DIY

We were frustrated with the lack of Thetford Cassette toilet reviews where people actually used their toilet! Most folks "don't use it for #2" but we are here to review the Thetford C223 after one year of use as our primary toilet for allllll the things!

A blog post version of this video can be found here: https://abroadreachtravel.com/thetford-c223-cassette-toilet/

Check out our Instagram to see our projects happening in real-time 🛠🔩🚐https://www.instagram.com/abroadreachtravel/

For All Our Van DIY Posts Check Out the Blog: https://abroadreachtravel.com/van-diy/

Questions, comments, or want to work with us? Contact us at info@abroadreachtravel.com

All Music From Epidemic Sound: https://www.epidemicsound.com/referral/bxowjw/

Don't make our mistakes in your DIY build! Seven regrets we have about our DIY campervan build after 6 months on the road!

Check out the blog post we wrote on this subject too!: https://abroadreachtravel.com/six-things-we-regret-about-our-second-van-build/

Check out our Instagram to see our projects happening in real-time 🛠🔩🚐https://www.instagram.com/abroadreachtravel/

For All Our Van DIY Posts Check Out the Blog: https://abroadreachtravel.com/van-diy/

While we're normally sailing up and down the East Coast in our sailboat Acadia, we have recently switched to #vanlife to deal with some medical issues! Don't worry, our boat isn't going anywhere we are excited to continue to share both our land and sea adventures and DIY with you!

Questions, comments, or want to work with us? Contact us at info@abroadreachtravel.com

All Music From Epidemic Sound: https://www.epidemicsound.com/referral/bxowjw/

We started our van build with a $30,000 budget to make a comfortable full time home on wheels. Did we keep to the budget? Of course! We even came in under!

*Note all prices from this video and associated blog posts are based on 2024 prices.

Final Breakdown of Cost Blog Post: https://abroadreachtravel.com/how-much-did-it-cost-promaster-van-build/
In Depth Galley Gear Blog Post: https://abroadreachtravel.com/our-gourmet-van-kitchen-set-up/

Disclaimer: In the interest of transparency, please be aware that the links above may contain affiliate links and any purchases made through such links may result in a small commission for us at no cost to you. We appreciate you shopping from these links!

Check out our Instagram to see our projects happening in real-time 🛠🔩🚐https://www.instagram.com/abroadreachtravel/

For All Our Van DIY Posts Check Out the Blog: https://abroadreachtravel.com/van-diy/

While we're normally sailing up and down the East Coast on our sailboat Acadia, we recently have switched to #vanlife to deal with some medical issues! Don't worry our boat isn't going anywhere we are excited to continue to share both our land and sea adventures and DIY with you!

Questions, comments, or want to work with us? Contact us at info@abroadreachtravel.com

All Music From Epidemic Sound: https://www.epidemicsound.com/referral/bxowjw/

How have we set up the plumbing system in our DIY promaster Campervan? We dig into all the details of our fresh, gray, and black water systems!

For links to all the items we talked about in this video and a cost breakdown of this part of our van build check out this blog post: https://abroadreachtravel.com/van-plumbing-this-time-with-a-toilet/

00:00 Introduction
00:40 Fresh Water System
02:00 Hot Water
03:10 Shower Set-up
04:37 Sink and Faucet
06:27 Gray Water System
06:40 Black Water System

Disclaimer: In the interest of transparency, please be aware that the links above may contain affiliate links and any purchases made through such links may result in a small commission for us at no cost to you. We appreciate you shopping from these links!

Check out our Instagram to see our projects happening in real-time 🛠🔩🚐https://www.instagram.com/abroadreachtravel/

For All Our Van DIY Posts Check Out the Blog: https://abroadreachtravel.com/van-diy/

While we normally are sailing up and down the east coast in our sailboat Acadia, we recently have switched to #vanlife to deal with some medical issues! Don't worry our boat isn't going anywhere we are excited to continue to share both our land and sea adventures and DIY with you!

Questions, comments, or want to work with us? Contact us at info@abroadreachtravel.com

All Music From Epidemic Sound: https://www.epidemicsound.com/referral/bxowjw/

We didn't like what was on the market for roof racks, or roof mounts so we made our own! Is this the least expensive option for a roof rack? Plus 750 Watts of solar, an A/C unit, a fan, and roof mounted starlink?! How did we fit it all?

For links to all the items we talked about in this video and a cost breakdown of this part of our van build check out this blog post: https://abroadreachtravel.com/diy-roof-rack-for-promaster-campervan/

00:00 Introduction
00:34 Deciding on a Solar Layout
01:37 Designing a "Roof Rack"
03:39 How to Mount Solar Panels
05:56 Installing an A/C Unit Late in Our Build
08:31 Roof Mounted Starlink
10:09 Collapsible Ladder

Disclaimer: In the interest of transparency, please be aware that the links above may contain affiliate links and any purchases made through such links may result in a small commission for us at no cost to you. We appreciate you shopping from these links!

Check out our Instagram to see our projects happening in real-time 🛠🔩🚐https://www.instagram.com/abroadreachtravel/

For All Our Van DIY Posts Check Out the Blog: https://abroadreachtravel.com/van-diy/

While we normally are sailing up and down the east coast in our sailboat Acadia, we recently have switched to #vanlife to deal with some medical issues! Don't worry our boat isn't going anywhere we are excited to continue to share both our land and sea adventures and DIY with you!

Questions, comments, or want to work with us? Contact us at info@abroadreachtravel.com

All Music From Epidemic Sound: https://www.epidemicsound.com/referral/bxowjw/

Part introduction to off-grid electrical and part breakdown of our electrical systems, past and present. In this video, we talk about all the components of an off-grid electrical system for a DIY campervan setup.

For links to the products we talked about in this video, and for a breakdown of the costs of this part of the project, check out this blog post: https://abroadreachtravel.com/off-grid-electrical/

00:00 Introduction
01:11 Intro to Storage
01:25 Figuring Out Your Power Needs
03:06 Battery Types: 12v vs 24v
04:28 Battery Type: Chemistries
07:59 Our Battery Set-Ups (Past and Present)
10:31 Intro to Output
10:57 Output Side: 12v (DC)
12:15 Output Side: 120v (AC)
16:16 Running Wire in Vans
16:54 Intro to Input
17:18 Input Options: Solar
18:12 Input Options: Alternator
19:41 Input Options: Shore Power
20:25 Input Options: Generators
22:25 Our Promaster Electrical System

Disclaimer: In the interest of transparency, please be aware that the links above may contain affiliate links and any purchases made through such links may result in a small commission for us at no cost to you. We appreciate you shopping from these links!

Check out our Instagram to see our projects happening in real-time 🛠🔩🚐https://www.instagram.com/abroadreachtravel/

For All Our Van DIY Posts Check Out the Blog: https://abroadreachtravel.com/van-diy/

While we normally are sailing up and down the east coast in our sailboat Acadia, we recently have switched to #vanlife to deal with some medical issues! Don't worry our boat isn't going anywhere we are excited to continue to share both our land and sea adventures and DIY with you!

Questions, comments, or want to work with us? Contact us at info@abroadreachtravel.com

All Music From Epidemic Sound: https://www.epidemicsound.com/referral/bxowjw/

Cabinets and furniture can be daunting if you've never done it before. We walk through how we built our cabinets and bed frame including tips for finishing!

For a list cost breakdown of this part of our project check out this blog post: https://abroadreachtravel.com/building-camper-van-cabinets/

Resources
Woodshop Diaries Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@WoodshopDiaries
Woodshop Diaries Drawer Series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZXlzM3gc_U2VAcejawDXcsSU6pm4PESL&si=kDyISu9rcTTcpiMQ

Products We Mentioned
Our Van Drawer and Door Closure Designs: https://abroadreachtravel.myshopify.com/collections/van-cabinet-closures
Door Magnets: https://amzn.to/4jjLP5s

Tools We Couldn't Have Done it Without
Kreg Pocket Hole Kit:https://amzn.to/3YGAMuH

Disclaimer: In the interest of transparency, please be aware that the links above may contain affiliate links and any purchases made through such links may result in a small commission for us at no cost to you. We appreciate you shopping from these links!

Chapters:
00:00 Intro
01:55 Floor to Ceiling Cabinets
04:45 Upper Cabinet Construction
05:41 Kitchen Lower Cabinets
08:05 Underbed Drawers
09:06 Bed Platform
11:16 Door and Drawer Fronts
14:19 Painting Tips
15:37 Cabinet Closures

Check out our Instagram to see our projects happening in real-time 🛠🔩🚐https://www.instagram.com/abroadreachtravel/

For All Our Van DIY Posts Check Out the Blog: https://abroadreachtravel.com/van-diy/

While we normally are sailing up and down the east coast in our sailboat Acadia, we recently have switched to #vanlife to deal with some medical issues! Don't worry our boat isn't going anywhere we are excited to continue to share both our land and sea adventures and DIY with you!

Questions, comments, or want to work with us? Contact us at info@abroadreachtravel.com

All Music From Epidemic Sound: https://www.epidemicsound.com/referral/bxowjw/

After two van builds we are big fans of using Rivet Nuts to provide secure framing for cabinets and bed frames! In this video we do a step by step on how to use rivet nuts!

For A Full Tools and Materials List as well as a budget break down check out our blog post: https://abroadreachtravel.com/framing-our-campervan/

Tools Used:
Rivet Nut Tool: https://amzn.to/3WcNErc
Kreg Rip-Cut Circular Saw Guide: https://amzn.to/4j6gUtB

Disclaimer: In the interest of transparency, please be aware that the links above may contain affiliate links and any purchases made through such links may result in a small commission for us at no cost to you. We appreciate you shopping from these links!

Check out our Instagram to see our projects happening in real-time 🛠🔩🚐https://www.instagram.com/abroadreachtravel/

For All Our Van DIY Posts Check Out the Blog: https://abroadreachtravel.com/van-diy/

While we normally are sailing up and down the east coast in our sailboat Acadia, we recently have switched to #vanlife to deal with some medical issues! Don't worry our boat isn't going anywhere we are excited to continue to share both our land and sea adventures and DIY with you!

Questions, comments, or want to work with us? Contact us at info@abroadreachtravel.com

All Music From Epidemic Sound: https://www.epidemicsound.com/referral/bxowjw/

We installed the Promaster version of the Scopema swivel seats from the swivel shop: https://theswivelshop.com/collections/promaster/products/promaster-scopema-seat-swivels-1

Check out our Instagram to see our projects happening in real-time 🛠🔩🚐https://www.instagram.com/abroadreachtravel/

For All Our Van DIY Posts Check Out the Blog: https://abroadreachtravel.com/van-diy/

While we normally are sailing up and down the east coast in our sailboat Acadia, we recently have switched to #vanlife to deal with some medical issues! Don't worry our boat isn't going anywhere we are excited to continue to share both our land and sea adventures and DIY with you!

Questions, comments, or want to work with us? Contact us at info@abroadreachtravel.com

All Music From Epidemic Sound: https://www.epidemicsound.com/referral/bxowjw/

We set out to make a smaller 12-volt watermaker for less than $1000, did we manage it?

For a Full Parts List check out this Blog Post: Https://abroadreachtravel.com/diy-watermaker

Check out our Instagram to see our projects happening in real-time 🛠🔩⛵️ https://www.instagram.com/abroadreachtravel/

For All Our Boat DIY Posts Check Out the Blog: https://abroadreachtravel.com/boat-diy/

We have been full-time liveaboards since May 2020. We spent the first year and a half aboard a 1965 Alberg 30 that we have owned since 2010. We recently upgraded to a 1980 Tartan 37 named Acadia and we are so excited to continue our cruising journey! Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to see our journey!

Join us at Patreon for behind-the-scenes info, monthly live sundowners from wherever we are, and access to our live tracker and resource library! https://www.patreon.com/abroadreachtravel/

Questions, comments, or want to work with us? Contact us at info@abroadreachtravel.com

All Music From Epidemic Sound: https://www.epidemicsound.com/referral/bxowjw/

When we first bought Acadia, she only had 200 watts of solar installed, it was basically enough to run our fridge and navigation equipment. We knew we would need something more before we left for the Bahamas so we created a custom bimini mount for our solar panels and now we have the option of up to 700 watts of solar!

00:00--Intro
03:15--Mounting the Panels
05:18--Wiring Explanation
06:12--Project Cost Breakdown
07:36--A 6 Month Review

Installing Solar on a Boat Blog Post: https://abroadreachtravel.com/installing-solar-on-a-boat/

Amazon list of products used in this video: https://a.co/5n6jEKi
Gemini Marine Products' full line of mounting hardware: https://www.geminiproducts.net/ They are an awesome small business out of Maine, that makes great quality products!

Disclaimer: In the interest of transparency, please be aware that the links above may contain affiliate links and any purchases made through such links may result in a small commission for us at no cost to you. We appreciate you shopping from these links!

Check out our Instagram to see our projects happening in real-time 🛠🔩⛵️ https://www.instagram.com/abroadreachtravel/

For All Our Boat DIY Posts Check Out the Blog: https://abroadreachtravel.com/boat-diy/

We have been full-time liveaboards since May 2020. We spent the first year and a half aboard a 1965 Alberg 30 that we have owned since 2010. We recently upgraded to a 1980 Tartan 37 named Acadia and we are so excited to continue our cruising journey! Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to see our journey!

Join us at Patreon for behind-the-scenes info, monthly live sundowners from wherever we are, and access to our live tracker and resource library! https://www.patreon.com/abroadreachtravel/

Questions, comments, or want to work with us? Contact us at info@abroadreachtravel.com

All Music From Epidemic Sound: https://www.epidemicsound.com/referral/bxowjw/

We have been taking cold showers for the last year, and we are so excited to finally have hot water for showers and dishes!

Project Materials:
Hot Water Heater--https://amzn.to/3fLrne1
Shower Head--https://amzn.to/2SpxVXP
Thermostatic Mixing Valve--https://amzn.to/3ujzUdD

Disclaimer: In the interest of transparency, please be aware that the links above may contain affiliate links and any purchases made through such links may result in a small commission for us at no cost to you. We appreciate you shopping from these links!

Check out our Instagram to see our projects happening in real-time 🛠🔩⛵️ https://www.instagram.com/abroadreachtravel/

For All Our Boat DIY Posts Check Out the Blog: https://abroadreachtravel.com/boat-diy/

Our Alberg 30, Ecola, is a 1965 (early model) that has been in Andy's family for almost 40 years. Keeping her in tip-top shape is almost a full-time job, but it's a labor of love. ❤️

Questions, comments, or want to work with us? Contact us at info@abroadreachtravel.com

Our new Beta Marine 20 has arrived and we spend a week in the boatyard removing the old Westerbeke and getting the new engine installed.

A HUGE thank you to Beta Marine USA for how quickly they got the new engine to us (3 days from order to arrival!!), and the assistance they provided during this repowering! https://betamarineusa.com/

Our videos are always a few weeks behind our real life. Check out our Instagram to see our projects happening in real-time 🛠🔩⛵️ https://www.instagram.com/abroadreachtravel/

For All Our Boat DIY Posts Check Out the Blog: https://abroadreachtravel.com/boat-diy/

Our Alberg 30, Ecola, is a 1965 (early model) that has been in Andy's family for almost 40 years. Keeping her in tip top shape is almost a full time job, but it's a labor of love. ❤️

Questions, comments, or want to work with us? Contact us at info@abroadreachtravel.com

All Music From Epidemic Sound: https://www.epidemicsound.com/referral/bxowjw/

After months and months of playing whack-a-mole with issues with our Westerbeke 18 we sit down to talk about what we are planning to do.

Check out our Instagram to see our projects happening in real-time 🛠🔩⛵️ https://www.instagram.com/abroadreachtravel/

For All Our Boat DIY Posts Check Out the Blog: https://abroadreachtravel.com/boat-diy/

Our Alberg 30, Ecola, is a 1965 (early model) that has been in Andy's family for almost 40 years. Keeping her in tip top shape is almost a full time job, but it's a labor of love. ❤️

Questions, comments, or want to work with us? Contact us at info@abroadreachtravel.com

All Music From Epidemic Sound: https://www.epidemicsound.com/referral/bxowjw/

Since we've been cooling our heels in Florida all winter we decided to spend some time in the boatyard getting Ecola in tip-top shape. A lot of the work we did was cosmetic, but they were projects that had been put off for far too long.

This is not sponsored by Total Boat or Jamestown Distributors, we just love their products and have been singing their praises when we can. The bottom paint we used is the Total Boat Spartan https://www.jamestowndistributors.com/product/product-detail/97802
The varnish is Total Boat Halcyon in Amber. It is a water-based varnish which makes storing and clean-up a breeze, and it also allows for recoating after only an hour!! I can't tell you how many hours it has saved us. https://www.jamestowndistributors.com/product/product-detail/336256

Check out our Instagram to see our projects happening in real-time 🛠🔩⛵️ https://www.instagram.com/abroadreachtravel/

For All Our Boat DIY Posts Check Out the Blog: https://abroadreachtravel.com/boat-diy/

Our Alberg 30, Ecola, is a 1965 (early model) that has been in Andy's family for almost 40 years. Keeping her in tip top shape is almost a full time job, but it's a labor of love. ❤️

Questions, comments, or want to work with us? Contact us at info@abroadreachtravel.com

All Music From Epidemic Sound: https://www.epidemicsound.com/referral/bxowjw/

After freezing on our way down the ICW this fall, we realized how important heat on a boat is for staying warm, and sometimes more importantly dry. We had previously installed a Chinese diesel heater in our camper van so we felt confident that this was a good choice for our boat!

0:00 Intro
4:04 Testing the Heater
4:48 Fabricating the Mounting Bracket
5:27 Mounting the Heater
6:22 Air Inlet
6:38 Hot Air Outlet
7:31 Exhaust
8:15 Fuel Pump
10:03 Wiring
10:41Controller Install

Materials:
Diesel Heater: https://amzn.to/3u6QmOH
We made quite a few upgrades to the heater to make it a little more marine friendly:
Afterburner Controller: http://www.mrjones.id.au/afterburner/
Exhaust Thru-Hull: https://amzn.to/3swXinM
Condensation Drain: https://fave.co/3m43LUH
Upgraded Exhaust Pipe: https://fave.co/3cvb3O2
Upgrade Exhaust Pipe Clamps: https://fave.co/3rtusTN

Disclaimer: In the interest of transparency, please be aware that the links above may contain affiliate links and any purchases made through such links may result in a small commission for us at no cost to you. We appreciate you shopping from these links!

Check out our Instagram to see our projects happening in real-time 🛠🔩⛵️ https://www.instagram.com/abroadreachtravel/

For All Our Boat DIY Posts Check Out the Blog: https://abroadreachtravel.com/boat-diy/

Our Alberg 30, Ecola, is a 1965 (early model) that has been in Andy's family for almost 40 years. Keeping her in tip top shape is almost a full time job, but it's a labor of love. ❤️

Questions, comments, or want to work with us? Contact us at info@abroadreachtravel.com

All Music From Epidemic Sound: https://www.epidemicsound.com/referral/bxowjw/

After having issues with our original stainless steel sail track we decided to upgrade to a Tides Marine Sail Track.

Materials: Tides Marine Sail Track https://fave.co/3q50ogU

Disclaimer: In the interest of transparency, please be aware that the links above may contain affiliate links and any purchases made through such links may result in a small commission for us at no cost to you. We appreciate you shopping from these links!

Check out our Instagram to see our projects happening in real-time 🛠🔩⛵️ https://www.instagram.com/abroadreachtravel/

For All Our Boat DIY Posts Check Out the Blog: https://abroadreachtravel.com/boat-diy/

Our Alberg 30, Ecola, is a 1965 (early model) that has been in Andy's family for almost 40 years. Keeping her in tip top shape is almost a full time job, but it's a labor of love. ❤️

Questions, comments, or want to work with us? Contact us at info@abroadreachtravel.com

All Music From Epidemic Sound: https://www.epidemicsound.com/referral/bxowjw/

Our cabin sole is original to our 1965 Alberg 30. A few weeks ago it finally gave out and we decided it was time to finally take care of replacing the flooring. We used vinyl plank flooring to cover the existing flooring for the time being. The project was definitely harder than we initially thought but the finished product looks great!

Tools Used:
Japanese Saw: https://amzn.to/2OtrDUZ
Utility Knife: https://amzn.to/2ldAYBI

Materials:
Vinyl Plank Flooring (note the manufacturer does not recommend this flooring for marine applications so don't expect them to honor the warranty): https://fave.co/3jK1c97

Disclaimer: In the interest of transparency, please be aware that the links above may contain affiliate links and any purchases made through such links may result in a small commission for us at no cost to you. We appreciate you shopping from these links!

Check out our Instagram to see our projects happening in real-time 🛠🔩⛵️ https://www.instagram.com/abroadreachtravel/

For All Our Boat DIY Posts Check Out the Blog: https://abroadreachtravel.com/boat-diy/

Our Alberg 30, Ecola, is a 1965 (early model) that has been in Andy's family for almost 40 years. Keeping her in tip top shape is almost a full time job, but it's a labor of love. ❤️

Questions, comments, or want to work with us? Contact us at info@abroadreachtravel.com

All Music From Epidemic Sound: https://www.epidemicsound.com/referral/bxowjw/