If you really want to be stealthy, install a ladder rack on the roof and buy a ladder for it. People will think you are a contractor and it will give you a bit of leway for parking issues. It will also obscure the vent fan and you can use it for quick instal release solar panels.
Also, the storage is super limited, I didn't see a spot for clean/dirty clothing, non-perishable foods, or other miscellaneous items. Also he said "all the amenities of a house, but lacks a solar shower.
sorry to be offtopic but does someone know a tool to get back into an instagram account..? I was dumb forgot the account password. I love any assistance you can give me.
The Rmax was more convenient... and more moisture resistant. I know that the doors sometimes get water inside... and the Rmax would absorb less moisture than the pink panther.
This is a great build, thanks so much for sharing. I plan on doing a similar build with a few alterations that you may want to also consider.. I would reverse the bed so that your head is at the opposite end, it seems like it would feel more open not having the desk cabinet right by your head. This would also allow you to see the laptop on your desk if you wanted to watch a movie or something. I would also remove the bulkhead behind the passenger seat and install a seat swivel so that you open up all of that space.
4.5 ft wide, by 5 ft 11 inches long. Just had to absorb about an inch on the length in foam compression so it would fit. When you add paneling and insulation on the walls, this slightly reduces the allowed bed length, but the inch or so is worth the temperature stability.
@@ProVanner I am about 5'5" so I would have plenty of room if I were to do that for myself. Us average height/short women can fit into small spaces lol.
Great job! . . btw, I would definitely add some stability to that stove (trust me on this), they tip verrry easily - - and you got hot soup PLUS even hotter flame in your lap! FLASH: did not see a Fire Extinguisher nor FirstAid Kit ! ! . . otherwise, absolutely ingeniously beautiful job! (I got some great ideas from you - - thanks for sharing) !
Clean and nice open space, beautiful wood work, I've been looking all over for the right van and always disappointing that 95 % of them are ex contractor vans with the stupid bulkhead divider but you just showed be how to make nice looking functional walls out of them, i would have never thought to do that, thanks.
I think that the purpose of the divider is to keep the passengers from being brained by stuff in a roll-over. I got rid of the cage when I got my Chevy Express. But now, with all the paneling, cabinets and bed, I sometimes wonder about what would happen in a roll-over. In particular there is a little generator and a Porta-Potty. The generator would batter me to bits bouncing around inside. I have it chained to a structural member, but the feet on the generator look like pot metal which would shatter easily. And a flying, spewing toilet tank ....
Great van. I have lived in my van for about 2 years now. I am a roofer everyday and a mechanic. My van is a 1991 Dodge B250 Navy Van. I love the lifestyle so keep on Vanning.
Hi Allen I'm going to build one starting yesterday ...I'm beginning to organize it. I think , somewhat like you I guess, that an aesthetic is very important...after all......we could furnish these spaces to look like jail cells...just put the toilet against a wall and throw in some iron bars...but seriously I think you did an exceptionally great job with the nautical theme, the lighting, and your space choices. I will probably be a van 'lifer' though, because I won''t have another dwelling to return too when I take off....so......I have to have some powerful hardware and security features,combined with the thematic artistry you accomplished. First I have to get a good deal on a van....I t looks like you did not go high roof, I"m also 6 ft.so I'd like too....but I don't know what I can afford yet....what the market is....Possibly the Ford E-series with a 4,6 V8.....I have a mechanic buddy who's gonna help me so work'll proceed quickly enough once that's purchased. I really like your paneling decisions....I think I might have more space issues because I'd like a shower arrangement, water toilet, little stove , and maximized water and battery storage capacity combined with some redundant system...solar i imagine.. Anyway there are a lot of technical issues confronting me and i suppose all of us involved in this have to confront them....It surprises me how many people are in the 'same boat' as far as jumping in and doing a good job as beginners if they get good advice. So, thank you for sharing your terrific looking van...I think some people put so much emphasis on function and they neglect the clean lines you worked out. I have to work out the aesthetic/functionality minimalist things...they're all important. Thanks...
@@lanemathews8523 depending on what van you get, there are options too extend the width. I've seen kits that install where the windows are so you can extend that out while sleeping for extra space. Would just have to make sure the bed is proper height, and have a pad of some kind for you feet too rest on. They are cool even with out using it for that cause when your parked could use it as a shelf
Very buttoned down job. Great build! As for the negative comments saying you "should this and that"...Van builds are very personal. What works or makes sense for you isn't always going to be right for me. I built my Chevy Express van for weekend trips, stealth capabilities, and a racing theme interior. No need for solar, powered fridge, or ports potty. What I did need was a full size bed, ice chest, insulation, fan, house battery for LED lighting and Fantastic Fan. I had to run my bed length wise because of my height. Point is, everyone needs to spend time, and then more time planning for their individual needs.
I promised myself that I wouldn't get a van that I couldn't stand in. I really like this van and the set up. You might have changed my mind. I am looking for a camper van for work.
The horizontal bed only works for short people. Adding any type of worthwhile insulation and then wood paneling will definitely limit the interior space for folks under 5’ 10” when sleeping horizontally. Your shore power inlet should have been run inside the wheel well for total covertness.
It actually can draw more attention through the lack or false contact information. Many businesses use unmarked vans in their fleet. Great stealth setup!
yeah but put some name on there that wont attract thieves. something like "asbestos removal" , "pet burial' services" but put your real phone number on it dont forget to put your phone on vib when you are inside and want to be stealth
Don't know about anywhere else but in NYC, there's a lot of rules when it comes to wear commercial vehicles can drive or parking they look like a commercial vehicle.
I don't know if anyone mentioned this but this guy should sell RVs. The way he presents this van tell me he can make a lot of money selling RVs or anything (cars, homes, yachts etc). Love how thought out his explanations are and also of course that was a nice van build as well.
That has got to be hands down the one of the nicest builds I've seen. Man, I could live like a king in that thing. I love the idea of the desk. I'm in the process of building a hi-top topper on a 97 C1500. I'm also a ham radio operator and have been looking for ideas for a desk for my equipment. I think I just found it! Take care, be safe and enjoy your home.
Thanks! I appreciate the compliments. I am planning on upgrading my van radio soon. For now I rock an old DX-394 general coverage receiver, with loop antennas for the lower frequencies just to keep a low profile. The bottom section of the hemnes bureau is an awesome desk for any van build. Check out my website in the description, under the "interior furniture" tab for more details. 73
I bought a 2016 Ford Transit van with a mid high roof because I wanted something that I could stand up in. I bought it with fiberglass insulation already installed.
Interesting, I have not noticed it... maybe i have been so used to seeing it that I cannot tell. Most work vans are hauling something... so it may not detract too much from the stealth.
Alan, great job on the build. With gel batteries and shore power as an option, I suggest you get a 3 qt. Instant Pot for your cooking. My high top GMC Conversion van with an inverter allows me to use my Instant Pot to bake, sauté, roast, steam and slow cook-it serves 2 people and it cycles so the amp pull is minimal. The pot is stainless steel, so with white vinegar and a little soap and water, it is super easy to clean. I’ve cooked a 2 lb. roast and potatoes with gravy on the pressure cooking setting in 40 minutes in a self-serve laundromat while I washed and dried my clothes. Just sayin’! Have safe travels!
Just got divorced and now I’m gonna be doing this. Can’t tell if I’m excited about it or depressed about the fact that I’m divorced and moving into a van
Awesome. I have the same van. The engine goes forever. I have 455,000 on mine. My NYC apartment was about that size for $1500 a month 20 years ago. Imagine those on the streets of NYC
You are an absolute delight. As someone who works on boats and is beginning van build research, this design really tickled me. And the craft, dude... the craft is amazing. Great work and thanks for sharing. If I had the money and you were willing, I’d throw a ton of money at you to build me a copy.
Good job, i like it :) As is it does not draw attention, no need for anything else. Is this radio a receiver? I'd add a HAM radio in my van ;) Keeping it stealthy limits you as you could at least add a roof window for example.
This guy is camping in a van, camp chair -check camp stove - check cooler- check. Also its odd that this van is themed like its a sailboat. He is also kinda odd.. Ill like the video anyway
`change the door on the under bed storage to fold down instead of up. That way its easy to see inside and to door doesn't block access. I did that on mine, what a difference!
That's a ton of space wasted on that huge bed. That's why your "kitchen" is actually a pot sitting on your desk, and your "bathroom" is the middle of the van, where you sit at your desk. Hey, at least you can work while you're crapping!
Good point Rob... I intentionally sacrificed allot of room for the massive and comfortable bed. I also sacrificed allot of storage space by keeping the bed low to the floor... but my goal was to have the most amazing bed possible in this build, and I am willing to make the compromises required to achieve that. Although I do like your idea for multitasking! Thanks, and keep on vanning!
Id paint those front plastic bits dark grey or black to really make it look well maintained. You could always paint it all yellow and put DHL on it haha.
I am pretty sure this guy is a serial killer or a robot or maybe a robot serial killer. who describes their height as almost 6 feet high? The van is super sweet though.
Good catch Lisa. Water and storage are in the bottom of the desk/cabinet. I have a water jug in there. Clothing can go in the same cabinet, as well as in plastic boxes under the bed. Thanks!
Good catch Lisa I was to caught up in the beautiful wood work. Mine will have that ,what he has, and there is a ac and heat unit that a lot of work vans that I see here in Lincoln. I will also have a tv dvd cd sat radio that will run on to 2 jell blue top battery banks. I will also take a metal tool box and put it on a bumper hitch after I make it a quite cool place to have to quite generator for the ac and heat. I will also have a 30amp plug like his that will go straight to the ac and heat since every thing else can run on my battery banks. I will also shell $400 on a vacuum toilet very clean and zero smell. I have a 2017 chevy 2500 express cargo van. So far $800 for the cd/dvd/radio/back up camera and the guy that helped with the designs has all ready did all the wiring. So it is build as I have the money like everything good in life it will take time money not cutting corners. I really liked this guys build because it is a lot like my plan and it looks like the van came off the lot like that very professional look and build. I will then travel and take pictures from all the way west on I-80 and all the way East on I-80. I am 45 and this has been a dream of mine and I hope that It will come true only God knows.
Let me just say that you are very talented!!!! This is perfect for the time's we are living in!!! You have a great home if you have to move around because of civil unrest!!! Keep up the good work!!
Good point, the fan is not very good for stealth, but any van, even a working van, can have a roof vent. Under that supposition I like to imagine that i preserve some stealth. There are many other vans that have high tops, many windows, solar panels, and other useful but extremely non-stealth additions. So I like to think that the fan slightly reduces my stealth, not that it eliminates it completely.
Calling a burner on a gas bottle a kitchen, and a porta potty under the fridge a restroom might be a bit of a stretch. Still a nice van, love all the wood gives it a very "homey" feeling :)
Do you worry about doing all this in a 20 year old van? I'm looking at one that was government owned, and low mileage, and a fair price. I still worry about the age.
Yes, the van is old, but since I can do most of my own repairs, it turns out to be a great deal. Plus, I also have a personal appeal to the older style vans. They remind me more of the classics from the 70s. These new ford transit vans are cool, but have changes too radically in their appearance in my opinion. Keep on vanning!
Mycroft Holmes that’s a good point. New vans have so many electronic systems that are vulnerable to vibration especially on country roads where vanners are more likely to go. The more complicated vans get the less likely the home mechanic can fix them.
I liked it aside from the fact that you have a bed that could double as a bench, you have two chairs up front that are blocked off from the home so you need to bring a chair.
This can is very well done, however nothing compares to the individual called cyclecruza, his van is just epic, I can't wait to start building one.nice van once again all that rent money that's going to stay in.ur pocket is damn worth it.
Thermoelectric effect The thermoelectric effect is the direct conversion of temperature differences to electric voltage and vice versa via a thermocouple. A thermoelectric device creates a voltage when there is a different temperature on each side
