Your vapour barrier view is "simplistic" If you don't account for the dew point when insulating and don't have a barrier you're going to have serious mould issues depending on climate.
Solo female here- HAD to get mine done 1.5 months. I have full solar/750w with 502ah of lithium batteries; full plumbing/water heater 12v. Fridge, Starlink, very well insulated, 2 MAfans, 1 arctic tern window, etc… total build cost 25K plus. My mistake was not finishing the ceiling first (but will be adding a 12v ac so probably better it isn’t finished). Also need to add gasoline heater - Promaster 2500. And yes I did it all by myself ! I have been traveling full time for over a year now! And Love it… I am a full time virtual dr with two 🐱 🐱:())
Good tips. I'd add to have preplanned room for power growth. For instance, have at least one more battery space incase you need to add more batteries without modifications.
Biggest macro problem with DIY van builders IMO: The builds are generally self-performed by eager folks who have little or no construction experience. Just because you can write code or provide excellent massage therapy doesn't mean you can build out a van properly. Things like scheduling, sequencing, material selection, ventilation, etc. are learned primarily by experience over many years, just like anything else in life. Some DIY builds make me cringe upon inspection, and on first glance I'm likely looking at the areas of greatest emphasis (cosmetics) rather than the areas most likely to determine ultimate durability and function (what's below the surface). Good video!
Good tips. These def check out as I'm starting to plan for my second van build. Question regarding your second tip -- would you do your cut-outs before a custom exterior paint job? Or after? Seems like it'd be easiest (and maybe cheaper) to NOT have to paint around custom windows, AC, fans, etc
A retired trades guy is gonna build his van as fast as components are delivered vs a 20 something who have next to zero practical construction or automotive experience who cant afford to buy everything all at once and has a FT job.
Oh hell I am 68 still in the trades still full time, and just the design phase takes time let alone building the van. In fact everything needs design work.
I think building out a Van and having little to no travel/camping experience is not going to serve anyone well in trying to figure out what they want to build vs what they need to build.
My first suggestion, start with a high roof van. Having to constantly bend over for everything, I'm 6'1", is a pain but can drive one almost insane were the weather to turn nasty for several days (looking at you snow). What should be a concept can quickly turn sour and ruin your van life experience.
Have a design/plan. Oh, hell yeah. first build I had a general 'idea', and just started in one corner with 8020 and went for it. It ended up functional, kinda. At least at was with 8020, as we did two partial remodels of the layout, and... still not really done, many years later.
I really appreciate all your great informational videos. I am about to embark on my build with the help of an expert but he is not well versed in creating a low EMF environment. do you have any thoughts on creating a "Green"/low EMF build?
Thanks so much! We have a full van building course >>(vanland.mykajabi.com/offers/RYvSHDcK/checkout) full of great information as well as tips and tricks from our builders. If you'd like to call our office with questions we'd love to help you out (707) 219-Six010
What is the model of roof rack @ 02:56? I am starting a build and want to know where to put the fan as I really like this roof rack style, is it custom or if not is there a guide that I could get to put the fan in the right place ahead of getting the roof rack?
