We missed you guys the last few weeks! We explain why we had a very unexpected delay in videos, but hope you enjoy this one! We'd love to hear what SPOILER MATERIAL you'd recommend, as we're kinda at a fork-in-the-road about it. Let us know you're suggestions below, and don't forget to stay warm these December days! Snuggles from Millie (& kitten Vifi if you make it to the end of the video!)
For the solar panel spoiler, if you have access to a scrapped van with a raised roof you could cut the top front apex out of it and mould it to the front of yours. You wouldn't have to deal with ALU, FG or Plastic; well, maybe a little bit of FG to mould it in. Also, maybe a light bar could do double duty as a wind break instead of a spoiler. It would probably be even less labour intensive.
Hi L&M: WOW ! IMHO: You and Ladi have become one of the top two Van-Build-RU-vid channels in the world ! Seriously, George Mauro of “Humble Road,” and Ladi and Margaret are clearly head and shoulders above ALL the others. Congrats ! No one else comes near you two and George. PERIOD.
So kind, LJ! I think our uniqueness will come out more when we're deep in the interior. Ladi is a professional cabinet maker, so he'll be making some pretty awesome stuff in our kitchen and office. A lot to look forward to this winter!
So kind, LJ! I think our uniqueness will come out more when we're deep in the interior. Ladi is a professional cabinet maker, so he'll be making some pretty awesome stuff in our kitchen and office. A lot to look forward to this winter!
Also put a charge or jump plug that's accessible from outside. It's helpful if you need a jump or someone else does. Easy to hook up a charger plugged into shore power. A great and easy backup.
awesome idea for sure. We loved having an exterior cord that was on a retractable hose in our last van. Makes such a difference in convenience. Love this feedback!
Just a suggestion to help stop someone from using a Cordless Reciprocating Saw & cutting through your Thunderbolt Locks, slide a piece of tubular aluminum or steel over the lock/bolt itself. Once it's in place, have the tube fixed so it won't slide off or interfere during operation of the locks. Now when someone tries to cut through the lock/bolt, the blade of the Reciprocating Saw will directly come into contact with the metal tube, and not the lock/bolt. The reciprocating action from the blade of the saw will cause the tube to simply spin, spin and spin. Therefore, the saw cannot cut into or through the tube then the lock/bolt. Just a thought.
We missed you. I went to your old Instagram stories to get a fix. Ladi, after all these amazing customizations, I have to smile at your frustration with the metal plate install (16:37). :-) I'm looking forward to more van build, drone footage and Margaret smiles! Smokey sends paws-up to Millie
Y'all have amazing patience and attention to detail. I used to be this driven, years ago. Nowadays I can't even prepare a meal that takes more than a few steps. Seriously, your van will be one-of-a-kind, few people on this planet have the motivation you do, to go to such extreme lengths for quality.
Thank you! It does drain us both a bit these days. We are perfectionists, but so much work over such a long period of time with very little viewable progress can get sorta sad. But we know the second we get to paneling it'll be a whole new world! Thats when even small changes or upgrades make a very notable difference :) Really appreciate that you notice the effort!
I feel you. For me however, it was due to so much trauma and stress, constantly being subjected to trauma and stress in the home and the world. Saps all your nutrients, and kills restorative sleep. If you feel like you haven't gotten restorative sleep lately, or your memory or attention have suffered immensely, I'm thinking it's prolonged stress in your life affecting your whole physiology and brain function, maybe even shrinking it. Only today I have dreamt again for the first time in a long time, and with that, my drive, concentration, calmness, focus, memories, competencies have returned. So have some hope that as long as you fix the root problem, these things will return, because it has for me, and others. I thought it would be impossible for the memory and focus to return, but it did.
Ha thats where i am in viewing.. ‘’not sure what they are showing here but im sure its awesome..” ha. Only if I knew what these lock options are that he is installing?
One downside to having your deadlocks linked to your main central locking is that the stock central locking remote that comes with the Ducato is not secure and is vulnerable to RF attack. A company called Thitronik makes replacement modules with far stronger encryption to get around this. Thitronik WiPro III Safelock Fiat Ducato is the complete package they offer for securing a van.
So glad you’re back. Really loving the videos you produce. Keep it up guys. Looking forward to being on the road with you two. Plus Millie. Thanks CB 👍
A 1000 w solar system has also the van of Tripping Around channel, take a look, they have also a system for charging the battery from electric cars charging stations :)
Ladi u are a cutie as so happy with your accomplishments re locks what an amazing multifaceted tradie!! 👍🤩 Margaret your video editing is expert showing Ladi fast forward sometimes funny! #VaultVan #EndlessList #HardWork #Snow #Vifi 😍🥂👏🇦🇺
For the solar shroud/scoop you could use several 3d printed pieces using ASA, PC, or FormFutura ApolloX. Each of these filaments have higher strength and decent UV resistance, your 3d printers are already enclosed, by decreasing airflow and/or adding insulation or a radiant barrier to the inside of the enclosure will help increase interior temperature to lower warping. Teaching Tech and CNC Kitchen both have good videos on these options, even using some ApolloX parts in the engine bay of a vehicle. As for ensuring the width is made you can use a joining solution on the edges of the prints like tongue and groove with epoxy or chemical welding using acetone. If flexing is still a concern it could be reinforced with brackets either metal or 3d printed. Due to the high temperature and sometimes abrasive contents of these filaments it is advised that you have a hot end that does not have a PTFE liner and a hardened steel or ruby nozzle. For a continuous piece you would need to find an industrial printer or get a hold of the 3d Print Mill and build an enclosure for it, though I believe the print mill would need liquid cooling for its motors as they appear to be under more tension than traditional cartesian printers like the Prusa Mk3. Another option would be Lexan or similar high quality polycarbonate, most polycarbonate or acrylic can also be laser cut.
In Germany, you would need a new TÜV (vehicle inspection) with these seats. Even if you just install a swivel seat. I guess the Czech equivalent is STK? Well especially if you 3D print things yourself you need to get that certified otherwise you are not allowed to drive the vehicle and insurance won't cover in case of an emergency.
Nice battery pack you have out there, almost like mine (16 pcs EVE 304 Ah LFP cells). I guess yours are CATL 310 Ah..? About burglar-proof lockings, try building a sistem like some secret hidden bars or pulleys who locks and prevents the existent rods to be plucked. Like 2 steps on 2 axes lockers. Hope you understood what I meant to say.. lock the locker's rod 🙂 Doubling the glass windows with 5-10mm solid policarbonate sheets would be helpfull, too.. kind of bulletproofing. Windows are preffered weak spots of burglar's. Keep up the good work! Cheers!
Is always so good to watch your videos I was missing you guys and I love that you found a home for the kitty and get to see him again 😻 you both are incredible and so creative! I love it 😍 thank you
About the anti-shatter window film... PLEASE think about that before installing : what if you get in a crash and the doors can't be open because of the crash, people wanting to help you to get out will HAVE TO break the glass but they can't now because of the film ! Sometime, every second count !!! Please don't do it !!!
yUUUUS another Ladi and Margaret video - I always annoy my boyfriend and friends telling them what you guys are up to in too much detail I am going to be honest though I felt a little punched in the heart you made the parts list $50 as a broke student with a vanlife dream for after college. I know it took a huge amount of time and effort but I suppose I was naively going off your words it could be an open source document for the vanlife community where people could add other options and links. Do you think at some point in the future it could be after links break or things get outdated? Or maybe a simplified version for the videos you had it posted for, or very basic guide with just things like links for fans and insulation at a lower price?
OBD GPS will drain the battery quickly when parked. Would be ideal if you could get solar panels to charge the vehicle starter battery, in case you don't use the van for a few days.
So happy you guys got the kill switch suggestion. I have put 2 on my bus conversion and doing massive security as well, but very heavy mechanical security so if my electronic security gets hacked (or I choose to have it turned of for personal tracking purposes) I have a robust main security infrastructure in place as well.
Would appreciate reading any updates y'all have on the Thunderbolt locks after you've had some time with them... thinking about getting them also and looking for input from folks who have used them. Thanks for making such informative and entertaining videos!
@@ladiandmargaret just curious if you think someone could use a crowbar to still get into the back doors (someone somewhere wrote that as a comment); also did you consider using the key fob they sell with their locks so as to avoid someone breaking a window and opening the rear doors by unlocking one of the front doors from the inside.... Thanks for responding! Cheers from Oregon!
I cut of the lever trigger on the front doors, I wanted to have the luxury of one key only. I can tell you with certainly: who really wants to get in, will get in. I’m doing these little steps to just decrease chances. Will it hold up against a crowbar? Probably! The question is for how long and in exchange for what damage.
I had a second hand conversion van, sprayed the seats and armrests with Scotch guard, then put that van thru 11 years of kids. It looked spotless when I sold it.
If the battery is down and u need to charge it but u can't open the door u could connect 2 cables (positive and negative)to the battery and the other side of the cables standing outside the van, maybe under the van, and with some battery charger u can charge it
Not sure the rear doors will be protected from intrusion. A simple claw bar will slip latch bar off the striker (opposite door). A better solution would have been to lock from top or bottom, not between each door. Best of luck, admire your enthusiasm.
the victron inverter charger has a built in starter battery charger(4A only), should be labeled inside, dont know for sure if the 48 volt model has a 12v starter battery charger, so please check the manual
Regarding spoiler I think easiest would be to print them out and "secure" pieces with threaded rod. I Thing thread can be also printed out. BTW you do really good work. I'm looking fwd to se how you resolve bathroom, as this is my biggest dilemma.
Awesome job! Question....did you figure out anything additional regarding what to do if the Thunderbolt system is the battery dies? Also can you do a video of what you did regarding the charger you refered too?
for the spoiler : aluminium is more regid but also more weight, plastic id fantastic but can break faster ... But I'm so happy to see a new vid from you guys :)
Can you explain further how you will unlock the thunderbolts, if the battery is dead? I just had thunderbolts installed myself in my sprinter, and didn’t think about this possible disaster. Thanks for all the amazing content.
Yes. Please elaborate. As you describe it at timestamp 21:40, are you planning to hold another battery outside the van? Surely at the very least the electrical switch to to begin charge should be located outside the van, but is the backup battery inside? How is it wired to this switch and both batteries?
Oh yes, I think this has been solved very elegantly. I want to have bluetooth controlled relay turning on the starting battery charger on. I’ll be able to turn it on from outside of the van and feed the starting battery from a leisure battery. Wait few minutes and unlock the car.
It can easily be done automatically with a voltage sensitive relay. When the starting battery drops in voltage bellow certain threshold like 12,4V, it would automatically start charging.
CAMERA IDEA: Consider (?) designing van-cameras as “stealthily as possible, ” Perhaps by incorporating (and recessing the cameras) into something else so the cameras do not stand-out to thieves approaching, or near your van. Was thinking of incorporating my cameras into “fake ladder hooks” or something like that. Something to avoid the cameras having a stark color and physical contrast with the external van body. Perfect might be if the cameras could be almost flush with the van exterior. For example, the less likely they are to see the camera upfront, the better the human identification likelihood if you have an incident. Here in US the cowards are hiding behind masks and hats. BTW: A company named “Viper” makes motion sensors for underneath cars and other vehicles. Dont know how reliable but appear to be a major player in the car burglary/theft deterrent market. These have remote communication key fobs to warn you someone is real-time too close to, or in your van.
Move the obd port and put a fake one in its space! 👍🏻 my mate fits trackers and this is what they do, will stall somebody trying to steel ya pride and joy
Us too! We loved visiting her! It was so sweet seeing how the family's daughter cared for her, brought her little leash outside so she could be with us and explained so many funny moments. Little Vifi still loves to shred and climb!
Hi Ladi & Margaret, I am worried about needing to exit the vehicle quickly with those bolt locks. Could they short and lock in a fire or if the van gets submerged? I was thinking about the great ideas you have been doing in your builds and it hit me and wanted to make sure nothing ever happened to you guys. It's unlikely I feel but I rather you be safe!
Thank you! We have had a massive side gig going for about a year now, and with our trip to the USA, there was a lot of built up work we had to address. Once the whole project is done we'll do a big video on it. I think everyone will be pretty blown away!
Hopefully never dealing with a delay like that again. We know it was worth it, and hopefully in a few months it'll make sense to why!:) If you know how much we love design and buildling, I think it'll make you happy!
amazing, so glad you're back. Also please start a van building company. Also, I'm curious, what's the legal situation with having cameras filming the outside of the van? If in a public space I guess it's fine, but if the cameras can see someones garden or driveway?
Aloha and Håfa Ådai Ladi & Margaret! I'm a big fan of your channel and have been following since your last van. So I just wanted to offer input on yourself front spoiler on the roof? I was wondering if you were going to add additional lights for off-road adventures? If so I would like to suggest building an aluminum frame with plexiglass? That way it will be the spoiler you want while pulling double duty as a mount for the off-road lights and front facing security camera. 🤔🤷🏻♂️ just a thought. 😁
This is all so impressive, its crazy how much time/attention to detail you are spending! One thing though, wouldn't that rear deadbolt just separate as the rear doors open providing no locking force? I feel like maybe it should latch somehow
Yes it doesn't have enough inserted length to prevent crowbar attacks, that's why the best aftermarket deadlocks now have hooks. Mind you, since about 2017 ish, Ducatos have come with deadlocks from the factory, mine has them. Still need the Proplates to prevent the screwdriver punch though, or they'd be able to open the factory locks (and those Thunderbolt ones) in less than a minute.
Not a.bad idea but someone with just a 5 min tutorial can intercepted that remote signal, duplicate and the whole system is defeated. And yes today people that break in to cars are using High Tech solutions also.
If you fear so much of someone stealing your van just don’t drive it. What kind of vacations are this when you fear to leave the van? Get a good insurance and drive it’s that simple. You could put an gps tracker or a simple airtag in the van… 30$
@@ladiandmargaret I don’t get, it is the Czech Republic that dangerous? We have no accidents like this in Poland at least not me… Seriously I would not get in van life if I ware so fearful for things. Just live life 😅
Electrical problems happen at the worst possible time. Keep it simple to easy to fall on the technology for technology’s sake trap. I wouldn’t feel safe with just electrical locks and would be concerned about getting locked in or locked out. Fire and carbon monoxide they are probably a greater danger than burglary and those locks can lock you in. A failure mode and effects analysis is a great tool tool to evaluate and mitigate risk. Would be worth your while to look into that.
I really like these two. I'm kind of a D, and generally don't like people either. Lol, they must be really likeable if a jerk like me enjoys their content. They come across as really decent people. I received a plethora of ideas from their experience as well, and it's really appreciated.
Loving all the Milwaukee tools! I thought I had a big collection... Did you get a donation/sponsorship from them? Also, have you considered Starlink Satellite service for internet?
Is that a common technique for breaking into vehicles, though? Everytime I see a video about locking up bicycles, someone jumps in to say how quickly the Lock Picking Lawyer can pick whatever lock is under discussion. Which isn't really relevant since most bike thieves cut the lock or chain with a battery operated angle grinder.
Hello. Have you faces attemps to rob you already? I was watching some vanlifers and they say that it happends from time to time. Their van was robbed two times. And i think in italy there is gangs that specialized on robbing campers. Installing alarms and security not helped. that do it in few minutes.
