We helped both of our kids build out vans. One was a Promaster and the other was a Transit. The Transit drove and felt like a car. The Promaster feels a little more like a truck. We've spent over 300 nights in our Alto camper and agree that the toilet is a must. We have an outdoor shower and use it only once in a while. It's good to have your van built out for shore power for campgrounds rather than relying solely on solar. But solar provides you with awesome flexibility! You won't regret doing vanlife. Enjoy, guys!

@JenandGuy

3 жыл бұрын

Love hearing your opinions about how both vans drive. We definitely want the option to plug into power at campgrounds or use solar. Thanks for comment. We love all the info we can get our hands on.

Good video and finally someone that didn’t show us every little tiny thing in the drawers and cabinets which we don’t really need to know.

@JenandGuy

3 жыл бұрын

I’ve never thought about it like that but totally get it 😊

Oh definitely a full bath is a necessity! I agree and wouldn’t want to RV without it! Can’t wait to see your adventure in building your RV!!

@JenandGuy

3 жыл бұрын

A full bath definitely makes it much more comfortable!

We just bought a RAM Promaster 136 High Roof. In the process of converting it into an adventure van!! It will have an indoor potty and an outdoor shower. Maybe we will see you on the road!!

@JenandGuy

3 жыл бұрын

Congrats!! Sounds like such a fun project.

There a rumor among van dwellers that the fixed bed is ultimately the way to go because the constant change is of a couch to bed configuration on a daily basis gets old real quick and so many van owners have found other setups to remedy this issue for example may a bed lift or a Murphy style bed set up, whichever you ultimately chose I wish both and your fur babies safe and happy travels! 😊

@JenandGuy

3 жыл бұрын

Lots of people love fixed beds and it would definitely be nice to have a real mattress but I think we may be more convertible type people. 😉

Cant wait to see the next van tour

Thank you so much for taking us on your journey!! This is so relatable for me as I am trying to decide about which van to buy too as well as being in the same age group. I think that matters somewhat, as needs and wants change. There’s so many choices of van types that it becomes a little overwhelming but from what I keep hearing; the smartest thing is to test it out by living in it. Again, thank you so much for sharing this exciting process!!🥰

The Mercedes Sprinter and the Ford Transit both have their merits. I originally wanted a Promaster but our friends use them for their business and they have camshaft (cam phaser) problems as well as transmission issues. The 3.6L engine and transmission are lifted straight out of the Chrysler parts bin and is used in everything from Jeeps to Dodge Caravans to small SUVs. The transmission can't handle the GVWR of the Promaster. Congrats on your decision to get a van, it's been a game-changer for us.

@JenandGuy

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for your feedback. We just opted to buy a Sprinter for a variety of reasons. Excited to get started on the build. 😊

@ourkaravan

3 жыл бұрын

@@JenandGuy Nice, congrats!

Glad you did this I agree

Look forward to seeing you again

Glad you're stepping outside your comfort zone and trying van life. Good luck!

@JenandGuy

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

Thanks. Very smart & helped me a lot. First time seeing your channel. Will look at more. Best to you!

@JenandGuy

3 жыл бұрын

So glad it helped. We have a video coming with a shower today. 😊

Beautiful van :) and great van tour !!! ... we are also a couple with two dogs from Australia 🇦🇺 and also planning to document our travels in our first camper van once we’re allowed to travel in Australia :) ... love this video clip will be joining you on your channel 😍 ... and yes having a toilet / shower inside the van is also important to us as well so hope you will find a solution for it. Happy travels and looking forward to seeing your contents in the future and keep safe :)

@JenandGuy

3 жыл бұрын

Best of luck on your upcoming travels. Hopefully we'll have a good shower and bathroom solution to share soon. ;) Thanks for following along!

Love 💕 Thank you for sharing!

@JenandGuy

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! 😊

Fantastic colors!

@JenandGuy

3 жыл бұрын

We loved them too!

Thank you and Good Travels!

@JenandGuy

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you

Looking forward to seeing future vids.

@JenandGuy

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Lots more to come!

Beautiful kitchen set tone of color ♥️

@JenandGuy

3 жыл бұрын

We loved it too!

So jealous, can't wait to retire and start traveling.

@JenandGuy

3 жыл бұрын

We are more on a break since my hubs lost his job due to the current situation but we do still work on the road 😊

You should check out Eamon and Bec's latest van build. They have a fixed bed and part of it folds out into couch seating. They have a shower set up inside when needed but they have a composting toilet. It's a nice set up.

@JenandGuy

3 жыл бұрын

We love how creative an innovative their build is too!

I’d think carefully about the fixed bed situation. It seems everyone who wants to live in their van for a long period start with a convertible bed and soon decide they wished they’d gone with a fixed bed so you can get straight in bed without messing about with the added benefit of all the additional storage. Enjoy your travels!!!

@JenandGuy

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the tip and we know it’s a really important decision. We have been trying to find a rental with a convertible bed so we can see if it’s too much of a hassle. I just know that I will need some type of a couch/comfy seat to work in during the day.

Can’t wait to see your choices on your build. Did I hear that you may rent each style before you decide?? Great video, glad to hear your honest comments. I feel the same about shower and toilet facilities in a van. I am currently building out a Promaster and both are essential!!!! I do however also want a fixed bed. You should rent one that has a conversion bed before you settle on that. It gets old.......... Anyway, very much look forward to your next video!!!!! Happy travels,

@JenandGuy

3 жыл бұрын

Good idea about renting the conversion bed. The Promaster seems like a great choice for a fixed bed. We’ve been trying to rent the other models and having a tough time finding any to rent. Heading to LA now and hoping to find more supply.

@Kitkatrey

3 жыл бұрын

Murphy bed setups look like a nice solution, it’d be nice to see you try out that setup.

Hi! I’d like to share our experiences with vans. We aren’t full time but I think some things don’t matter full or part time. We started out with a Mercedes Sprinter, a Winnebago Era. It had a sofa bed in back which was great for lounging, but sucked for sleeping. It was a hassle to make it up every night, and storing the bedding every day was a pain and took a lot of space. We only kept it for 6 months because the hassle of finding the correct grade of diesel fuel was frustrating (we are in the eastern part of the US and it gets cold here, if you don’t use the correct grade of fuel, it gunks up the engine, which in turn, negates the warranty), plus you have to worry about the DEF additive. That van also had a macerater pump which burned out on is easy. The Sprinter was 24 feet long which was good for spending time inside, but a pain for parking spaces. Plus diesel is more expensive than gas. We traded for the Winnebago Travato 59k. It has a twin bed setup with a full rear bath. Some people think the rear bat is weird because you can’t get that beautiful back door shot. We love the bathroom! We open the back doors, have a screen up, and get great air circulation. The beds can be made up all the time, or nightly, very easily. The beds can be a second seating area using cushions up against the side walls but your feet don’t touch the floor. We rotate the front seats for sitting area. We don’t like that there isn’t a table to sit at. The G model has the dinette, but had a pretty small fixed bed in the back, but s claustrophobic to us. The Travato are made on the Ram chassis. The Ford Transit chassis is taller and thinner than the Ram chassis. This means the inside build will be narrower, and also makes a difference in driving (wind effect). I couldn’t do without the bath facilities! Something to consider if you don’t want to build it yourself - check out Advanced RV in Ohio. They build only on the Mercedes chassis, but they build everything to your specifications. It will be at least a year though, to get your van. If you do build your own, or get someone to help you, something to consider is an AC unit. Being in the east, we couldn’t go without an AC unit, and we had the one in our van replaced by Advanced RV, which will install the Houghton quiet AC from Australia. It’s amazingly quiet, and energy efficient. It can be run when we are plugged in, or generator, for us, because our van is a 2018 model. Winnebago now has lithium models out, where the AC can run just off the lithium batteries and an auto start function which means the engine will auto start to charge the batteries if they run low. I would recommend touring as many vans as you can, research what others have on KZread, and figure out what may work for you. Lots of people think they need a huge kitchen area but really you don’t. Living space is important, especially in bad weather, or if you work on the road. I love the interior of the van you rented, except for the lack of bathroom facilities. I agree about the fixed bed - more living space. However, that being said, check out Trent and Allie on KZread. Trent built a van with a bath and fixed bed. You’ll have to look back more than 6 months to see it though, as they had to leave their van in South America when the pandemic hit. Sadly, they haven’t gotten it back yet. You could also check out Live Large Go Small, Scott has a 59G floor plan and lithium and talks a lot about it (just for info sake). I hope that you figure out what would work for you. Sorry if I overwhelmed with info. Just thought I’d share my views, of course I’m no expert but often dream about what I’d build if I won the lottery! Take care, stay safe, happy travels.

@JenandGuy

3 жыл бұрын

You have no idea how much we appreciate your insight!! You touched on so many things we’ve been thinking about. Would love to ask you more about the first comment with the sofa in the back. I tried going to your channel to email you but couldn’t find contact info. Would you mind sending us an email or DM to our IG or FB? Thanks again for the comment!!

@marthamanigross

3 жыл бұрын

Jen and Guy messaged you on your FB (at least I hope it’s the right page lol). Left my email there. 😊

@JenandGuy

3 жыл бұрын

Just sent you an email 😊

I agree! Shower and bathroom is a must have! You are two beautiful people and I will follow you💕

@JenandGuy

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Marie! Looking forward to trying a rental with a bathroom 😊

It's definitely important to have a shower and a toilet in the tiny home or van life... essential ❣❣❣

@JenandGuy

3 жыл бұрын

We couldn’t agree more 😊

Get one or built one with a full bath room. is so much comfortable..mines is a 350 ford transit 170 extended. But i got a full bath room 30x40 with flush toilet. Stove oven wacher dryer Double full beads sleep 4. And I got 40" tv .entertainment center psp Xbox and TV on both beads. Refrigerator. sink and pull-out dining table. My van is 6"×14' cargo space and i fit all that in there..and is comfortable. I use it for weekends. Or vacation But we need a full bath and comfortable to shower every day And yes I have huge water tanks But thats why i got me a 350 daully for the carying capacity. .and is beautiful..good luck On your van life

@JenandGuy

3 жыл бұрын

Your van sounds amazing. Wish we could see it!

@davidramossalsologoporexse2469

3 жыл бұрын

@@JenandGuy I'm working on a new floor plan for my son for a Van I'm working base on the muserments he gave me.6'x14' Wall to Wall and from behind the Front seats to the back doors.. As soon as I'm done with the plan I'll take a few pictures and send it to you guys..is similar to mines But better...I'll have it in about 2 weeks. And if you guys want to built it go right on..good luck my friends..

Zion and Bryce Canyon are not too far away from each other. But Bryce is higher in elevation, hence it was more comfortable.

@JenandGuy

3 жыл бұрын

It was definitely more comfortable at night in Bryce 😊

If you want to sleep sideways (saves space so you don't need to extended version) you'd need the promaster, it's the widest... For showers: think about a fold-out shower solution or a drawer-shower (a fixed bathroom makes the space a lot smaller)...

@JenandGuy

3 жыл бұрын

We’re checking out a Promaster with a shower this week and can’t wait to see how it feels size wise. We’ll post the video next Sunday 😊

@thefuture986

3 жыл бұрын

@@JenandGuy if I were doing a van (and I'm probably going to soon-ish) I'd attempt a shower similar to this one: kzread.info/dash/bejne/pHiJs8eFpbadqKQ.html

@JenandGuy

3 жыл бұрын

That is such a creative way to do the bathroom. Thanks for sharing!!

Great job and I love that you are renting the different makes and models before you decide. I wonder what you would think of the half bath that converts into a a counter when not in use. I know that a full bathroom is a luxury but wow it takes up so much space! I think putting the sink base halfway to the center of the front door with a swivel faucet to the out doors is a must! is a must.

@JenandGuy

3 жыл бұрын

It’s been hard to find rentals with the features we want to try but we’re checking out a van this week with a full bathroom so it’ll give us a much better idea of how it feels space wise. Definitely agree about the swivel faucet.

@lcwathome821

3 жыл бұрын

Let me know if u find another good place to rent a van.. i am in Georgia..

@Kitkatrey

3 жыл бұрын

Linda Wheeler I am in GA too, have you found anywhere here that rents vans?

@lcwathome821

3 жыл бұрын

@@Kitkatrey no I wantes a simple van I saw on utube a video but not sure how to find it she got a simple camper van nothing nee or spectacular. That what I want something in 40 dollars range i just wa t to try it out u know.

@JenandGuy

3 жыл бұрын

Check Outdoorsy and RVShare. They have vans all over the country.

I love her. I totally share her views on showeSr and toilet. Whenever I see van tours that do not have a shower and bathroom, I think that is just NOT ME.

@JenandGuy

3 жыл бұрын

A bathroom is definitely a key feature 😁

Thank you for sharing. I am an experienced camper and can tell you that I would never go without my toilet and shower. Problem that remains: the water capacity! I have got 100l. If we shower very briefly, it can last for up to four days... Before we need to refill. Greetings from Europe

@JenandGuy

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you. We’re going to attempt to have a 150 liters so we hopefully have enough for a week.

@Kitkatrey

3 жыл бұрын

Jen and Guy Have you looked into reciprocating shower water supply?

@JenandGuy

3 жыл бұрын

We haven’t looked in to it that much because we heard that filling up on water isn’t that hard and the recirculating shower requires a lot of filters and maintenance.

W. This pandemic. Where yall goin poty? Id need a poty. Great kitchen cabinets!

@JenandGuy

3 жыл бұрын

Definitely agree about the toilet!! Makes life much better 😊

nice, build a van that suit what you need, thumbs up

@JenandGuy

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you

I just found your channel and I love you two. You say everything I think. I definitely need a toilet and shower.

@JenandGuy

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you! It definitely helps make a van extra comfortable 😁

@annied1863

3 жыл бұрын

@@JenandGuy and your also a lot of fun to watch. You have a great aura.

This is a rental? Wow it’s really nice!!

@JenandGuy

3 жыл бұрын

It is a rental and we included the link if you want to try it out 😊

@beckyelliott2871

3 жыл бұрын

Jen and Guy where is your link?

Look at eman and Bec they just bilt a really nice van with a hidden bathroom and shower.

@JenandGuy

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you. We love their build and their smart creative design.

You should check out Snow and Curt’s channel. They have a shower on a recirculating system. Problem I have heard is that you have limited water so its not like a shower at home. I think I could manage without a shower but I would definitely want and need a toilet! I have watched a lot of van conversion videos! I dream of doing that. My Mum joked that I had gypsy blood ^_^. Ps I live in Utah and Bryce is my favourite place.

@JenandGuy

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Teri! There’s a great review of that van and shower on the Margaret and Ladi channel. We were just talking about how much we love Bryce! 😊

@HOPE.TheresNoPlaceLikeHomeClub

3 жыл бұрын

Hands down they have some of the best features in their van.

Camping without onboard bathroom facilities is one thing. A couple of days hoofing 100 yards is a novelty. The rest of your life, not so much. I would rather have it and not use it by choice if the situation makes it possible or even advantageous. I’m not pee shy but I am poop shy. I never use public facilities for #2. If I am at work, I go home ( I live 5 blocks from work though) A bathroom is non negotiable in my book.

Love ur tour! I woukd want my bed to not be in a fixed position and shower outside but potty inside for sure! Of like an older van for price and something in my price range to see if it coukd be sustainable thank you...not sure how to view your answer though.. lok

@JenandGuy

3 жыл бұрын

We’re torn about the bed in a fixed position and are trying to find one that converts to rent so we can see if we like it. We’d love to find a used van too.

@lcwathome821

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your response I saw a video on KZread of someone renting an older Van and I saved it Look finding rest saved it can be an issue too. Outdoorsy sounds like a good place to start.😊🙋‍♀️🦋

We all want to shower every day! For a lady having an indoor toilet is important. Air conditioner - I usually follow 70 degree (ish) weather - so no air in my rig. If you want all the amenities - just buy a proper smaller RV and stick to proper campgrounds. If you are able to put up and shut up - build your own. I own a Transit because there are way more Ford dealers +3000 than Mec 200. Didn't even consider Dodge - too ugly - little undercarriage clearance and tough to install a lift & not built as robust as the other 2. My 5c Good luck with the journey - I certainly have.

@JenandGuy

3 жыл бұрын

Following 70 degrees is a dream I never knew I had until just now!! That sounds amazing. We just bought a van and are sharing it this week. Can’t wait to start building. 😊

@TerryManitoba

3 жыл бұрын

@@JenandGuy As you may or may not know but you never really get how to design the layout until you have spent some time in it doing the day to day. It's not like designing your kitchen - kitchens are way easier because you have spent your whole life in them and have a base - a van not so much. This may not be for everyone but I slapped together a general van layout and spent 3 months traveling in it (putting up and shutting up-:) I when home and did the main build (about 4 months). Traveled and came home to tweaked some more. A year later - it was pretty much done - I would not have done it any other way.

@JenandGuy

3 жыл бұрын

Are you saying that you did a basic build and then finished it after 3 months? That sounds really smart. May I ask what you included in your initial layout?

@TerryManitoba

3 жыл бұрын

@@JenandGuy Yes - that is exactly what I did I bought and butchered a 4 wheeler tri-fold ramp as the bed platform. (worked great) Mountain bike underneath. I had a long narrow metal table at home - bolted that in the van I bought an older (good quality) three drawer filing cabinet and used it as the peninsula that encroaches in the sliding door area. I just threw in all the camping gear I had around and hit the road for a 3-month trip (east coast - the Keys - Texas - Arizona)

@JenandGuy

3 жыл бұрын

That’s so cool!

Check out Snow & Curt van tour cool bathroom shower

@JenandGuy

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the tip!

@marymunoz6170

3 жыл бұрын

Jen and Guy I want that system when I build.

@JenandGuy

3 жыл бұрын

Their van was reviewed this week on Margaret and Ladi this week.

Where can you rent a Ford Transit, and what is the cost? I live in Tennessee, but prefer to camp in North Carolina, near family.

@JenandGuy

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Becky. We used Outdoorsy or you can also try RVshare. They have vans and RVs all over the US. The price is determined by the owner. I think the one we rented was $149 per night. .

@JenandGuy

3 жыл бұрын

Check the description of the video for the links you are looking for.

If you want to see some amazing van builds, check out @freedomvans on IG and watch their amazing KZread channel (Freedom Vans) to see all of their van builds. Many options with or without bathroom/shower.

@JenandGuy

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the tip. We’re definitely going to be watching a bunch of their tours.

How did u search for a van to rent i want to do the same!

@JenandGuy

3 жыл бұрын

We used Outdoorsy. You can also check RV Share. I put links in the description if it’s helpful.

which dometic fridge? tytyty

@JenandGuy

3 жыл бұрын

Dometic CRX-65 75500.000.21 12/24 Volt DC Compressor Black Refrigerator and Freezer

@brucemontgomery6853

3 жыл бұрын

Jen and Guy tytyty may have other questions too great video / presentation

@Kitkatrey

3 жыл бұрын

bruce montgomery A lot of van lifers/builders get Isotherm’s due to issues with Dometic. Check out Alex and Sara James. Long term van lifers who now build out vans. kzread.info/dash/bejne/m4qqw6SBqavIdrA.html

@JenandGuy

3 жыл бұрын

We’ll have more videos and we will film our entire build with everything that we learn.

Like the colour of woodwork.A bunk bed would be better a double takes up huge amount of room A large fridge/ freezer that one is a pretty useless size.

@Kitkatrey

3 жыл бұрын

You’d be surprised how much you can fit in the small fridges. Especially if you break down your purchases from the original packaging into portion sizes.

@JenandGuy

3 жыл бұрын

We were shocked how much fits in that small fridge. It's a great size for weekends and long weekends.

@Kitkatrey

3 жыл бұрын

Jen and Guy What most Americans don’t realize is the majority of the world exists comfortably on 1/4 the size fridges or less (or none at all). They eat more sustainably buying fresher food more often with a less processed diet.

You folks seem like “indoor” people. I think you should rent a van for a month to try it out first. Two days is not enough time.

@JenandGuy

3 жыл бұрын

It’s a good thought to rent for a month but very difficult to make happen without spending a ton of money. If it turns out to be a bad idea then we will have created a great van for someone else - but I have a good feeling about it 😊

Check out this van tour with a recirculating shower! Good luck on your quest! kzread.info/dash/bejne/mmxrkq2emZiXfag.html