Van Life 101: How To Build Out a Van

Van Life 101: How To Build Out a Van

This is the first of a series of videos on how I converted my van into a cozy, but tiny, little home. In this one I show you how it looks after it’s all done. I know it’s normal to show that at the end, but I thought it was important that you see where I was going so you could visualize it as we work.
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My most sincere thanks go to my good friend Terry who worked and guided me through this whole process. He had the patience to convince me to do things the right way as opposed to the fast and easy way.
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50 Comments

  1. Dan Pocian on March 11, 2023 at 8:52 am

    Beautiful simplicity of living

  2. Ithappened onenite on March 11, 2023 at 8:52 am

    Nice set up! I saw the high top roof video and that really finished it off nicely!

  3. Michael Halstead on March 11, 2023 at 8:59 am

    Can you give me an idea how much your build cost thank bob

  4. Margo Burns on March 11, 2023 at 9:01 am

    Heavily insulated? I see metal everywhere. Are.ypu planning on insulating the back doors? Electrical looks amazing!

  5. mildred webster on March 11, 2023 at 9:03 am

    Absolutely stunning!!!!!.

  6. jwdyss on March 11, 2023 at 9:03 am

    Question if anyone sees this and has experience…..can anyone tell me roughly or the main pros and cons to building the bed into the van length wise instead of across the back like Bob did here? Thanks to anyone! Wonderful video Bob! Lots of great ideas.

  7. Kevin Judy on March 11, 2023 at 9:03 am

    I love your shelving..for me, my books, etc…

  8. Kim G on March 11, 2023 at 9:04 am

    This was an amazing build and great home!

  9. Sue Szloch on March 11, 2023 at 9:05 am

    Our van gets a lot of moisture on the ceiling and how do you prevent it?

  10. Mike Bryant on March 11, 2023 at 9:06 am

    This is an old one but was good to watch again

  11. Bessie Oriotis on March 11, 2023 at 9:06 am

    Bob you all did a great job

  12. Kenia Velasquez on March 11, 2023 at 9:06 am

    Loved your new van

  13. Gary Ball on March 11, 2023 at 9:07 am

    Bob how can I get a hold of Terry

  14. Donna P. Leonard on March 11, 2023 at 9:07 am

    Ist time viewer. I’m loving what I see. BUT NO ONE EVER TALKS ABOUT ALL THE HOOK UP THAT U "NEED" TO RUN THINGS LIKE THE CONVERTERS AND OTHER THINGS MOTORS. NO ONE SAYS WHAT THAT COST IS……. AND THATS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING. And INVERTORS. I just Subscribed

  15. RTOAD on The Road on March 11, 2023 at 9:08 am

    What year is this new van how many mikes did it have

  16. MakeYourOwnAdventure on March 11, 2023 at 9:09 am

    How long is the Bed? We got the width at 48 inches…What is the length? Im a short statured person and am in the market for a van now. This dimension is critical considering a purchase. I love the build though. Basic, simple and organized. Very nice.

  17. Barbara B on March 11, 2023 at 9:09 am

    Love your van
    Love your videos
    Thanks

  18. Stacy Hackney on March 11, 2023 at 9:10 am

    Nice.

  19. lee 0den on March 11, 2023 at 9:11 am

    Very nice!

  20. Bar Rez on March 11, 2023 at 9:11 am

    Great build! Wish you great joy!
    What do you do for AC while sleeping? I live in FL open windows and fans not enough.
    Also I notice no one sleeps in a hammock or across front seats why? Can it be done? Or elevate bed higher toward ceiling on top of shelving to hold all totes and bins?
    I need floor space for my 4 Chihuahuas and a big dog.

  21. Connie Atkins on March 11, 2023 at 9:11 am

    Looks fantastic. Congrats

  22. Hope on the Trail on March 11, 2023 at 9:12 am

    So Bob how do you go to the bathroom and take a shower in your new home?

  23. Carol Nicola on March 11, 2023 at 9:13 am

    I am planning a back bed also and planning to sleep on the diagonal!! lol Great minds. Just bought my 2010 Dodge Caravan yesterday… πŸ™‚ I also LOVE you solution to keeping Cody near you up front, cuz I will be bringing my little pibble girl Lulu along. I lived and camped in a 1 ton Dodge Tradesman van years and years ago, and I built a carpeted wooden platform for the passenger chair that extended forward to the glove box so she would have more room. Will probably be doing that again. What kind of van is this? I love your cabinet designs as well. Cheers!

  24. Fitguy on March 11, 2023 at 9:14 am

    Great video bob, keep them coming. See you in the next one.

  25. torque503 ft on March 11, 2023 at 9:15 am

    Wow is so beautiful 😍

  26. Stacey Rivas on March 11, 2023 at 9:16 am

    Looks great!!

  27. Debrajoy on March 11, 2023 at 9:16 am

    That is so incredible! And now I can’t wait to see the ambulance finished!

  28. arielthekidd on March 11, 2023 at 9:16 am

    Is it possible to put in a wetbath in such a build?

  29. More to Explore on March 11, 2023 at 9:18 am

    I doubt you will see this comment as I am just now seeing your van build videos three years after you made them, but I’m going to comment anyway. You have inspired me to attempt my own build (at least some of it, lol). I’m planning to retire next year, purchase a travel vehicle to see the US and come to the RTR in January 2022. I hope and pray that your nonprofit continues to bless many more and I thank you for encouraging all of us to follow our hearts.

  30. Kelly Couron on March 11, 2023 at 9:19 am

    Is there anyone who can help set up a van or short bus from start to finish?

  31. Dionne on March 11, 2023 at 9:21 am

    Truly an inspiration. I pray one day I can get out there and have someone help me with one of these I’d love to see more of the world.

  32. Cheryl Roumillat on March 11, 2023 at 9:22 am

    Beautiful Blessing Darling. βš˜πŸŽšβ­πŸ‘πŸ¦‹

  33. Dawn MT Wild on March 11, 2023 at 9:22 am

    This is so lovely
    Simple yet functional
    πŸ‘πŸ‘

  34. Hernie Dog on March 11, 2023 at 9:25 am

    Sleeping on the hypotenuse is a great way to get the bed in the back which gives a lot of access to storage.

  35. Kevin Judy on March 11, 2023 at 9:25 am

    You’re my guru!! Thanks!!

  36. Hernie Dog on March 11, 2023 at 9:27 am

    I watched this video the first time when it was new. I have come back and watched it several times. Thanks Bob for sharing the simple ways to make it happen for those of us not out there yet.

  37. Patti Sunny Florida on March 11, 2023 at 9:28 am

    does anyone know if Bob films after he moves in and what is the link?

  38. retired man on March 11, 2023 at 9:28 am

    Great ! Better than renting an apartment

  39. Eddie Earl on March 11, 2023 at 9:30 am

    Very nice job

  40. jayloiselle9281 on March 11, 2023 at 9:32 am

    Does anybody know if there is a video of Bob all moved in?

    This layout is perfect πŸ‘Œ

  41. THA BLAK HIPPi on March 11, 2023 at 9:33 am

    Which company insures your converted Van? I CANT find not ONE!

  42. Tanya on March 11, 2023 at 9:35 am

    Love this build. Super practical. Simple. Easy. Zen. πŸ’šβœ¨πŸ’š

  43. Cameron Garcia on March 11, 2023 at 9:36 am

    Hey Bob, great videos, I think Ive been watching you on and off for the last five or more years. So I have an idea, can you do a video on using the Yeti’s and jackery’s to provide 12 volt power instead of depending on a massive battery bank? Thanks.

  44. Barbara Griffin on March 11, 2023 at 9:43 am

    I love it!

  45. Progressive Prepper on March 11, 2023 at 9:44 am

    Congrats Bob! Looks great. Thanks for all you do for the community

  46. Conger Scott on March 11, 2023 at 9:44 am

    Great job guy’s πŸ‘πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ.

  47. shirley watkins on March 11, 2023 at 9:46 am

    Hi Bob! I’m looking for a finished conversion van for sale!! My car is hopefully gonna last they winter, I’m able to pay someone? Or is there a link for finding used or new ones? Thanks! I’m wrapping up my last 2 weeks working the season at BadlandsπŸ‘ŒπŸ»β€οΈβœŒπŸ»

  48. Catherine Cancel on March 11, 2023 at 9:46 am

    Amazing.

  49. Selina Williams on March 11, 2023 at 9:49 am

    Hey Bob you have the same van and the same set up I intend to use my one question is the between the seat box. I am planning on putting my cooler there but my concern is not being able to use the walk way then is your box easy to move back and forth or do you have to get in and out through the front door?

  50. Melissa B on March 11, 2023 at 9:50 am

    Hey does anyone know where the follow- up video to this is? All moved in? Really interested!

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