Florida - van build out help

[explainmyself]

Hi. I live in Fl. Does anyone have recommendations/advice on 

1) someone I could pay to help with some of the more heavy duty stuff (installing vent fan, window ac, solar, possibly some cabinet stuff, etc)

2) or advice on finding someone who can help in Fl (im on central gulf side)

 

[rokguy]

Hi There, welcome,
I can not recommend anyone myself (I live on the other side of the world) but did you ever consider learning how to do the work yourself.
There is a lot of good "how to do" stuff on this site and you will be preparing yourself for self sufficiency by learning. 
Just a thought. All the best finding the right people.

 

[MotorVation]

I'm in west central Florida also. I'm not aware of anyone who does that kind of work around here. I'd just as soon drive the van into the Gulf than go to an RV dealer/repair shop.

I'm heading west sometime around the holidays and I know there are guys in the vandwelling community who do work on builds out there. In the meantime, I've just been slapping things together and hoping for the best. I'm going to mount my solar panels myself but still haven't decided the best way to go about that. I do have everything I need (and that's taken almost 3 years) but some bits and pieces of wiring etc.

If you find someone, please let me know. Thanks and good luck...

 

[explainmyself]

Thank you both.

I have been devouring youtube videos and Id certainly like to be armed with knowledge of what i want, need, and/or could do myself - and I do believe a lot of it is not necessarily super hard, but at the same time - We learn from our mistakes, so experience does have value. Particularly when it comes to cutting and drilling into a vehicle. I have no tools and zero experience with stuff like this, although i have successfully assembled numerous big ticket items from ikea without the typical requisite nervous breakdown.

I was thinking about doing solar myself, too, MotorVation. The flexible ones can go on with adhesive and that install doesnt seem too cumbersome.

I have two dogs that are coming with me so their safety is my number one concern and all of the priorities are based around them (having a reliable roof vent fan) and maybe even installing a window ac for times with shore power (i plan on volunteering at a lot of state parks)

My goal is to have a van by spring (im currently in the baby steps mode right now of dreaming of life outside of the cubicle). Ive done world nomading before, just wandering around the globe to wherever the cheapest ticket was. Being free from job crud, even if just for a year or two, feels like a calling - and id like to contribute to the greater good in the process.

 

[MotorVation]

Some of the builds I've seen on YouTube are incredible. One of the best and done for very little money was by a woman named Sassy. Bob Wells did the video. AdventureVanMan (Brian) also has some great ideas and lives in his van full time. He also didn't spent a ton of money on his builds. I just don't have the imagination when it comes to that.

I'm thinking that when I've been living/traveling in it for a while I'll figure out what I need as far as layout.

Installing a window unit AC is one of my sticking points but there's no rush on that as it will be winter when I hit the road. Obviously it's mandatory staying in Florida during the hot months especially with pets. I'm not giving up my home base here in Florida, at least not yet, and I want to be able to use the van regardless of weather

 

[explainmyself]

There's a place called Custom Coach Creations over in Deland that seems to have semi-reasonable prices and can help with a DIY conversion if there's particular stuff you don't feel comfortable with. Still on the lookout in general. I am starting the van build in just a couple of months

 

[cargovanconversion]

Have you ever considered contacting a local woodworking club; you may find a member that is willing to lend a hand.
I am close to the end of my van build and can give you some advice about the things you mentioned. I am on the Suncoast, probably close to your area. You can contact me at [email protected].
So far I have about 200 videos of every detail of my build on YouTube (cargovanconversion).
Wish well.
Van Williams

 

[explainmyself]

Thank you! I will check your videos out. I feel like my main obstacles right now are a bit mundane, like I don't own a jigsaw for the vent fan, or a ladder (so many of the videos on youtube show the people already on their roof, but i feel like getting up there must be a feat in and of itself!)

I am purchasing the van in April, so right now i'm in pure strategy/design mode and trying to think of every detail. My build will probably be pretty simple in the end - just it feels so overwhelming having never done this kind of thing before

 

[cargovanconversion]

Most of your time will be spent on preparation and design. Knowing what you want to do with the van, will allow you to buy the right van.
You can build a lot with few tools, keep it simple and still have a solid build. There are a lot of details to think of, but most are relatively simple, except probably the 12V/Solar system.
Wish you well. Contact me if you have questions and if you live nearby, I can show you my van.
Van Williams