Great work friend. I did this same job a few years back and could never find someone doing the level tests on a promaster itself. Im gonna double check regularly now as well for peace of mind. Thank you for creating!
@FrugalFactor10 сағат бұрын
If you like this you may enjoy the oil change video. I made it easy to do on the road. All the videos are sorted by category at thefrugalfactor.com/
@marcussims64948 күн бұрын
Thanks a bunch
@user-cs5hd2vf6x9 күн бұрын
R u running off an inverter? GFCI r completely useless as it’s isolated from earth. Also as inverter’s do not run a neutral everything must be double pole switched.
@jacquesbeaudoin97069 күн бұрын
You didn’t consider an adhesive like liquid nails to adhere this flooring to the plywood?
@FrugalFactor9 күн бұрын
No, I would not do that. I want to be able to remove or reverse the build at anytime. I stayed away from adhesives, Used T-Nuts, plus-nuts, and Riv-nuts to hold the floor in place. The black plastic flooring is one sheet laid on top of the polyurethane sealed half inch plywood floor. Works well, not problems so far 2+ Years of service.
@jacquesbeaudoin97069 күн бұрын
@@FrugalFactor Appreciate the quick response as well as the follow up video on the LED strip wiring integration. I have been chipping away for 2 years on my Cargo Conversion. I am not in a hurry and and consider the time working on and researching options my entertainment. My black plastic flooring will only be in the garage under my bed with nothing else other than maybe bike fork hitch to help keep it in place so I am pretty much committed to glue it down. Keep up the great work. Also enjoyed your storage tube videos.
@FrugalFactor9 күн бұрын
@@jacquesbeaudoin9706 All the videos are at www.thefrugalfactor.com divided by categories. Maybe I'll see you on the road someday!
@lucyfergusson407011 күн бұрын
did you use 2x4s to build the wheel well box frame?
@FrugalFactor9 күн бұрын
No. I used 2x3's for the wheel well boxes. I did not use 2x4's for any of the construction. 2x3's are drier and twist less. I also, purchased the 2x3's over a month earlier and allowed them to dry before using. Returned any that twisted too much!
@JesusIsGod22215 күн бұрын
This vans are pieces of crap . wait til you have problems with the Oil cooler that is under the plastic manifold . That's not going to be fun trust me .
@FrugalFactor15 күн бұрын
@@JesusIsGod222 no problems in more than 3 years thankfully. Like most things, as long as you treat them properly they will also treat you well!
@davidbaer438121 күн бұрын
Great video. makes an oil change super easy and nearly mess free. All done from the top, no crawling underneath or spilling oil which is inevitable when pulling the drain plug. couple of updates for a 2022 promaster... 1. Recommended oil has changed to 0-20 2. insertion depth for the suction hose is longer... not really an issue, you can just insert and fiddle with it until the pump runs dry. 3. Stubby ratchet helps but I was able to put a standard 3/8 inch driver on the 24mm socket and get a click or two per turn. the extra length helped in breaking it loose. a flexhead (craftsman 3/8 in flexhead long handle... my favorite tool) was also helpful. Again, thanks for a great how-to video
@gregbrookman23 күн бұрын
Great video. Thank you
@EnclaveDesigns24 күн бұрын
Poly is toxic. What othre alts do we have?
@FrugalFactor24 күн бұрын
@@EnclaveDesigns everything's toxic to a degree. More than 3 years. We're doing fine with our van. You could use wool but if it gets wet it'll smell like a farm.
@chartmann4325 күн бұрын
Omg!😱 This is so confusing to me… I’ll never get my electrical system working. I bought a van that has a 3000w inverter and I have two deep cell batteries and a small fuse box! I have NO idea how it works or what to do with it. And I have NO help from anyone to explain it to me. I’m trying to understand it but it’s impossible. The van also has a big orange cord that is for the AC outlet (‘s) and I had to move it to the other side of my van to get to the AC outlet, it was barely long enough to reach so I ripped out the crappy counter/kitchen counter and replacing it with a much lighter one ( it was a lot of huge scrap wood) 🪵. I ripped out all the other wires ( led) lights and replaced with battery powered “Puck” lights instead. 😅 I have no idea how I’m going to figure this stuff out. 😢😢😢
@FrugalFactor24 күн бұрын
I recommend you go to www.thefrugalfactor.com from there look at the section on electrical. Check out each video it may help.
@abbylynn887226 күн бұрын
Screen repair tape is so under rated. Our apartment owner used to charge everyone for new screens or rescreening. I was like you will be doing this with every pet owner. Just make a deal that they know its a repaired screen if they have pets or kids. Just swapping them out. Recycle n resuse instead of buying new. This worked great for the lower on third of the screens. ❤
@oldskoolraver7227 күн бұрын
Always have a couple of threads protruding out of the end of the nutsert/rivet nut, because when you squeeze to pull up the nutsert/riv nut you have less chance of stripping the thread. I'm a sheet metalworker been using nutserts for 35 years and have learnt by my mistakes as nothing worse than either drilling out a nutsert or stripping the mandrel and getting it stuck in the nutsert.
@gonewiththekale28 күн бұрын
Any advice/tips you can share about how you found the area to drill for the shower drain because there's a lot going on underneath the Promaster over there by the driver's seat side. A really great video, thank you so much! 🙏🏼
@FrugalFactor28 күн бұрын
@@gonewiththekale Wow! That is such a good question. You're correct, there's a lot going on in that area. What I did was I drilled a 1/8th hole from the bottom up. Then I went inside the van and looked to see where that was. With my layout there was very few choices on where I was able to put the drain. But it all worked out very well. All the videos are at www.thefrugalfactor.com. There are several about the shower installation and the drain installation, including the shower pan which is stainless steel.
@gonewiththekale28 күн бұрын
@@FrugalFactor Thank you for your reply! Yes, I’ve been checking out your website and subbed to your channel to devour your videos. KZfaq recommended you to me and I’m so grateful- love your videos!🙏🏼👍🏻
@TappedlineАй бұрын
why did they not put a tranny drip stick in the unit.
@GarryMoses-o7cАй бұрын
Paul - I just completed installing the same Renogy B2B Charger as you did. I'm undecided as to whether or not to install the wire to limit the charging. Why would I not want to charge at the full 40 amps? Is it harder on the battery or the charger itself? Cause excess wear and tear on components? Just curious as to the reasoning. By the way, we currently do not have solar power but probably will in the future. But thank you for the video, it was very helpful!
@FrugalFactorАй бұрын
It depends how far I'm driving. At the end of the day. I want to be 80 to 90% charged. Charging at high current causes more heat and more wear on the batteries and reduces their lifespan. But within a 10-year lifespan most people aren't concerned. If I can charge at 20 amps anb be at 80% or more at the end of the day I'll do that. But if I have a short drive, I charge at 40 amps that with the solar panels the charging current is over 50 amps. As you travel you'll find what works best for you. It's not good to fully charge to 100% SOC or discharge below 10% SOC for the lithium batteries. I'll have more videos on that in the future!
@GarryMoses-o7cАй бұрын
@@FrugalFactor Thanks for the clarification. I had forgotten the recommendation to not go over 80% SOC. We are just starting out so don't have a handle on our electrical usage yet. But even if charging the battery to 100% brings the battery from 5000 cycles down to 2000 that's still 5 1/2 years, and we won't be full time on the road. So as I learn our needs I'll keep the limit wire in mind. Thank you so much for your videos. Your van build has had more influence on ours than anybody else (and I've watched more videos that I want to admit!), so I am grateful for all your efforts. You have a way of building practicality and budget friendly aspects into camper van builds that works well for our needs.
@FrugalFactorАй бұрын
Thank you. That's probably the most positive comment I've received. If you have any further questions you can email me at the contact email listed on the website. Also at www.thefrugalfactor.com are all the videos listed by category. Thanks for watching 🙂
@wdj935Ай бұрын
Thanks for sharing. I am a new subscriber. I bought the same items after watching your video. How come you used a battery operated pump instead of this hand pump for your oil change? Thanks in advance for your reply.
@FrugalFactorАй бұрын
@@wdj935 The electric pump is faster, much less work. I set it up and let the electric pump do the work 🙂
@wdj935Ай бұрын
@@FrugalFactor Thanks. will you be using the electric pump for your transmission services as well?
@MGScarletАй бұрын
Brilliant. Simplest and best way to do those corners, works like a charm!
@wt9653Ай бұрын
My guess is you are going to use it on your 12v refrigerator 😅
@davecha23Ай бұрын
Question- is it possible to install a separate on/off switch and not need the remote to turn it on? Or can I use my on/off switch, then use the remote just for color/dimming? I
@davidrock3936Ай бұрын
great tip with the measurements. However, you probably need to mention this wont work as well on a slanted driveway if the vehicle is propped up on ramps or jackstands (to level for working), which is how I am able to do work on my sprinter in my rediculous slanted driveway. But again, I will be using this and ditching the ramps to measure out my water tank mounts.
@jessmatthewson7775Ай бұрын
Oh thank you so much for sharing your vids... I was looking at the river nut option for my transit cargo installations but was kinda clueless about using 'tools' yeah IKR well thank you Sir for sharing your wisdom😊
@insearchof33Ай бұрын
Brilliant video. Thanks a million.
@FrugalFactorАй бұрын
Thank you. Your comments highly appreciated.
@stateofwander6963Ай бұрын
Do you ever wish the glass was clear? I’ve seen a bunch of these for sale for reasonable prices but they’re all tinted like yours and I felt like that might detract from seeing the sky and stars as they are
@FrugalFactorАй бұрын
Ours has a very slight tint. Not even noticeable when looking at the stars, the Sun or the trees through the hatch. At night we put up a magnetic screen and see the stars straight through the screen also with a hatch open 🙂
@rwind656Ай бұрын
TY for the video. I was aware of the garage door size of these screens and the 3ft plus size but had forgotten the ones for patio doors existed. Great solution. About the hook in the B-pillar of the sliding door, could you just put a magnet on the other side of the seal to hold the screening away from that opening? Or sew a tab right there to hold that part of the screen inside away from the sliding door when closing. Or adhere a piece of stiff black plastic to the screen at that point to keep it stiff and from falling open into the "hook area."
@FrugalFactorАй бұрын
We are still using the original screens we made. But when we do replace them I expect the make that thin side piece (which is only about 3 inches wide) out of solid material so it is durable - in case the door closes on it. A strap or tab to hold the screen away might work, but you would need to remember to attach the strap before closing - which I know I would not do. Also, all the videos divided by category are at thefrugalfactor.com/
@heroesandzeros7802Ай бұрын
Just drill a hole in the top side of the switch for your cable to go through. The label will still be correct and a lot less work to do.
@BellasafariАй бұрын
Hello FF, sorry to bug you again. Well was all set up to do the deed, and I can’t get the filter cap off. I have all the right tools -but it won’t budge! I am afraid I am going to break something if I try any harder. Any ideas?
@FrugalFactorАй бұрын
If you have the stubby ratchet it takes some power to remove it. Be sure you're turning in the right direction. Counterclockwise to remove. The person who put it on may have put it on very tightly which is not necessary. There is a o-ring that will seal. Once you do this the first time you won't have any problems.
@BellasafariАй бұрын
@@FrugalFactor yes I have the stubby- and am turning CCW. My dad suggested using a wrench with the circle end over the stub wrench to get more torque. So there is no harm in giving it a good turn- maybe even some hammer tapping? I have a new oil filter cap also- but concerned about fracturing the housing…
@FrugalFactorАй бұрын
I would not use a hammer. Too much force could damage the oil cooler which is under the filter housing.
@BellasafariАй бұрын
@@FrugalFactor I think the dealership already damaged the oil cooler as the sensor is throwing an error.
@user-tt7fg4xf3wАй бұрын
Great to see such DIY solutions! Allthough clean copper being a great conductor only (challenged by silver) in humid ( condensarion) environments risk of oxidation is there. Did you consider nickel plating copper parts with DIY nickel/vinaigre solution and low voltage electrolysis?
@FrugalFactorАй бұрын
Nice idea. Never thought about that and it sounds like something I would do! But, it has been working as it for three years now, without any problems. All the videos divided by category can be seen at thefrugalfactor.com/
@jamesdewar-mills1105Ай бұрын
Is this material best just for the flatter ply panels or can you do the curved metal panels of the van too? .thsnks
@FrugalFactorАй бұрын
I only use this for flat panels. For any curves I use Polywall and shape it with a heat gun, then cover with marine vinyl or duramax cloth. All the videos can be seen by category at thefrugalfactor.com/
@HardIsEasyАй бұрын
I wonder if over time your pvc will be softened and your bracket will loose tension?
@FrugalFactorАй бұрын
In over 3 years it hasn't softened. It's solid. The brackets are as tight as the day they were installed. No problems so far.
@meredithnash40392 ай бұрын
We have a recirculating shower system in our bus with a propane outdoor water heater that we are having difficulty with. I have consulted a plumber be we are still having trouble, could you possibly advise us on it?
@bdclassicalguitarist2 ай бұрын
What thickness of polyiso did you use to insulate the headliner?
@FrugalFactor2 ай бұрын
Above the headliner most areas 3/4" (.75"), in a few places two pieces of 3/4" Polyiso. At thefrugalfactor.com/ you can see all the videos divided by category.
@Bellasafari2 ай бұрын
I have all the ingredients, a bit timid to make a go at it… Do you recommend removing old filter, leave the cap off, suck old oil out, insert new filter and cap, THEN add the new oil? Your vid shows replacing old with new before extracting old oil… and then loosing the cap again.
@FrugalFactor2 ай бұрын
You can do it. For the RAM promaster I recommend this order 1. Remove the oil oil filter. 2. Pump out the old oil. 3. Put in the new oil 4. Put in a new oil filter. By removing the oil filter first and leaving it out, makes it easier for the pump to remove the old oil. After your done run then engine a few moments, the turn it off an check the oil level. That's it. Easy to do, and with the pump you never need to crawl under the van! It can easily be done while traveling in a parking lot.
@Bellasafari2 ай бұрын
@@FrugalFactor ok ! Thank you for the sequence ! I will be doing this while camping hence my hesitation incase something? Goes South!:)
@staceynel34932 ай бұрын
THANK YOU FOR THIS. I plan to do this to mine.
@FrugalFactor2 ай бұрын
Once you do it yourself, you will always to it yourself! All the vides can be seen at thefrugalfactor.com/ divided by category.
@cesargonzalez92822 ай бұрын
That's a crazy story to hear. Very sad that they shut down that electronics course, even more shameful that they can't allow you to provide kids with one of the most knowledgeable coding programs used around the states. Even through college, I had to use those at a few points in my early coding classes. I feel that a lot of students who have taken your class will know of the opportunity you gave us and the value it provided. Will always remember how amazing and resourceful you have been! And will do my best to keep up with your videos!
@FrugalFactor2 ай бұрын
Thank You, your comment is highly appreciated.
@hammondglo2 ай бұрын
Maybe I'm crazy, but shouldn't the top mark on the dipstick you made be for the fluid when hot? You say the opposite, that it's the cold mark.
@FrugalFactor2 ай бұрын
Yes, your correct the top mark. If I said it upside down, sorry - guess its how you look t at it :-) At thefrugalfactor.com/ you can see all the videos divided by category.
@dandecl58432 ай бұрын
While I agree with some of what you say, I have no pity for most (yes most) teachers. They are no longer teaching. They are indoctrinating. They push the diabolical CRT, anti-American revisionist history, and Socialmism. Kids in Belgium score higher on tests for American history, English, Math and science. This won't end until teachers wear body cams like police. With a live feed so concerned, parents can monitor the class in action. Teachers were exposed during Covid online indoctrinating sessions.
@user-oc5bo6fe2p2 ай бұрын
CRT is NOT taught in K-12. I would love to see the facts of what was "exposed" during COVID regarding what teachers actually taught. Live feed classrooms? How about a live feed for teachers to see if parents are really parenting properly? Are they teaching their kids to be respectful? Clean up after themselves? Do their homework? Not talk back? Or even get out of bed to go to school?
@dandecl58432 ай бұрын
@user-oc5bo6fe2p Teachers are paid by the community just like police. They are the ones who need to be monitored. You sound like a comunist with your desire to have parents monitored. If you think CRT is not tought you know nothing. It absolutely is disguised under many names. It's always presents view of white man bad. Wake up
@dandecl58432 ай бұрын
@@user-oc5bo6fe2p with regard to facts, good grief , tons of vidios on you tube. Do your own research.
@dandecl58432 ай бұрын
@@user-oc5bo6fe2p teachers are paid by the community just like police.They need to be monitored for job performance and not indoctrinating. You sound like comunist wanting parents videoed don't be naive our children are under attack by leftie Marxist teachers.
@amiri73922 ай бұрын
I'm really glad i took a lot of AP classes, but at the same time I wish I considered which credits would actually be useful. I have credits that don't cover any requirements so they didn't really benefit me, and I could've taken a different class that would have.
@FrugalFactor2 ай бұрын
I agree planning is key. But an AP class that you were successful in, even if it did not meet a College requirement, still raised your GPA.
@des26102 ай бұрын
As an academic you may not understand this. This is evident in your videos. Let me try try to explain.....When you started your teaching career you where on the up side of educating humanity to higher and higher levels for the betterment of humanity and establishing and maintain a free and prosperous society.....Now in your later years you are on the down side of educating humanity. The theme these days is to dumb down education to fit the newbies into the new emerging totalitarian society. It's Feudalism education. Too much information will allow them to see they are being screwed, so dumb them down... The new societies education systems starts from the earliest stages and progresses to university levels where they are finished off as slaves for the new system...Capture them before their 5 and you will have them for life....
@FrugalFactor2 ай бұрын
No when I started I wanted the two summer months off. Your thought sounds better though!
@amiri73922 ай бұрын
Instead of helping students build the skills to be successful, they just redefined success
@Darnic-Fab2 ай бұрын
How long did your US solid vales last? I have a had two and they both failed in the first year
@FrugalFactor2 ай бұрын
I have had the same valves since installation, about 3 years. They are somewhat covered as seen in the installation. Also, I am in warm climates, and have not traveled in snowy areas (yet). All the videos by category are at thefrugalfactor.com/
@Darnic-Fab2 ай бұрын
Maybe that’s part of it I am in Michigan and these have been outside, not being used during the winter. Thanks for the reply
@plusblood51012 ай бұрын
Superbly done
@FrugalFactor2 ай бұрын
Thank YOU - All the videos by category are at thefrugalfactor.com/
@user-dl4fd5rn8h2 ай бұрын
thanks for your help
@FrugalFactor2 ай бұрын
Thank You. This is a very popular video. Let me know if you have any other electrical questions. All the videos by category are at thefrugalfactor.com/
@van_grimm90072 ай бұрын
"fill the void"
@markie_mark99502 ай бұрын
That's really clear, thanks
@FrugalFactor2 ай бұрын
Your welcome. I did several videos about the shower at thefrugalfactor.com/ you can see all the videos divided into categories. Enjoy your build!
@obetcorea99852 ай бұрын
Thank you so much!! Very helpful video!
@FrugalFactor2 ай бұрын
You welcome - All the videos by category are at thefrugalfactor.com/
@ZillaYT2 ай бұрын
I watched your recirculating shower series. So the kitchen doesn't have hot water, the way you wired it?
@FrugalFactor2 ай бұрын
The kitchen sink does not have hot water. Not needed. We could reach over and use the shower wand in the kitchen sink, its long enough. In more than two years we have never missed hot water in the kitchen. All the videos by category can be seen at thefrugalfactor.com/
@ZillaYT2 ай бұрын
@@FrugalFactor that’s why in my van conversion, I’m putting the shower & kitchen on the same side, driver’s side, to ease plumbing. This way, I can have a hot/cold water “main,” then have the shower & sink (and maybe a small washer/dryer) split off that.
@ZillaYT2 ай бұрын
This is cool! You mention you used 3 identical pumps, but only show 2 here. I assume the 3rd is for the kitchen sink. How do you empty the 5 gal tank that contains recirculated water? Also you could've eliminated one of the tanks, and just use the grey water tank as the circulated water tank? You'll just have to empty the grey water tank "each time" you want to take a shower, and then fill it in? But this system removes that constraint, and can re-use the 5 gal water for multiple showers?
@FrugalFactor2 ай бұрын
If you watch this video kzfaq.info/get/bejne/rL-ZirSZkpzGiWQ.html you will see the actual installation. We use a single pump for the shower and a single 5 gallon grey tank for the water. To refill when we want it is gravity fed from the fresh water tanks. Yes we can re-use the 5 gallons for multiple showers, and replace anytime we want. We also use electronic ball valves to empty the tank. Been working well for over two years. Thanks for watching
@Bellasafari3 ай бұрын
Doh, here is the oil filter change:)
@FrugalFactor3 ай бұрын
Yes, also you can see all the videos by category at thefrugalfactor.com/
@Bellasafari3 ай бұрын
Why didn’t you change the filter at the same time. I ‘heard’ it is better to change the filter more often as this will decrease the need to change the oil as frequently. I agree, change the oil 4-5K mi. Also your 28 and 3/4” mark, is that the tube length all the way up to the pump or to the top of the oil lid? Thank you~
@FrugalFactor3 ай бұрын
The tube length is up to the edge of the metal oil dipstick. The first time you do this - after you remove the oil go under and remove the oil drain bolt. If no oil comes out you know you have the correct length of tube. From then on no need to remove the drain plug when changing the oil. Also as you mention in your other comment - the oil filter change is shown in the Part 1 video.
@Bellasafari3 ай бұрын
@@FrugalFactor yes! Watched that video on the filter change. Lots of good advice there too!