Is the most dangerous self build campervan I've came across?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ก.ค. 2024
- Is the most dangerous self build campervan I've came across?
when my friend called to ask why his van was filling up with fumes when using his night heater i thought it would be something simple, I didn't expect to find a death trap! there were so many issues with the self build campervan I had to share them with you! take a look and see for yourself, let me know in the comments if you have seen worse than this.
The Hoody I'm wearing is to promote a new festival one of my friends is running why not check out van vibes festival
www.vanvibesfestival.co.uk/
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you just saved some ones life . and its that simple
It's took a week of evenings and a weekend to put it right just waiting for the final parts to arrive to finish it off mate and then it's sorted
As a DIY’er I was shocked by what I saw in your video and was almost shouting at the tv as it went on. It was almost like playing ‘spot the hazzard’. So glad you are on this job so the owner is going to be safe going forward.😮
Gas systems can be bullt with 1 piece flexible pipe, but needs to be protected where it can potentially rub, I would not recommend that or copper pipe as it can become brittle and fracture in cold. CuNiFer is better, Steel is also suitable in some instances. Yes, the bottle needs to be in it's own container and vented with a size specific hole to atmosphere, bear in mind the volume of potential gas leaks. Again, I prefer an external locker so it cannot enter the passenger compartment. If built to boat safety spec it will pass camper inspection. All joints must be accessible and all items have an individual tap to isolate. Also must have an inspection valve.
Re nightheater, it's all within distance spec, I would also not think the gas will be coming from the exhaust outlet, more likely the seal on the heater body to pipe AND the internals of the heater as there is a paper gasket that degrades over time, if that has a breach it will directly flow exhaust gasses into the recirculated air! Obviously if there is a partial vacuum in the inlet it will excentuate that draw. The other thing to acknowledge is the heater will shut down if it cannot get enough fresh air. That is important to know if you are experiencing issues.
There are various schools of thought on isolating solar, personally, it depends on the system that is being employed. Some if you have solar connected and no battery, you blow the regulator! That equals fire, so do not fuse! No need. Others can be best to fuse all connections. Isolating some panels can massively damage them while others you need to short circuit, others are fine to be left open... I would not use house mains cable for anything but house mains, it's not really designed for it and it has a high loss compared with 12v cables. The box isn't really an issue either other than it looks bad and the wires from it are a total mess. I would not have built like that, but I can see why some do. I would als onever use those dodgy blue, red and yellow bad crimp terminals...
Battery cabling is also no where near adequate for the batteries.
As you say, the regs are easy to find and adhere to, I've been doing boats and campers/land rovers for about 30 years. I do work on the safe side with quality hardware. On my personal Land Rover build I have 5 fuse boxes and master fuses directly off the batteries. It's not difficult to be safe. The systems can all be isolated by switch or relay. Master switches are readily accessible.
Nicely put, I wouldn’t seal the heater floor hole, I would replace it with a turret ring to prevent the floor chafing the pipes. Still if the cables are undersized, they will nice and warm and the diesel heater won’t be an issue 😮
Very well done saving a few more lives that so easily could have been victims of Carbon Monoxide poisoning, the silent deadly killer.
Why do people insist on lengthy gas pipe runs? It's asking for trouble. Don't buy a second hand conversion with a permanent gas system without a gas safety certificate. Easy enough to get tested.
I am by no means a professional van builder or electrician or gas fitter, however im all for learning and giving it a good go. But with amount of quality, accessible, free info out there, there is no excuse for turning out a job like this. Personally if i were you I wouldn't be touching it unless it meant ripping it all out and doing it all from scratch. If thats how bad to visual stuff is imagine the state of the wiring behind the walls etc!
Lucky for me there's on 2 lighting circuits behind the panel all the rest is accessible, I've totally ripped it out and started again
I has been a electrician for 45 years. This is terrible bad. This is a fire bomb. All i about documentaton in every detail.
This is why we have legends like you to show us how it’s done. I believe if you’re not confident in doing it pay somebody it’s safer.
totally agree
It was nice to watch this and re-confirm that I did all the right research and made all the right decisions when I did my own van conversion last year.
I work for a company in Eastern Europe that converts vans, trucks, and fits out other vehicles.
I'm an electrical / HVAC engineer, and that electrical system is indeed a mess.
We predominately use Victron components for our vans. Everything is isolated/fused, including the input to the solar mppt.
This will be when complete
Thank you for this I don't know a lot of this and it is very helpful
Cheers bud, absolutely golden advice, and an eye opener..👍
😊👍
Bloody bloody hell thank you so very much you are diamond this video is a life saver you have made my day I am following you ace 👍🏻
😁👍
Great video. That’s one hell of a biscuit tin!
Always good to see people who take care rather than throwing it in. I get it some people cut corners probably because of money but it’s important to tell the truth in these scenarios for people who don’t hand have the education.
Thank you for a very informative video. You have helped lot of folk look out for work done by bodgers!
Very good video you are so right to point out the dangers. The gov really need to bring in compulsory/legal regulation and certification on self builds especially to do with fitting of electrics, gas and heating
Great video Sam, you really do have to tread with care when buying a conversion. Like you say, research is they key to a safe conversion, all the information is out there and easily accessible
@@richies6898 😊👍
Great video, thanks for putting it together. I've just purchased a campervan and as you say you don't know what you don't know. I've already fixed my electrical isolation issues! But will be checking the night heater to see if that needs a do over. One thing that would be of interest is a 240v ac install should be earthed with fuse techniques and how you test it for safety.
How to realize a set of ideas in the worst possible way. A ticking time bomb. Unfortunately, there are lots of prople out there, that underestimate the dangers of gas, power and toxic fumes. Reputable sources need to be consulted when taking on subjects normally alien to us. Just "winging it" can get you into trouble up to the point of not just endangering your own life but those of your famliy and / or innocent bystanders.
It's a good thing, that this one got spotted and is getting fixed. Thanx for the video, my friend.
Take care and stay safe! 🚐☁🍀
I'm still working on it it's not far from finished but it's been a slog mate
I’ve got a few bits in my van that could be better,you have just given me the kick up the arse I needed ,keep up the great work
Cheers we all need a little motivation some times mate 😉👍
Thanks for highlighting these issues.
I bought a pre converted van.
Issues... the diesel heater exhaust came up through the floor (gas bottle vent) .
The gas actually leaks (alarm works though)
So, plenty to rectify and this week swapping the diesel heater for a modern version just to be sure.
September, actually going full time van lifing so Ive got to be safe and happy.
Next is a solar install but I will keep it seperate from the electrics already installed.
Glad it helped
Brought Mercedes sprinter 2016 conversion 2 years ago. I admit i didn't know what i do now. The electrics cables on 240 were fitted with grey house hold rigid cable. The gas fed was all hose, night heater what a butchery job. Anyway all good now learnt a lot over the last 2 years. I think personally all conversion should have electric and a gas certificate, get rid of the cowboys 🤠 but i guess that would be very hard to regulate. Do your homework or get someone to check the conversion campas who know what to look for. Great video dude. Safety first 😊.
Great video. 👍 just subbed you...wish id known about you before id bought my ambovan...bought in good faith from so called friends for 12k,probably a dodgy mot,2 x tyres on back not rated for the van,2 noisy wheel bearings,track rod ends shot,rear suspension going down every night..took to my mechanic and he said he wouldnt have passed it Thankfully all repairs done now and currently rebuilding inside
Nice one Sam...the more people are aware the better... I've seen a few like yourself that people have shelled out money for & it's frightening...even my own build this post has reminded me I've still got an isolator to install.... although safe I need it at easy reach... it's only been a year🤐...I heard that...I'm a stupid Scott's what😂😂😂😂
We all have those little jobs that need sorting out 😉👍
Excellent information and food for thought.
😊👍
First video I have seen of yours and I have taken 2 things away from this. 1 I should fit an isolator to my dc to dc. 2 I should fit a switch to my diesel heated so its no on all the time. so thank you for the video
THIS NEEDS A SHARE .PEOPLE
😊👍
Nice one sam, very dangerous build. At least the owner knows you'll do it right, and it'll be safe.
It had to be done I couldn't live with myself if something happened to them
@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife I've just stripped out a t5, they had used heavy duty cable for house consumer units for the solar and 12v system. Very very bad.
Wow that’s how my gas canister is
stored, and mines a lot bigger :(. So much for freedom, so far it’s one job/bill/stress after another. But thanks for informing me of this issue. Now I know to get that sorted out.
You can do it!
So true what you mentioned “you don’t know what you don’t know”, think it’s great that your friend came to you. Somehow showing these excesses make me think over “did I install this or that really to European regulations?” Great video!
I always air on the side of caution
Shocking, I've probably gone over the top, everything is fused to the wire gauge and then the appliance and I have four isolators so I can work on separate parts of the system if I ever need to. When I'm not using the 3kw inverter for the induction hob it's isolated, saves on waisted power and everything else is on DC. Id rather have a fuse blow than a fire. I did enjoy learning about the electrical side of the build.
Today I learned not to feck with electricity pay for a professional before u build a van 🏴👍fantastic video
Enjoyable video with lots of information, all of it above my head but would love to see a follow up on the van and how much it would cost without mates rates.
Our neighbour as just gone away in his self build camper, it took him 6 months of cutting, welding, hammering and banging. Everything was on the cheap, make do and mend mentality.
The scary thing there is so many people like that
great vid 👍
I'm DIYing my first camper, the electrics are sorted, isolated in solar and batteries. I'm still researching how to fit my heater, I know what I want to do but I'm not yet confident. I won't install until I'm happy that I'm doing it the right way, watching this video certainly showed what not to do. :)
Good luck with your build
I’m concerned about venting the gas can just above the vehicle exhaust.
Very good video, thank you. What size should the gas dropout vent be and what is the maximum length one can run a copper pipe to say, the stove. All the best.
VERY NICE
Who ever built that needs to watch some Greg Virgoe videos and stop watching mine lol 😂 well done Sam look forward to seeing what you do to rectify this 🍻🤓
That made me laugh
It would be great to see you do the repairs .
It's all down to the time it takes unfortunately I may put something together as a complete parts for a follow up video
Not surprised at all. If you've spent anytime on TH-cam these type of builds are everywhere. You spend enough time looking at any home built rig you'll find something.
You’re mates are lucky they’ve got a mate like you 🤞🏻👌🏻🤙🏻
I take it the Battery's should be secure too, they can be lethal in a roll-over. or if they get shorted out.
I don’t know much about electrics and im currently doing mine, put a battery isolator in but no solar isolator. Surely if i needed to work on any part of the electrical system i could just use the battery isolator to make it safe and if I needed to work on the solar part of the system I could just remove the fuse I’ve put along the positive wire? Great video though so thanks mate
Hi, just my two pennies worth. I hope you all "start" mounting electrical equipment with the correct air gaps (they have heat sinks for a reason) and especially NOT mounting "it" on flammable surfaces (wood or carpet or sealed plastic box,doh) ! i always use aluminum to dissipate heat.
Also each individual item and main circuit should be fused, (mega and midi) and isolated !
Cheers c
P.s great informative video 👍
Hi Sam..looking at your outstanding skills in electrics, mechanical and vans, u should open your shop in which people can bring their vans for electric installation and repair, and other issues. U are a doctor of vans.
cheers 👍
At a festival, i was asked to look at an electrical system. There was a 240v system, but I couldn't find the input. I asked how they plugged it into shore power. He showed me a lead with 16a male to 13a male plug top! he put the plug top, or the plug to plug lead from his inverter, into a double socket to power the system. I walked away.
🤣🤣🤣 I would have as well
great that your highlighting dangerous van conversions is truly shocking that people can get away with doing this sort of thing and then being able to sell on the van without any safety checks having to be done ,this morning came across a truly heartbreaking vlog on you tube by a channel called trevor and pat life on the run (the carnage that was our van )who suffered a head on crash in their motorhome i think everyone should watch it to see exactly what happens in an accident of this magnitude and what happens to anything in the back of the van you was right to mention the gas bottle in this build not being secured the couple in this vlog are in a factory built motorhome and im certain if it wasnt for the fact the build was done properly this couple would not be alive today as it is the devastation in the back of the van has to be seen to be believed and is a wake up call for anyone building a van to make sure that everything is secured as well as it can be to the structure of the van and to not cut corners
So true 🫶 thanks for sharing
I think i would put drains in running away from the outside wall and see if you can divert the water that way or some of it anyway
Thank you so much. The way you broke this info down made it clear for me, and I’m an idiot when it comes to electric. Solar systems make my head ache. You have saved countless lives with this video. You are your friends’ guardian angel.
Glad it helped
Great video Sam. Certainly highlights the dangers of self builds. I also have a spare brand new auto term turret mount I can send on to you if it helps. It’s the shallower one of the two. Came with my kit but I needed the deeper one due to floor thickness. Drop me a message and I’ll gladly send it on for you.
Hi, I really appreciate the offer, but I've ordered a new one. If it's the auto therm stainless steel one, they are worth about £30 get it sold and make some cash back mate
@@TheCraftyBlindersvanlifeno problem Sam. It is indeed the Autoterm stainless one. You could have had it by all means. Sometimes trying to sell stuff is more hassle than it’s worth.
The bits I wasn't sure about with my build were done by a professional stay safe.
top tips.
There's definitely a risk to building a live in van. I've built several different versions for myself but I would never sell them to the public. For example, I develop systems for myself to keep me safe but I would never trust others to follow them.
good one Sam show us the results of your help to your mate
I will try😊👍
I'm still busy working on it
Heads up to Victron because I have no clue how they managed to connect that controller without isolation switches to prevent damaging the controller? And as you rightly said if you dont know you dont know. anyone watching needs to know you have to connect the battery 1st solar 2nd via large amp breakers or you will blow that controller I learned the hard way. 42V coming in from my panel soon smoked my controller as you say do your homework as I have now done and have re done my whole electrical system to make it safe. I am still learning/researching thats why I am watching this video!
Your totally right 😁👍
Really??? throw a blanket or cardboard over panel and poof no more power
@@mrmotofy Is it so hard to put a breaker or off switch in the wiring £5 off Ebay click a switch "poof no more power" especially when the builder of the van couldnt even be arsed to screw the controller securely having wires moving around everywhere not great is it!
@mrmotofy I'm not sure what you mean?
Errr meets BS EN 1949:2021 regulations, don’t think so! Well done Sam you may have saved their lives. Didn’t hear any mention of a carbon monoxide detector either. As for the electrics wow. Ironic that a fuse box was fitted for low amperage items like lighting but not at the batteries for high amp devices like the solar or alternator charging or between the two batteries should one internally short the both will go up. It didn’t even look like the batteries were a matching pair. Don’t suppose the cooker had a gas drop out either. Def got your work cut out there Sam. Reckon you’ll rip it out n start again for your own peace of mind. Good on you for calling the fitter out.
They do have a carbon monoxide monitor fitted that's why I never mentioned it it's one of the only positives 😊👍
Mind you if I took one look at that van I would have not be buying it but walking away, look at that huge gap between the wood and cushion!
I did say I had removed items from the van prior to making tge video
Alright now with the power you are just being overdramatic. While a shitty install, you are being wayyy overdramatic
The van looks great but that gas and electrical installation is shocking. If I did a van build I would take it to professionals to do the electrics or learn how to do it correctly and get a professional to do the gas installation.
That gas oven hob is an outdoor only unit and should not be installed inside a van, sorry just seen you mentioned the same issue, well done
I have recommended not using it 👍
Unbelievable how much garbage people can do and get away with it, let alone still be in business . A lawsuit is well justified.
😮😮 Do you have a part number or link for that biscuit box...? That is my size of biscuit box.. 😉😁
Your not that kind of special to deserve one of those fully insulated biscuit boxes🤣🤣🤣
it's annoying that people are selling builds like this to people who are buying in good faith. He has no care for what he is doing, your friend is lucky to have you, well done Sam.
I’ve a sneaky suspicion his pal did the build himself and blamed it on a fictional character because he doesn’t want Sam thinking he’s a clown, might be wrong but people are funny like that?
Seeing far to many builds like this mate
It would have been easier to deal with if he had mate 🤣
Way too many 👍
Anyone buying things in good faith in 2024 needs a reality check.😂
Not sure what you mean by the solar 'back feeding' into the system ? if solar is feeding into the system, that surely is not 'back feeding as that is it's intended function. I agree with the isolation of course and that system is a shambles.
Were the owners aware of the need for a habitation certificate?😮
Does any of the interior equipment, cast iron cookware, batteries etc ever exit these vehicles due to inertia during a road accident?
good question
The solar charge controller is probably tost aswell now you the battery has come disconnected
No it's working fine, fitted afew of these if you follow victrons guidance there is no issue
Are you doing an update video of when it’s done…. Before and after ?
I hadn't planned to, as I've not recorded any of the rewire or the other works, it's maybe not to late to do something
@@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife yeah just thought it was maybe a good idea to show the dangerous van “before” which you have done, then “after” which shows the good installation practice that meets all safety requirements. especially if the person who who has done this is doing it to many vans. ( there’s a comparison for the folks who may have bought one) 👍🏻
Hi Sam, great info , I thought the gas installation was bad but the electric 😮 I made my own gas locker and sealed every corner and installation a gas manifest and also a gas alarm inside.
😊👍
This is a really great video that unfortunately calls out as you say some “deadly mistakes”. Even more unfortunately, some of these mistakes can occasionally be seen being made by van builders here on TH-cam.
Totally agree 👍
Funny a narrowboat needs a safety certificate to be on the water but we have vans like this on the roads. There are many documents of the safe installation of the smallest detail for a narrowboat and you must have a certificate from a qualified gas installer, all electronic wiring has to be checked by a qualified inspector every four years just to be on the water.
is that a requirement for you insurance company?
I hope the offending outfitter has been turned onto the authorities. The owners of the rigs are at such risk and if the rigs catch fire from gas or electric potentially pose a public risk as well!
unfortunately not
Potential death trap. Do they not have any mandatory inspections on these builds when they are completed? Also any environment like vans/boats ect with gas and exhaust fumes should have a carbon monoxide detector and a smoke alarm, no question.
No inspection required at all, the only issue is if it's not built to regulations and is damaged as a result of a bad installation the insurance company would not pay out
Thats not a biscuits box ... i was wanting a tin lol
my friend it was an insulated biscuit box 🤣
Is there such an European low voltage directive? No doubt that the electricity look messy and what is high or low risk ? That is a subjective discussion. Here in Netherlands (and thus shitty Europe) there are now laws or regulations for mobile homes, campers and caravans.
As I can see the cooker should be ID and not used and capped off
As a little knowledge is very dangerous
Gas Engineers spend a long time studying the rules and regulations
And what you can and cannot do
And some of the stuff that you have said is probably not correct
If I was in your position I would get a lpg qualified gas filter to give you certificate of safety at the end of the job
What do you think I said was not correct?
@@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife yes I am sorry you are wrong cooker not for inside
It’s not for inside ID
@DSTRacing yes your correct I did say that it's not for indoor use I even showed the sticker I will not be reinstallingredients the cooker just replacing and testing the pipe work up to that point 👍
So true Sam "You don't know what you don't know." . The issue is knowing you don't know what you don't know .
Yes the information is out there for correct installation of gas ,electrics etc .
But if a person "thinks" everything is installed ok , when it's clearly not , why would they then go looking for the safe way to install something ?
I think there needs to be much much more education on building/converting vans , cars , trailers , lorries or any "tiny" build.
Not only on the correct safe way to install things but also why it could potentially be dangerous to install it any other way .
As regards "Professional" builders there needs to be a lot more regulation . Some sort of industry recognised accreditation scheme.
The "Builder" that has built twenty seven dangerous/unsafe vehicles needs either educating , reporting or stopping building altogether.
The fact that your friends are still alive after using this van for so long is nothing short of a miracle or the grace of God .
Thank goodness you've stepped in to help Sam .
Fattrucker
This video was to highlight to potential buyers what to avoid
@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife Exactly Sam . A very good video it was too .
Fattrucker
Also all that electric stuff under a gas cooker?
There are lots of issues with this build that's was one of my concerns too
This is possibly the worst conversion I’ve seen in a long while. However I’ve seen a similar problem with a diesel heater on a Carthago Chic Motorhome I owed 16 years ago. The diesel heater exhaust outlet was near a dropout vent. On the same van the exhaust for the water heater was directly below and within 30cm of the electric hookup point. On a cold day when on hookup condensation would form on the electrical hookup from the flue vent. Seems even the big guys get things wrong at times.
No there isnt a plate that comes down but there should be far more room around it
muffler is mounted wrong the drain ports on muffler should face down
It's all coming out mate I will be fitting it properly
I had a gas bottle fail. I only knew as it had leaked because it was empty within days. Drop out did its thing and allowed the gas to vent away and disperse.
Two dropouts fitted now and a cabinet new pipe work throughout
Shocking....!! Never seen owt like it. The dude needs naming and shaming. He might be responsible for somebody's death. That gas install is criminal.
Unfortunately there's so many people having a go at converting vans theses days it will never end
Why didn't he take you with him when purchasing for advice??
I can't answer that 😕
par for the course when it come to DIY vans. too many overconfident hippies with daddies credit card. never buy someones homebuilt shit unless you reall know what your looking at. These people were clueless and got taken for a ride.
Clueless is a bit harsh but I get where you're coming from 👍 the video is to show people what is not acceptable
Could I ask what the Facebook group is called please?
The Crafty Blinders Van Builds
@@TheCraftyBlindersvanlife
No worries found it and joined
Thank you looks like an interesting group
Good video, but should be more terse, maybe half the time. Too little information per time.
Thanks for the tip
I've lost count of the amount of van builds I've watched on TH-cam that are complete death traps. Many of these builders have done many builds and portray themselves as skilled builders. Shocking wiring, lethal gas and heaters, lethal battery mounting.... The list goes on. Nobody sees to give any thought to what happens in a collision either. Magnetic knife holders, glass jars with the lid screws under a shelf or cupboard, all potentially lethal. I worked many years as a specialist vehicle engineer building vehicles for the military and airport fire vehicles. Prototyping and testing these vehicles highlighted any build issues and you would be amazed at what can fail despite it appearing to be well engineered. Even the vehicles built by well know manufacturers are really poor in some areas. There really should be a system of inspection and approval for these self builds. Much as I hate red tape and legislation I think it's necessary. You can't drive a vehicle that is not roadworthy. Well, a build like this is neither roadworthy or habitation worthy so should be condemned.
It can use flexible pipe but not that pipe. Propane tank shouldnt be inside no matter what
'Yeah, Ronnie Pickerin'
🤣🤣🤣
if campervan manufacturers didnt charge stupidly high prices for their vans there wouldnt be as much of a need to build your own? also cant understand why anyone would pay 30k or more for a diy van its insane in my opinion.
get your jab, it is important
Ok
So unsafe on so many levels.
That's why I had to share it but seeing this poor installaction quality is becoming a regular thing
Hilarious people are doing this
It takes the biscuit😁
Typo: not now but no. Sorry
The problem is mindless regurgitation of advice. Enthusiastic but woefully inadequate experts dispense nuggets of truth, holding camera in one hand and tools in the other, while paying close attention to the yoga pants bum, that is obligatory in every shot... for monetary reasons. Often led on and validated by the infallible arbitrators of truth, also known as "you guys" that faithfully deposit indisputable facts in the chronicles of all truths, also known "the comment section below "
The UK has been a joke for the last 75 years. In the rest of Europe the entire build needs an engineers sign off. Pathetic
totally agreed
This is why they are clamping down on the sales of diesel heaters etc.
It's so bad
It's so bad I may do a follow-up video on it
@@CalMUK91 You always need a spare diesel heater when installing a Chinese one😂
@chrisneville7310 Honestly for my own health, I have installed a Truma and then put a backup Autoterm under the seat, for when the Truma inevitably bricks itself.