P.S. the build alone did not cost $70,000--that price includes the cost of the brand new custom-order Mercedes Sprinter van as well.

After watching van builds for 10 years. This is still one of the ones that stand out for quality and design. This is now my favorite kind of video. What works and what you would do differently. I'm 95% complete with my van build. I hope I am as pleased 5 years from now as you are. 👍

Great follow up Ken. Your videos inspired me to do my own DIY and your ideas are still influencing me. I changed my mind on the fresh water tank and plan to use 4- 5 gal Gerry cans (with your quick disconnect/check valve system) instead of one big tank. Two vents installed, two windows installed, flooring installed and this weekend two flarespaces will be installed and I will finally be ready to start with the inside cardboard mock up to be followed by 8020. I've watched 100's of van DIY videos and still come back to the Ken method. Thank you for your guidance, instructions and inspiration.

Still my #1 build if I was under 6’ tall. Great update and will be my first go to video series when I start my build. Thanks!!!!

Well done ! thanks for showing !

You're absolutely right about the lack of follow up videos. Yours is the only one I've seen, and it's so important! A great van build by the way.

You are such a good teacher, Ken! I've seen your initial van build and it was so advanced for its time. I was impressed with how you patiently and with humility, explained it all to us neophytes. It was therapy for you, and also for us watching it. It is a work of art even today, way ahead of its time. Every detail shines. You did a fine job helping yourself and your daughter get over the trauma. I lost my adult daughter to cancer in Jan 2020 to cancer. I try to lose myself in van builds, exploring, creating. and distracting my brain from that horror. It is enormously therapeutic to listen to you, the quiet voice of reason and technical perfection. You have touched so many. In every video I learn a lot. Marmoleum - a modern take on linoleum. Bio friendly, durable, easy to install and maintain. Its making a comeback. Van building relies heavily on knowing all the raw materials to use. Research is exhausting. Thanks for this shortcut. Smart Batteries - Lithionics is the best Lithium brand to get at present. It has its own BMS. Very pricey, but very reliable. Batteries and tires make or break your van. Smart idea about multiple fuse distribution centers. I have to redo my old Class C and its a scary thought. Now I know that I can install several of these fuse boxes and not have to run wire all over! If you want to know best materials out there, watch the Humble Road Videos. George started commercial van builds and has weekly videos and tips that are so rich in content. He also swears by Thinsulate and Mass Loaded Vinyl for sound deadening. Typically on the ceiling, for max insulation, he uses MLV first, then Thinsulate with white side facing interior, then Reflectix bubble wrap over the Thinsulate. Apparently, when the fluffy side meets the Reflectix, it acts as an air barrier and thermal break. Then he installs a floating ceiling in sectional panels that are removable. Wiring is accessible due to the removable ceiling. Clever, isn't it? I remember when you ordered that double sliding chair that opens into a bed. The best one that I've seen so far is the very recent Kabe Affinity van. This van was designed by a Polish guy, and launched by Kabe, a Swedish company. It was being shown in Caravan Salon in Dusseldorf. There is a double passenger seat much like yours. It unfolds into two single beds! I was so blown away. I watched it unfold 10 times to memorize the mechanism. Two separate single bunk beds from a passenger double seat. Your daughter will love it! It also has an expanding garage with a rear double bed on linear actuators. Fun stuff. Thanks for sharing! Glad to see you back in action. Greetings from California!

Thank you for this great review of your build longevity! 🙂

Thanks for the update. I've been viewing your channel for my current build on a 170 Sprinter. Your videos and details have been so helpful and encouraging. Happy Trails and God Bless!

Awesome build - thank you for sharing these insights!

Thanks for the follow up, still waiting for my van but when it's finally here many tips from your build will be a tremendous help

Just loved watching your build, attention to detail plus the in depth videos and knowledge sharing during the whole process. So it was just fantastic to see the update, thank you.

What a wonderful job you've done and this video is just full of valuable information.Thanks for info and keep up the great work.

Great video and van. I'm just starting a van build and will be using some of your van build ideas. Thank you

Watched your original build years ago and particularly liked the 80/20 aspects. So much that I am putting them to use. I am finally starting my build on a 2020 170 crew 4x4. Couldn’t be more excited. Thank you.

Awesome how well your build has stood up. I watched your build videos & you are far to modest, your patience, your research/ planning, & execution is some of the best I've seen even up against the pro builders. Your videography & explanations were super well done & anyone contemplating a build would be wise to subscribe & watch each of your build vids Big Thx !!

Thanks for posting this video. There are plenty of installation videos but not much of long-term reviews. That's what I'm looking for. Enjoy!

One of the first van build video series I watched. Still the best and most informative!

Don’t even own a van and have followed since the beginning. Love the videos and glad everything has worked out. Safe travels.

My upholstery work in my van and headliner shelf were done spending countless hours studying your channel, and I often get complements on how professional it looks. Besides the massive savings from doing it myself, the satisfaction makes it so much sweeter. I can’t wait to execute more of your innovations with my own twists in my 2021 sprinter

Best video I’ve seen on the actual outcome and use of a van conversion! Thanks for your candor.

Yea! Glad to see you back at it, and this is a great topic Ken!

Thanks for the review. We’re hoping to build our van in the near future, and I look forward to watching rest of your videos. 👍

I love your setup for everything! Thanks for the great long-term follow up!

Super great video! Thank you for another great video!

As always a great, informative video. I watched all your build videos and it's good to see this follow up. Thanks

Absolutely awesome job!!! Really appreciate your creativity and most importantly your honesty on thé whole project. She’s a real beaut💯

Your build is awesome! So awesome to see how well your design, materials, and craftsmanship has held up. Cheers.

Thanks for posting this. I have learned so much from your original videos. I, and so many other appreciate your videos. I am doing my water system just like yours now. Take care.

In 2018 my wife and I purchased a brand new Sprinter to convert. Your videos were a god sent. Although we went the route of Adventure Wagon kit and Trail Kitchen chuck box we followed your practical approach when approaching fan, window additions, swivel seats, etc. We finally sold the van in 2021, which we missed almost immediately. Fast forward to February 2023 and we're back but in this case we purchased a 2019 Metris with a poptop that fits in the garage even with the 2" lift kit. Currently working on the basics sound deadening, insulation, house battery system and most important a gas fired espar. Yes a much different animal but in many ways the same except smaller. Thanks again for all your insights and help. Wishing you and family all the best!

Super helpful video! Thank you!

Thanks for a unique perspective and your well tested recommendations.

Great idea for follow up !! I'm 80% done... and just about to do my walls !!! Cheers

Hi Ken, I watched you from the start and George from Humble Road. I'm was sold on using 80/20 from you two. I have to admit that I'm in the same boat when it comes to working with wood. Anyway, awesome build and I'm glad you and your daughter are enjoying the rewards. 🙂

Hey Ken, Am about 2/3 through a short wheel base Sprinter van build. Like you and others, I have spent countless hours online, researching thousands of sites, what to do and how to do it. Hands down, your site is superlative! The best I have seen. You inspired me to use 80/20 although I am a woodworker. Marrying the two skill sets has paid off hugely. Keep up the excellent work buddy! Alan

love the water system and appreciate the research on the products you found for it!

Nice overview with lots of useful tips !

Welcome back Buddy we missed you! Love your videos

Great review, a valuable contribution to DIY folks.

Indeed, you have to be proud of this van, because of all the meticulous work and research you did, it is one of the best van out there. 😎

Ken you are certainly a craftsman and it is proof after five years. Also an excellent videographer willing to share your knowledge. I’m about a 1/4 into my build. Previously I had a teardrop trailer. Well made but the builder applied a lot of marine varnish to its interior plywood wall cladding. After four years of owning it, the teardrop continued to off-gas VOCs. So I am attempting to construct my van with green materials. I used for Marmoleum for my flooring and it is amazing. Really like it and would recommend it to anyone. It is tough too. Anyway, I appreciate your follow up video. Unlike 90% of the factory RVs which are engineered to fail, your’s is a testament of what should be an industry standard. Good on you I vote yay.

Always love seeing your videos, been watching your channel since 2017

I watched when the build was going on. You should be proud Ken, it’s a beautiful build and has held up great. I’ve seen several vans that were built with wood framing needing repairs after 2 years or so. Thanks for the update.

Ken, you da man. I love your van. Happy Travels.

you can be justifiably proud of your setup. so many great ideas and thought processes. thanks for sharing. really enjoy watching your videos. While the aluminium sections are great for keeping down weight they can be prohibitively expensive here in Australia. There are other 'non wood' options, we have been testing for some time.

Awesome build Ken! I used 80/20 in my Astro because of watching your early videos. If I do a rebuild I would like to install the Rock & Roll Bed. Happy Trails

Looking for a van, either already built, or to build. Glad I found this youtube! Will subscribe

welcome back!! very good video....

This video and this van build is quality all the way. Very useful tips.

Wow… first time I watched your channel. Great review of components and loved the electrical tips and window reviews. Also your water advice can be used for campers as well if they need to fix water leaks to the fresh water tanks.

I used Marmoleum and it was getting scratched up almost immediately. I wanted to love it, but just couldn't. So I got a large sheet of marine coin vinyl flooring and made a large removable mat for the entire floor and I love that. Super durable and also has more traction for my dogs.

Lovely van build!! Greetings from sunny Jamaica.

u r amazing..! thank-u for yr support. Me missus and i LOVE watching yr videos.. u make us believe we can do it too...! cheers from melb Oz..🇦🇺

Thank you for sharing this usefull information.

Good review, you did an excellent job and I copied several ideas from you when I built mine....

LEGEND. Keep keeping us inspired

You are a reference sir. keep up the good work !

Thank you so much. Have followed you since the beginning. I’m starting my own build and really appreciate this review. One question is, where under the floor did you place the conduit to bring power to the other side?

Super clean van, YO! 👍

Thanks Ken, for the 5 yr update. Your site was the one that inspired me towards DIYing our 2016 van. We are still DIYing and are enjoying it along the way as well. I don't know that I have a ton to add but just my contribution of appreciation for your sharing the quality work that your have done. I just wish I could get 100% comfortable drilling holes in my van, lol, lol.

Well done on doing a proper build. I constantly find myself commenting on builds that give no consideration to vehicle dynamics and collisions/accidents. Most builders don't have a clue and are creating death traps. There are some good videos on here showing factory built campers in collision testing which may scare you. Not a magnetic knife holder in sight which makes a change. Even those damn magnetic spice holder tins would become projectiles in an accident. All budding van builders need to watch this video and appreciate the thought that has gone into it👍

I value your five-year update on things. Have watched most of your YT vids multiple times, so you indeed have influenced my thinking! Yes, maintenance is seldom discussed. Last year I bought six of the five gallon jugs to use, but then decided otherwise because I was not grokking how to daisy-chain them. I've been leaning toward the Humble Road approach of installing an eight-inch access portal in the top of the water tank for viewing and clean-out. Those jugs have gotten mighty expensive so the tank would have been a less costly approach. Now that I saw the check-valve I understand how to use it. My only concern, then, is that for water we would drink, I would run that through filtering and UV, still doable with your system. We could do the two up front like yours and keep any additional (as needed) in the garage. I'm looking at using smaller cross-section extruded aluminum. Mocking that up soon.

Plumbing system worked like a charm. Going on 3 years now. I use one 7 gal container for fresh and one for grey under the counter. These check valves are money!

maaaan i love this video. so in depth all infos included. I just wanted to know what your material is called. the gray one with little "dots" in the back of your car to make the box for your electrical system over the aluminium

Which company makes the 11gal tank you mentioned?? Love you videos. You inspired my galley and cabinet build! Thank you.

Hello from the Seattle area. I found your channel and website this morning and it has kept me from my weekend chores! :) Really enjoying it as I think about embarking on a conversion myself. I am also a cruising sailor as well and enjoyed the comparison on your website to a cruising boat. What do you do for toilet needs?

Your van is looks amazing and I love your videos. I've started working a little with 8020 and was wondering why use the 15 series over the 10 series. I've noticed that the 10 series is cheaper and seems strong enough for most cabinets; however, I'm new to 8020 and it could be that there are some huge advantages to 15 series. Thanks again for all the wonderful videos.

Thank you for the video...and all the info you share. Around minute 13:30 it shows gray recess inserts for the black switches on the pillar. Where did you find them? Thx

Another great video. Not much wrong here. 2016 seems like so long ago and you were on the leading edge with this build. High quality build anyone can duplicate if they have your dedication. I would have watched regardless, but maybe the title will net some additional viewers and potential business. Ken, if you ever need some content, you could always share some additional trip videos. Enjoyed your past vids. They don’t need to be personal. Just where you went, what you saw and how capable your 2wd sprinter has been to get you there. I’ll be interested to see how the van changes to accommodate your kiddo as she grows. Pop top? All the best!

LOVE marmoleum- gonna put cork under mine.

Hi Ken Thx for doing a self review of wear and tear. I think the overall product was better than many pro builders. I built my sprinter 170 van in 2018 I wonder if you kept the DC to AC inverter up front - to send ( ac power thinner wire ) to the charger at the rear then AC to DC again? I liked this idea - wondered if it worked?

Thank you

I’ve watched and really learned from all your great videos. (The best on KZfaq) Sorry if it’s been answered but what company now makes the 11 gallon tank which you would use for your shower? Thank you.

Great topic.. :)

Great work…I am basically duplicating your build…including factory headliner…where did you source the connectors with check valves for your sink tanks ? Thanks ! Great quality work right here 😊

Hi, the link that you have goes to a webpage when you click on those to try to get more information it’s not working could you check on that and let us know I wanted to definitely get some more information on this cabinet builds and which part number you were using for the extruded aluminum thanks very much the videos are great

Great topic seldom covered by other channels.

Thanks for this video. It confirms a few choices for me. How is your fridge working for you? Do you have extra insulation around it for warm weather camping?

Great videos. If you were doing it today might you consider something like the goal zero for electrical instead of separate components? Those also have come a long way

Hi, do you have a video about the rear seat and rails that you’ve used (perhaps with install), as it’s such a great idea. PS The quality and simplicity of this video with clear communication absolutely enthuses me to go through your back catalogue - especially as you’re so seasoned. Great work!

Hi Ken Thx for doing a self review of wear and tear. I think the overall product was better than many pro builders. Did you keep the DC to AC inverter up front - to send ( ac power thinner wire ) to the charger at the rear AC to DC again?

Good stuff, as always! Curious about your multiple fuse blocks… was considering doing something similar in a build after seeing your setup. Seems smart to have a passenger side and driver side fuse block. Are you running power to each with separate wiring? Love to see the updates. Keep up the great vids!

Wow what a build! So much to be proud of. Now subscribed. I noticed you have Yokohama Geolander A/T tires. How do you feel about your tires? I am looking for balance of mostly road use with some minor off road use. Thanks for your videos.

How did you route your Spar exhaust to the drivers side?? Your original Espar vid has it out PS and I know you rerouted it after installing the PowerSteps, could you post some photos or a vid or that?? Thanks so much for all your informative vids!

We have the same problem with the cr Lawrence window.

Thanks, Ken! Your 5 year review already has me thinking in new directions. What are the top 3 noise makers inside your van when driving? Were they noisy from the start or did they get louder over time? And, last, does that CRL vent window (the one that doesn't close flush) whistle?

I would recommend instal Webasto under the van I made specet stainless steel box for it and what you win les noise. And space. All else is super made :) I planing to sell my van and get like yours sprinter :)

Really appreciate you showing things after 5 years, Nice job. Some intelligent choices, like the water and others. Is it ever a problem to lift the bikes so high and secure them? So I guess you live in the Sac area?

Watched your original build video from years ago. I plan to use your water setup; what faucet do you use?

I am curious, did you used Lock Tite on the 80/20 anchor fasteners? I saw that you used it on the all of the other connections but I didn't see it on the anchor fasteners. And if you didn't, did any of those come loose over the 5 years? Thanks for your detailed videos and site!

Ditto the customer service and sporty quality on the CRL window. The glass on the flap wasn't glues flush to the hinged and had a gap in it..yet it still had a "passed" QC sticker on it!!

The only one I seen someone use ENT Conduit... As I use that stuff in my RV build...Blue for 120 volt, Orange for 12 volt wiring...As these are vehicles. Not a damn house.. That does not see Vibrations, Flexing, Chemicals around the wiring etc...So you should wire them with that in mind....Not to mention easy to service or add wiring later......

I see you have auto plates, not commercial - did you have any issues at DMV to change them? Do you know how much you save in DMV fees with those? Great vid, love your quality and want to build the same headliner shelf next.

I saw that you used 1.5-inch 80/20; would you do these cabinets in 1-inch 80/20? What was the reason for using the 1.5-inch 80/20? I am building my van and like the 80/20 features, but I would love to use the 1-inch 80/20 to save space. Thank you for great videos!

The bamboo cabinet doors look quite good, where did you get them from? 👍

What a circus with the battery!?! Talk about bleeding edge technology. Lithium was new to me and although I've not anything happen like you I've still had some "do I have a matching pair of $2,500 boat anchors" moments. Once I learned that's BMS' didn't like the inrush of the inverter and how to pre-charge the inverter it's been smooth sailing. Cheers!

Hi Ken, Where can I buy the 11 gallons under-chassis water tank that you mentioned?

Great family Van! Do you use it as daily driver at all? Also curious about the back doors. I’ve seen some say the doors without insulation are drafty. What’s your experience?

how did you wire the additional fuse panels? I didnt see that mentioned in your electrical blog posts. are you just running a thicker gauge wire spliced in right before the first main due panel? or do you run it out of the first fuse panel?

I want to buy one of ur refrigerator- sink- draw cabinet system only in the reverse setup. That is to say it would be in front of the barn door with the cooking system near the door then the draws then refrigerator. This shouldn't be a problem reverseing this to my configuration would u think? How much would this cost me? Awaiting ur response! Thanks for ur time and efforts.