Today is a gift that's why they call it the Present 😁 looking forward to finding an used RV or van to begin a journey . You've got a great van setup 👍 thanks for your positive response.
Peter Powell 😀 UM wow!!! I love that "today is a gift that's why they call it the Present..." Such incredible words! You're welcome and thank you Peter!
Amber, you have done an absolutely fantastic job with modding your Hymer campervan! This is your full-time home, so you have that pride of ownership in making it your home-sweet-home! I'd like to even try some of your cabinet mods in my own home! LOL! Again, thank you for showing us these tips whether we're already full-time RV'ing or dreaming about it!
I love to know where the net the shoes are in under the table came from. Hubby and I drive semi truck and I have found some of your storage ideas very useful. Thank you
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Appreciate the detailed review of pros and cons, both here and in your 6 month review. It's helpful to me as I study class B's and narrow down the choices. Also, it helps in looking at used Aktiv's, to understand and to inquire about certain systems and their condition. Thanks!!
Love your slide out pantry. Also regarding the hooks for your keys, we put our hooks on an inside wall so that it can’t be seen immediately. There is no door on that cupboard. Love your dog
Thanks for the update, I like hearing what works best and what doesn't. I'm very interested in van life but haven't convinced my husband yet. He is a work in progress.
@@AmberJBaldwin Yes we are curently buiding it. Ive had it a year, been to the van build with Jamie in 2018 i installed a fan, solar and build the bed (7 different versions and still not 100% in love with the bed.) It has been a lot of trial and error but worth it. Im excited to get on the road soon.
@@AmberJBaldwin have you thought about creating shelving (in the back of the 2x seat) from that little closet behind the Berkey... So you need not move the Berkey everytime? And just access it the other side. You could route all those wires to there to. I love your home! Impressed by all your Mods. Saved to my van ideas booklet!!!
@@AmberJBaldwin I'm a new subscriber and love the vids. Do you have any advice on how much to save before hand to get on the road full-time? What are monthly expenses out on the road? Thanks again for sharing.
Brilliant video. Just brilliant. None of that 'I keep this item in here and this item and, etc, etc'. Seriously, why do people do that? Tell us every single thing and where it goes? You were honest about your dislikes as much as your dolikes. Didn't name-drop that much and tbh, I'm usually not a fan of clutter, but your van, for some reason, looks not only lived in (as it should), but enjoyed in. 👏 Bravo !
Another Great Video! I just sold my C Class24ft motorhome and bought a 2000 Newmar Mountain Aire 33ft. motorhome. We are not fulltime RVer's But we do like to travel and spend winter in Florida and the summer up in Canada traveling around and we also have a house up in Canada. You talked about getting land, we live have a place the we can always go back to after our adventures. The 33ft is going to take getting used to but the room inside is so awesome and we get to tow a small car. We use to travel by motorbike with tent, so we've come a long way. But fond memories with each new rig. Good luck with your adventures and I'll be watching! lol
Robert Webb Congrats on your new home!!! How do you like it? Does it have slides too? Motorbike would be cool too, but I don't think I'd be up for tent camping. lol. :)
Story Chasing yes it has a big side which makes it like a home and the front seats swivel around to give you. Great seats for visitors. Plus easy-boy chair
Thanks Amber for the improvements recap. Wow, you have done a lot to the van over the past two years! I would be interested in hearing more about the battery gauge that you installed on the right side of your instrument panel. You said you were not too happy with it so far. I would like to hear more about it, why you had it installed and what you hope it will add to your information assessment. Also, I love that pull out pantry option. I will have to look into that! Thank you once again for your clear and concise delivery of valuable information regarding the Hymer. Since I am not on Facebook, you are my source for everything Hymer. Safe travels and be well.
Nancy Skean you're so welcome and always thank you for watching! The battery monitoring kit should show the exact % of battery charge left in the battery and also show state of health and the net amps being drawn in from solar and usage. The only thing that I see that works is the net usage. Everything doesn't work. I was actually testing it for Edge Van Works to see if it's something that would work and therefore be useful to others. Most solar systems come with a battery monitoring kit but Hymer didn't add that so you have to kind of guess how much power you have left in the batteries. So glad you enjoyed it.
Story Chasing I’m still a wannabe stuck in my traditional house in Oklahoma. BUT, I’m saving up and using this time to research and learn everything I can. I binge watched all your videos in about 2 weeks! I love everything you’re doing and can’t wait to meet you on the road someday!!
I never been inside one of the van but I find very impressive. I really Love all the great modifications you did. I am a fairly newbie on your channel but I find you interesting, keep up the good works. Gilles
I love the bug screen on the front of the grill, never seen this idea before. I bought a 2018 Promaster to convert only problem is it's taking me a very long time. I woke up this morning thinking maybe I should switch to something already built out. Thank you for this video after seeing it I hope to get back on track with my van. If your ever in the upstate area of NY it would be nice to have a meet up. Stay Save
Sandra King are you building it out yourself? You're so welcome and good luck with your build. Maybe once I get there we can have a YT subscriber meet-up. That would be cool to meet-up.
@@AmberJBaldwin yes, I am attempting to build it out myself. Trying not to get overwhelmed. I have a bed and cabinets in so traveling when I can. I have two Maxxair fans that will be going in soon
Always a polished, coherent story. You hav put a lot into that pricy rig but it all makes sense. Why don’t manufacturers listen to customers before they build? Easiest and cheapest isn’t always cheapest in the long term.
Crystal Clark Wow wow what a sweet and kind compliment! Thank you Crystal! That's a great question on why they don't listen, but I think its been supply and demand for so long that they don't really need to change.
Excellent video. First I have seen of yours. I will subscribe to see more. I like what you show and say and have done. Also, your channel's name "Story Chasing" has me curious too, so I hope I will learn more about that in your other videos. Happy trails!
Trish Mince fancy meeting you too and so glad you hopped on here to touch base. Safe travels and hope to you see you on the road as well. Best of wishes to you and your family.
Great layout.i like the board between the bed and stove. I am surprised that stoves are close to the bed. Why not put stove near door. You don’t need sprays from cooking into your bed. Looking forward to seeing your new updates. What will you do. I think your amazing
CeNedra Lea Heldra I thought that too when I purchased it with the stove being so close to the bed, but thankfully no issues and the induction cooktop helps because I can move it around. Thank you so much for your kind compliments. I hope you're doing well too!
Sharon Anspach No I guess there never is, but I decided this last year to really make it my own. I like to live in a space for awhile to get a feel for it and then make changes.
@@AmberJBaldwin I got a Sonic Lite trailer to pull behind my Jeep Cherokee. Just waiting for things to clear up so I can head out :) Feel free to contact me if you'd like to stay in touch......and maybe give me some tips ;)
I love it! This would be my van (if I had one!!!!) you have a wet toilet which is top priority! Can’t imagine being in the mercy of gyms and Walmart! Very nice!
Hi, many thanks for this tour of mods. I read in fbook Hymer group that you ditched the sunroof crank and use a tool to open and close the sunroof. I have the floppy sunroof problem in my Hymer (Aktiv '18) and would love to know what tool you use instead of the crank? I could not find the original post regarding that solution. Keeping the sunroof taped tight as it is now is no go long term, neither is replacing the entire assembly because its design is the problem.
Great 👍🏼 video. You have to get sumo springs kit and raise that van up an inch or two. Better clearance. Great layout too bad Hymer went out of business. Sucks about your warranty.
You are the only van life or that seems to be brave enough to tell us how much things cost. When you update us on your changes can you give us The cost. Constantly changing my set up I would like to know what I’m in for financially. I promise I don’t work for the IRS LOL
Love the layout inside! It's like you have 3 rooms. Sitting area, sleeping and kitchen. What kind of grill are you using? If propane, where do you store the propane tank? I can't ride a bicycle for physical reasons, but I do like the swing out bike rack. I wonder if you could mount a grill on the bike brackets? Cool channel! Good and creative tips!
what do you think of posting a network of repair places and or modification places and what they can do well in repairs, we can all draw from and add to modifications mechanics / i also have done many modifications and can share as well / what do you think
@@AmberJBaldwin look like the ones that didn't have any insulation and just had a plastic cover over them I think that space could have been used for something
Hello Amber, talk about modifications/changes, you and the van :-) you are looking good and very healthy... Go Amber Go! You mentioned that Lily had her special harness for riding on the seat. Do you mind sharing which make and where you got it? They are difficult to find for small dogs as they often suggest they should be crated. Room is just too limited for crates in Aktiv.
Mrs. T thank you. It was just a small harness I purchased at a Petsmart, but then I purchased the pet seat belts on Amazon that clip right into the seat belt holder of your chair. That is then attached to her harness. Works really well.
Hi Amber. Could you tell me specically where you went to get that nifty swing away tire carrier? I have an Aktiv to and would like to open that door allot more often if it wasn't for the stock tire carrier.
Do you leave your inverter switch that is in the back of the van on the battery on all the time? What could be draining my engine battery always has to be jumped.
Great mods! They truly transform space! No more showers? What do you use for personal hygiene? How did your batteries held up, given that Hymer lithium system seemed to fail on virtually everybody who owned it?
Dima thank you! I use the kitchen sink to wash my hair and wash the bod. I'm still clean just not under the showerhead. When gyms and public shower facilities are open I use those to take showers. Knock on wood, I haven't had any issues with my batteries!!!! I was actually able to get mine reprogrammed fairly quickly as far as the charge controller is concerned which might have helped, but fingers crossed....all is well.
Story Chasing Yes! We are looking for a used one now. I just watched your old videos and you convinced us to get a B instead of a class C due to mobility issues you had in the northeast
Great video. It was fun to see all your upgrades. I have a DIY 2018 Nissan NV2500 and after 16 months on the road, I still love it and just completed a few mods that I wasn't sure about during the original build. Could you give me a link for the company who build your magnetic screen? I have one I McGyvered from a purchased one, but it's not perfect. Thank you again for your great content!
@@AmberJBaldwin I added another 10 gal fresh water tank, an awning window in my sliding door for cross ventilation, and a cabinet from the countertop to ceiling at the back. I wished I had known fresh and grey are not equal in/out. I would have planned differently. The good news is I was able to double my water within the space I had. The cabinet I added is a pantry and it was an excellent decision as well. Tons of space! 👍
Leslie Murdock No I don't use the AC very much. I might have turned it on a couple of times since I've had it but I choose to stay in places where I don't need it. I've thought of removing it, but I do okay with the fantastic fan for airflow so I'll keep it so that when I sell it the next person may want it. I'm looking at selling sometime this next year most likely.
Great Space Adaptation and Van Build Out! and Video' ➡Super Smooth Audio and Edited Experience! - Hey That 'EDGE VANWORKS' in Livermore Ca'. Seems like a Great Place! 'wink'😉 Really Impressed With Your Improvements To 'Under Engineered' Products! --Maybe a Modified 'Single' or 'crib' size 'Size Adapted' Matress Gel Topper For That Bench Seat Might Be The Cats Meow!?! Finally I just thought ' How Many Pups Get Live In a 'Lets Go For a Ride 'Permanently' Kinda Situation!?! Very Cool! Peace an Blessings Always to You🌈 an Pups🐶Always!🌎
@@AmberJBaldwinYour Very Most Welcome! Hoping Your At Your Very Best Also!I've Always Noticed How Mysteriously Calming Your Videos Are😶?' Whats Your Secret!?! Lol' - Bi'Th'Way Your Rig Looks Awesome!🌈
And, you say the floor of the wet bath cracks often? once it is cracked do you just repair it? you say you don't use the bathroom to shower because it is useless? that is a bummer. I want a bathroom to shower in. And, can you order new screens from whoever Hymer got them from?
McRockfish 😀 You can fix it and modify it, but it still would require you to move things around from getting wet. It's a wet bath and I don't trust that the "wood" wouldn't rot from the moisture long term.
Amber, Hope all is well with you. Great job (as always) on your video. You gave me some great ideas/mods to think about. On your fiberglass bug screen on the front. I have a question out to Matt on it also, but wanted to hear how the fiberglass screening is holding up after couple (?) years? Saw were Matt also did one with aluminum screening. Debating between the two. Did you double over the friberglass matting? and did it impact engine temps or running hotter. aka larry
Brilliant van tour!👌Can I ask you how the ride has changed on the road surface since changing your tyres to the more all terrain tyres? Many thanks ...
Andy Goswell great question! I lost about 15% fuel efficiency which is a sacrifice but worth it to me given the terrain I'm usually on, like dusty dirt roads, bumpy BLM and National Forest, etc. I didn't notice a change in how the van drives or feels when adding the tires. Some say it can be noisier, but maybe I just play my music louder??? lol
💥💥 I have a question why it seem like a lot of people who do the van life why are there Vans always White? That seem to be the most common color. Like people don't be having their Vans different colors. I be seeing a lot of these van tour videos on RU-vid and all the Vans be white does that have to do with so van won't get too hot during the summer or something.
PhillyJay. 215. 😊 Just posted a new van tour of the inside in case you're interested: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-8iwbQ1pqOXE.html Also I think it's because the manufacturer of these vans produce white for commercial purposes so it's a blank slate devoid of color for graphics and logos. We're just now making these homes so I'm sure they just haven't caught up.
Great video. I am looking at a few used Hymers now. Question: Don't you think the loft edition would have given you more room. A place to hang out when you needed a change from below. Why didn't you buy a loft edition? And, did all the Hymers come on a 2500 ProMaster? or did some come on a 3500 ProMaster?
McRockfish 😀 The loft wasn't out when I purchased, but I wouldn't have purchased anyways because I like the solar I have on top plus the AC for emergencies. The loft doesn't have that. The Hymers are 2500 chassis and the Hymer 2.0 is on the 3500 chassis. A foot longer. Make sure you visit the Facebook page for Hymer Owners and Wannabes for a WEALTH of information and assistance.
EPICVANLIFE 😀 I got it from Gordon at Edge Vanworks in Livermore, CA (The Bay Area). He's amazing! One of the only people I trust completely to work on my van!
I’m looking at buying a used hymer activ with very low miles. How would you rate the overall reliability of the build? Do you think that I would be wiser to spend more on a rig with a warranty? I’m worried about finding parts if anything hymer specific breaks.
fishernate Try searching FB for Hymer Owners and Wannabes for more information. I love my van despite the past issues, but I haven't had too many issues.
GR N 😀 You're in luck...I have a free masterclass you can take (3 videos) that will help you to fly the nest and get prepared. It's at www.storychasing.com/masterclass Good luck!
Thanks, Amber- another great presentation. Dianne and I met you at Quartzite in January. The only question I have is about the overhead storage bin. You have two- we just have the one. You said we can order the second one- would that be from Ram? I have never seen that as an add-on option. Thanks
michael budig it’s technically possible but it’s a fairly expensive endeavor if you want it to look like the OEM install, as it requires everything from the bin itself to a new headliner. It’s also a pretty involved install...unfortunately not a simple bolt-on.
Amber Hi I would like the name of the company that made your screen door in Montreal ..I would get it for our house thank you ..I know you told us but can't find it ..I miss spell it I think
