SELF CONVERTED CAMPER VAN DIY | CHEVY EXPRESS VAN TOUR | FULL TIME VANLIFE

Ойын-сауық

During quarantine in July of 2020 I built out this van in just 30 DAYS! I didn't have any building knowledge before this project but thanks to the internet I jumped head first into this project and figured it out along the way. I have been traveling in the van since August, and I have had so many amazing adventures! I LOVE my build and I am so happy with the way that it came out. Be sure to SUBSCRIBE and LIKE this video to stay updated for more videos in the future! Follow me on my blog and on Instagram!
jetlaggeddirtbag.com/category/...
/ emily_mcdo

Пікірлер: 170

  • @jdchy6181
    @jdchy61813 жыл бұрын

    adore these non-fancy diy builds they look so much more realistic and intimate with all the personal touches 😌

  • @EmilyMcDonald

    @EmilyMcDonald

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks JD!!

  • @nicovanzyl1979

    @nicovanzyl1979

    2 жыл бұрын

    Nico❣️💓😍

  • @breakingames7772

    @breakingames7772

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@EmilyMcDonald how did u hang cabinets? I mean what do u bolt them to? U can't just use self tapping screws into the van ribs

  • @maddygvanlifer435

    @maddygvanlifer435

    Жыл бұрын

    I completely agree. These are more obtainable, especially on a budget. Less electrical etc., less issues on down the road. Keep it simple and carefree.

  • @samuelfox8126
    @samuelfox8126 Жыл бұрын

    I love now functional and not refined your van is. It's the essence of experiences over things.

  • @okiejammer2736
    @okiejammer27363 жыл бұрын

    Lots of ideas from your build. Thank you! Well done and Happy Trails.

  • @JohnRohoboth
    @JohnRohoboth3 жыл бұрын

    This is just so cool. Thanks Emily for sharing your great ideas!

  • @rdwilander
    @rdwilander3 жыл бұрын

    Simple but so charming and well thought out. Congrats on your build out. Safe travels

  • @RevLeonPLeon
    @RevLeonPLeon Жыл бұрын

    These are my favorite van builds. It's perfect!

  • @flgirl250
    @flgirl2503 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the tour, I was anxious to see the results. Nicely done....be safe and have fun. I’ll be out there soon.

  • @0U81TO
    @0U81TO3 жыл бұрын

    Awesome ideas you came up with & I really like that water pump...look so cozy inside...Take care and be safe out there ✨

  • @Samhain2323
    @Samhain23233 жыл бұрын

    You are a breath of fresh air and an inspiration !!! Great job on your van build !!!

  • @EmilyMcDonald

    @EmilyMcDonald

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Jesse, I appreciate it :)

  • @charlesborrelli4055
    @charlesborrelli40553 жыл бұрын

    I have watched far to many videos on van builds. This girl.hit the jackpot for me. The sink at the entrance is and was the best position. Never thought of a sink in this position but it makes a lot of sensd. Good girl...you get.a A+ from me for your creativity.

  • @JohnDoe-fu4qd
    @JohnDoe-fu4qd Жыл бұрын

    great build. looks super affordable and authentic.

  • @glowdog6321
    @glowdog63212 жыл бұрын

    That table is very cool! Yes, people often overlook the space that is available in the doors. I watched your build video then watched this one. You did a great job!

  • @EmilyMcDonald

    @EmilyMcDonald

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks so much Glow Dog. Every space in the van counts haha! Make sure to subscribe to watch our new videos every Sunday and keep up with the van adventures.

  • @mlm61448
    @mlm614483 жыл бұрын

    Nice job Emily. Lots of Good ideas. Safe Travels.

  • @chadmutchler5062
    @chadmutchler50623 жыл бұрын

    Gorgeous!! The van too!

  • @xchick10
    @xchick103 жыл бұрын

    Nice to see an express! Cool build.

  • @papasmurf1904
    @papasmurf19043 жыл бұрын

    First time seeing the sink put in that spot.....makes perfect sense! I like it! =)

  • @EmilyMcDonald

    @EmilyMcDonald

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks, I am really happy with the sink there!

  • @robertwagner8596
    @robertwagner8596 Жыл бұрын

    thats a nice simple build,I dig it

  • @CA_512
    @CA_5123 жыл бұрын

    Love the video and the van 😍 you did an awesome job with your van fosure😍✌ keep it up😊

  • @JaydensAventures
    @JaydensAventures Жыл бұрын

    I have the same puck lights and sink pump..i love it!

  • @laurajphillips
    @laurajphillips3 жыл бұрын

    You did a great job, congrats! Have Fun!

  • @EmilyMcDonald

    @EmilyMcDonald

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Laura!

  • @MadameRosaFortuneTeller
    @MadameRosaFortuneTeller3 жыл бұрын

    I love your name - Jet Lagged Dirtbag - and I love your van. Happy and Safe Trails!

  • @JRZGRL55
    @JRZGRL553 жыл бұрын

    Your van is amazing! Great job - beautiful floor & ceiling & you obviously gave it a lot of thought before you plunged into the build. I hope you continue to have fabulous journeys!

  • @EmilyMcDonald

    @EmilyMcDonald

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks so much! I hope you subscribe and stay tuned for more travel videos :)

  • @breakingames7772

    @breakingames7772

    2 жыл бұрын

    If Quagmire from family guy was your boyfriend he would tell you to save the urine to use later for fetish stuff lol....he actually said that on tv I couldn't believe it, his girlfriend peed in a wine glass 🍷 and he said, don't throw that away we can use it later

  • @ktk2094
    @ktk20947 ай бұрын

    Good job on your build.

  • @Petelaosound
    @Petelaosound2 жыл бұрын

    Awesome build

  • @bambihargrove6499
    @bambihargrove64993 жыл бұрын

    Awesome Build 👍

  • @MsP205
    @MsP2052 жыл бұрын

    Neatly organized shelf.. for me if I can find it...it's organized 😂👍

  • @ruthmcgill4612
    @ruthmcgill46122 жыл бұрын

    Great build.

  • @FullyYoked
    @FullyYoked2 жыл бұрын

    That's so cool as I upload my own videos KZread is showing all these awesome van builds I've never seen before! You are awesome, Aloha 🌈🇺🇸🚐✨🐾

  • @naakesuspensionspecialists6396
    @naakesuspensionspecialists63963 жыл бұрын

    Love your salad bowl sink! Great idea.

  • @EmilyMcDonald

    @EmilyMcDonald

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks so much! 😊

  • @allynmason9992
    @allynmason9992 Жыл бұрын

    Kid you did a good job!

  • @alanreynolds2287
    @alanreynolds22873 жыл бұрын

    Lots of excellent ideas! Have fun! Be Safe!

  • @EmilyMcDonald

    @EmilyMcDonald

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Alan! I'm hitting the road again full time this month and can't wait :)

  • @PhilSnider
    @PhilSnider3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the tour, currently researching van build options and noticed you worked in Yellowstone. You Yellowstone employees sure do spend a lot of time in the Tetons ;) I worked at Colter Bay 2016-18. Ashton at at the front desk of Lake Hotel is pretty cool ;)Stay safe out there and keep up with the content creation, its rough starting out but it gets easier and more enjoyable. Cheers!

  • @susanstrickland6774
    @susanstrickland67743 жыл бұрын

    Very functional and homey. Nice job! 😊👍

  • @EmilyMcDonald

    @EmilyMcDonald

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you! 😊

  • @Itsmelavonde
    @Itsmelavonde4 ай бұрын

    This is definitely an affordable build that I could do... nothing fancy, but simple and nice!! This is a great build

  • @EmilyMcDonald

    @EmilyMcDonald

    4 ай бұрын

    Thanks!

  • @krispeterson1021
    @krispeterson10212 жыл бұрын

    Cute kid... nice little van young lady ..your mom was cool to help you . I'll be watching

  • @tonyie5755
    @tonyie57553 жыл бұрын

    great job!

  • @jakedawson1459
    @jakedawson14593 жыл бұрын

    You are living my absolute dream. I need more people with your kind of free spirit vibes in my life. Also big fan of the word “jenkie” 😉

  • @helencherry9133
    @helencherry91333 жыл бұрын

    Nice build on your home. Just amazed that is all the "closet" space you have though. Just goes to show how personal each build is to the person/people living in them.

  • @EmilyMcDonald

    @EmilyMcDonald

    3 жыл бұрын

    I keep some of my winter clothes in the rooftop cargo storage box and switch it out after summer and again In the winter!

  • @alectrapaw
    @alectrapaw5 ай бұрын

    very cool! thanks for sharing!

  • @gingerlundgren-barron3594
    @gingerlundgren-barron35944 ай бұрын

    Nice set up . You know your side doors open wider if reach into the hinge are and move the bar.

  • @foote1967
    @foote19673 жыл бұрын

    Love the van! I'm working on somewhat the same van, just a little newer and a GMC. Awesome use of space in your set up... 👍👍

  • @EmilyMcDonald

    @EmilyMcDonald

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks so much! I'm really happy with my setup :) Good luck on your build!

  • @JohnRohoboth

    @JohnRohoboth

    3 жыл бұрын

    hey dude - let's build together! lol I just got one.

  • @gerlandkent6377
    @gerlandkent6377 Жыл бұрын

    I, just bought from a friend a 97, Dodge Ram 2500 conversion high top van I'm going to be geting rid of some of the factory look and do some self builds

  • @briantruck2284
    @briantruck22843 жыл бұрын

    Safe travels ✌️

  • @tedinstead9642
    @tedinstead96423 жыл бұрын

    Hi Emily I think I had the same issue with the smaller side door If it's what I had that plastic end of the rod broke off and rod sill has a hook on it, this hook will still go through a hole up there and about quarter inch of it will come out on the other side What I did is I filed this end of the rod a little so it's flat on one side and drilled small hole in it Drill bit danced a little but I managed to finish drilling right through the center of the side of a hook Now when it came out on the other side I simply put a proper size key wring through hole that I drilled and it worked like a charm ever since I really hope I'm explaining it good enough and it helps

  • @darrellfort1668
    @darrellfort1668 Жыл бұрын

    vanlife4ever!

  • @dennisedwards8954
    @dennisedwards89542 жыл бұрын

    Frugal. Functional. Not breaking the bank. I imagined later in high school traveling with my them girlfriend in our Chevy Van ("My Chevy Van"). That was about 1975/6. I just retired last July. Tina no longer is my gf (!She married my best friend and I'm God Father to one of her 3 boys!) But, your van build gives me ideas for my own and setting out on the road. While I've seen parts of overseas during 2 tours in active military service (with my them wife, Sue), I haven't seen much of the good ol US of Eh. Expenses being limited now, you concepts and adventures dovetail into my need to travel in, My Chevy Van. Subd.

  • @pennyh3101
    @pennyh31013 жыл бұрын

    love the build and the way you can see through all the way back when driving. thanks for the inspiration.. and ideas.. :) very well thought out..

  • @EmilyMcDonald

    @EmilyMcDonald

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for watching penny 😊

  • @sundaytaybron9243
    @sundaytaybron92432 жыл бұрын

    Hello, you are the only one I with a chargeable faucet that does not seem fragile! Love it! Where did you get it?

  • @33Cheek
    @33Cheek3 жыл бұрын

    Very cool, thank you for sharing! What kind of water storage tanks did you go with/ where did you buy them? Thanks!

  • @margemargie9891
    @margemargie98913 жыл бұрын

    thanks for the tour.

  • @teresachamp7289
    @teresachamp72893 жыл бұрын

    Can I hire you & your Mom to come do mine, seriously great job. I didn't breath the whole time you were installing the fan. New Subscribe. Thank you & love the simplicity.

  • @EmilyMcDonald

    @EmilyMcDonald

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks so much Teresa! Good luck with your build.

  • @clintonfrankland2138
    @clintonfrankland21383 жыл бұрын

    Nice build! Can I get a link to that faucet? How did you attach it to your sink? Wonderful job.

  • @rosevalerio5863
    @rosevalerio58633 жыл бұрын

    Amazing job, kudos to you young lady! Such a lovely tiny home... Just saw both your van build videos and was wondering, is this the extended Chevy Express? I've been debating on which wheel base to get for my build... looks like you were able to make great use of the space you have. Maybe you mentioned it and I missed it but I couldn't tell because there weren't any side views of the outer part of the van. Please do tell, it would be of great help...

  • @EmilyMcDonald

    @EmilyMcDonald

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks so much for watching the video! My van is not the extended version. It is jut the standard length.

  • @r12rtpilot
    @r12rtpilot2 жыл бұрын

    Love your van. It's "jinky." Stock wheels and tires and 2 WD, yes? Have you had any issues getting stuck on sandy or gravelly roads? Liked and subscribed!

  • @douglansburg4545
    @douglansburg45453 жыл бұрын

    Nice design, thanks

  • @leefrost3241
    @leefrost32413 жыл бұрын

    Yeah I wouldn't tell your safe area. Oh if you start traveling a lot in cold weather your going to want to get a diesel heater for better comfort. It's a dryer heat plus it's vented. 25 degree weather and up 5 gallons a week plus depends on insulation too. Cool starting setup you both have there.😎🚐🍾

  • @JohnRohoboth

    @JohnRohoboth

    3 жыл бұрын

    you + are = you're

  • @KaltrinaDemiri
    @KaltrinaDemiri2 жыл бұрын

    Nice build :)

  • @EmilyMcDonald

    @EmilyMcDonald

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Kaltrina!

  • @havefaithtarot
    @havefaithtarot3 жыл бұрын

    I just stumbled on a 2008 GMC Savana for 3500. It has a lot of miles but it’s super tempting to buy to get rid of my rent at least temporarily.

  • @mikebryan4480
    @mikebryan44803 жыл бұрын

    Great job quick and functional and you didnt spend $40,000 👍

  • @EmilyMcDonald

    @EmilyMcDonald

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Mike! You definitely don't need to spend a bunch of money for a nice, functional set up :)

  • @musicmancecuador
    @musicmancecuador3 жыл бұрын

    Nice van

  • @lovely5805
    @lovely58053 жыл бұрын

    i absolutely LOVE your van! super nice and functional build! do you mind saying where you got that water pump?!

  • @EmilyMcDonald

    @EmilyMcDonald

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks so much 😊 the water pump is from Amazon!

  • @nataliaportal5346
    @nataliaportal53463 жыл бұрын

    Cool video! Love the build! Do you have a link to the Bluetooth music thing?

  • @gerlandkent6377
    @gerlandkent6377 Жыл бұрын

    Nice, looking van

  • @ianhumphry1
    @ianhumphry13 жыл бұрын

    "This is my SECRET safe area" not a secret anymore. Seriously though, good job on a DIY van, I'm hoping to still be healthy enough to do "van life " in a few years when I retire, I'm kinda looking for the right van nowadays, if I run across the right one, I'll get it and start the build in my spare time. Stay safe.

  • @kimberlyjones427

    @kimberlyjones427

    2 жыл бұрын

    Me too

  • @kimberlyjones427

    @kimberlyjones427

    2 жыл бұрын

    Pouring over these DIY van builds for great ideas

  • @rogerkilpatrick8617
    @rogerkilpatrick86173 жыл бұрын

    Tidbit of advice here, you have too many keys on your keyring. It will destroy the internal ignition switch and you will be stranded or towed to a garage. I have had it happen to me twice and once to my wife, just trying to help. BTW love the build ideas in your van....

  • @gerlandkent6377
    @gerlandkent6377 Жыл бұрын

    Happy, vanning

  • @kylemathena1491
    @kylemathena1491 Жыл бұрын

    Haha I have to do the same thing with my side door I have to open it up from the top then pull the handle on the I got a 2010 Express

  • @masonthurman
    @masonthurman3 жыл бұрын

    You should take advantage of Amazon Affiliate links! Looking to scoop up those lights and faucet and would love to be able to support you in the process

  • @sylviasmall7059
    @sylviasmall70592 жыл бұрын

    Nice build!! What are you using for the mice?

  • @jasperdunord1702
    @jasperdunord17023 жыл бұрын

    Love, love your van build!!!!! Can you please tell me what is the name of the cool faucet that you installed and where can I purchase one. Thanks and stay safe. Cheers.

  • @EmilyMcDonald

    @EmilyMcDonald

    3 жыл бұрын

    I appreciate it Jasper! I love my faucet so much. There are a lot of different styles and colors of this faucet, but this is mine www.amazon.com/gp/product/B087BLQZBX/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

  • @CONEJOBLANCO
    @CONEJOBLANCO Жыл бұрын

    Good van..🙏👍

  • @APar-yx1wl
    @APar-yx1wl3 жыл бұрын

    Nice job

  • @leilal8053
    @leilal8053 Жыл бұрын

    So....if U have the ONE sink, and U leave your dishes in from the night b4..... where do you SPIT in when you brush your teeth... or wash your hands? ....on top of your dishes??? 🤢 I would suggest getting a collapsible washbasin with or without drain 4 washing dishes that drains into the sink. When not in use, it can hang on that nifty back splash. A collapsible colander ( everything is collapsible it seems...even funnels) is great for washing fruits and veggies, nor just draining/straining pasta. The rest of your van is quite charming. I gave to have a toilet and hanging space for a few pretty dresses. That's the beauty of designing your own van. Happy Travels.

  • @JOESUBA122
    @JOESUBA1223 жыл бұрын

    I love your van! And the fact you did yourself is even better!! I am looking to can a van like yours and do my one build, how many miles did you have on you van when you got it?

  • @EmilyMcDonald

    @EmilyMcDonald

    3 жыл бұрын

    Wow Joe, that's so exciting! Building a van yourself is a lot of work, but is worth it in the end. My van had around 72,000 miles on it.

  • @rhomearound
    @rhomearound3 жыл бұрын

    Well done on the build. Any issue with the camping gear in the Thule boxes getting baked in the hot summer sun?

  • @EmilyMcDonald

    @EmilyMcDonald

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks! No, I haven't (knock on wood haha).

  • @melissamorales1739
    @melissamorales17393 жыл бұрын

    What did you use for the interior siding? It looks nice

  • @GoldMindTreeTribeTv
    @GoldMindTreeTribeTv Жыл бұрын

    Luv it

  • @Shan-ShanH
    @Shan-ShanH3 жыл бұрын

    I wish you would put links to your gadgets in your description.

  • @mawacal
    @mawacal3 жыл бұрын

    i have a gmc savana. did you know the barn side doors can open wider. just release the hinge

  • @escapematrixenterprisejacq7810
    @escapematrixenterprisejacq78104 ай бұрын

    Reminds me of the gypsy caravans

  • @RVRebelGirl
    @RVRebelGirl3 жыл бұрын

    great job 👏 I just build a van out also.

  • @NickReels
    @NickReels3 жыл бұрын

    Question. So does your solar panels plug directly into your portable battery? And can you use it while its charging?

  • @gracecallowayable
    @gracecallowayable2 жыл бұрын

    Awesome!!!👠🚌👠

  • @joamo7701
    @joamo77013 жыл бұрын

    ❤️

  • @KeatShadows
    @KeatShadows3 жыл бұрын

    Nice.

  • @nubiasilva2449
    @nubiasilva2449 Жыл бұрын

    Super Linda tu van

  • @connectedevolution
    @connectedevolution3 жыл бұрын

    How do you personally keep it cool in the back? I'm debating on getting the passenger express so that I have ac in the back to cool it off while driving. I've been looking for awhile. I've been living out of a 2 door car for 4 going on 5 months.

  • @EmilyMcDonald

    @EmilyMcDonald

    3 жыл бұрын

    My insulation has been great with keeping it cool in the summer and warm in the winter. I also have a fan to keep the air flowing.

  • @latonyasaffor911
    @latonyasaffor9113 жыл бұрын

    where did you get that awesome water pump-faucet for your sink?

  • @EmilyMcDonald

    @EmilyMcDonald

    3 жыл бұрын

    Hey LaTonya, I found it on Amazon :)

  • @breakingames7772
    @breakingames77722 жыл бұрын

    On ur doors hang those closet door shoe organizers, cut to size

  • @will_ren
    @will_ren3 жыл бұрын

    Can't tell from the intro but is that carpet pad for the ceiling insulation? I used that in my Express and it looks like the same stuff.

  • @EmilyMcDonald

    @EmilyMcDonald

    3 жыл бұрын

    I used foam board for all of my insulation!

  • @NickReels
    @NickReels3 жыл бұрын

    I have seen videos where the Mr Buddy heater causes too much moisture and can be too overpowering of heat? What's your experience?

  • @EmilyMcDonald

    @EmilyMcDonald

    3 жыл бұрын

    The coldest I've camped in has been around 20 degrees so I have just run the heater to get the van nice and toasty before going to sleep. My van is well insulated so keeps the warmth in for awhile. I also run it in the mornings to warm up for a little. It hasn't caused any moisture for me and has been perfect :)

  • @blowtorchacurlyfry1
    @blowtorchacurlyfry13 жыл бұрын

    I love the pee funnel! so many good ideas.

  • @EmilyMcDonald

    @EmilyMcDonald

    3 жыл бұрын

    Hahaha the pee funnel might just be my favorite addition to my van lol

  • @Petelaosound
    @Petelaosound2 жыл бұрын

    Just subscribed to your channel

  • @gam3rkid954
    @gam3rkid9543 жыл бұрын

    Great functional build. How do you all afford this lifestyle?

  • @EmilyMcDonald

    @EmilyMcDonald

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks so much! My job is remote so I can basically work from anywhere right now :)

  • @cjam3660
    @cjam3660 Жыл бұрын

    cute van girl, Janney and functional, works for me. lol

  • @ThinkDifferentish
    @ThinkDifferentish Жыл бұрын

    How much noise/rattling does all that stuff make when driving?

  • @noblejennette2101
    @noblejennette2101 Жыл бұрын

    8:20 of the second video of these two van build videos: boyfriend gets first name drop.

  • @jaelenrodriguez2164
    @jaelenrodriguez21643 жыл бұрын

    hey id like to know where an how much you got that sink for, i want to convert a van and im in the process of getting one

  • @EmilyMcDonald

    @EmilyMcDonald

    3 жыл бұрын

    Hey! I actually made my sink out of a salad bowl! I drilled a hole in the bottom and it has been great :)

  • @estincaptures
    @estincaptures3 жыл бұрын

    how much did everything cost?

  • @andrefecteau
    @andrefecteau2 жыл бұрын

    very well done...good design, the shower and urinal are ideas that most could use ...mostly the shower, I see people post all the time "no showers in van life"...well problem solved

  • @sloneygrl4550

    @sloneygrl4550

    2 жыл бұрын

    It so fond of urinal - she is basically pissing straight onto the street, campsite, wherever “through the van”! All very well if you always park up in remote areas but not so good for the next person using a campsite or parking lot.

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