I’ve been researching a van built for a few years and watched a lot of videos. This one was one of the best. I would’ve never thought to do a budget this way without watching this. Thank you for putting it together and I will be checking out the rest of your videos. This is really going to help me in the process of my build.
Thank you, so glad I can help. Building a van is such a rewarding experience. There’s so much that goes into it. Best of luck with your build and enjoy the process!
Sweet! I can't wait. I'm trying to design a 3 section couch/bed to reside next to the step up to the cab. The middle couch has always caused me frustration with the width.. hence the width between the metal seat base. This middle section will be removable to allow for walking through from cab to cargo. If you would also measure the bump out width and height would be so helpful as well as the edge of the slider door step up. I will also need the width of the wheel wells to incorporate the M8 Tie Down bolts locations. Also the space behind the wheel wells. I am also utilizing the lower floor/wall triangle openings. What is the rise of that lower portion. I will be installing a heating unit inside that chanel (without cutting the van). The more thorough of your dimension video the better! Thank you so much for considering this video. I also have a complete walk around video of the empty van. I watch this video numerous times. I was even thinking of taking a empty new promaster for a road test. I had planned on taking it to an empty parking lot and video the exterior and interior. Thank you again! @@TheVanTeacher
the whole budgeting out is one way to do it, but only necessary if you are planning a "go" date AKA have a deadline for everything to be ready. if not, then you can just do per-category and create several sheets, one per implementation cycle that follows a continuous improvement process
for the fridge / freezer, there are some options, initially i'd get a cheap (used) chest style one for a few 100 bucks, then make it a project to convert it into a custom built-in solution, maybe a small walk-in closet-style design
As far as getting the job done...you did a great job. From the electrical to the cabinets, everything turned out great. Your choices of materials were spot on if you had a customer that didn't want a cheap conversion van but not the Mercedes of conversion vans. Personally, I would not have done the bamboo...that was like 4 times the cost of some decent birch. Using Victron was a great way to go, but you skimped on the inverter which when you are boondocking for a couple days you'll find you needed more power. The insulation was way to expensive for me. If I'm going to spend that much on insulation I'm going to do closed-cell foam. Foam fills every crack, and you wont have drafts. Lastly the bed, I would have made into a elevator bed. It's 4 linked post and all you have to do is press a button when you wake up and the bed goes all the way to the roof and out of the way.
Thank you! Yes, I have two panels that total 350 watts. I wanted to leave a little room on top for a roof deck, but 3 or 4 panels would have fit if I needed that much power. The 2 solar panels can recharge my 2 batteries (200AH) in about 5-7 hours since I only use about 25% of their capacity each day. I also have alternator charging so the batteries are usually back to 100% either early in the morning after driving a few hours or by late afternoon if parked all day. If you get a chance, check out my video I just released on Solar Charging.
Excellent video, would like to see how you dealt with the propane, floor and side and ceiling also. And how did you heat the van? I just purchased a Pro Master also and am doing a diy built. Thanks
Having a propane tank is a little tricky. I use a 5 gallon tank inside a propane locker that vents to the outside. The locker is inside the kitchen galley under the sink. I also installed a propane gas detector next to the tank. We open the tank only when in use. It is nice to cook with gas. Thank you! Good luck with your project.
i think something that needs to be added in the budgeting is the hardware you'd have to purchase to use for all the installs: table saw and blades, drills and drill bits, ...
It sure does take a lot of specialty tools, and you’re right, that’s a big expense. I tried to borrow some tools that I knew I would only need briefly, but I did end up spending hundreds on tools.
I made the roof rack out of 8020 aluminum and Promaster roof rack adaptor mounts. I’ll be releasing a video this weekend on how I made the rack…stay tuned!
your security system, although cheap and is an option, is not expandable to something like running object detection via computer that would prevent false alarms being sent out, also allows for remote monitoring / notifications
i'd also not use aluminum as a frame structure but rather composite, much lighter and cheaper, but the downside is it's DIY / custom made, so it takes time to fabricate
We mostly use our van for travel and long road trips. It's nice to have our "own place" wherever we go. One change that we're planning to make is to convert the dinette seating to a loveseat and move the Lagun table mount to the side. We're also contemplating a few options for hot water, but can't decide between a permanent electric heater or a portable propane unit that connects to the fresh water quick connect that we can hook up whenever we want hot water. Any thoughts on that one?
this looks neat inside, but i could not live in it, or at least not happily, because i'm tall and everything is too narrow (especially the bed is not long enough), so for someone who is taller, a completely different configuration would be necessary
Appreciate all of your feedback, thank you! The Promaster is one of the few vans wide enough to sleep from side to side if you happen to be a bit under 6' tall, otherwise, you're right, the layout has to change or a bump out installed.
another benefit of buying a used van (as long as records show it's been always well serviced) is that you can eventually (unless you can spend the $$ and time immediately) convert it into a fully electrical (or could even do a hybrid) vehicle, saving lots of money on fuel and ICE wear and tear (in case of hybrid)
dvd player... this is 2024, everything is streamed over the internets, which you should have anyhow nowadays, especially if you intent to work from it and not just for entertainment (for that i rather go out into nature anyhow)
Okay, a smart TV would be nice, but we just picked up a few classics from Blockbuster up in Bend, OR. How else would we watch them? Good point, get out and enjoy nature.
the gas cooktop is pointless, i use only instapot / air frier / microwave instead the electrical cooktop of the stove that's in my place - no cooking pots to clean, it's just 1 pot / instapot or similar for the airfryer, all ceramic coated or stainless steel, super easy to clean if not cooking with any fats, which nobody should be doing in the first place
We love the gas cooktop! Instant heat, propane is extremely cheap, no battery drain. The only complaint is the stove rattles like crazy. Finally came across a solution posted on Amazon...magnets that fit perfectly in the grate. Completely eliminated the rattle.
I’ve been researching a van built for a few years and watched a lot of videos. This one was one of the best. I would’ve never thought to do a budget this way without watching this. Thank you for putting it together and I will be checking out the rest of your videos. This is really going to help me in the process of my build.
Thank you, so glad I can help. Building a van is such a rewarding experience. There’s so much that goes into it. Best of luck with your build and enjoy the process!
Sweet! I can't wait. I'm trying to design a 3 section couch/bed to reside next to the step up to the cab. The middle couch has always caused me frustration with the width.. hence the width between the metal seat base. This middle section will be removable to allow for walking through from cab to cargo. If you would also measure the bump out width and height would be so helpful as well as the edge of the slider door step up. I will also need the width of the wheel wells to incorporate the M8 Tie Down bolts locations. Also the space behind the wheel wells. I am also utilizing the lower floor/wall triangle openings. What is the rise of that lower portion. I will be installing a heating unit inside that chanel (without cutting the van). The more thorough of your dimension video the better! Thank you so much for considering this video. I also have a complete walk around video of the empty van. I watch this video numerous times. I was even thinking of taking a empty new promaster for a road test. I had planned on taking it to an empty parking lot and video the exterior and interior. Thank you again! @@TheVanTeacher
Looks like I’ll be taking a Promaster for a test drive/photoshoot!
Yeah!!!!!!!😁@@TheVanTeacher
Very thorough and informative. Excellent video!
Thank you fellow teachers! I’m glad you found it helpful
Awesome video thanks for sharing! Please make more guides for novices!
Thank you! I will be releasing some new content soon. Currently working on a guide to using extruded aluminum (aka 80/20) for cabinetry.
Thanks for a great video! Can I get a copy of your spreadsheet? I’m not very Excel savvy. Thanks!
the whole budgeting out is one way to do it, but only necessary if you are planning a "go" date AKA have a deadline for everything to be ready. if not, then you can just do per-category and create several sheets, one per implementation cycle that follows a continuous improvement process
for the fridge / freezer, there are some options, initially i'd get a cheap (used) chest style one for a few 100 bucks, then make it a project to convert it into a custom built-in solution, maybe a small walk-in closet-style design
As far as getting the job done...you did a great job. From the electrical to the cabinets, everything turned out great. Your choices of materials were spot on if you had a customer that didn't want a cheap conversion van but not the Mercedes of conversion vans. Personally, I would not have done the bamboo...that was like 4 times the cost of some decent birch. Using Victron was a great way to go, but you skimped on the inverter which when you are boondocking for a couple days you'll find you needed more power. The insulation was way to expensive for me. If I'm going to spend that much on insulation I'm going to do closed-cell foam. Foam fills every crack, and you wont have drafts. Lastly the bed, I would have made into a elevator bed. It's 4 linked post and all you have to do is press a button when you wake up and the bed goes all the way to the roof and out of the way.
I was wondering if you have a link for the spreadsheet?
0:56 The solar panel covers only 1/3rd the roof? The solar panels only charge the 2 batteries you bought? How long to charge fully? Great video!
Thank you! Yes, I have two panels that total 350 watts. I wanted to leave a little room on top for a roof deck, but 3 or 4 panels would have fit if I needed that much power. The 2 solar panels can recharge my 2 batteries (200AH) in about 5-7 hours since I only use about 25% of their capacity each day. I also have alternator charging so the batteries are usually back to 100% either early in the morning after driving a few hours or by late afternoon if parked all day. If you get a chance, check out my video I just released on Solar Charging.
when is the cabinet video coming out? curious how you did the hinges and things with the 80/20 structure
The Cabinet 80/20 video is almost ready! Stay tuned, I will try to release it by this weekend.
Excellent video, would like to see how you dealt with the propane, floor and side and ceiling also. And how did you heat the van? I just purchased a Pro Master also and am doing a diy built. Thanks
Having a propane tank is a little tricky. I use a 5 gallon tank inside a propane locker that vents to the outside. The locker is inside the kitchen galley under the sink. I also installed a propane gas detector next to the tank. We open the tank only when in use. It is nice to cook with gas. Thank you! Good luck with your project.
i think something that needs to be added in the budgeting is the hardware you'd have to purchase to use for all the installs: table saw and blades, drills and drill bits, ...
It sure does take a lot of specialty tools, and you’re right, that’s a big expense. I tried to borrow some tools that I knew I would only need briefly, but I did end up spending hundreds on tools.
Where did you get the roof rack ...??
Thanks nick.
I made the roof rack out of 8020 aluminum and Promaster roof rack adaptor mounts. I’ll be releasing a video this weekend on how I made the rack…stay tuned!
@TheVanTeacher kool ...!!!
your security system, although cheap and is an option, is not expandable to something like running object detection via computer that would prevent false alarms being sent out, also allows for remote monitoring / notifications
i'd also not use aluminum as a frame structure but rather composite, much lighter and cheaper, but the downside is it's DIY / custom made, so it takes time to fabricate
Composite what? Extruded profile?
I am curious how long you have lived in your van ? What changes would you make after living in it for a year?
We mostly use our van for travel and long road trips. It's nice to have our "own place" wherever we go. One change that we're planning to make is to convert the dinette seating to a loveseat and move the Lagun table mount to the side. We're also contemplating a few options for hot water, but can't decide between a permanent electric heater or a portable propane unit that connects to the fresh water quick connect that we can hook up whenever we want hot water. Any thoughts on that one?
Final cost all in?
$55K for the van and $20K for the conversion....All in $75,000
this looks neat inside, but i could not live in it, or at least not happily, because i'm tall and everything is too narrow (especially the bed is not long enough), so for someone who is taller, a completely different configuration would be necessary
Appreciate all of your feedback, thank you! The Promaster is one of the few vans wide enough to sleep from side to side if you happen to be a bit under 6' tall, otherwise, you're right, the layout has to change or a bump out installed.
Customizing is the name of the game, for sure.
another benefit of buying a used van (as long as records show it's been always well serviced) is that you can eventually (unless you can spend the $$ and time immediately) convert it into a fully electrical (or could even do a hybrid) vehicle, saving lots of money on fuel and ICE wear and tear (in case of hybrid)
dvd player... this is 2024, everything is streamed over the internets, which you should have anyhow nowadays, especially if you intent to work from it and not just for entertainment (for that i rather go out into nature anyhow)
Okay, a smart TV would be nice, but we just picked up a few classics from Blockbuster up in Bend, OR. How else would we watch them? Good point, get out and enjoy nature.
the gas cooktop is pointless, i use only instapot / air frier / microwave instead the electrical cooktop of the stove that's in my place - no cooking pots to clean, it's just 1 pot / instapot or similar for the airfryer, all ceramic coated or stainless steel, super easy to clean if not cooking with any fats, which nobody should be doing in the first place
We love the gas cooktop! Instant heat, propane is extremely cheap, no battery drain. The only complaint is the stove rattles like crazy. Finally came across a solution posted on Amazon...magnets that fit perfectly in the grate. Completely eliminated the rattle.
why even buy new if you can get a van for a few k