This channel and my blog, www.doyourdream.co.uk cover our personal campervan builds and some how-to guides for common upgrades and additions. Please take the videos as "this is how I did it" rather than "hey, I'm an expert, follow me!". I'm hoping showing how I did it will help others, even if its to copy; or improve; or totally reject my way. Its there for ideas. Most of all - to encourage you to give it a go (hey - I'm a novice too, you can do it!) - and then get out and use it!
Lovely conversion! I am just finishing my own and it's a very shoddy build (I am no craftsman) but I learned a lot and can't wait for all of the adventures! I was going to aim for a bigger van at first, but I love the handling and fuel efficiency of the NV200.
Thanks. Yep, miss the NV :( We had to sell due to mobility issues with the wife, but it was incredibly competent for its size. Do enjoy yours - we managed a 6w trip to the arctic circle mostly wildcamping - brilliant.
Very nicely done. For those not willing to buy the festool tool grab a nice flat, sharp plane blade and a metal file to finish. I use this method on corner shelves that don't go through the edge bander 👍🏽
Hi. The *gold* standard is maxfan.... But this is still working and working well, and significantly cheaper. Some points. 1- it needs space to live when not in use; 2-it needs an accessible power socket. 3 - I started using a normal 12v cigarette connection but when fan on "high" it pulls a lot of power and the plug/socket got too hot for my liking. This is "normal" on high current through a cigarette lighter. So I changed the plug/socket from cigarette to "hella" type - which is similar size but much better connection and ergo less resistance/less heat/safer. I actually now use the hella connection for all high current 12v plug/sockets. See amzn.to/3Y1Tqh5 and do some reading :) but yes, fan works well
100% agree, I'm not a content maker, just some guy doing an odd video that may benefit others (if I could not find one myself on a particular topic). But blimey, so many complaints on the backing track! Subsequent videos have it almost muted ;) (It needs something but choice/skills limited and I my time was building the van :) Hope the content was useful even if your ears bleed :)
Fantastic work and video explaining details etc. Can't believe I have not come across your videos before now. Love the shower tray you made. Is there a video show you making that. I've seen the pictures. Very nice build, giving me lots of ideas. Thank you.👍
Thanks for nice comments. I'm not a "content maker" so don't advertise or post, so yeah, finding me is luck :) The tray has been perfect - the whole shower room is perfect (well, apart from one wall bubbling, see later video on fk ups). Use the room as a wet/shower room - zero issues/maintenance and looks new. No video of shower tray being made, but if you've seen the photos and the bathroom video...? Basically...... Made the floor (15mm ply) and sides. Then took floor out and clamped fake sides to it in the conservatory/workshop. Then just hot air gun and wooden battens and heated till it moved, then let it cool, then solid again. I bought enough for 3x attempts (lol) but the first was good enough. the corners are like paper so if you fold up you get a triangle excess, so simply heated and squished so it is a fully waterproof corner. The middle dip was fine but the uprights either side were a challenge (think about it!). Plug hole, cut a hole, then routed the hole edge to smooth angle. then raised tray 15mm then put plug "hole" offcut back in the hole, and made another out of scrap. Then heated and pushed the offcut round into the hole and it stretched and formed a perfect recessed plug hole. Really v easy. Then just overlipped the walls over the "upstands" of the tray, sealed with clear stixall (so waterproof) then just cosmetically sealed with good sealant. My only error was not having expansion gap of the external wall - pvc expands more than wood so should've had 1-2mm gap either side rather than wedged in. The PVC is really good to work with, just practice and "know" when it becomes super pliable. It was easier than expected and works better than hoped.
@@Ryan_DYD Thank you for the reply, you really are a gentleman giving a detailed description of how you made the tray. I really appreciate the time and effort in doing this. There is now a tray on the market that is designed to fit over the wheel arch which looks like it might do the job for me. I just need to check sizes etc. thank you again for the kind and helpful reply. Wayne. 👍
@@topgroover That is thin plastic and will need lots of timber support, so isn't a quick way out :( Also needs to be in a specific place, and mine isn't/wasn't. vv flimsy and used in "pro" (cough) vans, and a fair few crack due to insufficient support. (Mine is solid with 15mm ply all around.... ) Good luck whatver you decide :)
@@Ryan_DYD I realise that Ryan. The tray is thin and flimsy as you well know. I was just being lazy and going for the easy option, but I did say maybe not defo😜 I will have a go at heating some plastic as you kindly described, and see if my skill set can live up to yours. You said your bought 3 sheets but you nailed it 1st attempt. That's sounds like a plan to at least give it a go. I'll keep you posted if that's ok. Then you will be impressed or maybe fall apart laughing 😆Any chance you can point me in the right direction of the sheet plastic type and supplier. Thanks again. Wayne.
Hi, no I bought enough for 3 attempts - e. g. 1x sheet (for me) was big enough for 3 goes. I bought from www.hygienicplastic.co.uk/product-category/pvc-hygienic-wall-cladding-sheets-rockwall-range/?filter_color=pastel-grey&query_type_color=or - (2mm) and it comes rolled up - and you're like "really?!". But BE CAREFUL - when you undo it it will ping perfectly flat! (no "memory" of curve). Its really tollerant stuff. Cutting is fine, multitool or I used rail saw, jigsaw also fine but support it and use fine blade as if it catches and vibrates it will chip. I bought 5x sheets total, and had at least one spare - been useful for many other projects. Also lots of glue - I bought 14x www.hygienicplastic.co.uk/product/soudall-fixall-polymer-adhesive/ too (!!) - you use LOADS - their site advertises the amount per full sheet (3 tubes?) . Seriously. Great stuff, don't skimp (they were cheapest supplier of glue by far when I bought)
Yeah, sorry, I'm not a content maker so it is what it is. Subsequent videos have the music much much quieter so don't let that put you off if the content is of interest to you. (PS - almost 4y on the suspension has been perfect)
Hi. What do you mean? There are 1001 pics of the entire build on line if that'd help. Sadly I'm not a "content maker" so only have a phone to film, no 360 or wide angle, but if you let me know any questions or area of interest I'll help. The link to build album should be in video description
Hi Ryan, SBMCC misses you! This idea looks really good, and makes perfect sense. I was thinking of giving it a go, until my Mrs pointed out that we use that tray when we defrost the fridge - melted ice drips into it. Our defrost wouldn't work if there were holes in the tray :-( Was going to email you, but couldn't figure out how to.
Yeah weird SMBCC rules mean its if you aren't building and "gaining" you can't stay to contribute for free. Weird! But yeah, we use that for defrosting too just leave a towel in there as well - never been a problem. In fact I'd forgotten I'd done it! Guess benefit outweighs the extra drips. Van still going well, away this weekend, and some long trips planned - just a bit quieter on the socials :)
Hi, see other vid comments - copy n pasted below for you... (0.8mm is fine, still perfect, any thicker would be tough I think) excuse copy and paste as on phone. I replied to someone else saying the below. thanks for comment. 3y in it's going strong and unmarked and hasn't fallen off. phew Sorry, you are correct - I just checked and its ABS edging from www.ney.co.uk/ - and the product was Edging KSP ABS NATURAL BARDOLINO OAK Artikel-Nr: 273127 and Edging ABS GREY BEIGE ZEBRANO 22MM X 0.8MM Artikel-Nr: 107796 . No idea why I put PVC - I will amend the title (but can't amend video).
Excellent video thank you! I guess the fan power supply on the fridge is not PWM but standard 12vDC? Been looking at fans to replace the one on my Vitrifrigo C115i which is quite noisy (it's a 120mm fan) and most say they are PWM so am I right will they not work with the fridge? Also most of them come with optional '3 pin molex adapters' for controlling the fan speed. I just want the fan to be at max speed all the time.... so if I just feed it 12v it will be at full speed? 😅 Thank you!
Hi. Mine was just relay on/off - not PWM - would be nice :) So (on mine at least) it was OK swapping to a "silent fan". Though silent = less noisy rather than "silent".
Thank you, kind words! Though sold this in 2020 and built a new van which is a lot bigger and complex - videos on the channel. Miss the NV200 though - really was better than imagined :(
Miss: the MPG (50-56!). The fact it was a car size, stealthy, and fully capable - so we used to use it a lot more than the bigger van. We could (did) easily use it as a car and just quite a perfect vehicle. (We only changed due to medical issues with wife meaning we needed more of a motorhome (eg somewhere to spend the day if needbe) rather than a campervan. ). Though no perfect answer. NV was cheap, reliable, and perfectly functional. (new van is 30mpg, bigger, more expensive, and more of an event to use so hasn't been as flexible - but is deffo better for longer trips (shower/bikes on board, bigger lounge area). Really need one of each!! :)
Hi. Pax seat on runners, so could move forward a bit. the loo (fiama bi pot 30) at 90' (so lid flaps against the sliding door. Just cleared end of bed. this made bed shorter than normal. But as you know - everything is a compromise. Did work vv well for us but probably not for all
Very similar to the Murvi layouts, which have been highly successful for many, many years. Proven practicality and you can look out at the world through the open door whilst having your cuppa.
Not seen a murvi with a big garage and a (working lol) shower? Nor on a MWB? Though been a while since we've looked round them - used to "work" at the NEC motorhome shows on the stand next to Murvi so knew them well. But yeah, open side door (when its warm) is lovely! Happy travels.
Hi, How do you find the 5kW Chinese diesel heater after a couple of years of using it? We're planning a similar layout. By all accounts a 2kW should be adequate for an MH2 but some of the recent 5kW versions do offer bluetooth control and a lower current draw than the 2kW when outputting the same power. As I understand it when the room temperature is reached the heater doesn't switch off but operates at its lowest heat output. How do you find this? Thanks Ron.
Not seen any of the newer versions, but yes the 5kw may be overkill, and 2kw would probably be OK. We run on Kero rather than diesel that burns cleaner/hotter (apparently) and had no issues. We also like the van hot and if its too hot we have heater on low and open skylight - ventilation is also your friend. The current draw is not worth worrying about in the scheme of things really.... We do run low (1.2hz) a lot of the time and had no issues - and and at that pace it quiet. (whereas a 2kw may be noisier?) 5kw does get van hot quickly :) I'm okay with my choice....
Your van conversion looks fantastic! We're inspired by your layout and currently working on a similar layout and trying to be super weight-conscious with it. Our spreadsheet currently shows us around 800kg with everything loaded in. Out of curiosity, what's your overall weight situation? We'd appreciate any insights. Did air suspension make a significant difference for you, or would the double leaf spring modification do?
Hi. Thanks for kind comments. The air suspension was more for keeping the rear from sagging and for cornering stability (no point having a sportivo and not using it :) ). It works really well and van "looks" empty. for the money, no brainer. It makes the ride more car like. Double springs are more hassle imo. I never did a weight spreadsheet but our chassis is 3.5t mgw and knew we'd be fine. All in, with 2 adults, fuel, its 3000kg exactly and axles fine. So with water/bikes/stuff it will be well under limit. I was aiming for 3050kg without us in it (just in case of legal arguments over unlaiden weight for speed limit) but being that with us in was happy days. (I do have weighbridge print outs).
Hi again, thank you for your informative response. Your experience with air suspension sounds promising, and it's probably the answer for us. I imagine that in the end we'll land up with similar loading to you, all in at about 2900-3000kg. We'll likely prioritise windows and underslung tanks installation first, but with nowhere to park the van undercover, waiting for dryer and warmer weather makes sense. This delay gives us plenty time for thorough planning, drawings and all those spreadsheets! Ron@@Ryan_DYD
@@user-eh8bp2im5q all our info and build pics are on blog and linked in videos description along with specific videos on fire example installing the suspension. Ours was built outside too lol. Good luck
That looks like a radiator fan, I had the same idea and have a similiar fan on hand - I have a 200mm high vertical section to mount mine, yet the high-pressure/low-cfm nature of such fans, and tests showing the same, is making me now look at alternatives (I'm converting a pantech, think large box truck, much larger than average van/trailer). What's your IRL experience with it like?
in one. the fan is linked in description and is a motorbike 12v fan. works well enough for the purpose. could be quieter on full blast but that's rarely used, the speed controller works well
Thats not PVC edge banding. PVC is ideal for commercial curved edges and its thicker. Nonetheless thick looks more like the iron on veneer type. You did a great job on the video application. Hopefully people will appreciate the time that you spent on a how to video. Keep up the good work 👍
excuse copy and paste as on phone. I replied to someone else saying the below. thanks for comment. 3y in it's going strong and unmarked and hasn't fallen off. phew Sorry, you are correct - I just checked and its ABS edging from www.ney.co.uk/ - and the product was Edging KSP ABS NATURAL BARDOLINO OAK Artikel-Nr: 273127 and Edging ABS GREY BEIGE ZEBRANO 22MM X 0.8MM Artikel-Nr: 107796 . No idea why I put PVC - I will amend the title (but can't amend video).
can't recall for sure but think the shelf has bolts at the front so they need the cab roof liner to be removed... watch video again and see if that's the case.
Great vid. Really clear how to demonstration. I built my first camper ten years ago. I used iron on edging back then. It stayed the course and still looked good the day I sold the vehicle. I’m just planning the build for my new van arriving next month and this has helped immensely. Thank you and thanks for referring to ney 😊
good luck! the fesstool cutter is mandatory lol. made the job doable. all easy with practice but internal corners are always a challenge. still looks like new today and looks professional so I'm still happy. not easy but easy to remove of needed by applying heat so bit more edging than you need
As a electrician I say you have done a good job , but I would use a 16 amp fuse as a lot of sites I have used do have 10a or 16 a this would avoid tripping ..( ir a fridge / kettle .. ).. using kopex flexi tube is good as it is easy to use ( but glands ) need to be used. .. of course you can use plastic conduit as well I have worked in France , Germany , and Spain. And all campsites are different as you say … but most modern ones will give you a choice of 10a or 16a .. and I would allways go for the 2.5 t/e flex. The point being it’s there if you need it ..
Very true comments, and thanks for your kind words. Our kettle is 4A (1kw) so well within, and fridge is 12v so never a concern. The hot water is 850/1250w (from memory). Biggest consumer is 2kw fan heater but thats seldom used - maybe 2-3x ever.... TBH - we virtually never use hookup - if on a site its normally chargable now, and we've so much solar/battery, and gas is cheap as chips, its not worth paying even £2 for hookup. (Even when its free, we seldom bother - the hassle of getting the cable out lol. The solar gives us all the power we need). The heating is running on Kerosene, and we've only used 15L in 167 nights (of course, most over winter) - so thats <£20 worth. But others may well use hookup more. The wiring is rated to 16A+ so the MCBs could be swapped if it was ever a concern, worth remembering.
Well said and it is right what suits you is the right way to go .. I have just sold my big mobile home 4 berth it was well equipped. Microwave etc. also I know many who only use camp sites so a lot only have electric equipment ( no gas ) most do not use ovens . Me I was lazy I ate out .. my wife and I only had breakfast , which was basic porridge …
@@rouman7 lol. Yeah. Feel sorry for me, my next trip is 3w 2-up on a motorbike with a tent and gear..... So no fridge, water, hot water, heating....! Just a power bank! :) Van resting till its next big outting :D Will be a different way of camping for sure. Variety is spice of life and all that!
Oooohh. Good question. We don't have it now and sold it, but we drove it like a car without any concerns - so easily up to the speed limit. A lovely and lazy drive. No complaints.
Great video, will be basing my build on it. Just one question regarding voltages in all components. A fully charged leisure battery will put out almost14v; will the relay, speed controller etc tolerate this voltage?
Fair question - and easily 14v when driving, though I've limited solar/EHU to 13.8. I've seen no problems. My lighting circuts have 12v regulators so they only give 12v (and a smooth 12v at that) - so no flickering/dimming. As for these, checked the video and links/products changed. Mine is *like* amzn.to/3qrEgD7 - says it can take 35v so the input voltage isnt an issue. Output is pwm so if any concern just don't put to 100% :) Note the branded maxxair can fail on 14v so they should be on a 12v regulator as well. Also (IMO) the fan I use is a motorvehicle fan - so used to alternator voltage (14.8?). No issues to note in our use. HTH.
Just the doors with "keys locks". (As far as I know!) - as for where - see www.ebay.co.uk/str/carandcommercialsolutionsltd?_trksid=p2047675.m3561.l2563
Sorry, no. But I think the switch was www.ebay.co.uk/itm/295254085008 and diagrams on here. Basically when unpressed switch is in position 1 (motor goes one way), and when pressed motor goes the other way. The "ends" and auto off are dealt with by the actuator as the one I used had its own limit switches (that just disconnected power). Its rather easier than it sounds to be honest! See forum.digikey.com/t/polarity-reversal-using-a-dpdt-switch/626
Many thanks or posting this video. I have just fitted a proplate to my 2022 Ducato. This really helped. There are some changes on the 2022 Ducato model on the plastic door trim. No need to remove the speaker, the grill appears be part of the door now. There are also more 30 Torx screws, particularly under some plastic covers in the centre of the door and in the door well under the window. Also they have put a plastic hatch cover for a hole, next to the locking mechanism. Once you remove it, it makes removing and reinstalling the last of the three bolts so much easier. I had tried for 30 minutes before removing this hatch and then it took seconds. Thanks again and all works now.
lol. Its OK :) the load is taken up by the wall batton - thats over engineered and takes the strain, So no problem. The only change I'd make after 5y is the biggest cupboard could do with heavier duty runners. Rest are fine. Biggest is fine with light storage but if full of heavy stuff it can struggle. The 18mcf is *heavy* lol
lol. Yeah, can't argue that. Later build videos had it much more lower volume. But hey, I'm a normal guy trying to help others by providing info - and I'm not a RU-vidr. Hopefully the content and mute button makes up for it.
When you work in the trim industry you kinda’ push the definition of ‘self build’ past the point of truthfulness. But that’s a wonderful build. I’ll never show it to my wife or she’ll lack any appreciation at all for my NV200’s conversion. 😂
Great video I'm nearly done with mine just fronts to make I copied the same system as you with 100kg runners.... How does the large cuboard get on over time? I'm asking because I've used 18mm mdf so it's quite heavy but I've stood on it when fully open and it didn't collapse 🤣. I'm thinking about limiting the opening length as the big cuboard is only for coats and more shoes. Thanks
Hi we're what, 4-5 years in? All looks as new :) the MFC is probably as heavy as MDF, my "doors" are MDF. The large one has always been "over heavy" and I would change the runners - but it still works albeit not coming out swiftly when pressed, and sometimes you have to grab it. We only use it for light stuff (spare loo roll, breakfast cereal etc) and its OK - and okay enough not to bother swapping the runners. But yeah, is v heavy!!!
Cool :) lol. Just think about installation and airflow - I guess most don't really worry, but do it with thought and you will be fine. This one really helped us. Also, I have a video on the airflow in my play list, where we put active fan cooling etc.
lol - yes, but my memory is faded. I think the release would make life easier - but without releasing (and a helper to hold) you can get the external bit over the handle by doing it diagonally and passing over - and the internal bit just slides up. It does work - honest :)
VW rusty Lee. Google him. well known in the vw world but did our nv as a custom size. more info on blog. highly recommend him workmanship was excellent and price very fair
