10 things we WISH we knew BEFORE living in a van 

One of the things my grandpa taught me was "buy once, cry once" meaning you should spend more on a quality product and you will only cry once.

You are the first people I’ve heard who have addressed the order of a van build. I was mystified in the beginning trying to logically think about the order of things, afraid to do some modification before another, and I did have to undo mistakes. Sure miss visiting my Canadian neighbors during these COVID times. Hopefully some sanity will be restored so that we can be trusted enough to allow us entry across the borders. Cheers!

I love this video and my advice for EVERYONE you should ALWAYS have a safety plan even if you live in a gated community in a mansion. Bad shit happens everyday its smart to be prepared for everything!

This is such a helpful video. Vanbuild in 60 seconds? Genius.

I had an uncle who was French and from Nova Scotia so he grew up speaking French with a Scottish brogue. He'd dropped "th" on words like "things" ("tings") as a kid is always a hoot to get him to talk about subjects like "Richard the Third."

Happy new year you lovely people! One thing I learned from digital nomading in Canada and the US is... That every little town has a library! And every library has wifi and actual desktop workspaces. Of course that's not helpful in the middle of the wilderness but I think libraries are SO underrated by vanlifers!

I'm retired so I don't have to work. And as someone who traveled around North America in my old Volkswagen camper van long before wireless technologies, I don't really worry about WiFi. But there are places that are more crowded today than what I remember. So WiFi is handy. Today, I travel in my Jeep and still sleep in a tent for the most part. But now that I'm older, I would like to carry a cassette toilet for emergencies. I'm thinking about upgrading to a van mainly for the extra room for a toilet, etc. This video provided some very helpful information. Thank you. And I LOVE the French lesson! Good luck with your new van.

I live in my van and I can't imagine not having my toilet! It's not the best to empty but god dang do I love its convenience!

Got to have an emergency toilet that requires very low maintenance! No but or maybe about it. You can't control diahrea in the middle of the night and every stores are closed!😮

Van life will ALWAYS be glamorous with you two in it! 🤗 But seriously...maybe van life might not be glamorous but there are van moments that are. And those are the ones that we remember.

Exactly how these guy's videos should be received. This video was uploaded 7hrs ago, now 4600+ views in and it has zero thumbs down and 500+ thumbs up. We love you guys! Happy New Year!!

I have been researching van life for about 2 months straight now and this was one of the best video I have come across! Kudos to you guys!

OMG, Dom modeling the outdoor shower! Hahahaha!

Definitely one of my top 3 videos on van builds!! This was my first time seeing one of your videos and I love you guys! Great information and you are so cute together! 😁🥰

Thank you for sharing the video and links; this is part of my notes; @14:50 Full Step-by-Step Recipe for Converting a Van from A to Z; 1. Draw a plan of your van with the location of every component 2. Execute vehicle mods first (windows, racks, fans, boxes) 3. Prepare your ducts for all exterior components 4. Frame your van (walls, ceiling, floor) 5. Insulate all surfaces (walls, ceiling, floor) 6. Install your floor 7. Install your heater 8. Install your ceiling (with wiring) 9. Install battery or electrical system 10. Build cabinets (think water, propane & wiring) 11. Finish walls (some furniture may serve as walls) 12. Pre-install cabinets 13. Run wires & pipes through cabinets 14. Finish installation (electrical, water & gas) 15. Test drive components 16. Finish (paint & stain) 17. Enjoy!

You should add treating and preventing rust as the first or second step of the conversion. You don't want things rusting under your insulation where you can't get to it.

Hah, in Europe wifi is almost everywhere, I was so shocked when I was in Canada and so many areas were completely without service. Great content, as always

What a delight you both are ! Your "joie de vivre " reminds me of my family in Québec. Now 67, and far away, your essence takes me home to a simpler time in my life. Blessings, Hélène

I have watched tons of van life video's, you guys are one of the best presenters, concise. I liked that you were not trying to cover every base or scenario, just talking from your experience without adding in 25 disclamers to try and appease everyone else's opinions. .

I just love you two together! My husband and I have been feeling overwhelmed with where to start, so this was really helpful and reassuring! Thanks for such a great video, you guys!

Thanks for sharing your knowledge and steps on building a van! This year I plan to rent some converted vans to get a feel for it like y'all did in your travels to other countries. Can't wait to travel again after the pandemic!

Awesome information, always happy to see a new video from you two! Number 1 seems to be everyone's wonder and build paralysis is real! You are so correct in it being daunting! I've been making a build series on our RU-vid to help give people confidence in DIY building. And have kept videos mostly in order of how I did them. This community is awesome and it always feels good to give back to it! Thanks for sharing your order for those prospective builders on the fence with their build. Looking forward to the next one!😊

This was a great video to watch. I am researching van life, and you have provided a lot of very useful information. Thank you! Loved the quick 17 pt. breakdown, and the french lesson! You guys are funny! Merci beacoup. :)

Thanks SO MUCH for this! You gave answers to so much questions I had! You really helped me! The Q about insulation, where to convert, etc! This is exactly what I needed!

my favourite van lifers getting me through covid and making me dream about the day i will have a van!! 💕

You guys are a really cute couple! Thanks for this video - it's a good reality check on van life, but keeps a positive & encouraging tone. You've also provided some great thoughts to consider before getting started and provided some good resources. I always try to learn from the experience of others before taking the leap, thanks again!

I’ve watched SO many vanlife videos and this is the best by far! Loved it, so helpful.

Happy New Year, y’all!! I’m 52, I don’t make resolutions like when I was a young pup like you two,I just try to stay positive and enjoy my life 😉. Great video on Vanlife reality! I am thrilled that we get to watch you build your next van...woohoo. Gold stripes and pop tarts!!! Bring it!!! Enjoy your week and stay safe 🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡

Your theme song has become my Sunday morning happy wake-up music!!

Thanks this will come in very handy when I start my conversion this spring!! Love you guys!! Merci!!

One of the top three videos, all time, I've seen for helping those interested in van life know where to start and to be better prepared for life on the road. You earned a new subscriber. You guys are so chill, too. Love your chemistry.

Happy New Year! This is full of tips I have yet to hear in other videos. Thanks for another great one!

Happy New Year!!! May the new year bring you an abundance of happiness and love. Also, your new cutting board is ultra fancy.

Happy New Year! 🥂🍾 Sending you lots of love and exciting adventures in 2021

Just started gutting out our van last weekend. This is super helpful!!!!

Great list -- don't think you missed anything either! The last tip/ advice and Van build 'schedule' were the best advice, many thanks for that and JOYEUX NOUVELLE-ANNEE!!!

Thanks for this. My spring project is to prepare my mini van for weekend trips. Your advice seems solid for hard core van lifer or those of us who just don't want to bother setting up a tent at provincial campgrounds because inevitably it will rain and who wants to pack a wet tent or load your car with muddy gear and dirty dog? We all need to sleep safely, take care of personal care needs, and stay in touch with thoe important to us. Having realistic expectations increases the chances of the travel being enjoyable.

Watched an old van tour of your van by a third party. Back then Dom said Mary, but now it's Marie. Hmmm. I prefer Marie. What a lucky guy.

My husband and I lived in our 15 1/2’ 1958 Shasta travel trailer from July ‘78 - Dec ‘78. We traveled from SoCal up Rt99 to Oregon up to the Dalles. Then across to Boise then down through SLC and beyond to Pheonix. Then back to SoCal. It was great fun. We boondocked all the way except for in Tempe where we were in a park- $60. Per month. No working showers, but over the wall in the adjoining park (more upscale) we had hot showers. So Many little adventures!

Loved watching you guys in this vlog, thanks for sharing and we 100% agree on all of your points!! What a journey it is to start van life and we'd have loved to have known so many things before we started. But, then the learning is all part of the adventure and we've loved every moment. Have a great 2021 and we look forward to seeing where you guys go next.

Best realistic van life video I've seen so far! Love your videos ☺️

French lesson is back!!! Hahahaaaa😁 ( I have a smile on my face already) I literally had screenshots of your van life recipe, thanks🤩😇

This is awesome info!!!! after so many vanlife videos on youtube..i learnt more in 17 mins than the many hours i watched in other videos! Thanks so much Sir/Mdm!

This is your guys first video for me and I loved it. Subscribing! Great combination of valuable information and humor. Loved the french lesson at the end too. Took me back to my high school days...

Happy New Year to both of you.......wishing you both more adventures, great fun & peaceful resolutions to life’s speed bumps. Please keep on singing and of course keep strumming the strings! I’m so great full for you both, you’ve added a smile to my eyes. Thanks!!!!

Happy New Year! I have zero plans for van life but we did have a family dream home drawing competition. Good to have a plan and to see what matters to each of us.

Thank you for such an usefull video. We are planning for our Vanlife future and my partner thinks I'm over thinking this, but I'm sure watching this has made her consider things we need to keep in mind when building our rig.

I like the idea of van life but would probably be a weekender. Enjoyed this video. Like how it deals with the poop question (all newbies wonder about it). Humourous (great outdoor shower demo), packed with useful details and truth, good lighthearted energy. If I were serious about getting into van life, I’d find this video a good starting point. Nice to see a Canadian perspective too. Safe travels to you!

It’s my first time here🙋🏻‍♀️ I’ll be back hysterical shower scene and unhappy without WiFi made me laugh so hard😂

Another excellent and helpful video. Funny how I've never met you but somehow I feel like I know you a bit and that you are very friendly and approachable. Happy New Year to you both. May 2021 bring you great health, wealth and happiness as well as all the travel you desire (with great Internet connection of course). Thank you for sharing. Much love from England.

Your information is so helpful, thank you guys!!!

So glade to find you guys. Great video! I love your fun attitudes and dig those great accents. Can’t wait to check out more.

Happy new year to you both....I have wasted so much money buying stuff for my van that didn't work..... now I'm just loving the basic stuff ...poo 🪣 and baby pool to bath...😊

Well said thanks and can’t wait for build videos 😀

I love you guys and I hope you will have a great 2021! Thank you so much for educating, entertaining and overall just making my 2020 much better 💕

Thanks for sharing the information and the love - Cheers from Australia!

Great informative video , important to know as there are so many out there starting Van life and need to know these things ...Happy New Year may 2021 bring you both much Love Laughter and Happiness , God Bless

Happy New year guys, I tink you covered tings, well done again

Thanks for sharing and hope you guys have a wonderful and safe 2021!! Good luck with everything!

Excellent Video! You really bring it to the point. We've got our selfbuild van since over two years, and we fully agree on all points. Btw we have the bed/benches set up, a dry separating toilet and pull out shower and we just love it. So it's different for everyone 😉. Snowy greetings from Switzerland🇨🇭

Appreciate all the tips! Great video!

In southern Nevada I use the wifi at the library . They are closed but still offer free wifi.

AMAZING VIDEO, great value, super entertaining too, thanks you too! French lesson at the end was hilarious 😂😂😂

Hey guys. Ive been doing van life before it had a title. I turned my minivan into a giant bed and storage in 2004 and did laps of the USA. I just wanted to say that not only are you guys adorable, but this may be the best video I've ever watched on van life. You are dead right on pretty much everything. Bravo. Ill be watching all your videos, you guys are my new favorite car camping channel.

Love you guys from Montreal, me and my gf gonna convert our 2006 140 wb highroof sprinter van! Taking a lot of inspiration from both of you! And my gf really loves the humour of your gf! Keep this amazing work and happy new year 2021 lot of travel wishes.

This was so entertaining! Thank you

Great info. Can’t wait to follow your new build.

Happy New Year! Thanks for this info - we never thought of some of these!

Happy New Year! Thrilled you’re back! Okay now I hear Dom sing ‘I won’t keep my resolutions’ to the Stones tune, Satisfaction. I don’t make them anymore so I don’t break any. LOL This was all very important information. Planning my build now. Where do I store 16 chef knives? I’ve designed a hideaway for my camera gear too. You guys keep me excited. And giggling. Hugs from Vancouver eh!

The editing is perfection!

Great content Vanlife Sagas. Great production, sound, editing. It was fun and informative. I enjoyed the french lesson. Keep up the good work!

Happy New Year to you both! Great video thank you, very helpful ❤️

Happy New Year guys✨ . Informative list🤔 Following in the footsteps of New Zealand, a growing trend by local authorities (Council/Shire) in Australia now require RV's & vans to be self contained if staying overnight in designated areas, ie: must have a sink, commercially made toilet, water tank, greywater/blackwater tank/s and a lidded refuse container onboard. Only a matter of time before this trend spreads to other countries, so I suggest to futureproof any new van build that these items be incorporated .

we have a class C. A thought I had about security was to fastened eye hooks to the drivers and passenger doors. I would then temporarily attach two chains with a hook on the inboard side. If someone busted the window to open the door I would have a extra moment to prepare for the confrontation.

Love your videos. We had Wayfarer Vans do our conversion. We were so overwhelmed with where to start. We drove in with an empty van. 6 hours later the conversion was complete. It's very low tech but we LOVE it.

Thanks for your video and info, Love step 17. Stay safe and well. Look forward to your next vlog

Marie and Dom are now my favorite van life couple on RU-vid! I've binged watched all of your videos in one sitting. Cute couple, great chemistry on screen, keep the content coming. I used to think the accent of a Southern Woman (American South) was the sexiest thing to hear. Not anymore, today, it’s the French/Canadian Woman's accent that melts me! Marie, do you have an older sister???

This was really helpful! I hope you had wonderful holidays and that your New Year is filled with mint chocolate chip ice cream!

love it love it love it . thank you for taking the time to share.

Safety is underestimated. I live in a city and have had a couple incidents of people trying to break in. The first time they broke my drivers lock, but I scared them away with just my presence. After that I developed the safety protocol you speak of, just recall a few steps in your head if shit hits the fan. Great tips!

Happy new year, and may your new van have enough Yellow Stripes to make you happy for eternity.

You two are the best. Happy New Year!

Such a relevant French Lesson! Happy New Year you guys!

Omg. Dom is fricking hilarious with his French lesson. 😂😂😂❤️

This was so informative! Thank you! (And the French lesson at the end HAHAH)

Super helpful! Thank you both, you have great advice and your video was a lot of fun to watch : )

Soybean based spray foam w/sound deading barrier. 2 easily accessible panic buttons are great for van dwellers. EXTREMELY loud horns/sirens and bright FLASHING lights in case of an emergency.. (Any color EXCEPT red or blue)! I highly recommend for safety! For # 1's, there's a device called a Little John.. There is a male/female attachment for 20, 24 ounce, 1 liter, and 2 liter plastic bottles.. 5 gallon bucket and trash liners work great for # 2's.. Both are great if you are unable wait.. Friend's van is "ALL" recycled, reclaimed, OR reSomething.. All except his solar system, fire extinguisher, and smoke/ monoxide detector... Wire, wood, screws, sink, cabinets, plumbing, foam, leather, and flooring are used.. You would never know by looking at it..

Hi and Happy New Year to you two. Would love to see how you guys interact with regular people. Cause u two iz funny. Would like to see the thought bubbles over your heads in social situations. Marie just one compliment. I can’t usually tell if someone is smiling with a mask on these days. But you my dear smile just as much with your eyes as you do with your mouth. Love you guys. Be safe and best wishes for the new year.

Happy New Year!!! Stripes and happiness 😂😂😂😂😂

Another great video! So happy we stumbled on your channel 🙌🏼

I think the community would really benefit to an extended video of your 'how-to build a van in 60 seconds'. you guys do such a good job of distilling information down and making it simple and well-designed. Maybe a video just elaborating on the points with pictures and examples, anectdotes, etc.. would be great.

Cheers out to FarOutRide ❤️

I just found you today, and love watching you! You are both so real - with humor and optimism. Thank you for sharing. I do have a dumb question though as I haven’t built a van before… what are you referencing in Step 3 when you advise us to ‘prepare ducts for all external components’? Thank you for the knowledge and advice! ✌️

This was so incredibly helpful! Thank you!

Un autre excellent video, ça part bien 2021! Good job, merci et Bonne Année

❤️🤍💙. Great info.... I’m trying to do my layout now....I just want to visit my youngest grandson more and to get out and about more!!!! Thank you for this info.... I’m so nervous on where to start..... bless you both! So enjoy your easy manner, you’re both ‘gems’ - jewels that shine to help others get to where they want to go in van life and in such a kind in a easy way! Haven’t done most of the things on my wish list! I’m looking forward to being a van-lifer!!!! Sold my travel trailer, some of my expensive camera equipment.... hope to get my van in late spring or summer!

Firstly, Happy New Year! Now, let me just say 'dis about dat' (sorry, I try not to let the French accent rub off, but it's tough) *ahem* I'm thinking back to when we had our Class A motorhome, and some of the things that came up. Once in a while, someone would say, "Whoa, I bet it doesn't get very good mileage!", to which I would inevitably reply, "Well, it gets good mileage for a house", which would usually shut them up. If not, I'd then continue with, "You know, if you can't really afford to go, you should stay home". I think that sort of relates to your comments about being cheap. You're living there. Don't be cheap. For example, it didn't take me long to toss out the el-cheapo mattress that the manufacturer put in, and replace it was a very nice one. So much better. And that was the beginning of the modifications, but I digress. Now, speaking of that sort of thing (Well, kind of) and the lack of cell or wifi (there was no wifi back at that time) I vividly recall the slight panic of not being able to get a good cell signal (this was in New Brunswick somewhere about a half hour from the N.S. border) because my wife had to go on a scheduled conference call. Do they still have those? Anyway, we got that figured out, she went on her call, and I went to the bed in the back and took a nice nap. (See, there was a mattress reference in there, after all) And regarding the toilet situation. You have to know how long you can "hold it". I'm not a person who can "hold it", and it's been that way for many, many years. *sigh*. There were a few times when I would simply pull to the side of the road, run to the loo, and do a ....whatever rhymes with "loo". Plus, if you have your own facilities, you KNOW who used it last. Pandemic or no, sometimes you just don't want to use those public toilets. Gah! The Travel Plazas in Europe have really clean washrooms/restrooms/whatever and you will have to pay like, 50 Euro cents, but well worth it. Some of them on this continent are simply gross. Free to use, but disgusting. Oh and, when in Europe and in a city, just look for the Golden Arches if you need to do a McPoop. (Actually, I called it a McSh*t, but it's a family channel). Always fun to watch you guys on a Sunday morning. Carry On! And bundle up.

I thoroughly enjoyed this vlog,Thank you for sharing💛

Happy New Year you two, thank you for another fun video!

So good to see you two again! Great way to start the new year. Also (As always) great content. I thought I had decided on vanlife but am now considering other vehicles (short school bus, shuttle vehicle, ambulance)...my concern isn't the conversion my concern is insurance. I know you're in Quebec and I'm in Ontario, but can you give any advice (either here in a Comment or in a future video?) on getting insured? I've gotten push back from Desjardins because of the solar panels I'll have (regardless of vehicle type, I WILL have solar panels). Love you both xoxo