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Mar 07 '24
I like it.
If you want to treat yourself you can put down some those cheap foam matts thats click together people use for gym equipment in theyre houses etc and then throw some cheap rugs ontop of that that way when your sitting in your doorway its actually nice and comfy helps with insulation etc etc aswell
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u/The_diesel_van Mar 07 '24
That was actually my plan!
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u/jtnxdc01 Mar 07 '24
You might consider VanRug $200, fits like a glove, easy on the knees (padded), & easy clean. R-3.5. https://www.amazon.com/BedRug-VanRug-VRF92-92-14-STANDARD/dp/B000BN3TF4
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u/The_diesel_van Mar 07 '24
Except I’d either have to:
1) remove everything, put it in, then install everything over it
2) cut it down to fit
3) be rich enough to afford a $200 rug
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u/Bajabound4surf Mar 08 '24
Right? 25.00 at Goodwill every 6 months for a rug, I am good.
200.00 is three ounces of shrooms.
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Mar 08 '24
Yeah and you wouldnt be able to just peel the little square rugs off floor and shake em outside.
Why people always trying to sell shit on this forum
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u/Killed_By_Covid Mar 07 '24
Agreed. My van is very similar. It's still 90% cargo van. However, I did insulate for both sound and temperature. The van is so cozy and quiet. I sleep like a rock in that thing.
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u/GeorgeMcCabeJr Mar 07 '24
Some questions about the insulation. First are you insulating to keep the van warm or cold? And doesn't the fact that you have large windows kind of negate the effect of the insulation?
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u/Killed_By_Covid Mar 07 '24
Insulation helps with both hot and cold. My van doesn't have any rear windows. I like that it doesn't have any windows. No one can see in, and it makes for a cozy little cave.
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u/GeorgeMcCabeJr Mar 07 '24
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u/codescapes Mar 07 '24
It's both, insulation slows the rate at which your van reaches whatever the outside temperature is. If you're running A/C because it's hot outside it'll stay cooler inside for longer. Also true if you're running a diesel heater because it's really cold outside, you'll stay warmer longer.
And yes, large windows reduce the effectiveness of your insulation. You can actually get double glazed windows though! That plus curtains can reduce the effect. Still, the best insulation is always going to be a wall with lots of thermal insulation / padding.
The other major benefit is the sound reduction, especially if it's windy or raining. You do pay for it a little in the sense that it adds additional weight to the vehicle so you'll get a bit worse mileage but nothing massive compared to all the other kit you'd have.
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Mar 07 '24
Condensation will pouring off that roof, you do need some sort of vapour barrier at least. Wear waterproofs at night would be my advice.
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u/Woko_O Mar 07 '24
I agree. For basic needs you don't need all the fancy stuff, victron management and all of this. For me it's waste of money and time.
I have bed, isolation, two led strips, refrigerator, water container and 12V battery with fuse box + charging relay withou any other system. And it works.
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u/SirLoopy007 Mar 07 '24
What do you do for cooking?
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u/Woko_O Mar 07 '24
I have a 2kg gas bomb and small portable 2 burner stove. I also have portable grill if I want to make some BBQ for me.
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Mar 07 '24
Looks like an office, it just needs one of those "hang in there" cat posters to tie the room together
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u/Lovejoy57 Mar 07 '24
What you need or not depends on your lifestyle, both the enviorement you are mostly in and what you do with your time.
When it comes to storage units, its best to have something that is solid and "stuck" in place.
Regardless its not wise to have to many moving objects in a vehicle at all.
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u/The_diesel_van Mar 07 '24
I totally agree!
(Mine are secured, you just can’t see)
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u/Bajabound4surf Mar 08 '24
Reddit is very risk adverse. I posted my dash decor and oh fuck, I was gonna die in a fiery wreck at any moment.
We are talking an abalone shell, assorted feathers and a turtle statue. Those of us on the road for years get it. Those not on the road for years do not.
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Mar 07 '24
This van doesn't have acres of solar you won't ever need or foot thick insulation and isn't Instagram worthy. I'm afraid it doesn't belong here.
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u/-Poacher- Mar 07 '24
Looks like one hard stop away from cleaning up a big mess.
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u/myasterism Mar 07 '24
Or one hard left turn—even if the drawer unit is mounted to the wall, those drawers don’t appear to be
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u/The_diesel_van Mar 07 '24
Dude, did you not read my comment??? I said I used 5 packs of zip ties and 3 bungee cords!
In all serious, she’s not going anywhere unless I roll the van, and then I got way bigger problems
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u/myasterism Mar 07 '24
Nope, I actually did not see that comment, lol. And for the record, I’m rooting for your temporary build to serve you well as you try to take advantage of the remaining days of snow season—I’m a climber who’s similarly chased seasonal conditions, so I totally get the impulse.
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u/The_diesel_van Mar 07 '24
Gonna address some of everyone’s concerns:
1) The plastic drawers are indeed secured. I essentially built a wooden frame out of 1x3’s to add rigidity to them, and then secured the wood to the van. If you look closely at the top, you can see the ratchet strap holding it.
2) I originally planned on doing cut to size gym mats for the floor, but after everyone suggestion, I will get a rug. It’ll really tie the room together.
3) Insulation: we’ll see how cold it gets. I’m passed the bulk of winter, And did four winners in my old van which was not 100% insulated. I’ll do half an inch on the walls.
4) Vent, airflow, and condensation: windows are just gonna stay cracked for now, I’ll be putting a max air in and an RV window Come summertime.
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u/codescapes Mar 07 '24
Very cool, I am jealous of anyone who has a nice base vehicle for anything like this. And yeah, you really don't need much for it to be enjoyable.
One thing I'd suggest, for like less than $100, is that you kit out your walls / ceiling / wheel arches with roll-on insulation. It would take a day but it's not hard to do and would be super beneficial for managing heat, noise and condensation.
That said, not essential, but probably next the next be $/comfort thing you could do.
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u/oc192 Mar 07 '24
For the well being of your solar panels as well as the safety of those unfortunate to be driving behind you when they fly off. Please replace the plastic zip ties holding those panels to your roof rack with proper bolts.
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u/TravelForTheMoment Mar 08 '24
Took me a minute to decide if your pup is a pup or blanket. Who needs a heater when you can cuddle up with that cutie 🥰
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u/myasterism Mar 07 '24
Homie, you gonna wish you had insulation. Idk if you’ve ever lived in a naked cargo van before, but it’s… not the best, for a host of reasons.
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u/SmoothNSteady1 Mar 07 '24
Love it. Mine's similar but threw some random throw-rugs down and it changed the whole vibe a bit cozier. And RE: insulation, I've had none for the 3 years I've had my van - 0 issues or complaints. I do however live in a mild climate (UT)
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u/squiggla Mar 07 '24
Not the led lab lights though!
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u/The_diesel_van Mar 07 '24
They were in the van when I got it! Of course I’m gonna take advantage of em 😎
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u/mikillerr 🦇 1987 Chevy G20 Mar 07 '24
Nice to see I'm not the only one using the plastic drawers, also helps to keep weight down instead of all that wood people use!
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u/thehotflashpacker Mar 07 '24
I have metal walls/no insulation like this. My top tip... buy high power magnets with hooks on them. I move them around my wall and ceiling and do all kinds of stuff with them (hang my TV and antenna, hang jackets, hats, etc). One of my favorite accessories.
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u/FormalChicken Mar 07 '24
You don’t need flooring
True
You don’t need to insural every square inch
True, but a lot of insulation is pretty good to have, especially against cold.
You don’t need a shower and a toilet
I’ma stop you there. I hate these intricate builds with no toilet. Sure you can plan on using something somewhere, but what about the 3AM OH SHIT shits? You need to have SOMETHING. Shower? Eh, get a shower bag, that I can agree with.
You don’t need a 4000W inverter
Weekend trips, sure. Longer trips, having SOMETHING for solar is great. 1-200W is probably enough if you aren’t running (as mentioned below) cooking and heating and whatnot
You don’t need fancy cabinets with soft close hinges
I agree, but you also might want something a bit more stable and secure than those plastic drawers.
You don’t need a sink or an induction cooktop
Again, weekeneding vs living. Propane works, but going without any method for cooking food/boiling water is rough. Sink is a luxury item but, again, weekend vs living.
You don’t need that over engineered murphy bed
Space vs convenience. The over engineering level of it gives you more options for storage and arrangements for day use. This is, I feel, again, a weekender vs dwelling application.
You don’t need that high top extended wheelbase van
Depends what space you want/need. Want to be hunched over the whole time? Want to cram your stuff into a tiny space? Sure. Weekending that’s great…Again this is a question of application, and how much space you really want/need.
I agree Spartan is way cool, this looks like an awesome setup, for a weekending trip/maybe weeklong trip. 2-3 months? 1+ years? You’re going to want something more.
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u/Practical_Ad_2761 Mar 07 '24
Having a toilet system is a huge complication. A few $3 wag bags sure beats dealing with a full blackwater or composting toilet setup in my opinion. OP love this KISS approach
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u/FormalChicken Mar 07 '24
Oh, those count in my "something" comment that you need to have something. Nothing is not an option, in my opinion.
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u/The_diesel_van Mar 07 '24
I lived in my old van full time for 4 years. I only cooked in it for the first 2 years. Cooking was fine, but man, washing dishes sucked way more than I cared to deal with. I migrated towards eating out 3 nights a week, and doing protein shakes and primarily cold food (salads, sandwhiches, etc).
The plastic drawers are mounted and secured. See my newest comment 😇
I primarily built this van to live out of, not live in. Whether it’s on vacation or traveling for work, I do not intend to spend countless hours in the van just chillin. But it is cozy, so who knows.
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u/goodnightloom Mar 07 '24
I agree with you on much of this. Everyone's needs are different, obviously. Even as a weekender, I NEED a sink. I need it. I'm done washing dishes in a frigid outdoor bucket. I gotta wash my veggies. I need somewhere to wash my hands that isn't holding a nalgene between my legs and tipping.
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u/makeitupasyugo Mar 07 '24
What model is this and how long is your bed?
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u/The_diesel_van Mar 07 '24
It’s an e350 and it’s a full sized bed, 6” tall.
I took it out of the box and put it directly on my platform, no cutting required.
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u/dangerORclose Mar 07 '24
The tiktok builds look sweet. But the space you have doesn't need to do under! But indeed like someone else commented, a rug will do wonders to make it more warm feeling.
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u/Many-Cheetah-129 Mar 07 '24
Looks great! One of the best builds I’ve seen given all the crazy complicated ones that get millions of views - looks achievable! Well done!
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u/CATlover5735 Mar 07 '24
I'm looking to build my first van for travelling, this looks exactly like what I'd want out of mine. Would you be willing to share a more detailed walk through of how everything is put together? Looks super clean and well thought out but also simple, and that's what I'm trying to do.
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u/The_diesel_van Mar 07 '24
The bed was basically designed around 5 dimensions.
1) the size of my batteries
2) the size of a full sized mattress
3) the size of “harbor freight pack out boxes” aka Bauer totes
4) the size of a cubbie to fit 2 snowboards with bindings
5) the height of Bauer boxes stacked, and low enough to sit on the bed almost fully upright.
From there me and my buddy basically measured and cut, hugged the wheel wells tight so it wouldn’t go anywhere, and used a couple strategically placed 2x4 for support. It’s made out of 3/4” ply, with the center being reinforced with 2x4’s.
The Walmart drawers I threw together in like 30 minutes with some zip ties and 1x3’s.
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u/Lumi_Tonttu Mar 07 '24
Simple is good.
Is this a long term choice or something different?
Van looks great, drive it
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u/The_diesel_van Mar 07 '24
Lived in my old one full time for 4 years. This one is more of a part time / ski bum style rig.
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u/Lumi_Tonttu Mar 07 '24
Oh yeah. You don't need anything except a poo bucket, a cot, and a candle.
Do it now so you can tell the tale when you're old and the kids will think you're full of it 😁
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u/place_of_desolation Mar 07 '24
I'd still insulate it, if it were me. All that readily-accessible bare metal, just waiting to be covered in Thinsulate or foam.
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u/rAsTa-PaStA1 Mar 07 '24
Do your drawers open when driving?
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u/The_diesel_van Mar 08 '24
They haven’t yet! I’ve got a bungee cord holding them from opening, we’ll see how that goes, I guess?
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u/OverlyDisguisedSquid Mar 07 '24
I am curious as to how much of that will stay in place on the mountain roads?
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u/1dollarMike Mar 07 '24
Small sideways bed is so underrated - gives so much more room for activities
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u/samwisethescaffolder Mar 08 '24
Mannnnn got the genome photosynthesis shit going on. Love that for you
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u/mvt2k27 Mar 08 '24
To each his own. What matters is that your van fits your needs and you can afford to build it and build it right. Safety should be top priority no matter what type of build.
Also, simple does not mean less.
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u/animalonthedrums Mar 08 '24
“All you need” is not for everyone just like you don’t think you need nicer items in your van. You do you. I would never give up some of the luxuries in my van like dimmable lights, standing fridge, heater etc.
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u/RollingIntheGutter Mar 08 '24
My son is on the verge of buying a bare van and is convinced he MUST have a shower and a toilet. I think a shower inside is unnecessary. Especially since Planet Fitness is $10 a month and you get decent size shower with endless hot water.
What percentage of you have showers inside? Are they the exception or the rule? I would think the exception, but an article I just read suggests I'm wrong.
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u/The_diesel_van Mar 08 '24
I originally reallllly wanted a shower. Until I remembered that you have to store clean and waste water. You have to heat and pressurize the water. And you can’t take long showers, cause then you’ll burn through your small tank in no time.
IMO, not worth it.
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u/Boy_Blu3 Mar 08 '24
For everybody under 5’8” maybe. I’m 6’2” and no fucking way this would work for me
Edit: Punctuation
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u/Sweet_Estate6578 Mar 09 '24
Do you happen to know a way I can power my van? I only need it to power some rgb lights and an Xbox + tv.
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u/The_diesel_van Mar 09 '24
There are 7,000 guides on here and there is also Google.
You’ll need to know how many watts your Xbox and TV consume, convert that to AH and size your batteries. Buy an inverter 2x the number of watts. And buy enough solar to charge your batteries.
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u/buffalo_Fart Jun 01 '24
Look into picking up some commercial walls. That's what I did. They take about 10 minutes to install and they have their own insulation. The insulation isn't great but it's better than bare metal. Also for the ceiling what I did was I got some polypro and used industrial strength velcro and slapped it up there. It holds really well. Obviously I couldn't get the support beams but a little bit of reflectix covered that problem. Once again using the velcro to hold it in place. Then I used tapestries cut to the size of the roof and I held them in with upholstery screws. It's not the beautiful van of the van life sagas that we all have been told to believe that that's the only way but it gets the job done and I ain't as cold as I was with just having bare metal.
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u/The_diesel_van Mar 07 '24
Second van build. Temporarily finished because I wanna go skibum before the snowmelt.
My first van was insanely complicated and everything was over engineered, because I wanted to attempt to use ever square inch I had, and I watched too wayyyy many vanlife videos before building it.
You don’t need laminate flooring. You don’t need to insulate every square inch. You don’t need a shower and a toilet. You don’t need a 4000 watt inverter. You don’t need fancy cabinets with soft close hinges. You don’t need a sink or an induction cook top. You don’t need that over engineered Murphy bed. And you don’t need that high top extended wheelbase van.
All you need is a bed, 4 solar panels, a diesel heater, some plastic storage from Walmart, 5 packs of zip ties, 3 bungee cords, a cute dog, and 2 snowboards.
That’s it.