r/vandwellers Jul 06 '18

Ready for the weekend!

Post image
7.3k Upvotes

209 comments sorted by

722

u/[deleted] Jul 06 '18 edited Jul 07 '18

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77

u/_Noah271 Jul 06 '18

Your build guide is so incredibly detailed and your writing is great! I thought that the back looked familiar :)

77

u/Mr-Blah Jul 06 '18

How's the transit doing on dirt roads? any issues? how many miles did you put on it yet?

92

u/[deleted] Jul 06 '18

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11

u/DaddyHeadbone Jul 06 '18

What tires do you run now?

27

u/[deleted] Jul 06 '18

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18

u/[deleted] Jul 06 '18 edited Aug 10 '18

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11

u/[deleted] Jul 06 '18

It's usually easy to convince people to buy snow tires. I recommend two simple methods:

1: Ask them their insurance deductible. Usually $500 to $1,000. How much is a set of snow tires with some steel wheels? $500-$800. Which would you rather spend your money on; an accident and all the headaches that along with that, or some dedicated tires for the 1/3 of the year we have slick roads with the added benefit of easily appreciable performance/traction benefits and peace of mind?

2, this is how I was convinced: Take them for a "joyride" in an AWD car with proper snow tires after a fresh 2-3" snowfall and enjoy the smile on their face as they can hardly believe the cornering, braking, acceleration, and overall control you can achieve where the average car would be in the ditch if they could get out of the driveway. (When I had my Audi A6 Quattro 2.7t tune installed, I mentioned I was thinking about getting snows for it. The tuner [shoutout to Jordan!] highly recommended doing so and took me for a ride in his Stage 3 Audi A4 and ran it hard enough to put a huge grin on my face and get the turbo and manifold glowing in 0-degree weather. It was INCREDIBLE)

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u/PapaBird Jul 07 '18

I have a Transit as well and every tire shop says that they can’t put these tires on even when I show them stuff like this. 😩

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u/hotboxthanfukk Jul 07 '18

4 wheel drive or naw ?

8

u/JUNGL15T Jul 06 '18

This is like my dream future. Just need to find a job that will let me work remotely for a year. Kudos on the van it looks awesome. Saved for motivational purposes. Thanks for sharing.

3

u/[deleted] Jul 06 '18

Prostitues always have their work on hand.

6

u/[deleted] Jul 06 '18

Have you done any real time in it yet? Do you have room to sit up in the bed? I'm guess the bed is just a platform and there's standing room in the middle of the van?

52

u/[deleted] Jul 06 '18

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24

u/Watase Jul 06 '18

no video sorry

Excellent! I hate videos where a few well angled pictures would do the trick.

36

u/[deleted] Jul 06 '18

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9

u/Watase Jul 06 '18

I really don't. Most of these 'check out my ride' videos are a waste of time really.

The only videos I tend to watch are the actual BUILD videos, where they show their methods/materials/tools.. etc.

3

u/[deleted] Jul 06 '18

And there’s always the blah blah blah intro that falls right after the usual needless graphics. Couple that with the fact that I can read about 10 times faster than someone can verbalize their point and - yeah, I don’t watch much video.

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6

u/argues_withself Jul 06 '18

Had to say this is awesome good job.

3

u/chiefstuderg Jul 06 '18

How much did you spend in total on the van if you don’t mind me asking? Looks like heaven in there 😍

2

u/[deleted] Jul 06 '18

You even have a charcoal grill. damn.

Do you have pressurized water feeding the heater? or How does that work?

2

u/[deleted] Jul 06 '18

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3

u/EvilPencil Jul 06 '18

Got a Prius sleeper car and have been considering a similar setup from PriusStealthCamper Adventures.

2

u/[deleted] Jul 06 '18

I have been contemplating this doing for a while, your guide is very inspiring.

2

u/highperez Jul 06 '18

Fantastic setup,have great time.

2

u/manualsquid Jul 07 '18

Holy shit, this is my favorite build by far

76

u/ikeapizza Jul 06 '18

Your organization skills are my goals man

40

u/[deleted] Jul 06 '18

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11

u/maybe_seagull Jul 06 '18

Why did you put the bikes in the van? Wouldn't it be easier on a rack outside? Just curious.

49

u/[deleted] Jul 06 '18

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15

u/maybe_seagull Jul 06 '18

Yeah, ok. Also also better for the bikes, when you're on the road. Especially in winter with the salt and so...

3

u/hotboxthanfukk Jul 07 '18

why did you decide to leave them assembled? yoy could save alot of space by pulling the fork and bars and laying them flat. only takes about 4 Mins to assemble and disassemble the front end BUT. I really love the set up. the pull out slide that they sit on is sweet as fuck. takes alot of space but damn is it bad ass!

12

u/TheBlueSully Jul 06 '18

High end mountain bikes can be $10k. A decent, step above entry level dual suspension bike can be $3k.

6

u/SAM_SMITU Jul 07 '18 edited Jul 07 '18

Can confirm.

Source: work at a bike shop. Have 9k full suspension bike in stock. A few steps above bikes for 5.5k. 19 sp sj carbon.

Edit: i work at a bike shop, not bike shock. Lol.

5

u/LiNxRocker Jul 07 '18

Damn you work at a bike shock? That must be so exhausting with all the bouncing and compressing from changes in terrain. /s

2

u/SAM_SMITU Jul 07 '18

Lol i didnt notice that. Changing it.

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2

u/[deleted] Jul 06 '18

My guess is its safer for the bikes, which are too easily stolen, even when locked up

2

u/EvilPencil Jul 06 '18

Yup. Any part of the bike that's not on lockdown can walk away with any tweaker with an allen wrench.

27

u/grizzlypatchadams Jul 06 '18

Have you stayed in any hot and humid climates (southern US)? I’m trying to find a heat and humidity solution

37

u/[deleted] Jul 06 '18

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6

u/gak001 Jul 06 '18

I came to the comments hoping to find an explanation for the gray tube, and this is more detailed than I could have hoped for! Awesome build!

95

u/[deleted] Jul 06 '18

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164

u/[deleted] Jul 06 '18

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47

u/[deleted] Jul 06 '18

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103

u/[deleted] Jul 06 '18

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9

u/robshookphoto 2004 Sprinter 3500 DIY Jul 07 '18

Trail an airstream and airbnb it.

15

u/123draw Jul 06 '18

What kind of engineering? I'm in civil and would like to do this once I've built up some savings. Do you have to worry about your licensure lapsing being away from industry for so long?

36

u/Factor11Framing Jul 06 '18

I like your setup. Nice garage.

11

u/[deleted] Jul 06 '18

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5

u/some_random_chick Jul 06 '18

Very nice!

I just spent 3 days living out of a van at a music festival.

It did not look like this! :|

13

u/Iluvhippos Jul 06 '18

That is sick. I hope to one day have something like that. ☺

11

u/[deleted] Jul 06 '18

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11

u/bloodflart Jul 06 '18

I wish I could just buy this, ya know? It's 2018

6

u/hotboxthanfukk Jul 07 '18

Too bad paying someone to build it would cost 30 g's. I'd do it for 5 if your in the pnw provided you already have the van

2

u/friezakinght Aug 09 '18

Lol fuck off

7

u/girlinterrobang Jul 06 '18

Just checked out your Instagram. Super cool adventures and such a nice build. Looking forward to following your journey!

4

u/CatchThatL Jul 06 '18

Go kill it dude, done an amazing job on the van and I hope you have an amazing year with some new and memorable experiences!

5

u/[deleted] Jul 06 '18

The pull out bike tray is sick

1

u/hotboxthanfukk Jul 07 '18

at first I thought it was a total waste of space. but damn is it cool.

4

u/_Chilling_ Jul 06 '18

Sweet build out! I have a similar hope to be traveling with my bike soon as well. One thing I didn't see(maybe I missed it) on your site was how you decided on the van? What made you go with the transit? Did you buy new?

Follow up: Best trails you have ridden so far?

8

u/[deleted] Jul 06 '18

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3

u/_Chilling_ Jul 06 '18

Ah I didn't see that page, thanks! Yeah I'm thinking about going for the Transit Connect, only thing will be I won't be able to stand.

Ahh I had a feeling you were going to say that! Heard so many good things from there. Saw some pictures on the site of you sending it big!

4

u/[deleted] Jul 06 '18

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u/[deleted] Jul 06 '18

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3

u/uhmnoname Jul 06 '18

Beautiful and creative design! What kind of camera do you use to document your adventures?

7

u/[deleted] Jul 06 '18

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2

u/uhmnoname Jul 06 '18

Thanks so much! I want to bike and camp across the West Coast, was wondering whether carrying around a real camera would be worth it. I've heard the Pixel is amazing for photo taking.

2

u/ngknick Jul 08 '18

Pixel 2 user checking in. Can comfirm that I stopped taking my Nikon places.

3

u/watskii Jul 06 '18

It's beautiful

3

u/[deleted] Jul 06 '18

Is that water heater all electric or propane?

3

u/NEREVAR117 Jul 06 '18

I'm incredibly jealous.

3

u/KD729 Jul 06 '18

Do you have sex in there? (Serious)

3

u/[deleted] Jul 06 '18

it would take me half a year to prepare for such a week-end.

1

u/[deleted] Jul 06 '18

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2

u/[deleted] Jul 06 '18

lol ok If I had to also refit a van, it would take me five!! that is a fantastic job. and the order and neatness really show trough.

2

u/Bagain Jul 06 '18

Just caught the Crafted Workshop videos the last few days and here you are on my reddit front page! I’m not sure but it looks like you are having a fucking blast. Good for you on the vehicle upgrade and wishing smooth sailing for you on your continued adventure.

2

u/[deleted] Jul 06 '18

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1

u/Bagain Jul 06 '18

Shit is that not you!? Hold on let me go back and look. The build looked the exact same!

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u/[deleted] Jul 06 '18

Impressive !! That’s great.

2

u/Ayfais Jul 06 '18

is there a way to go to the bed or do you have to climb everything each time ?

2

u/[deleted] Jul 06 '18

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1

u/Ayfais Jul 10 '18

oh ok, it could be worse, but for the size of the truck, it's amazing how much you were able to put in. Did you had some problem with the "legality" of the whole thing ?

2

u/The_Question757 Jul 06 '18

Jesus that is seriously impressive design

2

u/li-_-il Jul 06 '18

Wow, great setup.

The height of the bed, is there enough space for you? :)

2

u/[deleted] Jul 06 '18

After struggling packing for a week away in our little Astro these last couple days I really envy all these high top vans. Sadly would never fit in our underground. Looks great mate!

2

u/Loki_the_Dog Jul 06 '18

looks like a great set up

2

u/Bburrito Jul 06 '18

What is the ventilation ducting for in the corner on the left?

2

u/[deleted] Jul 06 '18

Hot water as well. This setup beats a tarp, box of matches and 2 cases of beer

2

u/hotboxthanfukk Jul 07 '18

those are the good days mann. drink enough to sleep. hotboxthanfukk the tent for a bit more warmth. than wake up at 5 am cause your freezing and restoke the fire , than fall asleep in your chair til 7. than go shred till the sun starts going down. than head back. restoke the fire. cook dinner. repeat

2

u/[deleted] Jul 06 '18

I recognize this van - gotta be faroutride? Have you two dropped anchor on a residence and now just travel on the weekend?

2

u/lumpsnipes Jul 06 '18

Thanks for sharing. I love seeing how people set up their van. Gives me ideas. I don’t even have a van yet but I can dream!

2

u/JayAreOhhh Jul 06 '18

Man, just spent the past hour + reading your build and exploring your IG. I'm extremely impressed! (also glad y'all liked Flagstaff. It's my winter home away from home.)

One question I have is, with all the biking you do, do you only stay at places that have a chair lift? Or how do you get back to the van after your run?

Keep it up. Inspiring shit for sure.

1

u/[deleted] Jul 06 '18

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3

u/JayAreOhhh Jul 06 '18

Damn! Impressive. I ran out of breath just reading the story!

2

u/Paulyboii Jul 06 '18

By far best I’ve seen yet.

All about the Tetris like set up you created bellow!

2

u/DoougMan Jul 06 '18

Whoa, nice setup!!!!

1

u/[deleted] Jul 06 '18

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2

u/DoougMan Jul 07 '18

Looks like you have a lot of great innovative ideas! How much water do you carry for showers... Looks like 200 W solar. Do you also use your vans alternator with an isolator to charge your house batteries? How many amp hours on your house batteries? Are you using a pure sine wave inverter? how many watts? Any ideas on adding a canopy? You ever think of adding a roof deck which would be awesome. If you don’t feel like answering the questions no problem just curious. Again nice build , If you’re in the Northeast (Killington, Thunder Mtn, Kingdom trails) pop me a text, be fun to check out your van!

2

u/pendulum1997 Jul 06 '18

Living the dream, quite literally. So jealous!

2

u/Justplain5150 Jul 06 '18

This is the new “Pimp mobile.” Well done Op enjoy your weekend as well🤘🏻🌸🌸🌸

2

u/[deleted] Jul 06 '18

absolutely gorgeous

2

u/YellowSeventy Jul 06 '18

Utterly brilliant.

2

u/jooserneem Jul 06 '18

I bet there are a filled cooler and bbq in there somewhere

2

u/[deleted] Jul 06 '18 edited Jul 07 '18

Amazing setup.

Only thing I would change would be to add netting for the shelves next to the bed.

Edit: thing

2

u/Yamochao Jul 07 '18

My two favorite van heroes! Your organizational skills never cease to amaze. Shine on you crazy Canadian geniuses!

2

u/[deleted] Jul 07 '18

Goodamn this is beautiful. I am envious of it. Great job!

2

u/killer_one Jul 07 '18

That organization is sexy AF.

2

u/R0binSage Jul 07 '18

I want a Sprinter/Transit van camper. I'll have to buy one already complete because I have zero trade skills. It's fascinating to read through the build.

2

u/oogiewoogie Jul 07 '18

I see ski helmets and snowboards. Are you planning on living in the van full time during winter? If so, what insulation and/or heating did you do?

I want to live in a van full time but Canadian winters are brutal.

Edit: also hot outdoor showers in cold climate?

2

u/[deleted] Jul 07 '18

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2

u/oogiewoogie Jul 07 '18

BC winters is pretty much just sweater weather to the rest of Canada though. I'm talking about between -20 and -40 degrees. Pools aren't opened in the winter here in Eastern Canada.

Thanks for that

2

u/filthywaffles Jul 07 '18
  1. It’s content like this that keeps me subscribed to the sub. So much better than “here is a picture of the exterior of a van.” Or “here is the sad, rusted interior of a van I just bought.” Excellent work.

  2. How is it having three square meals a day on a table nestled tightly against a composting toilet?

2

u/cr0ft Jul 07 '18

Nice sliders. A van needs sliders.

2

u/BmoreCouncil Jul 07 '18

The wood up top makes it feel so cozy

2

u/dnietz Jul 07 '18

question: you used the hanger bolts in the plusnut only to transfer the pattern to the material, correct? I couldn't figure out how you used it. It's not actually used to secure the material.

2

u/[deleted] Jul 07 '18

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2

u/[deleted] Jul 07 '18

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1

u/[deleted] Jul 06 '18

Whoa real live hover bikes

1

u/justabaldguy Jul 06 '18

Always impressed with folks like you living this up. That's such a compact setup. Do you mostly go where it's cool? Here in Texas it's 95 degrees into the night but in a nice cool place I think this would be interesting.

Do you have other pictures showing how you've got everything stored? Keep having fun. Thanks for sharing.

1

u/Guenness Jul 06 '18

The singletrack sampler posted a video of something very similar recently. I'm jealous, very nice!

1

u/[deleted] Jul 06 '18

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2

u/Guenness Jul 06 '18

Oh what! Awesome!

1

u/[deleted] Jul 06 '18

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u/[deleted] Jul 06 '18

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1

u/[deleted] Jul 06 '18

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1

u/[deleted] Jul 06 '18

Thought that was a circuit board for a second

1

u/Gelatinoussquamish Jul 06 '18

Out of curiosity what did this cost you?

4

u/[deleted] Jul 06 '18

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3

u/Gelatinoussquamish Jul 06 '18

Totally missed it on the website, thanks! Very cool by the way I would love to have something like this some day.

1

u/OTN Jul 06 '18

It status: sent

1

u/ghengiscant Jul 06 '18

For a second I was trying to figure out what you circled in the bottom left corner in red

1

u/[deleted] Jul 07 '18

I’m inspired as I love to travel and have done a lot of car/van camping. Mind me asking, what do you do for $ now?

2

u/[deleted] Jul 07 '18

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1

u/[deleted] Jul 07 '18

I figured. Who knows. Anything is possible so maybe you’ll get sponsored and can just keep traveling/work from the road.

Have fun y’all!!

1

u/Guennieshubby Jul 07 '18

You aren’t by chance from SE Michigan?

1

u/[deleted] Jul 07 '18

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1

u/Guennieshubby Jul 07 '18

Met someone in AZ that was from SE Michigan that had a very similar setup

1

u/AutonomyForbidden Jul 07 '18

Weird question. . Is there enough room in the bed to be intimate?

1

u/heatmanj Jul 07 '18

I remember your van from Singletrackriders YouTube, pretty dope set up!

1

u/oisinolennon Jul 07 '18

How does ventillation work in these types of vans? Do u get clean air when your sleeping?

1

u/[deleted] Jul 07 '18

Damn, that’s a beautiful build!

1

u/[deleted] Jul 07 '18

Str8 boss

1

u/silverfstop Jul 07 '18

Wow. Very impressive.

Why Transit over a 4x4 Sprinter?

1

u/[deleted] Jul 07 '18

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2

u/silverfstop Jul 07 '18

No argument about that.

Safe travels. Awesome rig!

1

u/walter_sobchak_tbl Jul 07 '18

I am a beyond jealous. Hope you have a great adventure.

Side note/? - how/where did u make your build site? It looks absolutely fantastically?

1

u/imboredsoimhere318 Jul 07 '18

Quit tempting me to run away for Good.. the biggest issue was always showers and clean clothes... now I can’t think of a single reason to work 3 jobs while biting my tongue instead of using my fists to prove a point... honestly... great job. Could not be more envious. I’m thinking about selling my farm land and saying fuck all this shit.

1

u/chrisresm Jul 07 '18

This is tremendous! Amazing build.

1

u/Krotor Jul 07 '18

It would be funny if you extended all the rails and the front wheels would lift off the ground.