VAN BUILD TINY HOUSE | What does it COST? Ep. 1 THE VAN

In this Series, VAN BUILD TINY HOUSE | WHAT DOES IT COST? we will be discussing 3 things...

1. What did it cost us for the van and the build?
2. What would it cost you to build your van, even if you are interested in a simpler or sweeter build?
3. What will it cost to have it built by others?

The series is split into 5 episodes (videos will drop on Wednesdays) which provides you the perfect level of detail to follow along and figure out what it would cost to build your dream van. This is really a van tour with costs, so pull out a pad and paper and take notes. This is about to get real interesting.

Ep. 1 THE VAN

In this episode, we are talking about the van itself. Of course, I still disclose what we paid for our van, but I will also discuss different makes and models to compare with our van. I will analyze the price and key features we used in deciding which van to buy and convert into a tiny house on wheels. For those of you looking for a bit simpler or more affordable option, I discuss the used van route and include discussions for you that want a sweeter more luxurious version.

Following Episodes will include:
Ep. 2 The Build
Ep. 3 Plumbing
Ep. 4 Electrics
Ep. 5 Attic / Summary

Don't forget to turn your notifications on.
Thanks for watching!
Cheers

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[SnowAndCurt]

This is Episode 1 of a 5 part series on what it cost to build our van and how you can modify our choices to match your budget! IT is a brand new series as of August 12, 2020... so, episodes 2 through 5 will be coming out every Wednesday afternoon for the next several weeks! We hope this info is of value to you guys... it is, BY FAR, the number one question we get asked! CHEERS!

[garyblack]

This is exactly where I'm at. Weighing out everything to make solid decisions about a van and its build so the timing of this series for me is perfect. I know it's going to be good because curt and snow only put out quality videos. Thank you 😀🇺🇸

[markbrady]

Great post, because one should count the cost before they jump in. With that said, I developed a comprehensive Excel spreadsheet where I have listed every item I have seen and have thought of that goes into a van. I list the item, the model number, the size, a link to where I can purchase the item via the web, and a place for notes. I have the spreadsheet broken down by parts of the van build, on different sheets. For example kitchen, plumbing, electrical, misc. items, etc.

The cool part of the spreadsheet is this: when I decide which item I want to purchase I fill in the quantity. The result is the spreadsheet automatically totals that sheet, and automatically adjusts the grand total of the van build on the front sheet. Thanks for sharing your insights.

[sophiemarcaurele]

Wow! You two smart lovelies are exponentially improving in the contents and delivery! Talk about providing value...💰🙏 thank you this fantastic series. Wanted to mention that the Ram Promaster comes in 4 cargo lengths: 8, 10, 12 and 13 foot, so by putting the bed sideways in the biggest version I can make up for your extra 2 feet in the sprinter! 🤔🦶🦶 🚐🤗

[valeriemacpherson]

Very informative 👏 and interesting too! Looking forward to episode 2.
Thanks Curt
🍁👵❤🐕🇨🇦

[stevenschenck]

Great talk on complex topic. After watching so many van shows where used vans were breaking down we went new in 2019. That VW Bus you liked was my goal because of the windows so we got a Passenger model 2500 loaded with windows AC, driver assist, but that cut stuff we could carry. Build goal was STUFF CAUSES STRESS - Bed sideways 2 feet high, very small sink, induction cooktop, Goal Zero 6000x, Dometic 95, 2 rollout metal drawers under bed, seat box for cloths, extra bedding because it gets cold, magnetic curtains on all windows, screens on front windows, side door and rear doors. The finished product is a very lite van. Next week we are done and going to get it weighed and hit the road in April for US parks tour this year, Alaska next year - You both are very inspirational and have helped us understand the changes our life is taking.

[skullwan]

Holy balls, this is so informative! Thank you for doing all the homework. So appreciate it!!

[slmoran]

Thank you for doing this! Cost was a question I submitted on your first q&a. Side note: It might just be me but Snow I swear every video you glow more & more. Appears van life is good for mind, body & spirit.

[LaurenAnne]

I'm really enjoying your channel! So many great tips, I love the editing, and both of your on camera energy. 👏

[charofheart]

Learned about you two through Timothy Paynter. Looking into your Playlist from close to the beginning. I haven't seen others exploring the full Americas. Love the bird decorations in the background of this video!Thanks for sharing! 🤗❤️👍🏾💯

[dlynn]

Absolutely the best, concise and understandable, comparison between the vans, I’ve seen to-date. Very informative and I look forward to the subsequent episodes of the series! Thanks!

[davet]

Awesome job. Looking forward to watching the whole series! I appreciate you sharing all this valuable information!!!!

All the best,
Dave and Su

[LilyWasHereMB]

Great info, thanks for sharing Curt. I look foreward to the rest of the series.

As a comparison, let me share with you and your followers a little about my van, which is being professionally upfitted.

Lily is a 2019 MB, 3500, extended, XD, 4x4, dually cargo van with nearly every driving convenience MB offers. Out the door with extended warranties Lily cost just over $76, 900 - and I had to wait 6 months to get her!

Now let me tease you and your followers about the cost to have a pro, with all the necessary tools and experience, build her out: The invoiced material cost for the the flooring, insulation, paneling, and upholstery is $4, 800. Installation labor is $13, 600. Sales tax not included.

In addition to the pro-build, I also paid $1, 500 to a different company to CAD my design which was then further refined by our builder. Other costs like the mattress, water purification, cab & house entry steps, window tinting and inside covers, headliner shelf, extended tire air valves, security, paint protection - all extra as will be van specific furnishings and equipment.


So to sum it up, if someone is looking to get into a van, into a Unicorn like your van and have a pro build it, it isn't inexpensive. But neither is a 6 night stay at Disney World and when you leave the Magic Kingdom, all you have is memories.

[jessmathews]

Hey 😁 just found you guys... awesome video Wow I love your van/spectacular set up/shower/potty/decor/ totally luv the birds (🤔maybe add silhouettes of different birds from different countries...)😆 yada yada lol very nice Snow...and Curt did you make that genius screen door...that is an over the moon great idea...hope you got a patten# going on that. Thank you sooo much for sharing! I've aquired a Transit and need to figure out how to do it basically on my own and on an minimalist type budget... go-pro first though so I can capture the effort/s. That top box is also genius... is that metal or maybe wood... definitely planning on some sumo struts for stability even though I only have the medium height roof. Your correct about the AWD as a standard on newer versions. I heard it's easier to add a 4 x 4 package to the transit if it's the rear wheel drive version so that is in my wheelhouse but that 8-10k is way down the road...lol punn intended.😅 Travel Easy and safe - have you traveled internationally before stay diligent you two... looking forward to more vids. I've narrowly avoided some corruption issues outside the states.

[maurinecortez]

Im so excidet for this series, thank you!!! this will be helpfull... greetings from Guatemala

[lolahall]

Your information is so well planned, organized and presented. Looking forward to the rest of the series

[Iam-BruceLee]

Awesome vid guys! Appreciate the info!

[morgananderson]

Good stuff!!! Thank you for sharing-

I'm so pleased to see how many subscriber's you're amassing. Your videos are inspiring and well done. I'm looking forward to more videos as you go along.

Best regards,
M-

[idbek]

Thanks so much for this series! Super helpful! Looking forward to the next one!!!!❤️

[marystankiewicz]

Love love your build. Such fantastic ideas and ingenuity ❤