Small Off-Road Camper Van Conversion Using Aluminium

𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐕𝐚𝐧 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝 & 𝐕𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐨: 𝘓𝘪𝘴𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘬𝘴.

𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐌𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐛𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞:

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐜 𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐕𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐨
More Scrubs - Pandaraps

#LandscapePhotography #CamperVan #Delica

[evslone]

Thomas, you were smart to take precautions against a rear collision. On our first date many years ago my now wife and I were sitting in a restaurant at a window overlooking a busy highway. Outside a van waiting at a stop light was smashed from behind. The damage didn't look severe but the contractor's wife was speared by metal rods he had stored in the rear. An ambulance rushed her to the hospital and we drove the driver. I learned later the wife suffered grave injuries but eventually recovered. Bonus: my date and I knew from that interrupted dinner that we were the sort of people who would gladly sacrifice an evening to help a stranger in his time of need.

[chrisclikks]

Very clean build so far. Also mechanical engineer here and I approve of your changes for safety. Your assumption that the low down bar will cause the frame to bend instead of thrust forward is correct!

[thecrowfliescrooked]

Man you got some skills! Doesn't matter if it's a van build or photography you're a great storyteller.

[sroughto]

“Oh yeah, that is as square as my Hasselblad 501cm.” Brilliant. :)

[bburchellphotos]

Damn. Thomas is being all sensible and smart with his camper van. I was kinda hoping he'd go all Top Gear and build a 3 story camper like Jeremy Clarkson did hahaha

[danielbiturbo]

As a engineer, and 15 years into car modification I must say, very nicely done Thomas !
It's good to have concerns about the safety as you had.
Try to use the cars original fastening points for seats and seat belts, they are strong and meant to support large loads.
Looking forward to the next episode.

[JDubyafoto]

While you said you hadn't built anything like the van before I have to tell you I'm very impressed with not just the design, but the craftsmanship you brought to the project. Well done!

[computername]

Thomas: Mentions 3D Software
3D Software: Isn't Sketchup
Engineer: Hits the like button

[maryp]

This is called 80/20 here in the states and that's what I plan on using when I do my van build. I work in engineering and we use this stuff all the time for fixtures. If you liked playing with legos when you were a kid you'll have a blast with this stuff. We always called it tinker toys for adults.

[nevillewatkins]

I can imagine you rubbing your hands in glee at the thought of the places you are going to go. Must be a great feeling.

[sarukravitz]

I am impressed by not only the thoughtfulness and through approach to your build, but also by the thoughtful comments — so rare on YouTube. What's more, the spelling, the grammar, and the well-expressed thoughts in the comments point to an educated, intelligent following. I suspect they are a reflection of the content of the channel.

[MarcNosrednug]

Brilliant! The first ever YouTuber who considers safety! WELL DONE!

[Luigi]

Well, I must say the aluminum framing is a lot better than any wood framing I have seen on You-Tube van builds. First of all it is light which saves on weight second it is more flexible to work with as you demonstrated with all the connectors. It is also a clean finish over all. I must admit that you have demonstrated a good workmanship beside photography that will add to your video adventures. I will not be surprised that there will be many others who might get inspired on their own van built to follow your example. Good workmanship, cheers.

[codedresults]

I need to stop watching van build and photography blogs and go out and do both for myself! Thanks for the great walk through, has given me the confidence to possibly attempt this myself.

[Casualfulltime]

Absolutely brilliant install and so clever. Thanks for sharing.

[TrueHelpTV]

using the carpet as the template is simplistically brilliant and was one of my largest concerns for accidental waste walking into this project. I also hadn't stopped to consider the outcomes of being slammed into from the rear in a wreck, so now I'm engineering breakpoints and considering a metal plate behind my seat.

[WhenWillILearn]

The aluminium is such a smart way to go for this project

[alangoulden]

Love it Thomas!!! Though for a man who has (I quote) 'never built anything', you sure do have a well stocked workshop and tool selection!!

[beargrylles]

I dont know Thomas Heaton and nor have i seen his videos but this chap is bloody marvellous! Content excellent, his style is real easy viewing and the end product is great! Well done Thomas Heaton.

[ianj]

Really impressed by the thought and planning that’s gone into your project, especially your decision to make changes when confronted with a safety issue. For someone who says they are “no engineer” you can certainly think like one. Looking forward to seeing the rest of the van build.