In this video, I build a roof deck on the top of my van and mount my solar panels! I go through the materials I used and why while giving advice on what I did and how to do it better than me! Hey! My name is Kath ☀️ I've been living in my van since 2021. I filmed my whole build but never posted it, so five years later I'm taking you back to show you what I did and hopefully help you with your own build. I share how I designed the roof deck to work with my MaxxAir fan and solar setup, why I chose lightweight cedar boards, and aluminum instead of steel tubing. Please like and subscribe! It's FREE and here's a flower for you if you do or don't... lol! 🌻 📩 Business Inquiries: [email protected] 📖 Support my work by reading my book: Flowers Among Landmines - Poems & Stories https://a.co/d/6Ph903N 💛 More ways to support & all my links: ALL LINKS: https://linktr.ee/yellowflowerlife DONATE: https://ko-fi.com/yellowflowerlife WISHLIST: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/KIO3N1UAUIOW?ref_=wl_share ☀️ PRODUCT LINKS: FILMING: - DJI Mic Mini: https://amzn.to/4kjKigU - DJI Action 6: https://amzn.to/4raJ5ve - DJI Osmo Nano: https://amzn.to/3ZZsyOo OTHER: ***Please help support me and my channel so I can share more videos and take you on more adventures by using the links above. These are affiliate links were I make a small amount off of your purchase without you having to pay any extra!*** #VanLife #VanBuild #DIYVanBuild #SolarPower #VanConversion #NomadLife #TinyLiving #CamperVan #OffGridLiving #DIYProjects
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For someone who keeps saying she has no idea what she's doing, you seem to do things very well. Loving this build series so far Kath!
Kath, your mechanical abilities are truly impressive! ❤
Very Very Very Beautiful Thumbnail Picture Of You On Top Of Your Van 🚐, My Friend Kath.
Cedar is a toxic wood because of high tannins (which also is what makes it naturally durable), it can be very allergenic to some folks, myself included. Long sleeves, mask, and some ventilation helps a lot. Nice job!
Always enjoy the story of building your van. Thanks. Way to think in 3-dimensions for where the bolts had to go. And a fine dance exhibition too.
My homepage suggestions on point with this video. Such a vibe watching you build. Subbed!
I know you said wiring in series is easier, so that is the way you are doing it. Will Prowse on YouTube has videos that may help you understand the difference between series and parallel. If not him, you might want to find other information that is easier to understand. Wiring either way matters for different reasons. You did a nice job setting up the roof rack, looks good.
Hi Yellow flower liked and hyped🎉
Very impressive, that turned out great! The best thing about projects like this is they build confidence to tackle hard things in the future. You arent afraid to try cuz you know you'll figure it out one way or another. You're very inspirational to alot of people!
I've done a few of these in my time and you have a natural mechanical ability that is truly impressive. Great logical thinking and quality workmanship. Love your choice of stainless steel, 100%. Give yourself 20/10 for that one. Not sure if you've ever used it but RTV Silicon is a great waterproof adhesive. MUST be RTV, no other silicon has similar properties. Just fyi, if you want to make super light roof deck use Divinycell foam (H100) and carbon fiber cloth with epoxy resin. Use carbon fiber box section for the cross members. The only bolts are to fix the box to the brackets, same as you did with the aluminum. It's 35% of the weight and about 200% stronger. The downside is that it's not a friendly DIY technology but as I spent 20 years as a composites engineer, for me, it was no problem. I'm only mentioning this because I feel you would be more than capable of working with composites. As always, much love. 😘
Looks cold in the garage 😊 and the roof deck would have me taking naps up there
The longer I watch this video, the more I'm convinced you DO know what you're doing 😂
I've been living in my self converted sprinter for 13 years now, still don't have the deck on the top like I envisioned when I bought it. Ihopeyou enjoy it as much as I think I would have! 😉 I've subbed just incase you inspire me enough to do it. I'm in the middle of deciding wether she (Delilah, my home!) is going to get a refit or to cut my losses and by a new van to do it all again. She was 2.5 years old when I got her obviously she's now nearly 16 but I want to live aboard my own boat within 5 years......yeah... Delilah is getting a refit, decision made mid comment. 🍻to nomads everywhere🥂
Nice setup! I have a lot of solar action at my house and like to see how others do things. And, your hair sure got long since the last video.
Hard to believe 5 years huh? You must look back and think wow how green was my brain. Now your a pro, you did good it came out nice. Loved the detailed explanation. I'm guessing you didn't have Walter then, I didn't see him. 🐕
You’re sweet! I could watch you build anything your So elegant!
Did you glue down the solor panel mounting block to the roof or did you just use butyl tape?