My $700 Van - Camper Van Conversion for Living the Van Life and Traveling Rent Free - Budget Build

I bought a $700 van, watch part one of the series as I build out the interior of my tiny home on wheels. This is my all wheel drive camper van conversion on a budget!

Try my coffee!

Thanks so much for watching, make sure you subscribe for part two where I power everything with solar power in under 20 minutes!
xoxo
Hannah

[amHlam]

It's really refreshing to hear a vanlife youtuber extolling the virtues of simply getting out there, rather than getting hung up in the minutiae of a van build. Bravo! Great work. 👍

[windrider]

I also have a Astro van. One of the best and cheapest upgrades you can do is, turn the passenger seat around. You just unbolt it, turn it around, then bolt it back down. Yes you still can use the passenger mirror, and have storage behind the seat. You will then have a setup like a living room.

[rogerwa]

If you actually go anywhere in this I highly recommend do a tune up (plugs, wires, distributor cap/rotor) and also replacing the ignition coil. The ignition coil on these have a tendency to develop cracks. When this happens, on moist or rainy days, your van will crank but not start. You will think its water in the gas or maybe a fuel pump, but when it dries out you run normal again. This is a pretty cheap preventative fix. Also, install a deep cycle battery with an inverter to run your electrics. You can run a battery lead from your primary starting battery with a smart charge controller between them. This will charge the battery while running but will prevent a draw on your starting battery. With a large deep cycle battery you should b able to more than run your little fridge and occasional microwave. Your battery will recharge when you move from place to place. Worst case you run down you can start your engine to recharge.

I bought a 97 astro and converted it into an ice cream truck for my son to earn money. We installed a commercial chest freezer that ran off the aforementioned inverter and battery. We ran for hours off grid and never had an issue.

[charlesmaroon]

It is beyond refreshing to see only positive feedback on this video. The world needs more positive cooperation.

[Mary-tjqx]

for ventilation, get weather shields for the front and passenger windows and attach clip fans near them. no need to cut the van, just use the windows, with a rain shield.

[kencornwell]

Good job on finding a vehicle with AWD, new brakes, newer tires and costly updates. All for a mere $700. Astro vans are more desirable since they have a taller roof than other mini vans. You are a pro at doing your research.

[DAS-Videos]

You need to secure the futon so it can't crash into you in case of a collision. No one ever expects to get into an accident, but there were a few cases in which a loose table in a van killed the driver when they were in an accident.

[charlesherrick]

The futon is a great idea I have never before seen used in a conversion. In fact I like everything about the whole project.

[theBIGBLUTO]

Not only do you get a A+ for your creativity but A+ for your always positive attitude 💕

[paulpalmtree]

This is excellent, especially when you take into account, such a limited budget.
Hannah, you’re an inspiration.

[davefrayne]

I had an Astra AWD, in the winter I put snow tires all around and it would go almost anywhere.
Plus it could tow a lot

[AdrienneLawrence]

Love this. Simple, honest solutions and totally budget friendly. So smart.

[d-arts]

This is why I watch all these channels Hannah. The builds! I’ve been doing a lot of it but I like to see new ways of doing things. Most builds on YouTube are the same, essentially, anymore. Same layouts (like there’s one best way), same equipment, ect. Excited to see what you come up with!

[brucehalleran]

Ventilation. The most effective and efficient way to vent the closed space is a powered vent in the roof, drawing through the factory air exhausts in the rear doors, and shielded front Windows. The least expensive and very effective way is to use what Chevrolet gave you. The front cowl vent, with a bypass power lead, will bring in all the air you want. In the worst rain. Quietly, invisibly, and for 22 watts on the Express 8 passenger van. I have a switch by the bed and just leave the dash set up for low fan and high vent. Every vehicle out there can do this. The non-buss models probably use less power.

[stevehastings]

I recommend you upgrade to an induction hotplate. I think it is more energy efficient and I know it's safer. I bought the one recommended by The Wirecutter as the best induction hotplate and my wife and I both like it. Note that if a magnet sticks to your cookware it will work for induction cooking.

[dougfrye]

Absolutely love the dress you are wearing in this video Hannah. You certainly are a "day brightener" my friend. I would love to visit with your folks, and see what they did to raise such a multitalented, kindhearted, nature loving daughter. MAKE it a great week!!

[watcherable]

when i replaced my old cargo van with a new one, i went with a passenger van instead of cargo. i did this so i could have a second row of seating and full cab climate control. Unfortunately to get the second row and climate you have to get full glass. My solution was to have the windows wrapped. I love it! i had the back windows and sliding door done with perforated wrap. The rest of the windows solid wrap. About $750, but so worth it! The front bucket seats are kinda permanent, but the back four rows of bench seats pop in and out without tools. Up to 15 people. i use it to support my bicycling addiction. With the wrapped windows, it hides my bikes and makes a great changing room as well.

[Gene]

Thank you for doing this build. Many people talk about it, you are showing how it can be done! This is going to be great.

[unclebob]

great video as usual Hanna, when having the trans fixed and the option of the AWD vs 4WD do the 4WD upgrade for the few hundred $$ difference, if you can fit it in the budget the AWD is good, the 4WD is great they just take the transfer case from an S10 Blazer swap it out make one support mount and a hole right beside the drivers seat and your done and the Astro van will give you that added security of making it to the camping spot you really like, and the van already has an LSD diff in the rear as part of theAWD system from GM i use to work for GM Canada, there is a channel or two on YouTube that have done these conversions to the 4WD and it works good, hope it maybe in your budget, looking forward to the next video 👍

[andrethered]

'Don''t let any naysayers get to you. Keep up the positive vibes and I can't wait for the second installment of the finished van. The futon was a great idea a perfect. Love the dress, stay the same, you go girl! You still need to do a calendar from the beautiful places you visit.