2003 I was diagnosed with a potentially life ending lung disease that I am still fighting. I always have camped but in 2003 I bought a truck & camper and headed out to spend my last days outside enjoying God's creation.
I now have a Ford Transit that I converted to a four season camper. I explore Canada with my cameras and my converted Ford Transit camper van, enjoying each day that God gives me and sharing the video and pictures with you here on my channel.
I was raised on the Canadian shield spending spending my childhood outside. At age 15 I moved with my parent's to western Canada and fell in love with the mountains. I have been fortunate enough to have cycled, hiked, climbed, rafted, walked and camped all across Canada.
We carry extra water but in reused gallon bottles--it also is more convenient to transfer water to 1 gallons from our 5 gallons. We have a water tank for the sink. Find a way to fill your tank by hand (without a hose and pressure). That will give more options to fill up where you can't use a spigot. Many parks and visitor centers have water but don't allow you to hook up a hose. In Mexico we used water purification back before we had filters. No harm in taking a backpack filter kit for emergencies. You can say you don't expect to find water, but it would be disappointing to have water that you can't drink if you do find it.
It looks good. I love the simplicity of your built. Not sure if you hid all the stuff or if your a true minimalist, but it it seems very comfy 👍🏼 Thanks for sharing 🎈
Minimalist, comes from backpacking and bicycle touring days. When I sold the TCer I was shocked with how much junk I had on board so decided then to cut out all the extras.
A good idea BUT totally impractical in so many ways. So you go out for a week and take water for a week. BUT you end up staying for two weeks. Did you take enough water for that? You avoid being broke by taking more money. BUT you lose your job and you get stranded some place with a major breakdown. Did you have enough money? Hope you are always prepared but I expect it won't happen all the time.
@@whiteturtleadventuresandphoto "Did you take enough water for that?" Isn't bringing bottles of water just bringing more water? The only difference being the containers. I wouldn't argue against having a buffer of water. However, i would suggest the containers don't matter.
Yes, my immediate thought after reading the title was water. The thing about filtering water from nature is that it's often so silty that it blocks your filter & then you can't filter anything. There is a solution though. If you boil the dirty water, this destroyers the chemicals that keep the silt in suspension. Then you let the boiled water stand overnight & the silt will settle to the bottom. It is important to not move or tilt the container as this will stir up the silt again. Instead, siphon off the top clean water into a clean container, then run the siphoned water through your biological filter. For filtering, I use a Sawyer 2 bag gravity filter system. It's a system I can use for solo hiking, or I can use it for the camper trailer if it's 60 liter tank ever ran dry. Of course, this assumes you can get water from the environment you are in. As you say, that's not always possible, but you can replenish your supply when it is. Oh and if there is a lot of organic material in the natural water source, you may need to use a cloth filter, anything you have is better than nothing.
I have always found the hassles not worth the effort of filtering my own in a camper. THAT is in north America. In other parts of the world, or even hiking or on a bicycle I can see the benefit of having a filtering system. For me I may run out of potable water but usually in a half day to a day drive I can find more.
@@whiteturtleadventuresandphoto Yes, I tend to agree that most places one can just drive to get water. My camper trailer has a 60 litre water tank, seems to last pretty well if it's just for drinking & cooking. Bathing is another matter, though it doesn't need to be drinking quality for that. I bought the 2 bag system for multi day hiking, but it's overkill & too much dead weight to consider on day walks. In terms of camper trailering, I tend to consider it a backup system in case I really don't want to bug out to restock water in the event of running short. Unlikely, though Possible hedge against events like breakdown etc. It's an option I guess.
Great comments, agreed! My thinking for a cheao & reliable power system revolves around REDUNDANCY: 1) Good, flexible 2-3kw "solar generator" <ie. Jackery, Bluetti, etc> 2) Alternator connection for charging while vehicle is running 3) Portable solar panels, 150-200W, 4) Optional, but great to have for 1,000 different reasons... a small portable 1-2kw generator (Honda, Yamaha, etc)
This is a great video on several levels. I'm currently designing my "last" adventure rig, which will be a pop-up slide-in camper on my F250 4x4 truck. Listening to videos like yours is helping me to sharpen my list of gear & preparation needs. For me: Smaller is better... less is more... slow is fast. Living with minimalism and deep joy requires thought and experience. Thanks for sharing!
Glad it was helpful! One thing I am not a fan of is all the "Gear" that is run by Bluetooth. To me it is more tech then I want. To many potential issues.
I totally understand your water situation. But it varies by location and time of year. I live in Montana and I often visit forest service campgrounds in the fringe seasons. In the summer, many of them have water available, but not in the winter. I often make these trips solo. So I carry only a 4 gallon jug. I will pick up gallon size bottled water every few days from convenience stores. I can usually get by for several days on my 4 gallon supply. A big problem I get faced with is the accumulation of trash! It gets hard to find places to dispose of trash when those campgrounds don’t have trash collection. I often spend time in some areas where even the closest small town doesn’t have available trash dumpsters. My other limiting factor during summer, when I use my RV trailer, is holding tank capacity. Yes, I have a portable tank, but then there is the challenge transporting it to a dump station. So my limitations are a mixed bag depending on whether I’m out solo in the fringe seasons or camping with my wife in our trailer. My list would be: Storage tank capacity Trash accumulation Water.
I've never boondocked in the same spot for more than three days but hopefully that will change after I retire. The collapsible water bags are a good suggestion. It's funny that you are defensive about using the small water bottles. I use them without guilt but I do refill when possible. I joke that filtering water is one of my hobbies.
Partly my hate of the small ones is environmental BUT it is also because some places charge so much for them. I stock up with a flat from Costco so I can get the best price. Refilling would be great as well. I may have to start doing that. A new hobby!!
I got out with six 3.5 gallon water jugs that I use for drinking, cooking, and showering which will last about 14-16 days depending on how often I shower. Like some of the other commenters, my stomach gets upset when drinking plain water - though it's not as bad if the water is cold. To help keep the stomach issue at bay, soaking a tea bag in a 20 oz bottle of water can provide many different flavors. Also, I sometimes soak small chunks of (dried) apricot in a water bottle, which tastes really good and satisfies my craving for something sweet.
@@billderinbaja3883 I do have a small hand filtration system used mostly for backpacking. But I usually just buy the water from a water store, which is a common type of store where I travel and also park often have water available.
In the meantime, I would suggest a Geyser shower system that can heat the water via a 12 volt portable battery. I often showered in tents using a portable folding water basin. Uses only a gallon of water and lasts for 7 minutes using their sponge. Can also wash dishes with another extra sponge attachment.
@whiteturtleadventuresandphoto I hear ya, the Geyser would work really well in your van with a collapsible half enclosure. Takes up very little space when stored away. I got the idea of the half enclosure from people living in a small car or van. You can plug into any battery with a 12 volt port. I just received the Geyser RV kit for RV wetbaths. Stoked, could literally have 21 showers off of my 21 gallon water tank in my Jayco Terrain. I also live in Canada.
Well….I hate to admit it but I don’t drink water and only drink Pepsi zero. If I’m doing something in the summer that’s got me sweating and hot I will drink a glass of water but that’s about it. We have a 30 gallon stainless steel water tank in our van but it is only used for showers and cooking. I tried only water a couple times but for some reason it gives me a gut ache and horrible heartburn ?? We use ice in a yeti cooler so probably 5 days would be our limit on how long we could stay out in the summer but winter I’m thinking we would be good for probably a month.
Have you considered using /reusing frozen 16/20oz water bottles as your ice supply in the yeti? you'd easily be able to cook with that water or drink it if you needed to.
I relate about the stomach ache with plain water. Unless I am really thirsty as well. I add some plain lemon juice or 1/4 of the glass cranberry juice to cold water and don't have that issue. I do like my fridge for not having to take ice. Did that for years.
@@markbajek2541 You can actually buy reusable bags that have a built in spout so as ice melts you can use the water to drink or cook. The frozen packs from yeti work great but once they aren’t frozen anymore you have to store them somewhere and add ice. We aren’t the type of people that stay in one place for more than two days so we have never been without somewhere that has ice.
One of the complaints I see constantly is click and lock flooring, it starts shifting and then you have gaps that are hard to clean, and looks ugly. Yet I still see people doing it all the time. I'm getting vinyl flooring. Easy to clean, no gaps.
Be careful many of these insulations are toxic and and cause havoc on your health. Please research the product you choose to be sure to will be safe. I have both 3m insulate and havoc Wool best investment I’ve made 👍🏼
Just discovered you today!!! Great video and I agree - these are all the things I'm currently putting in my van build. I should be done (fingers crossed) by the end of June and hitting the road after the July holiday!!! Going to go now and binge watch your other videos!!!
My research lead me to the Pro Master. It’s wider than the other vans but it’s reliably is awful. So I chose a low roof Ford Transit . Immediately, after hitting my head numerous times, I needed to add a high top. I had Fiberine, in Long Beach, CA install one. Their service is great and each hightop is custom made. I love my van and travel in it full time. I believe it’s best to research throughly each van and buy the newest model within one’s budget. Thanks for sharing your process 🎈
I did forget to mention the width of the Promaster as a huge benefit. I am short so the Transit works to sleep across but I know many who need the width of the Promaster. Glad you got the extra height that you needed.
This was so helpful. I’m retired and I plan to travel the country to my favorite sporting events. I have been doing my research for well over a year. Your post and others confirm my thoughts about going with Ford. I will buy a new Ford to build out. Again, this was very helpful because it confirmed my research.
If you skin the frame of a cabinet with 3/16” or 1/4” ply then the frame material can easily be as small as 3/4” X 3/4”. Glue EVERYTHING together. Use staples and glue to attach the plywood to the frame. Use any smooth cheap plywood for the skin and cover it with solid wood veneer. I did this for my build and three years later everything is as solid as the day I installed it. These cabinets so light that you can pick them up with one hand as well as super strong and beautiful.
i have a 1994 ford e 150. took the seats out in the back. problem is now aaa will not tow me. surprise! so, you have to have the seats in for a free tow... i started with a 1971 vw van. sure- thing breakdowns. i like my size of van because i can go to denver and use the city parking down below. a little higher and i would not make it under the ceiling. also,I am thrown around enough on wyoming freeways so i dont want anything bigger. also, i can see all around me ! why block the view with showers, cabinets,seats? just one big queen size mattress,a 45 gal cooler, a gallon water to shower from warm in the sun. for over 30 years now i have traveled the usa parks like this. and with a girlfriend! she needs water more than i do. all things considered.... but like he says here...test drive.
I purchased a medium wheel base, high top VW Crafter and just love it. The medium base is the largest possible for a normal parking space. The high top allows for extra cupboard storage. I have a combined shower/toilet which is a must have for me. I love my van.
Sounds like a nice set-up. The shorter length is so important to me as well. Every-time I think about how nice another foot or two would be, and what I could do with that space, I end up parking someplace that I just fit into with the 148" wheel base and I am happy it is not any longer. I have decided that a van needs to be built that has a mode setting: Mode 1 - Short and easy to drive Mode 2 - Longer and wider Mode 3 - Second floor Mode 4 - 4x4 off road Mode 5- Apocalypse beast mode
Most important think for all of us, where every you park, if they are trash right beside you put it in your trash bag, why all neighbors or anybody don’t want you around cause your taking their space, so they blame rv people throwing it out the window, yes you find out they don’t think highly you unless. It a work van, they are expert in knowing. That why if your sleeping over night in any neighborhood come in dark or almost and leave before 6: 00 you don’t want to be seen, they pay thousand in taxes and they don’t want freeloader. It reality , it the new rv guy young who think they got rights that ruin it for all. That why it like that, also the teen are also hanging out in cars nights and throwing their trash we’re picking up, than being blamed for it too.
We've spent the last few years renting a variety of vans and rv's to see if we like them before committing to one. I thought for sure I'd love the Solis 59PX - turns out I hated driving it - the seat was so uncomfortable for me when driving more than a couple of hours. To my surprise, van conversions on the Ford Transit have been most easy to drive, and the Sprinter conversions are best for getting into back-country areas - the Storyteller Overland is best among the Sprinter models we've rented. We finally decided not to commit to one van, but to just rent as needed and get what's best for the trip we're taking.
I totally get that. Last weekend, I took the Ford Transit out for some photography. It worked great most of the time. It got me to my destinations, was easy to handle, and had everything I needed. The only downside was the chilly, windy, snowy weather. I ended up spending more time indoors than I wanted. It would have been awesome to have a bigger vehicle with more room and features so I could extend my stay in even more comfort. But then, it wouldn't have been as maneuverable in the places I wanted to go. I also wanted to explore deeper into the mountains, but with only two-wheel drive, I didn't feel safe driving in the snowy and muddy conditions not knowing how bad it was going to get. It would be really cool if someone invented a van that can transform with just the push of a button, offering different setups for different needs. 🤣😂🤣
@@whiteturtleadventuresandphoto the Storyteller is 4x4 - pricey rig, which is why I'll rent it as needed instead of buying one! We rented one last year in Wyoming and there was nowhere we wanted to go we couldn't get to in it.
Wife and I had the '79 Pinto wagon too. My son had been from Florida to Maine in it before he was two, including Mt Washington. Thanks for sharing with your down to earth tone, I think it shows respect. Your dad deserves a metal, even if it's just a wrench or something.
I’m just putting a platform on my XB to lift a bed. That was a VW Fox, not a Tercel. Love the little Fox. I’d go with a truck camper over a trailer. Less maneuvering issues.
Did not have a picture of the Turtle when I was doing the video. I had a Fox for a while but they had heater core problems so I traded that in really fast for the Mazda.
@@djkenny1202 No, at least at first it was not covered. The dealer that I bought the Fox from warned me that if it did not go under warranty that I would have to pay. $3000 on a car that I owed a lot on was not feasible for me. So before the warranty expired that covered the core I wanted to unload it. Got a great deal on a new Mazda B2200 and that truck ran and ran. Finally a side of a building fell on it and crushed the roof of the cab and it was written off. Some guy bought it from salvage and drove it for years as a farm truck. I would see it on the road with the crushed cab and a windshield that did not fit properly. If only all vehicles ran that well!!
I’m glad someone else notices this stuff. I have a 06 AWD Chevy Astro with a 16” fiberglass topper on it. I use it for a work van. One day I was packing it out for work and noticed with my tools loaded how low the van was. I became very aware of weight in my van. I built a box that doubled as a tool storage and part of my bed. I made it out of 3/4” Birch plywood. Yeah it was heavy. Needless to say I started researching lighter, strong build methods. Make fun of the RV industry all you want but they have some good ideas for making things light and strong.
Good advice and don't feel too locked in. You can always go up or down till you find the right fit. Cost can be an issue but remember, others a looking to buy and sell for same reasons you are.
`Very solid advice! well presented too. I am building an 18ft stepvan and the priority list starts with function, and then weight. How can I make it just as strong at 1/3 the weight. I will have A LOT of water tank capacity but am also plumbing it so the tanks can be easily emptied. I don"t need to haul 500 pounds of water around all the time. I can add a lot of rigity to a surface by samdwiching closed cell foam between 1/8" or 1/4" plywood . Thanks!
