My Self Build Camper Van 1 Year Later

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2 жыл бұрын

My Landscape Photography Book: thomasheaton.co.uk/product/my...
Mitsubishi Delica 4X4 self build camper van tour. A 1 year review.
The Van Build: • Small Off-Road Camper ...
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Пікірлер: 564

@geoffschofield2362 7 ай бұрын

Watching the build of this camper was,without doubt,the best build story I’ve seen.

@BleedingCowboyProduc 2 жыл бұрын

the fact that this vehicle is over 20 years old, turns me right on. a little re planning and I bet it goes another 20.

@DDD-qt8bw 14 күн бұрын

Thomas, thanks for an outstanding van build series. I’m in the planning stage for a part time camper van build, not a van lifer sort of guy. I’ve watched more videos than I can count and can say I’ll be using/stealing many of your ideas!!

@itsmetheeprd 2 жыл бұрын

Thomas, as for the heater outlet, just fix a 90 degree elbow to it that you can angle towards the back of the van or ceiling so the air isn’t pumping straight out the door.

@Lindenism 2 жыл бұрын

I was thinking the same thing. I also noticed the vents in the head of the cabin, if could flip the heater 180 degrees, you could pipe in to the pre-existing vents.

@bobbyswampfox 2 жыл бұрын

@@Lindenism they say don't tap into you vehicles ducting due to the fact that these diesel heaters get much hotter than the vans heater. it can melt them. I would also worry about a 90 degree elbow right at the outlet of the heater the way this is set up. That may restrict airflow and over heat the unit.

@tooyoungtobeold8756 2 жыл бұрын

@@bobbyswampfox Ok, make a small aluminium deflector.

@Watcheswhileeating 2 жыл бұрын

Or roll down you front windows a crack rather than the side door

@riboid 2 жыл бұрын

@@bobbyswampfox Yeh, all ducting should have the path of least resistance, so the use of 90 deg elbows should be restricted, so maybe a 45 deg bend and then another 45 deg bend, further down a bit. Difficult in a vehicle this small.

@peteboardman5370 2 жыл бұрын

You asked who was watching - me as a beginner to car camping who is interested in bird photography. I have a £4k Nissan X-trail and am about to kit it out for very little money just to enable me to get away for a few days at a time. Really enjoyed the video. Cheers!

@christopherbradley5575 2 жыл бұрын

Don't second guess yourself too much. That's an awesome van.

@tooyoungtobeold8756 2 жыл бұрын

A top of the range California is now about £85.000 new. I have a 10 year old California, excellent condition, but I still like to watch van builds etc. Thank you for posting.

@rvboondocker2559 2 жыл бұрын

My recommendation is that you get a van sponsor and petrol sponsor. 500,000 targeted customers (and growing) at a nominal cost. I predict this will be one of your most watched videos. In terms of the learning curve, yes experience brings wisdom. Thanks

@ThomasHeatonPhoto 2 жыл бұрын

Lol, imagine: A petrol sponsor 🤔 That would be better than a Bank sponsoring me. 😂

@rvboondocker2559 2 жыл бұрын

@@ThomasHeatonPhoto Yeah. It happens. Look at race drivers. But your followers are very targeted. Have to be a more internationally recognized name. I would recommend a Winnebago Revel, or something comparable. I can recommend a good lithium battery pack of at least 500 amp hours and the ventilation will be built in. 4 x 4 is essential, at least in my opinion. My van is some thing that I had to do a lot of modifications to as well, but after nearly 4 years, I would certainly go the route I’m recommending.

@dw4956 6 ай бұрын

I converted my vw caddy to a small camper and took it all the way to the Noth Cape a few years ago. Excellent fast little stealth camper. Very cheap to buy and convert a tiny van.

@robertmic8601 2 жыл бұрын

Ive got the same Delica and get better fuel economy - I’d suggest getting rid of your roof rack and everything on it if you want to improve yours. Drag from even an empty roof rack will cause your fuel economy to go down noticeably. Also the weight of you build would be nothing compared to having stock seats and 5 passengers, stock springs would cope fine, if they were sagging it was just because they had gone weak . Returning it to stock height would also improve fuel economy.

@danielshaw9465 2 жыл бұрын

Just added Faff to my dictionary. Thanks for the long term review

@PhilThach 2 жыл бұрын

You did a great job. I'd still like to see you add a roof vent. This might solve the door open when the heater is on problem. See ya next week. It's interesting to me that your channel is a great photography channel but your most popular video is the van build. You never know I guess.

@kabukidreamboy 2 жыл бұрын

Just crack a window and keep the door shut, not too good for security either leaving your door open!

@OmniDubStep 2 жыл бұрын

Could you place a portable USB mini fan down by the heating vent to help push the warmth?

@jeffmcdonald101 Жыл бұрын

Roof fans and shrouds, along with accompanying closable and screened floor inlet are a must on all van builds. I run mine on a temp relay to kick on whenever the van get hot...which is often...Australia.

@xs2526 10 ай бұрын

There's a fairly serious community of Delica lovers - we love these videos! Great fitout, great ideas, great videos. Thank you so much, Thomas!

@gravic48 2 жыл бұрын

Good to see I am not the only Space Raider fan 😉. Enjoyed watching you build this van and think this year one review is great.

@andreamantovani5354 2 жыл бұрын

You built a very neat camper. 👏 excellent job 👏 👍 👌

@photoman3579 2 жыл бұрын

I just bought an X Trail...no changes....job done...

@trishmission 6 ай бұрын

You've helped inspire me to van and camera travel. Love the channel. Thanks

@Bielocke 2 жыл бұрын

This thing looks AMAZING. Jealous

@cheeseblog 2 жыл бұрын

The interior upholstery looks new! And 20 years old. WOW!

@tucompaivan 2 жыл бұрын

And created one of the best landscape photography KZfaq channel.

@ontheroadwithtenzin 2 ай бұрын

Also. I stuff my heavy sleeping bag inside a large pillow case and use it for the couch back support. Stuff yours inside that long pretty one. Then you have more cupboard space.

@allankerr668 2 жыл бұрын

Great vlog! Thanks!

@livingwithrob 2 жыл бұрын

Great vid Thomas.

@petermclennan6781 2 жыл бұрын

I'm 76 and I've had nothing but vans my entire life. I'm also a landscape photographer and I agree that a van is the essential landscape photography accessory. Unless you can find a pre 07 Sprinter, stay away. My 04 has been flawless for 170K miles, but the new ones? Not so much. Far too complex and expensive. If I were starting afresh, it'd be a gasoline powered Ford Transit. I nearly got a Delica myself, but for me, it's too small. My 04 Sprinter regularly delivers 30 mpg and is an absolute delight to drive. Like your Delica, it's as agile as a goat. For those early mornings or rainy days, the extra floorspace and stand up headroom have proven themselves over and over. My single occupant build is as simple as possible and I've spent as much as 5 weeks footloose in western North America and never wanted more. I carry 100l of freshwater. Love all your camera mounts. And your shows, for that matter. : ) Keep 'em coming. Especially the drone work.

@andywilson1117 2 жыл бұрын

It was thanks to your van build series that I started watching your channel, and I've been watching ever since. I now have a DSLR camera and I'm slowly learning how to use. Thank you, keep up the great work 👍

@kNowFixx 2 жыл бұрын

Cool 👍. Right on

@tomjohnson3728 2 жыл бұрын

Cheers man! Just living vicariously through you!

@BeeeHonest 2 жыл бұрын

Great update! Brilliant build!

@dingfeldersmurfalot4560 2 жыл бұрын

I remember being knocked out by your build videos. I had no idea building on custom aluminum frames at home was even a thing, and you did it so well. Great to see you're still going in what is still a fantastic build!

@Gordonbanksapp 2 жыл бұрын

Those Delicas look nice and your honest review is refreshing. But they are small for storage. Being able to stand in a van (high roof) is the most valuable asset IMHO. Who would watch your video? Another landscape photographer with a high roof DIY Sprinter conversion.

@zeke5687 2 жыл бұрын

I have a suggestion for your clothes. You mentioned replacing pillows. Use pillow cases and store your cloths in them. Duo purpose and easy to get too.

@CBAmakingAusername 2 жыл бұрын

Amazing buildout

@RiccardoPareschi 2 жыл бұрын

A great and amazing job, a great adventure. Love the small size of van.

@davestephens1993 2 жыл бұрын

Loved the initial build and now the one year review. Excellent thought process and craftsmanship.

@michaelauknz 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent view..one of your best...compressed and on topic..thanks

@ringosvirtualworld9027 2 жыл бұрын

Fantastic experience, very nice!

@lisasimpson9343 2 жыл бұрын

Great job Thomas.

@catof8989 Жыл бұрын

thanks for this good energy

@besperus4475 2 жыл бұрын

Size. Fuel economy. Diesel is good. 4 wheel drive very good. I saw the “off-road” video, not bad. I used a long wheel base Chevrolet one ton, v8 engine (terrible mileage), “Moby Van”, great white van! No bed! No insulation. Cold! Van was cheap, a work in progress. Oh, I’m retired. No income to speak of. I do like your van.

@lpklpk447 2 жыл бұрын

nice van. thanks for your review 👍🏻🚙🏞🇺🇸

@clydewilson8108 Жыл бұрын

good film .. thanks

@szabi_nagy 2 жыл бұрын

Love the JDM van build. Dream setup right here for photography adventures.

@tompetersphotography 2 жыл бұрын

Glad you and your van are getting in well buddy

@RM831BC4E4 2 жыл бұрын

Absolutely love the Delica ❤️❤️❤️❤️

@figjoy 2 жыл бұрын

Nice followup video, entertaining!

@RM831BC4E4 2 жыл бұрын

Great Vlog Thomas

@masterxyr 2 жыл бұрын

So much goes into your stellar production, and yet it is so seamlessly put together that one tends to forget that behind your beautiful talent there's also a lot of work for us! Cheers, Thom

@stephenwilde3985 2 жыл бұрын

Hi there, I’ve run Delicas as off-road camper vans for 12 years now and have found them the absolute dogs when it comes to getting further than other vans, I ran a swb for the first 6 years and then got the lwb which I still use, mine are both 2.8 turbo diesels, I’ve tweaked the boost pressure and upped the fuel flow and they have plenty of power, also i run one used cooking oil and bio diesel so very cheap to run. Would never sell mine there the best, I can send pics if your interested, keep up the fantastic work 👍

@scottathomson 2 жыл бұрын

The tyre marks and footprints in the snow give the game away as to how much effort you're putting into filming your videos, great work.

@carlitodcreative 2 жыл бұрын

nice vid!!

@joncothranphotography9375 2 жыл бұрын

Great job Thomas, and congrats on having made it bullet proof!

@JeffandLeslie 2 жыл бұрын

Well done

@ronanderson9960 2 жыл бұрын

Great job on the build, very nice and cozy Tom! Also you should be able to pick up an after market cruise control kit! Rock Auto has a great supply of automotive equipment! Love the videos and camera work! Awesome!

@dunneryak 2 жыл бұрын

very cool setup.......very!

@newtuber4freedom43 2 жыл бұрын

Just found you - very enjoyable video! TFS!

@MeasuredLight 2 жыл бұрын

I've always been a big fan of this van! I love it! I dig that it is quite small!

@chombi84 2 жыл бұрын

Great video 👍

@indexpictures 2 жыл бұрын

really admire the graft that goes into all of this

@cheshirecustomcamper9797 Жыл бұрын

Love it !

@margaretblack8538 2 жыл бұрын

Brilliant, just subscribed. I'll enjoy watching your other vids. 😊👍

@Colinpowellphotography 2 жыл бұрын

I brought a non custom Transit a couple of months ago to convert from bear bones, not started it yet though have most of the materials and gear for the build including a heater. Thought I'd just use it as is for a while to decide what I want and where I want it before I start. Use of an inflatable bed has been ok and guess will continue to be for a few more weeks but wakening up by the side of a high-ish altitude Welsh lake in Snowdonia with 6 inches of frost on the inside last weekend wasn't my idea of a good time. A cup of coffee and two sausage sarnies later (post sunrise) all was good. I appreciate your yay's and nay's, it's given me a couple of points of reconsideration to the position of items. As I'll be building it as an 'off grid' camper I'll be installing a 12volt power invertor but plan on carrying a Jackery for back up. Solar panels is something else to think about.

@worldofrandometry6912 2 жыл бұрын

You made a very professional job of it. Well done.

@JohnDrummondPhoto 2 жыл бұрын

Given you're not a professional at retrofitting vehicles, I thought at the time you did an amazing job on the Delica and I'm still of that opinion. The mileage? Well, you added hundreds of pounds of weight to the thing so something had to give, I guess. My only concern is its balance. As you said, its wheelbase is narrow. That might make it a bit top-heavy and I wonder how steady it feels when you drive off-road. Fascinating video overall though. I'm not mechanical at all and I can't imagine undertaking this job myself.

@jeffmcdonald101 Жыл бұрын

These vans handle amazingly, even with a roof load. Can go anywhere most standard use 4x4s can. It's a Pajero/Triton with a van body. Very capable vehicles on sand, mud and literally designed for snow and ice (most common use is ski resort transfers, hence the 8 original adult sized seating.

@richmilligan5881 2 жыл бұрын

Being able to be comfortable, warm and dry is a huge thing when out and about in the wilds- that’s a huge huge plus! You did a fantastic job with the build.

@jamietallingbell 2 жыл бұрын

Very timely Thomas - my wife and I are just in the process of building out our Nissan e-nv200 inspired by your build (aluminium profile features heavily!). Thanks so much for the inspiration, we're taking it skiing this weekend as we are based in Norway :)

@simontaylorphotography4249 Жыл бұрын

New follower and loving the van very tempted my self keep up the great work

@kemerthomson 2 жыл бұрын

Your negatives are minimal and mostly unavoidable. Both your design and construction are enviable. As for size, bigger means lower mileage and right now that could make the difference between the choice to go or not go. And if there is one thing I continually learn when watching your stories is that it is better to go than not go!

@ontheroadwithtenzin 2 ай бұрын

I have a small van. I put many of my clothes inside pillowcases and use them for pillows.

@frederickmcdonald6636 2 жыл бұрын

great job on the van - I built a sleeping pod in the back of my truck and watching your van build was inspiring and helpful. Thank you, take care and be safe out there....

@iwanderphotography 2 жыл бұрын

thanks you were my inspiration to get a van, never looked back thanks....

@debskeith 2 жыл бұрын

I think the van is brilliant, absolutely love Delicas and think you’ve done a great job with the conversion👍

@returningtoearthtv8836 2 жыл бұрын

You could store clothes in the cushions! Take out the pillow inside and fill the pillowcase with puffy jackets and other clothes.

@davidalexander-watts6630 2 жыл бұрын

It reminds me of the space I had in my old 24ft yacht - good sitting room, easy to manouevre single handed, cosy when cold out, camping stove taken out from a locker, using a bucket for the loo etc. Last year I upgraded to a 28ft yacht and it's made a world of difference having standing headroom, an inbuilt engine, bigger cabin, its own heads. The small increase in length gave a lot more interior volume and the boat isn't too big to handle. It'd be good to see you get out on the water and take some seascapes, or views of the land from the water rather than vice versa.

@martinsommerville5442 5 ай бұрын

My son says "I wish you could drive when you're 8 years old!" (we have a Mitsubishi Delica too, and we're loving your videos!)

@kennethwilson8633 2 жыл бұрын

If you have to open a door to run your diesel heater you have it installed wrong and need to move the exhaust or something. Use the pillow covers for your sleeping bag and some clothes to get extra space. Great build and don’t sweat the power supply you can get something close when it needs replaced. Have fun traveling and stay safe.

@4X4-RADIO 2 жыл бұрын

You should run a DC/DC charger from vehicle battery to your big Power Bank. That will keep it topped up whenever you run the van

@iAligator 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for this! A lot of my Delica build was inspired by yours and this video reminded me that I'm also almost at a year of ownership.

@Clipper024 2 жыл бұрын

Found your description and design/choices for your van interesting, definitely giving me some ideas for the interior of an old 27ft Navy Whaler project I have been working on. Added a deck, widened the hull, and built a cabin on it. Now working on the interior. The intent is to use it on lakes in NW Ontario, Canada, to use it for my own photography expeditions. Thank you for the documentation on your work and experience.

@TheNorthernExplorer 2 жыл бұрын

I have to say I do love what you’ve done with the delica, it looks great and I can say first hand it’s very capable after our trip round Northumberland. Only draw back I can see is the fuel prices especially with the way things are at the mo. Another great vid tom 👍

@pete-c 2 жыл бұрын

Brilliant Tom enjoyed watching, watched you build the van a year ago and have enjoyed all your adventures since in it, very well done, you should be proud of your achievement, agree with below a 90° elbow or any deflector will solve the heater direction outlet.

@kevinjmurrphotography 2 жыл бұрын

Tom this van is awesome, ive enjoyed seeing the places it takes you. slowly hoping to turn my truck into something similar slowly. Also look into a roof vent something like a fantastic fan could probably be installed, they work great in trailers.

@SkierMan199 2 жыл бұрын

Thomas! I’m glad you made a video like this letting us know the real deal of the good and bad. I actually was very inspired by your design layout building out my Delica L400. Probably watched it about 15 different times as I built mine out to mimic certain things. You were one of the only videos I saw with a practical layout that made sense for longer term stay. Changed some stuff and implemented my own ideas into my build. I’ve got a video on my channel giving a full tour of my setup and would love it checked it out. Feel like you’d think it’s cool. Hope you see this comment cuz you really impacted me a lot from the beginning of my van journey and I just want to say thanks for uploading your build and process. It helped me astronomically with figuring out what to do in my van.

@TomJoeSHOW 2 жыл бұрын

This van was a big inspiration to my own camper car conversion.

@Petelaosound 2 жыл бұрын

This is an awesome small van 🚐

@justkerry173 2 жыл бұрын

I'm just about to convert my iload into a campervan. Some great tips here, thanks Tom.

@florianwi8074 2 жыл бұрын

Loved the build and still enjoy you talking about that car 😁💪🏻💪🏻

@macronencer 2 жыл бұрын

You have the same CO alarm as me :) Well done on the build quality, I think that's amazing that after a year there are still no rattles!

@bill-gray 7 ай бұрын

Cool vid

@CalvinBroadhurst 2 жыл бұрын

Great job. I really enjoy your videos and love what you have done with the van. I have fitted out a Delica D:5 4WD for the purpose of getting away overnight for hiking and astrophotography etc. I definitely took some inspiration from what you have done (although you've done a much better job of it)

@thepesh 2 жыл бұрын

im watching your chanel from Delica build videos time. You made perfect minicamper- bomb proof and very estesic. Great job !

@aubgoodwinSRCphotography 2 жыл бұрын

Couldn’t agree more as a keen photographer i love getting away in my self built camper just had a great weekend in Glencoe all for the cost of some fuel 📷💪🏼👍

@cathalgibbons8634 2 жыл бұрын

great review. on my list of purchases is a van or some sort, as a photographer and for outdoor life. Thanks for your honest views.

@tommoors9165 2 жыл бұрын

Looks great, very jealous. I use a Volvo XC90...no conversions but very nice to be able to stealthily sleep in the back with a small foam mattress at photo locations.

@Globetrotter-1 2 жыл бұрын

I've been travelling and exploring 24/7 while living in my BMW X5 for the past 2-years. Love ❤️ it. 🙂

@jwilson2453 2 жыл бұрын

Love the van build, guess what......and now I watch the photography vids, inspirational, well done

@extremelydave 2 жыл бұрын

Indeed, you did a good job on the van. As you said, there are compromises due size, but I think you have the good end of the stick there Mr H. Happy camping!!

@steviekek 2 жыл бұрын

I love your wee van

@sanclewphotographic 2 жыл бұрын

For someone who had never done a conversion before, I think you have done a marvellous job, the advice on getting a van and converting is also a great idea, I am considering a van purchase myself, Fantastic videos and I love to see you cook in the Camper van, Regards, Colin.

@Booyamakashi 2 жыл бұрын

Those camera mounts are pretty cool.

@andrewhillphotosvideos2909 Жыл бұрын

I'm watching and enjoying because I am about to do the same thing.. get out there and take some better photo's thats the aim... great vid as usual.. much appreciated Tom....