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Converting My New 4x4 Van into an Adventure Camper

Thomas Heaton

246,681 views

I transform my MAN TGE 4X4 van into an adventure camper van. In this video I build a roof rack, install windows, add Lazer Lamps lighting, fit a rear ladder and wheel carrier. Thanks to Elements Photo Magazine for sponsoring this video.

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20 Comments

@ScottEdwards 11 months ago

Not paying £15 for delivery but paying £250 on a 3D printer is exactly the kind of pettiness I love! 😂 I'd do exactly the same! Van looks awesome, looking forward to seeing it finished!

@eggnogskills 11 months ago

Can we talk about the collection of cars and bikes in that garage? 👀

@RileyNotRyan 11 months ago

I'm a big fan of the colour of the van.

@TedErskin 11 months ago

Repeat after me: minimalism. No wrap. Understated is best.

@Hookandhardware 11 months ago

Re lift kit: ‘lift kits’ are for show only. What you need is a suspension upgrade with a higher weight rating. This will help with the weight you’re putting in the van and improve the ride dramatically. With this upgrade your resting ride height from body to frame will likely rise by an inch or so providing a little extra space in the wheel wells to install taller tires. These taller tires will actually provide the extra ground clearance from the road to the bottom of the axles. Good luck

@spidersj12 11 months ago

When you are done with your van build. You and Nigel should go on a week-long landscape photography road trip where you get up close and personal comparing each other's van build all the while doing some landscape photography on the side! 😂

@itscaptainterry 11 months ago

We need a tour of that warehouse you were filming in?????? Can't just pass over all those cars in the background.

@kqschwarz 11 months ago

The van color is perfect. Don't wrap it. All the best.

@NigelDanson 11 months ago

This is already looking so ace Tom - Thanks for the shout out - I think I must of 3D printed at least 20 parts on my van. I am very jealous of the exterior of your van... I seem to of missed point Cool on mine... can't wait to follow along... way less stressful watching somebody else cut holes...

@slaphead2965 11 months ago

Photography AND van building
...who's complaining?
Great stuff! 👍🇬🇧🙂

@PeakyBBQ 11 months ago

That garage deserves a closer look, there's some stuff in there.

@mgarry1234 11 months ago

I’m probably not the first person to mention this but instead of hard wiring your lights to the high beams. Install a auxbeam switch panel. It makes for wiring accessories so much easier. You can even wire them to a second “house battery” that way you don’t run the risk of draining your starter battery when using lights to set up camp.

Enjoying the build! Can’t wait to see the finished van!

@billyarmstrong1182 11 months ago

Great job careful you don't open the back door when the window is open

@GreyBiker99 2 months ago

3D printed. 5m radius shims. What a brilliant idea! Just about to start my van build and already have a printer..... thank you for the inspiration!

@TheAdventurePortal 11 months ago

Fellow Brit here living in San Diego California. From experience I'd advise against a wrap featuring your logo or indicating what your business is, as it'll make you more of a target for break ins. My two overland rigs were originally wrapped, but I've since removed them for a more stealthy approach. Just my 2 cents....congrats on the new rig!

@arc-g7b 9 months ago

I am so glad you took the time to explain how a roof rack works as I am sure my self and billions of others have never ever seen a roof rack before! Can you be anymore patronising!!!

@altern8ive 11 months ago

Do not modify the colour, it's an awesome contrast with the black accessories and looks more premium than all the Audi Nardo Grey shades that are everywhere 👍

@BobCratchett-m2c 9 months ago (edited)

I'm really enjoying following this build. Your MAN is coming along nicely. I recently met a guy who was in the process of converting an ex forestry commission TGE 4X4. His van had a Seikel lift kit installed, along with some very impressive underbody protection, in the form of engine/drive train and diff/axle skid plates.
It gave the van a lot of road presence.
Keep up the great work on the videos.

@peterwolf3001 11 months ago

Well as a life long van dweller I am very in awe of your ideas. I must have converted a dozen vans in the last 50 years and the one thing that counts above all else is planning. And you seem pretty well planned out. If I could give any piece of advice about the interior ,it would be leaver yourself space. It’s a luxury to not feel hemmed in by cupboards and showers and kitchens,