Sooo which van do y’all prefer? 🤔 🚐

The ekko from the future

@Conner Long my favretet too

Where’s the link to buy the 150k one?

Your van!

Your van!

Y’all are the ONLY YouTube channel that I never feel the need to skip any parts of the videos. Kara’s editing is just amazing and I hope one day I find my own Nate!

That's so funny, I was telling my brother I had to skip most of it. LOL

@Fred Penner exactly

All his clutzy accidents are annoying. It's very cheesy acting don't you think?

ikr

Yes, the $150k van is nice with some really useful features (many of which you could fit into your van too, if you wanted to), but there is one thing that a professionally build custom van like this can't offer. The satisfaction of building your own van, of being able to say, "I made this with my own hands"! There is something special in living in a van that you've build from scratch. 😉

That's the beauty of custom build vans, @Eric Draven. Everybody can do it the way they like. Depending on your needs, specifications, know-how (there are plenty of people out there who have the knowledge and expertise to build their own van to more than half-assed quality) and budget you design it, build it yourself, have it built, whatever fits your personal needs. 👍🏽😉 Out of interest. Did you have your van built? How much did it cost? Did you like how it turned out? 🙂

I’d rather have a professionally built van to my specifications and have it done right than attempt to do it myself half ass.

The expensive van certainly has some great thought through features. For my personal preference its packed with too much thenological luxury but there certainly are a few things worth considering when building your own van.

The retractable bed would be a great addition but hopefully you wouldn’t have to sacrifice the size of the bed, definitely like the interior look of your van though! Nice work!!

Many of the convenience features in the Revel can also be added to a self-build so if you have the time, skill and energy, self building will get you a heck of a lot of bang for the buck. Also, if you're going to do induction cooktops, realistically you need a big lithium ferrous battery pack, lead-acid just doesn't cut it.

You know what also feels great, having not spent 100,000$ more to get to the same place

Plus its also way way too overpriced. Not worth 150k. My total van build was 37K and it has more features and looks better. And i'm a mediocre craftsman so that says a lot🤣 I have no clue why and how its this expensive in the US are perhabs importation?

Harder to get a DIY build insured. And, the time delay to build. How much is that time and effort worth to you?

@Jeremy Weiner That’s with any vehicle and you don’t see too many people driving around 150k cars either.

@Jesse Cole post yours

@Simon Baker no thanks

Great Video - My daughter and her husband are building their Transit conversion, as we speak. I thought your "errors" were valuable to the story, and the idea that you still like your van best is fab! I like your van best, too.

Great video... thanks. I've never had a van, period, but plan to get one $40K or less in a year or two. I don't think the $100K vans are any better than a well-planned van build. I also liked seeing the comparison between the Nature's Head and the cassette toilets. I think the Nature's Head is gross to empty - yuck, don't want to deal with that at all. I'm planning to build a plain box with a Home Depot bucket, trash bag, and use coco coir or some natural product to prevent odors. Much easier to throw in the trash at a gas station or store.

For the fabulous job of showing, explaining and enthusiasm, the lovely people at so $150k company should gladly hand over keys to a new one for you both. The both of you advertised this vehicle way better than any tv commercial that said company would have paid the same amount for some actor/actress. From a marketing point of view, well done Kara n Nate!

I think the most interesting about their van is the 4x4 ! So useful in some areas in the states. I also love the way to empty the toilet and the easy access to water and the mosquito protection but I would prefer your van on 4x4 wheels lol

I can’t afford the $40,000 van idk why I’m watching this

Keep watching it. You say you can’t afford it. Well that’s rn. Don’t let that defeat you. Take it from someone with no college and didn’t graduate high school. I make 100 thousand a year rn and still trying to move up. Have the energy and the drive to achieve more for yourself. I’d rather work my ass off to relax at 50 then to be those people still working at 70

🤣 love it

Lmao.

Where do you live

Throw a couple bucks at crypto once a week especially defi :P drippen ;)

You could take what you liked from the Revell and implement it into your van. The bed lift system is $9K, $5k for the window flares, adding more power with panels and batteries for the induction and AC Unit $2-3k, 12v AC unit $4k, legless awning $2.4k, and a bug screen like that one would be $600. It would be an extra $24k but you'd still have everything you like about your van get the things you liked about that van for still less than half the price.

The bed lift system could easily be achieved for probably under a thousand using an electric winch, shackles, and some snatch block pulleys

Thank you, this post was very informative. I’m on the cusp of choosing between a house or van life so knowing some of the pro’s and con’s before I start is a lifesaver. In the last few months I’ve watched hundreds of van conversion posts on YouTube and you guys are the first to mention having a safe for all the expensive electrics and valuables, it’s should’ve been obvious but as a pre-newbie it hadn’t crossed my mind!! Do you or have you thought of putting an Ebook on how to convert vans? Thank you and I’ve subscribed.x

I was thinking the same thing. Like they could patent and then license their storage safe idea with Mercedes Benz or Winnebago or Airstream. And I second the tips ebook.

Interesting, We are still in the process of stripping and converting a van. One of the things that I have constantly wondered is why people use so much material to construct storage and shrink their storage capabilities? Why so much is constructed with boards and at least half an inch of thickness? Pull out pantry seems legit and canvas folding ceiling cubbies and cloth or canvas closet would constitute less weight and bulk. Toilet/Shower that is open and usable as a seat until it needs other uses (you don't use it anyway, for the most part. A table that was lockable and angle spring loaded to raise and lower would alleviate your reluctance to restore it to multiple use. So, for my liking, after living in a mobile home my entire youth, RVing, camping, and military I've become very utilitarian and bulk aware. I'm going to attempt to record my experience and present it when I can. Thanks for your video.

@Sapioit CoVid

Now you have made me really curious how such a setup would look and how much it would cost (in money and space), and I'm sad that you don't already have a video about it.

I love your van! It has so many more windows. I especially like how the bed/table area has windows all the ways around so you can really see the beauty around you. These van videos make me nostalgic for the days when I was growing up and our family had an RV.

I definitely like the upgraded van because of all the extra functions and additions but I m not sure the extra price is worth it.

That was so much more helpful than a typical van tour. Thank you!

Great video, nice to make those comparisons. As the craftsman that you both are, it seems that many of those features other than 4x4, could be incorporated into your van for far far less $.

I think a lot more people will start van living because of the outrageous house prices

Sure the fancier one is nicer, but aside from the 4 wheel drive, it is about $25k nicer. A lot of the things you liked could easily be retro fit onto your van pretty easily.

I enjoyed your review. I'm looking into a Sprinter 4x4 170 and the details you highlighted are definitely helpful. I don't have $150K to spend all at once, but I don't need everything at once, so I can plan better mine using your comments. Thanks, it was a very helpful review.

Great video, as usual! I love that you are so real about everything (like the black water). We prefer our truck camper for the drawbacks you point out with either vans. Have to pass on that when I tell my wife about one of your videos I preface it by saying, "They are the couple that got on the wrong bus at Taksim Square in Istanbul." We did it and can't understand because the buses were so well marked. BUT, we have made other mistakes on our travels! Keep up the good work!!!!!

The problem I see with a factory RV is trying to get exact replacement parts later. With a homebuilt it will have universal parts.

Owning an RV is amazing. Yes there are problems, but I simply love my Airstream. So yeah, I get that Kara and Nate love theirs. Because we all want something unique. I've seen an RV designed for rough off roading. How cool is that? Great video and this is a great reminder that you don't need every gadget, the most expensive of anything to have some serious fun. Great video guys.

Great video! You might also mention that the Revel is a 4-season RV with insulation all around, and dual pane windows in the back, as well as the diesel fueld hydronic heater / heating system

To think a fully loaded Denali could reach 80 grand just to get point A to point B in style ,that revel would be my choice in a heartbeat if I had the cash to throw down,thanks for the review guys!

One small thing I love is the big roll down blind at the back. That’s so much easier than individual blinds

First time viewing the channel. One thing you can gain from this is taking those things you liked about the rental and incorporating them into your van. Look forward to viewing more of your content.

That was great video I've always wondered what you get for 175K in real world scenario. The Revel is amazing but yours looks beautiful in comparison. I think for 175k Winnebago need to offer a bespoke interior design for better aesthetics. Well done and thanks! :)

We loved being able to just push a button and watch the bed disappear up when we hired a van to drive around Europe. So satisfying and the driver’s seats swivelling round to make extra seating is such a bonus! Love the outside options on this van, looks so user friendly😍

@xhafts damn

@Megan Rosbury we booked it with a company called Just Go. They’re in England but we collected the van in Tuscany then drove it back through 10 European countries and back to England. It was a brand new van and very affordable as we were delivering their new van to them. Highly recommend😊

What company did you use to do that? I’m curious for my vacation but concerned about cost

What an amazing van this is! Thank you very much for introducing it to us! It must be great to drive around the country in a car like this. I wish I could have the chance to try it someday.

So I wanted to ask you guys, when you travel abroad in the USA do you get scared at night being alone at some of these camp sites or being out in the woods?

I'm planning to build one myself, so it's quite good to watch these kinds of vids of things I must try to put in the van

Welp good luck

I'm planning to build one myself, so it's quite good to watch these kinds of vids of things I must try to put in the van

Welp good luck

NEVER IN MY LIFE did I think I'd watch a video that describes VANS! It's weird how much I love these people! I just sit there and watch like my friends are talking about something they are excited about 😂

You and I, both . I just sat and watched the entire thing, and I'm not sure why. I'm not one to live in a van or a full size rv. I prefer hotels or either of my houses.

same, not intenting to buy or ride but here I am watching till the end like they're talking about my van. :))

TRUTH 😂

@Kara and Nate thanks for not giving up during the pandemic! Watching you travel the country ...while I travel from the kitchen to the bedroom ...made me feel much better 😂😂😂

😂😂😂😂 thanks for sticking with us!!

Love the van. I love watching you guys on your travels around the world

Thanks again Nate and Kara for taking our revel out. We'd love to have you back to check out the 2022 version which is a little better :)

I like your van much better as well. Love all the white in your van :-) Love the 4 wheel drive on the overpriced van. We have a 21’ RoadTrek with a King bed, just LOVE IT! Happy travels :-)

Love the content! Keep up the good work!

I literally couldn’t wait to click this video. I love y’all and your content so much! Thank you for keeping my travel bug tamed amidst this pandemic

Very good video comparing the two vans! Enjoyed & learned from it.

U guys are super good. Best video so far about van life. Good rhythm, fun, keep it up

Honestly, a lot of the pro features you could install yourself on your existing sprinter van for around $20 or less, I think. For example, you could install an overflow valve to the top of the water tank under the van, and you could add a side-door for the toilet, emptying, and you could use a folding table, and you could either add zippers to the existing bug net or buy a new one with zippers already on, and you could move the manual valve of the water tank to closer to the outside of the vehicle, so you could more easily reach to open or close it, and add sturdier cup holders, and buy or build a table which you can use on the bed (maybe even connecting it with the frame of the vehicle, to not knock it down by accident), add more seatbelts, use a slab of wood to cover the sink to have it usable as table space, add safety locks for the fridge and for shelves, add a folding door to your bathroom, and please add a wind turbine to your vehicle (you would be surprised how useful it is, especially in windy areas, and there are portable and foldable versions).

Greate

Nice language

What? Have you added a wind turbine? Tell me about this please.

@Sascha Z he should of gotten the newer ones that have mad luxury shit inside feels those you can get for 170k-200k and it looks way better inside than this hunk of junk

That opening valve of the grey water tank is the only think I think is really bad on their van. Everything else is mint. But that valve is way to small and why would one build it so you need to lay on the ground to open it ? So much room for improvement there. But like I said. Otherwise perfect build 👌

This was fun. It is a good comparison in the sense of pro-built vs conversion. I felt you captured the different pros and cons which different people will weigh differently. The Revel is really a bit more outlander or off grid purposed van, too. The big difference I think is the personalized and homey feel of your van. Plus, if you pay someone enough you could do more upgrades to it.

Guys it must be difficult to have to CONSTANTLY come up with content to keep us entertained. This was a great video.

The main issue I have with a "real" RV conversion van is that it doesn't feel like a home. No matter where you look, where you feel, what you use, it all feels like just cheap RV material. Where I would rather have a van (like yours) because it looks and feels like someone put a small home in a van with with the more standard style appliances and such.

that van is amazing and expensive too! well that's what they say, "you get what you pay for." lately I've been looking to camper vans and taking interest to them especially with the apartment rents is getting higher here in Las Vegas and its just a back up plan than becoming homeless. enough said! this a great video and thanks for sharing! keep safe

You guys are too funny! Love that you leave in your bloopers. I will be starting my trip touring China in an RV in March. Will be camping, Cycling and cooking throughout China and documenting my journey on YouTube and several other platforms.

Can I just say even tho I prefer gaming YouTubers I love ur exploring casual fun content I never skip any parts of the videos Keep up the good work

Definitely would take the cheaper one and do some custom stuff, thanks for the video

12:52 this is so relatable for me because when we first got our caravan I was sitting sideways on the toilet because otherwise I wouldn’t fit with the wall in the way. After a while someone in my family turned it and kept it that way so that’s the only reason I found out😅

You're van is a lot nicer looking. I think overall, I'd still take your van. More storage, nicer looking, and a lot of the "more convenient" aspects of the other van you could do if you decided you wanted to.

Dope video! Your van definitely looks wayyyyyyy less more factory. Look like a home, great video! I stayed the whole thing !

I think you should get the $150k van and Vlog your way through Europe...2022!?

Yea

@Mikael Kajala exiting

@Charles in Charge I estimate 4 minutes 👀

@Kara and Nate GETTTTTT ITTTTTTTTT

@Kara and Nate do it

Great video... thanks! As a single woman who wants a camper van, I think I'll end up spending more just to get a van with an easy way to get rid of waste and gray water. I will not be crawling on the ground to reach underneath the van for anything. :)

The real advantage of the expensive van is the 4x4. The rest can be found in any 40/50 thousand euro van. Indeed, you also find better layouts ...

Honestly, I prefer mine not so fancy, but I built it with a lot of the practicality in mind. Great video!

Hey Kara and Nate, great content! Love the energy too! What company did you rent the revel through out of curiosity?

to be honest, I like your van and the layout of everything much much more!

Since the retractable bed appears to be the coolest feature, where can I find the parts to build it myself?

Honestly some those features are great but also so obtainable still. 12k for a 4x4 conversion. Those bug screens are like 300 to 500. Latter not a lot of money. Power awning 2500, the rest of the small stuff that you like outside shower and control panel and the plumbing for tank fill up and disposal all can be a achieved probably another thousand or 2. So probably 20k more for a total of 60k overall you could have most of those super nice features.

2:55, Nate finally got what he wanted!! So happy for yous

Awesome video, appreciated the thorough look on these 2 vans. Subscribed.

Now that you know what you're missing in your van, change it. Take the time out to really have those upgrades made. It's your home! If you are going to continue on in the van, I'd say its worth it.

Yeah, the greywater spout-relocate it to the outside edge or have a spout extension (rubber hose) that empties closer to the ground to avoid splatter.

@India Trip اوكي

Agree! At least most of the little things can be hacked for their own van. And some of the bigger perks (the elevator bed!) are worth looking into for professional re-fitting... there's got to be a pretty good return on the investment when trying to re-sell it?

Can you guys do more tours I enjoy it

Kara and Nate were made for each other they are a perfect couple

Omg the windows on the rebel are fire ! That whole van is actually extremely well thought out I must say.

The 4x4 alone is worth quite a lot more considering where you can go with it.

One thing to consider: I've seen DIY conversion vans with essentially house cabinets and tile, which are not designed for 60mph collisions and they disintegrate into a flying cloud of razor sharp debris, often riddled with nails. The 150k sprinter is probably better designed for impact given the molded/recessed integration, but that also assumes everything is stowed properly, too.

Yeah I saw the tile in their diy van and could only think about how it would turn into shrapnel if they got in an accident.

Poor focus.

I work for a car company and know some guys who have to test the splitter effects of cherry wood and other expensive woods in the cockpit with crash tests and so on (yes we sell expensive cars). But I think the most custom build Vans have another travel to stay ratio than professional caravans like shown in this video. If you are able to buy such a van, I think you don't need to live in it.

This is what I came here to say. Not only the safety aspect, but MPG in a purpose built van with lighter materials is going to be better. Tile and real wood cabinets, etc. weigh A LOT and some materials (like tile) aren't built to take the bumping shaking, that is why they use linoleum or vinyl in trailers, etc.

I know it’s really expensive but I think this would be. Such a nice van

Just lookin at this makes me wonder if there was any planning done on the first van or not. I'm not judging cause we've all been there once or twice with how things turned out. But a few pointers here could easily have been done to their own from start or upgraded easily for little cost.

Most home furnaces are full on or off as well. It's just the thermostat that allows you to set a temperature. I'm sure you can just change your thermostat.

Kara and Nate time designing and building RV’s: 62 years You guys did great! Winnebago should consult with you guys!

Great video! We are currently converting a promaster ourselves. Random question but the flight board at the beginning of this video....where did you get that template!? So epic!

This is what I wanted to see ..one of the coolest vans I've ever seen

Keep your $40k van ... Spend some of the $100k on upgrades to what you already have, and then you have a TON more money to travel with!! I do love the amenities the $150k van has (bathroom waste removal). They thought of everything! You need a roof deck though!!

They make AC swamp coolers that are super energy efficient and run on 12v so it's perfect for off-grid life

"Gives you just enough room to mount the bed horizontally"... Yeah, I hate those vertical beds.

@dotordot Tape? That’s a new one I usually use my Velcro sheets and pajamas.

Yeah bruv, i hate sleeping on my vertical bed held in place by tape

I can't sleep in those vertical beds.

Haha - I needed a laugh:)

Be the Borg.

I love your videos! They make me so happy !!

gezes this is well done...my first time watching this channel. the clips, like the dude freezing make coffee and the propane mess, are really well done and well timed. honestly, really good stuff. maybe it is because i just spent 20 minutes watch some shitty canadian news channel?!

I like more your van interior design and colors. The short van it’s so expensive have a little nice details but you can make your van better without spend to much.

Take a look at the Crosstrek 20xg that is a B+ for around $79K brand new. Much more room and decent gas mileage. There are many new B+ types coming out.

You two look like you are so much fun. I have watched a few of your recent videos, and this may be the first YouTube channel I want to go back and watch from the beginning. While you have "bloops" at the end, I love how you leave some scattered throughout the videos. It's a much more natural and fun feel than so many more generic van tour videos.

yeah agreed

4171: I wonder if u could make side van windows just pop out tiny bit locked 1 mark popped out or two depending on how much breeze venting needed/wanted driving or not biggest factor vent setting.

Love your channel. Kara, Nate you're great!

Save your money. The van you two built is one of the nicest I've ever seen. You can always swap out the toilet, stove, etc. for ones you like better, but you'll still have a much more workable floorplan, including a bathroom that was actually built to accommodate a human being.

Honestly I think a lot of the points for the expensive one come from the fact that it was engineered by professionals while you built yours yourselves with a rough idea of what you'd need (in terms of space and storage). Now you actually know exactly what you need and want... so I think if you could totally build your perfect van for a fraction of the cost. $150.000 for a car is just outrageous in my opinion.

What would it entail to build a drop down bed into your van?

Really excellent video. I am getting a Sprinter as a mobility vehicle, so thought this was relatable.

i would love to have something like that to live an travel in

Seriously love you guys so much! The safe and charging system in your van is genius!

I prefer the one that you toured in this one as this one has more space but I love your van as it is so nice and cosy so it’s a close call. Depends how big of a family you have!

i thought a cubicle or shower curtain was going to come out of the back door somewhere for the shower. A showerhead holder would have been so easy to do

honestly if you are living in a van full time i think it’s worth an extra 100k

17:40 i always set my heater (looks like it's the same than yours) to a temperature and let it sit there. It does automatically turn off when the temperature is reached and turn on again when it needs to. Thats what they are made for. Ok, i set it to 15°C and i'm having arround 20°C for real, but it's only an offset you need to deal with. There is an other possible mistake you made installing it which causes the temperature sensor of the heater to not work propperly. If you install it to suck air from outside the van, it constantly measures the temperature outside and it thinks the temperature you wanna have is not reached yet. That, and the fact that you are wasting energy when sucking air in and letting the warm air out somewhere, is why you should install it to suck the air from inside. It can measure the inside temperature and work propperly. And it can not suck in it's own exhaust gases this way ;-)

I think it would still cost less when you upgrade your van with all the features you wanted from the rented van, no?

You should do it

yes

Add the elevating bed, some cupholders and the AC+a generator. Would improve your comfort tenfold.

@Don Fisher no state taxes

no good on long haul hwy's at 70mph.@My Auction Addiction Estate Sales

Great video of comparing vans, wasn’t boring and I enjoyed the insight. Thank. You

I'll start living in a van as soon as I can find a wife as fine as yours willing to live like this. :D

Very Insightful review...esp since you have had that long term experience. I would go with a custom van, though more sweat eq in it, you get what you need.