Inspecting And Reviewing My Van Conversion | Van Build Mistakes | Tiny Camper Van Conversion
Автокөліктер мен көлік құралдары
It’s time to do a van build review and inspect the functionality of my van conversion, mistakes and all, after over a year of days out, camping and adventure. In this van conversion follow-up, I go through the different elements of my van build and share what I would change about my van. I’ll also be removing my recycled plastic bottle insulation to see if it’s insulating correctly or whether it’s damp and covered in mould.
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👉 USB ceiling lights: amzn.to/3ZdYHz0
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👉 Thermawrap bubble wrap insulation: amzn.to/408FYGB
👉 Van lining carpet: amzn.to/3ncNHEP
👉 Recycled plastic insulation: amzn.to/40vbqhM
👉 Rubber U-channel trim: amzn.to/3Zbr1Ci
0:00 - Intro
0:55 - Reviewing the van
4:35 - Checking the insulation
7:04 - What would I change?
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Let's start with the carpet. I’m so pleased I carpeted the walls, instead of using heavy, space-consuming wood which would have been screwed into the van walls. The smoke grey finish hides marks, and the carpet itself actually acts as an insulator, reducing condensation. I stuck carpet over foil bubblewrap insulation in some problem areas - no problems in these areas either, and I’m pleased to say that the carpet still looks as good as the day I put it in.
I get asked about rubber trim around the doors a lot and whether it’s still stuck well. I did a lot of research into adhesives prior to doing the doors, and the rubber is still solid.
Onto the floor, and again no real problems. I have made a few marks and scratches on it, but other than that it just needs a good clean!
The bed has been brilliant, and for those who don’t know I made it in 3 sections so I could fit my surfboard through the centre of the van. I changed the draw from metal sliders and a peg in the leg to a couple of wooden rails with a stop. I also fitted a bolt to the far side of the bed, attaching it into a screw thread in the van. With the addition of the 2 turnbuckles, it’s solid.
Moving on, the curtain is still firmly in place, the headliner is still free from mould, and the storage box is working perfectly.
The table is so sturdy, and it’s large enough to eat lunch or dinner on. I added some jars to store some of the most essential items we need when out and about - coffee, snacks and charging cables! I keep a small gas stove, folding solar panel and carbon monoxide detector there. The battery has been brilliant and it’s great having access to the sockets without having to pull the table down.
I swapped out the AAA ceiling lights for some USB chargeable ones, meaning I can easily charge them from the battery if needed. Oh, and I also gave the ceiling some varnish to protect it from condensation. The fairy lights are probably one of the most used features when camping, transforming the van into a really cosy space.
I’ve previously removed one of my ceiling plywood panels to see how the foil insulation was doing, and I was pleased to see that it was keeping condensation away, but the soft loft insulation, which is made from recycled plastic bottles, is a different matter.
The first area I checked was the column by the back doors. Before insulating the van, I knew condensation gathered here so I was keen to check it out now. I’m really pleased to see that the insulation is still dry and clean, and so is the inside of the cavity.
I chose the next area because had left the foil insulation exposed behind the door card, which I now thought would be easier to cut through and patch back up.
After removing the door card, I sliced into the foil insulation and created enough space to pull some of the loft insulation behind it out. What a relief - the insulation looks as good as the day I put it in. Thinking about it, this insulation has now seen 2 damp winters so I’m pretty pleased about this. Inside the cavity it looked as good as when it was last sealed up. Using a bit of foil tape I could seal up the bubblewrap insulation, and then replace the door card.
It’s nice to know that things are doing ok on the inside of the walls of the van and that someone with no experience can undertake a van conversion.
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#Vanlife #NissanNV200 #LensOfJames
DISCLAIMER: In this video, I am in no way stating that this is the proper way to undertake the conversion of a van, however after research and experience using the van, I believe this to be the way that is best suited to my van and the way I intend to use it.
Пікірлер: 68
Just imagine if houses were insulated this well!
I must say your van conversion inspired me to try this with my Ford Transic Custom, worktable/computer table is a great solution. Keep up great work !
awesome. I now know what I will do with my NV200. I will modify and take trip from Kenya to South Africa.
Hey man, I love the video, I haven't even thought about checking my insulation but having done mine the same as yours I know feel confident I don't need to. Great video and well done for hitting 10k subs 😁
I mean co not co2 but didn’t know it was the same as air , I have been edumakated 😂👍
Really happy to see this update! You inspired me to my own modifications and upgrades to an RV 👍
Great update James stay safe.
Loved your bed idea, great work man
You did a beautiful job and it looks well thought out.
I was gonna use wood but this makes more sense saves space and probably helps keep the van warmer and helps with the damp!
Great information, really useful
Doing a convertion right now, and have been worried about how to insulate, so your videos are really a good helper. Been worried about condensation in the roof, as that's where it's been collecting in my car.
What an interesting video !!...you are the first ive seen to actually provide some practical empirical data with regards to Insulation etc rather than all the theorists....nice one Bruvver :)
@LensOfJames
8 ай бұрын
Thanks, glad it was helpful!
Sweet!
Thank you for this, it’s proved that I did the insulation right on my previous van, and I will do it the same again on the next one, now that you have shown it works 😎
Gained a new subscriber with this honesty…
thank you very much for information
Me again. I freakin love this video. Really love your van. I'm really considering this size.
Awesome review like always great video.
@LensOfJames
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Gary!
I got the same nv200 but the minivan version with 7 seats and windows. I use it now for kids arround preschool and my new renovation/repair company tool carrier. Your videos gave me great ideas how to have a comfortable home if i divorce and wife takes everything...lol
Hi James, great to see your new video. I would love to know your view on a roof fan and would in be useful in this part of the world. Thanks John
@LensOfJames
2 жыл бұрын
Hi John, I've coped fine without a roof fan, but bear in mind that I only sleep in the van less than 30 nights a year. The rest of the time we use it as a leisure vehicle, but if I was out in it more I''d probably consider a fan!
I've got an nv200 too. I had an RV place put a 100ah battleborn into the driver side front fender, and a dc dc renogy charger off the alternator under the driver's seat. power delivered to the back of the hump between the seats, then cable to my fridge. it's the only thing running off the battery. all my lights are off their own built in batteries. I just have a big queen height, full width bed platform with all the camping stuff underneath and fridge in back. it's great :) not as fancy as your's tho :)
🔥 Want to see more from my *Nissan NV200 Micro Camper Van Conversion Series* ? Check out the entire build here: kzread.info/head/PLsBWh_QNwDUcgnWcDnJeoHZI_nelRdkUY 🔥
I insulated the roof with the same product and it did not work for me. On the cold, humid nights, vapor would condensate in the cold foil. As you said, for people living in their vans permanently this insulation will not work. One time it rained for over a week and the roof had condensation all that time. Mould starts to grow on the surface.
The NV200 I bought yesterday has windows all around. The tailgate is the single, up swinging with a big window. All windows are tinted and the windows in the sliding doors have a sliding ‘porthole’. It makes for a bit of a problem so far as carpeting the doors go.
its a great build
Bought the Suncamp 250 motor buddy after watching your channel, Absolutely brilliant awning
@LensOfJames
2 жыл бұрын
Yes! Glad you're enjoying it, we love ours!
Nice1 for your vidm8 ya van is cracking m8
Thank you, for this video to share your experiences. I have windows in my sliding side door and in my back door. (car factory made) I will add a window in my other side. To look outside, when I´m in my bed. More windows are important to feel well, not like in a dark prison. I convert my lights lines from AAA batteries to USB powered. Your bed frames slides better, when you install plastic stripes. So it rubs wood on plastic, not wood on wood. Your Van looks like you need a larger table. ( I have seen your insta photos.) I convert now also a mini van (Opel Combo C) In GB its called Vauxhall Combo C. Anf thanks for your good english speaking. Greetings from Germany (liked and longer subscribed)
I’ve watched lots of videos on insulating vans(mines purely a work van, I wanted warmer in winter) I done mine same as yours. I’ve also seen videos people doing it with the reflective bubble wrap on top on the plastic bottle insulation, they said it doesn’t do anything when it’s against the metal work I’ve been confused since
@Zerpersande
Жыл бұрын
I would think that placing the bubble wrap against the panel would deaden the sound more.
@parallel041
Жыл бұрын
hi, how is your insulation?
Hi James. Just been binge watching you van build series. You've done a great job and I like the fact that you have kept it simple. So many van builds are over complicated and they but people of having a go themselves. Where abouts are you in Cornwall, I am in East Cornwall. Cheers David
@LensOfJames
2 жыл бұрын
Hi David, thanks! I think it's simple because I was trying to save money haha, but it's ended up suiting my needs perfectly. I'm near Falmouth :)
James instead of putting in rear windows what about a sun roof or a marine hatch? That would give you light and ventilation but the van would remain stealthy
@MamaKim.
2 жыл бұрын
These guys installed marine hatches kzread.info/dash/bejne/ip-WvNyfnrmsh9o.html
@LensOfJames
2 жыл бұрын
Hi Kim, thanks for the suggestion and link - I'm not too worried about stealth, but I do like the idea of a hatch. My main reason for rear windows would be to enjoy the view in wet/cold weather without the doors open.
Well this is good timing. I've just been around Cornwall, Devon, Dartmoor etc although I prefer Bodmin for some reason. And I'm in my NV200 which I converted and followed some of your videos along the way. Have you fitted a roof vent or heater? It got cold in my second week in Cornwall and I got really bad condensation on the front windows, so fitting the heater really helped. I'm in Scotland now, it's colder and I've been worrying about behind the panels so your well timed video is so reassuring. The only place I still get condensation is right down in the rear corners of the floor, near the bottom outer corners of the rear doors, so I'd advise checking there. What do you do about bathroom facilities? I'm still having to check into a campsite every three days but I'm determined to be more independent. I have so many other questions I'd like to ask. I'm coming back down to Cornwall on my way back home so I'll look out for you if you're still out and about. Mine's the silver van with the unicorn in the front window 🦄 :)
@LensOfJames
2 жыл бұрын
Hi Elliot, I haven't got a roof vent/fan or heater as I only sleep in the van less than 30 days a year, so condensation isn't a big problem, though if I slept in it more I'd consider it. Chances are we'd be in a campsite, so I'd use the facilities there. Will keep an eye out for you too!
nice
Hi James, i never sent you the pictures of my NV because i intended a rebuild which is now complete. I am also going to fit the rear door windows onto carpeted doors. I fitted a 120Ah leisure battery under the passenger seat which has a FASP swivel base fitted, the battery measures 353x175x190mm L,W,H. and it goes under perfectly once about 2mm is trimmed, from the seat base, this is connected to the start battery via a switched relay and fused both ends. all an easy retro fit, i can send you pics if you like. I also have an all in one diesel heater under my bed, if i did another i would chassis mount and plumb into the cars fuel tank as it is a big chunk of storage gone and i had a little spill while rushing to fill minutes before a trip. I have also retrimmed the sun visors with Jaguar illuminate vanity mirrors fitted, and created a leather trimmed flat bottom steering wheel along with fitting a 10" screen android DAB radio. I am just on with making the factory reverse screen show a front camera image, with the rear camera showing on the radio screen, as well as re trimming the front seats with armrests, seat heaters and inflatable lumbar support. Ed
@LensOfJames
2 жыл бұрын
Hi Ed, wow sounds like some amazing upgrades to your van! Have you thought about making your own videos of your van conversion?
@EdTurner.
2 жыл бұрын
I have sent you an email to the address you gave me at the end of last year.
Hi James, I was just wondering if you treated your wood for the bed with a varnish or anything?
Very nice! Let know please name of tent (courtine) connected to nv200 (picture on green field)
@LensOfJames
Жыл бұрын
Of course, it's here: amzn.to/3Ee5AsD (affiliate link)
Great vdos. Have you considered Skylite/fan ?
@LensOfJames
2 жыл бұрын
I've considered it, but haven't found one to be necessary so far. I cover my decision in this video: kzread.info/dash/bejne/ZHuJj9xrcsrRcZM.html
Great video, currently converting my Nissan NV200, how has it been with out a vent installed?
@LensOfJames
2 жыл бұрын
Hi Barry, it's been absolutely fine without a fan, but bear in mind that I only sleep in the van less than 30 nights a year. The rest of the time we use it as a leisure vehicle, but if I was out in it more I''d probably consider a fan!
@BarryMountford
2 жыл бұрын
@@LensOfJames great thanks that’s perfect, yeah it will only be used a handful of times during the year so that’s reassuring thanks
My question about the insulation though: How well has it been working?
@LensOfJames
2 жыл бұрын
Very well - to an extent. For my purposes its perfect (day use and a little camping) but it wouldn't be sufficient for living in the van
The co2 detector should be down low not at the roof
@LensOfJames
Жыл бұрын
Hi, it's a CO detector not CO2, and because carbon monoxide is almost the same density as air, it will disperse evenly throughout the air in a room. As the van is very small with limited areas to mount it, 🙂its the best position I've found for it
You answered my question without me asking it “is the battery big enough” Answer Nope
@LensOfJames
Жыл бұрын
Fair enough, depends completely on personal usage. I've still got my Novoo power bank as my only battery and it's just what I need :)
Nice build. I’m considering to buy one of these. What’s the length of your bed. I’m 6ft5in 😓
@LensOfJames
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks! The bed is 6ft long
@JoTheTechie
2 жыл бұрын
@@LensOfJames Thanks for replying. Does it have enough room for a 6ft8in bed, or longere? Or is 6ft the max?
@LensOfJames
2 жыл бұрын
6ft is pretty much the max I'm afraid. It really is quite a small van!
What type of carpet did you use ?
@LensOfJames
2 жыл бұрын
Hi, it's 4-way stretch automotive carpet, colour is smoke grey
@kokakoko5792
2 жыл бұрын
@@LensOfJames thank you sooo much !!! I appreciate you!!