Chapters 1-20

After nearly one month at the electricians the Babe Bus is finally home. Sadly, she is far from finished on the wiring end and I *REALLY* need the van community's advice at this point!

Thank God for Xanax and Coke Zero because there was NOTHING easy about choosing the make/model for my van conversion. How I picked between the big three (WARNING: bad words are said). Meet The Babe Bus! The smaller, feistier, more adventurous little sister to my Babe Cave. More details here: http://babecavebuilds.com/van-conversion-sprinter-promaster-transit-babe-bus/ Follow along as The Babe Bus gets converted at www.BabeCaveBuilds.com. #vanlife #vanconversion #vanbuild #promastervan #travelblogger

Kitchen? Check. Bed? Check. Storage? Check. Workspace? Sh*#!^#!!!! Here's how I repurposed a fold-down desk into the Babe Bus' new "office." Buy the "fold-down" desk/mirror right here: https://amzn.to/2SfrNwh Fold down desk with chalkboard: https://amzn.to/2BA7Jhb Black fold down desk: https://amzn.to/2R8mbqx INSTALLATION TIPS HERE: https://bit.ly/2V2Y7V5

The Babe Bus was the LAST option from a long list of travel choices. Its an expensive decision! If you're picking between a Skoolie, RV, AirBnb or van conversion here's how I decided. Already on the road? Chime in below and share what works best for your travel needs! COUPON Get $40 off your first trip using this: https://bit.ly/2QPk36X Want to make AirBnB side hustle money? Here's a link to get you started: https://bit.ly/2Ev51NX

Ask Jesus for forgiveness before you start drilling into the sides of your van conversion because the Devil's words will be spewin' from your mouth!! Framing out the Promaster 2500 made the insulation process look easy. I finally caved and called in backup but now The Babe Bus is starting to feel a bit like home. An outline of what I used and how I used it can be found at: https://bit.ly/2RXZgef And also here: Impact Drill: https://amzn.to/2ONU5M1 Chalk Line: https://amzn.to/2KcQiXP Level: https://amzn.to/2OPLMyY Template Paper: https://amzn.to/2KdCV9Z Self-Tapping Screws: https://amzn.to/2TnYhWb

I don't know about you but I'm not spending $800 to cool a $2 gallon of milk up in this piece. I asked the people who TRULY depend on their portable fridges year-round and THIS super basic model was the winner. Pros and cons PLUS this week's episode of "Unsolicited Advice From YouTube" inside! Get your TruckFridge HERE: https://bit.ly/2RcuMVI For Fancier Folks: ARB Fridge: https://amzn.to/2DV40yd Dometic (smaller): https://amzn.to/2QlcUuw Dometic (larger): https://amzn.to/2Sc04w6 Whytner: https://amzn.to/2BvolYB Whytner (WITH a *freezer* too!): https://amzn.to/2Rdrd1M All solid options and many more to chose from. Pick what works best for the size of your van and your budget!

Inspired by the Babe Cave's penny SHOWER the Babe Bus now *sparkles* with the glow of copper! How I installed PENNY a countertop in the "kitchen" + why I'm *not* opting for a small sink...and the latest from the electrician all here! Full tutorial for the penny counters: http://babecavebuilds.com/penny-countertops-babe-bus/ WHAT I USED: DampRid for Moisture Control: https://amzn.to/2EmeSVX Penny Countertop Materials Black High Glass Spray Paint: https://amzn.to/2ro4y7A Liquid Nails Glue (I needed two!): https://amzn.to/2EdJto7 Clear Silicone for Edges: https://amzn.to/2SDBcO5 Epoxy: https://amzn.to/2EldS4r Acetone "Copper" Paint/Patina How-To Video: https://bit.ly/2UvSyOq Modern Masters Copper Paint: https://amzn.to/2QhMOcR Blue Patina Solution: https://amzn.to/2QFqidd Green Patina Solution (I used both): https://amzn.to/2QCMTHx Sealant (stops the chemical reaction): https://amzn.to/2SvXVLY How To Install A Penny SHOWER: https://bit.ly/2QOoE9v

Putting the walls up in the Promaster van conversion is taking FOR.EVER. In the meantime, better start ordering some of the interior details - like the toilet. Im sharing all the options I could find from shovel to full plumbing and why I chose what I did. At the end is the big reveal for the most magnificent up-cycled toilet you have ever seen! Links to the options considered and discussed: Standard Height Full Plumbing (RV) Toilet: https://amzn.to/2z5weCd Composting Toilet: https://amzn.to/2PREDTp "Bin" Toilet: https://amzn.to/2PQnwl3 "Bucket" Toilet: https://amzn.to/2qF84tF For specific info on each and more details about the Babe Bus conversion and Babe Cave renovations find me at www.BabeCaveBuilds.com!

Insulating your van conversion is an exercise in patience & profanity. There's no standard and lots of interpretation. Here's how I insulated the Babe Bus, follow the conversion and more insulating tips at: http://babecavebuilds.com/insulating-babe-bus-top-tips/ Sorry for the crummy audio...new microphone that appears to be complete crap!

One month DOWN. A lot of whining but a lot of progress this week despite the crap weather here in NC. The Babe Bus now has a CRAWL-IN closet (oh yasss), a full A/C plus heat pump AND a set of kitchen cabinets. One more month till deadline - yikes! Keep sharing your own inspiring van building stories and thank you so much for hanging in there with me! BABE BUS! The ORIGINAL Babe Cave: https://bit.ly/2AJCSOx Full written tutorial on "Crawl-In" Cave & Cabinets: http://babecavebuilds.com/babe-bus-closet-cabinets/ Here's What I Used: Babe Bus *Energy Efficient A/C + Heat System: Mach 3 Power Saver with Heat Pump: https://amzn.to/2SoQ9DG Ceiling Assembly with Manual Controls: https://amzn.to/2Pa9INX Ceiling Assembly for Thermostat Control: https://amzn.to/2PjWWg0 Thermostat: https://amzn.to/2UesK9I Control Unit: https://bit.ly/2FWqZdZ Metal Cutting Saw: https://amzn.to/2PcrXCo Saw Blade (for metal): https://amzn.to/2Pgzvnt "Crawl In" Platform Bed 1" Wood Screws: https://amzn.to/2rhL9Fq 2" Wood Screws: https://amzn.to/2PdqbRn 3" Wood Screws: https://amzn.to/2PfNREK Power Drill: https://amzn.to/2QdDbfq Tape Measure: https://amzn.to/2PfT93c Speed Square:https://amzn.to/2zxCLGf Level (Use this A LOT!): https://amzn.to/2DUNtcR Wood Putty: https://amzn.to/2rgru8v Pliers (to pull out stripped screws): https://amzn.to/2Q7SFBq

Thousands of you voiced your support and encouragement after the Babe Bus was returned after a MONTH at the electrician's with little work done and some of it done incorrectly. Well...can't have a comeback without a setback and after meeting the NEW electrician (Michael Hambly, Bluewater Marine & RV) I think I've got the A-Team! As always, I am in deep gratitude to those of you supporting this little mission of mine at https://www.patreon.com/CaseyRoman. THANK YOU!

Surprise visit from a FUR MISSILE. Play stupid games...win furry prizes! THANK YOU to all our first responders across the country, the Babe Bus is Team Blue! And THANK YOU to all the all stars supporting this channel on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/CaseyRoman If you want to see Sultan in action, he makes guest appearances throughout my docu-series "24 Hr. PD" HERE: Episode One: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ekyOjYVEAE&t=455s Episode Two: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Wanhd-jvXU&t=55s Episode Three: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8VSAtc-44w Episode Four: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MK7VeZhG-U&t=2s

Any takers for a Chippendales calendar?! Day 3 of unemployment I need a side hustle to keep this van conversion funded during construction. Whoever said "picking" was easy watches too much TV! How do you tell what trinkets are valuable and what's legit junk? WHERE are my flippers and pickers? Help a girl out here!

What fun would life be without a major plot twist? Now I can FINALLY say WHY I bought The Babe Bus and WHAT the mission is. Please stay connected and keep in touch as I scare the hell out of myself by throwing caution to the wind...and hitting the road: Hit the SUBSCRIBE button! The Babe Cave Blog: www.BabeCaveBuilds.com Casey Roman Facebook: https://bit.ly/2GIkO94 Facebook 2: https://bit.ly/2F40S3E Instagram: @babecavebuilds Twitter: @BabeCaveBuilds

How do I squeeze a Victorian Babe Cave into a mobile mini mansion Babe Bus? Focus on the "5th Wall" - the ceiling! My hobby as the neighborhood's resident raccoon paid off. Now that the ceiling is sparkling, Part Two will take us down the other four walls. Stay tuned. Here's a full description of instructions at my blog: https://bit.ly/2EQtYmT Instructions to antique "old gold" paint: https://bit.ly/2rReW86 Supplies you will need: 1. Ceiling rose like this one: https://amzn.to/2SmZRXk 2. Gold metallic paint: https://amzn.to/2BHP7Mh 3. Burnt Umber paint: https://amzn.to/2GIKMy1 How to "copper" ceiling tiles: https://bit.ly/2rYlaTK Supplies: 1. Ceiling Tiles (check blog link for lots of other options): https://amzn.to/2BFXZlw 2. Modern Masters Copper Paint: https://amzn.to/2QTDBaM 3. Patina Solution: https://amzn.to/2RhcYfu 4. Sealant: https://amzn.to/2BMn1zg 5. Metal Paint Primer: https://amzn.to/2SoR6Mw THANK YOU Josh Woodward for the music! Check out his work for vloggers at www.joshwoodward.com/

Van space is precious real estate and I have NOWHERE to sit down in the Babe Bus to either eat, work at the "office" or just sit and reflect silently on life (yea...lol). Used a moving dolly from Amazon for the wheels & took off the plastic base to attach them directly the box. Find it here: https://amzn.to/2REBTdc Need a van fridge? Here's WHY I bought a Truckfridge: https://tinyurl.com/y94b9f2f Want your own van conversion fold down "office:" https://amzn.to/2SIMSj9 Or get the desk + dry erase: https://amzn.to/2CXjNuG

The weather isn't cooperating but a dreary day may be the best way to see Prince Frederick Chapel in Plantersville, SC. The tower is said to be haunted. Are you brave enough to come here at NIGHT? ******* For behind-the-lens stories of living in The Babe Bus and extra details of the places I visit head to the blog at www.BabeCaveBuilds.com. ***** THANK YOU to my gracious Patreon $upporters who continue to show this channel they're rooting for my mini mobile mission. If you'd like to contribute head to: https://www.patreon.com/CaseyRoman ***** Taking photos was the fuel of this trip. If you'd like to purchase any you find on my Instagram account (@BabeCaveBuilds) for as little as $5 head to PayPal and message me which one! Thank you! Here: https://www.paypal.me/CaseyRoman #vanlife #travel #solotravel #travelblogger #vanconversion #promasterconversion #babebus #abandonedchurch #abandoned #ruins

*Want to learn how to epoxy? Scroll to the EPOXY section of my Babe Cave Penny Shower manual: https://bit.ly/2QOoE9v *THANK YOU so much to all my Patreon badasses at: https://www.patreon.com/CaseyRoman *The Babe Bus heads to the SECOND electrician who works on RVs, boats and vintage car restoration tomorrow. Say a prayer, we have a lot of work to do!

I have never been so excited to see a light switch work!! The first electrician had the van for a MONTH and somehow never managed to install a single light. Unreal. Michael Hamby of Bluewater Marine & RV braved 20 degree temps today to get some serious ceiling sparkle inside! WE USED: Two 100Ah no-maintenance batteries: https://amzn.to/2U7Y8FU 400 Watt inverter: https://amzn.to/2MoGTNP USB Electric outlets: https://amzn.to/2AZjfDd Need to catch up on The Babe Bus' story? The HORROR of the FIRST electric work: https://bit.ly/2FU0bcZ Part ONE of the electric overhaul: https://bit.ly/2MoKRGu What is that big medallion??: https://bit.ly/2CDv02l Thank you so much my Patreon donors without you this redo is NOT possible!!! https://www.patreon.com/CaseyRoman

Stealing an idea from The Babe Cave, here's a cheap wall texture technique AND bug screens for your van doors that cost a FRACTION of custom-made options and WITHOUT any hardware. Van Bug Screens: https://amzn.to/2t18oUT Wall Medallions/Stencils Buy the stencils here: https://victorialarsen.com/home/plaster-stencils/ Lightweight Joint Compound for FULL room: https://amzn.to/2Ttx83Q Joint Compound for SMALL area: https://amzn.to/2GiioB8 Putty Knife: https://amzn.to/2MKUpeU **You will need two surfaces to scrape the compound off the stencil after each application. One for one side, one for the other. **You may be able to find these materials at your hardware store, but not the stencils. READ why only village idiots use cheap paint: https://bit.ly/2S7uXGg SUPPORT this channel on PayPal (paypal.me/CaseyRoman) and on Patreon to keep the Babe Bus moving: https://www.patreon.com/CaseyRoman

Yup...microphone still broke on this one - UGH. Hang in there with me. There are going to be major hiccups but better learn them now than later! While the commentary is missing let me still take you to the very top. ****** THANK YOU Patreon $upporters! If you'd like to contribute head to: https://www.patreon.com/CaseyRoman ***** If you'd like to purchase digital copies of my travel photography to support the mission pick your favorite on my Instagram account (@BabeCaveBuilds) for as little as $5 head to PayPal and message me which one! Thank you! Here: https://www.paypal.me/CaseyRoman #vanlife #travel #solotravel #travelblogger #vanconversion #promasterconversion #babebus #southcarolina #huntingisland #lighthouse

After a not-so-restful first night's sleep in the van and a rain storm I headed out into the small coastal town I never bothered to stop in. Fresh seafood and stunning historic homes await! ****** For behind-the-lens stories of living in The Babe Bus and extra details of the places I visit head to the blog at www.BabeCaveBuilds.com. ***** THANK YOU to my gracious Patreon $upporters who continue to show this channel they're rooting for my mini mobile mission. If you'd like to contribute head to: https://www.patreon.com/CaseyRoman ***** Taking photos was the fuel of this trip. If you'd like to purchase any you find on my Instagram account (@BabeCaveBuilds) for as little as $5 head to PayPal and message me which one! Thank you! Here: https://www.paypal.me/CaseyRoman #vanlife #travel #solotravel #travelblogger #vanconverison #promasterconversion #babebus

How do #vanlife people make money on the road? (1) Show your ass (2) Sell that 'MERCH. I had no idea this was a thing. Well, aren't you in for a treat today because boy do I have a once in a lifetime offer for YOU! ALL SOLD!!! Rainbow Teet Pump: http://ebay.us/Q6PnfZ?5338273189 Dumbo Jugs Pump: http://ebay.us/JNZKQE?5338273189 Hooter Pump: http://ebay.us/jfIvVz SOLD:The "STT" Pump: http://ebay.us/zW51fu?5338273189 GaGa Pump: http://ebay.us/8AyEpF?5338273189 Thank you again to my Patreon angels at https://www.patreon.com/CaseyRoman and at Paypal: paypal.me/CaseyRoman

WHAT I USED: *Foam lightweight faux wood tiles (also in "oak"): https://amzn.to/2t4E7V5 *Curved shower rods with flexible attachments: https://amzn.to/2DVkxB6 (brushed nickel) or https://amzn.to/2taIEoY (bronze) *Magnetic bug screens, no hardware needed, ONE screen covers side or rear Promaster doors: https://amzn.to/2TA2Lsm *Self-adhesive felt to cover weird angles: https://amzn.to/2WLdRg4 (my van required TWO packages) *Carbon monoxide detector: https://amzn.to/2DgmqXh *Carbon monoxide detector plus fire alarm: https://amzn.to/2t5d2Bp *Gold metallic paint: https://amzn.to/2TFWbAw THANK YOU to my Patreon $upporters for keeping this dream alive. If you've like to support the mini mobile mission head to: https://www.patreon.com/CaseyRoman

What an OVERWHELMING day. A few lessons learned and a lot to figure out. Not a ton of sight seeing in this leg of the journey but in an effort to do shorter drives, mainly a day to get my van legs. Still, Day One is in the bag! ONWARD! ****************** If you'd like to purchase any digital copies my travel photos ($5 found on Instagram @babecavebuilds) to help support the journey please head to: https://www.paypal.me/CaseyRoman ***** Special thank you to my Patreon $upporters who have made SO much of this possible: https://www.patreon.com/CaseyRoman ****** READ behind the scenes about the experience: http://babecavebuilds.com/officially-on-tour-change-babe-bus/ ********** #travelblogger #vanlife #vanconversion #promasterconversion #roadtrip #babebus

Slowly starting to move into the Babe Bus and trying to sort essentials from non-essentials. I HATE cooking. HATE IT. Take a look at what I chose to bring...am I forgetting anything? Thank you to my Patreon $upporters here at: https://www.patreon.com/CaseyRoman. ************ WHAT I BOUGHT: - White Retro 700 Watt Microwave: https://amzn.to/2I4LNBf Also Mint Green option: https://amzn.to/2WXz3j3 Another Retro 700 W Option: https://amzn.to/2DvMWfv - Zero-G 50ft Hose: https://amzn.to/2WWrXM0 - Clip On Garbage Lids: https://amzn.to/2I8p9I3 - Fire Maple Kettle: https://amzn.to/2E5Et4o - Baby Safety Latches (require screwdriver): https://amzn.to/2TLARd0 *This brand doesn't require hardware: https://amzn.to/2MZRejK - Plastic Dinnerware for 6 (no noise/weight): https://amzn.to/2I48Hsf - Full Copper Chef Non-Stick Set: https://amzn.to/2Dy54FB (**Note, I'm just bringing the sauce pot similar to this one( https://amzn.to/2TJPqOp) if you don't want to buy the whole set**) - Coleman Propane Burner: https://amzn.to/2E4WNdL (pick up the propane at any big box store) - Set of lighters: https://amzn.to/2TEZuIm - Hamilton Beach Rounded Toaster: https://amzn.to/2tlez6c - Best Mattress in the Universe: Van: Zinus 6" Full Memory Foam: https://amzn.to/2ToM2YW Household use: Zinus 12" Queen: https://amzn.to/2TpT9QY HOT SLEEPER MUST HAVE on ANY full foam mattress is this cooling cover: https://amzn.to/2DMn28V Waterproof mattress cover, full encasement option: https://amzn.to/2S2SWqt

UGH! I knew something would happen sooner or later with the damn vlogging gear. This is IT. So sit back and enjoy the Southern scenery - I'll fix it!!! ******** THANK YOU to my gracious Patreon $upporters who continue to show this channel they're rooting for my mini mobile mission. If you'd like to contribute head to: https://www.patreon.com/CaseyRoman ***** Taking photos was the fuel of this trip. If you'd like to purchase any you find on my Instagram account (@BabeCaveBuilds) for as little as $5 head to PayPal and message me which one! Thank you! Here: https://www.paypal.me/CaseyRoman #vanlife #travel #solotravel #travelblogger #vanconversion #promasterconversion #babebus #charleston #roadtrip #digitalnomad