5 Things We “HATE” About Our DIY Van Build // VAN BUILD REGRETS 🚐

For more insight into DIY Van Conversions & Slow Travel, check out our website: folkonthemove.com/
_________
Hey Folks!
We decided to put together a list of the top 5 things we “HATE” about our van build! Though we LOVE pretty much everything about our DIY van build, we definitely made some build mistakes (from bench height to items we REGRET not having). Hindsight is always 20/20, and since we feel the effects of our own van build regrets every day, we hope this video will help others from making the same mistakes in their own van conversions!
Whether you are doing your own DIY van conversion or just looking for some honest insight into #vanlife, thanks for being here, friend!
(Get to know us below 👇)
_________________
WE’RE SOCIAL!
Instagram: / folkonthemove
The Blog: folkonthemove.com/
Adventure Club: view.flodesk.com/pages/634834...
_________________
GET TO KNOW US
Hey there! We are Alexa & David, AKA Folk on the Move!
We’re a couple of nomads embracing the idea of living with LESS so that we can adventure MORE!
We love exploring new places and consider unique experiences to be far more meaningful than material possessions. This channel is our way of sharing our nomadic way of life, from building our self-converted van and how we live on the road to helpful tips about nomadic travel and tiny living!
Show that subscribe button some love to tag along for the ride! 🚐
#vanbuild #howto #vanlifecouple #diyvanconversion

Пікірлер: 79

  • @TheMapPinners
    @TheMapPinners3 жыл бұрын

    Great video you two! Seeing your feet dangle when on the bench was so cute but I can see how annoying that would be 😄 and we loved seeing your cold shower footage 😂 that was hilarious. Totally see why that was a one time thing. Fingers crossed you can shower at gyms soon. And never heard of an oven in a van but that would be really great to add!

  • @folkonthemove8760

    @folkonthemove8760

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Map Pinners ♥️ glad the shower footage was entertaining LOL! We got quite the kick out of it, but yeaaa... one time was enough 😂 Excited for the day we can give you an in-person tour!

  • @chrissyuy
    @chrissyuy3 ай бұрын

    My husband and I have an oven on our boat. We used to use it a lot, but once I got an Instant (insta-pot) air-fryer over a year ago, we haven’t used it once! Air-fryers can do all that an oven can do, and way more than an oven! Plus they take up minimal storage space!

  • @lynnw7155
    @lynnw7155 Жыл бұрын

    Since you have so much electricity, you could add a toaster oven. It can either be attached to a counter or stowed away when not in use. We have an SUV conversion and have a small 1000 watt toaster oven ...small, but it does what a burner or instapot can't.

  • @vociferonheraldofthewinter2284
    @vociferonheraldofthewinter228411 ай бұрын

    This is the first time I've heard 'too much power' as a regret. As far as regrets go, that's a good one to have. Winning!

  • @themikeh1961
    @themikeh1961Ай бұрын

    Maybe you could make a little fold-down foot rest that's attached to the door of your too-tall seat.

  • @girlpowered1696
    @girlpowered16965 ай бұрын

    You can by the Omnia camping oven, it goes on the cooktop and works really well

  • @anthonyrosa4388
    @anthonyrosa4388 Жыл бұрын

    I want to thank you it's because of this video I was able to redo my couch before it was too late thank you so much for saving me the headache

  • @Scrambler85
    @Scrambler852 жыл бұрын

    I feel your pain about the seat heights. I'm 6'4" and my girlfriend is 5'2". I had to build apposed bench seats at different heights. It's a very nice looking van. I liked, subscribed and commented 👍

  • @juanitasellshouses
    @juanitasellshouses2 жыл бұрын

    I just found your site. In regards to having an oven...they do heat up inside of the van. Instead, you might want to try an Omnia Oven. I've watched She to Me use hers to make all kinds of baked goodies! It sits right on top the gas burner.

  • @CR-wk2re
    @CR-wk2re3 жыл бұрын

    The clip of you guys helping each other with the shower was so cute!!!

  • @marieledbetter7930
    @marieledbetter79303 жыл бұрын

    Until you get an oven you should think about some baking in a cast iron pan which can be done on a campfire. Some cool options. Bread, even pizza....or since you have extra power you might think about a toaster oven. Small but I bake bread and cakes in mine.

  • @amyhuber2457
    @amyhuber24573 жыл бұрын

    Showering in a bag. We laughed pretty hard at that. Alexa’s squeals were hilarious.

  • @folkonthemove8760

    @folkonthemove8760

    3 жыл бұрын

    We got a kick out of it as well! SO cold! 😅 I (David) still laugh pretty hard at Alexa’s squeals when I see that clip 😂

  • @Area_Man
    @Area_Man2 жыл бұрын

    Nice job! Ilike your layout and choices. The 5 things were all helpful points. Thank you.

  • @onlyjesussaves840
    @onlyjesussaves8403 жыл бұрын

    LMBO at: "we measured the length of our legs" I thought I was thorough, but even I wouldn't have thought about that one! Ty for the laugh! That was good! :)

  • @pratapsinghrathore2807
    @pratapsinghrathore28073 жыл бұрын

    This video deserves more views. I have watched hundreds of van build videos and found this one really helpful. Fwding it to friends.

  • @DD-sn4iz
    @DD-sn4iz2 жыл бұрын

    alright alright I will sacrifice some storage under bench 😂

  • @juniper617
    @juniper617 Жыл бұрын

    You could maybe add a hinged bar to the front of your bench, so you could fold it down and use it as a footrest?

  • @flyfishfotofan
    @flyfishfotofan2 жыл бұрын

    Since you have so much electricity why not purchase one of the larger “toaster ovens” (i.e. large enough for a pizza) and store it when not being used?

  • @saratemp790
    @saratemp790Ай бұрын

    You need a water heater. And you should waterproof the inside box of your shower, and just put some half curtains above, on rods with rings. A lot easier than holding up those little shower cubby enclosures.

  • @yushi911
    @yushi911 Жыл бұрын

    When i was young and going out, I use to start with the desert as most of the time I would not be able to have desert if I took an entry plus the meal. Now, i feel the new generation is starting their life with the retirement phase before jumping to working task force and family.

  • @duvessa2003
    @duvessa2003 Жыл бұрын

    How about just a garden sprayer for your outdoor shower? You can fill it 3/4 full with cold water and then just add some boiling water. They also sell those little pop-up privacy tents…

  • @mscathyhong
    @mscathyhong3 жыл бұрын

    Heat up a half gallon of water, add to the other half gallon for a nice warm shower. Bucket and cup shower.

  • @argates6507
    @argates6507 Жыл бұрын

    Something about her face or expressions or both that makes her look so sweet.

  • @stanjones247
    @stanjones2473 жыл бұрын

    just get solar shower bag and pop upshower tent not expensive and reviews ive seen they work pretty good

  • @DaphneLowe
    @DaphneLowe3 жыл бұрын

    Since you already have a dedicated shower space, all you need is a hot water source. Check out the Big Kahuna or Geyser shower kits. They are container showers that heat water using 12v, so you can enjoy showering in the comfort of your van. Additionally, they can be filled independently so they don't deplete your fresh water tanks.

  • @folkonthemove8760

    @folkonthemove8760

    3 жыл бұрын

    A 12v water hearing source would be ideal since we have an excess amount of power! Thank you for the recommendation 😁

  • @juniper617

    @juniper617

    Жыл бұрын

    A sun shower (I think that’s a brand name, and you can get it in a camping store for very little money) is basically a water bag you heat in the sun, or if there’s no sun or no time, you can heat water on the stove for it. Then you hang it up and it’s just a gravity system. Works great. You can easily use it inside or outside.

  • @MrTubeman123456
    @MrTubeman1234562 жыл бұрын

    I haven't built my van yet but a indoor shower is a must 55 gal food grade barrel pump solar powered ac build my own toilet oven is a good idea good video helpful thanks.

  • @212caboose
    @212caboose2 жыл бұрын

    Heat up water and put it in a 1-2 gallon pump sprayer. Insulate the pump sprayer with some reflectix or something. Boom, hot shower. Then you can do either an indoor or outdoor. You're also limited by the size of the sprayer- so it conserves water too.

  • @susans7091
    @susans70912 жыл бұрын

    Have you tried an Omni Oven? SO glad for the pointer about more overhead storage. Someone recently tried to sell me a van with zero overhead storage. And super grateful for the pointer on not having too high a bench.

  • @WeTakeTheVan
    @WeTakeTheVan3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for this! We’re in the building stage of our van so it’s extremely helpful to hear what other van dwellers would change on their set up! Looking forward to following along on your adventures! :)

  • @folkonthemove8760

    @folkonthemove8760

    3 жыл бұрын

    That is so exciting! Happy to help 😁 Best of luck on the rest of your build!

  • @Greenwitch_Garden
    @Greenwitch_Garden Жыл бұрын

    You can get a solar shower and hang it on some magnetic hooks outside… and then just add some hot water from a jet boil into your cold water in the bag.

  • @sshutchannel
    @sshutchannel3 жыл бұрын

    That was awesome! Thanks for sharing your experiences and insight!

  • @folkonthemove8760

    @folkonthemove8760

    3 жыл бұрын

    It was our pleasure! Hopefully our experiences help you in your van journey 😙

  • @nakwichet
    @nakwichet Жыл бұрын

    Love you van and the way you explain to

  • @tomoverholt5123
    @tomoverholt5123 Жыл бұрын

    My favorite van shower is when it is in the middle of the floor, it's much bigger and it goes away and takes no room when it's not being used. Why not get one of those small counter top ovens, they're cheap and you could store it under the bed

  • @meelis79
    @meelis79 Жыл бұрын

    Hi, I know it is two year old video and maybe you changed things already but here are my thoughts: 1) too tall bench - it should be quite easy to take it out and trim it lower from upper side. 2) no oven - my plan is to take normal hot air frier to my van if I someday build it. Yes it is electrical ldoa but you had excess energy anyway. use it :) It is much smaller than ove and can be but away somewhere - noes not need dedicated space. And if it is not for you, just remove it from van. 3) Shower space - use smaller part of it to toilet and build storage space to one end.

  • @duvessa2003
    @duvessa2003 Жыл бұрын

    Well presented ⭐️

  • @fbr65
    @fbr652 жыл бұрын

    This is helpful to hear while building our van.

  • @hannaolevia
    @hannaolevia3 жыл бұрын

    Love this! We just bought our van and are so excited to build it. Intimidating as hell but mostly exciting😂

  • @asifmuniruniverse7732

    @asifmuniruniverse7732

    2 жыл бұрын

    Bye

  • @BlueWonderLady
    @BlueWonderLady2 жыл бұрын

    Super fun and helpful video.

  • @dianajewel123
    @dianajewel1233 жыл бұрын

    Hey guys, you should look into Omnia "ovens" as it does not need any remodeling on your part, is quite portable and handy, and you can bake a pizza in it! You two are lovely btw x stay healthy!

  • @folkonthemove8760

    @folkonthemove8760

    3 жыл бұрын

    Awesome! We will definitely check it out! I’ll do pretty much anything if it means I can make a pizza in the van 😅 Thank you for the recommendation!

  • @dib4152
    @dib4152 Жыл бұрын

    5'2" I never reach the floor when sitting 😊

  • @stevekaspar1396
    @stevekaspar13963 жыл бұрын

    I saw where another van life couple 💑 had the same issue with a too tall foot dangling bench.. but clearly the late arrival of the cushion affected everything.. Maybe shuck that cushion and get a softer one that let's your body weight sink to the wood of the bench... but love you guys...just subscribed

  • @folkonthemove8760

    @folkonthemove8760

    3 жыл бұрын

    Ahh you know the struggle! We have definitely considered swapping cushions. The only problem is we really like the cushion we have 😅. It’s a conundrum for sure! Thanks for joining us on our journey!

  • @mbd6054

    @mbd6054

    2 жыл бұрын

    Maybe just take the measurement of the cushion? This is not rocket science.

  • @TheDawnofVanlife
    @TheDawnofVanlife3 жыл бұрын

    Too much power is a good thing. I remember when I thought I had too much power...a few overcast days and my batteries were suffering and I was looking for a generator or wishing I had a shore power plug. You built your solar system right if you have plenty of roll over power and the option to plug in if you need to. Even if you use it one time when you need it or twice a year in the future, it'll be worth it.

  • @folkonthemove8760

    @folkonthemove8760

    3 жыл бұрын

    Great point! I have no doubt that the day our shore power plug saves us in a desperate situation our outlook will change entirely around the purchase. Thank you for your insight!

  • @danzbeard
    @danzbeard2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for the insight! I apologize for bringing up a sore subject, but how tall is the bench with cushion?

  • @plutoplatters
    @plutoplatters2 жыл бұрын

    I'm getting a Travolta vibe from David

  • @onlyjesussaves840
    @onlyjesussaves8403 жыл бұрын

    How about a toaster oven?

  • @VintzDesert
    @VintzDesert3 жыл бұрын

    You guys have such amazing personalities! I feel like I’m actually part of your friend group and experiencing your van life rather than just a fan/viewer! Looking forward to the new adventures you guys go through:)

  • @folkonthemove8760

    @folkonthemove8760

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much Vintz! That means a lot to us 😊 We are so glad to have you along for the ride!

  • @josephjuno9555
    @josephjuno9555 Жыл бұрын

    Growing up my Dad always had campers and motor homes? We NEVER Used them! Very rarely even used hot water heater? I have PM HR 136" No space for shower or even toilet? I might have portable one for emergencies? I am a guy so... easier for me?

  • @LilRedSuperwoman
    @LilRedSuperwoman3 жыл бұрын

    Could you use some sturdy square outdoor pillows as footrests? That way they can stack for Alexa and can be throw pillows when not using?

  • @folkonthemove8760

    @folkonthemove8760

    3 жыл бұрын

    LOVE this idea! Pure genius 😆

  • @jessieandtalie
    @jessieandtalie Жыл бұрын

    Hey guys my first video of yours! I just bought a van…so thank you! Could you build a flip up step shelf that holds your feet somehow?

  • @folkonthemove8760

    @folkonthemove8760

    Жыл бұрын

    Hey Jessie! That's a fabulous idea! We actually sold this van to a new happy owner, but for our future build we'll keep that in mind (if we make the same mistake twice, that is LOL). Best of luck with your van!

  • @jessieandtalie

    @jessieandtalie

    Жыл бұрын

    @@folkonthemove8760 congratulations!!!

  • @pejisan
    @pejisan Жыл бұрын

    Outdoor shower with warm-ish water. Yup.

  • @mackenzicrouse6365
    @mackenzicrouse63652 жыл бұрын

    Love the build! I still want to try the half portable shower thingy tho 😂 also you guys should look into an omnia oven? There’s like $60 on Amazon and you just put it on top of your burner! I’ve never used one, but let me know if it works for you!!

  • @anneparrish2247

    @anneparrish2247

    Жыл бұрын

    The half shower should work with a hanging camp shower. Fill the bag of the hanging bag with stove or sun heated water and hang it from a ceiling hook, Va-la, hot indoor shower.

  • @ifell3
    @ifell3Ай бұрын

    Awesome, have you looked into the omnia oven?

  • @barbjoz63
    @barbjoz633 жыл бұрын

    Great vid and very helpful. Do you have a van tour video? Great way to kickstart your channel.

  • @folkonthemove8760

    @folkonthemove8760

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much! No tour video yet, but we definitely plan to make one in the future! (Hopefully soon 😁)

  • @magnoliasunshine5147
    @magnoliasunshine514710 ай бұрын

    What about a toaster oven?

  • @christophermoon3717
    @christophermoon37173 жыл бұрын

    Get a rinsekit+ with immersion heater.

  • @folkonthemove8760

    @folkonthemove8760

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the recommendation! We’ll check it out! 🙌

  • @carbonjimfitzgerald
    @carbonjimfitzgerald10 ай бұрын

    So how tall is the bench?

  • @beachliving3127
    @beachliving31272 жыл бұрын

    I just saw this video. Do you still think that you have too much power? To me, 300AH is not enough! For me, I will not use propane and will opt for an all electric system. I'll use an induction cooktop, electric toaster oven, and electric water heater. Avoiding propane is the goal for me to be as independent as possible.

  • @anthonyrosa4388
    @anthonyrosa43888 ай бұрын

    I know this is an old video but you guys look like brothers and sisters you guys could be twins at Birth that's how much you guys look alike thank you for the awesome video

  • @chandraws4421
    @chandraws44213 жыл бұрын

    She looks so familiar? 🧐

  • @martinbaird1406
    @martinbaird14068 ай бұрын

    Say 5, say 10, just lie.

  • @flyfishfotofan
    @flyfishfotofan2 жыл бұрын

    Since you have so much electricity why not purchase one of the larger “toaster ovens” (i.e. large enough for a pizza) and store it when not being used?