Cole I am lookiong at your video again and realize how time consuming it must have been to record it all. It is super useful for everyone, sincerely thanks, Javier.
Looks like I'm a bit late to the party... What a great video!!! Thanks for your help and insight on how to set up an Astro for travelling. I'll be using many aspects of your conversion, once I actually find an Astro or Safari to work with. Thanks, again. Michael
Great work. can I ask how did you remove your rear AC unit? Mine van is metal freon tube connect to rear AC unit, couldn't be cut. so how did you do yours? thanks
You’ll need to have the freon removed so that the lines are dry and then you can cut them and cap them. I removed the end pieces and then took them to a vice, flattened them and folded the ends several times. Then dipped them in several coats of JB weld.
Newly Updated Safety Suggestions: for Campers, Explorers, Travelers, I just happened to see your channel, and others similar channels recently, and I think that you, and others sharing their actual reality, and some have expressed some of the up, and down sides to van, RV, or vehicle living. Although, I just noticed your TH-cam channel, and other similar channels, displaying van living. I just wanted to remind everyone to Aware Be of your surroundings and Alert, I just posted this anyway to help anyone who may benefit from these suggestions I believe that it is very helpful, and beneficial to others who may be thinking about this type of living without actually thinking through, about the some of the realistic problems that could occur with vehicle or van living etc... People need to know what up sides there are, as well as some of the down sides of vehicle living. I believe this channel, and other channels have been informative to others, including myself. Although, I am NOT living in a vehicle or anything like this. I feel that you , and others TH-camrs sharing this with your viewers will be very helpful. I wish you ALL the Best with your traveling endeavors. I shared this with several other travelers, as I watched their TH-cam channel for the first time, as yours, and I shared with them this information that may be helpful to you as well to others. Therefore, I would also like to suggest a few Safety tips, and items that may help you, or others in your viewing audience. Although, you may have knowledge of this already, I am not sure, so I hope this will be helpful to you, others or someone. *Keep a Extra working cellphone with you or in your vehicle. You can purchase inexpensive phone with a very low monthly price between 25, 35, 45, dollars a month with unlimited data and text, and some have Nationwide coverage Do your research for the best fit for you Consider Carrying Several Extra portable cellphone phone chargers, and cables. Consider theses items: *Mini portable power charging station. I have also seen outdoor portable solar powered power stations, that can be recharged from sunlight this may be very useful to have, to power your devices. *Invest in a Cellular signal booster for outdoor use, and camping situations to boost or amplify your cell signal and reception. Consider also the purchase of a WiFi signal booster to also boost your WiFi signal. Research to see what you prefer. *Very Inportant: Invest in a SOS distress electronic signal device, this a kind of device can send out a distress signal with your exact location. There are various types of these devices, and including devices that can be used when boating, or camping situations. *Some have emergency Strobe lights SOS signaling with location alerts, and location updates that can be sent to your family, and emergency first responders. Some can be synchronized with your smart watch or phone. There are some satellite SOS texting messaging, locator devices that will send messages with your phone even if there isn’t any cellular signal, or WiFi. With this device your can still text, and communicate with others in a emergency satellite transmission. Check online, for various emergency SOS products, some are small to fit in the palm of your hand. You can check online, and on Amazon, research what SOS devices will be a good fit for you. *Mini portable vehicle battery jumper charger *vehicle battery jumper cables *Vehicle Jumper cables *PLEASE BE AWARE* that in the *WINTER* *vehicle *Batteries fail* many times in very cold weather conditions. Vehicle batteries drain more often in the winter months. Please Keep a vehicle battery portable jumper pack, this is a device that can jumper or boost your vehicles battery yourself without another vehicle. If you have a older battery in your vehicle, Please have it tested or replace it, and consider the purchase a new vehicle battery with higher Cold Cranking Amps rating. Be Aware that Sometimes even a battery that is a few years old can fail in the Winter months, and extremely cold temperatures. Some alternatives to Winter Camping, Travelers, Explorers, etc, if you can find a Warmer Climate Location to stay during Extreme Winter months, or stay with family for a few weeks. Another alternative is renting somewhere although this can probably get expensive. What ever you decide Be Careful, Alert, Aware, Safe, and Informed... *Keep a Fire extinguisher handy *Smoke detectors, and Carbon monoxide detectors can be helpful Consider installing; *Mounted Dashboard camera front and rear possibly. *Exterior vehicle mounted camera for the front, rear, and both sides of your vehicle. Some can be activated by motion, Including spotlights. *Interior vehicle cameras *Flashlights or pluggin spotlights *Portable spotlights, and lanterns Keep a few whistles around with you, and in your vehicle possibly in your vehicle’s center console *Keep a Sound horn, for hiking this can service, as a deterrent, and a emergency signal alert for others. *A set of long range 2 way radios, walkie talkies, to communicate with others during trips, some have 100 mile radius keep for emergencies, you can keep with you when hiking. Use your own discretion regarding the use carrying of any weapons. Don’t forget to bring Bear Spray Pepper spray Where is allowed Purchase a couple canisters just in case and keep it with you If you own a drone you can use it to survey your area for animals etc. However, Please Be Safe and Beware of your Surroundings. Stay Alert, and Be Safe even when stopping at Rest stops, Truck Stops, and conducting your various tasks. Keep in often contact with your family, friends etc. Keep up with the latest Weather Updates, beware and prepare for unexpected Weather events and conditions. *VERY IMPORTANT* I would suggest *NOT* to travel to locations without internet, cellular service in the Winter, the reason is that weather conditions can change very quickly, and you absolutely DO NOT want have a vehicle break down, or malfunction, or emergency, and not have the availability to communicate, and contact your family, and or, emergency road assistance, or emergency services. PLEASE BE AWARE that in some extreme cold temperatures that vehicle fuel lines could Freeze and causing a vehicle to not start. Just in case Keep your gas tank filled, which helps prevent vehicle fuel lines from freezing. Keep gas or fuel line additive, or gas line antifreeze, that is rated to use okay for your vehicle. Check with your a certified mechanic and your vehicle owners manual, and or dealer repair facility to inquire what is best to prevent freezing gas tank and lines in extreme cold. *Safety is Paramount* *Your Life is Important* *You want to Live to Travel another Day* *So Be Safe* *Stay Alert* *Keep your vehicle gas filled* Don’t ride on fumes, or on Empty. Don’t chance your Safety by running your vehicle fuel or gas too close to Empty. Fill it up anyway, it will save you alot of time, and headache later on. Remember to keep up on routine maintenance, check your tires for wear, keep up with your fluids for your vehicle, like oil levels, antifreeze coolant, Please carry extra (oil)(washer fluid), (brake fluid), (antifreeze). You will need extra Winshield Washer fluid because of the ever changing Weather conditions, dustly roads, especially in slushy wet roads. Furthermore, you will need extra Windshield Washer Fluid, Because you will Be driving more often in dusty, dirty, windy, and varying weather conditions. Your windshield will gather dust and debris from long term driving. Also, Remember Because you are on the road riding for sometimes very long distances, and long periods of time, I would suggest investing in 2 sets of tires, and a spare, the extra set to rotate. Check the mileage ratings on your tires they all very. Conduct visual inspections of your tires often, check for damage, wearing, air pressure, etc Keep a pressure gauge to check your tires pressure and a tire pump. Electric, Portable tire pump. Keep towing insurance to Be Safe if you ever need it. It Doesn’t cost much try to get National coverage if available, or where you will be traveling. Keep Extra financing, and savings for any unexpected issues, vehicle repairs, and overnight stays, in a emergency or if you need to rest indoors. Keep Enjoying Yourself, Keep Enjoying the outdoors, and Nature Just..Please continue to Be Positive, Safe, and Alert.. Wishing Success, Well-being and Happiness You All. God Bless You, and everyone Traveling, or living in their vehicles, Vans, RVs, etc. Please Be Safe..... God Be With You..... Author Advocate for Humanity, Jason Sandifer, Michigan, 11/15/2022, 11/18/2022, 11/26/2022
Super cool van. Can I ask you: I am 5'8" and was wondering if I would be able to sleep sideways on a custom bed that IU built for the van? Can you throw some light on this? Thank you so much in advance, Javier.
On an Astro van if you put the bed sideways from one window to the opposite side in the back, you'd have to sleep a bit diagonal. Total width is almost exactly 5'6". It's doable, just have to sleep a bit slanted. I prefer the the front to back bed set up, although it does seem to take up more space.
Javier, I'm 6'0 and I do sleep sideways in this van. Like Commander Rick said, I do have to sleep at a slight angle. I actually built this van last year and traveled with my girlfriend and our 2 kids in this van for almost 6 months. More videos on that coming soon.
You have me cringing watching you throw away all of the valuable factory stuff...then you build back nothing but an unfinished piece of shit...I have camped out of my stock Safari for 10 years ..never thought it necessary to trash the factory trim...WTF...to each their own...
Cole I am lookiong at your video again and realize how time consuming it must have been to record it all. It is super useful for everyone, sincerely thanks, Javier.
Really nice job on converting your ASTRO van you will love living out of it
Neat build. I want an Astro van.
Looks like I'm a bit late to the party... What a great video!!! Thanks for your help and insight on how to set up an Astro for travelling. I'll be using many aspects of your conversion, once I actually find an Astro or Safari to work with. Thanks, again. Michael
Hey no fare, I wanna see more lol. That was very relaxing to watch. Awesome job!
Loved it. You’re so talented in so many ways Cole. Don’t give up!
Very thorough job with the stripping and insulation. Looking forward to the full tour, subscribed.
Thank you Rick, I'll be doing more videos soon!
Just posted a video with a tour of the van!
Just picked up a 98. Thanks for the post.
Awesome looking forward for the tour
Just posted a tour last night. Please let me know what you think.
Wow!! Great time-lapse video Cole!!
Pretty sharp. I picked up the cargo version of Astro and the build outs for passenger versions seem to be way different. Rock on. 🤘 🎸
Amazing video, thanks, man!
Epic! Great job !! 👍👍👍👍👍👍
thank you for making this video
Very cool idea and it looks like a fun project.
Great work. can I ask how did you remove your rear AC unit? Mine van is metal freon tube connect to rear AC unit, couldn't be cut. so how did you do yours? thanks
You’ll need to have the freon removed so that the lines are dry and then you can cut them and cap them. I removed the end pieces and then took them to a vice, flattened them and folded the ends several times. Then dipped them in several coats of JB weld.
Newly Updated Safety Suggestions: for Campers, Explorers, Travelers,
I just happened to see your channel, and others similar channels recently, and I think that you, and others sharing their actual reality, and some have expressed some of the up, and down sides to van, RV, or vehicle living.
Although, I just noticed your TH-cam channel, and other similar channels, displaying van living.
I just wanted to remind everyone to Aware Be of your surroundings and Alert, I just posted this anyway to help anyone who may benefit from these suggestions
I believe that it is very helpful, and beneficial to others who may be thinking about this type of living without actually thinking through, about the some of the realistic problems that could occur with vehicle or van living etc...
People need to know what up sides there are, as well as some of the down sides of vehicle living.
I believe this channel, and other channels have been informative to others, including myself.
Although, I am NOT living in a vehicle or anything like this.
I feel that you , and others TH-camrs sharing this with your viewers will be very helpful.
I wish you ALL the Best with your traveling endeavors.
I shared this with several other travelers, as I watched their TH-cam channel for the first time, as yours, and I shared with them this information that may be helpful to you as well to others.
Therefore, I would also like to suggest a few Safety tips, and items that may help you, or others in your viewing audience.
Although, you may have knowledge of this already,
I am not sure, so I hope this will be helpful to you, others or someone.
*Keep a Extra working cellphone with you or in your vehicle.
You can purchase inexpensive phone with a very low monthly price between 25, 35, 45, dollars a month with unlimited data and text, and some have Nationwide coverage
Do your research for the best fit for you
Consider Carrying Several Extra portable cellphone phone chargers, and cables.
Consider theses items:
*Mini portable power charging station.
I have also seen outdoor portable solar powered power stations, that can be recharged from sunlight this may be very useful to have, to power your devices.
*Invest in a Cellular signal booster for outdoor use, and camping situations to boost or amplify your cell signal and reception.
Consider also the purchase of a WiFi signal booster to also boost your WiFi signal.
Research to see what you prefer.
*Very Inportant:
Invest in a SOS distress electronic signal device, this a kind of device can send out a distress signal with your exact location.
There are various types of these devices, and including devices that can be used when boating, or camping situations.
*Some have emergency Strobe lights SOS signaling with location alerts, and location updates that can be sent to your family, and emergency first responders.
Some can be synchronized with your smart watch or phone.
There are some satellite SOS texting messaging, locator devices that will send messages with your phone even if there isn’t any cellular signal, or WiFi. With this device your can still text, and communicate with others in a emergency satellite transmission.
Check online, for various emergency SOS products, some are small to fit in the palm of your hand.
You can check online, and on Amazon, research what SOS devices will be a good fit for you.
*Mini portable vehicle battery jumper charger
*vehicle battery jumper cables
*Vehicle Jumper cables
*PLEASE BE AWARE* that in the *WINTER*
*vehicle *Batteries fail* many times in very cold weather conditions.
Vehicle batteries drain more often in the winter months.
Please Keep a vehicle battery portable jumper pack, this is a device that can jumper or boost your vehicles battery yourself without another vehicle.
If you have a older battery in your vehicle, Please have it tested or replace it, and consider the purchase a new vehicle battery with higher Cold Cranking Amps rating.
Be Aware that Sometimes even a battery that is a few years old can fail in the Winter months, and extremely cold temperatures.
Some alternatives to Winter Camping, Travelers, Explorers, etc, if you can find a Warmer Climate Location to stay during Extreme Winter months, or stay with family for a few weeks.
Another alternative is renting somewhere although this can probably get expensive.
What ever you decide Be Careful, Alert, Aware, Safe, and Informed...
*Keep a Fire extinguisher handy
*Smoke detectors, and Carbon monoxide detectors can be helpful
Consider installing;
*Mounted Dashboard camera front and rear possibly.
*Exterior vehicle mounted camera for the front, rear, and both sides of your vehicle.
Some can be activated by motion, Including spotlights.
*Interior vehicle cameras
*Flashlights or pluggin spotlights
*Portable spotlights, and lanterns
Keep a few whistles around with you, and in your vehicle possibly in your vehicle’s center console
*Keep a Sound horn, for hiking this can service, as a deterrent, and a emergency signal alert for others.
*A set of long range 2 way radios, walkie talkies, to communicate with others during trips, some have 100 mile radius keep for emergencies, you can keep with you when hiking.
Use your own discretion regarding the use carrying of any weapons.
Don’t forget to bring
Bear Spray
Pepper spray
Where is allowed
Purchase a couple canisters just in case and keep it with you
If you own a drone you can use it to survey your area for animals etc.
However, Please Be Safe and Beware of your Surroundings.
Stay Alert, and Be Safe even when stopping at Rest stops, Truck Stops, and conducting your various tasks.
Keep in often contact with your family, friends etc.
Keep up with the latest Weather Updates, beware and prepare for unexpected Weather events and conditions.
*VERY IMPORTANT*
I would suggest *NOT* to travel to locations without internet, cellular service in the Winter, the reason is that weather conditions can change very quickly, and you absolutely DO NOT want have a vehicle break down, or malfunction, or emergency, and not have the availability to communicate, and contact your family, and or, emergency road assistance, or emergency services.
PLEASE BE AWARE that in some extreme cold temperatures that vehicle fuel lines could Freeze and causing a vehicle to not start.
Just in case Keep your gas tank filled, which helps prevent vehicle fuel lines from freezing.
Keep gas or fuel line additive, or gas line antifreeze, that is rated to use okay for your vehicle.
Check with your a certified mechanic and your vehicle owners manual, and or dealer repair facility to inquire what is best to prevent freezing gas tank and lines in extreme cold.
*Safety is Paramount*
*Your Life is Important*
*You want to Live to Travel another Day*
*So Be Safe*
*Stay Alert*
*Keep your vehicle gas filled*
Don’t ride on fumes, or on Empty.
Don’t chance your Safety by running your vehicle fuel or gas too close to Empty.
Fill it up anyway, it will save you alot of time, and headache later on.
Remember to keep up on routine maintenance, check your tires for wear, keep up with your fluids for your vehicle, like oil levels, antifreeze coolant,
Please carry extra (oil)(washer fluid), (brake fluid), (antifreeze).
You will need extra Winshield Washer fluid because of the ever changing Weather conditions, dustly roads, especially in slushy wet roads.
Furthermore, you will need extra Windshield Washer Fluid, Because you will Be driving more often in dusty, dirty, windy, and varying weather conditions.
Your windshield will gather dust and debris from long term driving.
Also, Remember Because you are on the road riding for sometimes very long distances, and long periods of time, I would suggest investing in 2 sets of tires, and a spare, the extra set to rotate.
Check the mileage ratings on your tires they all very.
Conduct visual inspections of your tires often, check for damage, wearing, air pressure, etc
Keep a pressure gauge to check your tires pressure and a tire pump. Electric, Portable tire pump.
Keep towing insurance to Be Safe if you ever need it.
It Doesn’t cost much try to get National coverage if available, or where you will be traveling.
Keep Extra financing, and savings for any unexpected issues, vehicle repairs, and overnight stays, in a emergency or if you need to rest indoors.
Keep Enjoying Yourself,
Keep Enjoying the outdoors, and Nature
Just..Please continue to
Be Positive, Safe, and Alert..
Wishing Success, Well-being and Happiness You All.
God Bless You, and everyone
Traveling, or living in their vehicles, Vans, RVs, etc.
Please Be Safe.....
God Be With You.....
Author Advocate for Humanity,
Jason Sandifer,
Michigan,
11/15/2022, 11/18/2022,
11/26/2022
Nice!!!
What year is this one? This one doesn't have the rear ac/ heat ???
1999. It did have rear ac. I took it out and capped the lines
Super cool van. Can I ask you: I am 5'8" and was wondering if I would be able to sleep sideways on a custom bed that IU built for the van? Can you throw some light on this? Thank you so much in advance, Javier.
On an Astro van if you put the bed sideways from one window to the opposite side in the back, you'd have to sleep a bit diagonal. Total width is almost exactly 5'6". It's doable, just have to sleep a bit slanted. I prefer the the front to back bed set up, although it does seem to take up more space.
@@CommanderRick You are super kind, thank you.
Javier, I'm 6'0 and I do sleep sideways in this van. Like Commander Rick said, I do have to sleep at a slight angle. I actually built this van last year and traveled with my girlfriend and our 2 kids in this van for almost 6 months. More videos on that coming soon.
@@ColeWebb Thank you so . much!!!!
Fetal position maybe. I'm 5' 10" and couldn't do it.
Do you know what roof rack/rails you have on here and where I can find some?!
Thank you :)
They came with the van
That was cool
How much weight do you suppose that added to the van
A few hundred pounds I suppose
Question... . Did you get much more room ( larger ) by taking out the original van walls
Not much but I liked the wood walls for aesthetics.
Bro no lie..very very inspiring!! Like I'm so mind blown rn 💯✊✊✊🙌🙌#MajorSalute motivated me to think like this now..
Heat, power, power steering, ac, possibly awd, better than a VW?! I owned a '76 VW camper so maybe I can say this. Lol
I just picked up an astro, and want to do some weekend travel trips with it. How did you transport your kids safety without a rear seat?
Safety is for pussies
👍
You have me cringing watching you throw away all of the valuable factory stuff...then you build back nothing but an unfinished piece of shit...I have camped out of my stock Safari for 10 years ..never thought it necessary to trash the factory trim...WTF...to each their own...