Best Minivan Camper I’ve Seen for Full-Time Van Life
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 ธ.ค. 2022
- This Woman's Beautiful Minivan Camper is Her Gateway To Adventure! Toyota sienna minivan camper tour. Maddie has lived van life on the road for the last two years in her minivan. She has traveled to all 48 contiguous states of the USA. Maddie's TH-cam channel is @beerinbeautifulplaces. Check it out and say hi!
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Maddie is a fantastic person who strongly desires to find the next adventure. She has big plans for an upcoming adventure that will put her to the test.
*As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
The BED Mattress: amzn.to/3Vuo9OW
Alpicool Dual Zone Mini Fridge: amzn.to/3hQshej
Solar Panel: amzn.to/3Vp0G1y
For inquiries, please message me at: contact@offgridadventure.net
#minivancamper #vanlife @BeerinBeautifulPlaces
Music featured in this video in order of appearance courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com.
ARTIST / SONG TITLE
ELFL / Spore Titan
ELFL / Black Sunrise
OTE / California Sunset
Ballpoint / Stack It
Martin Klem / To the Skies
Toby Tranter / Golden Forest
Yellowbase / Blue Hills
Edgar Hopp / Unspeakable Joy
Silver Maple / Particle Emission
Ben Elson / Eupheme
Tilden Parc / GLOWING (Instrumental Version)
AGST / Escaping - แนวปฏิบัติและการใช้ชีวิต
Thanks for stopping by!Check out my biggest dispersed camping trip of 2023 here: th-cam.com/video/BYzMB0cR3IQ/w-d-xo.html
Awesome! I am 78 and traveled solo for 2 1/2 months last summer. I took a tent, but never set it up. It was too comfortable sleeping in my VWGolf. I left Louisville,KY heading for Oregon, the only state I had not traveled in. The trip then took me to Washington, British Columbia, Alaska, Yukon, Northwest Territories (where i drove the Dempster Highway all the way to Tuktoyaktuk and the Arctic Ocean) and Alberta before heading home through the states. It was quite an adventure and helped me so much to deal with the grief of losing my husband in 2021. I am hoping to head in the other direction this summer...possibly as far as Newfoundland and Magdelyn Islands.
A fellow Louisvillian?!?! Sounds like an incredible trip! Sorry to hear about the loss of your husband, but I bet he would be so, so glad to know you’re doing amazing things! Best of luck on your next trip! 🍻
Thats awesome and what a victory for you and not accepting to sit around and watch tv and wait to pass away...go girl go woooo
I want to go across Canada but am afraid to travel alone. I’m a young senior.
@@Dustandfuzz put it out there on all the van lifers. I'm sure you can get at least one, is all you need, really. go for it.
Laura, I'm 73 and haven't started yet so you are such an inspiration. WOW!
For some living in a "van down by the river" is a last resort....for others....it's a dream come true.
Perception is EVERYTHING.
GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR TRAVELS
So true! Thank you for your kind words!
Ñ
Boy howdy. Perspective is Everything.
One time I was at a DC rest area in the middle of the night and didn't see any other cars. So I went into the restroom and went into a stall. I had just shut the stall door and was still standing there, when someone came in. I saw men's shoes walk past, and I can't believe my naivete. I started to laugh and say "Sir, you just came in the women's restroom," when I saw his shoes turn as he looked through the cracks in the door-he was clearly looking for ME! Then he saw me through the cracks in the door, and he said he'd give me money if I'd do something obscene (obviously he thought I was a "lot lizard," which is what truckers call truckstop hookers).
I was terrified and just stood there frozen as I had an adrenalin rush to the fingers, and I prayed as I'd never prayed before. I said "Lord don't let me become a statistic out here! HELP LORD, HELP!"
Then suddenly something very strange happened. We both heard a loud "BANG!" - it sounded like someone 10 feet tall had kicked the front door down. The man turned and ran out the back door, but I was afraid to leave as obviously someone had just come in the front door. I said, "Lord someone else is in here! What should I do?!" And inside I heard "Run! Run!" So I didn't hesitate. I ran out the front door to my car and left, and never again used a rest area in the night. I went potty in a cup, but I honestly believe it was an angel who kicked that door to scare the man away. Always remember to PRAY!!! 🙏 🤲 🕍
Thank god for angels..mine is over worked and under paid....
@@mustangandfrankenstein Lol. But I think you're angel is very happy to watch over you! It's a scary world we live in now however. If there had been a cop there and I told him that man had come into the ladies' restroom, the cop would just shrug his shoulders, as it's LEGAL nowadays! The world has gone MAD!
VERY TRUE it was a angel. PRAISE JESUS.
Sounded like Michael, the warrior and protector.
Was definitely an Angel 😇 🙏💛
World Traveler here - The honest truth is that after a year or two on the road, most people will get tired of living this way. I've stealth camped in my vehicle now and then over the past four years, usually for a few weeks at a time, then drove home to get back to a normal life. It's a life balance that I think is the best for adventure and traditional home life. After four years of this, I really enjoy doing temporary road trips and then back to regular home life! Good luck!
I started vanlife 4 years ago out of necessity, but it wasn't long before I knew I'd never go back to "conventional" life. It's not for everyone, but I love it. Being able to have my kitties and my necessities with me much of the time is calming in this big world.
Yes getting ready to go:
First thing I'm saving for is if I don't like it I can get an apartment & breakdowns
What works for you is great. Don't bunch everyone into your thinking.everyone that is a lot of people!!!
Maddie I am a 76 year old female solo car camper I've been on one six week trip and I'm getting ready to hit the roads for Quart site. I'm excited and a little apprehensive about this, but I'm also ready for the challenge. In spite of the age difference, it is great to know another homer from Louisville. Good luck to you in the new year
Sending you good vibes for a wonderful adventure Darlene. A key, is to take your time and never rush. The slower one goes, the more they get done👍
You're awesome🙏
Oh that's so cool! Nice to virtually meet you! Best of luck on your journey!
The most Loving Answer, is Always the Best Choice🌸
Love, and thankfulness, promotes the Blessings and Miracles to Flow🌻
For the Flow to be Steady, Focus on Love and thankfulness💥
Was trying to go to RTR but can't make it this time. Hoping to find a female friend to travel with
Look up the Alyssa Vanilla channel. She's been staying in Quartzsite.
When you do go on the Appalachian trail, I learned that a good way to always have enough equipment, food etc., is to mail parcels to the various outposts found at different spots on that trail so as to replenish yourself without having to cart to much or not enough supplies. Also helps with replacing gear that is worn or broken. Maybe check into that, could save you time & money.
It looks great! Sometimes the more complicated you get with your build. The harder it is to live. A simple life is a wonderful life!
Since you have no plumbing, I've heard that you can get a Planet Fitness Membership, park in their parking lot at night, get a workout in the morning and take a shower afterwards.
I love how she decorated her ceiling
North & South Carolina have the best beaches l've been to from Miami to California. Outer banks was my best feeling and favorite memories.
This type of minimalistic build is what the van life was really supposed to be about. Thank you!
Agreed .But it's hard not to gather things in your travels ..i just did a purge yesterday and am going to do another one tomorrow .and ultimately rebuild my bed so i can have under the bed storage for my clothes which im not minimal at all about love clirhes but ill hide them under ny bed .vanlife for life wooooo
I think we can do whatever. I don't think there is a way. Do u!
@@RiaSwiftHealing hell ya yeah.we can do anything..im putting a bath tub and a shower in the back of my 06 caravan where the stow and go seats went . gonna be badass and plenty of room .its going to look amazing and nothing else like it .. aka VANKENSTEIN..thats one of a 100 beautiful things iv got locked away in my cold storage..? My brain ..stay tuned lol.wooooooo its alive lol
There's no right and wrong way to do van life.
Yep, I agree with everyone. Van life is ever evolving.
Just a hint: keep the batteries clean. If there's any dust or dirt on your car battery, it's a drain. I had a friend who had a clump of dirt on hers once and the car wouldn't start - once we found the clump of dirt on the battery and removed it, the car started right up. We were pretty stunned that it could do that.
Woo hoo! Maddie has a nice, comfy build! I was so happy to be able to help her with the floor and added storage underneath. Her mission to hit all 48 states is inspiring! Thanks for sharing!
She’s definitely an inspiration. Her plan for the AT this year is a big one. It’ll be nice to see.
Thank YOU, Marshall! If I hadn’t met you, the build would have turned out completely different!
Sorry but this is NOT SAFE for ANYONE in the world that we live in NOW. Even for a MAN it's not the best idea but for a WOMAN ALONE...NOOOO....👎
@@jenleigh342You are welcome to live in fear and stay inside all day.
I watch a lot of these videos and although I enjoy them I'll never be able to afford a Sprinter van with a full kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom. Your video I can actually use. You've given me some good ideas. Thank you for posting this.
I left apartment life in NY state, sold my Subaru Forester, and bought a 2019; Dodge Grand Caravan SXT to travel in for me and my dog! I absolutely love it! It has enough room for me, and has so many extras other people don't have in other vehicles! Tons of storage too!🚙✌️
That's awesome! Sounds like you found a great fit for you!
It would be so nice to see how you built it
Very colorful young lady she knows what she wants and likes God keep her safe..
When sitting up reading put a wool blanket or wool cape on your shoulders . It’s something I started doing at night really works.
I wonder if all Americans are born with a degree in carpentry?It seems most of the van builds are built by the people who own them,whether they are men or women.Its amazing.
I had plenty of help with the build! I designed it, but couldn't have done it without those that helped me, their tools, and their knowledge!
What a lovely person to talk to.
Maddie is completely and utterly charming. Her smile is so lovely.
Hi there thank you for this tour. It is amazing at how many people tried to talk me out of PART TIME car camping. We only get one life, LIVE IT. Thank you for the beautiful tour. Safe Travels and be Blessed.
Hi! Thanks for stopping in, and please don’t forget to check out Maddie’s channel.
I really liked the simplicity of your design. Lots of great ideas for those of us who don’t have a lot of carpentry skills. Best part was the small wood strips used to keep things in place. Great job ❤️
Thanks so much! 🥰
like the cubby hole storage.. great idea!
Toyota Seinna, the best van.
Reliable, dependable, and you can count on it.
Hi Matti, you are so straight, you seen so honest and straight forward,I pray that you will always be blessed, enjoy your life,God blessed.
Toyota sienna is one of the most reliable cars ❣️.. I've been living in my Toyota sienna for six months now...
Is she not such a gift? I love her authenticity. It just come across. Live life or life lives you. Blessing everyone in 2023 and beyond.
That's so nice of you to say! That really made my evening! 💚
She is a gem !
This chick has such a great personality, awesome van too!
Thank you!
"My sunscreen and bear spray.Just got to make sure I don't get those two confused." LOL True statement!!!
😄
A great enthusiastic lady w a great zest for life
Thanks! ☺️
This is August 2023. I just lost my husband in June after a long illness. I’ve purchased a hybrid Chrysler Pacifica and I want to do something similar to what you are doing. But I’m 72 years old and not extremely fit. What do y’all think? 😅
First, condolences your your loss. I can’t imagine how difficult this loss must be for you. As far as fitness goes, you can exert yourself as much or as little as you prefer. If climate is an issue, search for places with milder weather and avoid the extremes. Prioritize comfort as you start, and take small trips to acclimate. Start in your driveway as a safe place to test out your setup. Less is more.
@@OffGridAdventure Thanks! I forgot to mention that I live in Florida (ugh) and the one thing I’m not sure how to do is stay cool in my car when I have to close it up at night. Is there such a thing as a portable AC that can be used without running the car? I don’t have anyone with tools or electrical knowledge to help me. Do you have a good resource for add-ons that will work with my car systems? Thanks for your reply and any help.
@@peggytoussantjumpstartstri2 hi, I’ve tried every portable AC out there, and they all have limited capabilities, particularly if you don’t have shore power. Resting in your vehicle during the daytime will be unbearable, and it can still feel hot at night. I use a little USB fan that keeps me comfortable below 80F at night. The portable AC units also have a lot of hoses and drain water. Check out my recent video about EcoFlow Wave2: th-cam.com/video/lFGfh2a0uuY/w-d-xo.html
I'm 65 and in Florida.
It's NOT easy. It's expensive. It's HOT.
Battery operated fans help at night. Finding shade during the day isn't easy. I don't do this by choice. I'm on disability and just can't afford housing anymore. It sucks! I'd rather travel by plane with a hotel room and a HOT Shower!!! I'm not trying to kill your dream. I'm telling you the reality. There's more to worry about than the guy at the rest area. Bear spray is fine. Pack a gun!
~ M
I have been following Maddie's journey for sometime. She is wonderful to go along with her journey & yes she does not always talk about how wonderful something was. What got me interested was her title & she would have a beer somewhere in her video usually at the end of it. She seems genuinly like a really sweetheart of a young lady.
Awesome! She offered me a beer after filming, but we both decided not to drink because we both had to head out. Honestly, I wish we had more time together. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Super awesome Maddie. I also use a Sienna, and keeping it very simple is very do-able. Plus great mpg, easy to drive, much more stealth, and simple makes everything easier.
With your power station, and "Inverter System" (the vehicle alternator powering your power station), you can get a dc heating blanket for about $35 and that will help you A LOT! And if you use items that are directly dc, you will get much longer usage from your power station (or battery if you don't us a power station). With using dc, your battery doesn't have to power a converter from dc to ac...so using dc items, or usb items, helps your battery last longer.
You are a very intelligent unique sweet woman that's like fresh air and sunlight🌸
I subscribed to your channel...thank you 🎶🌻
I'm very bad with electricity, but I'll keep in mind DC = good! I've looked up "electricity for dummies" so many times but it never seems to stick!
With a POWER STATION, it has a tool called a POWER INVERTER, which converts DIRECT CURRENTS (called DC) which comes directly from sources like the sun, like your cars alternator, and like your cars battery, or any battery, these are DIRECT CURRENTS of electricity.
Houses, hooked up to city electric, have already been CONVERTED at the electric plant with whats called a POWER INVERTER.
Your battery, is DC...or also called DIRECT CURRENT. If you use a DC appliance, such as a fan, or a heating pad, that is set up for DC, you can just plug it in to your power station, and the power station does not have to CONVERT the batteries type of electric current as both are DC... DIRECT CURRENT.
When you have an appliance that is AC (ALTERED CURRENT), the batteries current of electricity, needs to be changed. An INVERTER is used. However, this INVERTER, takes the batteries electricity, in order to change that current.
Therefore, your battery will not last as long due to this tool called an INVERTER being used to change that DC, to AC.
That INVERTER, is using your batteries electricity to convert DC, to your AC appliance.
So..... if you simply use a DC appliance (fan, heating pad, etc.) that is the same electric set up as ypur battery, DC, then, your battery will last way longer because no INVERTER needs to be used.
INVERTERS change the style of electricity from DIRECT CURRENT, DC, to ALTERED CURRENT, AC, which is the style of electricity in your home, that the ELECTRICITY COMPANY does for you, with their own INVERTERS...so you can use AC plugs.
Vanlifers, and solar sources, either use DC appliances, or, they buy POWER INVERTERS to alter the cutrent because AC appliances are much much more common for houses use. Vanlifers, like DC appliancrs, yet they are not as common, and they can be mote expensive because they are not as mass produced.
Re-read this a couple times if you want. You might connect about AC, DC, and why vanlife'rs like DC. Simple answer: because to convert from DC, to AC, the battery uses up it's battery charge, to use a POWER INVERTER...to convert DC, to AC... therefore their precious battery power is less due to using an INVERTER to be able to use an AC appliance.
DC to DC, no INVERTER! Longer battery use.
@forestsky9649 Thank you so much for this explanation.
I would not use a heating blanket for heat too much radiation from the electricity. There was a warning out years ago with water bed heaters also the electric blanket uses the same heating element. Good blankets or feather tic blankets can keep you warm with just body heat. Run the vans heater for a few minutes then shut it down and repeat. I don't recommend using a buddy heater because of oxygen depletion. 73
@ronb6182
I definitely agree about electric blankets.
I use layers of blankets and body heat as well. And I don't use a Buddy Heater either. When I drive to where I'm staying, the van is toasty, and I get under the blankets and do what I call "tunnel breathing" with the blankets near my head rolled in a way that creates a tunnel effect for breathing.
Though, for several years now, my vanlife has been more "urban vanlife style" as I'm not way up high in the Rockies for the winters any more. Yet... I have to say... I miss being in the real nature. I LOVED being deep in nature in the winter. I just don't want to deal with that frigid cold any more though.
Your reply was intelligent👍
I like this simple layout in your van.
God bless you girl have a sweet life. I enjoyed your video
I liked this simple, very functional build. Also, enjoyed listening to her tell her story.
You are a great adventurer…I admire your ability to take care of yourself on the road. If I was 60 I would buy a van and travel part time. Great video.
Thanks so much!
You are an absolute dear - your down-to-earth-ed-ness, your humor...thank you, for sharing!
I love the simplicity - perfect! Thanks for sharing.
LOVE YOU & your Channel MADDIE !!!!! Following your Alaska travels. Be safe and stay warm. 💖
Super cool build and her enthusiasm is great to see!
I love Maddie! Been watching her channel/ adventure over the last couple of years now. Thanks for sharing!!
Thank you for being along with me for so long! 💚
This is an amazing and simple setup! It's encouraging to see.
Thanks!!
Thanks for sharing, maddie!!
I've been watching Maddie since she hit the road. I always enjoy her videos and yes she tells it link it is none of the TH-cam glamorizing. I love her simply but very functional build, it works great for her needs! Can't wait to see your hiking "tour". I'm not a fan of hiking but I would hike with Maddie!! Take care & stay safe.
Aww thank you! Glad you're coming hiking with us too! I was worried some of viewers that are more interested in van life may leave us, so that's nice to hear!
WoW! Your van iS perfect! So well planned out and fitted. Very impressive!
I’ve been watching you since your first episode of Beer in Beautiful Places. You’re inspiring and incredible!❤
Been watching Maddie's van videos since she started. Very enjoyable.
Thank you 😊 for sharing your life with us .God bless you 🙏🙏🙏
Nice conversion. Blessings and safe travels.
This is what Van life is all about. What an awesome person she is!
Hi Maddie
Great video And layout. I've a sienna too. Amazing how cavernous it is.
Look forward to watching your station
I love ur energy. I had always planned ondoimg something similar to what u are when I retired at 55but unfortunately I became wheelchair bound with a degenerative bone disease. So I am also in constant pain. So Instead I useeca chuck of my $ to build a 420 sq foot tiny house I had to go larger 2 leave room foray chair. I am loving living tiny n I still have a se $ left to travel. Just not the way I had intended. Right now - its only been a lite ivet a year I am just trying to adjust to my new way of life. That has been quite TB e journey. I m pretty isolated I really should nit drive so I know what u mean about online being company. I domt think I would do as well if I didn't have that. I am deaf. Going to watch tve rest if urvideos. U are a rock star woman. Ur doing it. Let that lift u up when u are feeling down.
I love her videos. She is always so real.
Yay! Thank you 🎉
Love this van & Maddie's TH-cam channel "Beer in Beautiful Places"... I you're not following her, you SHOULD be!! 💯👍🍺❤
Thank you for sharing You are very lucky to have this experience. Stay safe and many happy travels.
Thank you!
Maddy you are an amazing person. Fills my heart with joy.💕
Thank you so much!! 😀
Thank you for the video and sharing. Blessings to you.
I live in my SUV and yes everything needs its place or I feel like I’m drowning in clutter even though I hardly own anything 😂
Great build - the fridge is awesome great add on
Hi Maddie !! I’m so glad that I took some time to view your video. I love your van because it shouts “ you”!!! This comment comes from one of your “ hometown “ person…
Sending blessings to you from Louisville, Ky. ( our hometown “ 👏🏽🙂
Very nice!
Love your set up, keep it simple yet, comfortable. I'm stuck in Palo Alto, CA for 2 more years just to save for land and then I'm planning to live in a van and travel before building a cabin far, far, far away from California
Sounds like an awesome plan! Best of luck!
Glad you are enjoying your life and doing what you love to do.
Great spirit! Congratulations on such a fulfilling and successful journey.
"Just gotta make sure not to get those two confused", that was great! Loved your delivery on that.
Haha thank you!
Maddie is awesome. Thank you for sharing! :)
Ty 4 posting. Nice conversion. Agree that it's easier to drive the SUV than van, bus or 5th. I'm inspired to do same w my Forester. Happy trails 🍃🍂
Love Maddie's van and her channel!
Thanks so much!! 🎉
Awesome set up ! Cheers Bonny enjoy the road and adventures. I want to do this in the next few years .
Love the set up and you should definitely count your blessings i got nothing but backlash from my mom and step dad calling me stupid and all kinds of things and I'm a grown man you only get one chance at life and better to do something than to have regret
Nice build! Good you had help with the build and support of your travels😊
Yeah, definitely! It was really cool because when I started, I wasn't expecting any help, but luckily help came along!
Yes South Carolina and the sunsets are beautiful. Thanks for the shout out.😍
She looks very cozy in her van. 👍
I've been fascinated by rv/van life videos. Great to come across fellow Louisville and. Will check out your channel
Love your setup and your vast road experience
what a great way to explore the country
Great interview and sharing, totally enjoyed listening to your journey. God bless!
I am 76 yrs old, have a 2012 Toyota Sienna with very low miles. I am inspired by you!!
01/09/23
Hello from Pinellas Park, FL!
I just viewed your video and wanted to say thank you!
I enjoyed it and I am praying for my opportunity to get out there soon as well!
You're a brave girl !
Way to go Maddie. 🎉. I bought a Jeep grand Cherokee limited. It has the third seat and lots of space. I’ve done some overnight in it. Love it.
Great video!! You're so fun!! I just started my mini van life here in FL.... originally from Colorado...so I'll be venturing back and forth.
I love the bungee cord on door handles for curtain idea.
Her build is one of the most innovative I’ve seen.
Great simple build!!
My kind of girl. Nice van and setup. Stay safe
Thank you! You stay safe, too!
Thanks for covering the travel refrigerator need, I have been on the fence about buying one, and the decision is made....you just saved me much $$$....❤
so adventurous --great to see you living your dream !!!
Thank you! 😊😊😊
Fantastic
CHARMING PERSONALITY !:) GOOD LUCK !:)
Thanks!
Great Friend`s And Family well done
I have a similar van set up with seat wells... Stow & Go. . love it
I love your honesty🥰
-Love from South Carolina
Love your video! Thanks!
Beautiful build!
You have a nice van build, great job..safe travels.
Glad you got your fridge freezer, your living in the van no one else, so if you want to buy something for your Van to benefit yourself, you buy it. It's that simple. A lot of people say, don't do this, don't do that, I wouldn't do that, yet the minute they want something or not they buy it. Stay blessed 🙏🏾 🇬🇧 solo lady part-time car camper
Definitely! I think it was just folks that like to think their way of doing things is the only right way that were saying that!
I love that it is so simple. Very nice 😊
Thanks!!
My step daughter did the Appalachian Trail a few years so, said it was AWESOME.