Anyone who watches this video - take it to heart! Your van should contain everything you need with all doors closed. Eric - you are a treasure putting these mistakes up for travellers! 2 👍 👍 up!

Finally someone who says the truth about van conversions, not the click bait we’re used to.

I used your design and it works great. I recommend others try it as well. My entire van build, including Jackery 500 and fridge cost $1500. Thanks Eric.

I swear I was just thinking about having a pullout kitchen and storing clothes under the bed for my imaginary van and then this video popped up 😅 thank you so much for redirecting!

After 20 years as a stealth camper, your ideas and opinions are well valued. I’ve incorporated many of your ideas in my build: Simple, modular design in the bed, and cabinets, Inside galley (kitchen) Ventilation and insulation. Hard floor. Minimal, or no drilling into the structure. My build is a Promaster City cargo van, so some of my requirements will differ slightly from a minivan. However, I can’t say enough about thinking thoroughly about the design and keeping it simple. Also, having the ability to simply and quickly remove the components is genius. Keep up the great videos, you’re quickly becoming the ‘go to guy’ in van builds!

Lots of very practical advices. You are really not the typical Insta-van lifers, who only show the fun side of it. Thanks a lot, I'm redisigning my car conversion for the 54th time, considering all you have said. :)

i've driven a commercial truck for decades. A truck doesnt't have windows trough the load. Rear Wiindows aren't neccessary but you must learn to use the mirrors, a fish eye mirror hanging off the back or a back up camera helps. Without windows you look for pull through parking slots in a parking lot, so you don't back out blind. An outside windshield cover keeps the suns heat out, and the snow and ice off to prevent scraping ice. Also you learn to park the windshield into the sun when it's cold and away when the sun shines in. I have a compressor refrigerator {transfers from vehicle to vehicle} between the front seats that I brought from the old van 8 years ago, between the seats is handy from the drivers seat or from the back between the seats, and occasionally outside. I've built a shelf that folds out from the dashboard in front of the passenger seat that I can eat from, play a truncated piano keyboard, mend on my sewing machine or watch KZfaq on my tabet. Under the passengeer seat, I've installed an inverter, multiple lighter sockets, and power-pole anderson connectors for the high power 12 volt appliances such as a microwave oven or grille. Dustpan, broom, and a tin for Oreo cookies also fit under the seat. I have a 6 inch foam mattress on the floor, in a heavy plastic protector, on top of that I have three satin sleeping bags layed open flat. Uising Satin sleeping bags instead of flanel or fleece lined, lets sand, weeds, seeds & etc, to brush or shake out. EMT {tubing} hangs from side to side near the ceiling behind the seats {hang towels & swimwear} and inside the rear hatch to hang clothes on hangers, hooks or binder clips. Being older, I keep an empty old laundry detergent bottle for nighttime urine recepticle (big enough hole for #2 in an emergency) If you feel the need to stand up and don't care about resale value: I Large solar panel on coroplast folding bellows will give a pop top that soesn't flutter as much in the wind as canvas does. If you are in a cold area a Webasto Airtronic or the cheaper diesel parking heater is a noisey but dry & clean alternative to a sterno fireplace, Catalytic or a Mr. Buddy heater.

Everyone who plans to convert a van should watch this video first. Especially your points made on outside cooking and drawers are on the point! In the last years I saw a trend on so called van boxes here in Germany, In the videos/ads the weather is always great! No rain, no insects, no viewers -- but that is not how things work. I slept countless times in my station wagon, different design than yours, but everything is accessible from the inside and that is very important. You got a new subscriber, excellent video! Tnx!

Always a pleasure to see you Eric. Most everything you just said is 100% right. Our only problem with a wooden floor is that we would lose so much space in a Dodge Caravan StonGo. Excellent vison mon Eric et SVP continue. Merci.

After a couple of days of watching people’s vehicle conversion videos, I’m glad to find one that is based firmly in reality.

This dude is the best I have found. I'm tired of the young rich hipsters!!!!

Eric, you have an exceptional way of breaking things down, good and bad, and presenting them clearly. Thanks Nate

Your informative, concise videos are a breath of fresh air in the all too often rambling, verbosity of the KZfaq landscape, especially in the crowded van life genre. Like the vehicle you converted, your presentations are well reasoned, tightly constructed and clearly based upon extensive personal experience. Most importantly, your polished but minimalistic approach is one of the effective exhortations to just get out on the road. Now. Keep it up, Eric.

I lived in the camper van for 2 and 1/2 years I really enjoyed it it was a very basic setup and very comfortable. I now have a minivan and do next to no cooking. This video and the others that I have not watched yet are awesome! Thank you I am getting ready to do this again and I am 66 years old and single and I have to be as cost-conscious as possible!

So true about the need to cook inside. I use a non pressurized alcohol stove to avoid using propane.Takes a little longer to heat but its almost 100 percent safe.

Great advice! These are the same things I say to the screen, when watching many van-lifer videos! I'm glad you started with the exterior access only kitchens! That is my biggest peeve about van set-ups, and then second is eliminating windows so they can't see in traffic. Thanks for showing these mistakes, so other newbies don't fall for them and endanger themselves. I cringe especially, when I see solo females with the outside kitchen, or have to open doors for clothing or bed set-up. Thank you for not just telling about these problems, but showing them to make the point easy to see. Blessings and safe travels.

Bro love your videos! I was going to get a large van and deal with bad gas mileage but now I'm going mini van! Thanks man!

After 20 years as a stealth camper,Everyone who plans to convert a van Your informative, concise videos sharing your lessons and experiences the van kitchen

You Sir, by far and away have the best van set up videos on KZfaq. Thank you for being generous with advise.

Your presentation demonstrates true wisdom. The wisdom of simplicity. The luxury of efficiency.

When driving learning how to drive defensive...always always watch your mirrors...you dont need a back window when you watch your mirrors...always know what is around you 360.

THANK YOU 🙏. I HAVE SEEN HUNDREDS OF SIMILAR VIDEOS. BEST ONE BY FAR. I will use all your advise.

😂. Loved your intro.... Imagine cooking outside while it's raining. Then showing all the rainy days in various parts of the country. Had to really chuckle, living here in Florida... with lots of rain. And mosquitoes.😎 Much wisdom in your video!! Count me in as a subscriber 😁

By far the very best tips of van life on KZfaq. Thank you kindly for sharing your 20 years of experience with us. Such a clean practical build.

Good tips most I’d already thought of but I’m sure many others haven’t. Can’t understand kitchens that can only be used standing at the back, outside of your van. I have a table that I can put my cooker on outside but mostly cook inside. Being able to easily move from the cab area into the back of the van, for safety, fast getaways or stealth camping is number one for me

I love your videos. Your one of the few that are practical and logical in your thinking. Thank you. When I 1st seen your videos 2 years ago I wanted to make one similar.

The engineering mindset of Design-Prototype-Test-Revise is great, and using the real tests from others makes for a nice saving of time and cost. Thank you for saving us time and cost.

Your advice and videos have inspired me to buy a van as my next vehicle instead of a SUV (Toyota 4Runner) or Subaru Outback/Forester. I’m almost 50 and I’m tired of settling up tents. I don’t want an RV yet either. I can’t justify owning one yet when most of the time it would be parked. Thank you for sharing your journey. If you’re ever in the Portland, Oregon area I’d love to buy you a cup of coffee and hear more about your adventures.

Excellent! I agree with your perspective... listening to experience is the sensible attitude, but precisely the contrary of what the trend imposed by the marketing “experts”... obviously experience is a grade plus the integrity of having no business interests, profiles the integrity of tutorials as this of yours. Thanks so much... i am planning mine along this pandemic... I have travelled last august with the essential to sleep in my car... but so successfully and enjoyable, that I try to upgrade adding details that makes me feel somehow autonomous... Thanks for the contribution I wished we could meet to give it a further view . All the best, Marisa, from Northwest greenland of Spain. ;D

Hi Eric, I am very happy that I clicked on your video in recommendations. Your layout is exactly what I need for my minivan. At this moment I have been living in my minivan for more than a year with one side seats folded for bed and another side seats unfolded as place for boxes and bags. However I definitely need a place to stay inside on a rainy day and a table. What I like is the furniture on a side that is kinda what I currently have and that is very handy. I just need convert my boxes pile into furniture like you done. Also, I very much like your bed design you showed in some video. I definitely want do similar one. I am going to watch all your videos and try to upgrade my minivan! I have seen so many minivan layouts and nothing was suiting me. So, I was thinking that the only solution for me is moving into a VAN. I own my minivan for 4 years and I really like it. Now, I can see how I can still use my minivan. Thanks a lot for creating channel and sharing your experience. I am from New Zealand.

This to me is the "all in" treasure channel. So happy we found ❤🙏🌈🤸‍♀️🌝

I can't thank you enough. I'm setting my first conversion for my car, and I've plenty of experience on tent camping. I was just about to cut the wood to realize the storage box, and I came across your videos. Man you saved, literally, you saved my project, with things I wasn't thinking about properly. Thank you SO MUCH.

It is fantastic to have the opinion of a veteran van dweller. There is nothing like experience and time to aid in sensible design considerations. You presented many good points with the reasons to your logic. Very well done Eric! Thank you so much for sharing, and looking forward to your next video.

cannot disagree with your observations, very practical suggestions for travellers

I am not sure how I missed your videos, but your van ideas are right on! I'm in Minnesota, mosquito's, cold, rain, etc. Those who think they can make up the bed are while having the doors open are not doing it in Minnesota or Wisconsin! You have a new and happy I found your video subscriber. Thank you

finally a logical video. How many times have I had to close a video because the people don't consider how covering the walls in heavy wood is literally burning money and making no visibility. every pound/lbs counts in a van. you can get vinyl faux wood for way cheaper and lighter.

I’m Roberto from Brazil. My dad made same conversions in 1970/80 and I love this matter. Your tips are wonderful and I’ll follow your channel. Thanks for share your great experience.

Best ever video about van conversion So so clever and practical. Cannot express enough how much I appreciated see your highly valued tricks and tips in this video which was my first of yours Will definitely see it all Thanks so much from Jeppe from Denmark

I get so excited when I see a new video come out!

I am glad i bumped into this video before starting the stupid project and convert my beautiful mini van to a junky van. Thanks for sharing 🙏🙏🙏

I loved how you spoke do clearly, with that awesome accent, about the accessibility of things during bad weather and places, the weight, and pretty much everything. Thank you. You’ve got a new subscriber here!!!

Wow!! This should be mandatory viewing before any conversion. Thx for this valuable video.

Perfect, you just said everything I had been thinking after watching many videos. Great job, and keep it up.

Eric always has the best insights. Thanks, Eric!

I agree about the outside kitchen set up. I can't imagine having to cook outside when it's raining and cold. Also agree on the amount of heavy wood people use in their vans. I guess if they're minimalist and don't have much inside they can afford to have the extra weight. I actually have open shelves for my clothes and toiletries (you can see in my videos) but I have nice velvet storage boxes, and it's kept in place with a chain so they don't fall. I like the convenience but also it adds to the aesthetic I like in my van. I guess it's a reflection of my personality. I think everyone does things differently depending on their lifestyle and what they prioritise, as well as what they can afford to invest financially. But you raise some good points and highlight the reality of full-time van life.

I think the point about wanting to be happy when you open the door is well taken. Cluttered and crappy is not happy. Also not cooking outside and easy bed setup are also excellent points.

Thanks for this video. On #11 I agree 100%. I've seen YT'ers advise not spending more than half of what the vehicle is worth, and I originally thought I would only spend $1000 on my van build. However, you have to be realistic, and consider that you are building a tiny house! (assuming you are living full time in the van.) In my case I drastically readjusted my budget when I figured in my solar/battery/electrical systems as well as my heating and insulation plans. I did some things cheaply from thrift stores and junkyards, but spent top dollar on others. Safety and a quality build I could be proud of were most important. It was not cheap, but was money well spent. As you also point out, many of those components are reusable on a future build as necessary. Although, I do hope my trusty van keeps running for another 100k miles!

This is absolutely brilliant. Some may think that these are trivial points. However, when you seriously consider them, you are only grateful that someone has spelled them out. Thank you.

*While I don't agree with the whole list, I enjoyed the video👍🏾. Keep 'em coming!*

i just happened to be shown your frame & clicked to watch. i was pleasantly shocked to find a person so experienced, wise and intelligently thoughtful of van design !! so many who live van life struggle for many reasons. You seem to thrive, making your home environment look comfortable, very attractive . i'm impressed and i'll subscribe since i can use your wisdom to make my settings functional , comfortable and attractive as well i live at the south side of Bald Eagle Mountain, near Banff, Canada

Great video, Eric! I am guilty of some of your points, but I am learning and trying to improve! One thing you missed on the outdoor kitchen is wind. I have found a solution that works for me, but wind is a real problem here in the US Southwest. I was not prepared for that, but had to work it out pretty quickly. Thank you for your videos and encouragement. I wish you continued safe travels!

Great explenation of your van layout decisions. I totally agree with the only outdoor kitchen, it's just not practical. I also agree with the ability to be able to return the van to original layout in order to use it for passenger or to sell. Great stuff.

Thank you! I am procrastinating for a reason! I do need that view and was going to block the wrong view! Thank you! And so true about tetris, living in storage room and only cooking outside! I laughed so hard. I enjoy your sense of humor and your generosity to share your experiences. And I have a ruined part of my flooring, but now seeing your flooring only cover a small area I am going to adopt to that. THANKS!

Your plan is the first one my husband has every said he liked! And he may be willing to build!

I agree with this gentlemen. I am 50, have a Toyota Camper conversion Van, and I have built 5 Teardrop Campers in the last 13 years. Layout & Design in a small space is crucial for it to work.

I’ve been binge watching van conversions for almost two weeks and realized, what NOT to do is a question i should have been asking early on. I guess I’m still in the honeymoon phase of researching van life. 🤪 Thanks for the suggestions!!!

I wasn't thinking a view is that important, but then I realized I want to look at the ocean and the beach like you when I'm there. You want to look at stuff from inside. It's important.

Hi Eric! Just wanted to tell you that I really appreciate your videos. I’ve carefully watched all of them and I’m following your design quite closely in a 2006 Sienna that I’m converting right now (status: bed is almost done, about to start on cabinets). You’re right, the process is so satisfying!! In this really horrifyingly challenging time, having a project to make daily progress on is keeping me sane. Thank you for inspiring me.

Thanks Eric to share yours years of experience , every think that you said it's through according to my experience too . Thanks again Silvio from Toronto, Canada .

WOW! Very informative video. Just purchased a 2020 Sienna a few days ago, bought it with plans of traveling the USA, and living in it while on the road. You make total sense with everything you explained! I watched several KZfaq videos this morning from other people. I had the idea to have total access of everything from within my van. because of weather and stealth parking. Glad you also talked about that too.

Great video. I've watched many videos and like your set up the most. Thank you for the advice!

You touched upon quite a few VERY IMPORTANT FACTS👍🏾. REALITY! Thank you🙏🏽 😊

I really appreciate your honesty and how you have shared your wisdom based on experience. I still have some things in plastic containers, but I can sew and am making curtains to hide the containers and provide a soft, feminine look.

Good job Eric. You're have one of the most practical van conversions on youtube

I watch many vanlife videos, and am thinking of buying a minivan in the future. This video is one of the best I've seen. Your observations are well thought out and very practical, based on your own (long) experience. For one thing, I always feel nervous when I see how casual people are about storage of compressed gases inside a vehicle. Thanks for mentioning that. And many conversions are not attractive - as you say, some vans look like the owner is living in a storage shed! I value the visual pleasure of living in an esthetically pleasing space. Can't wait to watch more of your videos!

New subscriber here, thanks for this video. My 18 yr old granddaughter wants to use her mom's van for a spring trip. With your design of being able to remove everything and store it will make it so much more appealing to her mom. With the help of her uncle this is totally doable. And the safety of her being able to see well while driving puts my mind at ease.

Well thought out and concisely presented. Bravo 👏🏾👍🏾

Exactly right, I've done most of those mistakes a few years ago doing my first convention. Videos like that are of true value and still hard to find - thanks to Eric for doing that!!

Thank you for smart valuable information! Mostly for sharing your mistakes, not a common thing. Your humbleness is beautiful!

Thank you, adore your conversion. Am researching to do mine within 2yrs. I only want 1/2 bed width though, maybe on 1 side. Keep changing mind

Eric, I am so glad that I found this video. I own a late model minivan and want to be able to do some stealth living in it while traveling by making my interior as efficient as possible for me. I agree with you about having everything accessible from inside the van while keeping the exterior looking like there is no one living inside. I also do not want to block my view whether I'm driving or parked. Although I watch a lot of van conversion videos on KZfaq, I subscribe to only a handful of them. And yours is one that I just subscribed to. I am looking forward to viewing the other van videos you have to offer. Thank you for taking the time and effort for providing these educational videos. And finally, thank you for not including any background music that I find annoying when I am trying to learn something.

I have watched so many videos about how to build a van that I never once considered the question of how _not_ to build a van, alors, merci :)

Excellent observation. Excellent tips ans suggestions with great practical reasoning.

Thank You so much for your kindness and all the GREAT advice , Things I would have never taken into consideration .. God Bless your soul for looking out for other van lifers .. 🙏☺💕✌😎

Hi Eric. I'm really pleased I watched this video today. I loved the 'dead pan' voice and your great accent! Many of the things you covered I've already incorporated in my lovely VW Caddy Maxi Life conversion with a Pop Top roof - just need Lockdown to ease so I can get on the road. You made me smile - Thank you.

You talk about looks, I think your van looks far better than the ones that are all bed and white walls. Reminds me of the vw layout which is very practical

Thank you for sharing your experiences. Made some major differences in my perspective on the difference between going only by what you feel like you want versus what's truly practical and insightful. You're amazing and incredible with your perspectives! God blesses people like you...

Another amazing video. Thank you for sharing your lessons and experiences, Eric! I, for one, value your honest presentations and continue to share with my friends. Please keep them coming!

Hi Eric ,I have watched all 16 of your videos . I hope you will continue to create content . I am on my sixth camper Build/ rebuild , I currently have two projects on the go . You give very good ideas and advice, I especially like your bed design . Unfortunately I am one of those guys that enjoys the build more then using the campers , maybe its just the Coved making me cancel my plans for over a year now . Anyway stay healthy and safe out there and thank you for what you are doing .

This is the best, most important and impactful video on van life ever. I watch it every few months. Thank you!

As a semi driver, you DO NOT need your back windows, especially in a van, truck or car. Putting a back up cam eliminates the need of the rear windows. Simply being aware of your vehicles space also elimates the need for back up mirror. Stay off the phone, quit texting and driving and pay attention. Overall, your info was spot on except the back mirrors.

The most practical advice I've seen so far.

I have watched A LOT of van conversion videos and this one is THE BEST by far! Everything decision that Eric made in the design and function of his build is supported by 20 years of experience and when looked at with an analytical eye, makes perfect sense! I am so glad I came across this video. As he had asked share the video! Thank you very much Eric for sharing your wisdom! It is greatly appreciated! All the best, John

Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Everything Eric said is what I am considering in my build. I spent a long time designing before I laid a single board in the van. I have cut back a little on my conversion costs, but I'm simply saving them for Phase 2, where I will make the upgrades down the road. But my Phase 1 will be beautiful and functional!!

Thank you so much Eric. 🤗 U are a genius at minivan build outs. So many good ideas. 🚐

Bonjour Eric, finally somebody with a well thought out minivan conversion. Appreciate all of your ideas and the way you present them. Will be doing a build myself this Spring and really glad I stumbled across your videos.👍🇨🇦

Excellent points. I particularly never managed to 'digest' the outside-kitchen I see in many vanlifers' videos! Very inconvenient!! Great video, Eric. Salaam to you and to all.

Very informative and helpful video. All advice you give make sense, but for me, transferability is the most important. Having this in mind I can convert my new car to a campervan when need it and then transfer it to an everyday car. Thanks for the great design ideas, Eric.

Great video in every way. The view is of what we need to see not your face like other videos. Great advice I also want a view so I wont be blocking windows. Really good job sir.

I agree with keeping all window clear! I hate idea of mobile cave? I want to see view out of all windows!

Although I have yet to start a stealth conversion with my minivan, I have viewed many van conversion videos to help me decide how to do it simply and economically. I am delaying because I still haven't decided if I should convert my low top minivan or wait until I can afford a high top cargo van. Eric, with your 20 years of van living experience, your videos are the most detailed and economical conversion videos that I have found. I agree with your idea about having most, if not all, amenities accessible from inside the van. Also, while other videos that I have watched often don't include comments from the original poster, I am impressed at how many of your videos either include a comment, or an answer to a question, or a simple thank you. I appreciate all of your efforts.

Thank you so much! PLEASE CONTINUE! The BEST video I've seen on van life ever. Finally! I found an experienced, wise and very helpful person on KZfaq!! Explains my ongoing frustrations with wasting money and time on ridiculously impractical suggestions from people with no experience! Bravo to you and thanks again

I LOVE THIS VIDEO ! TRUTH. 1ST 2 MINUTES - I CSNT STOP CHEERING.

Many thanks. I have been doing a lot of research on mini van conversions to small trailer options and this was very helpful. I'm not comfortable driving anything large but some mini van conversions are not functional..at least what I consider functional. Just like having to cook outside out the back of the van with no access to that function inside and some with no access even to a fridge inside. This is very helpful!

Just found your channel me and my partner have been living the van life for over 1 year now and love it . Loved your video . Good one

Eric, your videos and suggestions really are great! I've watched TONS of conversion, and travel living tip videos and I believe yours are the BEST. Please continue doing them.

I don't doubt your data but I did a double-take when I read that Montreal had only two less days of rain than than Vancouver. Our climate in the Outaouais is probably the same as Montreal. That's not really why I'm writing. My van is currently in its default setup. I'm watching van build videos to get ideas how to configure mine. At my current stage of life, I get six weeks of vacation and a few long weekends. This year has been unique, but eventually we'll be going back to the office to work. It may be 2-3 days a week instead of 5, but multi-week or multi-month trips aren't going to happen in the lifespan of the current van. It's a challenge to configure a comfortable van for travelling when it's a suburban people and stuff schlepping vehicle 85% of the time. It's going to be a challege to make a vehicle that is aesthetically attractive, but able to have all equipment removable and seats pulled from the floor quickly. Your build is a great model of how to make something nice non-destructively. I understand and agree with almost all of your recommendations except for the indoor food preparation and even that's only because of my planned sporadic use of it as an RV. For those who plan to travel long distances over long periods of time, even that is excellent advice. I just don't want the humidity and smell of food in the vehicle and I don't want to attract bugs and mice. I also don't want to give up the space initially. I'm a fair weather traveller and have no desire to stay in large cities or carparks. That being said weather isn't always what is forecasted and emergencies arise. Regardless, thanks for your effort to share your experience. I have no desire to travel full-time in my van, but at the same time, I think that it's best to learn from the pros. I hope to view more of your work.

Great point on outdoor cooking and inside access.

I've watched tons of KZfaq videos about van conversions and I have to say that this is one of the best I've seen! Thanks so much 😁👍 Btw, I'm so glad you brought up windows and vision. I have a mini van that has windows all around, and the last thing I'd want to do is build something over any of the windows to obscure vision. It would make me nervous to drive, especially reversing. Also, one of the things I like most about the van is the windows on every side (and two in the roof)!! It does mean not having as much room for storage, though 🙁 I'm not currently living in the van, but when I did, I had a small, single sized bed, so I could store clothes underneath and still have access from inside the van. 😁

Your designs are flawless! Hands down. Very well thought out as your experience living this lifestyle. Absolutely having a blast watching these