Find everything that I have used in my van builds. Plus more great van life essentials. www.amazon.co.uk/shop/melsvanworld

That bloke next door is on the roof of his van talking to himself again 👍😀🐾

@BigVanSmallWorld

4 жыл бұрын

Haha you know 👍🤓👍

Hello mate, I was laughing when you stuck your head through the hole 🤣 That mastic sealing strip is brilliant stuff I agree. The van is really coming along now and easily be finished for camp quirky. It’s looking really good 👍🏼

@BigVanSmallWorld

4 жыл бұрын

Hello mate glad you’re ok with it I thought you may have a giggle 😂👍🤓👍

Watch it twice Mel cause I’m fitting mine tomorrow 😬🔨📐👍

@BigVanSmallWorld

3 жыл бұрын

Good luck with your build 👍😊👍

The position of that is top draw. No ridges to contend with 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

@BigVanSmallWorld

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you 👍🤓👍

I think this is the first time I have seen where the hole is cut last. Well done Mel worked out perfectly 👍👍

@BigVanSmallWorld

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you 👍🤓👍

Good tip for the van position... just wish I'd watched your video before cutting mine in. Great videos!

@BigVanSmallWorld

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the positive feedback and good luck with your build I’m sure you will still enjoy your van once it’s done 👍🤓👍

Another belter Mel . I can remember when you used to have a cup of tea whilst paint used to dry 😆. The vans going to be cracking when it’s finished 👍

@BigVanSmallWorld

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you I hope so 👍🤓👍

I had a fantastic fan inside my fiberglass camper. Was out boondocking on a humid august weekend and it started to pour, had to close the fan and had a horrible nite sleep from it being so muggy. Found out about the Maxxair Deluxe fan, that like yours is vented so it can run in the rain. One of my first projects on dobby!

@BigVanSmallWorld

4 жыл бұрын

Well done good job 👍🤓👍

I would fill the predrilled holes in the woodframe with glue to prevent condens from the screws transfer to the wood. I think the main cause of leaking roof and windows is wood getting soaked and the screws getting loose. (learned that in my youth mounting skibindings)

i love the way you laugh at yourself... you are a breath of fresh air mate . took this week off to do my camper transit conversion and you have helped me loads ...

@BigVanSmallWorld

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for taking the time to comment really appreciated always nice to hear from people that found my videos helpful and entertaining 👍🤓👍

Wonderful, we're just about to cut a hole in our roof too, always good to see more examples :)

@BigVanSmallWorld

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you and good luck 👍🤓👍

Great job Mel, as they say its all in the planning 👍

@BigVanSmallWorld

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you love it when a plan comes together 😂🤓👍

GRAND JOB THERE MEL, take care .

@BigVanSmallWorld

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you and you 👍🤓👍

hi mel a magnet in a sock is handy to gather up the cutting.rob

@BigVanSmallWorld

4 жыл бұрын

That’s great thank you 👍🤓👍

Another Great Video Mel , Keep em coming. All the best from Manchester.

@BigVanSmallWorld

4 жыл бұрын

Cheers mate 🍻🤓👍

Extremely good Mel, a first class job done, with just yourself alone and basic tools with no fancy workshop, this is why your help is so valuable, showing how these professional jobs can be done perfectly well by uncomplicated diy. Another point is that you are entirely innovative in how things can be done, with 100pc success; no one else has installed roof vents not using any sealant and it did'nt occur to me either (using sealant, even using expensive sikaflex, often causes leaks and this happened even to Greg Virgoe no less), and using a jigsaw with its footplate removed, never seen that done before either, so it's this unique thinking to solve problems that set you apart from, and above, the norm. Really inspirational stuff, thankyou Mel! Alan, in Norfolk.

@BigVanSmallWorld

4 жыл бұрын

Hi Alan thank you so much comments like this make all the hard work worthwhile 👍🤓👍

I like the design of that fan! Good video, cheers Mel!

@BigVanSmallWorld

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you and you’re welcome 👍🤓👍

Good to see one that's been recommended. I may well want something like that. But never used my van in the summer yet.

@BigVanSmallWorld

4 жыл бұрын

They are definitely worth considering and getting parts for them is really easy too I had one with dodgy switches and they replaced them with no hassle at all 👍🤓👍

Another brilliant video . I am fitting the same fan to my transit an ongoing project. Very helpful information 👍

@BigVanSmallWorld

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you and you’re absolutely welcome 👍🤓👍

Mel, your a skilled craftsman

@BigVanSmallWorld

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you that’s really nice it you 👍🤓👍

Hi Mel! We have been watching your videos for ages now and I love your approach to things. Between you and Greg Virgoe I convinced myself I can do that! Let’s hope I can. We setup our channel and uploaded our first video today. Interestingly my job out in the van today was fitting a roof van lol. Small world. Thanks for all your videos, and keep them coming. Cheers again, Alex.

Hi Mel! Great video! We're currently renovating and modernizing a 1965 Clark Cortez RV! Video's like this are super helpful! Can't wait to check out more of your channel! Andy&L

@BigVanSmallWorld

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you that’s nice of you to say please feel free to share any of my videos you find useful 👍🤓👍

You always do such nice work Mel! 👍

@BigVanSmallWorld

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you 👍🤓👍

nice job Mel.

@BigVanSmallWorld

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you 👍🤓👍

Great video Mel, thanks.

@BigVanSmallWorld

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you and you’re absolutely welcome 👍🤓👍

Great video Mel, vans looking great!

@BigVanSmallWorld

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you 👍🤓👍

Hi Mel, I Loved this video, keep up the great work 👍 Thanks. Stay well. Ash 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

@BigVanSmallWorld

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you Ash 👍🤓👍

Good mastic finishing off trick Mell 👍👍👍 looks well!

@BigVanSmallWorld

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you 👍🤓👍

Nice Vid Mel... well done with the measuring for that fan ..🚐😀👍

@BigVanSmallWorld

4 жыл бұрын

Cheers mate it’s quite simple really 👍🤓👍

Mel your the man

@BigVanSmallWorld

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you 😊

I think I am becoming a big fan, you do some good videos. Keep up the fantastic work.

@BigVanSmallWorld

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you that’s really appreciated 👍🤓👍

Nice job Mel, the van is coming on nicely :)

@BigVanSmallWorld

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you 👍🤓👍

Hi Mel, you make this all look easy, great job made simple :-)

@BigVanSmallWorld

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you 👍🤓👍

Fantastic job Mel , see you have snuck some paint on your cladding looking good. 👍👍

@BigVanSmallWorld

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you 👍🤓👍

Great job ! It can’t be easy doing the work on the Van talking to the camera , filming and editing ! 👍

I fitted the same model fan using the same putty aswell. Got no complaints and no leaks!

@BigVanSmallWorld

4 жыл бұрын

Well done 👍 🤓👍

Nice job Mel😊

@BigVanSmallWorld

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you 👍🤓👍

I've been buying everything u recommended, even down to the screws. As I build my van which is getting going now as it gets warmer.

@BigVanSmallWorld

4 жыл бұрын

That’s nice to know thank you and the very best of luck with your build 👍🤓👍

Great video Mel, I've watched so many of your recent videos so it's nice to see one of your old ones, which will hopefully help me this weekend if I get to it... although I am installing it over the bed which you suggested not to do :-) (but I've got nowhere else it could go due to solar). Kev.

Excellent Video Mel, never used the mastic tape but I think I will give it a go.

@BigVanSmallWorld

4 жыл бұрын

It’s brilliant 👍🤓👍

Good job, Greg would be proud:)

@BigVanSmallWorld

4 жыл бұрын

I think he would and I’m sure he’ll be leaving a comment soon 👍🤓👍

Always good to have an assistant🤔still can't decide Fiama/Max air!!!

@BigVanSmallWorld

4 жыл бұрын

That’s a dilemma 😂🤓👍

Well done MEL great job.👍🇬🇧🍺🤘

@BigVanSmallWorld

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you 👍🤓👍

I like your technique of shaping the putty at the end! I'll use that next time thanks. On mine I used Sikaflex after I trimmed the putty but in theory you don't need to.

@BigVanSmallWorld

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you I’m glad you you like it I appreciate your positivity 👍🤓👍

Big fan of you now!!

@BigVanSmallWorld

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you John 👍🤓👍

Another great vid 👍

@BigVanSmallWorld

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you 👍🤓👍

Great video Mel, one tip though, apply a sheet of plastic to the inside to catch the metal filings, saves trying to sweep them up later.

@BigVanSmallWorld

4 жыл бұрын

Nice one thank you 👍🤓👍

Nice And Neat Job....

Nice job.

@BigVanSmallWorld

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you 👍🤓👍

Liking the stained ceiling Mel it just takes the sauna vibe off the van? It's coming along nicely now enjoy all your vids keep it GOING! BIGMICK HULL.

@BigVanSmallWorld

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you big Mick 👍🤓👍

Great job. I am looking at putting a second fan in,so perfect timing With 2 fans I can have one blowing air in,and the second sucking air out,, Our summers are brutal,and one fan not enough Cheers

@BigVanSmallWorld

4 жыл бұрын

I did the same in one of my vans it was a real game changer made a massive difference definitely worth doing 👍🤓👍

You went a bit Norman Collier on me when you wiring fan Mel, great job, well done, regards. David.

@BigVanSmallWorld

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you David 👍🤓👍

Great job man . Nice to see some one else not use in messy mastic as well . Now Iv got on to your cat thing and I’m guessing you watch a friend of mine BGJ . Reference the cat feeding . I was telling him about it and he was laughing . Great vid mate

@BigVanSmallWorld

4 жыл бұрын

Cheers mate BJG says amateurs borrow professionals steel so I figured hay why not lol 👍🤓👍

@UrbanVanlife

4 жыл бұрын

Mel’s Van World Hahahaha he steels every thing from another friend of ours nick nimmin

Neat job that.

@BigVanSmallWorld

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you 👍🤓👍

If I ever win the lottery I'm going to pay you to do my van Mel. It's looking lovely mate. :-)

Nice and informative video once again Mel👍 I've just bought a van off of eBay this evening. Can't wait to get started. I might even start my own videos on how not to do it😂

@BigVanSmallWorld

4 жыл бұрын

Well done good luck with your van 👍🤓👍

Gees mate .. its lookin the goods .. 😁

@BigVanSmallWorld

4 жыл бұрын

Cheers 🍻👍🤓👍

This is awesome Mel thank you. I was a little scared to attempt this but feel more confident now. What is the size of the frame you made or is there a video that shows you making this please.

@BigVanSmallWorld

3 жыл бұрын

Hi glad you found it helpful Most roof vents are 400x400 and the frame is just a simple square really simple to make I’ll be re doing Beckys sky light soon as the people she paid didn’t do it rite 👍

Awesome :)

@BigVanSmallWorld

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you 👍🤓👍

Youre lucky that theres actually a flat spot that fits the fan...without the ribs ......some vans dont have that 👍

@BigVanSmallWorld

4 жыл бұрын

Cheers yes it was lucky 🤓👍

Happy to give you a hand anytime 👍

@BigVanSmallWorld

4 жыл бұрын

Cheers mate 👍🤓👍🍻

Mel brilliant vlog mate even thow your fannyin about 😜 the van is look mint 👍👍😎

@BigVanSmallWorld

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you 👍🤓👍

Hi Mel, great video and thank you your tips must have saved many self builds for the scrap heap. Could you tell me the exact size of the ceiling fan frame please, and what is the max thickness of the ceiling you can have. Many thanks Kevin.👍

@BigVanSmallWorld

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Kevin most ceiling fan’s require a 400x400 hole as for thickness it’s never been an issue as long as you can get the rod extension

Vans looking brilliant, ive sent people to watch the diesel heater video's as caravaners are converting Cheers Mel

@BigVanSmallWorld

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you I really appreciate your support 👍🤓👍

Great build and smart moves with the preparation. BTW, how high is your bed?

@BigVanSmallWorld

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you my bed is about 34” high at the bass 👍🤓👍

Great video Mel, do you need to seal the screws on the outside or are they ok to be left?

@BigVanSmallWorld

4 жыл бұрын

They go so tight in the plastic I’m sure they’re be fine I’ve never covered them up 👍🤓👍

Merry Christmas! is it possible to install sun blinders on the vent? I have cold winds blowing in from the vent sides. And currently using blanket on top of the roof to insulate the vent.

@BigVanSmallWorld

2 жыл бұрын

Yes you can I made a video all about them good luck 🍻👍

Really informative video 👍🏼. I'm just wandering if you get much heat loss as you said the vents are always open? If so is there a way they can be closed/blocked up from the inside?

@BigVanSmallWorld

4 жыл бұрын

Hi thank you yes probably get some are going through the vent but that’s a good thing as you need ventilation to minimise condensation build up I also open the front windows an inch when I’m sleeping in the van once I fit the wind deflectors that is 👍🤓👍

Hi Mel, I love trying to dodge your jabs at the camera, good hand speed my friend.

@BigVanSmallWorld

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you lol 👍🤓👍

well done love the videos Mel, how did you manage to measure where the fan was going? its in an ideal location on the roof with the flat part all around but i cant work out how you got it bang on in the inside, really curious.

@BigVanSmallWorld

4 жыл бұрын

It’s simple just look up from inside and you can see the ribs glue the frame where you want the fan sorry I didn’t cover that in the video 👍🤓👍

@bobscullion7374

4 жыл бұрын

@@BigVanSmallWorld Ah, now you've said it it is obvious now, feel like a bit of a pillock now

I regret having bought the fiamma fan. Before I had just a roof hatch, the Mini Heki. I don't like that one has to screw into the metal, I prefer the Heki type. Then in my case the opening mechanism was very tight. That led to breaking the turning handle which is made out of really flimsy plastic, like the whole thing. Then the electronic control is very awkward. If you want to turn the speed down from 2 to 1 you have to ramp it up to full power before going down again. And I never figured out how the polar control works. I don't understand the manual as well. But maybe I am dumb. Probably I am. Last but not least mine is too loud. Maybe I have a bad copy. I cannot sleep with the fan switched on on the lowest speed. It's not just the volume it's also the type of the sound which is very annoying. Mel, could you make a volume measurement to how loud your fan is? I have the Android App Sound Meter by Abc Apps (Icon is a white gauge). Could you measure the volume on 1 and full power blowing out? Then I will see if mine is a bad copy... Have fun!

@BigVanSmallWorld

4 жыл бұрын

Sounds like you got really unlucky I’ve had quite a few over the years and never had a problem 👍

Hey Mel, another great video. I'm binge-watching them all ha! Can you give us the dimensions for the Fan wooden frame?

@BigVanSmallWorld

4 жыл бұрын

Hi thank you glad you like them the hole in the middle needs to be 40X40 it’s standard size 👍🤓👍

@MichaelofEngland

4 жыл бұрын

Mel’s Van World thanks mate. So just to be sure the hole in the roof will be 40x40 and the box surrounds that so inside box measurement is 40x40 too. Ok got it thanks 👍 keep the vids coming mate its a massive help! :)

Love the thumb nail haha

@BigVanSmallWorld

4 жыл бұрын

Hehe thank you 👍🤓👍

Hey Mel 🤚🏽

@BigVanSmallWorld

4 жыл бұрын

Hi how are you 👍🤓👍

What are you using for the electric Mel are you using the ring system again ?

@BigVanSmallWorld

4 жыл бұрын

I have a voltage sensing split charge really at the moment but I will fit the ring DC to DC Mppt controller when I get round to fitting solar 👍🤓👍

Hi Mel just watched this again before fitting. Can you tell me what fuse you are using. I only have 5amps to hand. I think it's 3 but will 5 be OK?

@BigVanSmallWorld

3 жыл бұрын

I would have a look in the owners manual if I was you good luck 🤞

@sheyedlington9046

3 жыл бұрын

@@BigVanSmallWorld No info on manual. Went with 5 amp n working thank you.

Mel ,what type of stain did you use on your ceiling timber ,only asking coz i am just about to start my colour scheme in my build ,and that colour you have done ,will match my other side walls colour . your stealthy van is coming on a treat now lol. cheers mate.

@BigVanSmallWorld

4 жыл бұрын

Hi ya I used dark oak wood stain and then interior wood varnish 👍🤓👍

@cheekymonky61

4 жыл бұрын

Cheers Mel, the van interior is looking good already ,nearly finnished my own van ,its taken what seems for ever lol ,take care, all the best mate.

👏

Do you wire directly to the van for power supply

@BigVanSmallWorld

Жыл бұрын

Leisure batteries

Yay

Hi mel do not put the fan on extract when the stove is lit it will pull smoke back in the van

@BigVanSmallWorld

4 жыл бұрын

I’ve not used it yet but you’re rite common sense really 👍🤓👍

Hi Mel, what stain did you use on the ceiling cladding? cheers Bob

@BigVanSmallWorld

4 жыл бұрын

Hi I use dark oak wood stain and then varnish over that 👍🤓👍

Hi. Does this fan have a built in fly net? I am in Scotland so I have to watch out for the midges 😖 thanks

@BigVanSmallWorld

4 жыл бұрын

Hi yes it does 👍🤓👍

I assume turning that knob opens and closes it

@BigVanSmallWorld

4 жыл бұрын

That’s rite 👍🤓👍

Just started following 👍 I've noticed most people are using the Maxxair roof fans but they are alot of money. Is this the reason you went with the fiamma, or do you still prefer this fan?

@BigVanSmallWorld

4 жыл бұрын

Kevin James Hi first of thank you for your support really appreciate it I prefer the Fiamma because of it’s low profile and the fact it it’s permanently vented greatly reduces condensation also parts are really easy to get and there just so simple to fit 👍🤓👍

@kevinjames7367

4 жыл бұрын

That's great thank you 👍

So you don't even seal the edges with some sort of sealant like sikaflex? On my transit the roof is such that you cannot avoid water pooling as the ribs travel the entire length of the van so I'm having problems with a small leak in one corner of my roof vent :( which is annoying so I'm going to have to do it again when I get time. If you have any tips to make a good job to prevent leaks I'm all ears.

@BigVanSmallWorld

4 жыл бұрын

That’s a really common problem with the ribs since I started using the mastic sealing strip I have never had a problem but you must make sure it is clean use thinners or pvc pipe cleaner and you should be fine just don’t leave it on the plastic to long 👍🤓👍

Hey buddy I’m scared cutting a hole in my roof but would you think I should give it a go? Try and fit the rear one? I’m not sure how to remove the front one to replace with the fan one I got. Which size wood did you use for a frame? :) 🤗🍻

@BigVanSmallWorld

2 жыл бұрын

Send me a PM on Instagram

@whippetsadventuresandoneman

2 жыл бұрын

@@BigVanSmallWorld ok buddy have pm you 🤗

How did you connect the power Mel? Did you channel a cable from your fuse box then connect them up?

@BigVanSmallWorld

3 жыл бұрын

Yes mate

@michaelwatson7223

3 жыл бұрын

@@BigVanSmallWorld love the videos by the way, I'm on a van project and find your videos brilliant! Mine won't have all the tech gadgetry as I want simple but your ideas inspire me to think outside the box, especially budget wise

@BigVanSmallWorld

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you that’s really kind of you to say good luck with your build

Hi Mel, First class job as always. I think the word you were looking for is Shit 9:50 😂 ATB Glen

@BigVanSmallWorld

4 жыл бұрын

No I never swear lol 👍🤓👍

why is the hole offset ?

@BigVanSmallWorld

4 жыл бұрын

So I can get my kayak on the roof 👍🤓👍

What do your neighbours think of you standing outside all day talking to yourself?

@BigVanSmallWorld

4 жыл бұрын

I’m not talking to myself I’m talking to you 👍😂👍

Hello. Any luck with the engine issues you had last year !??

@BigVanSmallWorld

4 жыл бұрын

Yes it was the EGR 👍🤓👍

@andrewlee4938

4 жыл бұрын

Glad you got it sorted !

You put nothing on screwheads?

@BigVanSmallWorld

3 жыл бұрын

That’s rite no need to there stainless steel and if I need to replace the fan there’s no drama 👍

Since you have your wood burner installed now be aware if you have your fan on suck/extract you will be affecting the chimney/flue and drawing exhaust fumes into your van....a lesson learnt by someone else.

@BigVanSmallWorld

4 жыл бұрын

Cheers mate don’t worry it’s common sense really and I’ll only do it once lol 👍😂👍

Nice fan, great install, link to ebay... FEKK MEEEE !!! £230 ??? A *ceiling fan* ?!?! Wowsa... Not for me, nope. Sorry Mel.

@louisjantzen7141

4 жыл бұрын

For that money l'd buy the diesel heater *and* a £30 chino 12V fan...

@BigVanSmallWorld

4 жыл бұрын

That’s ok 👍🤓👍

@louisjantzen7141

4 жыл бұрын

@@BigVanSmallWorld My solar panel was £300 four years ago, so it would be cheaper now, about the price of the fan l would think. Bejaysus...

@munkehpower

4 жыл бұрын

@@louisjantzen7141 go look the price of a max fan

@chatteyj

4 жыл бұрын

I reckon a standard roof vent (without a fan) would probably be adequate for most people, not sure I would bother with a fan again, as like louis says they aren't cheap, whereas a vent costs around only £50.

whos the sexy redhead in the thumbnail mate?

@BigVanSmallWorld

3 жыл бұрын

Nothing to do with me lol 😂

@NOMAD-LEISURE

3 жыл бұрын

@@BigVanSmallWorld had to watch again to see if she turned up Mel 😁