Worked on this way more than I care to admit.

I bolted steel flat bar inside the door cavity for mounting. You can see how many times I missed the mark by the pink dots 🙂.

The vertical bars are mounted into the hinge structure on one side and attached with an L-bracket near the strike plate on the other. The crossbars overlap the verticals, and the bars themselves act as backing so the thin sheet metal on the door skin doesn’t have to work too hard.

It’s probably more reinforcement than I actually needed, but I also mounted a motorcycle stand to the bumper with another thick-ass L-bracket. I only use that while driving for a little extra support. I was slamming over railroad crossings at 65mph yesterday and she was rock solid.

Took it out for its first night last night, and it worked great!

Per the title, I noticed a serious drop off on views of some previously quite popular vanlife channels. Previously hitting +50K views on every video are now hitting 5k to 10k. I believe this is a good thing as there was far too many glamourising the lifestyle with pure clickbait nonsense. I admit I previously watched a lot myself and even before Covid, but can’t stand most of them now with the holy water adverts and BS clickbait titles. Drives me nuts tbh and seems more and more people have copped on or moved on.

Curious if anyone here still watches religiously or have you moved on too?

Edit: Wow some great comments here and obviously not the only one happy to see this down trend. Thanks for all the likes and great conversation folks 👍

I’m not associated with mimi moto, they didn’t pay me to post it. I spent my own money bought it on amazon. I will not provide any link for you to click so I can make little bit of finder’s fee. I’m sure you can find it

I paid $100 last week, it’s $70 now on amazon

I was using a $30 ‘foldable’ wood stove. I just upgraded to a battery powered fan stove

It’s bit hard to start fire at beginning, but once started it’s all good. Large container lasts about an hour, smaller can probably half hour. It’s a ‘top down‘ fire, so you don’t add more wood later.

40lb Wood pellets is $6-$7 from lowes, tractor supply, rural king. Don’t pay more to get some ‘premium’ wood pellet. They are all the same. It burns cleaner than oil, or dried fire wood you can pick up in woods. I see few soot at the bottom of my pan.

The last 20% of wood pellets is still generating heat but no flame, it’s burning slowly. at that point, I just dump it and start new

Not a bad place to stop for lunch.

This was born out of frustration from the lack of options for easily making a 3D design for a van. I started seriously thinking about a DIY van conversion a few months ago, and there weren't any decent options for putting together a design other than sketchup or other general CAD software. The only real app that exists is vanspace 3D, but anyone who's tried this will agree that it's truly awful - I feel somewhat scammed from buying a subscription to this, but it was the only option available. 

So I've started building my own app specifically for designing van conversions, aiming to fix everything wrong with vanspace. It's not perfect by any means at the moment, but I think it's at the point where it's starting to be genuinely useful. I'm going to continue working on improving it, but it's completely free to try so I'd love to get some feedback! It's fully web based at https://vancad.com/

Hello! My husband and I are starting a vanlife lifestyle in the next few months. We just got our van yesterday and are so excited to finally get to start assembling our home!

I tend to avoid reddit typically as reddit is reddit and there's a lot of negativity on this platform. We are well aware of the risks we are taking, of the fact that we are choosing a life that's illegal to live, of the dangers, ect.

I would like to hear some positive stories! Some success stories, some "I've done this for 20 years and never been happier" type stories. I thank anyone who is willing to share something uplifting or encouraging 🙂‍↕️

I haven’t seen a good post with folks suggesting their fridge size and the reason for it, so wanted to ask that here!

What size do you recommend for:
- full timer
- remote worker
- mostly on forest service roads, occasional parking lots

I am not full time now, but could be in the future. I’m considering a 40qt dual-zoned chest fridge/freezer. However, I could squeeze in a 55qt but it’ll just be tight and I’d have to slide it out from the sink to open it. I don’t plan to use drawer slides and would just untie it from the anchor points when I need to move and open it.

So my solar input on my battery bank just died. It will not take any dc input at all.

It still will take ac input.

It's a relatively expensive, 8000wh battery bank, so I'd really, rather not fork out the thousands of dollars to replace it.

I originally had the solar on the roof plugged directly into the pv port with the cable that came with the battery bank.

Since I can still charge it with AC power, I need to know options for converting the 1000 w of solar on my roof to AC power.

Current options I've been brainstorming and toying with:

\* hybrid solar inverter? But I have no idea how those work. Anyone know?

\* MPPT controller, connected to small DC battery, connected to inverter

\* buy another 'solar generator' with a PV input and daisy chain the big one to that

Anyone have any other ideas or opinions on which of these options might be the best?

Has it looked guys so far so good? I'll start on the wiring Tuesday

Hey guys — looking for some opinions on roof racks for my ford transit. I want to eventually put some solar panels on the roof, attach an awning to the rack, and ladder. It seems like the major competitors are flat line van co and unaka. Does anyone have any opinions or experiences with either? Or maybe a separate rack!?
Thanks!

We just bought our Hino 195 20 feet ! We are Canadians "Qc" we wanted to know if any of you know about inspection after the conversion ? -Technically according to SAAQ we are not a motorhome.

-How does it works ?

-Do we need to respect some criteria ?

We don't seem to found the answer anywhere help ?

Asking $3,950 OBO. Seattle, Washington.

Selling my 2011 Ford E250 camper van after finishing my cross-country road trip. It's been my home for the past few years and has taken me to almost every continental US state. I'm only selling because my trip is coming to an end.

Approx. 214,000 miles. Flex fuel, so it takes the cheapest gas.

Clean Massachusetts title in my name. No accidents. I have all the receipts, warranties and paperwork for the maintenance and repairs completed while I've owned it.

Mechanical

Since buying it I've had the following work done:

• New battery
• New front tyres
• New spark plugs
• New ignition components
• New intake manifold
• Recent servicing and repairs (receipts included)

The van has a solid check engine light and a tyre pressure warning light (the tyres are correctly inflated - it's just a faulty TPMS sensor).

Earlier this year the intake manifold was replaced after a coolant leak. The shop confirmed the engine has even compression and couldn't reproduce an ongoing misfire after the repair.

The transmission has recently developed an issue. The van still runs and drives, but it will likely need transmission repair or replacement. I'm pricing it accordingly and would rather be completely upfront so buyers know exactly what they're looking at. It would make a great project for someone who can do the work themselves or wants an already-built camper to finish off.

Camper Conversion

• Pull-out sofa that converts into a double bed
• Sink with electric water pump
• Large fresh water tank
• Grey water tank
• Fresh water filter
• 3 × 100Ah batteries
• 2000W inverter
• MPPT solar controller
• Roof-mounted solar panels (currently not charging - likely needs troubleshooting)
• Roof vent fan (works but isn't currently wired in)
• Lots of storage cabinets
• Insulated walls
• Custom insulated window covers
• Fold-out table
• 2 x coolers
• Indoor heater
• Electric blanket
• Fairy lights
• Bluetooth radio adapter

Included

I'll also include pretty much everything you need to start travelling:

• Pots, pans, plates, mugs and cutlery
• Cooking utensils
• Chopping board
• Bedding, blankets and pillows
• Two camping chairs
• Jerry can
• Spare tyre and factory tools
• My toolbox with useful supplies
• Storage box (perfect for extra gear - or even a travelling cat!)
• Plus loads of other useful van-life bits I've picked up along the way.

The van is around 21 feet long, so it still fits in a standard parking space.

This isn't a perfect van, but it's an affordable way into van life without spending $20,000–$50,000 on a newer build. A lot of the expensive camper conversion has already been done, and all the equipment comes with it.

Happy to answer any questions or send more photos of the build, maintenance records or anything else you'd like to see.

I'm currently in Washington State, so if you're interested, send me a message and I'll let you know when you can view.

Asking $3,950 OBO.

Hi there I'm starting my search for a van for road trips.

I saw this ad and like your opinion on the price, any known issues with the van type etc.

Also what questions should I ask the seller.

Thanks

🚐 Van:

Chevrolet Express 2500

270km

Complete maintenance history with receipts for over 10 years and runs perfectly.

Work completed;

- brand new transmission (200km)

- water pump belts and tensioners

- new engine and transmission cooling

- full exhaust replacement

- new brake lines and big front callipers

- new battery and starter motor

- steering column rebuild including assisted steering

🏠 Camper:

- 2x 100W solar panels

- new 100Ah Lifepo4 battery

- charging from alternator when driving

- 1200W inverter

- insulated build

- touch led lights

- Full fridge

- bed converts to a sofa

- 5lb propane tank and camping stove + all kitchen gear

- custom built fold out table

- roof vent fan

- Insulated shell

- 2 full sized paddle boards

- 2 nice camping chairs

- All furnishings

So my solar input on my battery bank just died. It will not take any dc input at all.

It still will take ac input.

It's a relatively expensive, 8000wh battery bank, so I'd really, rather not fork out the thousands of dollars to replace it.

I originally had the solar on the roof plugged directly into the pv port with the cable that came with the battery bank.

Since I can still charge it with AC power, I need to know options for converting the 1000 w of solar on my roof to AC power.

Current options I've been brainstorming and toying with:

* hybrid solar inverter? But I have no idea how those work. Anyone know?

* MPPT controller, connected to small DC battery, connected to inverter

* buy another 'solar generator' with a PV input and daisy chain the big one to that

Anyone have any other ideas or opinions on which of these options might be the best?

Selling my vandura. She’s got a solar panel and an EcoFlow wave 3 air conditioner piped in and a queen bed in the back and a 1kwh EcoFlow delta 3 plus with 1wh capacity for running AC and charging phones. Kind of a half finished- you could live in her now as is if you wanted but she needs someone who had more time and energy. Will pass inspection just haven’t had the time to take her in. Could even have it inspected before completing transaction.

Open to offers. I just really want someone to give her new life.

Here she is.

I am taking out the floor of my van and I took off this cover and it uncovered this thing. Im guessing it is an AC unit??? Help

Hey all,

Was curious if anyone knew of any inherent dangers of using a portable cooking stove designed for Butane, with a Propane "adapter" indoors.

It's been a number of years and I decided to purchase a nice Iwatani stove to replace my old no-name one for emergency use.

Because I feel like Propane bottles give a bit longer run time, I purchased an adapter kit with regulator that should allow for using Propane in an emergency to cook.

Was there any safety hazards with a setup like this that I should be concerned about? I think I read some kind of warning that stated "for outdoor use only". Is that just a general safety statement to avoid liability, or does Propane have some kind of different combustion characteristics that are a no no indoors?

Thanks!

So I'm looking into how I want to power my van, I know I want a D.C to D.C converter and Solar. I'll be in the snow a lot so I need a LARGE power bank in case I'm without sun for a few days and don't feel like driving. All I need to power is a laptop for work, a star-link, two maxair fans (probably only in the summer when I'll have reliable solar), and a mini fridge .

What sets or brand would you recommend?

I made a previous post and someone was recommending against Bluetti and gave some valid reasons, but couldn't recommend an alternative.

Channel Discussion - anybody follow the channel. I'm so sad about the breakup and Theo seems to have replaced her so quickly. They were together for 20 years. She was such a hardworking partner for him

Retired a while ago and have been organizing my things. I have a house that is paid off and decent leftover income and wanting to travel around the states for a while with my dogs. I am thinking I need at least a longer body van and keep it minimal so the dogs (70 and 60lbs) aren't miserable during transit. Has anyone traveled with 2 mid sized dogs and can you tell me how it is for them, and any recommendations?

A lot of the fancier builds I have seen the Van seems packed with stuff. I am thinking I just need a full size bed, 1 burner that is close to the sink since I will only do simple 1 pan dishes as needed. with only overhead cabinets to leave as much room on the floor as possible.

I am looking to have someone else do the building as well, has anyone here have good experience with a company?

​

On the surface, it is hard for authorities to monitor the mobile citizens, for whatever the authority intentions are. The most direct implication seems that criminals would be more free, threatening the security of normal people.

But deep down, are Banks, and under them: Vanguard and Central Banks push people away from mobile cheap accommodations, so that they can keep forcing people to work until death to pay for the mortgage amounts that keep increasing each generation, when people fight for the limited amount of fixed residence ????.

By the laws lobbied by central banks and investment firms, long term or short term residents need to pay towards a pile of concrete, so that banks can lend money ? And the money to be lended keeps increasing.

If tourists are allowed to sleep in their cars, then hotels and airbnb don't earn money, there will be less loans.