out for you. I have converted a few vans now and love the way these turn out. A few bits of advice for you. Be aware of budget as these can run away so easily. Remember you are going on a tour and not living in your van forever so make it fit your needs and not what everyone else says you need. Put a damp course under your floor or you will feel it on the cold mornings. Insulate the walls and roof but again make sure it's the right choice for your needs. Think about weight too. The more you put on the more bit costs to lug around. A lot of people are putting wood, pallet wood on the back and it's adding quite the weight. Four way stretch carpet is a cheap alternative that is easy to fit with spray glue (remembering to get high temp spray glue to stop it coming unstuck the first time you cook in the van) and can go right over the paneling you have there. I wish you well and can't wait to see how this goes for you.
Thanks for the info Harry! :)
It surprises me how much I enjoy your content. I’m 40 and an avid angler and have followed you boy since you started and wasn’t sure how this wasn’t going to pan out for out tbh, but I have to say…… it’s good! Very genuine and still YOU. I hope this journey works out for you mate. A young guy with the worlds at his feet and just figuring it all out. Isn’t that what we’ve all done? Enjoy the process mate and we’ll all enjoy watching it unfold. Ps…… we all knew you needed to get van ffs 😂😂😂
Thanks Mark!!! :)
The way you take so much joy and happiness from such simple things in life and it makes me happier to see. Well done on the van! Looks like a great shell for you’re future.
The progress you’ve made up to now is inspiring, the things you can do by using a bit of imagination is endless, the stuff you can buy now , from fridges, night heaters , shower facilities it’s endless, you could live open and free for as long as you like , attach the kayak, and your away multi function and options, but the main thing is Alex , is to keep up the spirit that’s driving this ambition like I said inspirational ❤️❤️
Sir, I was out fishing yesterday, and just now saw this video. While we didn't land the species we were targeting, Striped Bass, and had to deal with a chilly wind out of the North, seeing this video made a lousy day on the water much more bearable.
Congrats on the new purchase!!! Can't wait to see what transpires!
Alex I'm soooooo happy you decided to branch out and do your own thing!! It's absolutely a joy to watch your journey through this!
Hi Alex, just wanted to say your channel is very interesting as you are open and honest about learning new things. I would love to see you continue with this where you just chart the learning process as you try different things throughout your life. Your attitude is very refreshing and you obviously seem to have a talent for video editing, keep it up bud wishing you success cos I enjoy watching the vids you make.
So happy you got a van, a really nice one too, can't wait to see the conversion and all the adventures you'll be going on with it. Loving the channel man!
You are doing exactly what I plan to do later this year. The van looks perfect. I've been looking at the large lithium batteries you can now buy that will power everything inside the van, lights, cooking and heating. I like the idea of no gas bottles. I look forward to how you go about your conversion.
I’ve just stumbled across your channel a few days ago and I’ve been following the car camping series. It’s super interesting to see your ideas and I can’t wait to see what you come up with for the van. I know a lot of people like putting their beds raised a foot or 2 off the floor that way they can fit shelves or drawers underneath it to conserve a little space. I’ve also seen ones where the bed can like fold up out of the way when you aren’t sleeping on it to give you a little more room inside during the day.
Alex, I had a REALLY terrible day. But seeing you video and hearing your good news about your new van made me so happy!! Congrats mate!! Cannot wait to see all your travels🍄❤🍄
I’m glad my video could cheer you up 😊😊😊
So pleased for you Alex. Really looking forward to following your journey.
Yes Alex!! Love it, can’t wait to see the renovation project unfold. Huge Kudos to you for going for it!
Alex, absolutely fabulous move. I’m a T5 owner myself and luckily enough I bought it 5 years ago. They were pricey then but are ridiculous now. However, considering you’re travelling alone a Caddy is the best van you could’ve bought! Happy adventures mate
Thanks! :)
Well done Alex and may it bring you joy and happiness and home safely you'll be coming to Ireland soon I presume ....
Excited to see the outcome of the conversion. I'm rooting on your journey.
I knew you'd buy one. Well done Alex and I wish you many miles of peaceful camping and many absolutely fabulous new views. Looking forwards to watching the transformation as you convert her into a camper. Good luck with the road trip.
This is awesome mate, I’m well jealous. Would love to do what your doing. It’s pretty brave of you to branch out by yourself after you already had success with the Carl and Alex channel. I’m a fisherman myself but I love the more wide ranging stuff your doing, especially the foraging and the camper conversion. After watching your stuff the other day I was off walking my dog picking wild garlic, happy days. Going to get myself a book on mushrooms now. Exciting times ahead for u my friend and I can’t wait for the next video. Keep it up mate
Great following along on your adventures. First things I can think of are, soundproofing, vent in the roof ( it can get hot in there during summer ) and solar panel on the roof connecting to a mains bored in the van ( available on Amazon) possibly carpet the back too for comfort
Good luck and can’t wait to see the result 👍🏻
Fellow fenton 🎣
100% a vent, the van has no A/C so can get very very hot
Congratulations Alex, lovely van, you can't beat that van feeling! I've been driving the same VW T4 for the past 11 years, she's now 21 years old and got 175,000 miles on the clock which is not a huge amount for a VW diesel engine. She doesn't miss a beat and I wouldn't change her for the world. Your Caddy has a fine pedigree and should last you for a long time. Enjoy!
Absolutely exiting times up coming I can’t wait to be brought on this amazing journey across France and i hope that all goes well with the conversion. Thanks so much for the great content Alex keep it up mate 😀
Great stuff Alex! I look forward to watching the van's progress.
It's a great idea to collaborate with others on a project, but just pick one or two and work with them.
With all these sorts of builds everyone has got their own ideas about the best way to do it. Trying to include more than a couple of peoples (possibly opposing) ideas will have you just going round in circles.
If you can persuade your mate Rollo to do the woodwork, even if you have to pay him, he looks like he's got the skills to make most things happen.
You'll need a solar panel of at least 100 watts but don't be persuaded to put enough solar on the roof to power a small village, you're only really going to be charging your leisure battery.
I'd avoid running things from the inverter unless you really have no choice.
Probably the best way to charge your leisure battery from the alternator is with a Victron Cyrix battery combiner, but you'll need to double check this, as modern car's electronics sometimes don't perform in the same way as the older stuff that we all knew and loved.
Good luck with all of it.
Great channel. One of my favourites on TH-cam (with Camper Vibe and Fish with Carl/Fishing Tutorials)
Alex I didn’t particularly watch your fishing channel but I watch your new one always. You are doing something that deep down everyone me included wants to do but due to being married, grand kids and work it’s only a dream at the moment. All the best in your adventures and well done for following up your dreams.
Thanks Stephen! Glad you enjoy the videos. :)
Hey, at least you aren't in the wheelchair anymore!
So happy for you Alex! Doing what you love and getting the community involved!
I've watched you and your brother grow.
Id love the chance to meet you both !
Big props to you for making everything you do somehow entertaining. Always wanted to do something similar but I don’t have the personality for it. And you sir sure do, big ups to you Alex.
Looking forward to the build and the adventures to come congrats Alex
Cheers Nick!
"And finally came across something that was within my budget... and then I found out why" that cracked me up!
Looking forwards to following this van build series
Also you seem to of found your voice alot more, your presenting style is alot more confident so massive well done buddy!
Thanks Dale! I always used to hear people saying "your 20s are a time of finding yourself and learning about who you are" I never understood this until recently, I have changed a lot over the past couple of years and I'm glad you appreciate my presenting style! :)
I saw that exact van when I was looking for Caddys the other week!
Congratulations!!!! How awesome!!! You deserve this!!! I'm so happy for you and so excited for this new adventure!!!
Great vid Alex. Glad you went with a van, and a nice one at that. It's nice to watch a honest down to earth person doing what they like. Your vids have a very relaxing vibe to them. And your approach to life is refreshing. Keep doing what your doing, and thank you for sharing your journey.
Well done Alex, really chuffed for you mate. Can’t wait to own one myself one day. Awesome channel too, loving it, I genuinely look forward to each vid you post. It was clearly well worth taking the plunge!
We are motorhomers here, and to be honest we don't like VW vans the price is so OTT I wish I had time to show you what's what's and the best value you can get for your money, and the extras you get. Still saying all that I'm sure you can make what you want with what you've got. Happy trails
Can't beat build quality of vw caddys or transporters plus best looking vans on the market.Look forward to the conversion alex
Oh. My. Gosh! You went out and got yourself a van! Congratulations! I cannot wait to see what the collaboration yields for you! You can bet I wont be missing a second of any video of the experience! Just remember to have fun.
My sons are 3 and 5, if they grow up to be like you Alex, I’ll be happy.
Best of luck with your plans mate, I hope your channel goes massive!.
My dad has owned an rv dealership all my life and I've been working on them since around 11 years old I can fix anything on any rv/motorhome/travel trailer I've also converted a few box vans into livable spaces and what not I just don't have an Instagram I would love to be involved in ur conversion though man!!!
Looking forward to seeing progress on the van. I bought an ex-wheelchair access Caddy Maxi van with a ramp and 5 seats. It's great for camping (tent) and we can get the whole family, tent, bikes and inflatable canoe in it. With privacy glass we can change in the back, too. Yours looks in better condition, but they're so practical.
Watched the old chanel with Carl and yourself., however have found your outlook on exploring the world and the maturity of knowing when it was time for a change impressive. Four years ago along with my husband, two daughter's and 6 six dogs we too made a change and moved to France from Australia. Will be watching you open your wings and fly high. Best wishes on the build.
You are going to make so many memories in that van and you will be taking us along aswell you channel is so diverse it has something for everyone keep up the good work 👍
Super excited to see how your van develops into a full blown living space and subsequent road trips good work Alex👍
so happy for you Alex, wish you all the best of adventures with your new dream vehicle!
Congratulations! A perfect van for you. I remember the day I picked up my VW campervan 21 years ago (like the yellow one in your video) I've still got it. It will transform your life, Alex. All the best. Joe. UK.
Look at you go brother! Good on you, You came up on my suggested and now I just can’t wait for you to upload! Love what you do buddy! Keep working hard!
very pleased for you Alex.... the real excitement on your face is awesome!! good video as always ..love the variety of your channel...good luck with the conversion
Yes Alex fair play to you all hard work is paying off I can't wait to see what you do to the van...keep videos coming 💪💪
Yes mate! Well happy for you! The misses and I have been saying for weeks, "he just needs to get a van". Wish we had some van skills to offer you but wish you happy travelling. 👌
Congrats Alex! Looking forward to watch every second of you spending time with/in it! Enjoy!
Cheers!
Your enthousiasm is great Alex! Major congrats on the purchase, can’t wait for the conversionserie on the channel.
Enjoy the yourney before the big yourney 😅👌🏻
This is going to be a great series Alex, I'm actually looking to do the same project myself and you're saving me so much time already! I'm going to keep my eyes out for a VW Caddy Maxi too after considering to turn my VW polo into a camper as well haha. Can't wait to see what you end up with! best of luck
Congrats! May you have many happy miles and loads of videos with your new purchase!
Awesome, glad you bought one, looking forward to see how you convert it. Safe travels 👍🏻
Well done alex,its going to be a huge learning curve this one good luck and looking forward to it...
Congrats on getting the van/caddy. Many more camping trips. I am looking forward to see how you can convert this . All the best in future adventures Alex 👍🏻🙏
Good choice, I have a VW Caddy maxi which I've had fully converted to a camper van. I love it and it's a practical size for daily driving.
Fantastic, I’m watching the adverts all the way through. Hope that helps fund the conversion and trip. 👍🏼😊
Keep it up, I look forward to seeing you’ve posted a new film. 😊👍🏼
Love how excited you are for your new van, awesome mate, hopefully great trips ahead 🙂
Glad to see this. Hope you have an amazing journey with your new van mate
Woohoo! Finally! Well done Alex, really look forward to watching you get on with the conversion!
Truly amazing video Alex too see you progress through this amazing journey with us all watching. ❤️
That's a nice van Alex and much needed for your adventures. Looking forward to your more comfortable vlogs all the best mate
Haha! I just squealed with excitement (involuntarily and in a completely manly manner) when I saw the notification for this! Well done Alex, keep us all thoroughly posted on the progress mate.
I feel the hype through the screen!
Good luck Alex, can't wait for the Europe trip.
Loved the video and really looking forward to watching you fit out your camper. I am just behind you in the position you're in right now as I am deciding on which van to buy. Took me ages to get the money together and now that I have, I will watch your videos to see how you get on. Subscribed, and cant wait for new vids. Cheers Alex.
Congratulations my friend! That's brilliant news I hope you're very happy x
I am so looking forward to seeing the progress of your van transformation. Great channel Alex by the way....
Delighted for you Alex, glad you’ve finally got a van, man! Give ‘Willswhereabouts’ a follow on youtube, he went from car camping in his Ford Galaxy to buying a bigger van and converting and made a few errors along the way as he had no previous experience. All the best sheriff, take care of yersel big man.
Yes Alex! You have done the right thing there! Looking forward to the build videos and also the future travelling videos. Good luck buddy!
Thanks Chris!
The excitement is so real... Recently just bought a used old car but yeah the feeling was so real and good man managed to get a car at 24 lol ... Congratulations on your Van btw and goodluck with your journey..
Cracking update there Alex and look forward to the transformation of the van
Buzzing for you! And fair play Adrian flux 👌 can't wait to see this build progress
looking really good Alex. love the fact you want to embrace the help from your subscribers. Top man Alex. Keep it up..
Excellent news. Look forward to the build!
SO happy for you Alex, Amazing video as usual, keep up the fantastic content, your videos always make my day, thanks!
Yes Alex big ups the caddy van, your journey is about to become ten times what it was 🤙🏻 happy days lad 🙏🤙🏻
Great video. So happy I found your channel. Love the van, can't wait to see the build and adventure. Good luck
Buzzing for you mate proper made me smile this video and wish I was closer to help you keep the videos coming buddy well in 👍🏻
congrats on the new van im guessing it was a very nerve racking experience! looking forward to the new content of the build!
Can wait to see it done and the traveling begin.
Add roof racks, roof top box/bag and a side awning... loads more storage (you can never have enough) and shade for chilling under. Here in Australia there are a LOT of conversions and racks are a must! Good luck!!!!
Brilliant news.
Your videos are so relaxing to me... so I thank you. 😊
Man with a van -a slightly longer version than postman pat oh lol love your channel and the sharing of your thought processes! I’m getting a converted camper too! So exciting!
Can't wait to see more of this project, good luck Alex!
Well done, sharing us the journey.
Well done Alex all the best look forward to all the adventures to come 👏
I think you made the right choice going for a van. Looking forward to the conversion!
Great channel loving the content the van looks really good can't wait to see the progress you make converting it and then following you on your adventures along the way.
Really happy for you pal, you finally got one the smile on your face says it all good luck my g👊
Congratulations, pleased for you. You've made the right choice with the van over car option. Good luck
Good luck on your new venture Alex , looking forward to see the future videos 😀
Can't believe how hooked you've got me on this channel..Great work and cracking content, absolute legend
What an awesome little van! Can't wait to see what you end up doing with it!
nice one Alex, great to see how you are progressing and enjoying life, as always a great informative video which I enjoy very much, all the best.
Nice one Alex, looking forward to following your conversion and travels 🤗🙏♥️
Superb work Alex, can’t wait for the adventures in it. 👍🏻
Really looking forward to the conversion maybe some of the framework your friend helped you with could be used in your new project I converted my ford galaxy Ghia during lockdown luckily I had another as a parts vehicle to experiment on first . Biggest job was modifying the roof by adding 18inches in height to fit small air vents and caravan windows . Added solar panels at same time . All is working well and first trip to Snowdonia was great success followed by 3 weeks touring Norfolk Broads.
I can help Alex!! A great start to put on your shopping list is a vango (other makes are available) get a year gazebo/toilet/cooking and chilling tent - I have gas/electricity and solar on my van. If you get a cadac chef setup there’s no need to cook in the van so it smells and stains the interior, plus you’re saving space! Another option is a electric lifting roof as believe me you’ll soon get fed up of crouching down in the back. It’s also great for ventilation and light.
If you’re ever near Bristol I can also help with the layout and design as I converted one of these a while back now and have had many vw vans …. Also TH-cam itself has tons of advice on self builds. Good luck. Welcome to project money pit/vanlife. So worth it. I LOVE IT!!!
Brilliant video again Alex. I think you picked a great van. Decent space inside, now get creative. Soooo many great space saving ideas out there. Can’t wait for the next instalment! Make space for rods 😉. Be lucky!
Fantastic video was looking at vans yesterday thinking along the lines of a Vauxhall Vivaro. Cannot wait to see the conversion
I’d be 1000% down to help out, another banging vid aswell glad you got an upgrade