Custom Camper Van Conversion | Full Tour, Problems & What I Would Change

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Күн бұрын

A full tour of my Ford Transit Custom Camper Van. I show every part of the campervan from the solar panel, to the RIB bed and the diesel heater. This is not a self build camper van, I paid a company to do the conversion, but there were a lot of problems along the way. I will not be doing full time vanlife, instead I will be working from the camper as I travel around creating content and photographing landscapes. So rather than a tiny home on wheels, this will be my tiny office.
My Instagram: / heatonthomas
My Gear blog: bit.ly/tomsgear
My E-Book: geni.us/onlocation
Opening Drone Footage by: / @simonbaxterphotography
Some kit used/seen in this video. These are affiliate links.
Camping Table & Chairs - geni.us/tablechairs
Steering Lock - geni.us/stoplock
My New Vlogging Camera - geni.us/200SL2
My Wide Lens - geni.us/16to35f4
My Medium Lens - geni.us/24to70L
My Long Lens - geni.us/200lens
Arca Swiss Manfrotto Ball Head - geni.us/c9eN
Audio Recorder - geni.us/AudioRec
My full kit list blog: bit.ly/tomsgear
*Music*
These are the tracks used in this video. Below is a link to the site where I download them. It's an affiliate link, so if you choose to sign up, I get a little bonus. It costs you nothing extra x x
Pruina - They Dream By Day
Stay Near - Henrik Olsson
**All Downloaded from Here: goo.gl/DGwrJE

Пікірлер: 967

@team2jnd 6 жыл бұрын

Mr. Heaton, you have done me a great favor. My wife saw my wheels turning as I watched this video. In order to preemptively thwart my future camper van, she signed off on purchasing a camper cover for my truck. I’d have never gotten the approval without you, so thank you sir!

@SeedubsMedia 6 жыл бұрын

Actually felt pleasantly happy for you. You have worked hard and deserve it.

@MHTutorials3D 6 жыл бұрын

Congrats Thomas. Well done and well deserved !

@claudec2588 6 жыл бұрын

Excellent video. When you first talked about traveling around in a camper van security was my first thought. You answered those questions. Thank-You. Oh and of course. Congratulations!

@seantuck 6 жыл бұрын

Congrats Thomas. Looks amazing! Hope it opens up new adventures for you.

@jayv-in1860 6 жыл бұрын

OMG IT'S SEAN TUCKER!!!!!!! (I love your videos (I'm bit of a fan boy (if I say so myself)))

@BenHorne 6 жыл бұрын

You're really making me want to have a van like that!! Despite the delays, it sure turned out nice!

@GeorgeLoch 6 жыл бұрын

I dig your 4runner setup. Add a Rooftop tent and it's pretty much a camper van :)

@nobby1969 6 жыл бұрын

Ben Horne - I’m sure it’s all worth it now.

@JamesPopsysPhoto 6 жыл бұрын

Congrats mate! It looks like an incredible amount of work and thought has gone into that - I’ve no doubt it’ll provide us all with more great entertainment and images 👍🏼

@lamkaz810 6 жыл бұрын

You feel blessed to have this van but really you worked darn hard for it...so congratulations on the spoils of good clean hard work! 😊

@fijiimages 6 жыл бұрын

Great video Thomas. My wife and I are heading out tomorrow to find out about camper conversions. We are determined after seeing this to get one. Many thanks for the info and congratulations on your achievement. Been following you for a long time now and your vlogs just continue to improve. Best wishes and keep up the good work 👍

@Mindartcreativity 6 жыл бұрын

Congrats on fulfilling your dream! You seem really proud and happy. Safe travels, good luck and good light 😉

@wanderinggoliard 6 жыл бұрын

One of the best presentations of camper vans I've ever seen. The way you blended the description of the features with the utility for you was really well done. Good luck with your professional adventures.

@FrenchieSmalls 6 жыл бұрын

The appreciation at the end made me smile! I'm glad that we could help you get the van of your dreams, and we're really looking forward to the fantastic images it will help you make that you might not have been able to get without it.

@riccoswuave4935 6 жыл бұрын

Your production quality continues to evolve. Well done.

@raphaelfyi 6 жыл бұрын

Bit jealous now 😄 I'm happy that your van is finally ready for adventures!

@kimgrantphotography 6 жыл бұрын

Wow - you put so much thought into that van! Absolutely amazing. Great that you finally have it and it's (almost) complete! Looking forward to the KZfaq van trips to come.

@OFGW 6 жыл бұрын

We have been waiting for this video for quite some time. Thank you for finally making it. Sorry for all the issues you have had so far though. As time progresses I hope we get updates on your van. Enjoy!

@jbairdexp 6 жыл бұрын

Great to finally see the van video....well jealous now!

@ScoTreVan 5 жыл бұрын

Me too Julian

@UprootedWanderer 5 жыл бұрын

I believe, every landscape Photographer :)

@mihneatatu 6 жыл бұрын

That last part with come and see me, almost had me crying, it was clear that it means so much to you, and it's like you would be able to thank to the people that helped you make it happen, altough, as much as you mean it, it really is your work and talent that made it happen, not us ! Have great times with it, and no further problems with it !

@Davebird51 6 жыл бұрын

This has been my dream for years, I'm so envious. Congratulations, well deserved, you're an inspiration.

@hastiindwero3522 6 жыл бұрын

You are the most humble man, very patient and honestly one of my favorite vloggers and photographers ...

@glynjones1582 6 жыл бұрын

If you getting the van is down to us subscribers, does that mean we can borrow it for the weekend? Seriously, it looks tremendous and your attention to detail has given you a great living/working space. Looking forward to seeing your adventures

@ericbost4882 6 жыл бұрын

You earned it! Enjoy!

@bagamingshow 6 жыл бұрын

Man you've taught me so much. Not just in a technical sense, but how to perceive things differently. Literally every time you upload a video I get pumped up and motivated to go out and shoot. Even in the rain. Can't wait to see what this van does for you.

@GeorgeLoch 6 жыл бұрын

That looks like a great homebase when home is where ever you want to be. Really well considered and just enough luxury. Happy trails!

@BenKapurPhotography 6 жыл бұрын

Been waiting so long for this Thomas! :)

@TitouanDebray 6 жыл бұрын

I'm 19, haven't bought my first car yet and have never been particularly interested in camper-vans, and yet, I watched this video entirely with a smile on my face. It's just so damn cool.

@skidchowder2433 6 жыл бұрын

"Absolutely Stunnin"... perfect touch to complete the build. Im really happy for you Thomas!

@samanthareimerart4627 6 жыл бұрын

I love the ingenuity that goes in to camper vans. Having an organized and secure workspace while on the road is going to be awesome and I look forward to seeing what adventures you will get up to in your new rig.

@theofrancisphotography952 6 жыл бұрын

Wow what an amazing van. Love the roof and interior . 👍

@jogsingh3888 6 жыл бұрын

Theo Francis Photography उओहनव

@stubones 6 жыл бұрын

This van should have been featured on George Clarke's Amazing Spaces :)

@tesalsangma 6 жыл бұрын

I’m really happy for you! The van looks cozy. You’re such a talented photographer! You’ve inspired me more than anyone else here on KZfaq. Keep shining!

@arjunsureshlal6366 6 жыл бұрын

The attention to details!!! Everything precisely built for a purpose. Like the tripod storage and the outdoor table and chairs. I loved that.

@jamesfindlay7150 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks for thanking us your subscribers Thomas, and on that note can I borrow it for a fortnight in June 2018 lol

@paulwayman5137 6 жыл бұрын

Really interesting to see the van at last Tom. Without going into specific's, can you give us a ballpark figure of total conversion cost against buying a standard transit camper van? I'm sure some of us would like go down the camper van route, but are unsure of costings. Love the 'ABSOLUTELY STUNNING' cooker cover :)

@kreygscott 6 жыл бұрын

Congrats Thomas, you’re truly blessed to have worked so hard and accomplished so much. Really happy for you brother keep shooting and sharing.

@WanderingBird 6 жыл бұрын

Gorgeous van. That's exactly what we're doing- office on wheels to give us freedom to explore for a few months before returning to the UK and living on our boat for a little while before heading off again somewhere new! Hope you enjoy the freedom- we're loving ours! About to head off to Germany and Norway- sooooo excited!!! 😀 💕

@LugiaProphet 6 жыл бұрын

I hope no one wakes me... a channel dedicated to photography and nearly free of reviews and stuff? I can't believe it. That's amazing and most likely a dream. Anyway...! Even if it's a dream, i'll go for a "dreamsub"! Whatever that is... Greetings from the "opposite shore"... or whatever you prefer for Germany. - Kevin

@scotty4418 6 жыл бұрын

Thomas your hard work and dedication to your profession is also why you have achieved a dream. I truly believe you will take your art to a new level with the freedom this bestows you. If you dont mind me asking where does your actual diesel heater sit and does it take up much room as I bought a converted VW van recently and use a 240v electric heater when on the grid and a small portable gas heater when off the grid but see the diesel heater as a great alternative solution.

@davidslone9103 6 жыл бұрын

Happy for you, Thomas. Thanks for bringing us along.

@BitcoinBuccaneerBridger 6 жыл бұрын

Thomas your video easily conveyed your excitement, and the disappointments you've experienced in dealing with its conversion. I myself was excited for you, thank you for sharing your experience with me as well as your photography! I look forward to your future content.

@sulev111 6 жыл бұрын

I have a portable toilet too, it's called a shovel.

@kymandjulieanthony3206 4 жыл бұрын

I have one too.

@jkd125 4 жыл бұрын

why would you shit on a shovel

@cathattan 6 жыл бұрын

F11 HTN very nice

@marklanigan1 6 жыл бұрын

5DIV HTN would have worked as well

@scotfalconeroutdoors191 4 жыл бұрын

Having watched countless camper van videos on KZfaq over many years this one comes in the top five, you gave an honest opinion of the good and the bad, what you like, what you dislike, great to see you have achieved your goal but still reckon there are improvements to be made.

@Bhodisatvas 6 жыл бұрын

What an amazing van! I'm inspired to learn to drive now just because I want one of these. The freedom this will give you to travel to remote landscapes is worth all the delays and headaches and will be a plus to your photography career for sure.

@NicholasEJones 6 жыл бұрын

Just an awesome looking van build, you should be able to dim those lights with a simple change of led driver and lamps fairly inexpensive.

@marque27 6 жыл бұрын

Im thinking he can run some clear tape or wax paper to diffuse the LED lamps a bit.

@paulborthwick4068 6 жыл бұрын

The addition of a dimmer into the system is a very simple and inexpensive fix. Even touch sensitive switches and remotes can be added to replace the standard switches.

@spillbeans8434 6 жыл бұрын

A decent set of ND grads should do the job

@andrewjamesokey7559 6 жыл бұрын

Dimmers use more power and create RF. I would make a simple defuser that slide into place. You could even have colored one that would help keep your night vision

@paulborthwick4068 6 жыл бұрын

The power that these very small dimmer use is so marginal that you can hardly measure it, we use them to good effect in many builds, also if Colour changing is required we would fit RGBW LED strip in place of the single colour white tape. This is the most permanent and easily changeable way to install such lighting.

@MrCochise71 6 жыл бұрын

Photographer version of the Batmobile 🦇

@ry92ukwj 6 жыл бұрын

Haha! It is!!

@cookwvinny 6 жыл бұрын

Congratulations on the van!! You deserve it man. Looking forward to seeing you travel around the country with it and taking amazing landscapes as usual.

@danielcatalina1806 6 жыл бұрын

You're welcome Tom! Sandy is looking great and I wish you two a lot of great outdoor adventures and many absolutely stunning images!

@darthgzuz 6 жыл бұрын

Thomas Van Heating :p (Micky P this sounds better) lovely video and i have been following for years now and ur videos have improved alot ... and i mean ALOT!!! and watching this video one can feel how much emotionally u were into building this van ... really loved the van, how the space was managed to fit in all those things So did who designed the van interior? we would definitely like to see how this thing started :) hope u have filmed some timelapse :)

@RossJukesPhotography 6 жыл бұрын

ISO 50 :)

@meredithpottery 6 жыл бұрын

Fantastic, Thomas. I wish you happy, healthy, safe and photogenic travels in your amazing van. Thanks so much for showing us all the details. Inspirational, really. Paul seems to have done so much.....

@AndysmGray 6 жыл бұрын

That was a great tour Thomas. They say the best things in life don't come easy, so here's hoping the worst is over with the build. It's a very impressive piece of kit. A custom that's been customized...😉 You've worked extremely hard to get to where you are now. Keep living the dream and pop the odd video up when you can. Best wishes for the future............Andy 👍

@JakobEvers 6 жыл бұрын

Hi Thomas Now you got a camper, come to Denmark - And i will show you some other landscapes - that you normally only see in Denmark. Some of these places are on the Unesco list. /Jakob

@monmioamio 6 жыл бұрын

Cool. Now winter tires :-)

@oneeyedphotographer 6 жыл бұрын

monmioamio Winter's nearly done.

@OnPatrolPhotography 6 жыл бұрын

Landscape photographer from Australia here, and I love my 4wd - plenty of accessories fitted for when I'm staying out in the bush capturing images, throw the swag on the ground and cooking over the fire, pure bliss! But watching this video, mate that is a luxury van!!! Love what you've done with it, very thorough in the accessories you've fitted and everything serves a purpose. Geez I may just give up the four wheel driving and move over to a van, looks ace! Thanks for the insight. Cheers, Simon

@Khajakkodian 6 жыл бұрын

Congrats Thomas. You surely deserve this. Enjoy your van and keep on inspiring us. All the best.

@kozz1984 6 жыл бұрын

18:13 but if the van's a rockin should i still come a knockin?

@Bonjurro 6 жыл бұрын

If this van’s a-rockin, Heaton’s photoshopping

@ThomasHeatonPhoto 6 жыл бұрын

That's a bumper sticker!! "If the van's a rockin, I'm photoshoppin'"

@TheGavranatar 6 жыл бұрын

lol, nice one

@bobdoncaster7663 5 жыл бұрын

Thomas Heaton Can I ask who did the conversion please? thanks bob

@PrimalOutdoors 6 жыл бұрын

Very excited for you, a van is definitely high on my bucket list. Like you not sure I will ever get there but maybe one day. Jason

@ianthomas465 6 жыл бұрын

Congratulations, Thomas. I am using camping cars since years and I understand and share your excitement. It is this special feeling of freedom and the flexibility. Best regards, Ian

@mickyp3357 6 жыл бұрын

Thomas, will you now be changing your name to Thomas 'van' Heaton? I'm sure 'Brendon' would be so touched!!! Ha ha ha. Really ... Do hope that's a no?!!!!! ;-p

@ThomasHeatonPhoto 6 жыл бұрын

Micky P haha

@kamel3d 6 жыл бұрын

Maybe you should not have mention details about your safe and security measures...

@danneugebauer9098 6 жыл бұрын

I’m happy for you ! Hopefully you’ll have many happy miles with it shooting stunning sceneries. Keep up the great work!

@mauistevebear 5 жыл бұрын

You're living the dream! Congratulations and Happy Trails in your new road home!

@valpayne2963 6 жыл бұрын

I thought you might have made a ‘trailer’ for this episode. Lol, get it? Trailer, van ....

@crappytoe 6 жыл бұрын

pun intended lol

@lylestavast7652 6 жыл бұрын

we all felt the Payne there... ;)

@valpayne2963 6 жыл бұрын

Ha ha, very good Lyle. Quite right. :)

@topofthehillfilms7539 6 жыл бұрын

Thomas isn't bad at landscapes, but don't you think he should travel a bit more?

@lorenzomariasantini Жыл бұрын

watching the video 4 years later and having seen the new campervan I can see the "seeds " of the future experience. Really nice to see

@fullconsciousness1448 5 жыл бұрын

Really enjoyed watching this great video! Almost every minute there’s a new ‘surprise’ feature , very pleasant and catching, everything that someone could wish , nothing was forgotten. Congratulations, enjoy your beautiful van!

@heilandgunner 6 жыл бұрын

You could've washed it! ;-)

@ThomasHeatonPhoto 6 жыл бұрын

Ha, it utterly pointless at this time of year: wash van>drive away>need to wash van again 😁

@overseer1361 6 жыл бұрын

The Van needs a name, you can't call it 'van' like your hat 'hat'... !

@makalu69 6 жыл бұрын

Hertz Van-Hire or Photie McPhotoson

@vaclavadamek4362 6 жыл бұрын

F11 Van

@kelv52 6 жыл бұрын

Cam Van

@pbsalfen 6 жыл бұрын

I think it has one. Did you see the plate?

@overseer1361 6 жыл бұрын

Sure did but thats just a registration plate, needs a name like a person / pet to give it more life !

@AdeelJawed 6 жыл бұрын

Congrats Thomas! Love how you customized it. The safety box is an awesome idea!

@AdventuresofSarahJames 6 жыл бұрын

You’ll absolutely love it 😊 we couldn’t be without ours now. It makes landscape photography so much more versatile 😁 it looks lovely too!

@Cumbriahandyman 6 жыл бұрын

Like you said, without us subscribers you would not have had that van. So - can I borrow it?

@mag379 6 жыл бұрын

Get in the queue

@Cumbriahandyman 6 жыл бұрын

We need to set up a rota...

@TheRevWillNotBeTelevised 6 жыл бұрын

Just as and FYI to people watching this these vans are EXPENSIVE. £30-50k used.

@darrell5337 5 жыл бұрын

You mean new...

@peternowak834 6 жыл бұрын

Thomas. I wish you a great and fun time on your adventures. Love how much thoughts have been put into the details, which are really clever and usefull. Thanks for the insight. Greetings from Germany!

@jordon6855 6 жыл бұрын

Finally Tom it's take forever been dying to see this, thanks for sharing!

@nickseddon9062 6 жыл бұрын

First

@theofrancisphotography952 6 жыл бұрын

44th

@jimbean4945 6 жыл бұрын

483rd 😐

@StephenHowson 6 жыл бұрын

Mega. I also see a time when I can get myself a van. 😬

@allanmarshall4582 6 жыл бұрын

Gosh nice to see you smiling! Happy and safe travels.

@odd_job_007 6 жыл бұрын

Congratulations Thomas! Well deserved. I just literally dropped my of van to be converted this weekend so hopefully in a couple of weeks it will be done.

@derekwillson2538 6 жыл бұрын

Hi Tom, I'm so very pleased for you! The campervan looks amazing, it will be such an advantage to have a mobile workspace considering the nature of UK weather. I look forward to your future photo-adventures across the country and beyond.

@PrairieDodgers 6 жыл бұрын

Hope your Van brings you lots of wonderful memories and adventures!

@trevorronson7458 6 жыл бұрын

Love that van Thomas. Clearly you have put a hell of a lot of thought into the conversion and I'm sure you are going to have some great adventures in it. I share your emotions totally on the thieves of this world. Another great watch.

@iastorgaphotos 6 жыл бұрын

Beautiful! And congrats! But really, thank YOU for the channel and taking us along us on your photography journey. GO HEATON!!!

@SteveCrane 6 жыл бұрын

Congratulations, Thomas! Your design seems fantastic. Hope to hear about your evolving thoughts over time!

@obroadieswimmer 6 жыл бұрын

Awesome. So happy for you Tom. Very much deserved. An 18 min video on Tom's van. I was so happy when this one dropped and I was not disappointed. :)

@captainsteve19 6 жыл бұрын

Love the Van Thomas! well thought out conversion my friend. Someday I'll get me one. thanks for the tour :) cheers Steve

@JoshBenBernales 6 жыл бұрын

Seriously sweet setup, Thomas! Gotta love that ISO 50 tow ball :D

@pscottphoto2435 6 жыл бұрын

Congrats Thomas! Even your mode of transportation is an inspiration. Thanks for sharing.

@adamwest6073 6 жыл бұрын

So pleased for you Thomas. Hope to see you on your travels 👍🏻

@ktelegenov 6 жыл бұрын

Definitely the best Landscape photography channel out there! Thank you, Thomas!

@tales8855 5 жыл бұрын

This is so cool! I've always dreamed of having a van like this to travel around the country! I'm so happy for you~

@gayatrisabne2532 6 жыл бұрын

My absolute favorite photographer! Thank you for inspiring young people like me to get out and capture the beauty in our world!

@Fresno1199 6 жыл бұрын

I really enjoyed the tour of the van. Excellent. By the way, the “sounds of landscape photography” was perfect! Enjoy the van in good health.

@projectmatters 6 жыл бұрын

Congratulations on the van. A very fun tool and it will hopefully make the work a bit easier. Love all the custom touches and hearing the thought processes that went into it.

@MichaelBlanksonGolf 5 жыл бұрын

You're exceptional infront of the camera. This is the first time I've come across you after checking out van conversations in my quest to own/convert a camper for me and my family. Great work, very well engaged thoughout and your van looks badass... Good doing what you do and ill follow/subscribe. Thanks

@shannongreen7454 6 жыл бұрын

A gorgeous van build with a lot of thought put into it! May you enjoy it and have many safe travels. Lots of cool features but that "Absolutely Stunnin'" sticker is the best!!

@lloydfisherphotography 6 жыл бұрын

Thomas !! This build is wonderful. I am excited for you and look forward to seeing your future travels and photography. Thank You for inspiring others like myself to pursue our passion for landscape and other forms of photography. Cheers to extrodinary camper van trips! - LF

@eddeh0772 6 жыл бұрын

Amazing design, fantastic ingenuity, well deserved! Love your work on all fronts, as always!

@danev1969 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks Thomas. You now have us thinking about converting our Subaru Forester. Our photography takes us all through the U.S. and at the ripe age of 75, sleeping outdoors is hard on my wife and I. Your photography is fantastic and we have learned so much watching your videos.