VAN LIFE | Hymer "Aktiv" Camper Van LOADED with Gadgets, Hacks and Upgrades 

If you are concerned about your safety then think about what will happen if your airbag deploys with that siren control mounted on the steering wheel. Also, think about where those tools mounted to the cabinet behind your head will end up in a collision. The curtain for the windshield could easily come loose and block your view.

Some good ideas in the build, but Plastic is terrible for the environment, not sure how anyone could be so happy with that much plastic, gross. The reason for the slats under the bed is to have airflow to stop mould in the mattress, but you have closed off the open air flow with storage, that apparently you don't need because you already have enough storage? So much polyester and plastic, not a positive feature at all.

Impersonating an ambulance?!? That’s mean and dangerous.

Lots of good ideas, however very cluttered looking (I could not look at that on a daily basis, feels too chaotic). I prefer things to look neat and put away, not stuff hanging all over the place.

I think those flashing lights and sirens are illegal to use in some states.

Too cluddered. Siren gadget is not cool...you should have to wait in traffic like everyone else.

That was a whole lot of...wow, 50 minutes! I spit my drink out when he said, "when you become a minimalist"...my dude, you are not there. 🤣 I'm a firm believer in building what works for the individual, but that space is crowded! I'm sure they'll figure out what works and what doesn't as time goes by.

I'm all for more realistic van spaces, but this was a bit of an overload for me. & Really hope he misspoke about using an ambulance siren to get through traffic. I like the idea of a loud horn for safety, but not for traffic. Thanks for another tour Patrick! Sometimes it's helpful to see what won't work as much as it is to see what would work.

Fascinating, but the clutter factor would drive me bonkers. However my wife would lose it if I ever tried to put/use TP as napkins at the dinner table, LOL!

Oh man, that's a LOT of stuff in one van. Lots of those modifications wouldn't fly here in Canada though, like the "siren" and flashing lights, that's considered impersonating an emergency vehicle and illegal. I also wonder how UV affects food items in clear plastic bags. Lots of work put into this build but it feels a bit cluttered to me and I prefer more minimalist ;) It's nice to see how much diversity there is in people's needs and what works for them ! Thanks a lot for this tour !

I wouldn't be able to live in such environment where there are gizmos everywhere: it looks like a Dollar Store display.

I wonder what a police person watching this video would think or do about the sirens and flashing lights…

My slider door was a pain until I realised it was building up the air pressure when I closed it, so either a vent or leaving a window open an inch, isn't a problem anymore.

Wow this is a super detailed video especially with all the security that he has and I didn't know that they made flashing lights and horns for RVs all I can say is about the horns and the flashing lights is you're not above the law dude.

I had to check the calendar, I thought April 1st had snuck up on me. Talk about living in fear.

Great vid, but feel this guy is a tad bit paranoid about security lol.

The clutter on all the OUTSIDE of cabinets would drive me crazy, and the paranoia about security for when they're IN the van as opposed to away from it is too much for me. The hymer activ dining seat doesn't hold two adults, so unless you have kids, I'd like to see a more comfortable seat for one person.

It's overcrowded

Why on earth did he not just buy a van and get it converted to his specifications? You’ve basically just took an RV and made it into one large death trap/fire hazard…………….but oh don’t worry you have lights and sirens so you can get help by pushing through all the traffic. Let’s not forget the enormous amount of plastic you’re adding to the environment that once came in REUSABLE glass bottles!! Ok 👌🏻

I loved what he did with the closet behind the Bercky: it was transformed into a pantry!!

A lot of bad advice but he did say they recently got started taking trips in the van. We all had some great plans for our campers in the beginning that just didn’t work out. A year of full timing he will be a lot wiser and the van will look completely different or it will be sold and on to something else. Good luck.

I actually love those Hymer activ they are Very hard to find in the Northeast Although it looks a little cluttered to me this guy has tremendous amount of Innovative ways to carry and store the things that are important to him and his travels what a great job and thank you Patrick for always bringing us the most unique videos and individuals

I happen to love all the ways he found to store everyday items. Fun tour!

I have the same Hymer. I have had the drawers below the sink fly open when I took a sharp turn. I needed to disassemble the drawers do some light carpentry to fix it, which was a big pain. The solution was to not load them up too much and I put a bungee cord between the handles, so if one drawer opened the bungee would keep it from flying all the way open and back again. Anything heavy goes in the fridge or the microwave. So, I wonder if adding that extra inside drawer would make this problem worse. Hymer people seem to like the Berkey water filter. After researching I settled on the ProOne Traveler+ as it's about $150 cheaper, the spigot is metal instead of plastic and lab tests showed it does a better job of filtering, among other reasons. It is the same size and fits on the same shelf. The fridge does not run off of propane. It runs when the inverter is shut off, so I think it only runs off 12V from the batteries. The cabin heat, however, runs off electric or propane. Personally, I've never used the propane. His rig is a bit too cluttered for me. I have the vast majority of my stuff stowed, but I do have a few long magnets mounted on the backsplash so I have easy access to the things I use all of the time, like a set of flatware, a few steel enamel cups, knives, etc. I had all of the branding removed to make it more stealthy and had a light tint installed on the windshield and door windows. The tint isn't so dark that it would give the police an excuse to pull me over (in NJ technically all tint is illegal), but it does filter out the majority of infrared, keeping the cabin a bit cooler. Molle is pronounced Molly, like the woman's name, not mole like the animal.

This was just AMAZING! I love all of the modifications! I have seen several comments complaining about the clutter in the van. Why complain about something that has nothing to do with you? The van is for their vacations and they have it just as they like it. Conversion vans are not as customizable as a gutted DIY van is. He had limited space (even more-so than other van builds) due to everything already being in it. I thought he did a great job with built in conversion. And personally, I LOVED the idea of the ambulance sirens and flashy outside light. Every state has different laws regarding emergency vehicle lights/sirens. I believe that you have to have red/blue lights to be considered an emergency vehicle, at least in my state. Now, using his “lights & sirens” on the road, isn’t right but having them for, let’s say theft deterrent is a marvelous idea!!!

MOLLE : MOLLE is an acronym for Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment. MOLLE is pronounced like the name Molly. But often times I hear people pronounce it like Mole or Mo-ly.

Actually with your spices the box is a good idea but it's not good turns to mold glass containers for the seasons are much better it feels everything glass is better it Seals Everything the plastic bags are not good my friend stop using the plastic bags unitrack mold down the road especially if you live in your van full-time..

Ur so right about having a smaller vehicle that’s one reason we rather have a van size vehicle versus a motor home

never thought I'd see a hoarder living the vanlife, honestly impressed

Molle (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment) is pronounced like “Molly”. Don’t mean to be rude, just informative.

Adding lights and sirens to a non-emergency vehicle, and then using them is illegal. Plain and simple, don’t do it

What's going on with the hair area'r

This guy is So enthusiastic & all of his mods are pure genius. Who doesn’t love lights & horns on a cool rig. Pretty sure he was JOKING about the traffic. 😉

Interesting, I am glad it works out for them. You should do another video after having lived in the van full time for a year or two and re-discuss modifications.

The best build I ever seen in 10 years.

This guy is a natural born salesman 😆 I’m SOLD on the mole products ! Keeps things lightweight

Wait a minute isn't those Sirens illegal and only for emergency vehicles not for regular people like you or me.. because if that's legal I'm a put one on my camper van I like that loud noise.. in fact I love it. I may copy that..

Don't use those sirens and lights in North Carolina- it is illegal to impersonate emergency services. No situation could justify you using that

Hey Patrick Enjoyed The Video Thanks

With all those modifications it's no longer a Hymer. I think he should have started with an empty van and built what he wanted. How will the surveillance be powered if you're going to isolate the batteries?

The van sliding door will close easily every time if there's an 'air release'(?). I open the passenger door a bit first, then effortlessly slide the side door closed. It seems to be a Hymer van idiosyncrasy :)

I have never seen so much clutter in my life, there is stuff everywhere, why would anyone need so much stuff? 🤪

Swing-away tire at 35:04 is genius!

I'm a lost for words so I'm going to say thank you so much continue to be safe God bless

Did he really attach that controller to the airbag? Some interesting ideas... but also some very questionable ones...

What a filthy, cluttered van. Really gross!

The Hymer Aktiv is a decent floor plan. This one looks like the 1.0 version built on the Fiat Ducato 2500 chassis, the 2.0 is on the slightly longer 3500 chassis. Pro Masters are sold through Dodge dealers but not really an American made Dodge. Boy he sure has a lot of stuff in that van and I thought my wife brought too much stuff, lol.

I love that ziplock bag holder.. its hanging over the sink? Where did u get this?? I love all your organization!

I love the use of see through bags, great idea!

Great video. Lots of ideas. Maybe too much for some, but each to their own taste.

Amazing and convenient. There is a place for everything . As a van traveler myself I’m always looking for ways to be able to have all the comforts of home and still be comfortable . Love the curtain for the bedroom and the clear bags ,and all the drawers and cabinets love the bug screen too . The heated bed looks amazing and I like the thinner mattress too cause I hate being to close to the top of the van . The fans are great idea too . It’s so organized too which is one of my biggest problems when traveling with everything all over the place takes me time to look for things . Oh and the slipper idea it’s genius .

The shower setup is nice.

WOW. Thank you for the ideas. ❤❤❤

Amazing,hoarding truck, but I love it ✌️☮️🙋

I love the drop down baskets under the microwave. Does anyone have details on this product? (part number, where I can buy). Great video, thanks.

I see that it works for them, I would prefer my things put away out of sight until time to use them, especially in such a confined space but to each thier own.

Great ideas. I really like the interior locks! I’m going to add those to my car & trailer before my road trip.

I love everything there is not one thing I do not like I love it thank you so much for sharing you have given me some cool ideas may God be with y'all God bless

I'm sorry but that was a little excessive don't you think.? I'm surprised he didn't show us every pair of underwear he had, and this guy was def picked on alot as a kid and is def overcompensating these days! He's also got a Trump hat with a Chinese writing tattoo and works in Asia.? 🤷🏻🤦🏻

I'd love to know more about those interior lockdown the doors. Thanks for the tour! 😚🚙🇨🇦

What a great job on your van ! Such good information

What attention to every detail he has. I love it! I’d like to see a video and how to on just that first aid kit alone. One little question. Is it legal to use emergency sirens to move through traffic if you’re not an emergency vehicle? I do love the idea of it for security. Thanks for the great video.

What kind of locks were those (4.21) and where do you get them?

Enjoyed your modifications, so much great organization! Great making it work for Y’all! Love it!!!

The slats are supposed to be for ventilation under the mattress not for storage?

How do you like getting on your knees on the floor to see what’s in your little mini dorm refrigerator? Refrigerator should not be on the floor they should be at waist level. Maybe that is one thing you like to modify that would be a useful modify. Please comment

I came to coments to see if he responded to every comment and of course he basically has. Also definitely was/is a sales man or just loves to here himself talk. Felt like I was watching a info commercial lol that just wouldn't end.

Hello David...you obviously have a very creative mind and enjoy a challenge which I applaud...so please take what I say here not as criticism but as my sincere concern for your welfare and that of your good wife. As other commenters here have observed, so many un- and semi-secured objects would, in the event of an accident, become airborne and lethal...even a small plastic bottle becomes like a rock when catapulted...and bungee cords (we here in Oz call them occie=octopus=straps), when widely spaced as you have them, do not stop objects flying between the cords...plastic bags can and will split open and the food particles, like a dust storm, will choke and blind the occupants...seriously!...and, in the event of a fire, so much loose hanging plastic would catch alight instantly giving off toxic fumes...and each piece of plastic becomes another molten blob ready to cause third-degree burns (my late father was a fireman, station officer, so taught me how dangerous synthetic materials are when burned)...even so many exposed black Molle bags/straps are an excessive fuel loading. Your clear bags INSIDE cabinets work well so perhaps you could secure small individual objects with the Molle straps on the inside of cabinet doors instead of outside...and, since you said you forget where things are when out of sight, putting discrete/attractive content labels on the outside of doors will jolt your memory...those labels do not need to be written...little pictures would also work...of course those cabinets would have very secure locks. One more thought...I LOVE CURTAINS TOO...but, instead of screwing them up and tucking away (which would also have the potential to unroll and fall down in an accident...making yet another obstacle!), why not simply make tie backs secured to the most convenient wall or window frame as in home decor?...much safer and they would look very elegant...and natural fibres are safer than synthetics. Kind regards and God bless you and your family.

Homer RVs and Camper vans are quite common in Germany and other European countries. But normally they don’t look that cluttered.

He seems very happy with his and his wife's life and their van. Why complain that it's cluttered? Are you living in it?? Now the sirens and lights can be great for security BUT not to use for traffic. Imagine if everyone got those sirens and lights to get through traffic. There would be so many accidents. Only emergency vehicles should have lights and sirens to get through traffic. I love how he says " areur". Lol instead of area

Omg, I commented too soon before I hot to the "minimalist" and "negative ion" parts!!

I’m loving the minimalist Zen setup this van has. 👍

This was an EXCELLENT Video!! He was very thorough in his explanations and I like the way he addressed security concerns safety issues and how he even showed how they can quickly reach for security products. I like that he explained how they lifted the vehicle four inches to go over rough terrain and city road issues and how he even addressed the battery drainage and HOW TO fix that?! I had no idea that was an issue??! He addressed everything. I found it absolutely fascinating. I like the ambulance horn/sounds too?! And the cameras they had mounted. He was amazing?! I also like that he thought of everything and addressed what works for them and what didn’t and how he explained their FIX with a detailed modification. I even appreciated the ion bed explanation. I had no idea there was such a product to address the blood circulation??!! He thought of everything and it was ALL important. Nothing was spared if it helped to solve a space concern, a safety issue or security. I could go on and on … I could listen for hours. If I ever bought a camper van I would like to be able to reach out to him for advice. If he had contact info to respond to any questions or concerns I would really appreciate it. Thank you for sharing such an excellent well thought out and presented video. It was extremely helpful. God bless him and his wife. I pray that they are able to travel far and wide and have fun doing it. I pray that they are safe and secure and always protected by God’s angels wherever they go. I pray that they are protected from all evil and all danger no matter where they go … in JESUS Mighty Name. ❤️🙏🥰👍❤️👏Again EXCELLENT VIDEO!!!! Bravo Sir!! Bravo!! ❤️👍❤️👏👏❤️

Heated bed? I'd be curious to know where one can get a mattress with the negative ions. Interesting concept.

Fabulous pantry storage! Genius pull out shelving.

Nice illegal horn unit. How do you spell area,er. WOW... I can't believe you published this video....

Everything and the kitchen sink, not sure I like the utility look, would make me feel like I am continuously on the job and hard to chill out!

QUESTION...if there is an issue, like a fire, will your insurance company pay out? sorry but I see lots of fire hazards...good luck

David, great passion for what's become a hobby of mine in a way. I liked a number of the mods, do you have links or anything similar where I could find some of these items? Fold down baskets under the microwave, some of the see-through bags, particularly the first aid kit. Rear view camera? Thanks for putting the video together, it's a motivator!

I don't know where you live, but all the states I've lived, it is a violation of their state laws to possess and/ or use a siren! In my former working life, I have charged individuals!

That would drive (no pun intended) me mad with all that clutter. And I am not the most tidy person on earth. Sheeesh.

For a Dodge it is hooked up nice I love the way. In fact you can me some ideas for my Ford E350 Econoline camper van.. because I'm going to put mine up by the end of this year so I can be on that show by the end of that year with my camper trailer which I'm currently building right now as we speak.. Moto van is awesome I love it even though it's a Dodge..

You may want to let him know to be careful where he uses that horn. I believe those are illegal in some municipalities due to the nature of people may think you're law enforcement when you're not. Only Emergency Services need those horns. There's no reason why he, as a private citizen, will 'need to get out of traffic'.

BE CAREFUL WITH YOUR BATTIES TOO , YOU CAN CAUSE A FIRE WITH JUST A BATTERY

I cant imagine integrating aii your mods, but good they work for you. I do love the med kit. Great idea. But i do feel bad at the amount of fear you llive with.

Looks like you have a ton of "just in case" stuff or "products" but is aestedically loud. You are a troubleshooter perhaps you can find a way to cover with ease. So many what if stuff how about some enjoy and why not space? May take additional moment to grab something but when you are on the road you don't actually want everything hanging out like that. Just a suggestion.

Love this van

Wow I am loving the bed idea like totally loving it!! That is pure genius. I might modify my plans now. He really loves that word "products" though. 😳 Not trying to knock the guy but sirens and fancy lights isn't going to deter a break in if you are in it in the middle of nowhere where nobody is gonna respond to it. If someone has the ballz to break in while you are there they have a weapon on them or they just plumb crazy high on drugs.

It’s a no from me. So cluttered. I would have anxiety spending more than a few minutes in there. The only modifications on this I like are ones I’ve seen in plenty of other vans (pull out racks for food storage, drop down under cabinet storage). To each their own though 🤷‍♀️

Gadget guy I see. Looks like you thought of everything!!

Where did you get that battery thingie to prevent the engine battery from draining? How do you install that?

Where did you get the new skylight to replace the original Hymer skylight?

This guy is crazy. Doing douwork taking the original products out of there containers to put them into plastic bags to hang around his camper, those "mole's" he has cluttered up his van. You are supposed to make your foot print less not more. Entering his van he hangs one of his "mole's" right where you enter to bump into every time you enter&exit??

I guess if you don't mind all those plastic bags in your face and all that stuff just hanging there it's all good! Honestly, God bless his wife! and what the heck is an areaer? I'm sorry but this guy was annoying so any of his "good ideas" he had were lost in the boasting! All that STUFF being out and "ready to use" is too cluttered! and the extension cords? My very first thought was those sirens and lights and are gonna cause him problems at some point. I'm pretty sure they are illegal in the states.

I always keep my pickle relish in the sink, too.

If he don’t get rid of them damn lights!!! 😂😂🤣🤣😂😂🤣😂😂😂😂🤣🤣😂

I’ve never seen so many products in a truck!

The aisle is too narrow for me. For the rest of the van if they’re happy, I’m happy for them

It isn't for me...you can't even have a good fart in that tiny aisle......too cluttered with uneccessary items in sight at all times...how can you possibly clean that?....waaayyy too much plastic...even hanging zip locs, really?.....not environmentally friendly,...everything hangs in the way....but I guess they will learn....also that mattress has to breathe regardless of the infused ions....mold is not good in any amount...and good grief you are totally illegal with those flashing lights if you use them in traffic..(may also intrigue UFO's drwaing unwanted attention) this will ad to your paranora...definately not stealth...I am convinced you are obssesed with modifications but not the practicality needed to be full time efficient van dwellers or RV dweller....good luck is my advice...

omg....if I lived in that, I would get rid of it in weeks...lol...and he said he's just getting started!!! Was he the guy from The Graduate who told Ben to invest in PLASTIC?????