The Ultimate HOW-TO Van Conversion guide | My best ever build!
🚀 FREE online training - Zero-Cost vanlife: bit.ly/3L15isz
📖 The Van Conversion Guide Book: www.thevanconversionguide.com/
🎓 The DIYhero Course: www.diyhero.me/
A step-by-step guide for how to convert a van!
This conversion of a H2L3 Citroen Relay (same as Dodge Promaster) is probably the best thing I have ever created. It combines 7 years of experience of living vanlife and almost 20 years of making things.
This layout features:
- King-size bed
- Large kitchen
- Internal Shower & Toilet
- Tabled seating for four
- Decent storage
The van features:
- Fully off-grid capable electrical system
- 590W solar, 400AmpHr Lithium battery (www.amperetime.com/)
- Battery-to-Battery charging
- Refillable LPG tank
- 35l Compressor Fridge
- Air heater (Gas Powered)
- Water heater (shower only)
- 140l water storage (dual pump system)
Battery (sponsor promotion):
The Lithium battery was provided by AmpereTime: www.amperetime.com/
One year later (the van was converted in summer 2022) this battery has performed perfectly.
00:00 Intro
00:43 Initial prep work
00:48 Lockbox
00:55 Underslung gas tank
01:16 Bonded window
01:55 Maxx fan
02:25 Subframe
03:01 Insulated floor
04:52 Subframe continued
06:06 Water tank intro
06:18 Make vanlife profitable!
06:48 Side windows
08:10 Window boxes
09:07 Heater intro
09:94 Holes in the van
10:00 Water tank 2 intro
10:41 Gas fill point install
11:18 Wiring the van
12:44 Insulating the van
14:36 Spray foam
15:02 Vapour barrier
15:45 water tank install
15:56 Kitchen block work
17:01 Bed block work
18:10 Fridge design
18:54 Safe install
19:09 Manifold
19:30 Electrics layout
20:07 Electrical cupboard
21:00 Fridge draw build
21:39 Safe install
21:54 Top cupboards block-work
22:50 Window frames
23:36 Bed headboard
24:01 Cladding
24:54 Kitchen build
26:09 Water fill point install
26:26 Copper gas pipe install
27:17 Propex heater install
27:52 Panneling
28:30 Connecting the water system
29:24 Building seat lids
29:49 Top cupboards build
30:58 Oak floor
31:12 Electrics board
32:10 Shower build
33:48 Painting
33:55 Slatted side walls
35:00 Piano hinges
35:15 Shower build continued
35:52 Submergible water pump
36:18 Converting kitchen/shower wall
37:08 Connecting LED strip lights
37:33 Building table
38:50 Installing kitchen & hob
39:00 Connecting shower
39:42 Building shower top
40:12 Sealing shower
40:46 connecting USBs
41:04 Connecting LED top lights
41:21 Connecting heater control
41:33 Connecting Propex heater
41:48 Checking gas
42:06 Danish oil
42:42 Cladding back doors
43:38 Building under-lit shelf
43:59 Bed slats
44:17 Cupboard drawers
45:15 Attaching sink & hob
46:30 Finishing shower
46:45 Fridge front
47:19 Soft side panels
47:44 Cupboard door
48:17 Finishing touches
48:44 Auto Carpet
49:24 Mini-tour
Connect with Nate Murphy:
📸 Nate is on Instagram: bit.ly/2ZVaHri
My van is insured with Sheild Insurance: bit.ly/2MPCrs1
Do you want to feature your van? Click here: bit.ly/39PxPhR
#vanconversion #vanlife #vantour
Thank you all for watching! If you have any questions - hit me up in the comments below! (Dont reply to this one - it gets too messy)
@@driventocompete1 ~Its easy, fast, cheap and works!
Polyurethane wood glue for wood, sikaflex for bonding to the floor.@@driventocompete1
I like having access to the front cab of the van from inside for safety reasons. If something is going on outside when am camping, I want to be able to just jump in the driver's seat and go. Great job on your van.
Yeah, there are pros and cons of closing off the bulkhead!
You could always install a door with a lock on it, that might be the best way to get both protection and access
YES!!
I agree with access to vehicle for safety. I'd also put in cameras for outside lol. Been watching Earthroamer vids love those
I love the sliding window covers - no curtains needed!
Thanks, they work so well!
@@NateMurphy i will use that hack but for the big windows on the back of the van easy solution for privacy and security instead of some expensive glass
The shower/kitchen worktop is simply genius. What a great idea!
Thank you so much!!! It worked out extremely well!
The shower is nothing short of genius! Amazing multi use idea for what it's otherwise dead space 😮 unashamedly stealing that 😮 excellent build!
Great video! Seriously. It wasn’t just that you covered all of the steps. It was very well filmed and edited! The pacing was good, you didn’t waste any video time with excessive, tedious, time consuming items. We don’t need to see every screw. We don’t need to see every pipe run as you run it. We didn’t need to see every shape and cut of your wood walls and trim. Etc.👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed the format!
Lol that's all he did. It's like 40% screwing, 50% music and clever video shooting and 10% actual teaching 😢😢😢
This is the by far best and precise detailed conversion description I have seen so far 🎉
thanks!! that was exactly what I was aiming for :)
Once the flip flops are on, you know some serious work is getting done. Just like your other projects, meticulously well thought out and executed.
Thanks!
Great work well done
Safety flip flops?
@@nikhoward standard issue.
You can't beat the safety flip flops...🤙✌👍
I insulated my shower from underneath. Really like the way you maintained the ceiling height by battening the sides of the rails
It’s clear from the first 2 minutes that you know exactly what you’re doing and that you’re very good at it. What a treat to get all these little tips and inside knowledge of planning your build and explaining how you’re going to make it happen. This was a great video for me because I know quite a bit about carpentry and building but very little practical knowledge about vans. I think I’m getting the bug because I find myself coming up with ideas in my everyday life that can possibly be useful in a van/ camper.
I'm a 76 you handicapped female and I'm just now shopping for a minivan. Your video is the best that I've seen so far. Awesome work!
You may not care for someone looking over your shoulder (like me).. Me thinks many van folks really like seeing others builds. Call it vicarious, LoL. Perhaps your grandson would do a time lapse edition… Good luck!
@@xlander-jp1rdFishers trying to catch each other. That I’ll watch!
Keep searching as I think your not typing the right words.
Nice build . Years of experience shows. Craftsmanship too. ❤
I must be getting old. Safety glasses on the top of head at all times, and cutting work tops in flip flops. Just as it should be. 😂
Really great job! Very lovely, and I liked seeing the build process.
Great video bud well done, slick ideas that look so easy to do but are not. I hope you are watched by many and appreciated.
Beautiful! Well done!
Great job, some really cool innovations for such a small van. Thanks for sharing and for highlighting the things you would do differently.
That's really coincidental!! I was just going through your old conversion videos less than 8 hours ago. I've watched you for years Nate and I've finally bought myself a van to convert. Looking forward to watching this tonight 😀😀
Amazing! Hope you find it useful 🤘
What an interesting and unique build. It came out aesthetically pleasing, too. Terrific job all around! I look forward to more of your videos.
Thanks Dean!
I thoroughly enjoyed this video. It was the reason I subscribed to you in the beginning. I could watch you build these all day long!
Thank you!
WOW that we traveling house is spectacular, best out for loads I have seen on line.lf I was young I'd live in it for sure would luv it. Thank you for the pleasure of watching your build. Happy days 🙂👍
Hi, Nate! Good to see a video even though it’s five months old. Well done! Hope the house is finished by now. All the best!
Really enjoyed Robert’s commentary & appreciate his well designed van. This opened my eyes to alternatives I wasn’t aware were possible. Thanks Robert & Bill.
Thanks Linda! Glad you enjoyed!
This video was absolutely the thing that sold me on your book! Thank you! :D
Nice! It has been heavily updated with content from this build!
The magnet is a really good tip . Some great tips there🤙
Absolutely stunning, your skills are superb.
Thank you! Cheers!
Nice clear ideas for converting a van... I'm still nowhere near starting mine yet but I've actually been putting a plan together. So hoping to get started in the next 2,3 months. Great to see you working on a van again, and yay a quick glimpse of Dei. We need more of you both, seems so long ago since the house renovation series.
Hi Steve, thanks for tuning in again! I will be working on a new (smaller) renovation project soon - but in between I have been way to busy on my other projects - and as they are writing orientated - they are a bit boring for blog content!
the thing that suprised me the most is how easy it really is , i literally have 95% of all the needed tools by just doing stuff in the house... and all the building is just as easy, all verry basic diy stuff. the hardest thing is literally finding a layout, but if i eventually build one (once o get a proper job, im 19😂) i think i still will go the boxtruck route, its all 90° corners and square
Beautiful outcome
This is awesome! You didn't mention a toilet but I'm sure that shower area would be the perfect spot for a porta potty
Really nice job! Kudos!
You make it look effortless. This is my dream to build one with my dad as he does keep well. Will be sure to revisit these videos if I ever manage to get started. Keep up the amazing work❤
It certainly was not effortless! But it is never too bad at the same time!
@@NateMurphy your very talented Nate. I hope you keep filming! All the best for your future builds mate. If I ever get my finger out and start one I can follow your advice
Nate, good job at finishing out the van. I like the laminate stripped wood for decor. However, I think the shower area is dangerous for taller people. Love the idea for folding wall which converts to more counter space. But the corner ceiling is potential for constant head bumps and even eye poking on the corner. I would suggest, instead of a fixed corner.... two panels on hinges which lower from the shower ceiling when you want to take a shower. One panel will fall down to the raised counter wall and the other to the entrance door (which you lower when in the shower). Right now any water which sprays out of the shower will land on your soft goods (cushions and bed) which will create mold. In colder weather will take much longer to throughly dry. Also eliminates a fixed corner when walking and working in that area.
As a taller person who uses the van - it's actually fine.
by far one of the cooles van builds i've seen. That shower is TOP TIER!
Cheers Mike!
I love so much your hand drawing
Your conversion is nothing short of georgeus styling and functionality. Do you offer your service of van conversion to customers? Thumbs up for your project.
Brilliant, we live in a static. A tree fell on it over a year ago. This is making us wonder if we could do this. Thank you so much for sharing XXX
Daymn, bad luck with the tree! Glad you enjoyed the film!
This definitely showcases your many years of skill and experience. Beautiful job, cleanly presented. Really enjoyed it.
Thanks for watching!
Just watched the whole video and it is super satisfying to see it all come together :D. The kitchen-shower combo is awesome! I would make a few different choices in my own van conversion (if I do get around to building it one day... I bought your guide already a couple of years ago xD, and still haven't gotten around to committing to starting the project itself...), but your choices totally make sense for you. The scariest part of the build for me would be the gas installation... I wouldn't feel comfortable with having gas inside the van, even though it is objectively more environmentally friendly than diesel when it comes to heating. Keep up the good work Nate! Cheers!
Nice! Yea, the shower/kitchen system is a really good part of this van. Gas is not so bad - you can always get a professional to either install (after you do the prep) or to check once you have. Diesel/Gas for heating in terms of the environment - it uses so little fuel compared to driving the thing I wouldn't worry too much about it. Before you start your build make sure you have the latest version of the ebook!
I see Nate post, I smash that "Like"! Looking forward to this tonight! Waiting for our Promaster 3500 ext length to come in and it finally has at least been assigned a ship date. Keep doing what you do, Mr Murphy 👍
Amazing! I hope this video gives you some ideas / is useful for you 🤘
Wow great result. You make it look so easy.
Thanks Ken! To be fair it is a 50 minute edit of 26 days of labour.. it is always going to look easy in this circumstance!
اشكرك جدا لكونك لديك الخبرة الكافية بعمل النجارة والديكور فعلا انت تستحق لكونك مهندس لكل شيء وشكرا ❤
Fair play I just watched your video and you have give me a few good ideas. I can only hope mine looks as good as yours wish me luck.
Absolutely fantastic......❤
You are like my vanlife hero. I’ve been watching your stuff since I was 17, I am 23 now and one of my biggest dreams os to follow your guide and build out my own van 😄
Hey!!! Wow, that is so cool, thanks for sharing!!! keep dreaming, we were all where you are at, if you want it bad enough you will make it happen!
I used to insulate, battens, shower, water heater, etc., on my first, second, and third built. I'm over 70 now and have built a large number of campers. And every new generation have been reduced in complexity. When I used to go to the alps or scandinavia for skiing, I found that the water heater might freeze, and be ruined, and even with a diesel heater (or a mini wood stove), the shower was hardly ever used. It was so much more convinient with a cloth "shower". During the summer along the meds I used to hang a blanket on the sunny sides of the vans and throw water on it. That cooled better with no insulation. The windows were a nuicanse when I were stealth camping in cities or were there were sign prohibiting campers. So now my latest creations have no windows in the rear, only a curtain to the driver seat, a webasto under the car, all air openings down there too, and water tanks close to rear axel for driveability. When I sell them and they ask for a more complex one I tell them to go buy a Prøtzl.
Nate this is absolutely the best and most innovative way to frame using the body supports and taking advantage of the natural contours. Wish I had seen your video before I completed my van. I like the technique used in insulating and not putting in any sound proofing because the way you insulate its already soundproofed. I made the mistake of using the aluminized non-asphalt backing to soundproof the van which it worked well but thermal transfer of heat and cold is problem due to the aluminum facing. I would use an adhesive backed foam instead to prevent the thermal transfer. Excellent video. What a beautiful build! Excellent instruction!
Thanks Robert!
Absolutely great video Nate as always. I have been watching your videos since you first started, and it’s amazing to see your van building techniques, and products change over time. At some point in my life I would love to do a van build.
Thanks man!
I loved the idea of the plywood,
Extremely good handcrafted. Cheers
Hypnotic!! Loved watching this. I have zero skill and and about the same in cash, but this edit was a joy to watch. 👌🏻
Glad you enjoyed!
Amazing, you explaining it seems very easy to do..😅 Luv the flip flops.
This guy is a genius !!!
Lol! I found this vid just now, figured I'd click on the webinar link, turns out it starts in 10 minutes! Awesome!!
I hope you enjoyed it!
I think all bus lifer should watch your video how they have to build the inside Create mold, problem and condensation must be done and what you’re doing it. Good job.
this was exciting to watch, i will be checking out your services.
Why do i get the feeling you could build ANYTHING. Nicely.
haha thanks!
👍 👍 Outstanding design, very well presented
Thanks Phil!
If you are a carpenter, wow! For the rest if us, this video is like watching paint dry. You are very talented and obviously have a special niche you are reaching out too. All the best!
Speak for yourself, I'm learning quite a lot from it and enjoying it.
@@Dylan_96_Same other Dylan. 😂
Heavily disagree i found it fascinating
Nice attention to detail Nate. The only thing I'd do differently if i built another van is use a clear polythene as a vapour barrier so i could see everything behind during the build and for future maintenance and alterations.
Thanks Mark. That is not a bad idea actually - although foil does tend to be a cheaper than proper polythene vapour barrier. Thanks for watching!
Excellent video! Love how you explain every detail!
Beautiful ❤
pretty amazing, dude!
Seeing as you're in the comments Nate can i suggest you do a video update on how you're settling in to your house and any further work you've done? It was such an inspirational build so an update would be ace. Thanks
Hey Mark, I am actually planning on fitting out the basement this Autumn - so for sure some more content coming! I have been so busy on other projects I have not had so much time to play with making content about living here - but all in all, I am loving it.
Girl, you rock.
Thx you for sharing.
Great video and top workmanship. My only concern is that you didn’t give yourself a pass through to the drivers seat. In vanlife safety is a huge concern and if you’re off the beaten path or anywhere for that matter, if you get into some trouble with folks trying to get in or steal stuff as examples, you have to go out of the back and into the front. Not a good idea at all. Obviously, if you have a travel trailer, ( or caravan in the uk) the same thing applies where you have to leave the trailer to get into the tow vehicle. However, one of the points of motorized RV’s is the fact you can get away from any hassle without putting yourself in additional danger. Even if it’s a small crawl space through a cabinet, it’s better than nothing. I’d never buy or build a van conversion without a way of getting into the cab.
american..
Totally agree, I thought exactly the same thing. Being able to get to the drivers seat would be my number one priority!! Safety first !!
Beautiful work
Nit picking! This is a great build!
Beautiful 👏🏻
Thanks for this. I learned a lot.
Glad it was helpful!
Been following you for a while. Amazing video. Very complete. It would be great if you could tell us (or make a short video) breaking down the costs. At least Cost of Van, Total Cost of Conversion and Resale Value. Keep it up
I will have to dig through all the receipts/bank statements... but I will consider it it. I am often curious mostly about exactly how much I spend on wood.
Making a smaller van conversion someday. You got great ideas although i will do it cheaper more simpler to get by. Get throw away wood on the job. Hopefully for mostly free. Take awhile though. Seen the prices at lowes.
I think you're a real talent in building all this with flip flops and not dropping something on your foot or seriously cutting or damaging your feet probably should promote wearing shoes. You have a real talent for doing this. You did a nice job with the building and the video. We did this with vans in the 1970s. This brings back good memories of being a teenager. We built a van for each one of our 6 friends. lots of good memories.
you destroyed this country. I can't even afford a van to live in let alone a house.
Absolutely brilliant thank you well filmed and so interesting and a great job
Glad you enjoyed it
Omfg....absolutely phenomenal!!
Thank you!
Amazing work:thanks.
Watching this video has made me consider doing our second van build ourselves. Do you have or are you going to do a van tour of this build showing shower and bed set up in more detail? Great ideas, thanks.
Yes for sure, van tour coming in the coming week!
Brilliant
Beautiful!!!
Great job! Really nice finished project
Thanks a bunch!
This is a really nice van.
Thanks Martyn!
Great video mate now go enjoy your family holiday you deserve it after all the hard work
Awesome job, love the shower idea 🙂
Just trying to get it right!
Nice build!
Good idea using the cardboard for templates and an old carpenters trick for wood on wood slide rub bar soap on groves and board edges that slides
Seriously impressed you got a shower in a van that size. My choice would be a van this size with 4X4, and a shower and toilet and heated water etc. Perfect for adventures then.
I’ve seen so many van light prison, bus light for new builds and they could never figure out why there’s so many leaks and they figure it’s all coming through the roof and it’s all condensation and I should all watch your video. Great job vapour barrier is very important.
Absolutely, especially in cold weather. Condensation can be really bad!
Amazing craftsmanship
Thank you so much!
So Good. Nice layout great sense of detail. If you used spackle for holes you need to used a damp rag and wipe off the excess or prime it. . ? Its all about the details in the end everyone is a critic . . Tools, get a stand for your table saw , Dato blade, multi tool ,torx headed screws , finish screws are wonderful to use also.
My brother made his own shower tray by making a box, tanking the lot including the walls, put a tile anti vibrate mat, then he used the biggest tile he could, which completely was the shower part, then tiled the raised toilet area, after that it was using his choice of plastic shower wall. No leaks and been on some very poor roads around the Scottish Highlands, plus off road too. The reason he did it was because huge of KZheadrs were having shower trays fail.
Yeah, plastic shower trays can be a bit hit and miss - largely because if the plastic is not hot enough when it is vacuum formed (or to hot) they end up with thin sections. The one I installed was OK.. but I would probably use something different next time. Tanking/tiling it - for sure can work fine - as can metal trays.
The idea to have the shower space convertible and to have the slide out fridge right at the door opening, is genius. When the time comes for me to start converting a van (probably 2-3 years from now) i'll be looking into getting this guide. One question for Nate though: When you build these vans, wouldn't it be more profitable to just do two of them or three of them at the same exact time, make the same cuts at the same time, for more than one van? Then you can sell the other, live in one. Just seems like that way to go for investments and profit. BTW how much do you sell your vans for?
Hi Nate, you may be aware already but you can scribe relief cuts across the back of panels you want to bend like the shower wall, shallow passes on table saw. Great design, though you should wear closed shoes when chopping.
This would have been a sensible solution (not sure why it didn't occur to me at the time!)
@NateMurphy Amazing video! If you have time, please change the timestamp in the description here: 09:94 Holes in the van -> to -> 09:54 Holes in the van. Timestamps is side hustle I started this year. Let me know if you need some help in this department
The best video. PROFESIONAL👍👍👍
Thanks!
Can’t believe I have stumbled into this video - I am looking to do my first build and have come up with a similar kitchen/shower/ extend the worktop idea… although I was just going to have the worktop as a lift in and out of position and then store down the side of the kitchen unit, with a shower curtain to hold back the water. couple of questions…would the worktop be ok to act as the shower wall (water ingress) , and where did you source the shower tray as it looks perfect for the size I need. Thanks. Great video, love the conversion 👍
Shower tray is not brilliant, I would look at other options. As for ingress, it can be protected - and I just wipe it down after use to be sure.
wow, that is great! if i had the skill set and the place to work on it, i would try it.
www.diyhero.me/ < you can get the skill set!
really awesome work...thanks alot for sharing ..lgmario😊😉🙃
One word describes you sir “ genius”.
Grow up.
I was about to give you a good comment with few tips but then you mentioned that you do this for years!?! I thought you are an amateur therefore I didn’t want to bring up the quality of your finish, but… There are scratches on kitchen drawers, board on the fridge bolted from the front, screws poking out on the cupboard door above the kitchen unit, no sound deadening on the van panels, shower with massive gaps, nails showing on the acoustic panel which easily could be glued just like the shower panel … And this is only what I can see on the video. I’ll give you that you have clever ideas to utilize the space and I definitely picked up some tips on connecting the water, gas and electrics. But mate! Considering the tools you have and the experience (apparently) your finish should be 100% better. And also the back door cladding should go vertically so when closed it matches the ceiling.
He’s kind of a douche trying to probably sell his book. But this is what 26 days gets you. I pretty much noticed alot of what you did. He’s definitely not a professional carpenter etc. The finish work is trash. And ffs everything screwed in, no vapor barrier. That’s effing insulation 101 in these things. It’s sad he’s basically flipping shoddy work to unsuspecting buyers.
Also, the wiring is vulnerable going through the metal as the van is driven, giving the constant moving chafing all the time.
I AM a complete beginner 😂 found this vid, but would love a super comprehensive accurate course on how to do this from scratch
Not to mention that the insulation is shit and will make this camper a mold haven. I pity anyone buying this from him.
@@eeccee11same…
Да, впечатляет! Интересно, познавательно и доходчиво. Даже без перевода. ;-)
Спасибо!