FULL DIY VAN BUILD from Start to Finish | Our Epic Van Life Conversion
See our DIY camper van conversion from start to finish! We converted a used 2015 Ford Transit with a high roof and 148" wheelbase. We used all-natural materials and non-toxic materials like hemp insulation, cork flooring, low VOC paint and varnish, and a lot more! We wanted our van to be as comfortable and functional as possible so there's a bed that transforms into a couch and dinette, a bathroom with a privacy wall, loads of accessible storage, and more! We hope you enjoy seeing behind the scenes of our off-grid tiny house on wheels being built. It was a lot of work! Please keep in mind that we're not professional builders and we experimented with this build quite a bit. Definitely do your own research before building your own van!
SHORTCUT LINKS
01:35 Planning and Prep
03:29 Roof Vent
04:02 Subfloor
04:46 Framing
05:34 Window Frames and Inset Shelving
05:58 Insulation
10:07 Wiring
10:38 Walls and Ceiling
11:52 Furniture
15:35 Bathroom
16:59 Solar Power
18:14 Bed and Dinette
20:28 Overhead Storage
21:41 Floor
22:07 Finishing Touches
PRODUCT DISCLOSURE
We received the Inergy Apex solar power generator, Inergy solar panels, Separett urine diverter, and the Oru Haven Kayak for review. Only the Inergy link is an affiliate link, which means we earn a fee when you make a purchase from Inergy.
Inergy Solar Power Products
glnk.io/p5q/exploring-alterna...
*please note: a discount will be applied at check out
Separett Urine Diverting Toilet Seat
canadianecoproducts.com/shop/...
Oru Kayak
oru-kayak.kckb.st/exploring
Whale Marine Foot Pump
whalepumps.com/marine/product...
Desert Patrol 6 Gallon Water Container
relianceoutdoors.com/collecti...
MAXXFAN Deluxe Roof Vent
www.airxcel.com/rv/maxxair/pr...
Roof Vent Flange Adaptor (Ford Transit)
www.ebay.com/itm/Ford-Transit...
Dometic CFX-35US 12-Volt Fridge
www.dometic.com/en-ca/ca/prod...
Berkey Water Filter
Canada: berkeywaterfiltercanada.ca/
USA: berkeyfilterwater.com/
Hemp Oil:
www.homesteadhouse.ca/product...
Hemp Insulation:
naturefibres.com/produits_engl...
Cork Insulation (recycled granulated):
www.corkstore.com/Products/Gra...
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE VIDEO
Our Full Van Tour
• VAN TOUR | Tons of Sma...
Swivel Table by Back to Reality
• GGC - 61 - How To Buil...
Toilet Fan by Vanessa & Adam
• Video
Our Solar Power Setup Video
• Simple Camper Van Sola...
Our Cheap & Easy DIY Plumbing
• Cheap & Easy DIY Campe...
Far Out Ride Ford Transit Conversion
faroutride.com/ford-transit-c...
Thanks for watching!
Mat & Danielle
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STAY IN TOUCH!
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Blog: www.exploringalternatives.ca
Facebook: / exploringalternativesblog
Instagram: / exploringalternatives
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COMMENTS
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We want our channel and our comments section to be an inclusive space where everyone feels welcome to watch and to contribute. For this reason, comments that are inappropriate or hateful will be reported and/or deleted.
Please discuss and debate with respect, and report inappropriate or hateful comments directly to KZhead
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SPONSORS
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We occasionally include paid sponsor messages/integrations in our videos to help fund the channel. We do our best to work with companies and organizations that offer products or services that are in line with our values, and that we think would be interesting and useful to you, our viewers.
We will always disclose if we’re promoting products that were given to us for free, or if we’re including a sponsored message in a video.
For business or sponsorship inquiries, please email us at danielle.is.exploring@gmail.com
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CREDITS
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Music & Song Credits:
All music in this video was composed, performed, and recorded by Mat of Exploring Alternatives.
Editing Credits:
Mat and Danielle of Exploring Alternatives
Filming Credits:
Mat of Exploring Alternatives
Thank you for watching! The full tour of the finished van is here if you want to take a peek: kzhead.info/sun/Z9Rmd6ttnJekiKM/bejne.html
This is amazing! Thanks for sharing!
use the spray foam barrier around the windows, and use the hemp insulation everywhere else.
U should share your information with the school bus rentervators
I really enjoyed this build!-! Re: the gray water odor: instead of installing a p-trap you might want to look up a Hepvo self closing drain. It is available in most plumbing stores and on EBay and its around $25
What a great artist!!! Have you sold any of your art work before? Really lovely drawings.
This was really informative and helpful, makes building a van like this seem real and obtainable rather than a farfetched dream. Thank you!
One of the best and most interesting van build videos I've seen. Kudos.
funkyjones agree.
funkyjones it’s shite!
@@MarkWright1963 Lol...I've found that criticism is usually a reflection of the opinion a person has of himself.
@@funkyjones No he’s right it’s shite
Aight
The overhead cabinets are great. The magnet and wire brace🤯, simple and light
I've watched dozens and dozens of van conversion videos -- this is THE ONE that really resonates with me. A great mix of clever design (my favorite van bed design on the internet, bar none), beautiful aesthetics, and great functionality. The one extra-cool thing on the bed would have been to somehow also make the foot of the bed be able to swivel up at an angle (like the head of the bed does), so that if you ever wanted to lie on the bed "sitting up", looking out the open rear doors (at a sunset, the ocean, whatever), you could. But this is a nit -- your design is beautiful! I want!! :-)
Those magnetic screen curtains for occasional use would be neat. Otherwise just sit outside in camp chairs & enjoy. Moonlight in bed though...
So you are claiming you have watched every van conversion on the internet? LOL
In order to properly insulate your van. I would recommend covering your entire van with a butyl rubber adhesive mat. Such as second skins or dynamate. The problem you are having during the winter months is that the warm moist air coming from your sweat and breathing is coming in contact with the cold sheet metal. Thus causing those areas to condensate. You need to regulate that moisture with a dehumidifier or directly insulate the the surface of the metal. Make sure you drill some breathing holes in your walls, so the moisture is allowed to vent out. I suggest you should watch a video on how to use a psychometric chart. They are used in HVAC field and it will allow you find at what temperature the moisture in you van will start to condensate.
Do you put the rubber in front or behind the insulation?
Or a textured coating like Lizard Skin to act as a thermal break
I am thinking of lining the metal with 3 mil cork glued to the sheet metal body and then using hempflax batts. In a van though not 100% of the body can be reached.
Okay then wise guy
Thank you
first time i've seen hemp insulation in one of these... awesome build i love how clean and precise everything turned out this is one of my favorites so far
Finally a high quality production van build 👏🏾
Thanks so much! Happy you enjoyed checking out our van build video :)
@@ExploringAlternatives I love you guys! I want to make a video of my tiny house soon and post it with you :)
@@ExploringAlternatives I love you guys! I want to make a video of my tiny house soon and post it with you :)
Agree, I've seen some online that were hilariously bad, and they have the audacity to ask for 65k for a pos on wheels. Lol
It’s great to see the build process. Ever since your tour video I’ve felt your van is the most practical/functional build I’ve ever seen. Element after element is brilliant. Stunning too!
The FIRST video that shows in detail what to do without being boring! VERY GOOD!
Indeed
OK. Is no one going to talk about how he freehand a humpback whale drawing?
Spermwale
Julian still awesome tho
He is an artist. (Even Michelangelo used drawings that he traced from, but they were his own sketches too).
@@glumGlumm no 😑
What about Daniels mom for the sewing?
While it's really no surprise...the attention to detail and craftsmanship is SO well done!
Why is that no surprise to you?
@@GOLDVIOLINbowofdeath I see a lot of people that make these kinds of things
@@user-ec6ue8jy7p I figured probably the honest answer was “we are friends with them” and since there’s no reply I think I’m right.
@@GOLDVIOLINbowofdeath ?
splendid job! you get extra points for adding a bathroom, the inset shelving, the mechanical plumbing the pivoting tables, and the natural product use
Shout out to Danielle's family. Some real MVP'S in that family.
definitly man so true
Thank you for explaining the condensation part so well! Most people underestimate the impact of condensation and subsequent mold buildup in van builds!
By far the most unique build I've seen.
It's wonderful to see a van conversion under the focus of using natural materials - very inspiring! Thanks for sharing!
I'd been contemplating a similar design/concept for a van bed. Seeing how well executed yours is has definitely made me think I should follow through!
Love the inset shelving idea!! The entire build is BRILLIANT. Thank you for providing the reasons for the clever design ideas. I love this video.
Best bed in a sprinter I’ve seen
I much enjoy the more introverted presentation style and attention to detail. Most van vids have loud music and amusing, but sometimes annoying, chit chat. This is exactly what prospective van lifers want to know.
This is like my favourite transit van conversion!!
We have a 29' class-C RV. You thought of everything even experienced RV'ers may not think of. Seriously, congratulations on an awesome design and you both can be proud of your accomplishment. Dawn
You have proven that low tech is not the same as cheap. You’re little home is beautiful! What a great job. Your artistry shows on the whole build, not just on the walls.
So far it's the only van that doesn't make me feel claustrophobic. Excellent work, very well thought! I love it!!!
Your roof leak is likely the rubber washer/ grommet thingies. I have the same van and covered all them with Dicor. No leaks. Great video! ☺
This is so nicely done, enjoyed watching it. It makes sense to me that ventilation and insulation are the most difficult factors to balance, as you face similar issues in a tent since these are small space living areas. What I also liked is that all was explained with the notion that there are pros and cons to each approach and that you mention the things you would have done differently in hindsight, and no "we did it this way so it has to be the best" which is what many people do. Safe travels!!
Van built: 10/10 Whale drawing: 12/10
Why people keep saying they are not professional but they do it like a boss, man this is mad! Love that van!
Please make a video of your daily life living in this genius van conversion pleaseeeee....like how you cook and work and lounge and stuff. Pleaseeeee love your vids always! 🤗
Times are tough when you want to watch someone hangout in a van lol
@@JPARKERZ28 lol 😂 damn straight it's tough.... 😂😂😂
Thank you for giving us sustainability nuts a look at some alternative ways to approach tiny living! Honestly so sick of seeing that toxic foam insulation everywhere 😱
BS. What toxic foam insulation are you taking about? Be specific. Is plastic toxic too? How about the vinyl seats? LOL
Speaking of non-toxic and low odor insulation, you might try Havelock sheep wool batting that wicks moisture and dries fast. It is all natural and sustainable. I saw this on YT video. Google Havelock sheep wool.
@@GOLDVIOLINbowofdeath Tyvek? I'm concerned about mold, myself.
You came up with some great ideas. One thing you might consider doing if you build another, use 3/4 plywood to build everywhere you used 2x2. A box made with 3/4 plywood and no frame is crazy strong.
How beautiful,I living in a motel room for a year ,and your Van home 🏠 is Beautiful and all the work you did ,There would be a wonderful day to have a van , camper co-op in every state to fix up discarded vans or campers ,A 🏠 or a temporary 🏡 For all USA, 🇺🇸🇺🇸🙏🕊️💖🤗 Great and your voice is very narrative ☺️😁🚐🚐🚐🚐🚐🚐🚐🚐, recycling cork etc 🙏💖🙏Bless your heart 💖
This is great. It's so good to see the whole journey in one video. I always enjoy your videos and this one was especially useful. Thank you!
Great job going through the whole thing without it being too long. Also nice to see just some real simple options instead of spending a lot of money
AMAZING! Anyone else jealous?
Top notch, some low tech options take up so much less space, and less to break! Fabulous art too!
This was very interesting. Enjoyed listening to how carefully you organised everything. Not a dream to have water pouring in anywhere. Enjoy your van and have many happy days.
I am amazed at the details they put into the van.👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽🤣😂
So THAT'S what happened to the TARDIS when Dr Who ended.! 😊 Not only is the build absolutely stunning, well designed and planned, it looks very welcoming. Bonus points for the bathroom in such a confined space and also the inset cupboards. They are a great addition and contribute to a sense of depth. What I'd also like to mention, is how very well produced and edited your filming is. It really does add to the time taken to build out your van when you are constantly adjusting tripods, starting/stopping/pausing, moving out of the way while the other is taking a bit of video or still shots, etc. Then the editing and actual production of the video, which can take a very long time unless you're extremely disciplined and decisive..! This was very easy to watch. Informative, not too 'techy', educational without lecturing, and wonderfully crafted together. I especially appreciate that the young lady contributed massively with the build and am very impressed with her carpentry skills. Far too often van builds end up being done almost entirely by a male which saddens me. Saddens me because both genders are more than capable and you don't have to be a whizz with tools. You just have to be willing to have a go and get stuck in. This build truly looked like a 50/50 split which will hopefully encourage other girls to pick up a drill, screwdriver, etc. Bloody good video you two (and contributing family members!). Thank you both for sharing with us your wonderful achievement. 😊
I like the low power approach and the simple bathroom .
Great video. FYI: You wont have an issue with condensation at the front if there is not an air gap. The condensation is an issue because the area is not totally filled with insulation. Fill it without a gap and you wont have the moisture.
Thanks for that information. I was wondering about that.
SHORTCUT LINKS 01:35 Planning and Prep 03:29 Roof Vent 04:02 Subfloor 04:46 Framing 05:34 Window Frames and Inset Shelving 05:58 Insulation 10:07 Wiring 10:38 Walls and Ceiling 11:52 Furniture 15:35 Bathroom 16:59 Solar Power 18:14 Bed and Dinette 20:28 Overhead Storage 21:41 Floor 22:07 Finishing Touches
FINALLY someone figured out the benefits of a north south facing bed. No climbing over each other at night or morning to get out of bed. Excellent designs! 👍
Sniffing an insulation while building the toilet...what a great combination !!! Hopefully no bumps on the road. :) Put a yellow rubber duck as a "overfill" indicator.
Gets pulled over "Any drugs or alcohol tonight?" Well no, but my van has this insulation you see
liked for the use of hemp !! :)
Do NOT confuse the Bears!
Yes! LoL...exakt my thoughts! 🤣
I'll probably "age" myself here- but it reminds me of the van in the Cheech & Chong movie "Up in Smoke"......the part where they get pulled over by the cop, haha.
So eco friendly. I'm so proud of u kids. And know Dani's Mom is too.Carry on. Great job.
Commenting based on A minute 25 seconds into the video ..One of the best I have seen so far
Your conversion has many things about it that are 🎨 ART. I love using the murals as deco instead of things that catch dust. Great job very creative
The ArtWork inside your Van is Mindblowing !!! Love the HEMP insulation as well HEMP oil effect !!! Bravi !!! Its compact and really beautiful and looks super functional!!! Great job !!!
I didn't realize you were building out a van. Good job, your home looks great!💪🏾⚘👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
Thank you! 🤗
Out of 50 or so van builds your has every thing I have wanted. The bed configuration and privacy area for the toilet are two things others just don't have. Plus your art work is stunning. Thanks for sharing.
appreciate the thoroughness of your first few steps
one of my favourite over all van builds...so visually attractive as well
SO COOL to see the whole conversion process!! Thanks for sharing this ✌️
For the roof Solar cabling, the part you would want to buy is called a Liquid Tight Conduit Nipple, they work great, and then can just use a tiny bit of caulking as needed.
I marvel at the genius and creativity. Kudos to all
Amazing attention to detail and thoughtful planning. So impressed!
Such a great build! The ideas, execution, the wood working, materials and finishes are all perfect. Also nice to hear " in hindsight" comments too, the things we learn along the way. Really well thought-out and minimal fit out, haven't seen a few of the ideas in this video in any other van video and it's great initiative on your behalf.
This is by far the best van conversion video I have seen, and I have watched lots. I have just retired after a lifetime of teaching science and really want to hit the road in a van. You gave tons of clear information without pouring out your feelings about how you feel and what you had for breakfast today. (I hope you feel great and had a lovely breakfast today, it just has nothing to do with the van conversion). Keep up the good work. Pat Duff Dublin, Ireland.
The van build is very nice. I like the bed dual functionality and the beautiful freehand artwork.
You inspired me to start my own channel Just want to say thank you for all the hard work you put into making such great content and inspiring me and others like me to change our lives for the better thank you
@ Mel's Van World 😁😍😁😍
Subscribed
This is awesome. As a side note I dont think I've heard a single video from a Canadian where they don't use the word process haha. It only sticks out to me because of the different pronunciation. I love you guys!!!!
🇨🇦 Ottawa On
I say pro-cess How else to say it
@@007nadineL Americans pronounce it with a hard o.... Prah - ses
Thank you for taking your time to show a van build, I appreciate your narration of what works, didn't work, how to make it better and all the consideration.
Incredible! Hadn't seen the hemp insulation until now! Thanks so much!!!
I love the design, as well as how you though through things.
Finally!! Stay safe you guys. 😘
The ingenuity people display always amazes me. We are on our second transit Van and we would still make changes. We had the water problem you described but cured it in our second van by adding a vapor barrier. I think you have covered the flow through vents by the rear doors. All vehicles have them somewhere to allow your vehicle heating/ventilation to work. We like what you have done. Great Job.
What can you say about this build but...WOW! You two put in such tremendous effort to make this van totally unique and down to that fabulous humpback whale on the wall. I am from Maui and my love for humpback whales is deep having dived near them to watch them play. I own a '19 GMC Savana 2500 cargo van and have it temporarily rigged for overland camping. However, in a year or so I will begin living in it to travel the lower 48 and up to Alaska. I have no carpentry, electrical or even build experience but I have to start somewhere. Magnificent job on your van!
Nice job guys! I'm living in a tiny house now but this makes me want to buy a fixer-upper van. Cheers from Santa Cruz :)
Though I watched the tour awhile back, there were several things I don’t remember seeing on the tour. The wire props for the cabinets, for example, are a neat touch that is made even better with the magnets. I have a roll of 12ga wire that could work (and it is handy) and I would like to borrow her idea. I was ready to rip out the cabinet doors and use bungee but it would not have been as effective with spices and small things. Plus, the cabinet door fronts are a cleaner look for my herbs, spices and randomness like metal tea filters that can’t seem to get along with forks. Is it possible to insulate the metal to such a degree that it is not effected by heat in the interior to minimize the temperature differences and thus minimizing the condensation? Thanks for the tip on the leaky transits. I was always ruling out the Ford because the upfront costs of ordering one was ridiculously expensive. But kept eyeing them and wasn’t sure that I liked the slope of the roof but did like the height. I don’t have the resources I think you might have to give me detailed issues with each manufacturer but haven’t searched in awhile. I have an E150 that is only okay for my needs. Have even been looking at something bigger for a few of our specialized requirements. But I really like what you have done and will borrow a few ideas with your permission. Thanks for the detailed follow up. I keep liking your van more and more!
That little table is so ingenius.
This inspires me to build with more earth friendly materials. Great build
This is so beautiful. I have the same van, and have done a "no build" set up in mine. Thank you for such a detailed video with your processes so well detailed! I would love to perhaps have mine done like this one day! I have a question, it seems like the wood would be very heavy. Does it cause any issues with the um, driving strength of your van engine? (I hope that made some kind of sense) and does it lower gas milage? Thank you if you get the opportunity to reply.
10:00 How about combine hemp and put perlite on top of it and also pipes with holes in them where you can circulate air with a fan/compressor.
What a wonderful place to have arguments with your significant other.
first off: big compliment for the illustrative explanations you guys took the effort to make. As coming from the low-lands we suffer from moist a lot so here allow me to share some tips: Even if you are against using sprays pls always treat ANY damage you to to the metal with something to prevent rust. that includes all screws. and the opening for the ventilator of the "head". As the Dutch build a lot of caravans to tow behind our mini cars, we are much more critical of our weight as this is legally limited: The thickness of the panels can be much thinner. When you screw and glue you just made it much stronger then needed. Go google for a dutch caravan build. I would isolate with stone wool. It will never absorb water and will never rot. Temporary wires tend start to vibrate. Better glue stuff. Having that said. You did a wunderful job and i will love to 'steal' some of your ideas with your consent.
Tip: use 1.5x speed This is a great vid still 😍
thanks juliane!
It is amazing the job you did on this one ! Ŧhank you to share it with us
BLEW MY MIND WHEN YOU PAINTED THE WHALE..NICE JOB GUYS
DYNAMITE........ GREAT JOB GUYS. THANKS FOR SHARING. ENJOY YOUR ADVENTURES
I haven't finished watching the video yet - saw the intro and had to come comment immediately. Thank you for the clear, concise and honest approach to the video along with the incredible organization you put into the shortcuts! I can already tell this will be an amazing video. Thank you for documenting your process and sharing with us!
Probably the best DIY van build I've seen. Great job you two! Would be nice to see an update video in a year or so to see how everything is holding up and if you would change anything. TFS!:)
I agree with this! :D
Thank you so much for this video!! I didn’t know that transits tended to leak. I found 7 holes, including my reversing light and trims! I was just about to put my insulation in, you have saved me a world of trouble. I also love the inset cupboard idea, give extra storage and less space to fill with my insulation! Such a massive help, honestly, thank you so so much
I respect your usage of green materials where applicable
Can you say how expensive the interior design was? Kind regards ❤
That was interesting. You did a great job. It looks as nice, if not nicer, than a ready made camper van.
Billiant!!!!! It's the better video than I see about van build!!!! Congrats guys!!!! All is beautifull!!!!! A big hug fronm Ecuador!!!!
Spray foam is the way to go, no air leaks or gaps and it gives you that barrier you are looking for. This is what is used in all custom RVs
You and Danielle did a beautiful job on your van ! It looks soooooo goooooood !!! Thumbs up & Ty4Sharing. Blessings2Yall, Wolf from Dade City, FL.
We love the cork idea! What size granulated cork did you use? And, how much did you order? Our van should be delivered in August and we will be getting started on the build. Great videos!
Did you get an answer? I'm wondering how much I should use for my Promaster 136" thank you.
@@rebecca6405 No, I never got an answer.
i haven't seen them reply to anyone... hmmmmmm
@@kandislarson5023 Nope...no answer to this question. And, too late now for us. The van is almost finished!
Congratulations on your efforts! Excellent work!
What a great AND nature friendly van. Great job. I do want to compliment both of you, Danielle for doing all the things which are "normally" done by men. It's wonderful to see women do these things as well, and why not? And Mat, wow these drawings are amazing? Are you an artist? Have a lot of fun with this great van.
Honey you cannot run from condensation from those windows. We just broke down and got a dehumidifier....😭😭😭
Really refreshing to see non toxic materials as well!
Very nice build and a very nice presentation of that build! Regarding condensation, I learned something new from doing refrigeration work. The problem with condensation on the copper evaporator tubing is guaranteed to be extreme. The solution is to wrap a special tape around the tubing so that moist air is not able to come in contact with it. The special tape has an adhesive face that sticks to the copper. The tape itself is closed cell foam rubber. If you have ever touched a wet suit, you will know what I mean. I think it would be possible to purchase this closed rubber foam, and find some way to make it permanently adhere to the metal surface.
Very nice! However, dont fall into the ”natural” trap. All that is natural is not good, and all that is unnatural is not bad.
I can see a lot of issues with this van that probably already started happening. No pea traps for your sink and toilet which means your van is gonna stink to the high heavens and that little computer fan won't save you. I don't want to sound disrespectful but that entire toilet system is awful. Your subflooring probably isn't attached properly because you were blindly trying to screw it to the studs. Also a screw wouldn't hold onto the insulation stuff that you use. Another thing is the walls will probably fail over time from the constant moving around while driving as it's mostly held up with pl premium. Otherwise everything else actually doesn't look bad.
Amazing job. I learned some new things. Thanks. For me the look of the van are the paintings. What a beauty.
After watching your terrific van build videos, my first thought was if it can be done efficiently, why aren’t more vans built like this?? Thanks for a interesting and informative video.