Thanks for checking out our 4 season campervan. Since filming, we've made some adjustments. Look forward to sharing winter van dwelling lessons and successes in a future video. 💚🚐 Have any questions or video suggestions? We love to hear from you!
@kunlayasirisuwan8846
5 жыл бұрын
what size of your sprinter
@__-pl3jg
5 жыл бұрын
V & M - Thx for sharing your home! Is your van the 159" length or the shorter model?
@VMvanlife
5 жыл бұрын
@@kunlayasirisuwan8846 170wb Sprinter
@VMvanlife
5 жыл бұрын
@@__-pl3jg Sprinter 170WB full height, not extended body.
@__-pl3jg
5 жыл бұрын
V & M - Cool. Thx
@vanzeit2300
5 жыл бұрын
Finally someone with a tilting solar panel - well done 😎👍🚐💨
@bigtomsvan4817
5 жыл бұрын
Mine tilt's but not so wonderfully built.
@HeliFly1987
5 жыл бұрын
One of the better van tours I've seen.. and I've seen a lot! Max did a great job behind the camera.. very professional. You to also gave excellent detail during the tour.. well done!
@VMvanlife
5 жыл бұрын
I believe you've watched a lot of tours - so thrilled to hear we have done a good job sharing ours! Max did an awesome job - we were so lucky to get to work on videos with him! Best wishes with your van build plans! Hope to see you on the road soon!! 💚🚐
@carpenterfamily6198
5 жыл бұрын
Van Tours on Saturday morning ! I’m like a 50 yr old kid watching cartoons. Lots to like about your build. The sliding solar mount was great - one of the best I’ve seen.
@VMvanlife
5 жыл бұрын
I'd be curious to know how many hours of van tour videos we've watched. 😋 It's so helpful when planning a build and so much fun to see what others do. I'm glad you enjoyed our video - many thanks for your kind words. Best wishes 💚🚐
@guiangador9585
5 жыл бұрын
The most organized van so far... Love how you built it...
@badgamerkat
4 жыл бұрын
This is hands down the nicest van set up I've seen.
@ericyuan9718
5 жыл бұрын
Came back to say that after watching countless van builds, yours is THE (I mean THE) ultimate functional van build. It's the little details that make the van a notch above the rest. The space saving design for the toilet, the deep sink, the solar panel setup while having ceiling fans the fans to heat the water......
@martinjenkins6472
5 жыл бұрын
Been looking at van builds for months now (will start my own once my boat is sold) and your van has some great design features that I am shamelessly going to steal :) Sending love from the UK.
@adamfcplm
5 жыл бұрын
Awesome build! But the music could have been a bit quieter :)
@VMvanlife
5 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the feedback! The learning never stops.
@ROBERTATYEO
4 жыл бұрын
This may be my new favourite van channel.Id like to bring my girlfriend to visit you guys, so you can help me hypnotize her into van life.
@Makelifehappennow
4 жыл бұрын
Great tour. One of the smartest vans builds. Looking forward t seeing more vids.
@mariettadavis-williams8562
5 жыл бұрын
I watched the video on December 24th and I loved it. I especially agree with your statement about having someone as crazy as you to enjoy life to the fullest. Hope you enjoy the holidays and wishing you a wonderful New Year.
@VMvanlife
5 жыл бұрын
Thank you. We did have a great holiday season. Hope you did as well. Happy travels 👍
@wingnutbert9685
3 жыл бұрын
Love to see a video on the solar tilt roof rack!
@ChakraWielder
5 жыл бұрын
Absolutely love your van guys! The fact that you have a desktop with a widescreen monitor is boss! Only downside imo is the seating situation. But I guess you've got to compromise somewhere. Hope you guys are loving are loving life on the road.
@VMvanlife
5 жыл бұрын
We are loving our setup and life on the road. There has only been one time when we had thought more seats would be nice. Happy travels 👍
@sassiegarner
2 жыл бұрын
I like that van and the Ray thumb's up
@JanneWolterbeek
5 жыл бұрын
Real nice and modern van! Love the amount of solar power you get!
@leilal8053
4 жыл бұрын
Wow...you really do have it ALL 😊
@mirageseekr
5 жыл бұрын
Excellent build, love how uncluttered and clean it is. The green makes everything pop without going overboard. I don't think I would want to live in some of the wood ones that resemble a coffin.
@VMvanlife
5 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much! We are very happy in our tiny home. These tour videos can be so helpful to the build planning process. 💚🚐 (Go team green!)
@jtcen1215
5 жыл бұрын
Your partner's deadpan delivery with explaining everything was awesome. Great build BTW.
@VMvanlife
5 жыл бұрын
Raynor's got an amazing mind for building, maintaining and repairing van builds. That's not the same skillset as talking on camera. Hehehe I need a blooper reel to show him dry wit. ☺️
@jamesborsheim9382
5 жыл бұрын
One of the most awesome builds I've seen! You both do an excellent presentation, much appreciated. Continued safe travels!
@VMvanlife
5 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much James. We appreciate your support and kind words. Hope we'll see you on the road!! 💚🚐
@mitchellbarnow1709
5 жыл бұрын
What an incredible home that you've built! You should be very proud of what you two have created. Thanks for sharing
@VMvanlife
5 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much. ☺️ This home on wheels brings us so much joy and has opened a new world to us. Best wishes to you and yours. 💚🚐
@mitchellbarnow1709
5 жыл бұрын
V & M It definitely shows!
@kevin-my9ld
4 жыл бұрын
Thanks Ray Outfitted I'm Transitioning to V&M Vanlife selling my place, trying to figure out which van to buy etc etc.... love the both of your info...Thanks a Million
@chadjones4255
5 жыл бұрын
That rack-mounted solar system would actually be great for hot climates since it blocks the sun from hitting the top of the van.
@VMvanlife
5 жыл бұрын
It has been super helpful in hot climates. It definitely keeps heat off the roof more.
@emersonmoulton
5 жыл бұрын
Really nice working layout! And a few of your ideas are good for us who don't yet have live-in vans (like the phone mount and the replacement rear-view mirror!). Beautifully done!
@VMvanlife
5 жыл бұрын
Thank you. I'm glad we've given some interesting ideas! The phone mounts are so nice - we magnet our phones everywhere. Haha
@MegaCAdou
5 жыл бұрын
I could in a city it this it is so practical for everyday use..not just surviving in the wilderness. Love it
@philippeperreault2604
5 жыл бұрын
Amazing! Almost 1KW of solar panels! Great overall design! Love the green cabinet doors!
@longhairmullet
5 жыл бұрын
Philippe Perreault yes that only lasted three days? Large electrical consumption with kitchen appliances? Because fridge is a low draw..
@lizsteeds6697
5 жыл бұрын
Curious as to the aversion of LPG or what you call propane in USA/Canada. Is it sustainability and anti-fossil fuels? Or were you worried about anything else? The 1K solar should last so much longer ... heating water and cooking is so much more efficient with tankless LPG and gas burners for a stove which draws so much from your solar otherwise.
@seabunny3
5 жыл бұрын
@@longhairmullet would probably last longer with lithium batteries as you have more usable power.
@DITYADISINI
5 жыл бұрын
Damn. Gamers will love this setup.
@Pookastudio2
5 жыл бұрын
Love it. Great design work. Cold weather design -I love your idea to have a fan in the garage to circulate the heated air. I also have the same foot-stool arrangement for the passenger seat. Good thing the door pocket holds the stool. Well done.
@VMvanlife
5 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much! Yes! It's funny how many people do have the footstool. Since the filming, we added a computer fan into the wall, below the foot of the bed. It pulls warm air into the garage and has been very effective. Safe and happy travels! 💚🚐
@santitaylor2841
5 жыл бұрын
Love your home. I love how you both explain the set-up. Wow at that solar system.
@VMvanlife
5 жыл бұрын
Thank you. We are happy to hear when people enjoyed what we have done in our set-up. Happy travels
@nelsoncasamalhuapa1554
5 жыл бұрын
Great video, I would love to see a video on how you built that solar panel tilting rack.
@Levi_Allen
5 жыл бұрын
Great work you two!
@VMvanlife
5 жыл бұрын
Thank you!! 💚🚐
@de1t4
5 жыл бұрын
Very well done! Success is in the details!
@yvettelopez5866
5 жыл бұрын
Love your tilted solar panels n the entire build. Great job!
@tyson1fan487
5 жыл бұрын
Wow you guys have the nicest Van build I've seen just beautiful and u thought of everything the solar system is amazing the room u have and my favorite is the charging station in the drawer amazing I'm glad I was able to see this I've always thought sprinters are too big but something about yours it just seems like a home not just a Van build
@VMvanlife
5 жыл бұрын
Thank you for your kind words. It is our favourite place we've called home. That charging drawer is amazing for life on the road. Some small details make a big impact on day to day life. Best wishes and happy adVANturing 💚🚐
@andysmith7554
5 жыл бұрын
Awesome build!!! Open space is always great! You guys keeping having fun with vanlife!! It's great!
@VMvanlife
5 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much! Best wishes! 💚🚐
@JordanTomasone
5 жыл бұрын
Probably the most detailed and well thought out DIY Campervan I have seen! Great tour ♥
@JamesDavalos63
5 жыл бұрын
Wow I love your van. Someday I hope to build one and would definitely use yours as a model. Thanks so much for sharing.
@VMvanlife
5 жыл бұрын
The very biggest compliment! Thank you. Check out Explorist.Life (formerly Adventure in a Backpack) - their videos helped us during our planning and building. Best wishes!!
@70rosebud
4 жыл бұрын
Fab van build 👍🏻😄😜
@bellman246
5 жыл бұрын
Awesome build! Very well thought out design and innovative thinking! Happy Travels
@VMvanlife
5 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much! Best wishes!! 💚🚐
@ceegee2676
4 жыл бұрын
Amazing teamwork...all aspects!
@newtuber4freedom43
5 жыл бұрын
Just subbing via Chrome’s VCVL!! 💚💚💚💚💚💚💚
@marianocelentano2864
5 жыл бұрын
WOW!!! One of the best I have seen!!! Really, really cool van because: great quality, loved the colors, the layout, the desk, the back baskets for socks and stuff (light, affordable, and easy to use) etc. Thanks for sharing! Happy travel!!! : )
@VMvanlife
5 жыл бұрын
Wow! Thanks! We're really happy with our home. We share in hopes of paying forward some of the value we got from watching tour videos while planning. Best wishes and happy travels!
@marianocelentano2864
5 жыл бұрын
You did a great job. Thanks, you too : )
@jinggarcesa5913
5 жыл бұрын
Great built and i love the green touch on the interior and the garage😍 Some van lifers have problems on molds and condensations hope u dont have the same problems too goodluck to ur journey on the road stay safe😉
@VMvanlife
5 жыл бұрын
Thanks! 9 months in and no issues. Only time will tell - same with any house of any size.
@bigtomsvan4817
5 жыл бұрын
Just magnificent! Hello from Tennessee.
@leilal8053
5 жыл бұрын
Yey...a Toilet...AND...HANGING wardrobe..🐸
@VMvanlife
5 жыл бұрын
Everyone has their priorities! It was easy to let go of some comforts. It's all about making choices. 💚🚐
@swaterman08
5 жыл бұрын
Finally, after all these videos I was amazed people do not have TV's and Playstations. Yes it is great to be a couple.... but after a couple weeks a couple hours on PS4 would make my life better.
@rickandal617
5 жыл бұрын
Well done. Smartly upfitted. Thanks for sharing.
@jbsmith1
5 жыл бұрын
Excellent use of the space in that sprinter, and exactly the solar setup I would do with the diesel heater running off the engine tank. More builders should copy this! The only thing I would add is battery to battery charging off the engine. But great build!:-)
@VMvanlife
5 жыл бұрын
Thank you!! Yes. We have a auto charge relay. Raynor has installed some battery to battery chargers in other vans. They are much more expensive and while worth the investment, we had to make some compromise. Someday, we might get the chance to upgrade. 💚🚐
@bronxpoetry1620
5 жыл бұрын
YOUR VAN IS AWESOME!!!!!! How did you all come up with the design. I'm going to search your channel for the videos. You both must be engineers. Everything makes sense and very clever. Thank you!!!
@VMvanlife
5 жыл бұрын
Thank you for the kind words! Neither of us are engineers. Raynor is an automotive mechanic which most certainly helped us. Explorist Life, formerly Adventure in a Backpack was our biggest resource when in planning stage. Far Out Ride is a Canadian build that gave us helpful insights on winter vanlife. On our KZitem channel and website (www.vandm.ca) we share back with the community that supported us. Raynor is now also trying to make a go of funding our travel by helping others with their build outs. Thanks again for your kind words and support! Best wishes on your own adVANtures
@sherellucasemmanuelcarsola6896
5 жыл бұрын
love it if there was a shower. personal hygine is prime most important for us.
@VMvanlife
5 жыл бұрын
Oh man did we spend hours debating shower or no shower. The circles we talked ourselves in. 😂 It adds a lot of complexity and while handy also has some inconveniences. We didn't want to be searching for fill/dump stations, paying for their use, and having more of our weight capacity consumed by water. Hot water tank needs a heat source and propane seem most popular but we didn't want propane in the van. The closest could have been a instead. We could have given up having the full queen. The desk is so important for us, but for someone else that's potential shower space. You can build to suit and that's one of the many things we love about DIY. Side note: Not owning our own shower doesn't mean we ignore personal hygiene. Gyms, spas, rec pools, lakes/rivers, friends and family mean we shower the same frequency as always. Best wishes. Sending our best for your adVANture. Built that beauty to suit you! 💚🚐
@lorcro2000
5 жыл бұрын
@@VMvanlife You can pretty easily do diesel heated hot water also. There are combination heaters that heat the cabin and water, for that matter, including tankless options (though of course you need a fresh water tank, and ideally a larger one mounted under the van).
@VMvanlife
5 жыл бұрын
@@lorcro2000 Absolutely! There are endless possibilities. We recently met a couple installing a glycol heater - pretty slick. As Canadians who don't want to run from the cold, tanks underneath the vehicle require at a minimum a heat tracer. The complexity of four season living made for a rewarding challenge for us. We are thrilled with our van, which we built in our timeframe and budget. None of this is to suggest everyone should do as we did. Just sharing one winter loving couple's approach. We love that there's such a wide range in styles and approaches. Do you!
@g-r-a-e-m-e-
5 жыл бұрын
I agree, a combined toilet/shower/drying room is not hugely space consuming, especially when you consider the multiple uses it offers. For example, coming in, wet after rain, this is the place to hang your coats to drip and dry. The space can be heated to aid drying and washing. And even with a loving partner, I would prefer to go to the toilet in a slightly more private space. And, if you had a visitor, you actually need that private space. But it is all a personal choice.
@peacefreedom4930
4 жыл бұрын
ghlyall How much water do we use taking showers? That water has to fit in the van. If the tanks and plumbing are outside of the van you run the risk of frozen pipes. Plumbing is also going to increase the cost of the build. I want a van with a shower. But I’m starting to see why many people don’t have one. It costs $10,000 or more to add a bathroom when you aren’t doing it DIY.
@gadgetfellow
4 жыл бұрын
stunning
@stacykrett
5 жыл бұрын
@ 12:44 Hilarious transition to the garage.
@pmmurf101
5 жыл бұрын
Excellent van build and explanation from both of you of it all! Kudos - we are also Canadian - my wish is to buy a van and have it custom-outfitted for RV part time living. Will definitely keep you in mind - but first we need to win the "big one"!
@VMvanlife
5 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much! Glad our video was informative! We'd sure be happy to help you with your camper conversion. It's an amazing project with such a big pay off. Best wishes to you. Hope your dreams come true, soon!
@AudieDiddle
5 жыл бұрын
Please do a more in depth video on the solar rack. Very few people have moving or sliding racks.
@VMvanlife
5 жыл бұрын
It's on the list!! Thanks so much.
@blackwhite9177
5 жыл бұрын
I can say yours is one of the best well done 👍
@unacamper9123
5 жыл бұрын
You really like green...............
@VMvanlife
5 жыл бұрын
Yes we do. Thank you for noticing. Happy travels 👍
@bin_patel
5 жыл бұрын
Wow! Your channel is so underrated. I just found it and subbed already. Your tour is no less than any professional video tours out there, excellent editing
@VMvanlife
5 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much for the kind words. We worked with our friend to film the tour video who is an aspiring videographer. Happy travels 👍
@livelightwithwildlandorgan7122
5 жыл бұрын
Great job guys, thanks for the tour! Your videos have been so helpful with our build, it’s awesome to finally see the details of your home :-)
@VMvanlife
5 жыл бұрын
It brings us such joy to hear we have been able to help your van build and journey. I hope we'll get to cross paths on the road! Sending our best wishes to you and your build. 💚🚐
@carolinafernandezlopez8361
5 жыл бұрын
Impresionante!!! Congratulations!!!
@in-the-vanpeter5157
5 жыл бұрын
Really nice build clean practical and I love the front screens might borrow that idea mine are a dead giveaway. Enjoy your travels and a big hi to Canada from Eastern Europe
@VMvanlife
5 жыл бұрын
Thanks Peter! Please borrow the idea! We use wooden dowels to give it more structure and prevent drooping. We've also found it best to fold, not roll for longevity. Happy adVANtures!! Best wishes on your travels. 💚🚐
@in-the-vanpeter5157
5 жыл бұрын
The dowels are a great idea I’m now on it. Thank you have fun
@VMvanlife
5 жыл бұрын
@@in-the-vanpeter5157 Let us know how yours turn out! Best wishes. 💚🚐
@deggree
5 жыл бұрын
That rear view mirror camera system is by FAR the best I’ve ever seen. The fact that it also records is just incredible. I’m guessing it’s expensive but 100% worth it in my opinion. Could you share the brand and model name/number and where it can be purchased. I live in the United States hopefully I can find it.
@VMvanlife
5 жыл бұрын
We tried and returned many systems before finding this one. We're thrilled and it was less than $100 Canadian!! You can find a link to it on our website: www.vandm.ca/products There's many different brands and models that operate in a similar fashion - this one we felt was a middle ground. We did upgrade the memory card in it, after purchasing. Let us know if we can help further. Cheers!
@ericyuan9718
5 жыл бұрын
@@VMvanlife Does the camera double as a security camera?
@VMvanlife
5 жыл бұрын
@@ericyuan9718 the system that was installed during this van tour does have a parking mode for security. We have upgraded to a DVR system that stores 72 hours of footage which we are enjoying much better now.
@yasssbihhh1743
5 жыл бұрын
Great van tour! Also great video editing.
@VMvanlife
5 жыл бұрын
In the video description is the link to the videographers own KZitem channel. He's very talented!
@Scrambler85
5 жыл бұрын
Excellent build on the van and a great job on the van tour
@VMvanlife
5 жыл бұрын
Many thanks!! We've learned so much and the projects never end. It's been an amazing adventure and we're excited for what our future travel with this van will hold! 💚🚐
@deniseockey6204
5 жыл бұрын
PS4! I am jealous! Nice van design
@joechavez9073
5 жыл бұрын
Bravo, finally a build that takes future maintenance into account. I've been considering the "component" approach to building so that your are able to change and maintain. I am very impressed with your build, from the substantial directional solar array to the personal lifestyle touches. Well thought out and meticulous construction. Thanks for the tour !!!!
@VMvanlife
5 жыл бұрын
Thank you for the kind words. Happy to hear that we are able to help others while planing their build. Happy travels 👍
@kozgame4010
5 жыл бұрын
Finally one with a (powerful? since water cooling) desktop! Can you explain more as to how much you pc uses vs how much solar power u need just for pc to run 10 hours in a day?
@VMvanlife
5 жыл бұрын
Our PC uses 120w while processing. With our solar array we can charge our batteries while the computer is running. Happy travels 👍
@IvyRoad
5 жыл бұрын
Very happy to find your channel. Your van design is so intelligent! I'm also happy to see more van lifers in T.O.! You have a new subscriber :0)
@VMvanlife
5 жыл бұрын
Honored! We like finding all the Canadians who make this lifestyle their own. Best wishes and thanks for joining us on our adVANture. 💚🚐
@ishmom1
5 жыл бұрын
Very nice van. Love it.
@anonymousanonymous_000
5 жыл бұрын
Amazing build ! Well thought out.
@SigKappel
5 жыл бұрын
Taking tips from this. Thanks for the video.
@VMvanlife
5 жыл бұрын
That makes us so happy. We have some build information on our website: www.vandm.ca Best wishes on your build and adVANtures. 💚🚐
@kwhite8012
5 жыл бұрын
Beauty build guys!! great job!
@VMvanlife
5 жыл бұрын
Many thanks! Appreciate the support. 💚🚐
@marielinejuillard9495
5 жыл бұрын
Beautiful home !!!
@julieherring49
4 жыл бұрын
Yep .i could live in that van ,yep,yep .
@abk9314
5 жыл бұрын
Nice build! 👍🏻👍🏻
@ruthvancise4895
5 жыл бұрын
awesome build !
@AhmaLyra
5 жыл бұрын
Beautifully done!
@DebbieYoungArt
5 жыл бұрын
Please do a video detailing how you constructed the tilting solar panel array. Thanks!
@VMvanlife
5 жыл бұрын
This is on our list of videos to do. Thank you for the suggestion
@dougrennick2212
5 жыл бұрын
nice unit,keep up the great work.:)
@anthonymarino4260
5 жыл бұрын
thanks for sharing
@VMvanlife
5 жыл бұрын
We hope it helps others with their own adVANture! Best wishes and happy travels!
@olliehenderson7588
5 жыл бұрын
I love your van!
@rcpmac
3 жыл бұрын
Another ikea van - meh... I think with thoughtful design a van can have all of those features and feel spacious warm and comfortable. I do like the tilting solar. Add a portable handle so it can be tilted from the ground. Thumbs up for that.
@VMvanlife
3 жыл бұрын
The only thing from Ikea in this van is the desk chair but thank you for noticing. We really like the chair. We have made new tilting solar arrays for our clients that you can tilt from inside the van. Happy travels 👍
@garypollock1949
5 жыл бұрын
In my gypsy wagon, I ran into the same issue with no leg room in the toilet closet. I made a wall on both sides of the inside of the bathroom that is mounted on full extension slides. the door of the washroom has two small bifold doors. To use the washroom, just open the doors, pull forward, and the wall slides out, and close the doors from the inside. When finished using the washroom, just grab the handles on each side, pull the walls in like you were closing a door and step out. Close the bifolds behind you, and everything is out of site.
@VMvanlife
5 жыл бұрын
Full bathroom privacy! Great work. Our approach was the result of balancing everything we wanted and would like in the space. It's a game of Tetris and there's no one right answer! Best wishes. Safe and happy travels!! 💚🚐
@pngo1818
5 жыл бұрын
Great built!💗
@aladdinelafifi4597
4 жыл бұрын
The 👍best!
@FBall-im8ui
5 жыл бұрын
Well done eh! from Victoria BC
@stevenbrehm
5 жыл бұрын
First time subscriber lets c what you got "south-africa
@bhp397
5 жыл бұрын
By far my favorite couple van build! Great job! Do you feel comfortable sharing how long it took (man hrs) & what it cost? Thank-you. 😊🏆🚐🚲
@VMvanlife
5 жыл бұрын
Thank you. It took approx 600 man hours and our build is approx $15K. Happy travels 👍
@MrYouBitchh
5 жыл бұрын
Loved the idea of having a battery bank in one single location and that awesome "rear view mirror" camera setup. Is it possible to expand that to left and right cameras? Might come in handy if someone ever knocks at night when the windows are all blocked up.
@VMvanlife
5 жыл бұрын
Thank you, we love our set-up. Yes there are many camera systems out there. A 4-5 camera system is not cheap and tend to hold a lot more data. It depends on how much you are willing to spend as with everything else with this lifestyle. Happy travels 👍
@ericyuan9718
5 жыл бұрын
OMG your build suits exactly my needs. I'm also a data analyst/software dev from Toronto looking to go remote. I'm just wondering 1) Is your inverter and battery bank large and powerful enough to allow you to have a normal bar fridge instead of an expensive 12V one? I'm also looking at a 900 (3*300W) solar & about 600ah of battery bank. I'm VERY disappointed that even the 950W of solar isn't good enough for cloudy stretches. BC may have a strip of snowless land but it is indeed very gray in the winter. 2) Do you feel limited by the battery bank when it comes to using your PC? Or the PS4? I'm also a gamer. 3) Do you have a muffler on your Espar heater, do you run the heater overnight and does the noise break stealth? 4) Do the ceiling fans work well if your solar panels are flat on the roof? I see that the panels are elevated a bit on the black rack to let air through, but does it actually allow decent circulation?
@VMvanlife
5 жыл бұрын
Hello Eric, we have ran an extension cord from our van to a friend's to run a small bar fridge. This is when we were in good sun. We have had low power days in Vancouver with grey sky's. The only times we have had concerns about running the PC was when we didn't have sun for a few days. We do have shore power as a backup for this situation. We have used it 3 times in the 11 months on the road. Our Espar does have a muffler on it which does make it quieter. We haven't had an issue with people recognizing what it is while stealth camping. With the fans we do have good circulation. When in hot climates we tend to tilt the panels to allow heat to escape from under the panels. We have made it so that the fans are fully open with the panels flat and get very good circulation with them flat. I hope this helps you out. Happy travels 👍
@hacksaw413
5 жыл бұрын
Very nice. Some great ideas. I'll have to figure out how you did that solar rack. Thanks
@gary1739
5 жыл бұрын
Good morning and what a fantastic van! Loved your attention to detail, and I have some specific questions. I'm planning our own build in about a year and a half. What is the material on the wall and the ceiling? It looks great!! We're trying to stay away from shiplap that seems to be so popular.
@VMvanlife
5 жыл бұрын
Thank you for the kind words. We used 1/4 sanded plywood for the walls and painted it. As for the ceiling we used laminate flooring. We have been having great success with both. Hope this helps. Happy travels 👍
@gary1739
5 жыл бұрын
Thanks for your reply and guidance!
@EatSleepVan
5 жыл бұрын
Very nice! Love the solar rack. I couldn't figure out how to make it tiltable, so mine are fixed flat! Couple of comments: - Reflectix only works if it is actually reflecting the solar radiation out. e.g. like a mirror. Putting black on it means the radiant energy turns into heat inside the van and conducts through anything it touches. Although because reflectix has air in it, it will insulate to some extent. Cheaper to use bubble wrap though :) - It's a good idea to use opaque hoses to prevent algae growth. In New Zealand plumbing requirements say you have to use opaque hoses for this reason.
@VMvanlife
5 жыл бұрын
Thanks for your kind words and insights. Have to say - the reflectix has been amazing. Fully tested in +40c through -20c. Thrilled with the effectiveness and the subtlety the black gives. Did side by side comparison with another van and the black fabric doesn't hinder impact on heat as much as some assume. Perhaps it's important it's thin fabric with a looser weave? Anyways, absolutely would do again - we used the left overs from our initial build out. From the outside of the van you cannot see anyone is inside. In parts of Canada it's a dead giveaway when you see the reflective coverings that someone's in there. Passing through cities is made easier with this subtle factor. As for waterlines - Agree opaque has advantages. In our area we didn't find any that was flexible enough for our use here in Canada. A reality of building on a timeframe - perfection isn't the measure of success. It's certainly an easy upgrade to the water system if/when needed. We are living full-time in the van so it's easy to monitor our waterlines. Thanks again for sharing! Best wishes and happy travels! 💚🚐
@alexstewart9830
5 жыл бұрын
Could you also use your Solar track as some kind of awning and shelter above your door ? Loved the video, some very good points, enjoy your travels.
@VMvanlife
5 жыл бұрын
@@alexstewart9830 Yes, a system could be built where your solar acts as shade for the door. Ray has some designed for upcoming projects on other's camper conversions. Ours provides some but we have a DIY budget awning (tarp and tent poles,) we setup when desired.
@GoProSebiClips
5 жыл бұрын
very nice work :D
@Dani92791
5 жыл бұрын
Great van tour! I saw on your website that you have upgraded to a bigger camera system that also acts as a security system. I’m curious as to what brand it is?
@VMvanlife
5 жыл бұрын
We went with rearview safety. They have specialized in DVR systems for years. After testing the system and loving it we have now become a dealer for their products as well for our clients.
@adamfcplm
5 жыл бұрын
Its all *critical* :D
@vanessamacdonald9153
5 жыл бұрын
Great and in depth video - thank you. A well thought out design - practical and efficient. What do you do for keeping clean, as I don't remember a shower.
@VMvanlife
5 жыл бұрын
The most FAQ of van dwelling. We made the choice not to give the space to and add the complexity of a shower to our van. It's a personal choice, and this was ours. Gym membership gives us locations across Canada and the US. Community pools, campgrounds, truck stops, hot springs, lakes.... There's lots of showers to be found. We've also showered at the homes of people we meet on the road. The sink inside the van also provides the ability to wash hair and freshen up. This is month 10, and we don't regret our decision on our build.
@vanessamacdonald9153
5 жыл бұрын
@@VMvanlife , thanks for your response. It is of course personal choice - for myself right now (and of course it might change) I just can't imagine living without shower facilities :) Glad to know that it can be done with ease and in the sink too :) Happy travels
@numberplateguy8511
5 жыл бұрын
Brilliant video 1000w of solar ish on Campervan s will soon be the norm I've seen a couple of vlogs now including yours and Tinywattssolar that have approx 1000w solar on the roof etc Vloggers will soon be able to earn commission by taking sales enquiries for 1000w solar panel systems for vans and or van customised installations etc and pass them on to people like yourselves that fully understand how solar allows a person to enjoy off grid luxuries via powerful adjustable solar power banks etc that can sell the system to potential vanlife people
@VMvanlife
5 жыл бұрын
Thanks! I definitely agree that there is going to be a continued increase in campervan conversions. Solar is also in upswing so no doubt the two will benefit from each other. I think there will also be a shift as more of the campers are built for long term living and equipped to handle the weather in more regions of the world. During our build, there was very few videos/websites that gave insight into proper 4 season, year round living. That's absolutely changing. Housing in the Western world needs innovation beyond finding ways to build them faster and with less upfront cost. Look forward to watching it happen from our van. We sure dream of fueling our life by supporting others. Ray is excited to be working on other's vans. The learning never ends, that's for sure!
@numberplateguy8511
5 жыл бұрын
+V & M Exactly Campervan s or rv's are going to solve a lot of housing problems because Campervan s are cheaper to buy than houses and take up less room and people are starting to recycle properly and reduce spending on products simply because limited to space and are using free energy and it encourages creativity because people are starting to only have what they need and design their own Campervan that suits their own needs which is why there are so many different layouts that vanlife vlogs show etc which gives people ideas on how they want their own Campervan to look and there are a lot of Carlife vlogs too More and more people are deciding to live life instead of simply existing through life by deciding not to pay rent all their life and instead put the money they used to pay in rent in their back pocket and live a better healthier lifestyle We could do with a van build in the uk
@allleygreen8093
5 жыл бұрын
NICE
@deniseockey6204
5 жыл бұрын
Did you think about a rolling cover similar to a garage door opener over the cooler? It would just complete the clean look that you have going.
@VMvanlife
5 жыл бұрын
There are endless options, no doubt. We opted to leave it open for airflow.
@SSTEVB
5 жыл бұрын
Awesome van build! Just can't get past all that green, makes me think this tiny home was built by microsoft sporting that shade of green
@VMvanlife
5 жыл бұрын
Gotta do what suits you! We are very happy with our tiny home and obviously really like green! Hehe 💚🚐 Best wishes and happy travels!
@SSTEVB
5 жыл бұрын
@@VMvanlife For sure! looks like your biuld works perfect for your lifestyle. My self-made conversion van is an older e250 ford extended van and your setup gives me tons to work towards. My build is mostly brown and light grey but its super simple, functional and affordable so I can't complain one bit!
@VMvanlife
5 жыл бұрын
@@SSTEVB Like any home, the projects really never end. We are glad our video was worth the watch time! Functional and within budget is most critical. Unlike when we lived in a conventional home - we find satisfaction in current state. Feels like the key to happiness. Love what you already have. There's always someone with more. We get asked why did we do x, y or z and often the answer is we couldn't afford to do more. We've seen some very high end builds which huge budgets and come to the conclusion it's not suited for long term living. Love seeing the variety of approaches - ours is a hybrid of everything we liked from many different builds. Best wishes on your adVANture. 💚🚐
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