How I Converted A VAN into an OFF GRID CAMPER for under $3,000
Anna's Analysis Anna's Analysis
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 Published On Sep 4, 2018

Here’s a time-lapse of me converting my 1997 Chevy Gladiator into a cozy, livable space. It’s a pretty simple build but I’m here to prove that you don’t need to have any experience in building things to make yourself a nice little home in a vehicle. AND you can do it pretty inexpensively as well…

check out my website page where I list all the the supplies I use and give very in depth instructions on how I did the conversion:

» VAN CONVERSION PAGE: https://annasanalysis.wixsite.com/ann...

Prepping for the conversion:    • Prepping for my Van Conversion  
Buying a van:    • I bought a van to road trip in!  
Van Tour:    • 1997 Chevy Gladiator Van Tour  

How I saved up + made $$:    • How I Saved Up $$ to do VAN LIFE afte...  

First Day in the Van:    • the first day of van life!  
the only vlog i enjoyed making (Badlands):    • Made it to THE BADLANDS  
Seattle vlog:    • A few days in SEATTLE 🏙 | Van Life  
Grand Tetons:    • Exploring the GRAND TETONS 🏔  
Black Hills:    • Exploring the BLACK HILLS ⛰  
First couple days in the van/Minnesota:    • Exploring Myre Big Island State Park!  
Van Life Q&A:    • answering your questions about van life!  
Pros and Cons of Van Life:    • The Pros and Cons of Living in a Van  
Meal Ideas:    • Video  
How I dealt w/ my period:    • How I Deal With My PERIOD doing Van Life  

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» TABLE OF CONTENTS:

0:00 - Intro
3:53 - INSTALLING THE FAN
4:34 - MOUNTING THE SOLAR PANELS
5:25 - WIRING PANELS INTO THE VAN
6:21 - FLOOR & DOOR INSULATION
8:23 - INSTALLING THE SUBFLOOR
10:02 - WALL & CEILING INSULATION
12:54 - WHEEL BOXES
13:47 - BUILDING THE BED
15:55 - BUILDING THE KITCHEN
20:09 - CEILING
23:03 - WALLS
27:54 - FLOORING & BED STORAGE
29:55 - ELECTRICAL
36:14 - DOOR PANELS
37:50 - WINDOW COVERS
39:44 - END RESULT & TOTAL COST

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PLEASE READ BEFORE DOING YOUR OWN BUILD!!

1. it is important to use grommets where the holes are for the solar panel wires to come into the van so the metal of the roof doesn't cut through the wires protective coat. I didn't use any because i couldn't find any but you can order them online if you can't find any in stores.

2. i do say in the video that i recommend putting fuses between all electrical components. its a long story but in my situation i didn't really have that option.

3. if i had to go back and do one thing more carefully it would be the window covers. If you make ones the same way as mine, try to make them as perfect as possible, and a little bigger than needed. I've found if I leave them up in the morning for a bit and the sun starts to shine on them, they can actually fall out. One of my back ones and one side door one have done that and those were the ones that fit best. If you mess up you can always duct tape more cardboard where needed!

4. The battery I have is actually 'sealed' not 'GEL' as a few commenters have told me.. i tried doing research and its not super clear anywhere which it is but I'm like 90% sure it's sealed so I did change the battery indicator light on the cc.

5. For most, it will be important to strap the battery down. Many people have told me that I should've done that and I see where they're coming from but it's really highly unlikely that even if my van flipped in an accident than it would even go in there, it doesn't have really anywhere to go considering its secured tightly on all the sides and the bed frame extends over it.

6. Like i say in the video, i do know the carbon monoxide is not in the best spot but i did read the manual and according to all the places it said you shouldn't put it, theres literally not a single place in the van that would be ideal.

7. Some people have told me to cover the battery terminals so if something falls on them, nothing bad happens, so I would recommend doing that.

8. Dicor Lap Sealant is a stronger, more reliable caulk to use in place of silicone when it comes to things covering hole in the van like around the fan, panels, and panel cables.

9. Many have told me fiberglass insulation is not good to use in vehicles because it will get moldy from the moisture but the insulation i used was what came in and got ripped out of the van. It had been in there since 1997 with no mold so it seems like it should be fine for a bit longer.

10. All the products I use and show in the video like my fridge and solar panels are listed on my website.

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» IG:   / annas_analysis  
» website: https://annasanalysis.wixsite.com/ann...

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❂ Music

Vibrant - Lofive
Good For You - THBD
Stay Around - THBD
Runaway - THBD
Courage - Calico Cactus
Satellite - Onda Norte
Skylight - APOLLO
Dryland - Nebulae
Too Bad - Lakey Inspired
Getaway - Lakey Inspired
Leaves - [ocean jams]

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