Van Life tour: Stealthy Chevy Van conversion for retired couple.

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 23 ส.ค. 2020
  • Retired couple converted a Chevy Express cargo van into a camper for self-sufficient travel across Canada during pandemic. Tour our finished camper. Highlights include: solar charging, a solar shower, cooking, sleeping, storage and off-grid van life. More at our travel blog at www.kyoungtravels.com/
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ความคิดเห็น • 265

  • @michellestratford9753
    @michellestratford9753 3 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    I'm so happy to see people my own age doing this! Thank you for sharing! Safe travels🚙🇨🇦

    • @thelongroadhome7582
      @thelongroadhome7582  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thanks, you too.

    • @ch2821
      @ch2821 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Michelle Stratford I don’t know many “couples”.... but there is a huge group of solo women vanners.... we get together and caravan/ meet up for holidays/ and random times in between. Some are full time, some part time. Some have hubbies that hate camping so they go alone... fun times.! 😊

  • @karenwillis6680
    @karenwillis6680 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    I especially like how stealthy this van is. You’re a cute couple & good partners to each other ❤️

  • @shariburns6263
    @shariburns6263 3 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    I love the idea of putting the sleeping bags in pillow cases and using them for pillows or a backrest. Brilliant!

    • @sharongypsydove6080
      @sharongypsydove6080 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      A lot of people also stuff seasonal clothing in Throw pillow cases with zippers.. Puffy jackets hats mittens and so on Or just extra clothing..

  • @rickdejean4649
    @rickdejean4649 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Your children are lucky to have cool parents

  • @lesliesalmon6116
    @lesliesalmon6116 3 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    I love seeing a mature couple enjoying van life. I am inspired. Thank you.

  • @johnettew3957
    @johnettew3957 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Well thought out design. Thank you.

  • @Kiwiwanderer
    @Kiwiwanderer 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Practical easy build out. Lovely couple. Calm and happy.

  • @julierawlins5984
    @julierawlins5984 3 ปีที่แล้ว +18

    Such clever ideas and well executed! Thank you for sharing

  • @johntaylor1947
    @johntaylor1947 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I like the solar shower well done.

  • @jelkhorncamper6062
    @jelkhorncamper6062 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I would need to be able to make coffee from inside the van first thing in the morning. I’m delighted that our jackery will power our coffee maker to get that most important beverage while still half awake!!

  • @kydeafie
    @kydeafie 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Both of you are cute as a couple.

  • @DavidJohnson-tn8ed
    @DavidJohnson-tn8ed ปีที่แล้ว +3

    The most perfect Van I’ve seen. I’ve lived in mine also I’ve lived in my sailboat. Not because I had to. Because I enjoy it and I’m a minimalist. 👍

  • @donnasteel4187
    @donnasteel4187 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Excellent build ! I got a lot of great ideas from this video. This is my dream to kit a cargo van out like this and travel across North American. Safe travels and thank you for sharing.

  • @myfamilymatters
    @myfamilymatters 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    The design was absolutely perfect for you both. You can tell that it was well thought out, before you started. The outdoor shower idea is brilliant. Merry Christmas and safe travels once our Canadian weather turns warmer.

  • @livableincome
    @livableincome 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    This is charming and organized. Functional and attractive. I think this is my favorite kitchen so far. Love how everything is open where you can see it.
    Suppose the fridge being in front, far from the kitchen might be a bother, but I guess you'd determine what you need up front first before you go back and cook. Nice set up. 👍It shows you dont have to have an enormous van to get by.

  • @kboom58
    @kboom58 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I love the simplicity of this build. Seems like a very doable set-up

  • @cherriemckinstry131
    @cherriemckinstry131 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Its great seeing so many decide to take a different way of living instead of 4 walls and cable tv.. waiting for the holiday to see relatives or do anything.

  • @garryharrison6505
    @garryharrison6505 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Great video and a nice couple. You both work so well together. Cheers.

  • @thatcanadianchick7589
    @thatcanadianchick7589 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I thought this was going to be kinda lame, but boy... I was really wrong, lol !!! You gave me so many lightbulb ideas, thx !!!

  • @Eyesis_1
    @Eyesis_1 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    What a cute little home. Love the spice rack! 😍

  • @pegbilliet8014
    @pegbilliet8014 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Nice tour and set up. Nice to see a smiling face. Thanks for some good ideas.

  • @danwhiteman2529
    @danwhiteman2529 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Nice build folks! I like where you have your kitchen, reminds me of a teardrop trailer setup. Happy Trails

  • @gailresources8120
    @gailresources8120 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I could hear just fine. Very nice build.

    • @livableincome
      @livableincome 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      I heard just fine as well.

  • @IvyRosethebus
    @IvyRosethebus 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Excellent job! What a well done video also. Great creativity. Just love it. Thank you.

  • @tazmac4559
    @tazmac4559 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Very nice van build and so simple

  • @connectionoflivesandinterests
    @connectionoflivesandinterests 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    *Great Video. Love checking out all the things ppl are doing with their vans. 🤗🤗🤗*

  • @lia_fei_
    @lia_fei_ 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    WOW! This was so cool! The spice rack and the bed were my favourite parts 😄 Proud to call you guys my aunt and uncle 💕

  • @karolsmith7593
    @karolsmith7593 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Nice van for travels. You have used every space, and well organized.

  • @JosePerez-ei7ep
    @JosePerez-ei7ep 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Great job! Fantastic ideas...

  • @purposelydriven6566
    @purposelydriven6566 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I Love it 💖💖 its super fun it’s a wonderful experience thank you for sharing

  • @Warangel144Dreamsandvisions
    @Warangel144Dreamsandvisions 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I love that . Great setup and I love the bed and the sleeping bag pillows. I love that idea. Nice and comfy and it’s a great setup.I am thinking about the van life my self. At the moment it is a Matt of cash flow. And determining my needs in the van.I’m definitely not a minimalist. Lol. So I’m getting rid of lots. Lol.

  • @lifeoflucretia
    @lifeoflucretia 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    You have done a very nice build. Blessings and safe travels. LUCRETIA

  • @donnalouisebaza6570
    @donnalouisebaza6570 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I love how simple and organized everything is and the solar shower gives us future travelers an idea. I may use up everything you demonstrated. Thank you and happy holidays! Stay safe.

  • @Sassygirl8323340
    @Sassygirl8323340 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Loved the van and lots of good ideas

  • @erickanyc8907
    @erickanyc8907 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Really nice. 👌 Very organized! Safe travels!🙏

  • @henrycisnerosjr6559
    @henrycisnerosjr6559 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Thank You for your van tour, good job!
    Our vans are never finished, but, that is part of the fun.
    Looking forward to more posts.
    Happy Holidays

  • @PhilWellsCincy
    @PhilWellsCincy 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Excellent tour. Thank you

  • @dickspade7045
    @dickspade7045 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thanks for a great tour. You certainly have a lot of creative ideas, which I will copy.
    We too are retired previous backpackers.

    • @thelongroadhome7582
      @thelongroadhome7582  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      You're welcome. We got most of our ideas from youtube so happy copying!

  • @clovermark39
    @clovermark39 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Lovely build some great ideas there. Love the kitchen area. Thanks for sharing.

  • @artbyamyk
    @artbyamyk 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    So simple! Great utilization of space! I am currently saving for vanlife... you gave me some great ideas. Thank you!

  • @dianablanke2543
    @dianablanke2543 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Sweet Camper Van. I got some great ideas from you. Thanks!

  • @jpsadventures9864
    @jpsadventures9864 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great build. Well equipped for anything. Liked and subscribed. Safe travels!

  • @LucyWallace95
    @LucyWallace95 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Fantastic build!!

  • @jasperbuitenhuis6771
    @jasperbuitenhuis6771 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    great organization! Love it all, me and my wife are converting a van aslo and trying to make the most use of space seems like you guys did a great job! Hope you have a great trip thanks for sharing vandalf.

  • @rgold02
    @rgold02 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Great Van build! Thanks for sharing. Goldie in Jax. Florida

  • @taishiAlphaD
    @taishiAlphaD 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I love your set up! It was clearly thoughtfully planned out! Have safe travels!

  • @RoamingRuca
    @RoamingRuca 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great video and awesome conversion 👍 love your storage and organization and use of space. I love the bug screens. Thanks for the great ideas and tips

    • @thelongroadhome7582
      @thelongroadhome7582  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks very much. Many of the ideas are from other TH-cam videos.

  • @bettebuchheit5776
    @bettebuchheit5776 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Very nice. Love the organization!
    Happy travels!

  • @cc5893
    @cc5893 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Amazing 😃Great van, my favorite is the shower... never saw something like this before 👍🏻🌻.
    Take care you both... many greetings from switzerland 🙋🏻‍♂️🇨🇭

  • @amberhoadley3404
    @amberhoadley3404 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I love the mosquito netting ! Brilliant, thanks for sharing

  • @peace.404
    @peace.404 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Very creative and cool!

  • @FindingMyMuse
    @FindingMyMuse 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great setup…love it! Thank you!

  • @hankfacer7098
    @hankfacer7098 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great Tour, thank you

  • @myiajp9217
    @myiajp9217 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    hello! for the mosquito screen. you can cut a 7inch wide by x long piece of regular screen (hint: Local screen enclosure shops always have extra materials from previous jobs LOL!) that you stick with spray gorilla glue on the outside of separation area. that will cover the gap created by the space between the magnets and resolve the current issue presenting entrance of insects. Be well :)

  • @msyotaboy
    @msyotaboy 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Love your simplistic yet effective build. Definitely saved a ton of money yet have all the amenities for a wonderful weekend getaway

    • @thelongroadhome7582
      @thelongroadhome7582  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks. Keeping the cost down was important and we lived in the van for 2 months until sub zero temperatures arrived. We plan to set out again in May! More videos to come then.

  • @susanm9078
    @susanm9078 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great conversion. Nothing complicated. Love your kitchen in the back.

    • @thelongroadhome7582
      @thelongroadhome7582  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks. We tried to keep it simple. The hardest part was installing the insulation and panels over that.

  • @blunts2776
    @blunts2776 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This was so informative thank y’all so much!

  • @rubyjreads7503
    @rubyjreads7503 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Awesome build!!!. I've watched so many Chevy van builds and none of them had the shelving space you have. I need space for my books. You have made excellent use of your van space for storage. Very budget-friendly. Thank you for some excellent van build ideas.

    • @thelongroadhome7582
      @thelongroadhome7582  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks for that. We also still love our paper books! We got many great ideas from watching other TH-cam videos and it is cool how many different builds are out there.

  • @davet7663
    @davet7663 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Nice build! Safe travels 😎

  • @mweber2000
    @mweber2000 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Very nice and cleverly done

  • @r.d.ontheroad-1094
    @r.d.ontheroad-1094 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I must say, you have done a fantastic job setting up your van! Many happy and safe travels!!

    • @thelongroadhome7582
      @thelongroadhome7582  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks! We're still roaming around in Canada. So much to see.

  • @jacobkilgannon6059
    @jacobkilgannon6059 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Very cool! Congrats. Reminds me of my parents years ago.

  • @dellascott163
    @dellascott163 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Awesome video.

  • @andrewlane7000
    @andrewlane7000 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Very informative video ................... thank you ................

  • @laurajphillips
    @laurajphillips 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Very nice great organization!

  • @jajakilla
    @jajakilla 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I subbed when I saw your kitchen setup...awesome!

  • @bambihargrove6499
    @bambihargrove6499 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Beautifully done, Love love it. 👍❤👍

    • @thelongroadhome7582
      @thelongroadhome7582  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks. We are enjoy camping with it. Please subscribe for updates now that we are back into camping season!

  • @evelynsalinas4852
    @evelynsalinas4852 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Loved it!

  • @kencarey3477
    @kencarey3477 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Great tips! Thanks!

  • @pantera2137
    @pantera2137 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I like the fan

  • @ExploringCanadaInfo
    @ExploringCanadaInfo 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great van build! 😎

  • @beckywilliams1388
    @beckywilliams1388 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I love your bedside table 💕 great job

    • @thelongroadhome7582
      @thelongroadhome7582  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks - it works really well. Looking forward to travelling again soon and making some new videos!

  • @fancysfolly554
    @fancysfolly554 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Nice set up!

  • @user-vk8fc6xz1f
    @user-vk8fc6xz1f 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Nice Little Home Yall Guys Be Careful And Enjoy Life Your Friend Eddie From Athens Ala.

  • @janetwarner2002
    @janetwarner2002 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Always something positive to learn from others who are willing to share their experiences unless you're like Cyndee below.

  • @justkeeponmoving7727
    @justkeeponmoving7727 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Nice well done.

  • @bonnienklyde918
    @bonnienklyde918 3 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    Very nice van, but I could barely hear either of you with my volume all the way up. Be safe, stay well and God bless

    • @jsmomx8
      @jsmomx8 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Try earphones..they sounded better...I could not hear them either..

    • @thelongroadhome7582
      @thelongroadhome7582  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Sorry about that. New to making videos and don't think we can do anything to improve this one. Next time we will be louder.

  • @petehorton5591
    @petehorton5591 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Well Done.

  • @teresachapmanqueen1543
    @teresachapmanqueen1543 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Awesome video! I’m looking for the same van.

  • @gayleb9656
    @gayleb9656 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Very nice. A small rug under your fridge would help it slide easier.

  • @jazziered142
    @jazziered142 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    That is a nice van.

  • @kevinburgess6112
    @kevinburgess6112 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    wow!! very nice guys👍

  • @yvettagrimes6175
    @yvettagrimes6175 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you for sharing

  • @MotoMarvmtb
    @MotoMarvmtb 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Such a lovely couple, bet they never been in a argument before. 😉
    Oh and awesome van build!

    • @thelongroadhome7582
      @thelongroadhome7582  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thanks - but what are the chances of never arguing being true?

    • @MotoMarvmtb
      @MotoMarvmtb 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@thelongroadhome7582 you guys are perfect, don't ruin my illusion of you two. 😂

  • @booba7725
    @booba7725 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Vantastic!

    • @taishiAlphaD
      @taishiAlphaD 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Quite a nice vandominium !

  • @tgmcfly3568
    @tgmcfly3568 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Nice well done well done 👍🏾👏🏾🤗😊

  • @robertwagner8596
    @robertwagner8596 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    thats a cool ride

  • @Ohiogirl419
    @Ohiogirl419 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I like seeing homemade mods. Too many professional builds on TH-cam that cost $100k+++

    • @thelongroadhome7582
      @thelongroadhome7582  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thanks. Sticking to a small budget was a priority for us. Apart from buying the 2011 van, we spent around $5K on everything else.

  • @JamesHarris-sh9ip
    @JamesHarris-sh9ip 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Amazing Amazing

  • @peggylacroix8601
    @peggylacroix8601 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Love your hair

  • @unoefxz
    @unoefxz 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Just a couple suggestions for you guys. Easy up tent canopies from Wal-Mart for under 40.00 each. Get some of the clamp type paper clips to join them together in case of rain so the water runs off instead of between them. They also make a model that is enclosed which make a great room for changing clothes. Also, Coleman makes a camping table with a tub built in for a sink, it has several wire type shelves as well as hooks for BBQ utensils. The table was just under 100.00 but wow does it organize your cooking area. It is all aluminum and steel construction and worth its weight in camping gold! You guys did a great job, just wondering how tall you both are? I am 6'1" and don't know if I could sleep sideways or even diagonal with that bed set-up. I am about to convert my van. I have a pop-up camper which is great if posting up for a few days but would be useless for daily travel as it has to be unhitched to open it up.

    • @unoefxz
      @unoefxz 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      here is the camping table, got mine at Big Lots for 99.00: www.kohls.com/product/prd-1367411/coleman-pack-away-camp-kitchen.jsp?skuid=93918541&ci_mcc=ci&OUTDOOR%20RECREATION&CSE&CID=shopping20&gclid=c8765fe9981b1a4250270054e252db5c&gclsrc=3p.ds&msclkid=c8765fe9981b1a4250270054e252db5c

  • @r12rtpilot
    @r12rtpilot 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Well done!

    • @thelongroadhome7582
      @thelongroadhome7582  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks - we are still enjoying the van in our 2nd year of summer camping.

    • @r12rtpilot
      @r12rtpilot 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@thelongroadhome7582 so I take it you've never had to put chains on the tires? Our new Chevy Express Van conversion is locked in the snow in Salt Lake City right now

  • @cintiapollock2486
    @cintiapollock2486 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    ooh is it ok to handle the potty then open the fridge lol needed the sanitary wipes there. all in all tho cute van very well designed

  • @petin4940
    @petin4940 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Very Nice!

  • @vickiho1125
    @vickiho1125 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I'm concerned about the propane tank and the lack of venting, I've seen that an enclosed outside venting box is needed.

    • @thelongroadhome7582
      @thelongroadhome7582  3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Yes an enclosed outside vented box is needed. This is in case the pressure relief valve of the tank pops open. This could happen if the tank got too hot when it's full. A wooden box sealed with silicone and a hole thru the floor (propane is heavier than air) is the proper solution. Thanks for pointing that out.

  • @moongyle
    @moongyle 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you for sharing some really awesome ideas! Do you have any videos where you talk more about your actual travels? What’s the longest you’ve slept in your van? Do you mostly stay at camp grounds?

    • @thelongroadhome7582
      @thelongroadhome7582  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Hi and thanks. Our travel blog at www.kyoungtravels.com has stories and a few videos. Click on the "Camper Van" category. We lived in the van for 2 months. During that time we stayed I think 7 or 8 nights in a campground, the rest was boondocking. We used campgrounds when solar wasn't charging our battery enough or when there just wasn't a good boondocking site nearby.

  • @janicem4382
    @janicem4382 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great plan, I like it a lot. I am wanting to convert my Van and this is the best plan I have seen. I wonder about cooking in the rain. I think I would be fine with a salad most rainy evenings. I love my coffee in the morning though and my warm milk and honey at bedtime. I guess I could use a kettle for that. Is that what you do?

    • @thelongroadhome7582
      @thelongroadhome7582  3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      When it rains we have a tarp that ties to the roof rack at one end and two tent poles at the far end. Lots of people do cook in their van but we don't feel comfortable with that. Electric kettles take 1000w plus so the Jackery won't handle that. We boil water on the stove out back and make tea coffee inside.

  • @madizmom
    @madizmom 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    This is my dream retirement plan! Can’t wait to travel the US, Canada and South America. One question. I see other van builders that put their propane in lockers that vent outside in case of leaks. Are you concerned at all about that hazard? Happy and safe travels!

    • @thelongroadhome7582
      @thelongroadhome7582  3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Yes A locker is being built with a vent to the outside of the van.

  • @rosed7989
    @rosed7989 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Its going to be cold in the winter cooking at the kitchen/back area.

  • @greghulboj4994
    @greghulboj4994 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great work!!! Love the idea and it will help with my savana build, whT size of mattress did You guys use? Safe travels.

    • @thelongroadhome7582
      @thelongroadhome7582  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Hi Greg - it's a double mattress (54x74) and because it's foam, it squeezes into the 72" opening. It's also a trifold mattress so we can fold it to one side to get items stored under the bed.