5 Things I LOVE About My Custom Astro Camper Van Build
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In this episode of Seize The Adventure we talk about the 5 things that I LOVE about my self converted custom Astro camper van. We dive deep into the details about what works best in my build. Hopefully this will give you an idea of what to prioritize in your camper van build.
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![VAN LIFE KITCHEN: Outdoor Kitchen Setup - Why I Do NOT Cook Inside [AWD Astro Camper] [GMC Safari]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/LXXQgLKG1BI/mqdefault.jpg)
If you haven’t installed a swivel base on your passenger seat yet, it’s a major game changer!
These do seem to really open up the space! Thanks for watching
What type should I get? Dodge c/v cargo van
@@susantosi695 looking for a dodge swivel myself and haven’t found a solid option.
I bought a 98 Astro new, drove it 180,000 miles over 20 years, gave it to my son and he put another 117,000 miles on it in 7 years, then it got caught up in a house fire. Instead of selling it for $350 as scrap with 297k miles, I sank $1k in parts into it so far, to completely restore it to my standards. It runs great and the fire was purely cosmetic damage.
I'm thinking about doing a light camping setup with it. I'd like to especially use it for tent camping in northern Michigan in the summertime where RWD is fine. I want to do a kitchen in the van rear area under the liftgate and an 8x8 awning by the side slider door to have shade when there's no trees. I like your bed idea, the Jackery, the fold up tables, and the simple sink. Just checking that you know that you know that the rear doors unclip to open 180 degrees. I just found that out after owning it for 27 years.
As far as lasting with maintenance, mine will turn 298k miles this month and Starts instantly and gets over 20 mpg. I just changed all 3 drivetrain fluids and spark plugs, cap, and rotor. Most recent work was blower door actuator yesterday to restore heat and both rear liftgate struts.
Sounds like quite the journey! thank you for sharing this.
Cool story bro.
Love it, my husband is converting his safari Van into a camper van, he too is going to do what you have done with yours. And then we will do some traveling with it..
That is awesome! They are great vans. Glad you found the videos useful!
I feel it’s one of the nicest Van I seen and affordable. I could live full time in it
Thank you Anthony, that’s a huge compliment. If you enjoy the look of this build be sure to check out my new build. It will have a similar, but greatly improved look with tons of new features. Thanks for your support!
I'm in the midst of my micro build, love it, going to find your new build u speak of, great job, safe travels, subscribed 😁
You did a fine job, and you could live in it. There are people that live full time in a Prius.
All you need is a vehicle and some creativity! Thanks for watching
Probably the BEST ASTRO CAMPER VAN starter build video. Well done.
Now Im retired and diabetic so for Me building was not in my cards.
So I bought a 97Astro Conversion at about 85,000 miles @ $3k. Sold all rear seats.
2nd I bought a 268/600 Bluetti (35000 rechargeable) n Solar panel for $500.00. $145 Bought a gorgeous leatherette futon sofa/bed. Just slide it in. 3rd $100 Ikea 3 drawer cabinet and cut the legs down. Just slide it in. Carpet $49 n $59 2 layers for insulation n comfort. Portable toilet. N sink. Electric water pump. 3 gal. WM Water jug. $40 Car carrier roof tub.
$175 Freezer/ Frig mini. $55 microwave. Made my own window shades. There ya go. No build real build.
Great job Drew, thank you for sharing!
Wow ! You should have you own you tube video. I would love to see that!
You are one of my new favorite van lifers. I will be doing my build similar to yours. I have a 2001 Ford Econoline E-150. The floor is going to be my biggest challenge.
That’s awesome! So glad you found my channel. I built out an econoline with a similar design and it came out incredible! Take your time with the floor as it’s one of the nice finishing touches. Thanks for watching, and the great comments.
Smart to keep it simple - I'm able to sleep across the back at 5'-9", did it first in a an Astro cargo 2wd that got stolen. The one thing I didn't like about that cargo van was the slider didn't have a window which made backing out of spots in the city a hassle - I notice your van doesn't have that window OR windows in the rear doors, great for stealth and security but wondering how you feel about visibility when driving.... Builds United (he commented below) was recently at the junk yard and pulled a slider with the window just for the hardware, if you were ever wanting to you could score one AND if you got one from a passenger version that window pops open which is great for ventilation - Some of the rear barn doors came with windows that pop open as well... Keep up the effort with the channel, your way more pro than I am with mine....
My cargo was a FedEx fleet vehicle, and has some really great blind spot mirrors from its past life. I’ve never really had problems while driving. Some extra windows would be nice to have for ventilation purposes, and some natural light. Most of the time I just have the rear doors open and I’m outside of my van at campsites.
I’ve seen your van on instagram, really like the diy roof rack system. Thanks for watching the video!
I'm 5'8" and I slept across the rear of my GMC safari, with an inch above and below to spare. Plus my walls are insulated with half inch foam and linoleum as wall covering, because vinyl off gasses deadly fumes on hot days.😁
Best looking setup for me and most spacious. My bed is a plywood that goes across the rear, sitting on both wheel wells and a 2x4 box frame between the wheel wells as a storage trunk.
Still adding more to the van, little by little.😎
Sounds like you have the perfect build for yourself! Thanks for watching
Your van set up is so simplistic yet, very functional, I love it👍
Thank you! This was my first real wood working project. Really enjoyed how it came out. I learned a lot along the way. Check out my most recent build of my dodge b2500. It was a sweet solar cabin on wheels. Thanks!
Oh I love this I’m jealous
This was a great little camper that could go anywhere! Thanks for watching
I like the way you kept things simple......well done!
Thank you Brian! Simplicity was important to me as this was my first large project ever. Really gave me the confidence to try bigger and better builds. Thanks for watching!!
Simple and clean. Nice 🫧
I totally dig your vibe and your van. I've been researching ideas for my 1998 Astro and got some great ideas from you.
I’m glad you came across my content Scotty. Good luck with your Astro build, they are great little vans. Thanks for commenting!
🏔🚐💨
Congrats on this build. You have a lot of great ideas and most importantly shits simple! I like that happy trails brother.
Simplicity is key! It doesn’t take much to have a fun time and hit the road. Thanks for watching!
Love this. I'm in the process of camperizing a 1st gen Safari.
Absolutely love your van
I’m also 2 people plus a dog 😂
Simple. Good. I would live in that. With a couple more additions.
If I could go back there would be some minor and major upgrades to complete this build. Thanks for watching!
Nice. I love getting tips and ideas from videos like this.
Excellent! So glad you found my channel. Should I do more informative videos like this one? Thanks for watching
Simple and smart!
Thank you! I tried to make this build simple yet functional.
Awesome build, i like that bed slide out design, thanks for the tour.
Thanks robert! can’t wait to build some vans out in the Rockies 🤫
Love the water/sink system!
It was super cheap and worked surprisingly well. I swear I was the first one that I saw to use this set up and I’ve seen a few other guys do it in their van since. Thanks for commenting!
Thanks for this. Answered questions I had about just using a Jackery for power. Also love your water solution.
Really glad you were able to find this video Jeff. Thanks for commenting
Such a cute little astro !!
It really is a great little set up 😁 thanks for watching
sweet ride!
Thanks! It was a great van. Would love to build another Astro/Safari one day.
Great build!
Thanks I appreciate your kind words Nana!
Looks good. Just got my 2000 astro AWD running again. Stripping it now. You gave me some ideas.
That’s excellent Randall. I’m glad this video got the creative juices flowing. Good luck on your build. Thanks for commenting
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Nice. Simple but functional.
Definitely very simple, but everything works great for what I use it for. Look forward to my “5 Things I Hate” video response coming tomorrow at 9am PST.
You nailed it, my friend: SIMPLICITY! Your Safari is so simple it is almost elegant. I hope to achieve a similar effect in the 5' X 10' cargo trailer camper conversion I'm working on in my driveway. Best wishes for your future! and thanks for both your reminders (keep it simple!) and for your inspiration (having built with simplicity as a concept). Bravo.
Really appreciate comments like these, thank you my friend. Keep it simple. Thanks for watching!
I love the layout man looks dope! I want mind something like yours for sure
Go for it! It was a pretty easy set up that almost anyone could accomplish with basic tools! I believe in you.
Dude love the van…. So simple. Motivated me to get a cargo van for van life.
That was the goal! That’s awesome you are doing a build of your own now. Thanks for watching
Love that style it's simple and nice 👍
I really tried to keep things simple and clean. Thanks!
I've arranged my van very similar to yours and I've got the same van! Its great to be able to get ideas from you
That’s excellent news, thank you for sharing!
Bro you did a Amazing job....Peace
Thanks Doc! Check out my other builds when you get a chance. You’ll love my current one
About your fold down table on back door; you could add a second piece hinged to fold up so you'd have twice the work area.
That’s a pretty good idea! Thanks for commenting.
I like your simple Van dude.. love from Indonesia..
Thank you very much Islam, appreciate you commenting all the way from Indonesia! 😁
I have that same Jackery 300 and I like it. I really want to get into solo road trips and car camping/stealth camping. I just need to figure out my sleeping setup inside the van(Dodge Grand Caravan).
I'm thinking of going with a small, 30L car fridge and so will be pairing it with a 1,000 Wh solar battery pack.
That sounds like the perfect weekend getaway machine. I love your idea. Thanks for commenting!
@@SeizeTheAdventure Thanks for the. And I'm thinking of starting with the weekend and eventually doing 6/7 days, hence the 30L fridge and 1000W solar generator.
Buying an astro van in july super excited. Thank you for the great bed idea LBS was worried how i was going to put the bed in.
It’s a tricky concept in a small space but this design worked out so well! I’m able to sleep two adults and a 40lb dog in my van! Congrats on your van, and thanks for watching!
Very nice build bro. I'm inspired. New subscriber.
I’m glad you were able to find this inspiring, and appreciate the support! I first built this van to enjoy weekend trips. Now I’m on my 3rd and favorite build yet, enjoying every second of it! Good luck with your build.
Love your videos bro!
Thank you for watching them! Stay tuned for more content 🚐🏔
Keep doing what you like
Victoria, thank you for stopping by and watching this video. I’ll keep on being me! 😁
Nice thank you for sharing
Really happy you enjoyed this one!
I saw in another video they cut out the metal piece in the back doors (at 8:20). It opens up a lot of space & I'm definitely going to do it with mine!
I’ve seen this too. Only point of concern with this idea is structural integrity of the door/rear of the van. Otherwise it will add a pretty unique form of storage!
this van is awesome! And you should market that painting on your van into a decal its sweet!
I’m glad you enjoyed this one! Stay tuned for some new merch coming with the new year! Thanks for commenting
Good video, nice build. I have a Grand Caravan now and it isn't nearly as spacious as the Astro/Safari. Much better platform for camper or full timer build. I think yours is the first Safari conversion I have seen on TH-cam but after clicking on yours, TH-cam is showing me more examples. I wish I could buy a new Astro today if it was built the way they did back then. Great engine.
That's awesome that my channel unlocked the Astro/Safari community for your algorithm. It would be incredible if GM came out with a new Astro van. With a modern engine and creature comforts it would be a fantastic overlanding rig. Thank you for commenting William!
I have my eyes on a Safari that is partially built out. I was worried about sitting up in the bed, but now I see Ill be able to. Im only 5'6, so for sure Ill be able to make it work. Your van build looks so clean.
You should be good to sit up as long as the bed frame is built low enough. Like I said mine is built right on top of the wheel well and it works out. Thanks for watching, and good luck buying your van!
Another fun video!! Can’t wait for the hate list!! Lol
I love your sink set-up
Thanks for watching!
Epic setup bro! Love the sink setup and fold up counter space. I have a dodge grand caravan that I just made a tour video of. Mines a no build currently, but my next van I plan to do wood and similar things to yours.
Thank you I appreciate that! Build or no build as long as it’s functional and gets you outdoors that’s what really matters. The wood just adds that extra log cabin aesthetic 😁 thanks for commenting! 🏔🚐💨
@@SeizeTheAdventure for sure bro 👊🏽
I just got an 03 econoline e 350 been researching for ideas and ima go with similar to ur video a lil different but this is the idea I kinda wad invisioning mentally. Tx.
With the extra room in a e350 you’ll be able to add so many more features. Glad you found this video useful. Thanks for watching
I’m gonna copy this build
I’m glad you found this video useful and inspiring. Thanks for watching!
you are awsome buddy love your chanl.
Really appreciate your support
Thanks
Thanks for watching ray!
vanlife4ever!
Gotta love this life!! Thanks for commenting
I've got almost 300k on mine. Have been having issues, but normal wear and tear and deferred maintenance. converted mine. lived in it for a couple years. I know what I need now. Maybe I'll do a tube series.
Sounds like your van has been well loved. Would be cool to see what your conversion looks like! Thanks for watching
I just bought a 2001 Safari and I'll be building something very similar! Been watching lots of videos really like yours might copy it except the counter!
That’s awesome! Good luck on your build, would love to see it. Thanks for watching
Working on my Astro Van Conversion now... nice tips & looking forward to comparing notes when mine's done... sometime in 2049 perhaps...lol
Shawn that is excellent, and im really glad you were able to find my videos. Its a long process, but you will get it done faster than you ever thought. I believe in you!
Thanks for commenting.
Awesome build bruh, the chevy Astro or GMC are awesome vans if you can get your hands on them.
Yeah they are becoming incredibly popular, and I’m glad I was able to find mine! Thanks for watching
Thank you for this video! I love how simple your van build is. How much does the electric pump?
Simplicity was the goal with this build being my very first one. It kept the budget low and proves you don’t need much to get out there!! The pump was around $12 on Amazon. Incredibly good deal, and haven’t had to charge it more then once so far! Search 5 gallon water dispenser and you’ll find a ton of options. Thanks for watching!
rad van bro!
Thanks man!! Stay tuned for more content
super excellent! simple, easy to use, all include what i need.
How high and wide is inner space?
I believe it’s approximately 6ft without the insulation and walls. Thanks for watching
Great video my friend! What power station do you recommend to fun a fridge, small ac unit, space heater and misc electronics?
I would suggest the larger jackery units like the jackery 1500 or 2000. With that much of a power demand I’d suggest looking into a full solar set up with some large 200ah lithium ion batteries if it’s in your budget. Although the power stations are amazing and would love to get my hands on another, it would probably be beneficial to just have a full solar set up. Hope this helps, and thanks for watching.
Super
Thanks for commenting Michael
How did you attach the wood to the ceiling and walls? Liquid nails, or did you screw into the steel? Thanks.
you can get a fiberine hightop added later
That would be really cool, and I’ve looked into it! Thanks for watching
Bad ass!!
Thanks for watching! 🚐
👍 u have nice van 😊 i want allso
Greetings from Finland
I appreciate the great comment all the way from Finland. Cheers Pete
😃Go ahead and get a wider bowl, but this time, sink it into the wood, leaving a 1 inch indent, so you can put a wood or plastic cover flush, over the sink when not in use and you can use the whole counter top for projects.😎😎😎
I do believe that’s a great idea and have seen many folks do that! I would’ve done that to this build but my “countertop” was only like 1/2 plywood so I don’t think it would’ve worked. Might have to do that to the new build 🤔 thanks for watching!
@@SeizeTheAdventure ohhhhh ok.
I'm in my the process of planning my 5th bed in my 98 safari. I went from across the rear, to the long way behind driver seat, to down the middle as a sofa bed with a counter on each side, back to the long way behind the driver seat and now back to across the rear.😂🤣🤫
@@manuelester7420 it’s a tricky decision to make in the Astro vans!! I personally couldn’t fit across the back so that was an easy decision for me. Would love to know what version you have enjoyed the best in your set up as I am biased. I wish you luck on your build!
@@SeizeTheAdventure I love it across the back of the van, because of the spacious look and showing off of the floor space when the sliding door opens. I think it's more impressive.
This time I'm going across the rear, but will have a pull out sections in the middle of the bed to make the bed go long way down the middle like a letter T, if I want to change position without doing another rebuild.
I also want a cabinet/counter behind my driver seat all the way to the bed edge.
Then another on the passenger side, but only obstructing half of the sliding door on the side by the bed.
The top of that cabinet/counter, will have a plank that goes all the way to the back door over the foot of my bed. My feet will go under that shelf, giving me lots of work space for my laptop and fan when im in bed.
My feet will go under that counter.
It will only be about 12 inches deep, while the driver side counter will be 17 inches deep.
By deep, I mean from the wall to the front face edge of it. There will also be storage under both counters, in the cabinet sections. But less space in the passenger side counter/cabinet, because it will be half the length, so I can still go in and out through the sliding door.
The tops of the counters will open like trunks to access things inside, but there will also be sliding doors on the front face of the driver side counter/cabinets, in case I have something on top of the counter. That way I can still get inside. But the passenger side counter will have only 2 shelves with a lip on the bottom edge and a Bungie cord across the opening of each shelf, so nothing falls out when driving. I wish I could just show u a picture.😂
@@manuelester7420 dude yes I can see the layout in my head, and I think that’s the best of both worlds. I think the platform bed that pulls out is the best of both worlds. In the van I’m designing now, I will be implementing the counter space that enters into the door way. Seems like a really good use of space and enjoy how it looks on other peoples builds. Feel free to send photos to my Instagram or via email, always love to see other peoples work! Cheers and good luck
What is the actual width of the back of the van? I have a transit connect and it would be literally impossible to sleep width wise, it's like 4ft. lol... i'm looking to upgrade one day
what do you use for the white seam to connect your wall and ceiling?
This is a piece from a 4x8 sheet of plastic cabinet liner (used to make cabinets water resistant). You can find it at Home Depot or any home store. I cut a few inch wide sheet and connected it to the cedar walls. Hope this helps, thanks for watching.
I just wants to know what a futon fit inside as a bed because I do not have anyone to do this for me but I would love to convert my van into a traveling man and sleep in my van
What is your puppy’s favorite thing about the van?
He likes that it takes him fun places! Thanks for watching!
Great looking build, just picked up a 2001 astro already 4x4 converted and was probably going to the solar generator route as well. How did you connect the fan to the jackery?
That’s awesome! I ordered a 12v plug off Amazon and simply wired it up to the wires coming off the fan! Super simple and it works flawlessly. Hope this helps, thanks for watching
@@SeizeTheAdventure Oh wow, sounds super simple, thank you!
@@RDuude no problem! I got a 12v plug that had a built in fuse. Glad this helped!
Brah! Is a Safari!
I know it’s truly a Safari! This is something that I say because the Safari and Astro are the same vehicles, but the Astro is just a more commonly used when referring to this vehicles. Hope this makes sense, and thanks for watching!
Hello, I am looking at a 1986 AstroAWD and I was wondering what size tires are on yours?
These are stock 15” wheels and tires. Hope that helps Willy.
How much do I need to spend for all the wood I’m about to go look into a van next weekend awd !
It’s a pretty subjective topic depending on the build style that you have. For reference I probably used $1-2k on build materials alone. My setup is fairly basic, and a more complicated build will require more material. Congrats on picking up your van! Thanks for watching
Great build! I have a 99 Astro and I did build bed across the back doors. I'm only 5'8" and it's cramped. I don't know how Michael Zicopoulos at 5'9" does it, but my feet touch the wall.
I was surprised by what you are able to charge on your Jackery. I have another brand, same wattage and so far only charge my phone. Expensive phone charger!! I thought I could run a small fan off of it...nope! And ideas?
That’s nice you can fit that direction. I’m sure the added easily access storage comes in handy. I’d definitely have a larger water system if I was able to pull it off. Maybe Mike Z and you have different insulation/wall/window set ups allowing him that extra inch of room? Definitely something to consider when building out one of these!
The jackery system is incredible! I’m able to power all of that while charging a couple phones which is surprising to me as well! What system do you have? Thank you for watching and your comments!
@@SeizeTheAdventure Oh no! I meant I'm shorter than him and can't sleep that way. Will be rebuilding soon... that's why I looked at your set up. I'm very minimalist and don't need a lot of storage. I have a 300w Recool but can't run a fan off of it. Thankfully, I have a great Ryobi battery pack fan. But, downside is I can't charge Ryobi on the Recool either. Gotta rethink.
@@charliestrickland6194 Ah okay!! Now I understand. With my bed set up I’m able to sleep two adults and a 40lb dog relatively well. It’s really comfortable for such a small van!
That’s a bummer about your battery! I’d really like to get a solar set up for my next build, but the simplicity of this one is so hard to beat. Thanks for watching Charlie! Feel free to share your build with me.
Nevermind your in Oregon
I think you did a really good job on your van. But, the link to the mattress is the exact same link to the mattress.
I appreciate that, Yes the link to the mattress is the EXACT mattress that I used in this build. Not entirely sure how else to read this comment. Thanks for commenting
@@SeizeTheAdventure no I said, the link for your brackets that go under the table. Is the same exact link that you have for the mattress.
@@southernrebel159 ahh alright gotcha now I’m picking up what you are putting down. I went ahead and got the link going to the correct item. Thanks for catching that! 🙂
@@SeizeTheAdventure thank you brother. Enjoy your adventure.
you lost a load of storage in the doors-- seal the gaps from dust and shelve the inside and then hinge your cover- take of your slider door - sucks when they fall off
You should have seen the amount of dust in this van when I picked it up. Totally full of dust and sand from the rear doors. Thanks for the suggestions and for watching!
Ohhhhh
Thanks for watching!
Wash 1 fist sink
You’re not wrong 😂 thanks for watching
How big is that bed like a full size mattress or queen ? I like this conversion I hope I can find a van this month and make one of my own
This is a full size bed! I hope you find a van of your own. Thanks for watching
@@SeizeTheAdventure the link you have below takes me to a 4 in trifold queen size bed?
@@dustinbehymer198 hey Dustin, I saw this comment and checked it out. Seems like that link changed. I went ahead and updated the description with the proper link. Go check that out 😁 thank you for commenting
@@SeizeTheAdventure thanks man. Just ordered it. I have a safari im building like yours. Much appreciate have a good one
1 gal tanks? How often you changing that?
1 gallon would surprisingly last 2-3 days if I only used it to brush teeth and clean dishes. Being conscious of water usage in a small space is important. The water pump I used was low pressure and pretty efficient . Check out my new build where I upgraded to 7 gallon storage. Thanks for commenting!
What is this bed width ?
6ft long and little less than 5 ft wide. About the size of a full mattress. It fit excellent in this van and wouldn’t want anything smaller!
Yeah...you enjoy wood alright. 🤣🤣🤣
Got ‘em!! Nice one man 😂
Did you have to relocate the heater core?
I did not relocate anything! Thanks for watching!!
Thanks for the content looking at building out an Astro soon, this channel has some great info!
@@ethanpbreen I’m glad that my channel has been useful to you, and I’m here to help!
Miss spelled some word sorry
NICE VAN bruh‼️✅➕🆒
Thanks for watching!
Never mind I found it
Glad you found it! Works amazing and rarely needs a charge. Thanks for watching
I sent you a email! I hope to hear back soon. I could really use your help. I am one of those people turning to the internet/you. ❤️
Is there a number you can be reach ??
Business inquiries: stadventureonline@gmail.com
Cheese
Cheers!
24fps lookin uckers. Shutter speed too high, also. Rec 30fps with a locked 1/50th shutter. (Locked meaning the camera only auto-adjusts exposure via ISO and doesn't change the shutter speed on its own.)
I’m a complete noob with cameras and shoot with a GoPro. Thanks for watching!
Jeez. Another " how can i fleece people out of hard earned money and promote my earn a living withour working " video.!!!
This video is completely free and just my opinions about my hobby vehicle 😉
Ohhhhh
thanks for watching!