"you may be bachelor now but hopefully you may not stay that way forever" love it.

I'm usually very bad at understanding people when they speak with an accent because my hearing comprehension is quite poor, but you spoke so clearly and at just the right speed that I was able to understand you perfectly! I really appreciate how careful you were to annunciate your words. Those tips were very useful, thank you!!!

You have the best stickmen!!! The illustrations really make the point! 🤣🤣🤣

I’ve been watching videos of people living in and building conversion vans for many years, and i have lived in conversion vans for years as well, and you have the best van life channel i’ve ever seen!! i could have saved myself so much time and money just learning these mistakes from you instead of living them!! so fantastic, i will be a rabid supporter for life now!

Great video. The two things I don't agree with is not having a single bed and not being able to sleep sideways comfortably. Storage in a minivan is limited. Don't sacrifice your comfort because one day someone might sleep beside you. If you get a partner in your minivan, you can change your layout then. Until that point, create a single bed and enjoy your storage. Don't live for an imaginary person. And my Toyota Sienna is 68 inches across behind the front seats. Anyone 66 inches or shorter can sleep comfortably sideways.

By far the best van life camping videos on you tube. It is wonderful to see you Eric, thank you for the van bed tips.

If ever there was a KZfaq channel required to watch for those interested in van life, this is it. Your videos are short, to the point and very informative. This one showed up in my feed last night and I have since watched all of them. One of the most refreshing aspects are their simplicity, the obvious desire to educate rather than entertain, the emphasis on fulfilling the intent (or "mission goal") of van life, the lack of self-glorification, and no advertising gimmickry using sex or drama (thank you for not titling your previous video, "Van Life - Almost Bitten By A Rattlesnake!" You sacrificed a million views for nothing more than integrity and my undying appreciation. Btw, that was VERY DRAMATIC. I re-watched all 12 seconds of it 3 times!). What you're doing are basically no frill PSA's for Van Life. What a brilliant idea. FYI - I'm from Florida. Planning on doing the van life thing to somewhere in Central America and possibly settling there. As far as video suggestions, I'd like to hear more about your electrical system, and more about the hygiene and procedural aspect of defecating where there's no facilities. Also, unless I somehow missed it, I never did see how you made your "shower cabinet" (I would call it a shower stall or enclosure). Keep up the good work!

Eric, I have learned more from you than any other you tube site. I am q 72 year old single female in St. Louis Missouri presently saving to purchase a mini van to convert. I can't thank you enough for all the information that you share.

That sliding Seat-to-bed design is absolutely genius. Thank you for sharing this video with us. I wish safe and happy travels.

*Fantastic* advise!!! Your scrunched up people illustrations are peak comedy! 😂

this channel is way underrated!! much more helpful and practical than many other fancy videos....

Are you the one who draws the explanations? They're so nice and simple! Another great video! Thanks Eric

👑 Eric, you are the undisputed King of DIY van conversion! Thank you! 🍻😎✌🏼

Neat video covering real life issues rather than where to put the 56 inch TV, and what sort of designer tiles to use in your van kitchen, all done by beautiful people in mega bucks vans! Diving at the end so double good - although when you do lots of stuff then where to put things is an issue, dive kit, climbing kit, astro kit all takes up space....lots of space. Thanks for that Eric.

Excellent advice from someone who knows what is important and real life practical solutions for comfort. I love your stick figure demonstrations.

Sincerely Thank You for providing us your expertise, straight forward presentations, no selling or ad placement. You have chosen to help us all and for that I am loving a better vanlife! Again sincerest thanks!

Thank you for your whole series Eric! Your suggestions on the design for a bed, for window covers, and for the overall layout design were so useful as I finished my minivan conversion this Spring. I watched and re-watched your videos as inspiration and I'm so happy you made the effort to have this information available!

Brilliant video. I car camped through Scotland in a small BMW hatchback. With my air mattress, the back seats down there was a few more inches than my body length (5'8" 173cm) Seemed comfortable enough. I wound up having a lot of cramps and Iliotibial band syndrome IBS (where my knee became swollen and painful because of knots in my butt and thigh muscles). I couldn't really tell the difference between the car and my tent, but my body sure could. Ruined that part of the trip. I couldn't walk. (After I rolled out the tight spots with my stainless steel coffee mug I was cured.) So your test procedure is spot on. (And it's good practice to learn how to sleep anywhere. I once lived above a disco. This year I spent three months sailing in the front cabin of a catamaran that was bouncing, slamming, rocking in 2 to 3 m waves. I slept like a baby. Probably because of the 6 months getting used to the disco.) "Gotta be quick and easy." And who cares what it looks like behind the day couch? Great points. Efficiency. Idiots are the ones who are always suggesting you should be neater. I can't imagine what I would've missed or not accomplished because of housework. I've never attended a funeral where housework was a key topic. About mattresses. 1. Memory foam. 4 inches is more than enough for any but the heaviest person. I have this in my home, on my boat and in the back of my Tesla. 2. If you don't have a lot of room, or you're traveling get an air mattress. I've used the Klymit for years. Very comfortable. 3. Tie a piece of paracord to the air pillow, run it around the mattress and tie it on the other side so the pillow doesn't move. Don't bother with the padded dry bag stuffed with t-shirts. I've done this, it works, but even the long distance back packers who cut the handles off their toothbrushes to save weight all end up with air pillows. 4. If you have a little extra space, bring your favorite home pillow. 5. Sleep on your side, better for you, easier to breathe, no snoring. I disagree about sleeping bags. Sleeping bags are just part of a wide range of options. Always use a bag liner - this eliminates the need for washing the sleeping bag, it also extends the temperature range. (I spent part of last night in my home bed in a fleece liner I sewed myself. 1.5m of fleece, fold in half lengthwise, sew two sides. You're done. Fleece doesn't need edge seams.) On my boat I sleep with a sheet, a liner and a sleeping bag. Hot? just the sheet, a little colder, liner on top. Cold, foggy? liner in the bag. Always cozy, never have to make the bed. An SOL Bivy sold on Amazon for $25, with a liner, makes a terrific travel bag. Slept in one for a very cold month sailing across the North Pacific. The thing about liners, camping, hotels, hostels... it's a sack so it eliminates most bugs and dirt. It's a sack so there are no drafts. (I usually put on a merino top layer.) I think there are drafts in every bed. We don't notice them, but they still keep us awake. The liner sack eliminates this. (I live in California, desert, and I like the window open, so it gets cold every night.) Ergonomics. The best ergonomics is strong core muscles. When I was sea kayaking three times a week I had abs like a gymnast. Chairbacks, even in a car, were superfluous. Alas, I can no longer brag about my abs. Another sailor told me that you have to do some stretches and ab work everyday or you will have back pain. My back was starting to ache when he told me this. Bare minimum, you can do this in bed., on your back, bend your knees. all the way over to the right, then all the way over to your left... 1, again 2. Do this at least 100 times or until you can't. This and some leg stretches is the bare minimum. Lately I can't make it to 100 so my back gets a little creaky. On the long sail I was doing 200. Absolutely no back problems. (I've also got a Thule pod. One day at Moro Bay the seagulls picked it out of all the other cars parked by the Rock. It cost me $14 just to hose it off enough to use the van. There was not a spot of poop on any other vehicle. I think they didn't like seeing the big sea lion like thing on top of my white van.) I like the way you think.

Thank you Eric for your time !! Amazing infos

Merci beaucoup, Eric! When I start construction, your series will be one of my inspirations! I love your design philosophy, born of decades of experience.

Thank you, Eric for this very informative and well edited video illustrating your mini useful c suggestions! 😃 I am sure that I am amongst many grateful viewers, who are so happy to have discovered you and learn from your mistakes instead of making them ourselves. You’re a gem and I will be binge watching all of your videos now. 😀 Wishing you safe travels and much success in all your endeavors. 😁

Your ideas are a literal goldmine. Thank you!!

Nice, practical info.Saves me time of not what not to do while building. Good info. Thank u bro.

Great info !! Thank you so much for sharing. I’ve watched so many videos on van build for many years. Your video is the most useful 😊!

Great great information in that video for the design of a bed, and more...so to enjoy the daily use of the van.

Excellent information that validates everything we have come across in our prius camping experiences. We have a 2024 Sienna van being delivered in April and your bed design is exactly what we want. Thanks so much for the video series.

It is always good to hear your voice of reason in these matters. It is also good to see you explain why your build is the way it is. Thanks for sharing Eric.

Given the higher costs of gas and oil at this time your elegant van conversion is very timely. You are obviously skilled not only in woodworking but design also. Thanks for sharing.

Oh my goodness. I spent most of 2020 trying to figure out the perfect buildout (to no avail of course) I have a full sized pickup with a tallish camper shell I built out. Just finishing now. I watch 250000 videos and yours is the first to show the bed style I "invented" to meet my needs. Awesome! The style is just perfect. It transforms so easily and gives you oodles of space when your not sleeping. I did not go as you did with a track system. The 3 sections of plywood I used were laid first on a base rectangle box, the second had only one edge one the base and the other with two short 2 x 4 legs and the 3rd section was on 4 legs and then all piano hinged at the far edge of the base. Just slides right out to a bed and then back up to a reclining chair. I had 50 inches of width space so I made two chair beds so one could remain a chair while the other was a single bed. Covered them both with a fur duvet cover abandoned by my daughter. Sooo luxurious and functional. The action is allowed because I stayed between the wheel wells. Super nice, stable, easy and roomy. cheers, thanks for sharing

This is a fantastic video with really well thought through points!! Very helpful!

you have the most informative video about van conversion. well at least according to me. Kudos!

I’ve been watching you since your first video and did a small build a year ago but I’m about to take your designs at heart and try out a full build for long term use, so, thank you so much for putting out your knowledge so people like me can explore the world in their minivans!

Eric, I really enjoy your videos, please put more of them out there. Looking forward to seeing the next video. 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽

I love your van Eric, it's the best I have seen. When I do my van I am using your build as a reference. Thank you 😊

Hi Eric, great video as always. My van is almost an exact replica of yours and it's perfect ! So easy to make the bed at night and the sofa in the morning. No hassle, no rattle and everything is in reach !

Thank you! These are very valuable experience!

You have some excellent thoughts and reasons for what you do. Thanks

I like your simulation with the plastic containers.

Best minivan conversion videos EVER! Great work Eric.

Fantastic tips Eric. Hope to convert my mini van this summer and you are my main source of knowledge. Very kind of you. Merci!

You always have the best information. Thank you.

great explanations, sir! best job!

Great to see you again Eric! Thanks for another great video. Looking forward to the next one. Cheers.

Nice and practical suggestions thankyou

Thank you very much for the vanbuild tips.

These tips are priceless mate. Thank you very much.

This is SUCH a good, thorough, and well-explained video. Thank you so much.

Merci Eric! As always, your videos are among the most informative on YT!

Retirement approaches, so I will be converting my own van, a bit, so these videos have been invaluable. Some really good tips and words of wisdom. Thank you Eric!

Thank you Eric for all your informative and detailed videos. They greatly influenced me to build my first minivan weekend camper from a Toyota Tarago. I used an Ikea double mattress that I cut down a little on the width and a square aluminium construction of the bed base from connect-it hardware from bunnings with a hinged plywood top to form the sofa/bed.

Merci pour les conseils Éric!

Great video! So much wisdom pack into 10 mins. Thank you. Subscribed, looking forward to viewing more of your content.

I am about three weeks away from starting my build. Thank you so much for making this video, there was some obvious things, but there were a lot of details I never would have thought to consider. I know these videos are a lot of work and I really appreciate you taking the time to do them. Safe travels

Thankyou for sharing your practical wisdom! I have subscribed from Australia. 🙂👍🦘

Love your explanation drawings my man!!

Hi Eric, it's always a pleasure see you and watch your videos. You have more experience and your tips are so usefuls! Thanks so mutch for sharin. I send you my best greetings from Northwest Italy 🇮🇹 Ciao! Dario

Love your videos! Truly educates from a scientific and practical point of view. Thanks Eric! 😊

Your a brilliant man, thanks for your experience, helping people who may have to do this because of rising living expenses, your a true legend , can't thank you enough, from Queensland Australia

Enjoyed watching your videos. Thank you for sharing your experience. I agree with taking a practical approach, functionality over aesthetics.

These are very helpful ideas. Thank you!

great and thoughtful tips derived from real experience. the ones concerning the mattress of very appreciated

Practical considerations for the long haul...as opposed to the "what is going to photograph well" PinStagram crowd.

Super well done.

Some simple and down to earth advice. Thanks

Wow, I was about to split my bed's under support wood longitudinal now I understand which is a big mistake 😂 God bless you, thank you!

I gave up on the bed construction when I found the zero gravity chair. Think about it! You can attach it to the floor. It reclines all the way back and there’s room for storage underneath it. Put a mattress topper on it. Easy peasy. This came about bc I have to store my mobility scooter beside it. And my van is only four feet wide. First I thought, maybe a small recliner, but I think this is better.

I was just thinking about you a few minutes ago and bam, here is your video popping up. Hope all is well with you and you're happy. 👍👍🙏

Excellent video. “Measure twice, cut once” Loved this. Subscribed. D🤙🇺🇸

Thank you for this video. I learned so much of you.

Great tips, thanks for sharing. Great van build. Nice design.

Great info. You're so right on this.

Super series Eric very informative.

Thanks Eric, enjoyed video! Minnesota

Very sensible and very helpful. Thank you and all the best Eric

Les meilleurs vidéos! Viens tu nous voir en Gaspésie en 2022!!! Merci Éric!

Wow, so many great tips. Thanks for posting.

Thanks for another great video,Eric. I’m guessing I’m not the only one who looks forward to each and every video you release

Fantastic advice. I find myself having to go the minivan life route for a while and had no idea where to start. Thanks!

Yeah Eric...another helpful video!!! We can’t wait to covert our van. Almost done with measuring & taking care of mechanical issues in two weeks. Thanks again!!🥾🥾🥾hike on! Travel on!

Great video - thank you for sharing your experience ! I like the bright colors ! Greetings from Shanghai !

Great tips, Eric. Thanks!

absolutely genius. Well thought through and explained. I feel like you've lived or seen all mistakes so that I don't have to!

Another great video, with great suggestions! Thanks Eric.

Thanks for these videos. Your videos are always very informative and helpful!

Great video for someone like me who are thinking of building a own camper. Thanks so much!

Always extremely well thought out, Thank You Professor Eric!!

Thank you Eric again for all your tips! Always helpful! 🤙

Great content! I've just layed a vinyl tile on plywood floor in my VW Touran and currently researching ideas for what sprt of bed and cabinets/storage to make. Your videos are a great help, thanks 👍

Content is first class, I converted three Jeeps like you have, they easily convert back again for normal use.

Excellent video with very much needed explainations.

That was VERY instructive. Wow. Thank you !

This really help.. I have been looking at van conversions and needed a fixed bed and fixed bathroom.. this really helped.. tq

So French so clever love it & thank you 😊

Thank you so much for these tips it's easy to like someone's build and expect yours to be the same all are different so customizing to yourself is something to consider.

Im planning to buy a van , and turn into a campervan for fishing. Your channel is so helpful to me and i like it , how u keep it simple and cheap! U have a new fellower and bell notification . I have watched so much video on vanlife.. Yours is by far the best!!

Wow, what an amazing video! Especially the sketches and video footage to go with it.

Impressive. The diagrams are excellent.

This js so helpful thanks for the tips

I absolutely loved this. I’m planning on getting a Sienna and doing a van build. I like that you didn’t modify the van so you can sell it if needed. That’s what I plan on doing. I’m going to watch the rest of the videos. They’ll be so helpful.

nice to see you again man you rock!