Inspecting And Reviewing My Van Conversion | Van Build Mistakes | Tiny Camper Van Conversion

It’s time to do a van build review and inspect the functionality of my van conversion, mistakes and all, after over a year of days out, camping and adventure. In this van conversion follow-up, I go through the different elements of my van build and share what I would change about my van. I’ll also be removing my recycled plastic bottle insulation to see if it’s insulating correctly or whether it’s damp and covered in mould.

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0:00 - Intro
0:55 - Reviewing the van
4:35 - Checking the insulation
7:04 - What would I change?

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Let's start with the carpet. I’m so pleased I carpeted the walls, instead of using heavy, space-consuming wood which would have been screwed into the van walls. The smoke grey finish hides marks, & the carpet itself actually acts as an insulator, reducing condensation. I stuck carpet over foil bubblewrap insulation in some problem areas - no problems in these areas either, & I’m pleased to say that the carpet still looks as good as the day I put it in.

I get asked about rubber trim around the doors a lot & whether it’s still stuck well. I did a lot of research into adhesives prior to doing the doors, & the rubber is still solid.

Onto the floor, & again no real problems. I have made a few marks & scratches on it, but other than that it just needs a good clean!

The bed has been brilliant, & for those who don’t know I made it in 3 sections so I could fit my surfboard through the centre of the van. I changed the draw from metal sliders & a peg in the leg to a couple of wooden rails with a stop. I also fitted a bolt to the far side of the bed, attaching it into a screw thread in the van. With the addition of the 2 turnbuckles, it’s solid.

Moving on, the curtain is still firmly in place, the headliner is still free from mould, & the storage box is working perfectly.

The table is so sturdy, & it’s large enough to eat lunch or dinner on. I added some jars to store some of the most essential items we need when out & about - coffee, snacks & charging cables! I keep a small gas stove, folding solar panel & carbon monoxide detector there. The battery has been brilliant & it’s great having access to the sockets without having to pull the table down.

I swapped out the AAA ceiling lights for some USB chargeable ones, meaning I can easily charge them from the battery if needed. Oh, & I also gave the ceiling some varnish to protect it from condensation. The fairy lights are probably one of the most used features when camping, transforming the van into a really cosy space.

I’ve previously removed one of my ceiling plywood panels to see how the foil insulation was doing, & I was pleased to see that it was keeping condensation away, but the soft loft insulation, which is made from recycled plastic bottles, is a different matter.

The first area I checked was the column by the back doors. Before insulating the van, I knew condensation gathered here so I was keen to check it out now. I’m really pleased to see that the insulation is still dry & clean, & so is the inside of the cavity.

I chose the next area because had left the foil insulation exposed behind the door card, which I now thought would be easier to cut through & patch back up.

After removing the door card, I sliced into the foil insulation & created enough space to pull some of the loft insulation behind it out. What a relief - the insulation looks as good as the day I put it in. Thinking about it, this insulation has now seen 2 damp winters so I’m pretty pleased about this. Inside the cavity it looked as good as when it was last sealed up. Using a bit of foil tape I could seal up the bubblewrap insulation, & then replace the door card.

It’s nice to know that things are doing ok on the inside of the walls of the van & that someone with no experience can undertake a van conversion.

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#Vanlife #NissanNV200 #LensOfJames

DISCLAIMER: In this video, I am in no way stating that this is the proper way to undertake the conversion of a van, however after research and experience using the van, I believe this to be the way that is best suited to my van and the way I intend to use it.

[peterbeyer]

Just imagine if houses were insulated this well!

[motoristabikeshop]

I must say your van conversion inspired me to try this with my Ford Transic Custom, worktable/computer table is a great solution. Keep up great work !

[cathysupp]

Really happy to see this update!
You inspired me to my own modifications and upgrades to an RV 👍

[aryannakandsisterskenya]

awesome. I now know what I will do with my NV200. I will modify and take trip from Kenya to South Africa.

[FordTransitConnectCamper]

Hey man, I love the video, I haven't even thought about checking my insulation but having done mine the same as yours I know feel confident I don't need to. Great video and well done for hitting 10k subs 😁

[michaelcarney]

I was gonna use wood but this makes more sense saves space and probably helps keep the van warmer and helps with the damp!

[warehousescarborough]

What an interesting video !!...you are the first ive seen to actually provide some practical empirical data with regards to Insulation etc rather than all the theorists....nice one Bruvver :)

[redrum]

I mean co not co2 but didn’t know it was the same as air, I have been edumakated 😂👍

[Galemor]

Doing a convertion right now, and have been worried about how to insulate, so your videos are really a good helper.
Been worried about condensation in the roof, as that's where it's been collecting in my car.

[Kayte...]

You did a beautiful job and it looks well thought out.

[teenaoakleyart]

Thank you for this, it’s proved that I did the insulation right on my previous van, and I will do it the same again on the next one, now that you have shown it works 😎

[jamieoutdoors]

Me again. I freakin love this video. Really love your van. I'm really considering this size.

[duncanpotter]

Gained a new subscriber with this honesty…

[mtg_hermit]

Awesome review like always great video.

[johnnyxp]

I got the same nv200 but the minivan version with 7 seats and windows. I use it now for kids arround preschool and my new renovation/repair company tool carrier. Your videos gave me great ideas how to have a comfortable home if i divorce and wife takes everything...lol

[SteveHazel]

I've got an nv200 too. I had an RV place put a 100ah battleborn into the driver side front fender, and a dc dc renogy charger off the alternator under the driver's seat. power delivered to the back of the hump between the seats, then cable to my fridge. it's the only thing running off the battery. all my lights are off their own built in batteries. I just have a big queen height, full width bed platform with all the camping stuff underneath and fridge in back. it's great :) not as fancy as your's tho :)

[johnlynch]

Hi James, great to see your new video. I would love to know your view on a roof fan and would in be useful in this part of the world. Thanks John

[sunnymas]

Thank you, for this video to share your experiences.

I have windows in my sliding side door and in my back door. (car factory made)
I will add a window in my other side. To look outside, when I´m in my bed.
More windows are important to feel well, not like in a dark prison.

I convert my lights lines from AAA batteries to USB powered.

Your bed frames slides better, when you install plastic stripes.
So it rubs wood on plastic, not wood on wood.

Your Van looks like you need a larger table. ( I have seen your insta photos.)

I convert now also a mini van (Opel Combo C) In GB its called Vauxhall Combo C.

Anf thanks for your good english speaking.

Greetings from Germany (liked and longer subscribed)

[Zerpersande]

The NV200 I bought yesterday has windows all around. The tailgate is the single, up swinging with a big window. All windows are tinted and the windows in the sliding doors have a sliding ‘porthole’. It makes for a bit of a problem so far as carpeting the doors go.

[robertsjames]

Bought the Suncamp 250 motor buddy after watching your channel, Absolutely brilliant awning