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ourkaravan
США
Добавлен 31 авг 2010
Starting life as a bare Sprinter cargo van, we are doing a self-built camper van using a European-style layout. I have no experience on a project like this, so you can follow my trials and tribulations in turning this van into a nice extended-travel vehicle for my 8-year old daughter and I.
More information on van-building can be found on our website, ourkaravan.com
More information on van-building can be found on our website, ourkaravan.com
Gray Water Tank Install done the Right Way (Van or RV)
In this video we add a 15 gallon gray water tank to our DIY Sprinter van and utilize an electronic solenoid valve to make emptying the tank easy.
Complete details and links to products here: ourkaravan.com/gray-water-tank/
00:00 - Introduction
01:18 - Drill hole & bulkhead
03:55 - Fabricating Brackets
05:43 - Plusnut and Tank Prep
07:35 - Parts Required
08:31 - Tank Mounting
09:39 - Installed Overview
10:43 - Solenoid Wiring
Some of our links are affiliate links and if used we will make a small commission from your purchase. It does not cost you anything to use the links.
Complete details and links to products here: ourkaravan.com/gray-water-tank/
00:00 - Introduction
01:18 - Drill hole & bulkhead
03:55 - Fabricating Brackets
05:43 - Plusnut and Tank Prep
07:35 - Parts Required
08:31 - Tank Mounting
09:39 - Installed Overview
10:43 - Solenoid Wiring
Some of our links are affiliate links and if used we will make a small commission from your purchase. It does not cost you anything to use the links.
Просмотров: 7 853
Видео
Is this the Tesla of Van Electrical Systems?
Просмотров 6 тыс.9 месяцев назад
The plug-and-play EcoFlow Power System is changing the way we build our van's electrical systems. We compare it to our own DIY lithium system. Where to buy the EcoFlow Power Kits: goaff.pro/oyptwp (2kw, 4kW, 5kW and 10kW systems available) Use coupon code "ourkaravan10" at checkout to save 10% on orders over $4k. Information on the OurKaravan EcoFlow Power Wheel Well Cabinet: ourkaravan.com/our...
Red Rock Canyon via DIY camper van
Просмотров 1,4 тыс.Год назад
In this video we visit Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area outside of Las Vegas, NV. It's spring break, a great time to visit the desert and we even get a visit from the Easter Bunny. Visit us at ourkaravan.com Instagram: our.karavan
Big Sky Country via DIY Camper Van and custom teardrop trailer
Просмотров 1,8 тыс.Год назад
In this video we spend a month exploring the "Big Country" states of Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana, as well as portions of Oregon in our DIY camper van. We visit Jackson, WY, the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone, and work our way through central and northern Montana. We then work our way south through central Idaho and over to Bend, Oregon. We hiked, paddle boarded, took boat rides, attended festival...
5 Years and $70k later, a DIY disaster?
Просмотров 49 тыс.2 года назад
Our DIY van build is now 5 years old, how has it held up? We show you the good and bad of our DIY van build. [click below for more] *Note* - Due to a change in ownership and serious decline in customer service, we can NO longer recommend Quest Overland window shades! Website: ourkaravan.com Instagram: our.karavan How to Write-ups and Videos: Window install: ourkaravan.com/windows Window shades ...
Exploring the Pacific Northwest by DIY camper van
Просмотров 4,8 тыс.2 года назад
In this video we spend 3 weeks exploring Oregon and Washington state in our DIY camper van. We visit Cape Disappointment, Olympic National Park, North Cascades National Park, Mt. Rainier National Park, Mt. Hood and the Bend/Mt. Bachelor areas. We hiked, paddle boarded, took boat rides and met up with other van lifers while on the road. 00:00 - Highlight Reel 00:56 - Travel to Oregon 01:42 - Ben...
DIY Locking Fridge Slides in an OurKaravan Cabinet Kit
Просмотров 50 тыс.3 года назад
In this video we show you how to build a locking refrigerator slide and build simple wooden drawers for overlanding or use in a van. This video is a companion video to show how to add the fridge slide to our OurKaravan 80/20 Aluminum Cabinet Kit, but is applicable to any fridge slide application. More information on our aluminum cabinet kits: ourkaravan.com/cabinet-kits Refrigerator: amzn.to/3s...
New OurKaravan 80/20 Aluminum Cabinet Kit for Vans - It's Configurable!
Просмотров 22 тыс.3 года назад
Our new 80/20 Aluminum ready-to-assemble cabinet kit is here! See more information about our available cabinet kits here: ourkaravan.com/cabinet-kits Purchase the Cabinet Kit here: store.heitek.com/products/HTA-OKV-062521-100-00 We worked with a leading distributor for 80/20 to help get you started on your van's cabinetry. Add the some pull-out drawers and wood of your choice for a truly custom...
Adjustable Shelves for 80/20 Aluminum Van Cabinets
Просмотров 10 тыс.3 года назад
In today's video we show several ways to build adjustable or fixed shelves in your van, using the advantages provided by the 80/20 aluminum framing. See our website for tons of DIY articles: ourkaravan.com If you are interested in obtaining a pre-cut, pre-machined kit of this galley cabinet frame, including all hardware for assembly, go here: Product Page: store.heitek.com/products/HTA-CSL-0113...
Family Mountain Biking and Boondocking in Sedona, Arizona
Просмотров 6 тыс.3 года назад
In this video we show you our trip from California to Flagstaff and Sedona, Arizona where we hike and bike the best trails. I’m trying something new here…rather than a vlog-style video you will be seeing a highlight reel of our favorite parts of our vacations. Please drop a comment and tell us your favorite places to ride and if you’re working with your children to develop their mountain biking...
Scopema Seat Swivel Install
Просмотров 21 тыс.3 года назад
Product link for Sprinter, Transit or ProMaster: theswivelshop.com/?ref=csju8bj9jd See our complete write up here: ourkaravan.com/seat-swivel-install/. We show you step-by-step how to install Scopema swivel seats in your Sprinter van, or any van for that matter. Swivel seats allow you to expand your living area to provide additional seating options. Products links: See write-up above Note: This...
OurKaravan Ready-to-Assemble 80/20 Cabinet Framing for Vans
Просмотров 59 тыс.3 года назад
80/20 Aluminum ready-to-assemble galley kits are here! We worked with a leading distributor for 80/20 to help get you started on your van's cabinetry. Add the drawers and wood of your choice for a truly customized look. There is no markup this kit comes at a discount compared to what you would pay for the materials, machining and installation hardware. Product Page: store.heitek.com/products/HT...
Is this the Best Bike Rack for Vanlife? (Designed for Promaster and Sprinter)
Просмотров 39 тыс.3 года назад
In this video we show you how to install a Thule door-mounted bike rack designed specifically for Promasters and Sprinters. Here are the direct links to the products: Thule Rack: amzn.to/3nKXuMW Required Adhesive: amzn.to/3nGfyaY Heavy Duty Caulk Gun: amzn.to/38DY7Ua Note: This video contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated. Please know we only promote products we actually use an...
LED Projection Movies in your Van or RV
Просмотров 9 тыс.3 года назад
We show you how we setup indoor and outdoor movies using an LED projector. For a complete list of parts used go to ourkaravan.com and click on STORE in the upper bar. In case the store is not working, here are the direct product links: LED Projector: amzn.to/38rWrvV Ball Head Mount: amzn.to/3gPKvZM Indoor 40" Screen: amzn.to/3AzOyRw Outdoor 120" Screen: amzn.to/2KwJSqW (be sure to buy the US-ma...
Exploring Salt Point, CA in a DIY Sprinter Camper Van
Просмотров 3,3 тыс.3 года назад
We explore Salt Point State Park in Northern California in our DIY Sprinter camper van. For more information on us and our van please visit us at ourkaravan.com Camera Equipment: 4K video camera: amzn.to/2DPI0pF 4K Drone: amzn.to/3iyprFp Camera mic: amzn.to/2DEQwbm Mic to Phone adapter: amzn.to/33LzJOn Lightning adapter: amzn.to/33TSFdM Camera mini-rig: amzn.to/2F9Ek2F Mini Tripod: amzn.to/33OI...
Exploring Southwest Colorado in a DIY Campervan
Просмотров 8 тыс.4 года назад
Exploring Southwest Colorado in a DIY Campervan
How to Detail a Large Vehicle (Van or RV)
Просмотров 12 тыс.4 года назад
How to Detail a Large Vehicle (Van or RV)
Simple Hot Water Shower System for Vanlife
Просмотров 69 тыс.4 года назад
Simple Hot Water Shower System for Vanlife
PVC Water Tank & Gray Water Tank - DIY Sprinter Van Build
Просмотров 86 тыс.4 года назад
PVC Water Tank & Gray Water Tank - DIY Sprinter Van Build
Dashboard USB, Dashcam Install & Keyfob Range Extension
Просмотров 15 тыс.4 года назад
Dashboard USB, Dashcam Install & Keyfob Range Extension
Ceiling Headliner and Lighting - DIY Sprinter Van Build
Просмотров 15 тыс.4 года назад
Ceiling Headliner and Lighting - DIY Sprinter Van Build
Under-Seat Storage - DIY Sprinter Van Build
Просмотров 10 тыс.5 лет назад
Under-Seat Storage - DIY Sprinter Van Build
The 2 Year Van Build. Was it worth it?
Просмотров 34 тыс.5 лет назад
The 2 Year Van Build. Was it worth it?
Finishing the Kid's Bed with Coin Flooring
Просмотров 11 тыс.5 лет назад
Finishing the Kid's Bed with Coin Flooring
Transverse Kids Bed - DIY Sprinter Van Build
Просмотров 10 тыс.5 лет назад
Transverse Kids Bed - DIY Sprinter Van Build
Using the Traction Control in Your Sprinter Van
Просмотров 13 тыс.5 лет назад
Using the Traction Control in Your Sprinter Van
Shelf and Microwave Install - DIY Sprinter Camper Van
Просмотров 20 тыс.5 лет назад
Shelf and Microwave Install - DIY Sprinter Camper Van
Aluminum and Bamboo Van Cabinetry - DIY Sprinter Van Build
Просмотров 87 тыс.5 лет назад
Aluminum and Bamboo Van Cabinetry - DIY Sprinter Van Build
Attachment Methods for Van Cabinetry (80/20 T-slot Aluminum)
Просмотров 71 тыс.5 лет назад
Attachment Methods for Van Cabinetry (80/20 T-slot Aluminum)
120V AC Wiring in a Van - DIY Sprinter Camper Van
Просмотров 26 тыс.5 лет назад
120V AC Wiring in a Van - DIY Sprinter Camper Van
Isn't there already separation filter on the original audio installation as there are door speaker and a tweeter? Why not to use it? If installing new filter I might put it inside dash and use existing wires. Much less work.
Thanks do much. Your video took alleviated most of my anxiety about taking on this installation and I'm very pleased with the result on my MAN TGE
Brilliant!!!!
What a journey!!!!💪👍
Another great and informative video!!!! Sub'd!!
Good info. But that is an E-track strap.. not L-track.
OG subscriber of 5-6 years. I did your factory speaker upgrade. You set the standard for high quality work for sure. I'm a galvanized strap gray water tank guy myself. :)
hey! great video! since the video is a few years old, I would love to hear if you had any issues with the water pump being installed under the car. I am in an area with solid amount of snow and salt during winter time and am wondering if that would be an issue
Can you just put the Gray tank on and use gravity to drain it
@ourkaravan Take a look at EternaBond tape. Way better then dicor.
Looks good.
Thank you
Thanks for the great video. I'm assembling my system using yours as a model. Question: Your link for food-grade tubing shows 1/4" inner diameter but the pump requires minimum 1/2" inner diameter. Also 1/4" inner diameter looks too small for the quick releases. Can you clarify?
Correct, the link offers many choices and you want the 1/2” inside diameter tubing
MDF is garbage, im glad you went with birch.
OG subscriber here. Your videos have been super informative and inspiring. I am adding this gray water solution shortly.
Thank you Tim, I appreciate the kind words and the support!
OG subscriber here, first video I saw was your MaxAir fan install which I followed. Love your videos, just the right level of detail and explanation, and your work is great!
Such a nice comment, thank you!
In another video you mentioned that the countertop is 1/2" plywood. Is it definitely 1/2"? Or maybe 5/8" or 3/4" plywood?
The countertop is definitely 1/2” ply. It looks thicker because there’s a layer of laminate over the top.
How much water does it hold
This one is 8.8 gallons. I was limited in total volume only by my running boards.
I was looking on your site for info on how you built your countertop but didn't see it. Maybe I was looking in the wrong place? Anyway you mentioned it was built from 1/2" plywood. A couple of questions: #1: How did you build up the edge of the countertop? It looks to be at least 3/4" Did you add a strip of solid wood around the edges? Or a strip of plywood? #2: Can you explain a bit about how you did the laminate? Or do you have a video about this? I looked for it but didn't find it. Thanks.
I used 1/2” Baltic birch and a friend helped me glue a thin veneer of bamboo over the edge to make it look like solid bamboo, trimmed it flush with the edge of the plywood with a trim router, and then put contact adhesive on the top surface of the plywood and under the Wilsonart laminate. Lay a bunch of wood dowels on the surface and working from the center out, press the laminate down while pulling the dowels. I don’t have a video on this but there should be many on RUclips. I hope this helps, it all looks just as good as the day we did it.
I used 1/2” Baltic birch and a friend helped me glue a thin veneer of bamboo over the edge to make it look like solid bamboo, trimmed it flush with the edge of the plywood with a trim router, and then put contact adhesive on the top surface of the plywood and under the Wilsonart laminate. Lay a bunch of wood dowels on the surface and working from the center out, press the laminate down while pulling the dowels. I don’t have a video on this but there should be many on RUclips. I hope this helps, it has held up well.
I have a question about the polyurethane finish you used. Has it held up well? The Benjamin Moore dealer here in California is concerned about the hardness of the bamboo affecting the adhesion of polyurethane.
Hi, we are at seven years now and the cabinets look as good as they did on day 1. I did a video a year or two back about how my van has held up over the years, which you may find helpful.
Welcome back! Love the detail of your videos, so I am happy to see you back while I am building my van. What type of switch did you use to control the ball valve?
Hi, I used a switch from Amazon that has a protective cover over it so it does not inadvertently get triggered. If you check the build section of ourkaravan.com, I did a complete write up with a parts list. I hope that helps.
@@ourkaravan found it. Thank you for the prompt reply
Any concerns about the relatively few and small mounting bolts vs the tank full of water when you hit a pothole and generate a 2+ G load? 20 gal @ 2G is 352 lbs.
None at all. The mounting and hardware I used very much resembles what comes in some of the high-priced kits sold online, and is also what I’ve seen professional builders do.
As always, I love and am eager to see what you are doing with your van. Last year I installed a grey tank and went to efforts to protect the bottom from being impacted by debris. I also needed to do this because I made a ‘cage’ to hang the tank vs straps and the protection took up the space on the tank where it is higher. Anyway, wondered if you felt any protection is needed?
Hi, the tank sits above the pinch seam and the fuel tank that sits right next to it, so I didn’t see where I would benefit from more. That said, the only real downside of protection is weight and possible build up of debris. Sounds like you did great.
Seems like that solenoid is fairly levered and heavy. Do you have anything to support it (e.g. metal strapping of some sort attached to the van frame)?
Valve weight with packaging is 1.15 lbs. Not a chance at all of issues here.
Sounds good - thanks for the intel!
@@AlexV89 you're welcome
Og
Hey when you replace the door panel is the plastic door panel trim now touching the speaker? Mine is, I might have to cut it down
Hmm, mine does not. Are you using the speaker adapter ring?
Love your videos! 4 year subscriber- I have almost the same setup on our van. One thing I would highly recommend with these electric valves is to seal the horizontal case seam with waterproof sealant. They take a lot of abuse down there and I have had some fail. Once I sealed them it stopped. I also put sealant in and around where the wires enter the case.
Good to know, thank you!
I've been here since the beginning and consider your channel one of the best camper builds. Hope to get my Sprinter some day. Thanks for the step-by-step videos!
That's a huge complement, thank you!
Great job.Who makes the tank?
Tidy style without over-emphasizing irrelevances, thank you.
Much appreciated!
It would be perfect if the structure of the drawer board could be changed.
In what way? It can be moved up or down to any position.
OG Ed here. Beautiful installation, and documentation! If you find your flow is restricted by the 90 bend below the van floor, flexible PVC will likely make the bend without kinking. Also, if you decide you want to leave the dump open for long periods, Solid makes a valve that remains open or closed in a de-energized state.
Hi Ed, thanks for following along! Even with the 90-degree elbow the system drains far quicker than my water system can provide it. And you're right, Solid makes a bunch of options, with the non-auto returning options requiring a bit more complex wiring. To anyone reading this I would definitely recommend this 1" valve as opposed to the smaller ones where the ball valve is substantially smaller than the pipe connected to it, slowing the draining process. Thanks for the comment!
Very useful upgrade. Following you for close to 6 years.bought my sprinter 4 years ago, and slowly building it. Thanks for tips and tricks and great tutorial videos over the years. But mainly, thank you for the inspiration! Cheers!
You could have also replaced the fuel tank strap bolt with a stud and nut. It would have been a lot easier to assemble. Thanks for all the great videos, I’ve been watching for years.
Certainly worth considering for anyone reading this.
Not OG, but following along for ~4 years or so. Your build quality is so impeccable every step of the way and it's something I strive to get close to in my own build, so it was validating to see the same valve I purchased a while ago show up in this video. =) Now I just need to put it in...Your presentation style is also comforting to watch. Keep it up, thanks for all the videos so far.
Thank you, I very much appreciate the kind words!
Hey Ken, great to see ya👍
Great to see another video!
Ken, great to see your still improving your van. Another of many excellent van build videos.
thank you
Also, the quiet giggling was quite cute.
Excellent information and video production Ken, well done and we fellow DIY builders thank you.
Nice work, looks really clean and professional. For the unused hole, I attached a spigot in case of the seloid valve failure.
Welcome back Ken
Still love the look of your van.
thank you
Van still looks amazing after 8 years. Next week I'm moving my gray tank from inside to under the passenger side. I'm cheating a bit and using a tank from nwconversions that includes the straps for my Transit.
Not cheating at all; thanks Bill!
Kennys back!!
Fancy solenoid drain! Well done!
One assumes you didn't just start drilling through your floor from above, but rather, picked a spot underneath and first drilled a pilot hole upward, to use as a guide for the larger hole coming down?
It took me a while to figure out the orientation and why the lower floor is so much different than up above. In short, I sent a small pilot hole down from the top once I had a good idea where it would end up. As it turns out, I was off enough that the nut would not have gone on the bulkhead. Luckily that pilot hole was within the size of the 1-3/4" hole.
Finally getting better angle shots after eight years heh....😂 van looks terrific 👌
Thanks! 😃
OG here. 2017 Transit. And that was really cool. Thanks Ken!
Awesome, thank you for following along all of these years! -Ken
Nice job, Ken! I love the electronic solenoid dump. Genius.
Thanks Pete...the solenoid dump has sort of become a standard now--sure beats crawling under the van to open a valve. I watched one of your sandrail videos the other day....fun stuff!
I've been here for the whole ride! I was always impressed with the quality you've engineered into your "Getaway Machine"... I'm looking forward to more content in the future!!! All the best, M-
Thank you for the kind words and for following along!