Episode #8

Listen, I know I said something in the last video description along the lines of: "this doesn't capture the amount of time and energy it took..." -- and that was true then and it's still true now.

The amount of trial and error involved was INSANE (don't even get me started on the bookshelf -- I saved you all from that headache).

The amount of time it took to finish insulation was INSANE. (Fun fact: we even had to take an emergency 6 hour road-trip to New York and back to get *more* insulation.)

Not to mention, the amount of footage I had on my phone was also INSANEEEE (it's taken me months to go through it all).

Bottom line: it was an insane. Period. Similar to the last step and the step before that. But my dad and I were insane for taking on this project in the first place, so I guess we matched the energy being thrown at us.

Things that I loved: Havelock Wool (yay for natural insulation!), Second Chance (yay for recycled wood!), Gorilla Wood Glue (the real MVP!), and the various materials left behind by the pervious, camo-lovin' owner (the unsung and unidentified hero!).

Episode #7

It’s hard to adequately express the amount of time, thought, and energy that went into the sub-floor and floor installation. (I’m actually starting to build mild resentment for the YouTube videos that make this seem like a piece of cake.)

For clarity, this step took FOREVER. I had to wait 48 hours for the water-sealant to dry, I had to wait days for the adhesive to cure, and I had to wait for one section to dry before I even started on another section. In retrospect, I probably should have known that adhesive requires ample dry time. But alas, we live, we learn.

That being said, here’s what I learned: use tongue and groove plywood, save the factory flooring for a template, take into consideration the dry time for the adhesive, use a thicker vinyl sheet for durability, find a proper roller (instead of the kitchen rolling pin I used), and BE. PATIENT.

In the end, I was wildly impressed by our quality of work. I even told my dad that if the floor is any indicator for the rest of the build, this van is going to be absolutely beautiful.

Episode #6

This is a short story about a window that fit, and then decided it didn't want to fit any longer. Another tale of “highs and lows" and "this is not going according to plan."

Chapter Two of: "This is not as easy as YouTube makes it look."

Here's what I thought going into this mission: This will be exactly like installing the MaxxAir Fan.

Here's what I thought midway through this mission: This is going well!

Here's what I thought at the end of this mission: That was hot hell on earth.

Spoiler Alert: we made it! But it was a close-call.

Episode #5

Remember two episodes ago, when I wrote something like, “Starting small and (mildly) unfocused?” Well… that is not even remotely the case anymore.

I think this episode is more like, “Full speed ahead” or “Ready or not, here we come!” Something that simultaneously incites a sense of fear and child-like excitement. Both “this is really fun” and “I could severely injure myself.”

(And almost did.)

Maybe it would be easier to say, “There were highs and lows…”

Bottom line: I told you from the beginning, “I am going to be honest.” That you would see everything — even when I didn’t know what I was doing. Well, consider this proof.

With all of that being said: Please enjoy my dad and I’s attempt at cutting a hole in my roof and installing my MaxxAir Fan.

Episode #4

I’ve watched enough “van-life” videos to know that every individual has different priorities when it comes to their build. For bicyclists, easily accessible bike storage is a priority; for skiers and snowboarders, an efficient heater is a priority; for off-grid campers, solar panels are a priority; etc., etc., etc….

For me, waterproofing was my top priority. Considering my “home-base” will be in the Pacific Northwest (which is DAMP, to say the least), I wanted to try my best to deter excess moisture from seeping into my van. Because no one likes to wake up and throw on a soggy sweater, ya feel me?

After 3 long months of sealing and caulking various nooks, crannies, and seams, “if any water gets in this thing, it will be a miracle.”

Episode #3

Starting small and (mildly) unfocused.

Before we started the build out, my dad and I thought it would be a good idea if we got some preliminary measurements down. This included: marking the spot for the MaxxFan Deluxe air fan/vent, marking the spot for the Motion Windows side-window, knowing roughly how high the bed and countertops would be, as well as where I’d store my bike.

Knowing these locations also determined where the Kilmat sound deadener would go — considering there’s no reason to put Kilmat down on a spot that would eventually be cut out.

Full transparency: this is one of my favorite videos so far. Because it shows my Dad and I in our element — aka: breaking things, fumbling and bumbling around, arguing with each other, and dropping stuff.