My Favorite Easy Upgrades - Simple DIY Camper Van

My favorite Easy Upgrades to our Simple DIY Camper Van

(Quick tour of the Outside)-

Here's a quick tour of the Outside of the Great White Buffalo.

There's some pretty easy upgrades that can be done.

These are my favorites!

They aren't too expensive either.

Check Out My Cockpit! Great White Buffalo Van Tour

There's lots of cool gadgets in here. Everything has a purpose!

Here's some links in case you're interested:
Cockpit Stuff:
Torque Lite (OBD2 & Car)App https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.prowl.torquefree&hl=en
iKKEGOL OBD II/ OBD2 Bluetooth Mini V2.1 bluetooth For Multi-brands
Works On Android Torque
http://amzn.to/1NO9sAu $12.00
 Uniden BEARCAT CB Radio With Sideband And WeatherBand (980SSB)
http://amzn.to/1P0xwB2 $110.00
 Sony MEXN5000BT CD Car Stereo Receiver with Bluetooth, NFC Pairing & App Remote SmartPhone Control
http://amzn.to/1NO9Crv $63.00 
7" LED Backlight TFT LCD Monitor for Car Rearview Cameras,
Car DVD, Surveillance Camera, STB, Satellite Receiver and other Video Equipment
http://amzn.to/1P0xOaU $25.00

Inside the Great White Buffalo- Our Simple Camper Van Tour

Quick tour of the inside-
Here's a quick tour of the inside of the Great White Buffalo.
It's empty right now, just to give you an idea of the amount of space.
I think of the van interior in two sections. The rear area and the cockpit.
The cockpit, is a video unto itself. 

5 Ways to Start Your Van. Dead Batteries are for Suckers!

5 ways to start my van. 

Dead Batteries are for suckers!

Jumpstart your car / Don't get Stranded

Something to consider when you decide to build a campervan or hit the road if you have a van.

You might want to consider how you would start your vehicle if you were alone with no help.

I use being stranded in the desert as a scenario environment for most every possible bad luck situation.

If my battery was dead and I was stuck in the desert how would I get back to civilization?

I also like the idea of being over prepared. So, I currently have 5 ways to start my van if the battery is 

dead or weak. 

Links-

MinnKota Trolling Motor Power Center

http://amzn.to/1TuEvRR 

Stanley BC8S 8 Amp Battery Charger/Maintainer

http://amzn.to/1LXr4UK 

Schumacher XP750C 750 Peak Amp Instant Portable Power Source

http://amzn.to/1TuESff

ECO-WORTHY Polycrystalline Solar Panels 5 Watt 12 Volt 5w 12v Solar Module Home Charging

http://amzn.to/1QpKyHY 

HEAVY DUTY 300 amp 8 gauge No Tangle Battery Booster cables 10 feet with FREE travel case Jumper Cables Extra long 10ft

http://amzn.to/1TuFjGd

Why we chose our Van (Our Simple Camper Van Series)

When we decided to choose our DIY Camper Van, the Great White Buffalo- we looked at different types of Vans. 

We weighed the options based off of what was important to us. 

We had certain criteria and were fortunate enough to find a van matching all of our criteria.

We've been travelling all over the great American Southwest in it and it's been amazing so far.

This video is the first in a series of how and why we made our campervan. 

The primary goal was to make it simple, inexpensive and functional. 

That's exactly what we did.

Rather than show you how to make your own camper / van dwelling van, I'm going to show you what we did.

There's a wealth of videos out there for constructing your own van.

There's no right or wrong way, just make it YOURS.

DIY Windshield Wiper Fluid- Winter Mix

Here's a quick and easy DIY or How To.. Making your own winter mix windshield washer fluid. It's a winter mix that I've used for a long time. Works great...

Almost time for a fall camping trip. DIY campervan=freedom

Almost time for a fall camping trip.

Almost time for another weekend adventure. #greatwhitebuffalo #adventurevan #adventuremobile #diy #campervan #vancamping #dodge #vanconversion

A photo posted by Greg (@cheapgeek1) on Oct 20, 2015 at 7:18am PDT

Make a Simple Camper Van. Go Places.

The Great Buffalo at the Soda Dam in Jemez, New Mexico.
We spend the weekends going to see what New Mexico has to offer.

#TakeTrips
#TakePictures

3 Most Important things to carry in your Van, DIY Campervan, RV or Motor...

These are the 3 most important things to carry in your DIY campervan, rv, camper etc.
A smoke alarm, carbon monoxide detector and a fire extinguisher.
I decided to go ahead and install mine since we like plan on camping in the winter time
and we will be using a propane heat source.
The smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector together are less than $20.00 off Amazon.
I like the size of both of them and they should work nicely.

The smoke detector is a photoelectric smoke detector.
Steer away from Ion smoke detectors, they can take longer to 
alarm and they aren't as sensitive as the photoelectric versions.

The carbon monoxide detector has a lcd screen on it, that will allow
you to actually have a reading of how many parts per million (ppm) you are being exposed to. 
The LCD screen also changes to RED when dangerous levels of CO is detected.

As far as the installation of these safety items goes- follow the manufacturer's instructions. 
Here's the Amazon Link, if you're interested-
Smoke Detector- http://amzn.to/1Lj7y8j
Carbon Monoxide Detector- http://amzn.to/1MNz7cl
Smoke Detector Information: $9.99
Made by - Gotideal 
Specs: 
*Battery-operated smoke detector with photoelectric sensor
*Smoke alarm sounds with a volume of up to 85 dB 
*Battery-operated smoke alarm, a 9-volt battery included
*1 year warranty.

Carbon Monoxide Detector Information: $9.99
Made by- Floureon
*LCD Display with Blue Back light. 
*Loud 85 decibel alarm,*
*Permanent Carbon Monoxide Sensor 
*Alarm Sound Pattern is Three Short Alarm Beeps. 
*Red LED Will Flash While in the Alarm Mode.
*One chirp every 30 seconds indicates battery is low 
*Test/Reset button to test the unit 
*Green and red LED lights that indicate normal operation and alarm status
*Red LED: When Dangerous levels of carbon monoxide is detected- the red LED will pulse and a loud alarm pattern will sound.

Wheel Simulators! for the DIY Camper Van. Cheap! Looks Good!

Instead of spending about $600.00 on new rims for the DIY Camper Van, I went the route of the wheel simulator...
(They are plastic with a chrome finish.)
I'd rather spend the money on Solar panel stuff anyway.

Here's the ones I used.
They are surprisingly good for the cost.
They make the van look really good.
I didn't think I would like the look. 
I was wrong.  :)

Here's the Specs:

Oxgord 16" 8 Lug Rv Dual Chrome Wheel Simulators Skins Rim Covers Hub Caps Steel Wheels - 
SET of 4 16" Chrome Wheel Covers for 8-lug Steel Wheels

Here's a link to where I bought them of Amazon, if you're interested..read the reviews decide for 
yourself. 
http://www.amazon.com/Oxgord-Chrome-S...

My Simple DIY CamperVan needs to be more manly....

I wanted the van to have a more zombie / mad max kind of look. 
So, I added a manly bull bar, bully bar, brush guard, light bar, push bar thing to the Dodge Van. 


Evidently, this type of installation isn't a direct bolt on. 
So I had to do it myself. Looks nifty and I like it. 

Here's a link to the bull bar on Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Premium-Black-B...

I hate clutter in my soon to be Camper Van. Here's a Dollar Store Fix.

I hate clutter.
So I opted for a Dollar Store solution.








I like this idea. Using this container with a lid.
Plus, it's sturdier than the DollarTree trashcan.

Check out my new ride Now! New Paint makes a difference!

We decided to buy a 2002 Dodge 3500 Ram Van.

It was a senior assisted living van with 78,00 miles on it. 

The paint was rough and it looked awful.

Being a commercial van, it came equipped with a high roof, maintenance records,

and the price was right. 

Our Goal was-

1. As new as possible within our budget. 
2. Mechanically sound
3. A High roof and extended length.
4. Mechanically sound
5. Mechanically sound

Doesn't look snazzy..

We're not trying to draw undue attention to ourselves. 

It won't be an eyesore for long.

(Here's a video of us seeing it after it was painted)

This van fit the bill.

Since,it was under our budget and we decided to have it painted. 

I've painted automobiles in the past. 

But,I wasn't going to paint this huge van.

So we decided to have MAACO paint it. 

It was around $1000.00 and it took 3 days. 

Very Nice!
The paint was worth it.
It made the van look completely different.
The new paint and some minor upgrades, completely changes people's opinion of what they "Think" you're all about.
People can be terrible sometimes. Especially with preconceived notions.

Uses for an Old Android smart phone? I have a couple ideas..

Uses for an Old Smart Phone? I have a couple ideas..
I have an older phone that has an issue with the touchscreen.
Aside from that it works very well.
Rather than let it just dwindle away, I put it to work.
I use this phone when I'm travelling. 
It works well for what it is.
So, here a couple of things I do with old cell phones.

USB Chargers! Here's My Favorites for under $10.00

USB Chargers! My Favorites....
Here's a link to the USB Chargers seen in this video.
Chargers don't have to be single purpose or boring...
Here's my favorites under $10.00
They are multipurpose and work well...

Creative Edge USB Charger with the the blue LED screen
http://amzn.to/1A44TwP

Rocketek® 4.8A/24W 4 port USB Car Charger monitor
http://amzn.to/1DvxdI6

Here's a Random Quad Copter-
http://amzn.to/1C8BjBe

Maxboost 4.4A/22W 2-Port USB Car Charger
http://amzn.to/1DSOpVR

How To Install Roof Basket Cargo Carrier on a Chevy Trailblazer!

How To Install Roof Basket Cargo Carrier on a Chevy Trailblazer!
It was quick and easy and not too pricey!
We picked up the Curt 18115 Roof Mounted Cargo Rack
off of Amazon. Good Reviews so far.
Very easy to install, looks good!

Here's a link if you're interested:
http://amzn.to/1EXizeS

Best Mirror Ever! Wink Rearview Mirror Install and Review

Wink Rearview Mirror Install and Review -Awesome mirror!
I was tired of trying to re-glue my rearview mirror back in place....
I bought a wide panelled mirror to replace it.
I've been really happy with this mirror.
It works well, crazy wide angle of view and the cost was reasonable. 

Here's a link to Amazon if you're interested-
http://amzn.to/1J2lsvl

Best Camping or Portable LED Light Setup Ever!!!!

I really wanted to use LED lighting for the camping and in the Great White Buffalo Campervan.
It's an obvious choice-
Low power draw, so providing a long lasting power source will be easy.
Using traditional lanterns seems like more aggravation than it's worth.
Safe inside the van, tent or in an enclosure.
Light weight and Inexpensive.
The list goes on.
At the same time, it occurred to me that USB is the way to go.
I used to travel with lots of USB powered or USB chargeable items.
My phone, cameras, tablets, external hard drive and a USB hub are just to name a few. 
To ensure that my gadgets are ready to go when I am, 
I acquired two USB battery banks. 
These portable battery packs or battery banks are able to charge all of my gadgets multiple times.
They were no longer being used and I would hate to see them go to waste.
I wanted to use USB and LED. 
Using the power of the internet, I searched for USB powered lights.
It didn't take long to find USB powered LED lightbulbs. 
Being price sensitive, I ordered one.
After I tested it, I immediately ordered 2 more. 
At $6.00 each these are a steal!
There are some drawbacks to these lights.
Mainly, they aren't weather proof and there isn't a switch to power them off.
You have to unplug them. 
Easy fix, I decided to use a switchable USB hub to be able to turn them off and on. 
A 4 port, switchable USB 2.0 hub allows me to use 4 light bulbs connected with on/off capability.
Plenty bright and controllable these should be perfect for camping.
They are! 

Camping lights-
LED Lightbulb- Price $5.99
Amazon Link - http://amzn.to/1GhsuXl
Specs-
SUPERNIGHT
Part Number-BSS365
Item Weight- 0.3 ounces
Product Dimensions- 4.5 x 2.5 x 2.4 inches
Color- Yellow
Fixture Features-Low Power Consumption
Luminous Flux- 300 lm
Wattage- 5 watts
Color Temp- 6000 Kelvin
Price\- $5.99 Free Shipping

USB Hub $6.99 
Sabrent 4-Port USB 2.0 Hub with Individual Power Switches and LEDs (HB-UMLS)
http://amzn.to/1SjmR1Y
Features:
* Blue LED to indicate power status for each port
* Data transfer speeds up to 480 Mbps
* Four downstream ports support high-speed (480Mbps), full-speed (12Mbps), and low-speed (1.5Mbps)
* Supports up to 127 devices by daisy-chaining multiple hubs
* Some power-intense USB devices may require a AC-Powered USB hub

One of my favorite things! In my Simple Practical DIY Camper Van.

Van Console Cooler Box
This is one of my favorite things
in my Simple Practical DIY Camper Van.
It's a simple box that sits between the front seats in my 2002 Dodge 3500 Ram Van.
It has several purposes.
It stores stuff.
It hides stuff.
It's where the little dog sits.
It keeps drinks and snacks cool and refreshing.
It also acts as an extra seat at the campsite or in the van. 
It's not heavy so it's portable.
It's an easy DIY and it's very useful.
Make it.
Use it.

Make a Super Insulated Van Console Cooler Box with Spray Foam!!

So, I should you one of my favorite things in my simple, practical, DIY, campervan.
The Van Console Cooler Box- Here's how to make it even cooler!
You need 2 cans of spray foam, a cooler box, a cooler and some patience. By doubling the insulation of the cooler box- should increase the time that it takes to melt our ice. Maybe even by 2 days. The spray foam is nifty stuff. The cast was about $3.50 per can. So, 7 bucks to super insulate our Van console center box. 
Very Nice!
Here's a link to Amazon to read some reviews on Great Stuff brand spray foam-
http://amzn.to/1O4YvKv 
Lowes has a much better price........

Super Simple LED Light Upgrade!

This is about one of the easiest upgrades you can do to your DIY CamperVan, RV, Van, Car Etc.
Quick, easy, cheap.
I like the results.
Brighter lights, more visibility, low energy use, and pretty cheap.
It's a good thing..
Here's the bulbs that I used:
2Pcs Aaron Amber 3157 (3156 3056 3057） High Power 5730 33SMD LED Bulbs for Turn Signal Blinker Light
Here's a link to Amazon if you're interested:
http://amzn.to/1Vf1JLK

Check out my Igloo Iceless Cooler- It works very well! ( in my car)

Igloo Iceless Thermoelectric Cooler / refrigerator works very well!
If you use this as intended- a refrigerator you will be pleased!
It works very well and it's reasonable in cost too.
We bring it on every adventure.
Really like it our DIY CamperVan the GreatWhiteBuffalo. :)
Here's some info:
Igloo IceLess Cooler 26 quart
*Plastic
*Cools without ice and leaves you more room for food and drinks
*Ergonomic design features a curved back 
*Quiet brushless motor and convection cooling with a fan to circulate cold air
*8 foot power cord plugs into any 12V DC receptacle (cigarette lighter) for portable use
*18 1/4 inches by 12 3/4 inches by 17 1/4 inches
Here's a link to Amazon if you're interested:
http://amzn.to/1IE9vvS

Lost a wheel simulator in the desert ...at least the scenery is nice

Here's what I'm going to use for my camping shower..

Here's My Favorite Car Tablet Mount! Simple and Works Great!

This is my favorite Tablet mount for my CamperVan.
It's simple, uses the power of magnetism and is low profile.
I want to be able to remove all of my high tech stuff when I park somewhere. Out of sight out of mind...
This mount works great and the magnets are strong enough to hold my tablet securely.

Here's a link for Amazon if you're interested-
http://amzn.to/1CEC4VO

Here's a link to the USB charger if you're interested-
http://amzn.to/1PcAMVW

Guess What! Our DIY Campervan Has LED Lights!

Here's- New FAVORITE Cell Phone Mount!

Here's New FAVORITE Cell Phone Mount!
Here' a link to Amazon if youre interested!

http://amzn.to/1LK6gX8

DIY Camper Van LED Light Install Upgrade!

DIY CamperVan LED Bulbs! A Comparison.....

Our Easy DIY Camper Van Bed

How to Install Window Visor or Side Window Deflectors. Easy! Looks Good!

Window Visor Install Easy! Looks Good!
Basically peel and stick easy installation.
Keeps the wind, sun and rain out of your face.
Allows for more ventilation, especially when parked.
You can keep the window down about 3 inches, without fear of rain or someone sticking their hand in to unlock the door and take your stuff.
I bought mine from Amazon. 
The company is VentShade.
-Molded for an exact vehicle fit
-Helps keep rain out and allows fresh air in
-Your window can be down 2 inches or so, helping to reduce heat build up in parked vehicles.
-High-grade acrylic material.
Love them..
Here's a link to Amazon, if you're interested-

http://www.amazon.com/Auto-Ventshade-...

Check out my new ride!

Hello World!

Hello World!

This is the first post for Simplecampervan.com.

There will be so much more to come!

Everything about this simple camper van has been planned in great and agonizing detail.

It is simple, effective and was built on a tight budget.

We're going to share how we made the Great White Buffalo through articles,videos,how to instruction and blog posts.

We want to share what we know,

All the successes and failures. 

Things we would do differently and future upgrades. 

Why we did...what what we did.

Don't be afraid to leave a comment, send an email or ask questions.

We welcome the interaction.  :)

Our simple diy campervan the Great White Buffalo

 *Here's a video of when we first bought the van. 

It'll be fun to see how far we've come. 

More content and posts are on the way! 

Thanks for stopping by! 

Leave a comment, ask a question....

*This video is from our YouTube channel-  TurquoiseandBeefJerky 

Check out my other YouTube channel  CheapGeek