I love this because it seems actually doable. So many van builds cost so much and have more than needed. This is perfect because it's actually like you're camping and not driving a luxury home on wheels
@@brandonjoseph1489 Imagine if a million people shit every day into a plastic bag per shit every day. Thats 30 million plastic bags. Fuck the environment right bro? You must be American
Yep! There are tons of van conversion videos but a lot of them are pretty elaborate and get away from the simplicity of camping. Years back I had an Aerostar, loved it! Taped screens over the sliding side windows, took the seats out and threw a couple of 4” thick foam mattresses to sleep on in the back and set up a dining tent outside. Great for northern fishing trips.
Hi, I am one of those people of the internet. Finally a simple, realistic, affordable design. I don't think it is right when they cram so many stuff into their van again, when the idea of the van was to simplify their lives.
I like that you didn't go crazy on wiring all sorts of batteries to stuff you kept it simple with one battery and a solar panel. With just a laptop and small gadgets. That's how I would do it. Simple.
Omg I think you’re my twin. Well to be accurate you’re the twin of the person I aspire to be. I’m interested in everything you’re already doing: minimalism, keto, being disciplined, wearing a “uniform”, even the van life! I’m just struggling with taking my first steps. Glad I came across your videos!
Genius. It was a billion freaking dollars. Thank you I have to subscribe this is one of the smartest builds ever. People have made this so scary and intimidating more than living in a home you really can't afford or a freaking mega house on wheels. Thank you
I have the 2012 and your right about the top shelf. I'm 5 11 155 and its easy to get between the seats to the back now. I'm somewhat of a contortionist so I may be able to hack it I'll put up a piece and try it before I build one.
This is exactly the van I want to convert after I go to university! It’s super helpful to see how you chose you lay everything out, makes it seem possible - even though it’s such a small space compared to most other van life vehicles 🚐
Very nice, quite impressed. A little small for my needs, but a really good use of space and very functional. Lot's of storage. I like your couch/bed. In case of rain (you did say Maine) you always need a normal place to sit for a prolonged period of time (computer work, read a book, etc.)
This is absolutely one of BEST van build videos I ever seen. No bullshit about these are my hair care products this is where my toothpaste is this is where we pee , Lala blah blah everything in your van is very practical and it’s not the big time Mr. craftsman cabinetry expensive build stuff that a lot of these people do, and everything you have is for a purpose. one suggestion I have for you, how about thinking about using fabric To cover your cubby holes just a couple of pieces of string on the top and bottom with like little curtains very light weight it would make your van look a lot cleaner on the inside too plus hardly any money. Just go to the thrift store to where they have curtains and blankets and other little fabrics heck you could use denim material I’m sure you get the picture. anyway you did a great job and you should be commended.
What a Solid Build! (in some parts) I would beef up that table as to prevent a Coleman stove from crashing on down and then you will have 🔥 Wonderful and Tidy Build and simplistic. 👴
Nice! I am afraid of fire too. Well, actually I have PTSD from the time someone arsoned our neighbor’s business. He had a large, old, hay filled barn that was 60 feet from our house and some other outbuildings. We ran from a wall of fire blowing towards our house in the middle of the night. We lost all of our outbuildings and almost our house...plus that barn reignited a few times in the weeks after the fire and we had to call the FD to put it out AGAIN. Fire is no joke.
Finally someone else with the bed behind the passenger seat. I will have to stay in cities fairly often due to work and it feels a little bit safer closer to the sidewalk and with my head to the front rather than the back.
Well done Lefie! Simone Giertz herself will be proud. Also, kudos for referencing the Presidents, not enough people do that in their videos. So now that the van's done, I suppose you'll be moving to the country... where you'll eat a lot of peaches. (I had to do it.)
Nice build. I am 6'3 and don't know if I could fit a bed in the back long enough for me. But would love a connect for the gas mileage, I don't need a lot, that is why I truly lo b e your build.
You might consider using a threaded insert on the "garage" door screw. Removing and re-installing the normal screw directly into the plywood could cause the screw to fail as the plywood gets more and more worn down.
Thank you for your videos. I was reintroduced to you after watching Matt D'Avella's video on wearing the same shirt. You popped up on my recommended and how glad was I to see your videos again! I had forgotten about them (woops). Even with minimalism, I've had the pressure of getting the perfect thing with the perfect fit to me or the environment. This lead me to never making a proper decision about anything. You've changed that perception.
I too have a Transit Connect (2010, white ) and I too have built it to camp in. I call mine the DX9. I too have seat covers. Mine have Storm Troopers on them. The DX9 is the type of ship the Empire uses for stormtrooper transport. I have a sticker on the back of a Stormtrooper, it reads "Move Along" I too wear all the same black things all the time. I too have a small (325 square foot ) apartment. I too love the band The Presidents of The United States of America.
Cool set up. You could try rubber on the base of your bins instead of felt. Another option (if you have clearance) is to screw on some lockable wheels at on end of the bins. Awesome, I can see it will evolve over time to fit your needs. Great job 👍
It might be easier to use the underbed storage bins if you removed the lids. They seem superfluous to purpose. They're so well fitted I doubt anything would fall out.
The van looks really nice! I've been looking at transits as a potential base for my first build so I'll definitely be looking more into your videos. Also, your voice and tone are so soothing and genuine. Love it!
I love your van. Good sized car. I love all your videos - informative, interessting and at the same time often make me laugh. I hope you keep enjoying creating videos but most important: stay yourself.
Enjoyed your video of the build. It is a very sharp and clean project, will be looking closer in time to see what i may incorportate into my build being done in next couple of months on a nissan nv200. Regards Mike County Durham UK
Grizzled old long haul trucker...great build. My wife and I just discovered your videos. We are in the process of leaving the lunacy that is Portland, Oregon. We hope that where we land, you are our neighbor. Thank you for your videos. You are a beautiful person. P.S., your short hair style really fits you.
Great build. Simple and clean. I'm curious about the reliability of that vehicle as the transit connect of that year intrigue me. I like your bed, I like that you have space, thinking about doing this for me and my dog. I'd remove the passenger seat completely I think. Make a bin for clothes and platform for pooch in place of it.
Hey, Josh! I actually first got the idea to build out this type of vehicle from another guy named Josh, and one of his builds has a dog platform! I'll link that video here: th-cam.com/video/YbNcRCywR4g/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=JoshOakes
Hi, I have a 2010 Transit Connect in dark blue too! Mine is named dobby. I don't live in mine, I have the shelf over the "bridge"(driving/passenger area) area for extra storage. I am 53 and I can slide into the drivers seat without too much difficulty, I find it more difficult to climb out of the drivers seat into the back of the van lol. Mine is a mirror image to yours. I debated heavily back and forth of which side to sleep on and I decided to have sliding door face the passenger side. I have a nice 8x8 awning. Just finished mine 2 weeks ago... solar is coming. I build a lithium battery and need to charge it lol I am in NJ.
Getting in and out of the back without leaving the van isn't comfortable in one of these but it is nice to have the option. I usually use the door but there have been a few times where I went between the seats to stay out of the rain/mud or avoid mosquitoes.
Thanks for the van vid, Lefie. Glad to see those safety features! I'm working (slooooowwwwwlyyy) on converting an Odyssey. Also planning for open shelves but with curtain panels threaded on bungees like you have in your bin area - top and bottom for maximum security and coverage. Happy trails!
Love this conversion, and your presentation! I learned a lot. I'll check out the other videos and would like to know more about the build. Specifics, tips and tricks. Just today I decided on the Ford Transit Connect since it's a smaller van, a full-size Sprinter is too big and too expensive. I just Googled Ford Connect conversions and yours was the first video I came across. Thanks for the advice and inspiration, and I love the theme, woodwork and your pragmatic approach!
Well done! This one of those vans that I imagine myself building and using for camping. There are videos ( and there are hundreds of them and growing) that as soon as they try to show the inside just gives me some anxiety: too much stuff and clutter and unsafe to say the least.
I love this because it seems actually doable. So many van builds cost so much and have more than needed. This is perfect because it's actually like you're camping and not driving a luxury home on wheels
And it’s not her home so that makes sense.
No toilet?
@@ekdaufin1485 you don’t need a toilet. You need a plastic bag. I did this got 6 months. You shit in the bag. Then dispose of it.
@@brandonjoseph1489 Imagine if a million people shit every day into a plastic bag per shit every day. Thats 30 million plastic bags.
Fuck the environment right bro? You must be American
First person I’ve seen with a fire alarm/carbon monoxide detector. Smart!!
Finally, a realistic minimalist that I look up to that is also afraid of fire...and not obsessed with candles 👩🏻🚒
Seriously
Yep! There are tons of van conversion videos but a lot of them are pretty elaborate and get away from the simplicity of camping. Years back I had an Aerostar, loved it! Taped screens over the sliding side windows, took the seats out and threw a couple of 4” thick foam mattresses to sleep on in the back and set up a dining tent outside. Great for northern fishing trips.
I love candles but fire in a vehicle is just a BAD TIME lol
Hi, I am one of those people of the internet. Finally a simple, realistic, affordable design. I don't think it is right when they cram so many stuff into their van again, when the idea of the van was to simplify their lives.
I like that you didn't go crazy on wiring all sorts of batteries to stuff you kept it simple with one battery and a solar panel. With just a laptop and small gadgets. That's how I would do it. Simple.
The Lefiemobile is here!!
Can yougive me the cost? I would like to do the conversion to my 2013 Ford Transit Connect XL
Omg I think you’re my twin. Well to be accurate you’re the twin of the person I aspire to be. I’m interested in everything you’re already doing: minimalism, keto, being disciplined, wearing a “uniform”, even the van life! I’m just struggling with taking my first steps. Glad I came across your videos!
Genius. It was a billion freaking dollars. Thank you I have to subscribe this is one of the smartest builds ever. People have made this so scary and intimidating more than living in a home you really can't afford or a freaking mega house on wheels. Thank you
I love your van, thank you for the tour...You did an awesome job...Happy trails...
The van turned out nice.
Love your personality, aesthetics and charisma! Your videos always bring me great comfort. Thank you for this, Lefie. Greetings from Russia!
This was amazing! Not only the Can but the delivery was extremely entertaining.
I have the 2012 and your right about the top shelf. I'm 5 11 155 and its easy to get between the seats to the back now. I'm somewhat of a contortionist so I may be able to hack it I'll put up a piece and try it before I build one.
I like the efficiency of this build. And it looks clean and fresh. A nice meld of elegant with practical.
This is exactly the van I want to convert after I go to university! It’s super helpful to see how you chose you lay everything out, makes it seem possible - even though it’s such a small space compared to most other van life vehicles 🚐
Very nice. Just enough for what you need. I’m looking into buying a Ford transit connect myself. Job well done
Very nice, quite impressed. A little small for my needs, but a really good use of space and very functional. Lot's of storage. I like your couch/bed. In case of rain (you did say Maine) you always need a normal place to sit for a prolonged period of time (computer work, read a book, etc.)
This is absolutely one of BEST van build videos I ever seen. No bullshit about these are my hair care products this is where my toothpaste is this is where we pee , Lala blah blah everything in your van is very practical and it’s not the big time Mr. craftsman cabinetry expensive build stuff that a lot of these people do, and everything you have is for a purpose. one suggestion I have for you, how about thinking about using fabric To cover your cubby holes just a couple of pieces of string on the top and bottom with like little curtains very light weight it would make your van look a lot cleaner on the inside too plus hardly any money. Just go to the thrift store to where they have curtains and blankets and other little fabrics heck you could use denim material I’m sure you get the picture. anyway you did a great job and you should be commended.
Wooooow, congratulation from uk 🇬🇧, Iran🇮🇷 and Spain 🇪🇸 . We loved it.
Great job.
Finally the van video is here! It's amazingly planned out and I bow down to your hard work, technical understanding and organisational skills.
For me, this is the way. Simple and open concept brings so much more flexibility instead of shoving a huge bed and using the underneath as storage.
Great build! Camping is living outdoors, so only the necessities are needed and you nailed it!
I am in the process of building my mini van camper. I agree with the lights. I use a lantern flashlight charged by USB.
Nice build and overview. Love the American flag, couch/bed, plaid curtains. Taking notes. Saving this video full of great ideas.
Thanks for sharing. Inspiring. You have a calming voice which is nice to hear in these troubled times.
Looks great! It looks bigger on the inside than I expected from looking at the outside. Nice!
Great build. Good idea with bins and no DOORS they would be in the way. You could put a pretty or basic curtain in front of the storage bins.
My fav “van life” video, not smug or over bearing
Yes...some are too overbearing!
What a Solid Build! (in some parts) I would beef up that table as to prevent a Coleman stove from crashing on down and then you will have
🔥 Wonderful and Tidy Build and simplistic. 👴
Nice voice to a radio station.
And nice wheels home too.
Take care, from Portugal!
Nice! I am afraid of fire too. Well, actually I have PTSD from the time someone arsoned our neighbor’s business. He had a large, old, hay filled barn that was 60 feet from our house and some other outbuildings. We ran from a wall of fire blowing towards our house in the middle of the night. We lost all of our outbuildings and almost our house...plus that barn reignited a few times in the weeks after the fire and we had to call the FD to put it out AGAIN. Fire is no joke.
This is one of THE best builds I've seen in a micro camper van. Awesome job.
Finally someone else with the bed behind the passenger seat. I will have to stay in cities fairly often due to work and it feels a little bit safer closer to the sidewalk and with my head to the front rather than the back.
This is the finest small van interior I have ever ever seen!!
This best I have seen love how is organize kitchen storage awesome is not that bulky.
Well done Lefie! Simone Giertz herself will be proud. Also, kudos for referencing the Presidents, not enough people do that in their videos. So now that the van's done, I suppose you'll be moving to the country... where you'll eat a lot of peaches. (I had to do it.)
And getting a kitty on her foot!
Very cute tour of your van. Nice sense of humor and nice build
I like the practicality in this!
"Remember the Mandatory Fire Extinguisher" is my favorite part of the video, but all is awesome.
I like the Peaches song a lot from that band.
Very nice! Instead of making the cabinet doors from wood you could also make a fabric curtain that you can slide to cover your things if you'd like 😊
Brilliant!! ... the woodwork, the convertability, the name, the stealth-factor of the climb-through-front-seats... love ya work, Lefie😀
From Australia
Nice build. I am 6'3 and don't know if I could fit a bed in the back long enough for me. But would love a connect for the gas mileage, I don't need a lot, that is why I truly lo b e your build.
You might consider using a threaded insert on the "garage" door screw. Removing and re-installing the normal screw directly into the plywood could cause the screw to fail as the plywood gets more and more worn down.
Even Velcro would work here, or snaps, or cabinet door friction catches, but do whatever you please. You could always use longer screws down the road.
Thank you for your videos. I was reintroduced to you after watching Matt D'Avella's video on wearing the same shirt. You popped up on my recommended and how glad was I to see your videos again! I had forgotten about them (woops).
Even with minimalism, I've had the pressure of getting the perfect thing with the perfect fit to me or the environment. This lead me to never making a proper decision about anything. You've changed that perception.
Love it & love your channel. You're personable & obviously intelligent.
Simple build that has everything you need. Well done.
I too have a Transit Connect (2010, white ) and I too have built it to camp in. I call mine the DX9. I too have seat covers. Mine have Storm Troopers on them. The DX9 is the type of ship the Empire uses for stormtrooper transport. I have a sticker on the back of a Stormtrooper, it reads "Move Along" I too wear all the same black things all the time. I too have a small (325 square foot ) apartment. I too love the band The Presidents of The United States of America.
Cool set up. You could try rubber on the base of your bins instead of felt. Another option (if you have clearance) is to screw on some lockable wheels at on end of the bins. Awesome, I can see it will evolve over time to fit your needs. Great job 👍
Awesome. Love the idea of seat covers, essential for when you buy a van from ten years ago :)
Good luck to you thanks for making this video.
It might be easier to use the underbed storage bins if you removed the lids. They seem superfluous to purpose. They're so well fitted I doubt anything would fall out.
Very nice. You can use Cargo Netting for the cabinets face. It would hold things in and keep it light weight.
I love the bed it's so cute!!!!
Thanks, Ley!
Well narrated! Thanks for sharing your build with us on TH-cam!
Welcome Lump! You are awesome 😁, fab van build Lefie. Everything you need xxx
Beautiful van. Great job!
good job. enjoyed your explanation of your van. i'll incorporate some of your ideas when I build my van.
pretty slick build! I'm just starting a conversion on a 2010 connect and wow, its crazy how much stuff you have to learn!
Just an FYI but you should mount the carbon monoxide detector *low* to the floor, rather than high up on the wall. Love the build!
lovely build and I love your narration style :) Thanks for the inspiration!
I love this video and your sense of humor!
The van looks really nice! I've been looking at transits as a potential base for my first build so I'll definitely be looking more into your videos. Also, your voice and tone are so soothing and genuine. Love it!
What an awesome build. Great job, i hope you have a great time with it!
Been looking at getting a ford transit connect/citroen berlingo of sorts, this is simple and doable, yet amazing at the same time, Lefie!
I love your van. Good sized car. I love all your videos - informative, interessting and at the same time often make me laugh. I hope you keep enjoying creating videos but most important: stay yourself.
Thanks, Melanie 😁
Such a simple awesome build way to go!!
This build is brilliant! Great use of a small space.
Enjoyed your video of the build. It is a very sharp and clean project, will be looking closer in time to see what i may incorportate
into my build being done in next couple of months on a nissan nv200. Regards Mike County Durham UK
I love the shelves with no cabinet doors! It’s much lighter and simpler. If I didn’t have a piano I would have gone with a van that size.
Grizzled old long haul trucker...great build. My wife and I just discovered your videos. We are in the process of leaving the lunacy that is Portland, Oregon. We hope that where we land, you are our neighbor. Thank you for your videos. You are a beautiful person. P.S., your short hair style really fits you.
Good job! For someone with no building skill (me) this is quite impressive.
Lovely simple conversion and a well presented and narrated video.
Very nice and functional build. Good job!
LUMP!! Loved that song...😁 Nice build!
Great build. Simple and clean. I'm curious about the reliability of that vehicle as the transit connect of that year intrigue me. I like your bed, I like that you have space, thinking about doing this for me and my dog. I'd remove the passenger seat completely I think. Make a bin for clothes and platform for pooch in place of it.
Hey, Josh! I actually first got the idea to build out this type of vehicle from another guy named Josh, and one of his builds has a dog platform! I'll link that video here: th-cam.com/video/YbNcRCywR4g/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=JoshOakes
Sweet van build. Clean and looks very professional.
I love your van.
Love from Ireland 🇮🇪
Yayyy been waiting so long for this, looks amazing!!!
Love it! Smart, complete, not too heavy just to be "beautiful."
Very nice build and extremely practical. 👍
Good build. Simple and practical.
Hi, I have a 2010 Transit Connect in dark blue too! Mine is named dobby. I don't live in mine, I have the shelf over the "bridge"(driving/passenger area) area for extra storage. I am 53 and I can slide into the drivers seat without too much difficulty, I find it more difficult to climb out of the drivers seat into the back of the van lol. Mine is a mirror image to yours. I debated heavily back and forth of which side to sleep on and I decided to have sliding door face the passenger side. I have a nice 8x8 awning. Just finished mine 2 weeks ago... solar is coming. I build a lithium battery and need to charge it lol I am in NJ.
The van looks great, Lefie. And I'm with you on the fire thing. Hope you and Lump have many enjoyable days x
I always like to be able to get through from cab to back easily too, for the exact same reasons
I think that was a simple build I am looking to do something similar and experiment myself especially now that I am retired thanks for the video.
Love it!!! Couldnt wait to see the final project!! You did a fantastic job!!!
Getting in and out of the back without leaving the van isn't comfortable in one of these but it is nice to have the option. I usually use the door but there have been a few times where I went between the seats to stay out of the rain/mud or avoid mosquitoes.
Thanks for the van vid, Lefie. Glad to see those safety features! I'm working (slooooowwwwwlyyy) on converting an Odyssey. Also planning for open shelves but with curtain panels threaded on bungees like you have in your bin area - top and bottom for maximum security and coverage. Happy trails!
Best of luck with it, AmmaLittleOwl! 😁
The long wait is over 💕
Minimal and functional, great job 👍🚐
Love this conversion, and your presentation! I learned a lot. I'll check out the other videos and would like to know more about the build. Specifics, tips and tricks. Just today I decided on the Ford Transit Connect since it's a smaller van, a full-size Sprinter is too big and too expensive. I just Googled Ford Connect conversions and yours was the first video I came across. Thanks for the advice and inspiration, and I love the theme, woodwork and your pragmatic approach!
i like the simplicity/ease of use. a lot of youtube van builds are ~asthetic~ but seem pretty impractical for actual trips. good for instagram tho.
Great Job! Clean lines, great organized storage and tidy! I love it!
Well done! This one of those vans that I imagine myself building and using for camping. There are videos ( and there are hundreds of them and growing) that as soon as they try to show the inside just gives me some anxiety: too much stuff and clutter and unsafe to say the least.
Instead of door adding weight. Use fabric & double sided tape🤷♀️ you did a great job on your van. Love it
Nice video Lefie!
Might I suggest for your next video a topic on your CPGs/stuff you use to clean/tidy up? I love how your spaces are so immaculate!
Thanks for the suggestion, Phil! That's an intriguing idea...
@@Lefie I personally use whatever is cheapest at Whole Foods or whatever Seventh Generation has. Always unscented or citrus 🍊 😆
The woodwork looks so good 👌 Greetings from Finland! 😄
Could put up curtains for the open cabinets if you want to cover but keep light. 🙂
Great to see you’re doing well! I love Best Made CO’s stuff! Great addition to an already lovely van. Safe Travels!
This Van is awesome.
Greetings from Poland Lefie!
Whoa, Poland?! Thanks, Pawel! 😊