Love it. The modular aspect is great. Doing the conversion and making all the bits yourself to suit your various uses must give you a great sense of achievement. We sold our old camper last week and picked up our new one a few days ago - which as it happens is a converted (by Leisuredrive) 2017 Ford Transit Custom, in the same colour as yours. We're extremely un-DIY so we leave it to the professionals! Vanlife is pretty great.
Thanks Thomas! yeah it's been nice to build it to my exact needs as I discover what those needs are. Everything something occurs to me, I can just make it. Not as nicely finished as a professional job though! Bet your new camper looks amazing inside
I have a friend who is a coach builder who offered to help with it. Somehow having a professional offer to help gave me false confidence to try it myself 🤣 I nearly cut the first hole too big was very close to wrecking a panel 🙈 But got it done in the end, a few scary moments!
Class video Stephen. This is going to make a lot of people happy as there's nothing better than having a good nosey around someone's van 😀 👍 some cool ideas there 👍
@@DavidDoyleOutdoors Hello mate, haven't uploaded in a while and I'm camping more than ever, always the way. I'm on Instagram so I must search your own page to keep up to date with you there. Are you getting out much yourself?
A clay plant pot upside-down over the stove will vastly increase the heat in the van. Overnight use tea light candles under the clay pot. It will keep you a couple of dgs warmer at night.
Does that actually work? I would have assumed the heat output would be exactly the same as the candle is producing a fixed amount of heat. tea lights for overnight sounds like a great idea though. although I'd have to open the window a bit
@marksoutta1059 it can work a bit like a radiator though. It will catch the Heat and radiate it out as opposed to heat just going up and collecting at the ceiling, but yeah... For the most part these are mostly useless clickbait because you really don't get much heat from a candle, especially not a tealight candle 😂
Could you not stick a diesel heater in it? £100 odd on ebay. I'm heading to scotland for 6 days in February and doing a temporary conversion on my work van, hoping a diesel heater, power station, camp bed and portable fridge will get me away.
Yeah I've been researching diesel heaters. I'm reluctant though as it's a semi permanent fixture as you have to cut an exhaust hole in the floor. Would definitely do the job for proper cold weather
Too many want the Instagram look not many want the t6.1 invoice. This is utilitarian, laid out for your needs/use. It is the best approach to these things, as used it can be easily adapted as seen fit. Not hard to pretty it up if you feel the need. I did the same with mine then upped the aesthetics a bit. Although I'm still unsure about side/rear windows even after 3 years 😁 I use a vivaro mk3 and it has been great so far. 8 bolts and the whole lot comes out for van use, it is also my daily driver so don't want to be lugging around a conversion all the time.
Cool video, thanks for it! I've just bought the same car and searching for ideas how to sleep/cook and stay inside in bad weather with my bike. So your solution gave me hope that it is doable :). I am just wondering if your car is L1 or L2 (shorter or longer version, cannot figure that out from the video) ? Thanks and happy travelling!
Thanks! Mines the short wheelbase. In hindsight, the longer version would have given quite a bit of useful extra space. But the shorter version makes parking easier and feels like a car to drive.
Nice video Steve, I have a few questions if you get chance please. Is it a short wheel base van? I was thinking of similar build, I'm only 172cm/5ft 7ish in height and was wondering if I could use a bed design like yours, only side-on laterally between the sliding door and the other side, would there be sufficient space for this in a custom? I was also thinking maybe it would be possible to change the front seats to swivel ones, turn them around and use the space above the seats width wise with a similar bed system combined with the above idea to make a double bed? For the above I would use the ikea supports with slats that could be stored and the other mattress could be a back rest. What do you reckon? it would be great to hear your point of view as a designer with the actual van that I would like to buy. Cheers
I actually had a previous version of the van where the bed was across the van towards the back. It was a bit too short for me though as I’m 5’11’ but might be perfect for you. I could sleep on it but it took a bit of getting used to as I normally sleep stretched out. Regarding swivel seats, I researched conversion bases but seemed like a lot of work to install and varying reports of quality and ease of use. So I’ve left it for now. It definitely would add a ton of space being able to swivel even the passenger seats around.
@@StephenJReid Thanks a lot, width wise would be perfect, I'm getting a good idea for my design, (important to get my bike and paragliders etc in the back) great to hear from someone who's done it cheers, I'm liking the videos, Cheers
Stephen, what a bloody brilliant van build! It’s great to see an affordable DIY home build. You have some excellent ideas and great bits and bobs. I’m off to order those magnets now. Many thanks for sharing, keep ‘er lit! 👍 I’d give that gas stove van heating a Miss though……
If I could do my van again, I would have only a sliding door window, the other isn't needed. One laying of insulation plus thin ply and wall carpet is enough. Cooking outside, forget it. Insulate only the hollow sections the wall carpet works well. Cheers.
This is exactly the video I’ve been looking for. Some nice simple storage and usability solutions here! 👌 I’m a bathroom fitter by trade and carry a lot of tools & materials in my work van. I want to adapt it so it can become a weekend, overnighter van also. I previously racked it out myself in 12mm plywood to carry materials and tools. I keep my power tools in mobile crates for quick removal at night. There’s currently space for a single bed and small table to cook on. Just need insulate it now, install a ventilation fan in roof, cut out some side panels and fit glazing, then I’m good to go travelling 🧭 Thereafter, I’ll think about upping from 12v to 230v?
Well I’d like to thank you for bringing me back down to earth. I’ve just bought the same van 2017 and I’ve been looking at converting my van which potentially would’ve cost thousands of pounds and for a vehicle I want to use to get me around to take photographs not to camping would’ve been ridiculous. My intentional plan was to do something on the lines of yours, but it seemed wrong to do so! However, I don’t want to spend the ridiculous amounts of money required to turn it into a Camper Vans that would never be used as such I will fully insulate the vehicle and have a floor put in et cetera, but I will not now have the cabinets that run along the side of the vehicle and potentially not bother having a leisure battery installed. The diesel heater is a good idea and something I’ve been looking into, but again, it’s quite expensive but potentially a game changer. I found the bed already one on eBay which is £300 a couple of cupboards on the side, my battery bank which I already own with solar panels and some buckets to hold clothing, food, water et cetera, but suits me just fine Thank you for sharing this love it
I like no-nonsense utilitarian setups like this, though my first thought (and for many other van setups) is concern about safety in a collision from flying debris and furniture, and those bed-beams turning into spears on a big hit from behind if you're unlucky and they don't telescope down. When you mentioned the bulkhead and safety I thought you were touching on that.
Could you add a link to the Ikea bed supports you used please? I'm looking for something similar. Also, intrigued by the bugle! Reveille? (Every camper should have one!) Really enjoying your conversion build and the reasoning behind it. Great to hear about your problem solving methodology. Can I also recommend Luci Lights (inflatable solar lamps). Pop them on your dashboard each day and they're charged and ready by dusk. Glorioius light. I bought them to put in my translucent origami kayak. And you can get heating diffusers for those little gas stoves. About £12 or so - they just sit where the kettle goes.
Here you go: www.ikea.com/gb/en/p/skorva-midbeam-galvanised-90124534/ So I can’t really play the bugle, I briefly tried to learn trumpet as a child and failed. But I can play it enough that a non-player might think I knew what I was doing.
@@StephenJReid Thanks for this - although I can't see how these IKEA bed midbeams are adjustable in length like yours - with their 'slide in and out' feature... ??? Although it may just be that the info online is scant. I now see it's got a maximum and a minumum length stated.
@@karinatownsend496 yeah they are made from two sections that fit into each other. Really they are meant to come with a bed so if buying on their own there’s not much info
eww you dont poo in a porta potty that's what a bucket and bag are for. porta potty is for night time on a camp site, otherwise its pee in a bottle and empty on a small morning walk or poo in a bag with horse pellets anddispose of a doggy waste bin
@@clarkspiemuncher24 I only have to empty this about once every 6 weeks, now I’ve figured how to do it properly, not messing around with bags and powders, doesn’t smell. And long term it’s cheap too as I use about £15 of chemical in a year. Doesn’t get used regularly, I save it for nights or if there’s no public loo.
I like the simplicity of your build very good work, your correct I was horrified by your use of a camping stove for heating especially as you had the curtain closed behind it LOL, your a big boy I guess you know what your doing. Check out Vancity vanlife on youtube he has loads of van build videos which may give you some great ideas.
Looks good Steve. Sorta like being inside a disco ball at the moment with all that’s over insulation 😂 but I love that you’ve done it all the diy bodge way 👌 that means it works for you and it’s functional. That’s exactly what I did with mine.
an insightful video and nice to see the end products from IG stories in their "natural environment" now 😄 I know it's a stretch in your part of the world, but did you think about solar panels and then storing that energy in your battery? Also, what's the wireless? microphone you are using? And last question. If you choose your track/trail where you will be running, how far from home should it be, before you take your van or any other transport vehicle? 5k+ or 10k+ Just want to know how near your home the track/trail should be to where you would just walk before start running 🙂
I have thought about solar and have been looking into a bit, not made a decision yet. I’ve also been thinking about gettting a roof rack for extra storage which obviously would block the solar panel. Nearest trails to me are about 5k away from home, I’d usually drive there to run. But the trails I run on the most are at least 30km away
Hey mate, welcome to the campervan video fraternity. Actually, we love everything you do and never miss an episode because we learn so much about videography (is that a word?) from watching you, and you always are so entertaining. All the best, Mike.
Very nice watch your gas stove doesn’t catch fire to your separation curtains. Better devise a metal splash back. Definitely more buble foil wrap on top of all the other metal ribs etc in the back. Then carpet it all. You could do with a roof vent and maybe portable solar for the power station. Anyone outside in the dark will easily see inside your van with those curtains closed. Switch your lights on and close everything and go out and see. Your Carbon monoxide detector is way too high up and should be within 1 m of and source
great tips thanks!. I think I'll carpet it eventually, just don't want to cover the metalwork until I've stopped tinkering. I'm avoiding the roof vent to avoid increasing the roof height. There's a few carparks I can just about squeeze into that I couldn't if I added a vent. I'll move the detector, instructions said to place it at head height but that probably applied to a room in a house. What do you mean about the curtains? I don't see a problem with a bit of light leaking out and you definitely can't see through them. If I'm trying to be stealthy I just put the lights on low and then you can't see in. Tested it a few times. Also have some covers for the front windows which helps too.
Stephen, found you as I research the Ford Transit as a day/campervan. As I happen to also be a Steven Read, I felt compelled to subscribe. I'm now about to jump into the rest of your content, thanks for taking the time to explain your thoughts, processes and potential upgrades.
Depends on temperature. But typically I only get condensation on the windows. In colder weather I will get some one a couple of places of bare metal work on the ceiling. That’s why my next step is to carpet
Looks great so far. Having done something similar on vans I've rented to tour Ireland, I found that there was a lot of cold air still coming through the roof struts. One recommendation if I may. Spray expanding foam into the roof struts to insulate them, but make sure to run any wiring through them that you may want before spraying.
You could put a skylight/roof light in the van for more natural light, and also a roof vent to save u opening the windows 👍 great video and well done on the van
I have thought about a roof light, although I’d want a very low profile one so I’m not adding height or I’ll not get under some barriers. Can just about squeeze under 2m ones atm
Thanks Jeff, I had a look at a few kits, couldn't find anything that was exactly what I wanted. Decided my money would be better spent on buying my own power tools, and picking up some new skills.
I have yes, but don't want to do it yet until I'm happy with how I'm using the interior. Don't want to spend all that time sticking it on and then tearing bits off if I change my mind
Can you fit the road bike and the mountain bike in at the same time? I'm in the process of picking a van to convert and I either want to be able to transport two of my bike or mine and my partner's at the same time
Class! Finally got watching this, a great video. You’ve given me some great ideas for additions to the inside of mine! I’ve not really figured out my storage properly. And things like where to hang a tea towel or a wet piece of clothing, the cord along the length of the van is genius!
Also, can confirm that a diesel heater is a solid investment. Instead of using the tank it came with, I ran my fuel line directly into my vans own fuel tank. One problem though, I ran it right down to the bottom of the tank which in theory means I could run out of diesel using the heater. If you do run it into the van tank, leave some space at the bottom so you don’t run the risk of that. And it means you are less likely to pick up any sediment at the bottom of the tank too!
Brilliant, neatly thought out. Love the modular design. Inside gas camper stove use worries me, a wee fire extinguisher would be a good addition if you haven't got one already 👍
Thanks Philip. I figure people have been using gas stove inside small caravans for decades, this is same thing really. Yes I have small extinguisher, one of the first things I bought.
Still gas , but .. I used to have a mini gas heater that took those cans the ones the stove uses , they must be still available somewhere? Better than a naked flame .
@@johnakyle5908 I looked into those but the heating elements is just about as hot as a naked flame anyway and they have to sit on the floor. This stove is up off the floor a bit in a secure place.
Hey. One year later - (or more) - can you update us on the transit? I’ve heard worrying things about them and I kinda am looking at vans… how’s yours Been?
What things did you hear? I’ve had no major issues, just standard wear and tear. I think some of the older ones may have been more prone to issues. I asked a few friends in the trades what they thought and they picked the transit over the vw transporter every time.
@@StephenJReid it’s seemingly impossible to do any reliability research on vans :( vw always up the top of reliability with sprinters. Ford hate by everyone . At the dame time vw hated by everyone. I guess it’s one of those things where you only hear the bad online as they’re the loudest. Asking someone in the trade is probably good. Though I’m told the trans it’s beyond like 2008 are awful. And then others saying don’t touch old ones 😝😅 just want a reliable van 😓😄
@@nxmrjake yeah I found that too, completely conflicting opinions everywhere. I gave up looking online and just asked people I knew who used vans. Also I had an opportunity to drive one for a week a few years ago. I also test drove both the transit and a transporter and much preferred how the ford felt to drive.
@@StephenJReid that’s good to hear! I’ve been looking at the 2020ish peugot expert type of van - slightly smaller than transit. Every other van around town seems to be one.. but impoosssssible to research. I may take your lead and try to talk to humans 😃 thank you
Thanks! Been debating a pop too. Expensive and with how often I’m parked up in exposed places in heavy rain and strong winds I’m not sure it would be worth it for me
nope its the Short wheel base, I wanted to be able to still fit in normal parking spaces. With hindsight, I possibly would go long next time as I have only got about 1.5ft of space after the end of the bed. But I' m still thinking of ways to maximised the space better. I might redesign the interior this spring
Well done the van looks great. After running through all car/van/camper permutations I've finally concluded that a swb low roof Kombi style van would suit me best. I want to basically use a van as a car but which would be capable of doing everything else albeit while not the best at anything. I'm a big fan of EV's so will look forward to the all new e Transit Custom coming out soon.
Thanks 🙂 I think maybe my next vehicle will be an EV, but just not a practical option for me currently. (Also outside my budget) The hassle of range and charging would make it very frustrating and limiting for me. I can do about 600miles without having to refuel.
😁 thanks! I’ll had someone recently ask me if I was Canadian! 😂 yeah this ain’t a pretty build but it’s quick & cheap to build, quick to remove and flexible.
Well said - totally unnecessary comments and just plain wrong! I love your build, got some great tips and you should be really proud of what you’ve created. Inspirational for me during my build. Keep up the great work.
