This is the nicest, cleanest, super simple van build I have seen on RU-vid in a long long time...everything looks super clean and well thought out and yet you just used super simple ideas. This so refreshing as opposed to folks building 100,000 dollar plus Sprinter vans to go live vanlife. My hat goes off to you Sir, my hat goes off...and you definitely should be proud.
Oh my! I’m just doing the insulation on my van. It’s a 2012 Ford Econoline that I bought after car camping for years. I had some of the same ideas as you, but now I’ve gotten so many more! Thank you! I’m a senior woman in a small town without support in my build, and to find your video really made my day. I’m just assembling the IKEA furniture to give the placement for the framing to make sure it’s all secure - I’m definitely not a carpenter for sure! The water, the storage, and all the small details - well, I’m thinking that they’ll find their way into my new home. I’m so glad you made this video as I was feeling a little bit discouraged. Thank you!
Thanks for sharing you van build, it is one of the nicest one I have seen in a Chevy Express Van. Your water setup and diesel heater are unique, and using store bought cabinets would save a lot of time, especially for people that are not carpenters.
Thank you!!!!!! My hope is to be able to upgrade to a high top. But…. They are expensive and hard to find in decent mechanical shape. Thanks for Watching!
@@TrailMedic911 I agree, but you seem to be quite creative. Why not make one? Are you good with soldering steel? It's a thought. I just watched a video where a man used steel and created his own and put his bed up in the loft. It opened up his entire ground area for living space.
I consider myself to be a poor master craftsman. And, You sir are a genius! I also like the way you got straight to the point and explained everything perfectly. I'm subscribing!
This amazing and I'm going to steal 90% of your ideas. Well done making it beautiful, functional, and accessible to those of us without a huge amount of money & experience. That's the trifecta! Thank you so much for sharing this.
Good advice at the end. I'm only a few months into my first van conversion(also an older Chevy Express) and already I've changed the layout and plans at least 10 times(it actually helps that I can't afford everything all at once).
Wow. This is the first van build I have ever commented on. You did an amazing job! So functional, yet so attractive. You should definitely be proud of this accomplishment!
I've seen a lot of van setups. Yours is really, really, really good. Well done. I may be using lot's of your ideas in my build. Thanks for making the videos.
When you opened the door to your van, I was stunned at how amazing it was. I have been considering for a few years now how I would build one. You should be proud of this build. It's not even mine and I am proud of it. I have seen builds I like and this sits high on my list. I cannot wait to view your playlist of how this came together. I love the words, "KISS" Keep it simple is my mantra. Most people want to visit our national landmarks, but I want to see van builds and other self built homes on wheels. You really did a fantastic job: kudos to you!
I congratulate you, your van is super good, I am doing mine and your organization is very good, I will use your ideas to see how it turns out for me, I congratulate you 👍🏼
I'm buying a 2012 Express tomorrow! I really enjoy your setup. Just a fantastic job all around. Going to save this video for when I start slowly building mine out
Evening TM. Just back from Myrtle Beach (1 Month). Life us good. Finally got to watch your final product. You did an amazing job. Congrats Brother. Gonna do my best to make it to the Spring Meet Up and finally meet you fellers. Take Care!
What a great job! I’ve got a 2000 Chev Express, slowly adapting the layout. Gonna check your build list, for sure. Thanks for sharing…I may just steal a few things. 😂
It’s interesting I have only seen a couple of builds that use a gas heater vs diesel. The gas heater can tap into your fuel tank. They offer both and then you don’t have to carry fuel separate. Chrome has a gas heater.
Thanks for showing off your van build! I've been thinking about doing something like this, or having someone do it! I do a lot of travel for photography and I like this size better than a Sprinter or Roadmaster size van build. Hey, I'm in Indiana too by the way and have started a youtube channel on landscape and wildlife photography....still learning.
Sir, you are awesome- first off - I really dig how you talk or explain stuff.. second- you did a fine job on this build., I’m going to copy this layout for sure. You made it look and feel like a little home.. I would feel perfectly at ease in a Van like this. I’ll be building one this summer. Getting ready to do full time Vanlife after it’s done. After many long hours of searching for van builds , I came across yours. And the way you did yours- just feels right:) I just hope mine looks as good as yours when I’m done lol thank you sir for sharing this build- One question tho- because you didn’t put wood and stuff on each end of your bed- can you tell me how long that made it? I’m 5’11, so I’m just wondering if I’ll fit laying straight:) thanks!
Thank you!!!! The cut out areas on each end of the bed turned out great. I am 6-ft and can easily lay flat. If I want to stretch out I have to lay at a slight angle. When I first designed it with the cut outs, I was worried if it would be cold because there wasn’t as much insulation there. I was out in a winter storm with a wind chill of -30 F. I was completely comfortable and did not notice any issues with it being cold. Enjoy your build! 👍
@@TrailMedic911 awesome thank you! You wouldn’t happen to have any of the lay out measurements or anything like that do ya? Cause I’m definitely going to try to copy you- definitely out of respect but it’s so functional to me and looks amazing- to be honest,it’s a perfect layout.. if you had any plans drawn up or anything I’d definitely buy them from ya if possible:) thanks sir!
Dear Trailmedic, Awesome work! Wow! Was searching for Chevy camper vans & found your video. Very inspiring! Love my current chevy suv (due to it’s heated seats & my back). Thank you for the inspiration! (Are u 4 wheel drive) 🚐
Sir, that is an awesome build. I'm doing something with my econoline and my biggest thing is do i want to go across for the bed or a slide-out that runs front to back, just cant decide and im only 5-8" so either is possible but my dog is 6-5" stretched out. i see alot of things i like but i do want a more functional kitchen so more planning there. mine has 3 large windows with sliders in them and id love to keep them for airflow, one is gonna be blacked out. i loved the garage idea in fact i loved most of everything i saw. i need to go look at more of your videos to help me decide but from what ive seen this is a fantastic build.
Yet another question for you -- what did you use on your backsplash in the kitchen area and where did you find it? I have been looking to see if I could find it online somewhere and not having much luck! Husband and I agree you have the best build going! Thanks again -- your van is the best set up out there!
Hey Keith! Have watched this video about a million times lately! So very helpful! We do have a 1999 Chevy Express 1500 with a fiberglass High Top (was originally a handicap van) and are getting it ready to go. Ended up putting in a 55" wide bed for the 2 of us. I do have a couple of questions for you. 1 - We are going to build the slide out drawer in the back -- what did you use on the floor to slide the wooden box on? I presume something to protect the vinyl flooring? 2 - In a previous video of this van, I *think* I saw you had an awning attached to the side of this van at the top. Do you have a link or info on that awning? Does it work well for you? 3 - Have you yet mounted your outside light? If so, which did you use? I just want to thank you for taking the time to put all of this together and after watching many other videos of builds, we definitely like your KISS method! Thanks again, keep up the good work! We always look forward to your videos on your van upgrades! Best...
Thank you!!!! I used nylon slides like for a boat trailer. amzn.to/3GHQlcH I did not like the awning. It was too hard to put up & down. It also was really only good for shade. Too many gaps the way I had it mounted. I am now using this. amzn.to/40bFzlR Hope this helps! 👍 Be safe & have fun out there!!!!!
Awesome Van build! I’m working on my 2010 Chevy express and I’m wondering what exactly did you use for the solar roof rack? I’ve got the panels already and this looks like the nicest and safest setup I’ve seen!
one day I may get to this point with my 2000 3500 but I need to try to make something that can be removed just in case. I need this the for fun and for other stuff.
