Love the LoopRope shout out. I'm the guy that invented the stuff and I'm here to tell you that it's truly a reinvention of the age old and very dangerous bungee cord. From lashing down gear to using as a clothesline to quick docking sport boats and jet skis to even using as a pet leash. There's not a bungee system on the planet as versatile as #LoopRope, it is the duck tape of bungee cords!
This is probably the best van conversion I've ever seen. Looks very clean inside and yet doesn't look clinical like many other designs I see. Recently, I was looking at the more complex designs which look more homely but now I have completely changed my mind and would have it very similar to you although I would fit in a small loo somewhere, haha.
Dear Mr. Boutenko, Thank You very much for Your channel. We have discovered You, just by chance. We believe You have a wealth of information for Us to learn from. Extra glad and proud You are not "begging" to support Your lifestyle. It's so refreshing. Honestly, thank You. Sincerely, Kathleen.
This is amazing. I have watched dozens of van conversion videos and this one is the best. Very minimalist but totally suitable for short camping trips with essentials only. Add a mattress at the bottom of the bed and two people can sleep there. Mod the bed as a bunk, and three people can easily sleep in the van. I find your solution very inspirational, thabk you.
Finally a realistic minimalist conversion for mortals! This is the sort of thing I like to see. I can handle a decent build out myself and I'm an electrician, but the luxury builds I keep seeing don't impress me. I'm a old photographer and could do so much more without having to stay in motels. Good job young man!
this guy has the best channel i swear. i just discovered him and i had to binge watch his videos. he is so authentic and knowledgeable and patient. he is also good at teaching things, you can tell he does it with care unlike those chicks that put a ton of make up on and blink in front of their blender for money. all of their recipes are the same. didn't mean to bash anyone, but, he has a holistic approach to a healthy and affordable lifestyle and isn't a silly hippie like the majority of minimalists. i truly appreciate a down to earth high quality content.
After watching loads of videos with guys doing a wonderful job of turning their vans into homes, it was refreshing to find you doing it simply. Great presentation Sergei, a real credit to your time in front of the camera. I've subscribed & look forward to going through your other videos
I've watched tons of similar videos. Yours is quite clear without shaky footage. It's easy to see how you arranged your setup. Some other people use their cell phones and filmed closeups and I couldn't figure out the overall appearance they try to show.
This is really a special way to convert a van, but it fits your needs perfectly 👍🏼 and that’s definitely how it should be. I love this style, because you can still use the van in its original style. I’ve watched so many conversion videos, but I never came across something so simple and smart like yours 👍🏼Katy
very cool to see the dual use. i am a touring musician and often think about having a van that could be a live in camper but then go back to being a van for hauling gear and people. nice video, thanks for sharing!
What an awesome job you did I'm so glad that I'm not the only one that thinks making half of their van a bathroom and or the huge bed unnecessary. And as far as your beaver kitchen where else could you get even one Appliance for two hundred bucks. Great job! Safe travels
Lots of various options on TH-cam. If you want something very small but livable check out the Ford Transit Connect and Nissan NV200 with High Roofs. They're very fuel efficient & maneuverable. Kinda tight on space. If space is a priority then you have the bigger vans like this sprinter, transit, promaster and other old conversion vans... Plenty options out there and all these lovely TH-camrs Sharing their experiences. Much luck to you!!!!
You are right ;) I'd LOVE an NV15/25/3500 if they had longer lengths!!! A 12 or 14ft cargo box is what I'd like. But I guess with the long nose they don't want a longer tail maybe?? The Transit 3.5L V6 seems to be the most efficient gas engine out there. Any other options? I've been looking at www.iaai.com search transit -connect watching them fly off the shelves. Hopefully my funds get in order in the very near future... This unproductive job hunting as a minority female combat veteran is daunting and very disheartening :(
Such a cool van and you worked it for everything you need it for. Great video. Thank you for showing us. Very informative and helpful. Minimal is the way to go.
Dude (Boutenko Films) I just want to say you have an awesome set up that is simple and also very versatile and as you mentioned its perfect for how YOU want it to be...so I really hope you ignore the haters bro and those who have picked holes in costs... because personally mate, I think you have done an awesome job for a super low price. This is your journey, your van, and your choices, so stay positive and keep these awesome informative videos coming... I wish you all the best mate and safe travels : )
My father had a pick up and built a slide on camper for his pickup from plywood when we were little to go camping in it was great and very warm. In some places the ply was an inch thick and he could attach any hooks or shelves he wanted to.
Before i landed here i watched four other Van Videos with massive Woodinstalations inside... I have to say your build is the best! Its really simple, cheap but also very good. I think i will copy you someday. Thanks for sharing this. =) Greetings from Germany.
Just like the floor storage below the bed that has lip to stop boxes from sliding around , a 1" wood strip along the edge of the bed platform would stop mattress from sliding .
All the people saying you got ripped off are full of it. that looks like about ~36ft of 1.5" square tubing which is about 100 bucks on its own and taking it to a powder coater that has a large enough oven to accommodate is around ~200 and when you factor in labour and time its a little pricey, but fair. It's like complaining about spending 10 bucks on pasta at a restaurant... annoying. Really cool build though
This is a great video and very helpful. Thanks for posting it! I have been following you and your family now for over ten years! thanks for all the you do!
Great video. I would have never thought of the net storages. Outside Van charges a grip for their storage nets on the back doors. I just ordered some for the back upper panels and a couple for the back doors.
DUDE! Thanks MUCHO for sharing all this well thought out practical effective info! Very glad I bumped into this before going to build Much of what you put out there is EXACTLY the kind of thing I need (vs extensive/expensive solar/wiring etc) Very much appreciated
I got a van for the same reason as you. I was spending so much time on the road that I thought it better to get a camper. Then I found that I like the camper more than I liked the house! I think however that it may get a bit cold in your van in winter and very hot in summer!
I am doing a buildout myself, too bad my 2019 Sprinter did not have a finished ceiling. Massive amount of hours getting that done with insulation, framing for 1/4 inch ply, L track to hold future cabinets, etc. Lots of nuts and bolts and rivnuts. Thanks for sharing.
Wow nice thoughtful job! All you need now is a water tank and sink, with a potapoti! Then your self contained! You could get a battery bank going with a fantastic fan in the roof!
Great ideas -- I love the minimalist approach. But no mention of how to insulate the walls, floor and ceiling, or what to use for rigid flooring over the insulation.
I love it when someone gives these overpriced van outfitters the middle finger with alternate thinking. I would spend twice as much and still get a deal on outfitting a van because you inspired me to do so. Great work!
I have a similar layout in my Renault master minibus in the bed base I've built in a dog cage and still have plenty of storage for a full length awning toilet pop up shower table chairs etc and behind passenger seat I got a self contained kitchen unit from caravan which has storage 3 ring hob and grill a sink and a fridge I've mounted 2 leisure batteries in the base along with a 3000watt invertor for mains power I've made the whole unit modular aswell as the bed/storage unit
Nice! Id make a bed frame a little higher to maybe use it as a working desk and additional shelving so you don't have to take it out every time and can fit more cargo in your van!
Do you live in this full time? Only additional things I think I'd want in a full-time van are some type of table - maybe one that hinges to the wall...and at least a 5 gallon jug of water for cooking and bathing with a solar shower. Built-in showers and toilets definitely aren't necessary. It's good to see a cheaper conversion option. Thanks for sharing!
Great set up. I found the bins at Costco for $8 also the puck lights for less than $19. I looked up the kitchen but it seems that all you get for $200 is just the box, no stove or other stuff. I wish that I had seen this three months ago. I was looking for a mattress solution. Iused the Froli Sleep System by Nickle Atlantic, LLC and put a mattress topper over it. That cost about $200 to $300. I mounted it on a wood frame made out of 2x4 that connect into the seat rungs with J bolts.
I myself would like the bed base to double as a table or work bench; install braces on wall or ceiling to hold up what I would use as a bed, an IKEA futon pad. Genius kitchen product. I would include a bathroom somehow but I don't know how.
I'm planning on doing something similar to a new High Top transit Van. I am going to use Disc-o-beds and some some old kitchen cabinets. I will spend more the way I am doing it, but I also want more of an RV feel then a buyout van.
I am very impress by simplicity. I will copy your porto-kitchen-box. If you ever come to North Florida, I'd like to see it (van) in real. I owned Sprinter 2006y for 8years. Now with a RAM ProMaster 2015
Love the LoopRope shout out. I'm the guy that invented the stuff and I'm here to tell you that it's truly a reinvention of the age old and very dangerous bungee cord. From lashing down gear to using as a clothesline to quick docking sport boats and jet skis to even using as a pet leash. There's not a bungee system on the planet as versatile as #LoopRope, it is the duck tape of bungee cords!
This is probably the best van conversion I've ever seen. Looks very clean inside and yet doesn't look clinical like many other designs I see. Recently, I was looking at the more complex designs which look more homely but now I have completely changed my mind and would have it very similar to you although I would fit in a small loo somewhere, haha.
Dear Mr. Boutenko,
Thank You very much for Your
channel. We have discovered
You, just by chance. We believe
You have a wealth of information
for Us to learn from. Extra glad
and proud You are not "begging"
to support Your lifestyle. It's so
refreshing. Honestly, thank You.
Sincerely, Kathleen.
This is amazing. I have watched dozens of van conversion videos and this one is the best. Very minimalist but totally suitable for short camping trips with essentials only. Add a mattress at the bottom of the bed and two people can sleep there. Mod the bed as a bunk, and three people can easily sleep in the van. I find your solution very inspirational, thabk you.
Finally a realistic minimalist conversion for mortals! This is the sort of thing I like to see. I can handle a decent build out myself and I'm an electrician, but the luxury builds I keep seeing don't impress me. I'm a old photographer and could do so much more without having to stay in motels. Good job young man!
this guy has the best channel i swear. i just discovered him and i had to binge watch his videos. he is so authentic and knowledgeable and patient. he is also good at teaching things, you can tell he does it with care unlike those chicks that put a ton of make up on and blink in front of their blender for money. all of their recipes are the same. didn't mean to bash anyone, but, he has a holistic approach to a healthy and affordable lifestyle and isn't a silly hippie like the majority of minimalists. i truly appreciate a down to earth high quality content.
After watching loads of videos with guys doing a wonderful job of turning their vans into homes, it was refreshing to find you doing it simply. Great presentation Sergei, a real credit to your time in front of the camera. I've subscribed & look forward to going through your other videos
You are obviously a very clear thinking individual. I take a lot of inspiration from this for my weekender style camper.
Awesome job! Those cargo nets look super helpful. And the fork coat hangers, lol!
i like the simplicity and multi functionality of this build.
I've watched tons of similar videos. Yours is quite clear without shaky footage. It's easy to see how you arranged your setup. Some other people use their cell phones and filmed closeups and I couldn't figure out the overall appearance they try to show.
This is really a special way to convert a van, but it fits your needs perfectly 👍🏼 and that’s definitely how it should be.
I love this style, because you can still use the van in its original style.
I’ve watched so many conversion videos, but I never came across something so simple and smart like yours 👍🏼Katy
Thanks man....Just basic needs for the no-frills guy. Love that at moments notice that it can be reconfigured.
this is awesome! i love the simplicity of be able to remove the bed so easily to haul stuff like your books. and storing bicycle inside
Very inspiring and extremely practical. Well thought out too. Better than sleeping in my car for sure.
it's awesome that you're able to put out the bed in order to transport stuff
i love this van!
Thanks for your feedback!
very cool to see the dual use. i am a touring musician and often think about having a van that could be a live in camper but then go back to being a van for hauling gear and people. nice video, thanks for sharing!
Nicely done! I really love the use of those cargo nets, very clever!
This van is exactly what i was lookinh for, simple, modular and extremely functional
I have seen MANY Types of Beds ... but I think this is the best even better then PVC and wood... love it.
What an awesome job you did I'm so glad that I'm not the only one that thinks making half of their van a bathroom and or the huge bed unnecessary. And as far as your beaver kitchen where else could you get even one Appliance for two hundred bucks. Great job! Safe travels
I love this. I kept wondering how I could have a car and a place to stay too, I'm semi-retired but, wna to take weekend trips.
Lots of various options on TH-cam. If you want something very small but livable check out the Ford Transit Connect and Nissan NV200 with High Roofs. They're very fuel efficient & maneuverable. Kinda tight on space. If space is a priority then you have the bigger vans like this sprinter, transit, promaster and other old conversion vans... Plenty options out there and all these lovely TH-camrs Sharing their experiences. Much luck to you!!!!
You missed nissan NV2500-3500. One conversion guy said it was the only vehicle he would ever use.
You are right ;) I'd LOVE an NV15/25/3500 if they had longer lengths!!! A 12 or 14ft cargo box is what I'd like. But I guess with the long nose they don't want a longer tail maybe?? The Transit 3.5L V6 seems to be the most efficient gas engine out there. Any other options? I've been looking at www.iaai.com search transit -connect watching them fly off the shelves. Hopefully my funds get in order in the very near future... This unproductive job hunting as a minority female combat veteran is daunting and very disheartening :(
Such a cool van and you worked it for everything you need it for. Great video. Thank you for showing us. Very informative and helpful. Minimal is the way to go.
Dude (Boutenko Films) I just want to say you have an awesome set up that is simple and also very versatile and as you mentioned its perfect for how YOU want it to be...so I really hope you ignore the haters bro and those who have picked holes in costs... because personally mate, I think you have done an awesome job for a super low price. This is your journey, your van, and your choices, so stay positive and keep these awesome informative videos coming... I wish you all the best mate and safe travels : )
My father had a pick up and built a slide on camper for his pickup from plywood when we were little to go camping in it was great and very warm. In some places the ply was an inch thick and he could attach any hooks or shelves he wanted to.
Before i landed here i watched four other Van Videos with massive Woodinstalations inside... I have to say your build is the best! Its really simple, cheap but also very good. I think i will copy you someday. Thanks for sharing this. =) Greetings from Germany.
Best (realistic) van conversion I've seen. Been trying to find something do able and this is it. Thank you 😊
Just like the floor storage below the bed that has lip to stop boxes from sliding around , a 1" wood strip along the edge of the bed platform would stop mattress from sliding .
Nice simple setup. Ability to remove everything and preserve the versatility of the vehicle is the important thing.
Thank you so much man I don't have much money for college and this is Definitely gonna help me. I want my education more than anything.
Nice job mate. I like the bed frame and how simple the set up is. safe driving.
All the people saying you got ripped off are full of it. that looks like about ~36ft of 1.5" square tubing which is about 100 bucks on its own and taking it to a powder coater that has a large enough oven to accommodate is around ~200 and when you factor in labour and time its a little pricey, but fair. It's like complaining about spending 10 bucks on pasta at a restaurant... annoying. Really cool build though
Thank You someone knows what they are talking about!
$600 seems steep i would half it at least
Thanks Philer, I thought the same
You did a,fabulous job on a exact model I am working on now
I love the simplicity yet practical build I. this van.
Awesome! This is a very practical and efficient use of space in your cargo van. Refreshing! Thanks for sharing!
Great build, nice idea's that fit your needs. Thanks for taking the time to share.
Jason's custom bed setup... Epic!
This is a great video and very helpful. Thanks for posting it! I have been following you and your family now for over ten years! thanks for all the you do!
thank you for sharing your van build and for giving us prices and links to the products. Because of the pricing and links, I've subscribed and liked.
Hell of a job man! Been thinking about doing something similar lately and will definitely consider some of your ideas. Take care man
Axel, please do share what you come up with when the time comes.
If/when I get it done I'll make sure to let you know
Very nice! You did a great job for keeping things simple and practical! You gave me some awesome ideas! Thanks! Keep up the great work!
Great video. I would have never thought of the net storages. Outside Van charges a grip for their storage nets on the back doors. I just ordered some for the back upper panels and a couple for the back doors.
Nice build and some good ideas. I like the basic design leaving the van versatile👍🏻
DUDE!
Thanks MUCHO for sharing all this well thought out practical effective info!
Very glad I bumped into this before going to build
Much of what you put out there is EXACTLY the kind of thing I need (vs extensive/expensive solar/wiring etc)
Very much appreciated
Awesome … great job. Gave me some good ideas, I liked the kitchen idea for sure. Im looking forward to my first van home.
Really inspirational. May end up doing the same thing for my photography/video business. Thanks Bogdan
great set up!. you kept it pretty simple and practical. kudos to you my friend, keep on keeping on.
Thank you Jose!
Nice simple conversion! Always great to keep it minimal! Great video
I got a van for the same reason as you. I was spending so much time on the road that I thought it better to get a camper. Then I found that I like the camper more than I liked the house!
I think however that it may get a bit cold in your van in winter and very hot in summer!
Alan, you're absolutely right. With time, I might build it out a bit more. Right now, it works for my lifestyle.
BoutenkoFilms
I suppose it depends on your geographical location!
I am doing a buildout myself, too bad my 2019 Sprinter did not have a finished ceiling. Massive amount of hours getting that done with insulation, framing for 1/4 inch ply, L track to hold future cabinets, etc. Lots of nuts and bolts and rivnuts. Thanks for sharing.
youre changing my life right now. thank you
really simple and practical van setup, really appreciate your video !
Nice work, van looks comfortable and flexible, very helpful for me!
Wow nice thoughtful job! All you need now is a water tank and sink, with a potapoti! Then your self contained! You could get a battery bank going with a fantastic fan in the roof!
a v good effort, it addresses all the needs. esp the small kitchen was awesome,,
Thaaaaaaanks! Just the video I needed after an extensive search! Awesome.
That was really well done. A Good description of a well done project.
100% what i was looking for thank you for making this!!!!
Great ideas -- I love the minimalist approach. But no mention of how to insulate the walls, floor and ceiling, or what to use for rigid flooring over the insulation.
I think you outfitted your van perfect for you and your lifestyle. safe travels. :)
Great video and such simple practical set up, thanks for sharing everything including the links to the products!!
You're so welcome!
Great video. gave me lots to think about in my own conversion and requirements.
lovely van, love your minimalist approach
Nice job! Thanks for the links.
The cargo nets are a great idea 👍
Exactly what I needed for inspiration! Thanks!!
Perfect build! Thank you very much for this video.
Nice practical healthy less mold good aeration.
You should look at some Velcro straps to hold your bed down. They are relatively cheap and last long. They are also VERY easy to take off.
Box in the mattress on the frame... Won't need the straps.
I am writing this on my To-Do-List Now!!!
This is great. Most inspiring. Thanks, Serge!
Very nice work, and simply....Bravo
Thank you Sir, Love your idea and love your video. Very inspiring. I will do the same for my surf van. :)
I love it when someone gives these overpriced van outfitters the middle finger with alternate thinking. I would spend twice as much and still get a deal on outfitting a van because you inspired me to do so. Great work!
Nice setup that seems perfect for your needs !!
Some really great ideas, thanks for posting!
Great ideas and full of inspiration. I just subscribed. Cheers from Canada.
Perfect! Great minimalist ideas, just as I like. Thanks a lot for the inspiration! ;)
I have a similar layout in my Renault master minibus
in the bed base I've built in a dog cage and still have plenty of storage for a full length awning toilet pop up shower table chairs etc and behind passenger seat I got a self contained kitchen unit from caravan which has storage
3 ring hob and grill a sink and a fridge I've mounted 2 leisure batteries in the base along with a 3000watt invertor for mains power
I've made the whole unit modular
aswell as the bed/storage unit
One of the best videos I've seen. ♡
Sergei you're amazing, love this video!
Maybe a couple of large velcro strips on the bed and frame should keep it in place.
dycem
Nice! Id make a bed frame a little higher to maybe use it as a working desk and additional shelving so you don't have to take it out every time and can fit more cargo in your van!
Just noticed there can be more storage space on the top of the van. But it can be tricky to do the mods there I guess. Fantastic job btw!
Do you live in this full time? Only additional things I think I'd want in a full-time van are some type of table - maybe one that hinges to the wall...and at least a 5 gallon jug of water for cooking and bathing with a solar shower. Built-in showers and toilets definitely aren't necessary. It's good to see a cheaper conversion option. Thanks for sharing!
Hell Yeah.!! Keep it Simple and Practical.!!
this is FANTASTIC. thank you!
Great idea, praticle and cheap...I'll pin a trailer for my motorcycle and hit the road with this ! ;)
Great set up. I found the bins at Costco for $8 also the puck lights for less than $19. I looked up the kitchen but it seems that all you get for $200 is just the box, no stove or other stuff.
I wish that I had seen this three months ago. I was looking for a mattress solution. Iused the Froli Sleep System by Nickle Atlantic, LLC and put a mattress topper over it. That cost about $200 to $300. I mounted it on a wood frame made out of 2x4 that connect into the seat rungs with J bolts.
Thanks for the feedback, Im gunna look into the Nickel Atlantic thingy...
Best one so far.
got to love em cargo nets
I like the way you think!! Great ideas.
I myself would like the bed base to double as a table or work bench; install braces on wall or ceiling to hold up what I would use as a bed, an IKEA futon pad. Genius kitchen product. I would include a bathroom somehow but I don't know how.
Hell of a job buddy. Most of these van people on TH-cam are straight up hippies. You're doing it right brotha
I'm planning on doing something similar to a new High Top transit Van. I am going to use Disc-o-beds and some some old kitchen cabinets. I will spend more the way I am doing it, but I also want more of an RV feel then a buyout van.
Sweet setup!
very nice simple set-up.
love it. 👍
Great job, Sergei. Curious how you deal with refrigeration when on the road.
Dig the Janga wetsuits! I carry them in my shop in Morro Bay, so slinky!
I am very impress by simplicity. I will copy your porto-kitchen-box. If you ever come to North Florida, I'd like to see it (van) in real. I owned Sprinter 2006y for 8years. Now with a RAM ProMaster 2015