Happy Wednesday! I'm really getting into the groove of this routine now, and each week I'm more & more excited to share with you! I have a massive list of all the van tours you've suggested I review, so I will be tackling those (slowly but surely!) My plan is to space out some of the bigger names (maybe do 1 big name every 4 videos or so), as I think there are PLENTY of incredible tours to share that aren't done by vanlife influencers. Let me know what you think of this review below, and even if you have some cool conversion ideas of your own! This comment section is full of viewers interested in pursuing this lifestyle in the future, and there's no such thing as too much learning! Thanks for watching!
Your videos are so fun to watch and very educational. Your facial expressions and the little extra fun sounds and visual effects are truly wonderful, so those hours of hard work is worth it! Also remember for another video that you wanted to say something about the placement of the kitchen sink in this one but said you’ll talk about it another time - I guess it’s another thing for your long list!! 😉
I LOVE this series and really appreciate that you're doing it! IDEAS... 1) water storage-large tanks: can you discuss maintenance of these large water tanks that are built-ins and can't be taken out. How does one clean inside? Is that even necessary and if yes, how (access & with what) and how often? 2) recirculating water: would appreciate anything you can say to this...value of it, practically, how best to do it (i.e. mechanics of it) I'm so intrigued by it. If I could do it, my preference would be to have everything inside the van rather than tanks underneath. 💖🙌🏻🙏😊❣
I looove your reviews on van tours. I saw a van tour a few days ago that drove me craaaazy. It has such a unique layout. I'll put the link here because it would be really cool if you could analyze it someday. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-4VBWiMudQf0.html Love from Argentina ❤
I only started watching your channel about 3 days ago, however I absolutely love your videos!!! I just came across another van I think is suuuper interesting and I NEED to hear your opinion on it! Think you can review this video? ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-x62FoXtUWx8.html
YES! Part of me as always a been a bit hesitant to do it because I know the comment section will be something fierce, but talking about it directly needs to be done :) Hopefully the edit will make it a lil less... icky lol
I’m so glad you are doing these “reviews”. You are so kind about the things you don’t like. As a home designer I design what is asked for (if possible) but I also say, “I don’t have to like it to design it because I don’t have to live in it.” Just because there is wasted space here or there doesn’t mean it’s awful but that I wish I could have talked them into something with better functionality. For example, under the sink, they may have originally planned to put their toilet but it may not have fit...oops. I think there is wasted space in all their drawers as the drawer part is so short and the drawer faces are so tall. I think these may be “store bought” drawers that all came in one side. Tall things will totally fall out if they leaned over during driving. I would hate not being able to sit up in bed but then again I would hate to HAVE to climb on the bed to get to my clothes too. (Huge thing in most vans). Maybe I’m too “County”, but has no one in the stealth RV community ever heard of a “spit bath”? (Wash rag, bar of soap and a basin of water). Just because we enjoy showers should not demand that we use such a high percentage of a tiny living space to one. But if that’s what they like, I say go for it. It is really pretty, but I find about 60% impractical.
I just can’t get over how much value is in these videos. I hope Margaret will walk us through many more videos. It really gives me a sense of what to look for and weigh the consequences of design choices better. Its not easy to get back from a decision and rework. There is a lot of time between the design of different systems, ad hoc choices during the build stages and finally usage where everything comes together.
I love the insider/experienced knowledge on these van layouts! it helps to avoid the pitfalls for newbies. I'm looking forward to the deepdives on the cost, the build and the toilet situation
I watched countless van builds and this one included. What Margaret pointed out were also the pet peeves of mine. Before this I wondered if anyone else noticed those things, now I know I am not alone or being too perfectionist here. I hate dead space. I hate spaces that aren’t accessible. I hate redundancy and extra steps to a process. I even noticed the extra counter’s edge that made the aisle narrower...most people probably not.
Yes, please bestow your toilet wisdom! Just binged your entire series. I said the same thing about all of these videos when I first watch them. I feel so validated! Currently working on our build, and I think you would love it!!! Thank you for your push to open drawer suggestion. I have been stumped by that one for months and been unhappy with all of the solutions I came up with. Praise the lord, I won't be saying up at night pondering that pain point anymore!
I would love to know if you've noticed any cultural differences in van builds? For example, looking at a lot of french van builds, I've noticed they are a lot more concerned with having an indoor shower than north american ones, and I think it might be because there isn't the same availability of country-wide gym franchises? And I've noticed lots of the fancy american vans have a 1000$ nature's head composting toilet, and a lot of french ones have dry toilets (essentially a human sized kitty litter box with a lid). Have you noticed any thing like that? Also I'm still trying to figure out how one would manage moisture with a "shower in a box" type situation, because regularly drying out shower cutains that then have to be stored seems like THE most annoying chore ever and the whole box seems like it would never really dry out unless you left it open all the time. Anyhow I really enjoy your review videos -they're super useful!
Oh my gosh what an awesome idea! Yes, that has definitely crossed my mind, but I guess it never registered as a video concept! Thank you for this comment!
I would suggest you set the shower up to overlap your fan. That will help a bit. And you could have magnets that you can then attach the curtain to the outside of the van for more thorough drying.
@@Greg-tj8rg True, but the point of an indoor shower to me is to be able to be stealthy in cities or for cold weather, so hanging the curtain up outside would defeat the point. Maybe something semi-permanent built around a ceiling fan but I'm not sure what that would look like.
@@curlyhaircamping I think that'd be a cool video! Oh another thing I noticed was a lot of French vans seem to favor cork insulation - I've even seen DIY spray-on cork. And I've seen a lot more expanding spray foam in the States. Also lots of people in France try to comply with VASP regulations for insurance purposes(to be able to register the van as a camper van and not a utilities van, which is often cheaper and allows you to insure the interior installations), so that really dictates some of the layout (emergency exits need to be at least 45cm wide, gas tank in sealed cabinet with exterior vent, permanent ventilation in the living space, any permanent burners need to be surrounded with I think 20 cm of non-flammable material, gas installations must be professionally inspected, there have to be latches on cabinets that are more than 1m high, countertops and tables have to have rounded edges on places that can be bumped into, beds over 1m high need some kind of fall prevention and some kind of step or stool to get up, weight must be well distributed over both axels...) It's annoying until you see some people's mishaps in videos and then the regulations make sense. I've only heard about people trying to get this kind of certification in France though, so I really wonder what it's like in other countries - I don't understand that many other languages though so I'm sure I'm missing out on some stuff.
Can’t imagine many things worse than the thought of pulling out that toilet, using it, then having to hoist it back in! I feel physically anxious just watching how cramped this van is ... she can’t even sit on the bed ... so the only place to sit is the front seats? Wow, so much wasted space beside the bed! I don’t believe anyone will sleep well exposed to the elements.
Hi Margaret, I'm absolutely loving these van tour critiques, you have a wicked sense of humour and you're really getting into your stride with these! Keep them coming :)
I've been binge watching a lot of her videos because HELLO they're AMAZING, but like can we just take a moment to appreciate her smile in every single video!! B E A U T I F U L
I saw the most hideous van in my home town. Then I noticed a young solo adult was living alone in it. Full functioning kitchen, bed space and desk, it was great inside! (no rest room though but like nature (I guess))
hey there, just wanted to say that your reviews are absolutely great!!! they can be incredibly helpful for everyone who is planning on converting a van. i am not (yet) a vanlifer myself, but coming from an interior design and carpentry background, i completely agree with so many things you say in your comments (every time i go like "finally someone mentiones that!" :D). also i was wondering a lot, why nobody else did such a video-format before, because it's so important to consider good functionality in designing your van - and i think a lot of people underestimate that. looking forward to see your next videos! :)
I find watching these so fun! Thanks sooooo much ! I was watching a video on a barn conversion in the UK - ‘Grand Designs’ artist couple, amazing build - huge open area space for kitchen, living etc Imagine a Barn with the level for the hayloft removed all open - maybe 20 feet, from the floor to the ceiling. and they built their bedroom in a much more contained area, with lower ceiling and a door. And she talked about how people need to cocoon to feel safe and comfortable to sleep. It’s a comment that really spoke to me. I hadn’t thought of it before, and yet I’m someone who can’t even sleep with the bedroom door open ! 😁so yeah, I can think how nice it would be to sleep under the stars, but I probably wouldn’t last 20 mins
YESSSSSS!!! I was thinking the same thing, Margaret! Works perfect...can read & comprehend or at least have time to pause if I need to.😉 Keep up the great work!👍
I REALLY appreciate your honesty on everything...it absolutely give us much better and practical ideas for van conversions..keep up with your videos..it is much appreciated.😊🎉🚛
Hey Margaret! I am OBSESSED with your series. would you be able to review Kenny Nguyen’s van tour? It is probably the most functional and safest van i’ve ever seen for the amount of people it fits.
Yes please on your “deep dives”. Separate videos on each topic and there are so many!! Please include awnings. I’m at research stage. Don’t want awning on side of van as want to be stealth. As a solo traveller some tarp options would be difficult for me to erect by myself. I saw one that looked like a roof rack but slid straight out, no support legs needed, was good with wind. It was tagged onto the end of a van tour and I’ve never found it again!
Lol yeah the pull out bed is funny to me, half the time living in my van i don't even leave my slider open during the day, let alone pull my whole bed outside at night!
I am loving your reviews, definitely would like to see you do the same sort of thing focusing on one aspect of the van and showing several different ones eg the toilet or the bed or electrical would be cool to show a realistic use for peoples electrical systems like how much use you can get out of them
Haha thanks for another cool review Margaret. Such a complicated can in this episode. I would personally hook up a hammock somewhere on back door. Or put an air mattress on roof if I wanna sleep under the stars.
For it's few faults, this is one of the most beautiful van self-builds I have ever seen. I have been waiting for the builders (malex) to post their build series. They must be busy travelling in it instead!
In general, your videos are some of my favorite I have found... very much appreciate your sense of humor as well as your honesty and your discussion of design. Thank you!
Your idea about doing a video about toilets, and showers is fantastic! I’d hope to include kitchen grey water as well. Sanitation is a neglected topic. I’ve lived on a boat in a marina where black water disposal wasn’t available. Grey water management was worse. This autonomous van life is crap if it doesn’t manage crap, eh?
Loving the series, but cupboard doors opening into limited space drives me crazy. Why aren't designers using tambour doors ... vertical for uppers and horizontal for lower cabinets?
@@MiasarahLai Vertical tambour doors are part of scroll top desks and appliance garages. I've seen them sideways (horizontal) on console tables. They curve open onto a track recessed in the unit and can expose the entire opening, unlike sliding doors that can expose only half the space at a time.
Good job! I like this series. I'd love to see/hear thoughts on office setups. I'm planning on a full-time build, but I'd also be working out of it. I need a place to have a full monitor (I might downsize from a 32" to 27" - but no farther lol) and a real chair for long days of editing. Thinking about mounting on a swivel arm behind drivers seat. Then I could sit there, or move to the chair on the side, plus I could swing arm out to watch movies from the back of the van. Fitting a full edit studio in with everything is going to take some careful planning. Haven't seen many van videos addressing this. Both of the ones I've seen were both mountain bikers, and were the closest to what I'm hoping to do.
Great job on the editing this week! The full screen captions were perfect timing! The length of your videos is great, too. I sometimes feel that they could even be a bit longer... I am often surprised that they're done as quickly as they are! I really enjoy your reviews. I would be very interested in an "in depth" bathroom discussion - as well as the electrical -- May I ask - what is your insulation? We are considering using the natural wool bats. Have you used it before?
I'm confused by your screen format. Very difficult to see the van interior you are speaking about, with is in the tiny screen. Just saying, better for viewers if you were tiny and the van was full screen.
Hi, Many thanks for your review videos. I want to start converting a van and your tips in those videos are really helpful!!! Although you're more positive about a fixed bed, my personal preference is a bed/couch construction because of the work activities and the small size of the van. I was wondering if you have any advise I should take into account by using this construction. Please let me know! :)
Yes, another vote for the couch-bed solution! We are sketching ours out in The Van Notebook and very excited to see how the sliding actuators (thanks for previous tips Margaret) can make this easy/useful. :)
The more deep dives the better, I love the functionality focus and find it incredibly useful. Re the shower door, I have the same one. I ordered it because the options for space saving shower doors are frustratingly limited in the UK and Europe. It is a very clanky janky door, but it serves it purpose without having a huge hinged door that will drag water into the van when opening. 🤷♂️
Another excellent video, i wooped when i saw you had picked this one! 😎 You're bang on right with the constructive feedback! Very important to understand as many aspects as possible of van design before building 👍🏻
I've just found you- possibly the best critiques and ideas for van living on RU-vid. Could you do a deep dive, with words of one syllable, about electrics and energy? Solar, inverter, amp hours...watt???? I know you're not convinced of induction cooking, so is propane the only other option? Many thanks,
Just found these videos! I’ve been binging videos and dreaming for about a month....building a wish list and learning learning. This series is a fantastic resource. I wonder if I can afford Humble Road? Hmmmm.....lol.
I really enjoy and appreciate this content. I plan to retire at the end of this year and want to build out a van. The van I build wont be for full time living but we will take it out for months at a time. I am really struggling on should I make a shower? I want to keep it simple... but I also want it to be comfortable. These tips are helping me to see problems with design decisions I was making so much so please keep doing this. :)
Loving these reviews, thanks! Yes it would be great to have deep dive into each aspect of van design/build with does and don't, things to consider, examples of good and bad design.
Im assuming the paragraphs come up when you are editing and you have tidbits to add. I think it may be more effective to just edit in clips of you speaking about what the extra tidbits are because they flash pretty quickly unless you pause it to catch what it says
A welded up ladder that hinges from the bed to swing down and be a structural support would easily be doable. Using strong magnets or latch to hold it when it's folded up it could easily fit within the vertical apron of the bed sliders so when folded up it doesn't intrude on the storage area. If you had the feet of the ladder on a clutch mechanism like an ironing board, spin down screws, or locking pegs, it could be both external access method and a structural support.... let's be honest, if you have an "under the stars, open air bed for the middle of nowhere with nobody around" it needs to really be able to handle some errr... "dynamic loading forces" so to speak.
I do not agree with the leach for kitchen storages, because the gas struts may be a strong enough to hold not only doors open/closed but also to hold moving stuff inside. To ensure I would prefer usage of neodymium magnets which are pretty strong. Only thing I would recommend is to use some "baskets" to keep stuff on place to prevent its "journey" across the storages.
Hey there! I'm really enjoying these van reviews...I'd love to hear your thoughts on building a van for a tall person. I'm 6'7" and I really want to get into van life but so far I haven't seen or heard of a van that I could stand up in comfortably. My research is leading me to a box truck but I'm not entirely sure that's the way I want to go. I'd also love an ebook of van design principles or something like that. There's so much out there and I find myself getting analysis paralysis. No matter what thought *please* keep doing these reviews. I've found them thoughtful and extremely helpful...I'd also subscribe to your channel if you ever started one :-)
@@gailcraig4495 yea, I'm looking at those as well... trying to find a balance between something maneuverable and something I can stand up in is proving to be a real challenge
I'd like to know where you are from. You sound American but "think" on metric standards (Liters, meters, ....). I've just bought my Sprinter Cargo Van (a brand new 2020/2021 model) and as soon as it arrives (ETA September) I'll start its conversion. Love your reviews but most of all I love your funny faces hehehehe. I hope I can succeed on a cozy and warm full-time 4 seasons living space.
5:27 i'm 5'1 and plan on traveling by myself so i could probably build a shower that's 5'5 and use the rest of the space on the top as storage? edit: thinking about it, that might be a bad idea because of the humidity. a fan could be directly over it though?
I wonder if when they were building it they planned to put the toilet on that slide out under the sink. That would explain why that drawer was so shallow.
Hi there! I'm wondering if you offer consultations? I'm in the process of planning my van and womxn have the best insights for beauty AND function... which you are proving in these videos. :)
