VAN LIFE DIY - Retired Electrician Builds Out Custom GMC Campervan

In today’s video we feature Les a retired electrician that has a passion for camping and vans since over the years. On this custom diy camper build out, he used the 2019 GMC Savannah van chassis. This van with the roof top air conditioner is under 8’ tall and fits in his garage.

#campervan #camper #vanlife

New Jersey Outdoor Adventures YouTube channel is about vanlife , camper vans Van builders and RV walk through tours around New Jersey.

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[bethshalenberger]

My sweet dad, Les, passed away from cancer this past July. It broke his heart when he had to sell this van. I am so very grateful that he was asked to make this video. He was so knowledgeable and I'm glad he could share with you all. I love that I can watch him in this video whenever I want. Thank you for all of your kind comments. He enjoyed them so much ❤️

[bethshalenberger]

That's my dad!!! Proud of you!!!! This video doesn't do it justice...it is even more impressive in person. Camping is still one of my favorite things to do thanks to him. ❤❤❤😊

[lessvarny]

Hello everyone. I’m happy to hear your nice comments. I’m glad that you might find this useful. I see that there was a question as to which direction we sleep. The pillows are in the stored position as shown during the day. They are out of the way that way. We sleep lengthwise and move the pillows at bedtime. I’m sorry I didn’t point that out in the video. Thanks again for watching and thanks to Patrick for taking the time to do this video as well as having this wonderful site. I’m a sponge for new ideas. Remember — “Entertain your Brain !

[michaelwilliams]

Les is a good friend of mine, and one of the most creative people I know - and his ability matches his creativity. I watched this van develop over the last several months. I'm so glad he got to share his story! Awesome job, Les!

[stevedunch]

That’s my cousin Les!! He’s the best! Always had vans and did creative designs :). He knows his stuff!! The Van looks awesome in person :) great to see this!

[kayakRnann]

Loved his saying...”entertain your brain...think of what you want, think of a way to do it, then do it!”. 😊

[lynzyrisingsun]

God I love old people! I’ve watched probably a thousand van videos and this is the first one that I actually learned something useful. He explained everything so well and kept me listening! Thank you!

[aozorafreak]

He seems like a nice grandpa who likes to tell a bedtime story to his grandchildren
And a nicely done camper too

[designdoctor]

Enjoyed hearing from someone who built it himself. Practical, informative and inspiring.
Learned his tip to have all plugs GFI protected because of moisture in the van

[Foxys]

I absolutely love this one. His knowledge and absolute enthusiasm is so infectious! So talented. A lovely, well thought out build. Thoroughly enjoyed this. Thank you for hosting such wonderful van lifers. Excellent! ❤️

[alicial]

I was wondering if he was a union electrician, my question was answered when I saw the IBEW sticker on front of his 120 panel(and he mentioned it later); and I knew he had to have had unistrut someplace in that van, made me laugh when he pulled out the draw and he said he used unistrut. I'm a safety manager for a union electrical contractor glad to hear his reference to safety on the job, so very important. Wonderful build.

[lessvarny]

Thanks again to everyone for your kind words. I just wanted to let you know that Patti and I have really been enjoying our new camper van. We have a lot of camping plans for this fall. After all is said and done, I don’t think that I would change anything as far as the design goes. It really suits our needs well. It is perfect for day trips and sleepovers. Have fun and continue to be adventurous. Thanks again to Patrick for all of your hard work. This site really helps so many people get ideas for their own builds. Happy trails to you !!

[TerryW]

I like his red van, he’s a good guy that is trained to do things correct and safety is very important. Everything is well thought out. Great video

[r.c.]

Hi, I grew up on Seneca Lake, it is beautiful there. A well built van, thank you. How nice he would ask his wife, what she thinks, smart man, lol.

[davidlundy]

I am also am a retired construction worker, hvac. I bought a Sprinter and built it out. It was so much fun. I had a blast. Actually am still working on it, changing this, installing that. It is never ending and if it does I might sell it and do it again. Thank you for the video.

[butchjohnson]

You can tell this man is all about precision, his work is great.

[sylviau]

He speaks with a twinkle in his eye! Two fine gentlemen.

[donnacarroll]

Loved watching and listening to your video. In my career I was a member of IBEW 2218. Throughout my utility career, I ran the safety meetings for my employees.

“Safety First”. and planning each job, prevents accidents.
You’re the best. Thank you for the tour. Inspiring.

[snapper]

Absolutely fantastic explanation, and superb job on the Van !! And to Beth Shalenberger, you have every reason to be proud of your Father !! Bill

[paulinedavis]

Les, has a very pleasant speaking voice and I enjoyed listening to his van tour 👍