You guys are producing some of the most detailed, informative and useful Van Build videos I have seen in over 2 years.....keep up the quality work. These vids are superb.
Absolute one of the best instructors on van building on RU-vid. I’ve been a cabinet/ furniture maker as well as doing years of historic renovations in Baltimore for nearly 40 years but this is all new and I’m still learning. 👍🏻👍🏻
Lots of great builders on RU-vid but your techniques are the ones I find most dependable, safe and replicable. Wish you made this video a year ago. 😅 Thanks!
Great work as always. Have you ever thought of making internal walls with FRP honeycomb/XPS sandwich panels? Very much used in expedition vehicles. You don't need a metal/wood frame and can glue directly to the material.
Such great content i am happy to have found this channel. I have decided on a Promaster van for my first build and now starting the process of finding the right one. I have many of the products ordered to build it out already only would need AC, solar panel array, hydronic heater system, lumber and extruded aluminum.
With the right color choices, maybe a mix of shiplap and panels could work. I definitely want the access to wiring and the option for adding something unforeseen down the road, but I also like the look of shiplap. I’m not at that stage with my build, but getting close and will have to make up my mind. Great video. Just found you guys recently and your willingness to share actionable information on your channel is very much appreciated.
secondo me siete i MIGLIORI costruttori che conosco! Avete veramente uno stile pratico, funzionale e bello! I vostri van trasmettono eleganza e "aria" di casa. io sono in italia e mi sono ispirato alle vostre idee per fare il mio van. Però ho molto da imparare! Spero che continuate a fare video molto istruttivi, grazie!! Mauro
I've not seen anyone run conduit for the wiring with access at the end points. With wide-sweep elbows, and pull strings pulled in with the wire, you could always add more wiring later. This would mitigate the need to have total access to all your wiring.
Great video! I didn't know I wouldn't need to frame the van if I go the panel route! Some questions: Do you think it's necessary to wrap the panels in fabric? I was thinking of doing panels and painting them. Also, do you have thoughts on alternative materials, like Fiberglass Reinforced Wall Panels or using panels that "look" like shiplap but are really just one large panel?
You don’t need to wrap. You can paint or clear coat the panels. I’m not a fan of the faux Shiplap/bead board panels as they are usually mdf or some type of particle board. If you can find them made of pine, then I would say go for it.
When you were discussing the way to scribe the shiplap planks with a small ruler, it looks like the 8020 electrical cabinet is screwed directly into the sheet metal rib, and I thought from another of your videos you said that you should insert a plastic/rubber spacer between the 8020 & the van metal wall to serve as a thermal break? Also, the ship lap comes down on top of the 8020, so I’m assuming that since the 8020 is 1” and the shiplap is probably around 3/8” that would leave about 1/2” for the top cabinet panel to rest on?
I know it’s easier to run boards front to back, but it makes the inside look even narrower. Have you ever run finish board side to side? I suppose that would run opposite to the curve of the of the van body?
if you want to run boards bottom to top you can kerf the back of the board to make it flexible and conform to the wall. the trouble you may run into is scribing a very tall board to match an angle (like he shows around minute eight in this video) is a little more time consuming.
I like your panel walls..I have 2 dogs, but I don’t think they will scratch at the walls, as we live in a caravan atm, they have been good as gold (2x ACD’s)
Really interesting and detailed video, thank you so much for it. I love the fabric walls, is there any different weight between that and ship lap? Greetings from Sweden, I’m a new follower now. 🥰
Kindly explain why people change the walls instead of using the walls that come with the vehicle? Does it save on weight, or is it for esthetic reasons?
The Shiplap is pretty light, but you do need to add furring strips. You don’t need furring strips with panels. This means that all in the panels are lighter, but Shiplap with furring strips doesn’t add that much…probably less than 100lbs.
