My God, I can't believe KZread has buried this. I've been searching for this sort of info for a long time. You present it so clearly and concisely. Time to binge watch everything you've got.

@TonyHulk

17 күн бұрын

buried? I wasn't looking and it was suggested lol

I’m just watching your video for the first time. I cannot believe how marvelous, ingenious and absolutely amazing this is! At the age of 73, (and a husband who sadly has Alzheimer’s) I’m guessing I will probably never have the opportunity to use this information but oh how I am in AWE! Great, GREAT, G R E A T information! Thank you so much for sharing your information and experience. Seriously, may God bless you!

@falkornomad

8 ай бұрын

You’re welcome, glad you enjoyed it!

I'm not crafty or handy at all, and i have no upper body strength. I have no garage. But all of these foam build tips have enabled me to insulate and make plenty of non-foam fixtures in my van. Thank you forever for these videos! My foam insulation keeps me warm for longer at night in the desert, and prevents me from burning my skin on the metal inside the van on a sunny day. Vital stuff!

@falkornomad

11 ай бұрын

Awesome!!! Way to go!

@tempeleng

11 ай бұрын

does the foam melt against the hot car body?

@annag467

11 ай бұрын

@tempeleng no, the foam only melted when I tried to spray the wrong adhesives onto the foam. That's why foam needs a special foam adhesive, to avoid a meltdown. Certain adhesives and adhesive activators do this, I learned. And only hot wire heat can melt and carve the foam, otherwise, cheap eps foam is used to package and insulate heavy electronics for shipment all around the world for decades. Use foam!!

@aaronfranklin324

11 ай бұрын

@@falkornomad big problem with your foams and synthetic resins and paints are they emit Extremely carcinogenic and hormone disrupting chemical vapours. You can remediate or eliminate this problem by casting or laminating natural fibres and low density foam like systems using Magnesium oxide/potassium dihydrogen phosphate chemically bonded ceramic rather than toxic synthetic organic materials. MgO / MgCl cements are more porous but less finicky and have longer working times. Are more porous and less water resistant. Sawdust, clay, pumice, cotton bedsheets, hemp fibre, whole chopped or long blackberry vines, bulrush reeds, split bamboo, glass fibres, pearlite or vermaculite or pumice pebble .... Are all compatible fillers and reinforcing. You can achieve non toxic, breathable, more insulating, more longlasting builds with costs less than one percent of what you are using with these systems that have been used for thousands of years. There are temples and megaliths all over the world made of "stone that floats on water", cast megalithic blocks indistinguishable from granite, basalt , marble.... These materials do not absorb infrared and solar light energy like polymers do, they do not trap condensation and do not emit chemicals that give you cancer and screw up your hormones, fertility and gut and mental processes. Ditch the toxic crap. It's been proven since the 1960s that molds and algaes and bacteria grow on these synthetic materials and break them down into toxic volatiles and microparticles. Why use this crap when you can achieve similar strength and weight to carbon epoxy foam composites with Natural free materials and binders that mix with water and set like stone or ceramic. Coating steel and other metals with the magnesium phosphate ceramics will permanently stop any corrosion. Coating timber will seal and stabilise it and eliminate decomposition and dimensional changes from heat or humidity changes. You can use it as glue to laminate timber to foam if you must, or mold mesh or natural fabric over your polystyrene foam if you must. Oil your timber surfaces with linseed oil and beeswax polishes.

@falkornomad

11 ай бұрын

Everything I could find from independent websites about XPS foam does not support most of what you are saying. I have a video “… Toxic & Flammable” that covers some of this. Do you have a specific resource discussing XPS foam bing toxic you can share?

You were my inspiration several years ago! Great to see you back. Built out a older sprinter short box van, ZERO wood. Foam coated with epoxy for walls ceiling and surfaces that are foam with thin aluminum bonded on one or both sides, 1 inch square aluminum tubing for framing where needed. I traveled the US for a while and now my daughter has lived in the van herself for the past year or so. Great insulation, super lightweight, easy to repair, cheap, easy to cut, looks super cool. Thank you Nomad!

@christopherbrown6697

Жыл бұрын

I'm planning on incorporating some 1x1 aluminum into my van as well. I'm cutting up an old aluminum truck cap as a material donor.

@falkornomad

Жыл бұрын

What a great story to hear! Glad I could play any part in it! You’re very welcome, my pleasure!

@annag467

11 ай бұрын

Saaame, thank you dude for sharing the foam build content! His video on building a foam cabinet inspired me to use the hot wire to make an insulation barrier that fits between the driver cab and the cargo space, and more easily insulate my van 🙌

@robertphillips3755

11 ай бұрын

❤❤❤

@calysagora3615

11 ай бұрын

Would love to see that interior! got it documented somewhere?

Wow an actual teacher, and a real science and engineering approach! Best video I've seen so far! Thanks for doing all this work and sharing with us!

@falkornomad

11 ай бұрын

You’re welcome… to be clear I’m an amateur at all of this, but I give it my best effort.

@FranzKrachtus

11 ай бұрын

I agree. You are great teacher and know how to keep your viewer’s attention

@falkornomad

11 ай бұрын

Thanks!! It’s mostly my good looks… and the small woodland creatures living in my beard 😜

Man the time and effort you have put into this process and then the way you have made the videos to help your fellow builders ... it says so much about where your heart is. This is just amazing in all ways. Thanks man.

@falkornomad

11 ай бұрын

👍🏽

@lawrencedobesh776

7 ай бұрын

Have you ever considered Doing a build on a pontoon base to build a small house boat? I would love to see that I think it would be ideal!

A few years back, i made an entire camper trailer out of foam covered in canvas. It slept 3 + 2 dogs, was comfortable in temps from 0 to 75 degrees with only a fan and windows for AC. I built old sailboat style windows that allowed us to have them open even in a pouring rain. I hauled it all over the western United States, barely affecting fuel consumption (fully loaded camper weighed around 1000 lbs). A friend of mine followed my lead, and he built a 16x8 camper trailer skinned with canvas, interior walls covered in luan. His slept 5-6 had a full kitchen and bathroom, and heat/ac. Foam makes an excellent building material that has been proven to hold up. I put well over 10,000 miles on the camper, bashed a few limbs and endured numerous nasty storms. The camper still looked new when i disassembled it after 4 years of use. Btw, I used gorilla glue and expanding spray foam in the various areas to assemble the structure, using packaging tape as clamps. I used titebond waterproof wood glue to saturate the canvas skin, then painted with latex paint. The skin was incredibly tough and still flexible.

@falkornomad

11 ай бұрын

I have a few future projects with foam exteriors that I plan to do this way… good to hear that it holds up to the occasional branch bashing!

@stevescuba1978

11 ай бұрын

@@falkornomad I did have one pop a small hole in the canvas, but I just added a few drops of glue and smoothed it out... good as new. I backed straight into the branch in the dark, so not a light tap.

@falkornomad

11 ай бұрын

👍🏽

@daniellehoward4583

4 ай бұрын

Hi! I'd love to connect with you for tips pleeeassee. I don't have much experience, but I'll have to live in one of these or be homeless so I could use all the help and mentorship I can get 🦋

@stevescuba1978

4 ай бұрын

@@daniellehoward4583 what would you like to know?

I live in Cannada and it gets really cold here in the winter. The extra R value in this build is beyond genius not to mention the light weight construction that would save thousands of dollars in fuel costs makes the extra little bittle of labor an essential step in the build process. I am beyond grateful that you have taken so much time to put these videos together to teach others how to do this. You are a Master at working with this material and I love the flexibility and versatility the foam provides even in creating the rounded corners for cabinets etc. I will definitely be sharing this video on some of my camp sites for others who use vans/RV'S/trucks etc.

@falkornomad

8 ай бұрын

Thanks for the thoughtful and kind comments and for the shares! Cheers 🍻

You warned us. It was going to be long but there was not a wasted minute or word. Well organized, well written, well said, well edited, in the right order, to the point. Much appreciated! Anyone else. including me, would have taken twice as long, and not covered it as well. You explained your reasoning quite well and convinced and converted me to do it the way you do it. In fact, I will go so far as to say, before watching this, I was only thinking about doing something like a home made cargo trailer conversion (into a tiny house on wheels to live in). Now, after watching this, I have definitely decided to do it. Before I was dreading it. Now it is fun and exciting, affordable, worth the effort, and can be built out of pocket, over time. I will include doing the 3D model, and full size mock up, for the exact same reasons you gave, but also because it is fun -- really fun. I am ordering a portable drafting table today. Thank you!

@falkornomad

11 ай бұрын

Love to hear this… if there is one thing I wish I could do for the community, it would be to encourage people to get out of the planning phase and into the doing phase! Best of luck to you!!!

@PielotKrys

11 ай бұрын

Exactly! This comment here, anyone who skips through will miss out on valuable information.

@itoibo4208

11 ай бұрын

@@falkornomad well done video. This would be fun to do glass over, making it one big unit with smooth, glossy, surfaces, easy to clean and very modern looking.

@falkornomad

11 ай бұрын

👍🏽

Can cut dovetail easy with that hot knife, and really strengthen the joints. Love the thought of window screen and paint. So creative

@garywheeler7039

5 ай бұрын

I assume the screen is vinyl as most is these days, and not aluminum. Anyone know for sure?

@BigPubez69

5 ай бұрын

​@@garywheeler7039I've only ever seen it done with vinyl

@ginnylaw

4 ай бұрын

@@garywheeler7039he puts up a screenshot at 13:45 id assume he used the same so it’s fibreglass

@garywheeler7039

4 ай бұрын

@@ginnylaw : I see that now, thanks. Technically a strong fiberglass with vinyl coating I guess.

@Seqhael

3 ай бұрын

If it were me, I would make up a jig to get absolutely perfect dovetails every time. Would be super easy to do, a template each side of the foam and drag the hot wire along the templates

I’ve been watching van build outs through RVliving ( Bob Wells) and I shake my head when I see how much wood they use in their build outs & laugh when they can’t afford the gas for traveling…. That being said, I think your idea is genius, and even if it takes more labor, I think it’s worth it …. I love how well thought out everything is …. I think the algorithm is working because your video showed up on my feed & i’m glad it did … Your ideas are definitely important in van build outs….

@falkornomad

11 ай бұрын

Yeah the algorithm finally likes me, lol… glad it found you!

@jerbear7952

8 ай бұрын

Hmmmm. They have actually built something though. Maybe you shouldn't laugh at them.

@WhatDadIsUpTo

2 ай бұрын

Liked & subscribed. That said, I wish you had less-verbose "shorts" for the several techniques. I'm autistic and tend to over-explain too, so I really have no right to complain, but brutal honesty is also an autistic trait; sorry.😢 I'm skinning with (0.040?) Aluminum sheet, so I have "other" issues. Thanks for your time & effort in creating these videos.

Maybe I missed it skipping around, but there's also noise cancelling quality of the foam. And this for me is important as getting a good night rest at a noisy campsite or stealth camping in the city can be difficult.

@falkornomad

6 ай бұрын

It’s not mentioned but it’s probably true… hard to compare the difference… although the windows are the most likely place for sound to come in or go out of a van.

@feedbackloupe

5 ай бұрын

I've had success with 3M Super 77 and the durable plasticy packaging foam that comes with new products. Its not as dense as the commercially available rubber sheet stuff but it'll knock down vibration way better than nothing.

@nomadicbydesign363

13 күн бұрын

So true. I need noise cancelling foam for sure. I snore like a freight train! Lol

I'm watching a ton of these type of videos before I build out my truck camper and let me tell you that this method is freaking amazing. So far the best I have seen. Thank you for putting this out.

@falkornomad

11 ай бұрын

My pleasure!

@secretsquirrel6308

10 ай бұрын

I discovered for myself the idea to use foam sandwich (fiberglas cloth on both sides) for stringers in boats. So far, absolutely no problems. The benefits are great. I mention this to emphasize the rigidity of the sandwich is very satisfactory. It withstands the cyclic pounding and vibration in boats.

@falkornomad

10 ай бұрын

👍🏽

@solgerin4christ

Ай бұрын

@@secretsquirrel6308are you using fiberglass Rosen with your glass cloth?

These sorts of "SIPs" (Structurally Insulated Panels) have been around for a while and are used to make walk-in coolers, sheds, etc...Boats also use this sort of foam-core and fiberglass layup. Just takes some special tools and learning some new techniques from traditional carpentry.

@falkornomad

Жыл бұрын

👍🏽

@bill4639

26 күн бұрын

😂 your comment deserves more than just a thumbs up. There are WAY better SIPs than using screen and paint. I think you may have bruised his ego.

@brynmrsh

23 күн бұрын

"Sleeping" in a boat was some of the absolute loudest nights of my life.

@whatsdrugs

8 күн бұрын

Isn't this different though? I thought SIPs were only for insulation. These have rigidity and strength.

NOMAD has produced the most well organized, information rich, fact filled DIY video(s) I have ever seen. Within a couple minutes of watching I realized he is a unique talent and I became a subscriber. The amount of credible engineering data that NOMAD generates and incorporates in his presentation never gets dry or boring because he keeps the volume and the pace of information flowing at a constant but digestible rate. He is a real talent and a masterful content creator. If he were a University Professor his students would be sitting on the edges of their seats through his entire lecture. …..BRAVO. and THANK YOU.

Shocking... (At the time I'm watching for the first time) 19 Likes, 1,800 comments, 30k+subs. How lazy are people? They have the interest to comment and subscribe, but can't be bothered to click on 'like.' That may be the issue with KZread algorithm and your exposure. Thank you for taking the time to share this knowledge. I'm researching a build and this is innovative information that will help me. I'm looking forward to watching the other two volumes and the other material you have included in your channel. 🙏

Aside from your craft abilities, I am impressed with your speaking and teaching skills. I am a public speaking student/ teacher ( you never graduate) . You stay natural, focused and speak extemporaneously, you seem comfortable within the topic. Very good. You have a unique skill in camera presence using gestures both visual as well as vocal. You also have a sense of humor, very critical when keeping your audience engaged. Just thought I would let you know how well you speak to an audience. Great timing for me, just so happens I’m starting a camp van build and is why your video caught my attention. Thank you!

Holy crap dude, this is freaking BRILLIANT!!! We’ve got an old pop up camper I’ve been thinking of selling instead of fixing it up but honestly, now all my crazy ideas of how to modify it are completely doable! THANK YOU FOR THESE VIDEOS!!!!!

@falkornomad

10 ай бұрын

👍🏽

I was sold at the mockup part. The fact I can see and get a feel for how the build will work before everything is permanent is amazing 🤩 ‼️

Bro this is brilliant and exactly what ive been looking for a master craftsman. Transforming materials into light weight quality cost effective products to meet their needs. And recess cuts to flex foam to fit mock ups builds. And create templates to cut out other materials as well wow. Brilliant.

Wow I'm so impressed with how meticulous you are about sharing all the things that can help others succeed with this building method.

@falkornomad

Жыл бұрын

Thanks…. But honestly… to me… that’s like the best way to use KZread… sharing info and ideas as much as possible.

That's better than a paid training, so much information and insights in this video. Thanks for putting so much effort into this!

@falkornomad

Жыл бұрын

Well, technically you did pay, but watching a few ads is pretty cheap 😜

@GOLDVIOLINbowofdeath

8 ай бұрын

What paid training?

@GOLDVIOLINbowofdeath

8 ай бұрын

Your way of doing the economics is weird and ignoring the weight of the doors is absolutely cheating. PS, nobody is using plywood for insulation and insulation not on an outside wall is pretty irrelevant. Also wood everywhere is not the only choice so unfair comparison, so basically you make strawman arguments for your method vs anything else.

@GOLDVIOLINbowofdeath

8 ай бұрын

1/4” partial board won’t hold that water tank in place in a front end collision and all that water going all over the van is going to destroy the entire interior and possibly cause your lithium batteries to catch fire.

@GOLDVIOLINbowofdeath

8 ай бұрын

What’s in the fumes that off gas when you cut this foam with a hot knife?

He did so much work with the costs & spreadsheets. Great, great video. So happy I found this guy.

window screen is a great idea thanks! i just use canvas but now im going to use window screen then glue then canvas rhen glue then paint. Its amazed me that all these videos using wood panels are not concerned about the massive payloads incurred by not using foam. Good video.

Literally the best DIY KZreadr I have ever seen. Most people are trying to be cute for the camera build algorithm, not give real research or facts to anything they say so no one has any real idea what to do. Thanks so much.

A true DIY king! This is a brilliant, and even though the concept may be old, this guy shows just how incredibly versatile (and easy) this methodology really is. The amount of data compiled to prove this out is nothing short of beautiful. I can think of 8000 ways to put this to work outside of a van, and I'm going to start by building my son some modular fort elements so that he can mix and match new forts as he sees fit.

@falkornomad

11 ай бұрын

Love it!!! Foam Fort Activate!!!

Omg I need this. Not for a van but for building some enclosures for my ice bath and chiller.

I only watched seven minutes of this video. I've given this guy a thumbs up. He is a great communicator.

Great to see a new video series! This is fantastic info and very well laid out. The 3D drawing and mock-up stuff is really important. It's very easy to design a bunch of 2D stuff, build it, and find fitment issues after it is too late. I've used cardboard in the past, but if you are already building with foam then it makes perfect sense to try it out and see how it will work when put to use. I know this is a lot of work to put together and it is greatly appreciated!

@falkornomad

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for acknowledging how much work video production is!! Glad you find the content helpful and easy to consume… it’s a battle to find the balance.

Man I seriously appreciate all the work you have put into getting your experience building with this material out to us! I’m going to be using this method in a upcoming flat bed camper build. A video on drawings and mock ups would be awesome. Always great to see more content from you🤙🏼

@falkornomad

Жыл бұрын

You got it… I’ll see how soon I can get the drawings & models video out for you.

Foam Bones!! This the # 1 best Rv/ Van rebuild mock up and design video I have ever seen. I have worked with foam for 30 years. Exterior foam.😮 you made me smart again with foam. I have a 28 foot 1984 Leo Craft … my imagination is going. Thank you for that!!!!😅

@falkornomad

9 ай бұрын

Thanks… that’s quite a compliment, hopefully the rest of the series/ this channel lives up to a fraction of that compliment.

My mind right now... blown. I had no idea this was a thing, and will be super critical for my electric van build.

I think this is the most clearly explained, detailed video I've seen in a long time. Thank you.

@falkornomad

11 ай бұрын

Thanks! It’s a work in progress 😉

I appreciate you sharing your efforts! The _CheapRVLiving_ channel, (which spawned HOWA, the Homes On Wheels Alliance,) is all about sharing ideas and help, especially for people on a budget, so I am certain that they would love to interview you in person or virtually and give your channel a boost, so I would recommend communicating and coordinating with them directly. I also think that you might enjoy their content and the community they've fostered.

@gettingintrospective

Жыл бұрын

I just thought Bob needs to see this and share it with new van lifers

@I.m-Me

Жыл бұрын

@@gettingintrospective I'm currently spoonless, but if you've got the energy for it, please do contact them!

@gettingintrospective

Жыл бұрын

@@I.m-Me spoonles?

@I.m-Me

Жыл бұрын

@@gettingintrospective Essentially, 'too tired' or 'reserving energy for other tasks'. Search "spoon theory" for a better explanation. It's not the only way to think about things, but I have a lot of disabled friends, and it's widespread enough to be common parlance among them

@falkornomad

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the info!

I commented below that I would like to see a video of your scale drawings, and I'll add that the 3D drawings are phenomenal and it would be very helpful for me to see a video "class" on that. What you are doing here is really cool, and I thank you for sharing in such detail.

I am not sure but I think I probably saw one of your first videos on the foam build and thought at the time that it was too much work. But after seeing this video, you have come along way and have pressed through. Your research and recommendations are very impressive. With these recommendations, I'm more confident to start a project. I think I will start with a shoe shelf for the motorhome we're in. Being in an rv park and not having a table saw or a place for one is an obstacle, and the park doesn't allow for construction jobs like that to be done on the property. This may be the answer to some of my building needs in the scenario that I'm currently in. Thanks!

I appreciate all the time and effort you've put into R&D of this building technique. Super informative video and I will definitely be watching the full series!

@falkornomad

Жыл бұрын

Cheers!

Great video! One choice I would have gone inverse of what you chose was your backer materials for the electrical and plumbing hardware mounting. Real plywood will suffer much less damage from incidental short term water exposure than even melamine covered particle board. Though if it was a matter of what one had on hand big enough to use for each task, I would just go with it, as the particle board is cheaper to replace, if it does get water damaged. One trick for mounting things in particle board, is to pull your screws and squirt some drops of crazy glue in each hole, let it dry for 5-10 minutes, and screw them back in. Will soak in, and turn the particle board around the screw, into a VERY hard plasticized composite, and it will be 10x harder to over torque it and spin it out.l, or for it to pull out, from the weight it is supporting. I use a medium thin cyano-acrylate, usually super glue brand from the dollar store... to repair particle board furniture, and reinforce the rotating cam holes, and screw holes, in the particle board when assembling new flat pack particle board furniture, and it makes it significantly more durable and reassemble-able.

@falkornomad

11 ай бұрын

I did have this melamine on hand. When I screwed into it I went through it and into the vehicles cladding, but good tip!

I remember when Saturn used foam in their car doors and panels. You could kick a door and it would flex back into shape, insulate, and cut down on road noise. I also remember my friend t-boning a Saturn with his '78 Cadillac and seeing foam fly everywhere.

@falkornomad

11 ай бұрын

Hi, I had no idea.. learned something new today.

NOMAD: An incredible amount of work went into planning and producing this super educational video series (up to and including beer breaks). I like math!! I've decided the best RV rig for my purposes is a pop-up camper on my 4WD truck (long distance travel, frequent boondocking, dirt/gravel roads for access). I need to commit soon... I can't express how much I appreciate your guidance. Now I'm deciding between: Fully built slide-in vs a truck rail topper... Highcost+Ease-of-Use Lowcost+Intensive-buildout. I don't have your skills, but given time and your videos I am confident I can do the buildout. Topper: There is a HUGE weight advantage to the topper-system, a HUGE cost advantage, the added cost advantage of self buildout, and the satisfaction of creating my own rig. The last remaining question: Do I have the energy (at 67 years old) to do the buildout? PS: One added benefit to your XPS foam system... acoustic advantage... it can be noisy living in a camper!

I am beyond stoked that you are back on the KZreads sharing your FomBonz wisdoms. Your information is clear, concise, and all-pro. Your presentation style is fantastic and your creations - superb. Muchas Gracias from Oregon. This might be coming in a future video but I would enjoy learning your system for cutting accurate mortise and tennin/plunge cuts. I have struggled with this.

@falkornomad

11 ай бұрын

You can make a jig if you want more accuracy, but I just roll with it and fill with a little extra glue.

This is awesome. I never would’ve have imagined this material for this use-case! Way to innovate in this space.

@falkornomad

Жыл бұрын

Thanks, more innovation to come (not just foam building) in future videos

I was watching a guy build a wood version and i had this exact idea. Amazing to see you've dont it first. Amazing work

Thumbs up instantly for the table of contents. 🏆

Love the Lebowski references :) Lots of great stuff.

@falkornomad

11 ай бұрын

👍🏽

@jerbear7952

8 ай бұрын

He needs a rug to tie it all together.

@falkornomad

8 ай бұрын

@jerbear7952 lol, it actually has a rug since one of our dogs has a leg injury and can’t stand on the vinyl flooring very easily… however it’s “tying the room together” skills are very week. Fortunately, no thugs have pissed on it yet!!

WOW! I love it, I just to work at a sign company and we used form and plastic ALL the time. Them stand-up to ALL elements out/ inside and the installation element makes a lot of sense.

@falkornomad

11 ай бұрын

👍🏽

p.s. … Gripper is 100% a phenomenal product out there. I’ve found nothing more remarkable in it’s versatility uses. And I’ve done 1000s of personal projects over the decades since first introduced to the marketplace. As for “screening,” I have a great use for that which is a total game changer. Have A Coke & A Smile!

@falkornomad

11 ай бұрын

👍🏽

I built with milk crates, fabric cube boxes, zip ties, and winch traps. No plan, just Feng Shui all the way.

As I've been watching some videos on builds, and horrified by the use of heavy materials, I like your approach. I'm less inclined to see cost savings, which is good, but weight savings as the goal. I'm a big fan of Nomex core board used in boats, and Okume ply for its strength and waterproof glue. (I split my time between liveaboard sailboat and "Land Yacht") Keep up the good work.

@amunderdog

11 ай бұрын

I was thinking similar. This is a good idea, Taking it to the next level, would involve fiberglass and epoxy. To finish with paint or a veneer.

@falkornomad

11 ай бұрын

You all do you all, but… why is everyone so into fiberglass? Seems unnecessary, messy, itchy and dries hard and brittle rather than flexible.

Awesome idea. Got another that could help with anchoring. Make up small wood blocks and insert them into the foam. This would give you wood to anchor into and the blocks would disperse the load a lot better then the small screw tabs. Could even do them on the front of the boards to attach your cabinets facing trim.

@falkornomad

10 ай бұрын

Yep… lots of options along this line… following the glued in anchor down the rabbit hole for science👍🏽

@battshytkrazy156

7 ай бұрын

ALUMINUM... plauzibly plastic az well

Great video! Thanks for sharing. It illustrates a practical, simple, light weight, strong, and well proven building method. Using foam, various adhesives, reinforcing fibers, and laminates has been proven extensively in the marine and aviation worlds. You’ve done a great job of sharing this information in a format that is very easy for future builders to duplicate. The possible uses are virtually unlimited. Cheers, Rog

I'm 72 and buying an old airstream that I plan on refurbishing, but all wood would weigh a lot. So this was a real weight saver that I had not thought about. Kudos to you!

Very nicely done! I had envisioned this years ago and im thrilled to see someone has done it! Imagine this project except your doing it commercially; take 3d scans of the inside of the vehicle, do 3d cad models from the scans and make cut patterns for all panels, including the wood, get a laser cutter that fits 4x8 sheets and easily cut all the needed tabs, with labels to simplify assembly, the glue up goes smoothly, hopefully, on account of the 3d scans and it just needs finishing touches and equipment install to be totally functional. Imagine the potential speed of prototyping and freedom of style if the build style and quality is standardized!

@falkornomad

11 ай бұрын

Yeah! When I first saw it in 2010-2012 I thought it had much more potential than what was being done. Then my prototype in 2013 (see my first video if interested) proved to me that there was MUCH more potential in the idea. Absolutely a 3D scanner and laser CNC would be amazing… I’ll ask Santa and YT ads to buy me those! Lol

Wow it’s been a while watched your cabinet build years ago and cement floors in the barn. Glad you’re doing well my friend 😊I’ll stay tuned ☮️❤️

@falkornomad

Жыл бұрын

Thanks 👍

This guy is a genius

@falkornomad

11 ай бұрын

Not a genius!

DUDE!!!!! You're friggen AWESOME!!! Thank you, so very much for ALL you've done to make these videos.

@falkornomad

11 ай бұрын

Not that awesome… just trying new things and sharing my successes and failures… glad it hit a sweet spot for you, you’re welcome… more to come… enjoy.

Dude this video is brilliant! Good work man baffled why this doesn’t have 100x more traffic

@falkornomad

Жыл бұрын

See my first video, 5 yrs ago… I used up all the magic back then… I’m not here for the views… glad the content you liked found ya!!

Mind Blown! This is the first I'm hearing about you or this building system and I'm beyond impressed!!! Thank you SO much for the amazing amount of knowledge, experience, and passion that you are sharing with us!!!

@falkornomad

11 ай бұрын

You are so welcome! You might like my first video as well.

I am definitely adapting this method for my 2.0 CR-V camper build

@falkornomad

11 ай бұрын

Yes please!!! ADAPT is a word I love to see in the comments section!!! Builds, like life is not One Size Fits All. Good luck with it!!

On of the Greatest most Understandable Presentations I have personally sean on the internet. I'm fixing to do another van and you have just changed and simplified my whole project. Thank You...😎

I haven’t even watched this video yet and I already know what your going to do is going to be amazing. I have been using foam and foam glue for all sorts of things over the years and it’s amazing

@falkornomad

11 ай бұрын

Well… if you saw my prototype video from 5years ago… or my tour video from 5 months before this video came out… you’d be cheating… but I guess you just have confidence in foam and bearded man 😜

Glad I met you in New Orleans! You definitely inspired me to rebuild my van, utilizing this foam bones method! Thanks for sharing! I'll be sure to credit you with the idea! Can't wait for the next part of this series!

@falkornomad

Жыл бұрын

Good to hear from you! Sorry I inspired you to do all that work, lol. I am talking with another viewer about using FRP panels rather than wood, might be something you’d be interested in looking into.

@NomadicBillyGoat

Жыл бұрын

@@falkornomad Absolutely! No worries! I wanted to cut down on weight. It's a great idea to work with.

This is amazing work and a much easier and more cost effective version of the work I do with foam core composites (which are a lot more expensive and far harder to work with). I love your creativity and the fact that you’re sharing your work so openly. You’re a very clever and creative man! Thank you for sharing ❤️

What a beautiful, intelligent and easily comprehensible guide Much love to you brother !

thanks for posting, its always interesting to see lightweight options for van builds. we opted for another non wood option.

@falkornomad

Жыл бұрын

You’re welcome

Fascinating technique. Not unlike a small scale SIPs (Structural Insulated Panels) which is also an excellent method.

@falkornomad

Жыл бұрын

Similar for sure

27:00 Holy CARP! That's an amazing drawing. You have clearly been professionally trained.

@RichardBronosky

Жыл бұрын

27:25 Ha! I commented too soon. Yes, this would be a great video.

@falkornomad

Жыл бұрын

That’s very nice of you, but no… just done a lot of these drawings over the years. I’ll take that as a up vote for a video on the planning, drawings and models though.

Thankyou I needed to see you at work, I'm the same and people think I'm nuts/wasting time. Well done on all fronts man. Cheers.

looking forward to this, skinned foam is a wonderful building method

@falkornomad

Жыл бұрын

I think so too!

Love Your Videos been watching for a long time and glad to see you going strong Brother :) ! Rememebr when you did the map lay and as well as standing on the boxes ;)

@falkornomad

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for that!

You are a great combination of true craftsman geek and straight-talker with a sense of humor. So useful...and enjoyable!

@falkornomad

11 ай бұрын

Thanks! Appreciate that !

At this rate, I'm always commenting and liking every video to help out with algorithm--as a pay back for your time investment. Thank you! Qu

Awesome content! I watched your original video some time ago, so thrilled to see this follow-up posted. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series. I am curious if the system will adapt to exterior spaces. I'd really like to figure out how to build a custom truck bed cover using foam as the primary component both for the easy customization and the weight savings. (It will cover a motorcycle I tow in the bed of an F-350.)

@falkornomad

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sticking with me! Foamie Trailers are what you should be looking into… it’s basically the same thing you’re thinking.

I have concerns about the vapors almost all foams give off

@JonValtandtheEvilRobots

Ай бұрын

They use this same stuff in houses

@bill4639

26 күн бұрын

Drywall, treated wood, carpet, concrete, electrical wire, adhesives, plastics, and a thousand other things I haven’t mention, “off gas” for a significant amount of time after manufacture. You can’t escape it.

@JonValtandtheEvilRobots

26 күн бұрын

@@bill4639 we all love that “new car” smell even though it’s just all the plastic and pvc off-gassing. Haha.

@juanmespinoza65

23 күн бұрын

Omg I’ve been looking for something like this to build my own camper on my trailer!!! THANK YOU

@fluxpistol3608

15 күн бұрын

All I'm reading is False Dilemmas and Appeal to Popularity to a very reasonable concern. You can get devices to measure the TOVC. Got mine for $10. Yes it's everywhere indoors. That doesn't mean you shouldn't reduce it or compound it. In most situations it's negligible so long as you have fresh air, so it'll be a small volume of your air. If I was to give the commenters so far a benefit of doubt. I'd suggest that they're implying that no matter what material you pick you'll likely have some degree of TOVC. Doesn't mean you cannot minimise it. If you're in the space you'll be producing moisture and increasing the humidity when breathing also removing the CO2 and brining in fresh oxygen. The amount of ventilation to manage that should be enough I would imagine. Best to measure for yourself though. Keeping in mind. Some VOC are heavy and some light so ventilate high ∧ low.

I have an update.. So I disassembled my 2 inch thick shelf.. it was 24x69. In my semi truck.. I grabbed another 1" Xps. After I skinned it both sides..didn't need paint step.m❤ When u said cut traces ..I looked at the 2 inch thick like..hmm one could make a hidey hole and skin over. The 1" unglued is holding up fine 399 miles. The flex is there but not too bouncy..I have shared your content to f.b truck cab and sleeper solutions group❤ I went waay over "board". . I had 15/16 ply shelf spanning 69" x 24 " wide It worked. And wasnt heavy perse. I hing out at h.d 14 hours (im a trucker). Anyway instead of using the 1" and screen and ply skin on both sides to see if there was flex.. I split the 4x8 xps and glued it .getting a massive 2" thick panel😂. It weighs as much now as the 15/16. Now im tempted to grab another board ,and start over The 1/4 luan was only 13.00 70%off..and i didnt glue the panels yet. Just the xps. At 30.00 a sheet of the foam board tho..might just roll with this set up for awhile. I could use it for a stud wall later😂. My semi tractor cab is now insulated and cave feeling. I love it..being that its r value is now 10+ lol..but the issue is sag. 1. Cut chases glue in rails? 2. Can it span 69"? 3. Its not as stiff as a 15/16 board. And is more involved than just slapping a board up there. I do like the thicker panel tho. It would be easier to add trim. But the thicker panel makes screwing into it harder..toggle bolts I guess.

An absolutely thorough and amazing job on both your build and this video. Inspires me as I'm planning a build but have no carpentry skills and a generalized phobia of power tools, though I did take shop in junior high, lol! Using foam just makes so much sense for building in small, uneven vehicles that vibrate down the road and are subject to climate and noise issues. You're an amazing and generous teacher, I really needed the details and visuals to see if this is something I could do. Thank you!

Very informative, thank you. Eagerly awaiting Vol 2 with alternative adhesives. I'm mostly convinced Glidden Gripper does not exist in Canada.

@falkornomad

Жыл бұрын

Any heavy duty primer… really any paint is fine

@grahammonk8013

11 ай бұрын

I have found two products you might want to experiment with, STIX, and SUPERSTICK. can't say how well they work yet, but a couple of small tins will allow some trials.

Great video and explanation! I love people they really think about a concept and not just copy what others do. I choose wood because I like it as a material. And I come out of a woodworking family. I used some birch plywood and I don't like it way too soft. I choose Okoume plywood 😍

@falkornomad

Жыл бұрын

Glad you liked the video.

just for the table of contents i am giving you my like

You are the type of person who should work for Space X Mars Project. You are passionate and brilliant.

@falkornomad

6 ай бұрын

That's a nice compliment! We visited NASA and saw mars rovers and I was thinking how cool it would be to VanLife on Mars!!

I’m ADD AF, and love work like this, so I think this system is 110% worth the 20% increase in labor. Amazing explanations, testing, and execution of this system. I am planning on an enclosed trailer to convert, and this is an absolute game changer. Thank you for your incredible time and efforts!

@falkornomad

11 ай бұрын

👍🏽

@grandpied

11 ай бұрын

In addition to the insulative value and all of the other advantages to foam bones, including less weight; equal better fuel mileage, less wear and tear and lowered maintenance costs or vehicle repairs, which translates into fewer money leaks, longer road trips, and more viewed scenery.

@falkornomad

11 ай бұрын

Money leaks!!! The worst!

You explain it well! No beer necessary to appreciate all the painstaking detail and math involved. You just saved some people a lot of money and frustration.

@falkornomad

Жыл бұрын

👍🏽

As someone with over $19k into my van build, $3k of that in Baltic birch and pine lumber, this is fucking sick. Thank you for sharing this.

@falkornomad

8 ай бұрын

You’re welcome!

If you do build a tiny home on a trailer or build your own RV, use 16 gauge metal studs with Simpson Strongtie connectors at every joint even if it seems like over kill. Steel studs will weigh less than wood, and you can use 2 1/2" steel studs (you might have to special order them from a local builders supply) with rigid foam and still get R-12 in the side walls or a little more... go with 2" of rigid foam (R-5 per inch) with two 1/4" layers of aerogel between the rigid foam for a total of R-20. Use 6" metal rafters for the roof with rigid foam and get R-30. You'll heat the place with a couple candles. LOL Keep the stud spacing at 16" o.c. and it will be very strong. Diagonal strapping at ever corner for shear/racking, and overlay with something lightweight like Alucobond panels.

@falkornomad

11 ай бұрын

👍🏽

Nice video!! I used your foam + screen technique on my cheap igloo cooler. I replaced the non-insulated lid on my cooler with a custom foam lid. (And I put a layer of reflectix on the top of the foam lid.) In addition to having an insulated lid, my cooler is now short enough that it fits in the back of my minivan. It's nice! So you can also use your technique for specific small jobs.

Very clever! Downright ingenious! My brain hurts, but then I don't drink 😅 Looking forward to seeing the entire process and the completed rig!

When I finally realise my dream of living in a van I will no doubt use your techniques. I just hope the videos will still be avaiable in ehh few years time. Great videos, very inforrmative

another van lifer channel few years ago showed they covered the foam with like a collage of torn brown paper bags, glued or epoxied down on both sides. that gave it strength a cool look

I have an old RV that I need to reno in order to leave out of it later, and I am going to use your tips and tricks to do so in a way that will get everything that I want, from R-Value, to customization and building that is easier for my disabled self. Thank you for the awesome content.

So glad I came over this video. 😃

Sir, you are a breath of fresh air. The only "improvement" I could offer is what if this information was on a git/wiki, which would make it easier to keep a living document that could be updated over years without re-shooting video. But that would get far fewer likes and far fewer clicks, and while the proper maintenance of a git repo is normal to techies, it has a learning curve which is not fun for carpenters. Fantastic video, thank you so much for your insights, and I look forward to seeing future updates.

I am feeling lucky about finding you and your genius. I will be networking this rich resource with excitement, inspiration and hope. This deserves being brought to the forefront due to its myriad of benefits for doing - it- ourselves. Thanks and thanks again.

Boy you don't need to convince me.I've been building things with foam instead of wood for a long time. My latest project was a 15 foot x 1ft x 3" low height single piece mantle using 2" pink foam laminated with left over Pergo flooring planks. I have that hot knife but I used a new regular box cutter with the break away blades, took 4-5 sections of the blades to cut 2" deep. I used liquid nails to glue. A lot lighter, cleaner, single thick piece, easy to install, clean and looks great. Glad to see larger projects. 👍

It's nice to see enemies set aside their differences and work together to help setup a mock-up model build 💙

Finally another person that realizes that extra weight in van builds is a detriment. The aviation industry has been using foam core composite panels for decades why are vanlifers just catching on to this construction technique. Bravo dude for bringing lightweight building techniques into the light. Instead of making tabs to join pieces consider trapezoidal shaped dovetail joints similar to the dovetails used in woodworking.

@falkornomad

11 ай бұрын

Thanks… I think dovetails are too much work and don’t add much with this material, but I could be wrong… have not tested it.

Im digging this already! Amazing methodology 🏆 🏅 🔥 Thank you Foam Obi Wan Jedi Master!

Great video. I use foam in hobby crafting all the time, so finally a material I'm familiar with. One material used in hobby crafting to protect the foam is a modge podge mix with a pigment of choice. It creates a tough surface that stops dents and dings.

@falkornomad

8 ай бұрын

Great tip! Thanks!

hey, welcome back...missed your vids....

@falkornomad

Жыл бұрын

More to come!

I just stumbled upon your video... this idea is a great one... with laser cutters becoming more affordable, the application is now available to the average consumer.

How am I just now finding your channel. Finally found someone that makes cool useful things in an economic and smart way