This is the best DIY video I've seen on YT super informative .. Not only is your van awesome. Your Handyman skills are top notch.. also super Hosting skill ..you should have your own TV show.. everything is professional and on point..

You are so right about the backroad. When I first started trucking I would seek out the interstates after going down them all the time I grew tired of that same look but eventually I started to take the surface streets or back roads. Life got a lot better the attitude changed tremendously and I would take my time more I got to a block at a dock I had an attitude of gratitude I was not there just for the load I was there for the joy of it I really enjoyed my life as a trucker.

Kiwi vanman Hi MIke, Im William, Just want to say thank you, You and a few others here have inspired me to get off my butt and follow my dream, just finnished building my stealth camper, Im in New Zealand, so I hope i can show people what its like camping in New Zealand. Thanks Mike for your inpiration,

Great instruction, Mike. I would love to see a video by you (and others), showing all the things they would do *DIFFERENTLY* if they were to do it again. In other words, allow us to learn from *YOUR* mistakes. Since you have done such a great job, your suggestions would mean much more. Anyway, thanks for all the great videos that you share with your viewers.

it's nice when videos are worth re watching 😊👍

this is by far the best DYI video i have seen and I've done two vans that are no where the quality of your build. I'm gonna gut my van and start fresh following your instructions

I'm purchasing my van, and it's literally bare bones, thank you so much for showing how simple it is. Safe travels.

You are the winner of the "2015 Best Interior Award"🏆👏👏👏

I used to build custom vans back in the 70's, had a 75 C20 that got stolen. Had a 30lb propane tank mounted under the van and a thermostatically controlled heater, did the spray foam insulation and my van was always warm. My motif was a old sailing ships captains quarters, today I own a 2015 Grand Caravan but the mileage kicks ass. I took out the seats for more storage and the cleats are useful to tie down my vintage race bike.

I am researching how to insulate my van and this is now my go to video. Right i am watching it again and taking notes!

I’m 17 and I have an almost empty 1987 G10 van. Thank you for this video! I will try it myself

Righteous move giving the keys to the city to us like this man. Seriously I'm already looking at my van differently now. lol.

I've watched a lot of videos on installations, or rather attempted to watch them. So many fall short. I appreciate your video very much. One of the few I've watched beginning to end. Very well done.

I really like the way you stage your camera....looks as though "you are in a classroom with all of your students right in front of you, and, you address them all head-on" !! Videos are great as always! Hello, again, from Jim in Houston, Tx!

Great info, and awesome van! Im with ya....Its a good idea to put the extra effort into the interior if youre gonna spend time in it living. It keeps up morale.

I've watched hundreds of van vids yours by far the most instructive! Thanks for sharing

Pure genius mike... Doing my van best i can to suit my needs... Nowhere near as good as yours but my vans a 2003 and rusty

My mom would do the mural. We lived in a schoolie when I was a kid (not for the lifestyle though, we were just extremely poor) and she painted the outside sky blue with grass along the bottom edge and a white picket fence.

Fantastic video. I've seen the complete wood interiors and though they look nice, the added weight must certainly affect mileage, and when you start taking an additional 2-3 inches from the walls and ceiling, I'm sure you've also reduced the overall interior size as well. Looking forward to more videos!

mate, that was awsome, i am at this stage with my sprinter and a big takeaway from your video is to take your time, cheers mate good work

Bought a 1990 Chevy G 30 for $400.00 needed another $700.00 to pass smog, runs great. It was a 12 seat passenger van originally, but a some point all but one row of seats were remove and interior was picked apart for some reason, missing dome lights, holes were speakers use too be, et. Your video has given me the hope that I can gradually restore it to greater glory. Thanks

Very, "VERY" informative. So much info, in an easy to understand D.I.Y. "How to" approach. Anyone about to tackle a camper van conversion from bare bones definitely needs to see this video first. You're a great teacher, my friend. Thanks so much.

This is one of the best DIY video of this kind on KZfaq. Great idea and tips.

Hey BV, this was excellent. I am in the process of planning my van build and you answered a range of questions that I had not figured out the answers to. Great job. I look at a lot of builds and they look unfinished. Your tips work great for putting those finishing touches on the build that make it look professional and enable you to enjoy how good your van looks. Really appreciate your effort with this video. Cheers!

Hi Mike, great info. I hope it inspires people to make their van feel more like home. The one thing I would do different is the reflectix. As a radiant barrier it is second to none, as a thermal barrier inside it does very little. I think the better bang for your reflectix would be to make a blanket to put on the roof when you are camping. I really like the finished look the vinyl and fabric gives, looks great.

My husband and I really found your tutorials on your van very informative and cost effective...thank you!!

Mike, just bought a 94 Chevy G20 shorty (windows along the passenger side). I have been looking for a while to find the right rig ($, style, mileage, etc). I absolutely love your videos and when I imagine my finished stealth camper, yours is just what comes to mind. Your styling is spot on and your techniques are flawless. Can't get enough! I will update you on my progress. Nervous, but excited.

I think it's taking me longer to do the finishing touches than it took to build it out? Painting, staining, wallpaper, drapes, etc...all is important to me so It feels more like home to me. 😊

You are an excellent teacher! Your videos are so well done and extremely informative, thank you.

I love your channel. You have so much wonderful information. I still won't have a van for around a year, but I already know that I want to live in a van for at least a few years so I can travel the country. These are magnificent videos and I greatly appreciate knowing things like this long before it comes to the experience of trial and error.

Haven't had interest in this sort of thing, but you're a TV quality host, making this so interesting I watched the entire vid. Great job & talent.

Mike, Next to Dan, from Dan Travels, this may be the most informative series of videos on how to trick out your van on KZfaq. Thank you. Take care, stay safe O.P. (Olde Phart)

LOL, I love the reflectics finish! It makes it so much brighter!

Check out coroplast for a backerboard instead of plywood. Get 4x8 sheet for 30 bucks, light weight, easy to work with, no mold or mildew or rot.

Mike U R a GOD SENT! Thank-U for showing this DIY Tutorial and being so D-e-t-a-i-l-e-d about all the products used and the Itty-bitty Tips that will go a long way when it's time to do my Van. Your Voice will Definitely be with Me ( don't forget to leave a little Xtra material; Watch out for them Screws) lol ..... You've Answer so many concerns I was having from Start to Finish specially with that Metal Chase(aka crown molding time laps 20:00 ). The materials you used for your Van are amazing...It looks Mauvoulous..Just Mauvoulous! Thank-U also for showing samples of other Van ideas(I quilt a little, so that gave me an idea)... I see know the possibilities are Endless (Just have to get past that Insulation part Eeeaak! ) and the Rest will be a work of art "VAN-Art" Heyy I think I found the name for my Van "VANART" Lol...TFS ~ Be Safe & Happy Trails ~

Dang, whew I am glad that I found this video before I start process of install of insulation.

Great vid ! Thanks. Adding to: Never use Ink or Sharpie for marking. (You) run the Risk of bleed. Always use finest pencil that you can see. Before ‘finishing’, it is easily removed with lacquer thinner ... then just wait for full evaporation. Also, if can’t get “reverse tooth” blades, put finish material FACE Down, and cut using saw from underside. So GLAD that you pointed out the C O M M O N MISTAKE of improperly using Reflectix !

The best van channel ever made wish you would make a few new videos man

I agree with you 1000% I would hate to see their homes after seeing some of their van jobs. If your going to live in it take some pride and finish it off. A little paint, carpet, curtains, etc...any of those give a home feel and not only look better but will make you feel better about your decision also 😊

You are so inspirational & talented...thank you for such a well thought out & awesome DIY video!!! You should be broadcasted on PBS!

I've learned so much by watching this video. Very fresh interior with a quality, polished finish. Thanks, Dan! FYI, I live in Dallas if you're ever in the area.

Your puppy is so DARN CUTE. Towards end of video he/she is behind you and it looks like he/she is thinking "When is my DAD gonna stop talking to THEM and pay attention to ME"? What a little love bug!!! By the way, thanx for all info in this video. I am a bit of a MATURE woman scrambling to get my 6x10 cargo trailer insulated before the wicked N.E. WINTER. I am a NOVICE and appreciate all the tips and tricks cause I gotta get my living space livable right quick! Hope you do a video on WIRING. NOW THAT BAFFLES this girl! I had someone put a 100 Watt Solar Panel on top. I had to unhook it all but feel as though I can re-do it. I have 2 more 100 Watt Panels but I fear I will not be able to get those installed before the Cape Cod Winter blocks me into waiting. That's okay.....I will find a PLUG somewhere to hook up to. My friends can NOT deny me 120.....ha ha! (Or CAN THEY?) Thank you Mike! You are very detailed in your descriptions and for someone like ME who has NO FREAKIN IDEA as to what I am doing, THIS IS PRICELESS! Make it a GREAT DAY! Karen

Thanks for checking out our videos, we appreciate you watching and commenting! Please SUBSCRIBE to our channel. Also, join our NEW Facebook "GROUP" where YOU can share your photos and stories at: facebook.com/groups/backroadsvanner Backroads Vanner links and merchandise available at our web site at: www.backroadsvanner.com

Wow, thank you so much. I'm planning to live on the road fulltime here in South Africa, and this is the first video I've seen that adresses this topic with this much info. I liked and subscribed and will definitely send you pics when I'm ready. thank you for the great info from a cold South Africa.

LOVE the Mural that looked tight !

Hey Mike, great job.. I'm planning on doing my own really soon, and this is THE BEST way to do it, and have it look professional!! Thanks man!

No worries about not having pictures. I followed your explanations perfectly. thanks so much! awesome van!

Brilliant video. I've just bought my first van for converting and I can't wait to get started. This really helped.

very nice finish compared to many of the other builds i see. Good Job Mike

Dang Hippie. I had an old 68 Chevy van, like the one you have on your banner. Back in the day.

You have the best videos on KZfaq! Really impressive craftsmanship and design. Thank you very much for taking the time!

Install Wire loom first before you cover anything and you be glad you did. You need black for 120 volt and orange for low voltage and Ethernet cabling. Make sure you buy the push in loom clamps and put a pull string inside each one. This makes upgrading or adding new wiring a breeze in those channels, without the worry of the sharp metal edges cutting it. And always think about having to repair any bad wiring in the future. I've had to damn near dismantle a whole wall to get a one bad short. If it had loom. I could have used the bad one to pull a new one in in 10 mins.

finally a clear explanation on insulation.

Great video Mike. You're on camera persona combined with the excellent how to advice makes this video a keeper. Thanks.

that insulation is damn important!

Sika, selleys are don't go nears for contact adhesive when it comes to cars! I learnt hard way

Thanks! Saved this one for future reference! Getting ready to finish inside of horse trailer LQ with a curved ceiling. These ideas may solve the problem!

Very nice work! Thank you for the tips for insulation and upholstery! I love your little doggie too! God bless!

Good stuff! I didn't know I needed a van until watching your videos. What a great project. I appreciate how informative and thorough your content is.

I would like to see a video on building the sofa/bed with measurements. Thanks Mike.

Thanks Mike for these helpful tips. Many blessings❣️🤩🌹🎁♥️

Really liked your ideas, I am going to incorporate a center ridge/ wire trac/ lighting track . A conventional van guy like myself. I have had many different ones over the years but for ease of parking and driving I will stick with the low top, I work out of a Pro-master and I feel my personal van is like being in a sports car after that thing. I saved your vid and will send you some pictures of what I got from your ideas, Thanks

thanks for the inspiration, and instructional video. Ill be doing vinyl trim in my van now too.

Well, I hope you don't watch my videos. You're way more savvy than me. I just had 2x2's, one parking stall and a hand saw. Lol starting on my second van to swap everything over so here goes the more educated and experienced adventure. Thanks again for your videos.

Great video!! I've got my E350 ready to start on finishing out the interior, and this will DEFINITELY be my go to guide when I'm ready to insulate it! Have the insulation sheets, the reflectix and now more ideas on the final covering! Thank You!!

Love this video am doing a 03 dodge cargo van2500 and you just answered my problem . thanks for your videos

Mike! Thank you so much! This video has answered basically all of my questions about making my van look "professional" on the inside which has always been my goal. Great info and cool van bro!

lots of talent here. thanxs for the great videos.

Very nice good tips

You inspire me brother...looking to buy a 2003 Chevy Cargo now and customize it...keep up the great work.

Great info and tips Mike, thank you. From what I can see of it I really dig what you've done with your own rig. Watchin' this video reminded me so much of when I was helpin' my uncle customize his van back in the 70s. He and his buddies each had beautifully done high-end vans and I really loved that era. Their rigs were as individual as they were and showed so much creativity that they were truly works of art. In fact, a few of them had very elaborate, expensive murals painted over every square inch of the exteriors. Great times man! This is really givin' me an itch to get myself a van and customize it...that itch got started all those years ago and has been dormant until now. I've got two little grand daughters now and my mind is racing to spending weekends with them in the van and in some campgrounds. Hmmmm...do ya have a video with tips for convincing wives that this is a good idea? Heh, heh, heh.

Excellent video! Thanks so very much for sharing your tips and tricks. You have answered so many questions for me in this informative video. I am inspired to get started on my very first Van build! Looking forward to more videos!

Been searching / watching several videos on the topic. This is the most helpful. THANK YOU!

i have learnt a lot from your video's . greetings from the netherlands

OMG....Absolutely fantastic video. You're so talented, and you pay attention to details !!!

I'm using the foil insulation that has the bubbles in between the layers. I put it on with spray adhesive my buddy uses to put up headliners in classic cars at his shop. stays on great! I want to put the green astro-turf on the floor. I like the look. I'm going more for function that asthetics. (goodlooks) Im a fairly simple guy. Dont require much more than the basics. Thanks for any words of wisdom....

MIKE, MAN... Thank yoou soo muuch, your videos are sOo helpful! You've taken a lot of stress and worry away.. I can't thank you enough.. Thanks.. Thanks.. Th... Just THANK YOU! SUBSCRIBED & THUMBUPS

Super awesome nice van!! I love the tooled vinyl for the headliner.

Thanks for posting this. Lots of ideas brewing now for our DIY van build.

I've bought a hightop conversion van, its mostly windows and the walls are a maze of metal in front of metal. It seems most places I can't get to the outside wall. My thought is to put batts in where I can and go with it in a fairly rough configuration so I can get a better idea what works for me and what doesn't. Also there is a ton of wires and lines running down the drivers side that I feel like I can't just rip out. Something for people to consider if getting a van. It is making it more difficult for sure.

You have really recharged my thoughts of getting a van :) Nice video.

Love your videos and learned quite a lot. Thanks very much. I have read that spray foam can capture moister and causes mold and should never be used to fill small areas.

I just want to move next door to Dan so he can help me figure out how to fix the interior my grandfather did. :(

Thank you just bought a van and getting ready to redo it. Very helpful : )

the dog is the mastermind here

Excellent pro-style video, informative and detailed! One of MY main concerns while contemplating what to finish the interior with is the extremely close quarters combined with all the off-gassing of chemicals from the foam, plastics, spray adhesive, etc. You evidently have seen numerous van interiors, so have you ever saw one using low or non-toxic materials? What about using for example, Luan covered walls/ceiling painted with non-voc paints? Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

Another great video and excellent craftsmanship. I have been wondering what one does about that crown moulding area you mentioned. Smart to make it removable so that you can get at the wires in there later if necessary. Please keep your videos coming. They're enjoyable, but also practical and easy to understand. Thanks

Some REALLY brilliant ideas here

Hey Mike Very Nice Job with the Upholstery. Looks Great & thanks for sharing.

Thank you for sharing, I'm excited to try this on my van I just got.

All great advice, and some beautiful vans, I love the log cabin van.

Great job on the van and the video Mike. You have a new subscriber and a thumbs up from Canada.

That thin insulation that you used on inside of van is called Fan fold

What a great video! Thanks so much Mike for taking the time to share.

Great video. I am building a van right now. Thanks for the ideas. Nice job on your van.

thank you you're the best teacher

A really first class video

Impressive work! Absolutely AWESOME attention to detail!

Thanks Mike! Love your stuff, just started converting. Looking forward to your video on your power setup! Cheers

this video was such a huuuuge help