I Built a Living Space in a TINY $3,800 Cargo Van (Part 1 of 2) | Micro Camper Van Build
The first 1,000 people to use this link will get a 1 month free trial of Skillshare: skl.sh/dualex02221
MY SECOND CHANNEL: 👉 bit.ly/30Dq39k 👈
I N S T A G R M: @dualex2x 👉 / dualex2x 👈
AMAZON PRODUCT LIST👉 www.amazon.com/shop/dualex 👈
HELPFUL LINKS 👉 www.dualexbuilds.com/product-... 👈
FREE BUILD PLANS 👉 www.dualexbuilds.com/ 👈
C L I C K T O S U B S C R I B E:
bit.ly/2fWl1tU
▬▬▬▬▬VIDEO CONTENTS▬▬▬▬▬▬
0:00 - Intro
1:19 - Cleaning the cab
8:07 - Cleaning the Cargo Area
8:40 - Skillshare
11:14 - Building the floor
15:46 - Security Cameras
17:47 - Roof Vent & Skylight
20:14 - Electrical Wiring
20:48 - Insulating & Covering the walls
22:06 - Insulating & Covering the Ceiling
26:04 - Testing the Lighting
26:33 - Ending
I Built a Living Space in a TINY 3,800 Cargo Van (Part 1 of 2) | Micro Camper Build
In this video, I finally reveal my secret project that I've been working on behind the scenes recently. I am building a Ford Transit Connect Cargo Van that I purchased for $3,800 from a delivery man who was also smoking inside of the vehicle. I needed to work exceptionally hard to make sure that the van would not smell like smoke. Luckily I was able to deep clean the van to the point that it smells new again.
After that, I built a floor in the van by first making a 2x2 frame and filling in the gaps in the frame with foam board insulation with a vapor barrier. I then added a sub floor on top of the frame and finally installed waterproof Laminate flooring.
I also cut holes in the roof in order to install a roof vent as well as a skylight featuring a bug screen as well as a reflective shade. I chose to use a skylight instead of adding windows to the van in order to keep the van more stealthy.
Because there are no windows, I needed another way to still be able to see outside of the van while its parked and I wanted increased visibility while driving, so I installed security cameras in discrete locations around the van. These cameras provide a 360 degree visual around the outside of the van and can also be used while driving as blind spot cameras.
Finally, I insulated the walls and ceiling and added automotive carpet to the walls as well as stained and sealed planks to the ceiling the van. This allowed me to mount my lights that are able to change temperature and be dimmed while being controlled from a small remote.
I will be posting in depth videos showing exactly how I was able to do everything that was done in this video over the next few weeks and then I will be releasing part 2 as well as a final tour of the van. Hopefully you enjoyed this video and I'll see you soon. Thanks!
Tags:
urban stealth camping,van camping,camper van,stealth camping,tiny house tour,tiny home,van life,van tour,rv renovation on a budget,camper remodel before and after,rv renovation ideas,renovated rv tour,rv life renovation,van conversion,van conversion solar,van build,diy camper van,micro camper van build,stealth van,stealth camper van,stealth camper,stealth camper van build,camper van conversion,van to camper conversion,diy van life build,dualex
I'm an older guy who retired last year and thought about doing something like you've done. The problem is I lack the experience and perhaps even the talent and would like to have some help. There are many videos, but I would rank yours high on the list. Good content is well presented.
As I wood machinist I would say you have to fuck around to find out. But not in the chop your fingers off fuck around. If I were you I would get a little tool kit some hand tools and some power tools. Learn the basics on KZhead or from someone you know. Brainstorm, make little things, could be stuff like a chopping board, coasters, or a stool, literally anything. Practice different areas of jointing, then see if you can make bigger things and see what works for you. Then you’ll learn, overcome problems, because there will be a lot but you’ll gain experience. I hope I don’t sound arrogant just saw this comment and wanted to give advice.
@@thomasvanderlugt1157solid fucking advice brother.
The artistry, craftsmanship, video editing/visualization/cinematography blessed my soul.
Dude, I have to say your channel is amazing. The engineering, editing, style and on camera persona. I watched all your builds in two weeks.
Bro same i watch one then look for the next video every time 💯
Your work ethic and skill is astounding man! I would have given up during the car wash process, I could watch you work all day!
I agree dualex is chill skilled and a cool customer 😎
@@drewmiller2763 he’s a great teacher as well!!
I would’ve just bought a new van 🤣. He’s dope!
I could watch him all day too! ♥️
hahaha
Bro! I gotta give you mad props. I can get pretty bored watching this type of video real fast, but between your thoughtful editing and the care you put into the work you're doing, I watched the whole thing and was fascinated the whole time. I think you did a very good job and I hope you enjoy the van.
All that gunk you cleaned out of that van, carpet and seats in what is also in a smokers lungs. Great job! Your patience is stellar!
WOW! I’m impressed! You really put a lot of “elbow grease” into tackling this project and turning it completely around. The previous owner was very careless, negligent and dirty so you had your work cut out for you. You bought it for a low price though and made it into a really nice van conversion worth lots. KUDOS!
I'm just mesmorized with your CAN DO attitude and state of the art tool set!💎Awesome from start to finish on the music choice!🎧🎶🎵🎶🎵🎶🎯💯Can't waaaaait for PART 2!
I have lots of things to do but here I am, watching DualEx convert a van.😂 Love your vids man!
One of the best things about duals vids is that he has great beats/music in his vids. Love that. Much love from Sweden
Can't decide which is better, your fabrication skills or your video production skills. Great stuff! Thanks for sharing your talents with us!
Fabrication skills, hands down. Everybody has production educated nowadays. You’re like an Amish carpenter when it comes to fabrication 😳
The sound of all the filthy stuff that slid from the doormat in the back once he had it out just filled my cleaning chakra with so much joy! Great channel! If you're new here you should check out his trailer build. It's awesome. And I never say awesome. He's such a clever guy with great taste and the biggest work ethos I've come across.
Omgggggg this would be great to travel in!! Perfect size and everything!!!!! Can’t wait to see the outcome. I’m sure it will be outstanding as always ✨✨✨✨
My favorite part of this video is the fact that you took your ppe so seriously. That's awesome! That and the build so far. I'm excited to see part 2
This guy is so smart and talented love it I think i would trust him to build my whole damn house 😂
Whoa, that camera work while cleaning the chairs is some movie quality stuff!
You are sooooo talented!!! That van is already awesome with the changes you've made, it's going to be mind blowingly awesome once you are finished! I look forward to watching the future videos covering this build! 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾
You did such a good job telling the story on this one. I could SMELL that dirty van. You just get better & better!
If all people were as intelligent, talented, motivated and productive as this Man…Inspiring.
You know what I like about these videos: you've already tried and triumphed with many different materials over your builds, so you know what works. I didn't have to watch you mess around with different tapes and insulation. You were like, 'The best insulation for van walls? felt.' You don't know how many sheep wool videos I've watched. This was cool. I like how you are releasing these.
Your skills are amazing. I love that you keep it in real time so we can see how you are doing it. The details of the cleaning were great. You make everything look effortless. Can’t wait until the next video. I really love your videos.
You are a van-building baller! Will be helping my future son-in-law with a build this year, so this is both inspirational and instrumental, many thanks and look forward to the next video!
I almost bought one of those. Im sure it’s gone look amazing when you’re finished. Your craftsmanship is nothing short of amazing. I can’t wait to see it finished
As as a friendly comment, you're showing an interesting choice for the screws for fastening the maxx air fan to the roof adapter. The white heads (shown at time 19:54) are for the inside collar and may not be stainless steel. The white ones may rust. The four shorter, shiny metallic pan head screws that also come with the package are for mounting the fan to the roof adapter. Not sure if you're worried about it, but I thought I'd point it out as I just read the instructions today while installing my fan.
SWEET. Love how you cleaned everything up so well. And the lights were just the icing on the cake 😁 Hurry! I'm dying to see the rest!
Thank you for the fast speed, it really helps as I view your videos. I'm a senior and I bought my first jig, so excited to use it. Thanks again. 👍
3800 for the van?! Sweet deal!! Ive been having no luck finding one, but i haven’t giving up hope! Creative and transforming! Lookin prestine! Keep it up! Looking foward to part 2!! 😎😎
You did a dang good job it's so awesome, all that cleaning, building it, and love that security camera you install, wow, can't wait to see the next episode, WELL DONE!😍👍👍
I've said this before, you have some sick skills my friend. Not a transit fan, but this is starting off nice. When I am able to start my build I'll be returning to your videos. Can't wait for the next one. Great job so far. Thanks for sharing your build with us. ✌
I hope it holds up for him. I checked them out on here and they say they aren't very good vans.
It has always bugged me when I can’t quite get that extra grit and sand out of the little crevices. Thank you for showing the use of that little kitchen brush to rub into the crevices while using the vacuum. Ingenious! Karen Florida
Me too!! I would have never thought of that.
if you have an air compressor it also helps to get the stuff out of the crevices.
👆🏽this comment exactly!
Yall saying crevices too much... please, enough with the crevices.
@@parkerswaxmuseum3746 crevice
Young man, I am very impressed with your determination, work ethic and your mechanical abilities. You will go far in life and though, you have become an inspiration to many, you will do many more great things. Stay grounded and humble. Keep improving yourself and your skills. As I said, you will go far in life! God bless you.
I appreciate that. Thank you I’ll do my best
Someday I will have a partner with a work ethic and creative mind like yours. In the meantime, my slow and physically challenged self is beginning this process on an old truck... and praying I can eventually do even a third as awesome as you do!!🙏 (Your truck buildout inspired me to believe in the possibility of being independent again, thank you soooo much❣🙏❣)
Wow, you take deep cleaning to a whole new level! 🤣🖖
Amazing!! A product list for those cleaning supplies would be awesome. I need to give my van a good cleansing
Great content, this build is coming at a great time considering the rising fuel costs. Looks like it will be an epic build by using a base vehicle bought for low cost. Can't wait to see the results. Thanks for sharing. 👍
Most Diesel engines can run on alternative fuels, one being vegetable oil. Just a thought
@@samuel9588 What happens when food prices skyrocket as well
@@zureai Walked into sprouts yesterday and had to do a double take. The sprouts brand milk was $6 for a gallon and the hipster brand was $15. I worriedly started looking at the prices of other goods but everything else was as normal. For now.
Dude, you got it goin on. You are the "tiny home van" king.
I’m happy that you have added some humor into these videos. I think I have laughed more in this one more. You have done your usual great details on this so far. I can’t wait to see the next video. Keep them coming.
Just cleaning it was a MONSTER job! Nice new seat covers, very stylish. I also love that we're not looking at these giant vans and are seeing instead what can be done with something smaller.
Discovery Channel need to be all over you. My father was a master craftsman with mad skill’s and I thought there was no one who could touch him. I salute you young man, you have mastered your craft. Well done!
Damn. You're my *guy* - awesome work and as others said, your edits, camera work, explanations etc are super helpful and straightforward. Also good to see someone on here doing this stuff with hearing/respiratory protection. All around thumbs up.
I love your van builds, not to say the trailers weren't inspiring! I can just relate to the vans, cars & truck. Can't wait for the unveiling💓 PS I've learned SO much from you over the years!
Not usually excited about 2 part episodes, but you can bet i am looking forward to yours! Good stuff!
Me too!! And he said we would have to wait because he's gonna put out slow motion ( detailed, lol ) videos of this one before letting us see part 2. 😒
Damn this is awesome! You're a talented young bloke for sure. Can't wait to do a project like this but on a merc sprinter 2500 high-long cab.. with a shower, kitchen/living room and over head bed
this was amazing to watch. from the detailing to the planning, engineering and construction so far... just amazing!
This is so exciting!!! I have a Transit Connect and zero skills and I'm old...BUT I did minimal skill level set up in my Connect and I can't wait to see everything you do to create your van. Already, you have done so much more than I did. Can't wait to see the rest. Thanks for sharing your skills with the rest of us.
Its crazy how good your vids are from the editing to yhe builds to showing us exactly how you did x and what tools you use 🔥🔥🔥love the channel and I cant build nun lol
Looks amazing. The only thing I'm concerened about is if you did a proper water leak test on both cutouts prior to putting in all the interior ceiling layers? It will be hell to remove all that to fix water damage in the future when you could water test from the start with a power washer to see if it is holding up well.
I'm literally going to have nightmares about water leaking in from that fan
@@headache7871 why??
The silicone was added kinda sloppily. If water gets in it will ruin all that fine work done. Great job overall and cool ideas
Master in Mechanics and Builder !!! Jack of all trades !!! Love it !!!👍🏾👍🏾💪🏾💯
My brother these are the Builds that originally brought me to your Channel years ago I appreciate the fact that you've built another one is amazing, great job I can't wait to see this finished. When are you going to open up your own line of personal custom built vans for sale those things would sell like hotcakes, salute Bro amazing video!!!!
wow, this already looks amazing. your channel is super inspiring and your cinematography is superb!
love watching the van builds
Absolutely amazing work! Wow I’m so impressed with your thorough and comprehensive processes with every aspects of this van build. I have almost no mechanical or construction knowledge but I admire your meticulous work.
Your photography and editing is amazing!! I loved it. Your van is great. Cant wait to see more
Nice work! I was trippin' for a second when you were doing the floor. But I realized it was BRILLIANT!!👍👍👍 I checked out the build list but didn't see the security camera items from this build. Can you share please??
What makes the floor brilliant?? It looks like any other van floor, so....?
I want to see a tiny house series that would be sweet with his cool ideas
One of the most interesting and informative videos depicting a van life build Thank you for your skills in the build and videoing your efforts
You are really good at what you do. I enjoy watching the build and learned alot, cool! Thank you
Your skill set and determination is amazing. Can’t wait to see Part 2. 👍🏻
You are the exact example of highly multi-skilled and very talented individual. I always enjoy your video and it seems like it is never long enough to watch. Keep up the good work, young man.
Sick camera work/editing. Makes it really nice to watch :) Happy you started converting a van again. Looking good
Another awesome video. You're an inspiartion to anyone who enjoys vans and DIY work.
You are the man, you can do anything. Always love seeing a new video from you. Keep up the GREAT work bud!!!
This is the kind of man I'm looking for in my life. I'd so take care of him...hard worker.
Absolutely brilliant content. You have inspired me to clean my car!
great style of editing and clean chapters. made my viewing experience awesome. love the videos.
Wonderful build, I like how you show us the steps you take to do these builds. Thank you so much.😊
I loved the drama of this video! You definitely put in work on this one and I am here for it!! Keep on doing what you enjoy while filming for us. Great channel!
You are one of our utube master builders!! Us seniors with vision are with you,. OMG!!
Awesome to see another van built so looking forward in your van design 🤗
This was awesome, you are a master craftsman and a damn good cleaner too!
Love your work and inspiration. Keep the videos coming.
I love his head shake about that dangling roof metal. I look forward to see how it shapes up.
I LOVE all of what you’ve done in this video so far but can you tell me about the vacuum or product you used to shampoo the interior? THAT was some DEEP cleaning you did. Excited to see following videos. Thank you for sharing.
sweet to see you doing another van, can't wait to see part 2! impressive cleaning, but it's hard to believe all the cigarette smell is gone. about 25 years ago i got a car at auction with a previous owner that smoked cigars...i cleaned that mofo for 2 days straight, using a shop vac, a little steam cleaner, and like 3 big cans of carpet cleaner, but i never could get all the smell out. normal days, it'd be 99.9% gone, but whenever the weather got rainy the smell always came back, though only like 10% bad as before.🤢
Cigars have a much stronger oder then cigarettes. And I'm a smoker
@@bigdaddyroy5382 lol, i'll put it in terms of symbolic logic! *cigarette odor : cigar odor :: puke odor : shite odor
@@douglasharley2440 just saying their is a difference and cigarette smell might be easier to get out since its not as harsh a smell
@@bigdaddyroy5382 that's only speaking as a smoker!...to a non-smoke they are equally-harsh, and equally-disgusting.
@@douglasharley2440 oh I'm sure it is. But as a smoker I can let u know that there is a difference thats why he might have been able to get the smoke smell out had it been cigars he have a harder time. I guess is what I'm trying to say
HE'S SO SMART AND VERY DETAILED IN WHAT HE DOES
Every guy needs a project. You did so well, and you'll look after her because of all your effort. Congratulations!
You have such fantastic craftsmanship. I can't wait to see part 2. The seat coverings, did you get off Amazon? I really like them.
LOve the new build....Question where did you get the side mounted video cameras ??? your build list does not include those cameras, just the monitor please let me know I need some for my future van build, thanks in advance....keep up the good work.
I love the new upload style. No foolishness, you just went straight into the project. Super sic! Then your following it up with the detailed step by step.. awesome man, ima have to steal this upload format style. Thanks for the inspiration AGAIN, you da man......
Hey Friend. The DIY van builds are awesome. If I buy a van soon to do some summer travel I’d like your creative ideas. Love the content and keep it coming.
Thank you for the fast forwarding of the repetitive steps. Can not stress enough how boringly annoying it is when every single repeated step is belabored. Aside from the fact your skills are spot on, your vids are creative and invite watching. Thank you.
So true. And sadly he is gonna make us wait for Part 2 and is going to put out slow motion ( detailed ) videos of this one before Part 2. I myself don't care to watch a repeat of this video in detail. I'm eager to see Part 2, though. If he wants to do detailed videos of this he should of just started that way or do it after it's finished instead of making us wait week's for the rest, sadly. 😒
Love the jazz music in the background. Love everything about this video. The craftsmanship. The footage. The genuineness. "It's cold" "Damn. Just gonna leave it." Just love everything.
You're attended to detail is next level.
That van is super clean! Great job! I would love for you to be the one that details my car!
I was grossed out by how dirty it was, but also mesmerized by your cleaning. Great job!
It’s alway nice to see you do your thing(craftsmanship) Love your work
Awesome job young man! I like that you glued material to the walls. It really simplifies what to do about all the white metal. And still have room to add something useful to them. 100%
This is awesome. Great content as always. Keep it up brother!
I love watching you create its relaxing for me thanks for sharing 😊
You are very gifted. You make everything look so easy. I am sure you are a blessing to whomever hires you to do their vans or campers. I don't know what you do as a regular job because obviously even with sponsors your tools and maintenance of them plus all of your supplies for rebuilding the project you are working on costs a LOT of money. I appreciate that you are very meticulous, you don't just slap things up; it is all very well thought out and very innovative a lot of your ideas. It is fun to watch how you do things. I ordered magnetic LED lights under our IKEA kitchen cabinets that swing up on amazon, after watching one of your shows. I just discovered you on the 20th of July/23 and I think I already watched 5 or 6 of your videos. I am truly amazed.
Absolutely amazing. Someone is going to get a sweet van.
This is my first video of yours and I gotta say i'm amazed! How is every track dope? Who is editing this gem? My man on the tools showing what craftmanship looks like?!? You got a new fan.
I can watch you all day! Love your creativity‼️
You should have your own show on HGTV. You're that good!
Man, DualEx is so smart and skillful. What a fantastic guy that can outsmart anything.
I like the time laps, because we get to see the whole thing in a few minutes, great job so far thanks
The cleaning was so satisfying to watch!
Great video as always. I would love to see you built out a box truck maybe a 16 footer (26ft even) or love to see what you could do to with a uhaul? Your a very talented builder and everytime i watch you build something it's like i wanna see more. Maybe a bed lift idk but I know you can do anything.
Excellent! Your attention to detail is commendable. Enjoy!
can definitely tell you got better at editing! with more b-roll and the intro in the beginning!! you got way better! props to you for learning how to edit and on top of that planning out your build!