VAN LIFE DIY - Retired Electrician Builds Out Custom GMC Campervan
2021 ж. 19 Там.
256 498 Рет қаралды
In today’s video we feature Les a retired electrician that has a passion for camping and vans since over the years. On this custom diy camper build out, he used the 2019 GMC Savannah van chassis. This van with the roof top air conditioner is under 8’ tall and fits in his garage.
#campervan #camper #vanlife
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My sweet dad, Les, passed away from cancer this past July. It broke his heart when he had to sell this van. I am so very grateful that he was asked to make this video. He was so knowledgeable and I'm glad he could share with you all. I love that I can watch him in this video whenever I want. Thank you for all of your kind comments. He enjoyed them so much ❤️
Beth, I’m so sorry to hear about your father Les. It was fate how we met it was not a planned Van Tour. We bumped into each other in a parking lot. We started talking and set up the tour. He was a genius and he will be missed by so many. 💔
Did he get to take his long trip? So glad you commented. I hate you lost such a wonderful father!
The technically and esthetically brilliant. I love the clean lines and it was busy looking!
Sending you love and prayers. He seems like he must have been a gem of a Dad and full of life. Thank you for sharing this with all of us. Sending you peace as well. ☮️❤️🙏
As a tradesman myself he made me so proud on this. He seemed like an amazing man here. I hope this video puts a smile on your face every time you watch.
That's my dad!!! Proud of you!!!! This video doesn't do it justice...it is even more impressive in person. Camping is still one of my favorite things to do thanks to him. ❤❤❤😊
Yep. That’s my daughter !!!! She’s one of the cute little blondes sitting on the side step of the blue 1970 Chevy van in the video. It sure was fun taking these little ones camping and hiking. My little sweeties. Just think Beth...We will be camping together again in October. Can’t wait !! Luv ya. Dad.
@@lessvarny4556 ROFL 🤭
You have a great Dad💜. What a special man.
Awesome! Buh why is he standing like that at the beginning 😭😂 looks like he’s waitin n watching the guy he’s about to fight walk up. No hate I love it!
Your dad seems like a good guy, reminds me of a couple of guys that I've worked with over the years. Love the van, great layout and design, functionality first, but still looks great. As a 30 year electrician myself, I knew that the first comment about the fridge he'd make was about keeping the beer cold. Best wishes, man, you earned it. The electrician is the smartest guy on the job, be glad you retired when you did; the new crop of apprentices are mostly worthless. Lazy, dumb, wanna play on their phone all day and some can't read a tape measure!
Hello everyone. I’m happy to hear your nice comments. I’m glad that you might find this useful. I see that there was a question as to which direction we sleep. The pillows are in the stored position as shown during the day. They are out of the way that way. We sleep lengthwise and move the pillows at bedtime. I’m sorry I didn’t point that out in the video. Thanks again for watching and thanks to Patrick for taking the time to do this video as well as having this wonderful site. I’m a sponge for new ideas. Remember - “Entertain your Brain !
Thank you very much Les for the tour and for the additional information.
Thanks Les. You and Patty have created a great Van. Happy travels.
@@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures Dear Patrick njoa, I watched your review video about SUPER RED HOT DIY - Retired Electrician Builds Out Custom GMC Campervan on KZhead, and you really have done a great job on this. I love your video style very much. We are setting up a new business on camping chair and hope to extend our business. So can you test the product for us? We will appreciate it and we can pay for your effort. Best Regards
@@scoutp good morning. The white paint is Behr premium plus interior/ exterior hi gloss enamel latex. Ultra pure white from Home Depot. I used 2 coats and 3 in a few areas. I hope that helps you. Have a great day. Les.
Beautiful build, and so many tips and tricks. Hope to be 'on the road' myself one day. Will definitely be referencing this video when I do my prep. Happy travels!
Loved his saying...”entertain your brain...think of what you want, think of a way to do it, then do it!”. 😊
Yes, great advice
Getting plenty of great DIY's . Grandma Pat looking forward in doing a permanent build. I started a minivan modular build and my grandson love it and our adventures. Keep the videos coming.
Nan, I picked that up as well... "Entertain Your Brain!" Good stuff, nice build, inspiration... and yet another likable chap! I really admire the creativity on display found in the minds and hearts of these builders. Electrical... it's as foriegn to me as the female species, (ask any I've dated, lol), but I still find it interesting to listen to. My knowledge of electrical systems stops at my, still, childlike amazement, whenever I flip the switch and... my kitchen is illuminated. =] As a small child I stuck a kitchen knife into the switch/latch of my grandmother's open clothes dryer wondering if it'd turn it on WITH that door open. I wasn't a bright child... But for a second or two, I was a bit, uh, brighter than I had been. I learned quickly... one can operate a dryer with the door open and, two, it wasn't one of my better ideas. =]
@@grandmapat5122 I've hit a 2008 Caravan that I want to rebuild for camping/living do you have any videos out here?
This man is a natural born story teller 😮 I could listen to him for hours talking about cardboard 😊
Les was a wonderful man.
Les is a good friend of mine, and one of the most creative people I know - and his ability matches his creativity. I watched this van develop over the last several months. I'm so glad he got to share his story! Awesome job, Les!
Well said!
That’s my cousin Les!! He’s the best! Always had vans and did creative designs :). He knows his stuff!! The Van looks awesome in person :) great to see this!
So cool!
Thanks Steve !! You are another person that I know that likes to be creative and have fun. “ Entertain your Brain !!” Les.
He seems like a nice grandpa who likes to tell a bedtime story to his grandchildren And a nicely done camper too
Oh nice
@@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures Dear Patrick njoa, I watched your review video about SUPER RED HOT DIY - Retired Electrician Builds Out Custom GMC Campervan on KZhead, and you really have done a great job on this. I love your video style very much. We are setting up a new business on camping chair and hope to extend our business. So can you test the product for us? We will appreciate it and we can pay for your effort. Best Regards
WOW! LUV THE RED HOT CHEVY VAN!
I was wondering if he was a union electrician, my question was answered when I saw the IBEW sticker on front of his 120 panel(and he mentioned it later); and I knew he had to have had unistrut someplace in that van, made me laugh when he pulled out the draw and he said he used unistrut. I'm a safety manager for a union electrical contractor glad to hear his reference to safety on the job, so very important. Wonderful build.
Thank you Alicia, I am happy you enjoyed it
Thank you for your kind words. Stay safe out there in all that you do !
I saw the same IBEW sticker . As a retired IBEW tramp you got me thinking about maybe doing something similar.
God I love old people! I’ve watched probably a thousand van videos and this is the first one that I actually learned something useful. He explained everything so well and kept me listening! Thank you!
Enjoyed hearing from someone who built it himself. Practical, informative and inspiring. Learned his tip to have all plugs GFI protected because of moisture in the van
Thank you very much
This dude reminds me of my grandpa. I just wanna hug him!
Thanks.
Thanks again to everyone for your kind words. I just wanted to let you know that Patti and I have really been enjoying our new camper van. We have a lot of camping plans for this fall. After all is said and done, I don’t think that I would change anything as far as the design goes. It really suits our needs well. It is perfect for day trips and sleepovers. Have fun and continue to be adventurous. Thanks again to Patrick for all of your hard work. This site really helps so many people get ideas for their own builds. Happy trails to you !!
Great Job Brother Lu. #401 Reno NV 😎👍
Great job, Les. I am picking up my first van on April 30th. Your advice on the GFCI is great. I also like that you save the inert female end of the power cord to protect things while you are driving.
Thats wonderful Les. I'm so glad you and Patti are having fun. Do you post any photos or videos on your channel yet? I know it takes so Much time; but if you get the chance, they would be great to see. Take care. 🌲💚🌲
Fantastic build on your van! So many shared ideas to think about on my build. Thanks so much!!!!
He speaks with a twinkle in his eye! Two fine gentlemen.
You can tell this man is all about precision, his work is great.
Thank you Butch. Les
To steal another saying, "There are no old, bold electricians." In that job, your life depends on strict precision. Great person!
The typee of guy u want around a campfire telling stories.very smart guy n big heart
Yes, me too
Thank you so very much!! I would love to sit around a campfire with you. Les.
One proud electrician.... 😊
Yes 🙌🏼
I am also am a retired construction worker , hvac. I bought a Sprinter and built it out. It was so much fun. I had a blast. Actually am still working on it, changing this , installing that. It is never ending and if it does I might sell it and do it again. Thank you for the video.
That is awesome!
Les, has a very pleasant speaking voice and I enjoyed listening to his van tour 👍
I absolutely love this one. His knowledge and absolute enthusiasm is so infectious! So talented. A lovely, well thought out build. Thoroughly enjoyed this. Thank you for hosting such wonderful van lifers. Excellent! ❤️
Glad you enjoyed it!
What an absolutely delightful gentleman!!
Yes, Les is wonderful
Hi, I grew up on Seneca Lake, it is beautiful there. A well built van, thank you. How nice he would ask his wife, what she thinks, smart man, lol.
Thank you buddy checking this one out
And you got the Maxi fan great choice.. I swear by it no other fans can beat it.. I guarantee you it..
Better than Fantastic Fan??
@@jenniferwise8515 definitely better than the fantastic fan I'll tell you why the fantastic fan you cannot open it in the rain you have to close it the Maxi fan you can open it leave it open in winter snow sleet rain 10 speeds in and out the fantastic fan don't have that the fantastic fan is noisy.. I have one of my camper van and I bought one for my camper trailer which I'm building.
This man's happiness is due to Patty. And both are lucky for each other. His experience and attention to detail is awesome. I hope they have many years of happiness ahead of them.
I like his red van, he’s a good guy that is trained to do things correct and safety is very important. Everything is well thought out. Great video
Absolutely fantastic explanation, and superb job on the Van !! And to Beth Shalenberger, you have every reason to be proud of your Father !! Bill
Thank you very much for your kind words. Les.
"So many good KZhead videos out there that I watched was a school for me." This is another one! AWESOME built! Thanks for sharing.
Wow, thanks!
I see this man as the greatest neighbor
What a wonderful van build. This gentleman was so well spoken. I actually understood every word he said very clearly.
Loved watching and listening to your video. In my career I was a member of IBEW 2218. Throughout my utility career, I ran the safety meetings for my employees. “Safety First”. and planning each job, prevents accidents. You’re the best. Thank you for the tour. Inspiring.
Thank you sister. Safety is always premier, not only on the job, but every where. I have my entire family focused on safety, at home, on the highway, at play. Take care and have a fun and safe autumn. Les
Patrick you really do nice interviews because you let your guests talk. I have watched some that keep interrupting and won't let a guest finish their thought. Thank you especially for panning the camera slowly and letting us get a good look at everything.
Sitting on a bucket and planning is top notch skills! Best part of building!
That is my favorite part too sitting back looking at the work and planning the next move. It’s like a chess game.
The shape of the kitchen is exactly the idea I needed for our 2008 Savana. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
I guess I’m going to have to find a journeyman electrician willing to watch this video and then take the same precautions in building the electrics on my future van. Fantastic explanations Les, fantastic build.
It’s cool to see a guy so proud of the trade he learned. I’m a journeyman substation electrician for IBEW 465. Cheers.
Thank you brother. IBEW strong !! We continue to keep America wired and running. Keep safe in all that you do !! Les.
You're in my back yard, and he's wearing a local winery shirt, and oh boy, oh boy, what a swell van. OMG Letchworth too? Thanks NJOA. I'm going outside now to breathe in some Finger Lakes delight.
Union Yes. Nice job from local 648 Hamilton Ohio
Thank you Mike. Here’s to you brother and Local 648 !!
Does anyone else really want to hang out with Les?? What a cool human! I bet he has SO many epic stories to share about his travels!!
Maybe one day!
A one of a kind person.. my cousin :)
The electricals and wirings are neatly placed and laid! Obviously a product of 37 years on 'wires and cables' and you were able to use it on your truck, Sir! My hats off and I wish I could replicate your design as my template. Stay safe!
Virgilio, Thank you for your kind words. Happy trails to you. Les.
Well said!
A good union journeyman. A fantastic job you did sir. I've been a union organizer for 30 years. All one has to do is look at the quality there in your 110 volt junction box, to see the advantage of a labor union trained electrician.
Rite on brother !! Thank you for your kind words. Union, Yes !! Good luck in all of your travels!! We stand for quality !!
I have no campervan, and I only know the basics of electronics, but I've listened to his narration of electrical systems with pleasure. Thanks, the van is looking great by the way!
This man is an Amazing Story Teller ! !
Am I the only one that really wants to hear this kind man read "The Polar Express" I think it would be amazing. Very nice van Sir. Great job
Thank you so much. How could you tell that I am also a model train nut? Take care. Les
OMGOSH …Years of videos & finally … this is what I need … THANK U BOTH
Glad you enjoyed it
Very well appointed. Nice to see knowledgeably skilled people van building. Thanks for sharing. And my favorite wine on a t-shirt. He gets extra points for being sharp enough to do rounded corners on his counters. People rarely think of such details.
Thank you very much Therese
Therese, Thanks for the kind words. I’m glad that you enjoyed the video. Les.
Filmed in Watkins Glen. Wearing a Bully Hill Winery shirt! Yay, Upstate New York!
I love upstate NY...
What a great build! I have a huge soft spot for electricians. My Dad was an electrician. He used to get a little upset when fires were blamed on bad wiring. He wired our house in 1967 in NJ. We had at least twice as many outlets as any other home in the neighborhood :). This video is wonderful - thank you!!
Nicely done van. He’s a great craftsman and I wish he was my next door neighbor. Really enjoyed hearing him speak.
Not only is this a super clean build, but Les comes off as a super nice guy. I hope he and Patty are enjoying the heck out of this van!
OMG Les I love you. I could sit and listen to you talk all day. Love your van and your wife decorated beautifully. If I ever go camping I hope I end up next to you guys!!
Glad you enjoyed the tour
Love this...Clean, simple, functional, Stealth, just right
Awesome van build! There are so many ideas I will be borrowing for my Transit Connect van & enclosed trailer build. Thank you for sharing such a cool build.
Thank you for your kind words. Les
If I could do it over I would have become an electrician. They are particular and precise with safety in mind. That is my ideal rig very nice!!
Yes a very interesting and rewarding career
Les is both a craftsman and a creative genius. What’s most inspiring is that he teaches you how to solve your own challenges, not just do things the way he did them. Thank you so much for this video!
Well said!
I’m a single mom trying to build a van for my daughters and I. I’ve never been able to take my kids camping because I have medical issues and can’t camp traditionally. I am also in desperate need of an electrician for my home but I just don’t make enough. I sure wish you were closer to Texas so I could pick you brain. You are incredibly skilled!!! Thank you for sharing this amazing build!! Prayers for travels my friend!!
I am happy this video may have been helpful for you
What a pleasant gentleman. I hope you and your wife continue to have a wonderful and adventurous retirement! 🙏🙏🙏
Thank you so
What a sweet man and what a perfect van build . 👍🏽 Thanks for sharing 😊
Thank you very much
This is one of the cleanest builds I’ve seen in a long time. I really appreciate Les’s his devotion to safety, and I did not once here any reference to any major box store or any of the dominating online outlets. That made me really happy. I like that Les is a locavore, there’s a lot to learn from this video and from this retired electrician. I enjoyed this immensely.
Hello everyone. I just wanted to thank all of you that have watched this video of my van. I am totally blown away by the number of people that have watched and commented. Patrick, you’re site rocks !! I have checked out so many other videos. I’ve got to say that there are a lot of creative people out there. I only wish that I new about this site before I started my build. I’m sure that I would have incorporated some of those ideas into my van.
Thank you very much Les. I was fate that we met
@@NewJerseyOutdoorAdventures You bet !! It was. Thanks again
Just a confident informed man who built his van himself. A pleasure to watch him describe his build. Thanks Patrick for this great presentation.
Our pleasure!
Just bought my first van ever. A 1991 G20 and you sir have inspired me to learn more about the van life, electricity & the design. Hats off 👏
Love this van too. I hope we can do an east coast rally where all of Patrick's peeps can be there. So many talented people. Love this channel.
Great job Brother. Active I.B.E.W. here Lu. #401 Reno NV. I'm currently doing the same thing & have documented my build on my channel. Hoping to be finished in the next month. I went with the Dodge Sprinter diesel high top. It's funny how you can see a union mans work & know it. I knew you were I.B.E.W. before I seen the bug in the back. 🤜🤛 😎👍
Right on
Hello brother. I posted a comment seven hours ago and just noticed I sent it to the room and not under your comment. That was for you. My computer skills are not the best. Thanks again brother!
He would make an excellent teacher!! His voice is reassuring and kind. Sounds like a great guy. What a wonderful video!😊
He is really something special
What a great van & Les was so thorough...great job!
Thank you Gina. Les
What a cool guy. Calm, fun, simple but detailed. Looks like the build works great for them. Happy travels!
Thanks Vickie ! Les.
Stumbling on this one a little late, but I am poking around looking for ideas on for my own van build, hopefully within the next couple years. I gotta say, Les addressed a lot of stuff I am always wondering about, but never get, from other van tours. I am a very technical person, so I appreciate, and want MORE technical details on the how-to of this van! Beautifully done, definitely a fit and finish I will aspire to. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you so much. Les
I wish you had an unmarried twin brother! My kinda guy! Proud of your work, safety, planning. You're wife is a lucky woman!
Thank you so much for your kindness. That really put a smile on my face !! Les
I appreciate that
This is the best video i have ever seen on a van build! I have saved it. Later, when i may have to build out a van for full time living, this will guide me. I will be 70 yr old soon. Hope i can do it!
Hello Catherine. Thank you for your kind words. You can do it. You are the same age as me. Good luck with your van. Les.
Awesome! Thank you!
What a lovely man. He is so knowledgeable and speaks slowly enough to understand what he is saying. So nice to see all the details and seeing how to do something properly. Nice.
Thank you for your kind words Sue. Les
So Very Inspirational 😊 I really enjoyed his personality. I learned a lot about electrical needs and safety !
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great build, Les. Appreciation and accolades from an IBEW Local #3 family!
Much appreciated!
Thanks to both of you. And cheers to Local 3 !! I had the pleasure to work with a few members quite a few years ago. I can’t remember their names , but I do remember that they were excellent electricians. Happy Labor Day ! Les.
It's a nice build. Looks modern- and more spacious than most. // Space is important in a van in case you want to haul stuff in it... // Just remember, every screw you screw into your walls... takes away from that space / flexibility of use. - There's something to be said to having a cot, a 3-drawer plastic floor shelf unit from Walmart, and a cooler as your build. Although you can probably get some stuff in there for transport- easier than others would be able to.
This guy is genius!! Love the build! Best of luck and many years of enjoyment!!
Glad you enjoyed it Rick
Great video, thanks from Portugal. Many of the new camper vans in Europe have refrigerators with doors that open both ways. P.S. I don’t know how they do it, but it’s a very cool feature.
I’m happy you liked this
NJOA;;; HELLO,PATRICK, SO THIS MAN IS A retiree union electrician ,so was able to figure out his needs,wood work, worked fine, van is setup ver well,,outfitted for 2 just right Thanks for showing it, happy travels,,,,,,,🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
He has lots of great ideas
This is a kind of guy I'd like to learn from And hear his stories Hes a do it yourself type guy Love that!!
Ellen. Thank you! Les.
Hi patrick. This electrician is a genious and a sweetheart. Im sure his wife is very proud of him.
I love how neat and minimal everything is.
He really did a great job. I’m happy he got to enjoy it.
The KZhead guy he’s taking about for the drawer design is called Pask Makes. He makes an amazing drawer setup in the back of his truck, and stands in them in the end. Uses the same ingredients. I know because i followed the same video for my drawers, and they’re the same lol Another Great video Patrick! Keep them coming!
kzhead.info/sun/eLCJZJWoe32XpKs/bejne.html
Thank you for the reference.
When I heard Les mention “bulkhead” my first thought was Navy trained 😁
I really enjoyed meeting Les and seeing his great build, well done!
I love this man. I love his attitude, his outlook on life, his humility and his pride in his attention to detail. A great guy to camp with I am sure
What a smart man. I wouldn't want to buy a DIY van , but I would trust this was done well and safely
It's the first time I've seen an electritians comments on electrical safety in a van. This video needs allot of attention to help many people prevent deadly mistakes. I'm all for DIY but Electricity is Deadly If You don't know how.
That is a beautiful van build, and I love the color red 🚗 very very nice excellent job 🏆 you can see the time and dedication, that him and his wife put into that van
What a cool guy and a great build he did on the van i could sit down with him and talk to him about the van for hours
Thank you sir ! Les.
Les is a great guy! He makes excellent beer too! Awesome job!
Thank you David. I’m sure he does
Thanks for the video, Patrick. I always look forward to your interviews. Every van build is unique. American ingenuity at its best.
Glad you like them!
Best Van build I have seen on you tube by a regular person and not by a shop. Well thought out and beautiful craftsmen ship.
This the best video in a van build I have watched Simple and keep it clean I was a electrical lineman. I love electricity Les presented this video so well and like the full size Chev vehicles Thank you
Hello Dave. I’m glad that you liked the video. It was lucky that I ran into Patrick at the finger lakes. Without him this video would not exist. Take care. Les
What a gentleman love his manorisum nice build really liked the electrical systems both 12v & 110v excellent idea you've given me some great ideas for my upcoming build thank you for your ideas.
Such an amazing guy
Always interesting builds... I can always find 'takeaways' from your videos, inspiration... thank you. And, again... here's another likable chap. "Entertain Your Brain!" Love it!
Cool, thanks
Salute to Les ! Really impressive, well planned build.
I love this van! I've seen a lot of Vans, but this one is perfect. I'd buy this one!!!!! I'm a retired trucker, so I don't need a fancy toilet.😂😂😂😂
Thank you so much Sue. Enjoy your retirement. Les.
Very cool van build and an even more cool dude. Sorry to hear that he has passed. I bought a hippie van in September 2023. And I've been looking at van builds and this one came up. RIP Les
He reminds me of my dad, I think I’ll call mine now
...... this guyz not kiddin'! 🤴
I was looking for just the right video for my van, I'm pleased to say, this is it! I'd put my sink where the fridge is only because if I'm cooking outside the sink would be handy. I'd choose a full size bed just because it's just me. Otherwise perfect. 👍 Les, how could I get in touch?
Thank you Debra. I’m glad that I was able to help. Modifications is where it’s at. I know it may not seem like it , but that is a full size bed 50” wide and 74” long. It does have a10 x 12” notch missing. Let me know if you have any more questions. I’m glad to help.
@@lessvarny4556 what do you cook on/with or just outdoor?
This is one of the BEST van builds I've seen! It is certainly the safest! The electrical is brilliant. I love all the clever gimmicks included. I can tell that in all your years of electrical work, you were learning from the other trades. I also respect the way you show appreciation to the other builders you showed you how. This van is a work of art!
Wow, thank you!