How I Converted A VAN into an OFF GRID CAMPER for under $3,000
How I Converted A VAN into an OFF GRID CAMPER for under $3,000
Here’s a time-lapse of me converting my 1997 Chevy Gladiator into a cozy, livable space. It’s a pretty simple build but I’m here to prove that you don’t need to have any experience in building things to make yourself a nice little home in a vehicle. AND you can do it pretty inexpensively as well…
check out my website page where I list all the the supplies I use and give very in depth instructions on how I did the conversion:
» VAN CONVERSION PAGE: https://annasanalysis.wixsite.com/annas-analysis/copy-of-van-life
Prepping for the conversion: https://youtu.be/Gp_UH33tlYE
Buying a van: https://youtu.be/y68sJiazjuA
Van Tour: https://youtu.be/rx5M1r0sBAg
How I saved up + made $$: https://youtu.be/QR_XKPoHCxc
First Day in the Van: https://youtu.be/u1P3zt1i80A
the only vlog i enjoyed making (Badlands): https://youtu.be/hzeF8P2cXKY
Seattle vlog: https://youtu.be/uwd7vbfKSgw
Grand Tetons: https://youtu.be/gVezDawMr8U
Black Hills: https://youtu.be/OCdLMELjsMQ
First couple days in the van/Minnesota: https://youtu.be/g6WZLbG94U4
Van Life Q&A: https://youtu.be/Thy1-dcuTbY
Pros and Cons of Van Life: https://youtu.be/rwxrZDmIA7U
Meal Ideas: https://youtu.be/Q-4hvApGK8E
How I dealt w/ my period: https://youtu.be/qr1-v9HgXW8
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» TABLE OF CONTENTS:
0:00 – Intro
3:53 – INSTALLING THE FAN
4:34 – MOUNTING THE SOLAR PANELS
5:25 – WIRING PANELS INTO THE VAN
6:21 – FLOOR & DOOR INSULATION
8:23 – INSTALLING THE SUBFLOOR
10:02 – WALL & CEILING INSULATION
12:54 – WHEEL BOXES
13:47 – BUILDING THE BED
15:55 – BUILDING THE KITCHEN
20:09 – CEILING
23:03 – WALLS
27:54 – FLOORING & BED STORAGE
29:55 – ELECTRICAL
36:14 – DOOR PANELS
37:50 – WINDOW COVERS
39:44 – END RESULT & TOTAL COST
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PLEASE READ BEFORE DOING YOUR OWN BUILD!!
1. it is important to use grommets where the holes are for the solar panel wires to come into the van so the metal of the roof doesn’t cut through the wires protective coat. I didn’t use any because i couldn’t find any but you can order them online if you can’t find any in stores.
2. i do say in the video that i recommend putting fuses between all electrical components. its a long story but in my situation i didn’t really have that option.
3. if i had to go back and do one thing more carefully it would be the window covers. If you make ones the same way as mine, try to make them as perfect as possible, and a little bigger than needed. I’ve found if I leave them up in the morning for a bit and the sun starts to shine on them, they can actually fall out. One of my back ones and one side door one have done that and those were the ones that fit best. If you mess up you can always duct tape more cardboard where needed!
4. The battery I have is actually ‘sealed’ not ‘GEL’ as a few commenters have told me.. i tried doing research and its not super clear anywhere which it is but I’m like 90% sure it’s sealed so I did change the battery indicator light on the cc.
5. For most, it will be important to strap the battery down. Many people have told me that I should’ve done that and I see where they’re coming from but it’s really highly unlikely that even if my van flipped in an accident than it would even go in there, it doesn’t have really anywhere to go considering its secured tightly on all the sides and the bed frame extends over it.
6. Like i say in the video, i do know the carbon monoxide is not in the best spot but i did read the manual and according to all the places it said you shouldn’t put it, theres literally not a single place in the van that would be ideal.
7. Some people have told me to cover the battery terminals so if something falls on them, nothing bad happens, so I would recommend doing that.
8. Dicor Lap Sealant is a stronger, more reliable caulk to use in place of silicone when it comes to things covering hole in the van like around the fan, panels, and panel cables.
9. Many have told me fiberglass insulation is not good to use in vehicles because it will get moldy from the moisture but the insulation i used was what came in and got ripped out of the van. It had been in there since 1997 with no mold so it seems like it should be fine for a bit longer.
10. All the products I use and show in the video like my fridge and solar panels are listed on my website.
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» IG: https://www.instagram.com/annas_analysis
» website: https://annasanalysis.wixsite.com/annas-analysis/
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❂ Music
Vibrant – Lofive
Good For You – THBD
Stay Around – THBD
Runaway – THBD
Courage – Calico Cactus
Satellite – Onda Norte
Skylight – APOLLO
Dryland – Nebulae
Too Bad – Lakey Inspired
Getaway – Lakey Inspired
Leaves – [ocean jams]
You rock!!! Can’t wait to start my build. Thanks for gearing this toward beginners.
Im a 47 year old male contractor who has been stuck in my van build. Until now. Thank You for the information. You may find fancier vans being built but you wont find anybody better at showing how it really gets done. I dont know you and im proud of you.
Well bless your heart! This is much ore then I could do! Fantastic job!
Great job young lady
How do I find your website? Non tech savvy GenXer here.
Absolutely awesome – inspired!!
Good for you it’s all a learning curve keep going u now can say you built your own mobile home
So 8 racks
Thank-you so very much for showing your build. I’m 62 and really nervous about building my van and have zero experience. Because I’m in Canada and have to get it right. I would pay someone but don’t have that kind of money. Thanks again and enjoy the journey.
mistake are mistakes we learn trhough them congratiulations on your build be proud of the job you done you have a life time to enjoy everyday
OUTSTANDING JOB.
Anybody who has a van like that for sale I’m looking to buy one. I’m in the states.
Your did an amazing work on that van. looks very pretty and cozy thats important.
total: $9765.21
title: under $3000
us: clickbaited
her: master u tuber
hotel: trivago
Well done Anna on a great van build. If I was building this van now, I would do it completely different, but if I was doing it 35 years ago when I was your age. I would have done it exactly how you did it. Good on ya girl.
Good
Badass Anna, Badass!
Good job.
As a 33 year old man who’s a carpenter and an electrician, I approve of your general message. 👏 you’re going places young lady. Litterally.
This is so motivating! Thank you and amazing job!
Great Job.. Let’s not forget cost on labor. This build would of cost $13/15 thousand without friends and family labor being free.
Did you have a stove and toilet? I didn’t see those parts included in the build
WOW! Great job. How long did this take?
Can you send a link where you got your solar panels
So impressed with your design and solutions. Young people such as yourself give me hope for the future. Good luck to you and be careful out there on the road… …and have fun!
Your only 18 and you undertook all that? Kind of mind-blowing. It is funny, the only thing I would find comfortable to construct is the electrical, everything else I would have no idea. I only know a little electrical because I got interested in building power stations with solar a few years ago and have built several of them for my home and my RV.
This is fabulous! I have watched more than 500 videos on all kinds of builds and yours is the first one that shows how to do the insulation and ceiling and the floor. I’m keeping this video for when I need it for my own van which I hope is next year. Excellent job you should be proud of it. I hope you are enjoying the van life.
My goodness, Princess. You seem brilliant, very orderly and highly responsible. Parents, take a big bow.l, because your Anna has really wowed us!!! I know you got started in 2018, but I just found you. I’m going to look for your ventures now. Best wishes and thk you for sharing your experience.
Very impressive young lady your courage and enthusiasm is very inspiring
Keep up the good work and good luck on your journey
Absolutely amazing girl!!! Love the way you worked so hard AND the way you kept track of all your finances!!!
Great job Anna
a few seconds in and all I can think is: 18 years old, budget of 10.000? Raised money by yourself? HOW?! Not second guessing, simply flabbergasted that is even possible. My son has a savings account where we as a family put money on, so by the time he is 18 he could do that as well. But raising that kind of cash sans help? I simply can’t wrap my brain around that one…
But good for you! Hopelessly jealous, in a good way. And please take care of yourself… Jinx… Sorry.
Thank you
Anna… for being only 18 when you did this, I am quite impressed. Great job and a great video.
Tragic homeless as a Teen. This is America. 🇺🇸
That is awesome Anna! I have watched your channel for awhile now, but never knew you had converted a Van. My wife and I converted a short school bus, and I build tiny homes for a living, so I know that work that goes into it!
Thank you so much! This so far is the most helpful detailed video I’ve ever seen. Getting prepare to do my own build and I really appreciate this!
love this vid man
Where can I get those lights u put in the ceiling?? Really interested in starting my own van build soon
No grommets protecting the solar panel wiring through the metal roof is just scary. Vibrations will 100% cut through those wires eventually and either short and destroy the system or seriously injure someone. I am all for self builds but these are the kinds of mistakes that can cause serious damage.
Not to smart leaving windows uninsulated , more of a ( oh look at me i live van life ) type build .
my first van I converted was a window van ihated the windows so broke out the flay black spray pait went ti town hahahha can you say hugher thena kite wel i ended up insulating all window cavities and paneled the entire enterior whoaaaaaaaaa was I stoned for 2 days hahahah trippin hahahaha
Wow!!! 4.1 million viewers!!! You deserve this plus many more! And again, WOW…what a GREAT build of your van!!! And what…17, 18???
Pkus, your Humbleness and tact, super cala fraga listic expiala doctious Anna!!!!!
A
M
A
Z
I
N
G!!!🌻
And on top of all this quality, you are sooooo attractive and intelligent.
Great vlog👍
Wow …4.1 MILLION!!!
no hole has ever, is ever, or will ever be PRE drilled. the hole is drilled or it is not.
I would just have to have a powerful solar generator like a jackery or something for electrical 😂😂 this is complex
You’re an articulate, talented, smart young lady and will go far in life. Continue to bless and be blessed. 😇💙🙏
yes I would like a van to ride with you 😁
Great job thanks
Thanks for all the help!! It’s much appreciated
SHE IS AMAZING!!!