Van Build First steps: Framing, Pre Wiring & Insulation | A simple "How to" guide

This is our 2nd Ram Promaster Van Build and we have learned a LOT from our first Van Conversion. We are Framing the Van differently than the first time, Running the Electrical Wiring differently from the first van build AND explaining WHY we picked Closed Cell Spray Foam Insulation VS Foam Board & Great Stuff Cans.
We're Logan and Kelleen Seims: L&K SEIMS and we hope you are here to learn from our 2020 van build mistakes (because so are we!)
We've heard a lot of people worry about Closed Cell Spray Foam warping or ruining the exterior of the Van... spoiler alert! This is FALSE if done correctly! (Yay!)
If you're interested in any of items / product's listed, we'll have them linked below:
Pnuemattic Rivet Gun - amzn.to/3e4Bnj2
Pop Rivets [3/16” x 1”] - amzn.to/3t9w0mV
Butyl Tape [2pack] - amzn.to/3vqN7SG
+- Wire 12 gauge - amzn.to/3t6fhkt
Fan - amzn.to/3eLFv6I
12" x 22” windows - amzn.to/3aTCkIP
Shore Power inlet plug - amzn.to/3aTTLch

Пікірлер: 57

  • @NomadicPride
    @NomadicPride2 ай бұрын

    You mentioned a different reason for doing the vertical "studs" on the walls. But there's a bonus. The vertical supports create far less thermal bridging since the wood only minimally contacts the metal. Much better than if you ran the supports horizontally down the ribs, which would have the wood in 100% contact with the metal, thus lessening your insulative properties overall. Good choice.

  • @lindahuggett4353
    @lindahuggett43536 ай бұрын

    Just bought my first van! Ram promaster 2023❤

  • @stephjj1006
    @stephjj10063 жыл бұрын

    U make building a camper look so easy! Now I want to give it a try 😋

  • @LKseims

    @LKseims

    3 жыл бұрын

    Our first van we learned off of youtube! You can do it 💪😁

  • @zakpinche2389
    @zakpinche23893 жыл бұрын

    Id like to see the window and fan installation in a upcoming vid. Thx. Great Vid.

  • @LKseims

    @LKseims

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the feedback! We'll post it either next week or the following one

  • @joellenglamgirl3624
    @joellenglamgirl36243 жыл бұрын

    Following! Future vanlifer here 🙋‍♀️

  • @LKseims

    @LKseims

    3 жыл бұрын

    Love hearing from other vanlifers! 🙌 Thanks!

  • @jaredhauss3811
    @jaredhauss38113 жыл бұрын

    Damn yall can do anything!

  • @LKseims

    @LKseims

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you! We try and switch things up from time to time 👌

  • @angelagayehorn6362
    @angelagayehorn6362 Жыл бұрын

    Hey, thanks so much for this super clear and awesome “for beginners” video. The best thing about it for me was that you showed the comparisons and what you were improving. GOLDEN! We live in Cape Town where van life or wild camping isn’t really a thing but we want to give it a try in a year or two. We’ll probably stay mostly in camp sites of which we have many and beautiful ones. I’m sticking’ around for more ❤

  • @marklambert2712
    @marklambert27127 ай бұрын

    You have convinced me to just do it this way. That looks great and will save you on energy in the long run I am in Phoenix and hopefully starting my build in the next few months!

  • @D4RW1N1SM

    @D4RW1N1SM

    18 күн бұрын

    Also In Phoenix and I just got my van. About to start on it in a few days. Have you started on yours yet?

  • @Scrambler85
    @Scrambler853 жыл бұрын

    Congratulations on the new van, looks like you are on the right track. Liked, commented and subscribed 👍

  • @LKseims

    @LKseims

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you!!

  • @alexandriebah1180
    @alexandriebah11803 жыл бұрын

    Good Work Guys!!

  • @youareiamurim
    @youareiamurim11 ай бұрын

    Nice job, guys! 💪😁 I will, hopefully start my own build soon and travel all of Europe! 🥳

  • @LKseims

    @LKseims

    11 ай бұрын

    Aaaah dude that's the dream!! How awesome! Best of luck to you 😁🙌

  • @TeutonicNordwind
    @TeutonicNordwind Жыл бұрын

    Nice job on this! New sub. Me and the wife waiting on our first Promaster.

  • @LKseims

    @LKseims

    Жыл бұрын

    Aaay congrats!! Excited for you guys!

  • @blackcatrose4257
    @blackcatrose42572 ай бұрын

    Want to see more how to on van builds thank you. Want so bad to try this. If i van life id squeeze a washer/dryer combo. 😁😁😁😁

  • @LKseims

    @LKseims

    2 ай бұрын

    We just got a little van to build out this week so we'll be posting lots of build vids 🙌 A washer and dryer would be rad, going to the laundromat every week is the worst.

  • @blackcatrose4257

    @blackcatrose4257

    2 ай бұрын

    @@LKseims I bet. Wonder if you could take van build principles once learned and apply to camper on a 4x4 truck. I want so badly to build home on wheels. I will watch your builds so hopefully I can learn by watching.

  • @EcoNeato
    @EcoNeato25 күн бұрын

    Please elaborate about the floor waterproofing, thanks

  • @brandonlefevre867
    @brandonlefevre8673 жыл бұрын

    You guys are so awesome! Maybe with all the monies i make this summer I'll buy a van and become a van-hippie too! 😍🤣 if my wife lets me!

  • @LKseims

    @LKseims

    3 жыл бұрын

    Hahaha yesss, I'm sure she'd love it 😂😂 and so would your beebee 😂

  • @Espenrip

    @Espenrip

    2 жыл бұрын

    So the wife decide for you? Lol

  • @BirdMorphingOne
    @BirdMorphingOne3 жыл бұрын

    Wow! Build me a van

  • @loganseims7921

    @loganseims7921

    3 жыл бұрын

    Why convert a van when you can build out a Ford festiva haha

  • @silviofontana3666
    @silviofontana3666 Жыл бұрын

    structurally and sadly, rivets between soft wood and metal added to road vibration will cause serious issues, not my recommendation for a long-term solid solution, especially when further mounting cupboards from walls. a structurally sound solution is drilling in a screw anchor point and then use a counter sunk bolt, cheers

  • @matthewlimbery1470

    @matthewlimbery1470

    Жыл бұрын

    is this true? im strongly considering using their method but i don't want it to eventually fall apart...

  • @Van-life-4-Jesus

    @Van-life-4-Jesus

    4 ай бұрын

    ​@matthewlimbery1470 what did you end up doing? 😅

  • @astrona77
    @astrona772 жыл бұрын

    Hi! Thanks for the video instructions! Did you ever decide to go back and add wire conduits? From what I hear, the tiny vibrations of the van movement will make the wire rub against the van ribbing channels and will eventually expose your wire. Perhaps you put rubber guards around those areas?

  • @LKseims

    @LKseims

    2 жыл бұрын

    Hi! I think in our next we'll be adding rubber grommets/guards as you mentioned, just in case! We haven't had any problems so far but better to be extra safe with it

  • @tannerplatt401
    @tannerplatt4013 жыл бұрын

    Do you run the same gauge wire for all the electrical?

  • @LKseims

    @LKseims

    3 жыл бұрын

    Yes, we ran + and - 12 gauge wire for everything so far except our solar panels [10 awg]

  • @singblues1
    @singblues16 ай бұрын

    what size revit did you use?

  • @charlieoconnell7162
    @charlieoconnell71622 жыл бұрын

    Nice job! What diameter and material rivets did you use?

  • @LKseims

    @LKseims

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks! They are aluminum and 3/16" x 1" There is an amazon link for them in the description if you want to check them out!

  • @sandymckenna2493
    @sandymckenna2493 Жыл бұрын

    Hello, Now that it has been some time since this process was done, how is it working for you? I am just starting my build and I'm really concerned about keeping the possibility of mold to a minimum. Did you have any problems with shrinking or warping? Did they provide any guarantee for that? Would you recommend this now? Thanks for your great video.

  • @LKseims

    @LKseims

    Жыл бұрын

    Hey! We did notice (more in the winter because of the cold constricting the metal) some minimal warping on the outside. It is slight enough that it hasn't bothered us and nobody else has seemed to notice it! But definitely something to keep in mind. We've had 0 mold problems, even when traveling to some humid places for several months! And insulation value has been great when in cold places 🙌

  • @sandymckenna2493

    @sandymckenna2493

    Жыл бұрын

    @@LKseims Thanks for the feedback.

  • @Espenrip
    @Espenrip2 жыл бұрын

    Id like to know how this foam insulation holds out? As far as I know, moisture and condensation issues in a auto structures are a big concern. With foam insulations you block all that natural aeration inside the Van wall and ceiling panellings. In results, accumulations and water buildup is highly likely. That could create some health hazards, like molds, mildews inside your wall and ceilings, its nooks and cranny’s.?

  • @sushiyumyumz5522

    @sushiyumyumz5522

    Жыл бұрын

    This is inaccurate. It acctually seals it away from the van wall. and your ceiling and wall panelings will never be air tight.

  • @bigfootlvr7127
    @bigfootlvr71273 жыл бұрын

    Does it matter what length you use for rivets?

  • @loganseims7921

    @loganseims7921

    3 жыл бұрын

    You want to buy them long enough to go through the wood and a little past any metal. So in our case 1inch rivets were perfect!

  • @lucyfergusson4070
    @lucyfergusson40704 ай бұрын

    Hey, I know this is pretty old but im wondering if you will answer this question: I am about to start framing my ram promaster and I was wondering if you filled the smaller triangle holes that you out the ends of the 1 x 4s in with anything? Did you insulate it or how did you cover it up? Thank you in advance!

  • @LKseims

    @LKseims

    4 ай бұрын

    Hey!! If you're talking about the triangle holes near the floor, they are surprisingly deep! So we stuffed any scrap insulation/emptied extra spray foam cans into them and then had the closed-cell spray foam ppl fill in the rest. (But also, they drop below the floor of the van so idk if insulating them is that important, we did anyways just in case 🤷‍♀️) And as for covering them up, when we attached a sheet of plywood to the 1x4s it hides all of that:) Let me know if that made sense or if you have more questions!! Congrats on your van build 😁🙌

  • @lucyfergusson4070

    @lucyfergusson4070

    4 ай бұрын

    @@LKseims yes that answers my question!! Makes sense, thank you

  • @deirdre444
    @deirdre444 Жыл бұрын

    Would you mind sharing what size wire you used to run all the electrical (lights, outlets, etc.)? You appeared to have pulled it all from one big spool. Thank you.

  • @LKseims

    @LKseims

    Жыл бұрын

    Of course! We purchased that 12 AWG roll online (I'll share the link here and also in the description in case it doesn't work as a comment) because we liked that it came paired up with both the positive & negative, requiring only one wire run rather than two 🙌

  • @LKseims

    @LKseims

    Жыл бұрын

    amzn.to/3PL2ov9

  • @deirdre444

    @deirdre444

    Жыл бұрын

    @@LKseims That's perfect. Thank you so much. It's in my Amazon cart now! :)

  • @LKseims

    @LKseims

    Жыл бұрын

    @deirdre444 right on 🙌 Good luck with your build !!!

  • @slindsay4784

    @slindsay4784

    11 ай бұрын

    What does it cost to out source insulation like this.

  • @joeysmith5340
    @joeysmith53403 жыл бұрын

    you should have the electricity turned off when changing light bulbs. keeps it the bulb from being too hot and from hurting your eyes