FINALLY! A DUDE THAT GETS IT!!! this is how you outfit a van for van life! i see sooo many people put hundreds of pound os space robbing lumber, to make a mini van an RV....detroying ALL of a mini vans benefits. MUCH RESPECT!
Love the functionality of Chris's ride. Most van builds are super cluttered with all the bells and whistles. Cool to see someone take the clean and functional option. Biggest priorities are camping and riding. Super dope!
@@christophersanagustin2941 Tough rig! I'm looking at a Tundra as well, but your van is making me feel all warm and dirty! It would much easier to park in the city as well.
I want to see more vehicle projects like this - I love seeing how people modify their vehicles for outdoor recreation vs living in them. Whether it's weekend bike trips , surf trips, ski trips, etc. I'm so tired of seeing tricked out converted camper vans that function exactly like a Winnebago. More videos like this please!
When I first heard of this from a friend who's parents just did the lift, I thought it's gotta be lame. But now I realize just how dope they are if you're just looking for a road trip vehicle and not a full on RV ... and just imagine what you can do with the tens of thousands of dollars not being spent on a Sprinter van!
This is what you do! Use the minivan for adventure and sleep. Perfect & Simple. Love the lift! That's what brought me here. Been thinking about my next Van and lifting it.
that rig is swell! I am legit envious! I think his setup fits a lot of people. For us personally, we'd likely add a wash station, a stove, and a solar panel to charge that battery. What a brilliant idea! we bring our folding tandem and it needs to be inside the van when not in use (we don't feel comfortable for our "baby" to be sitting outside). We might add that roof storage, great idea. We have a dometic fridge but (contrary to most people's liking), we don't fancy it (it's a great fridge but we prefer a cooler). Instead, we love our Yeti cooler (no electricity, no problem), you do have a lot more "mess" to deal with when using a cooler as oppose to a fridge (dumping water, slushy, and you need to "think" thru your packing a bit more). But it's virtually maintenance-free and immortal as far as reliability. we are getting great ideas from your channel, subscribed. Question, how might one combat condensation in a minivan while camping?
I wish that i would have been so smart with my early vehicle purchases. I always tried to go for looks and perceived status. When you are young having a van is the ultimate security. You know that you will always have a place to sleep if needed. They have more protected cargo space than a truck, and you wont lose your stuff if you are in a tough spot. At 28 years old and no kids i will always choose to drive an AWD mini van
What a solid, sensible and functional vehicle for both his needs and adventure destinations. Like I wonder like if like he could like say like any like more?
I have a friend who used to have this Ford Windstar (before he drove it into the ground) and I was always surprised how much he loved it until I saw how capable it was as an adventure machine. Arguably a better alternative to a pickup with a topper depending on how you're using it.
I have the same year and color van, work as a bike mechanic and ride too. This video is so inspiring 💯👍 Cleaning my garage now 😬🙂 Great video, awesome build 👏
When did he say he got a 2 inch lift? He's using the Journies lift kit which is a spacer lift which adds 3.5 inches. Did u whip your ruler out or something?
@@rmat9023 fair enough. I’ve got a few friends that have a 2” spacer lift on their AWD Volvo. Their tires added an additional 1” so I was generalizing. How did you know what lift kit ole boi was using? Did you whip out your zoom lens?
@@tevemullins8156 Wait, that's awesome about the Volvo kit can you tell me more please? And yeah, I whipped out my zoom lens on the comments the guy said he had the Journies Lift kit (which is the only company that I know who even makes lifts for this van)
I love my Honda Odyssey Mini-van for MTB road trips and day-to-day life. I am going to have to take some inspiration from your Sierra in terms of customization. Mini-vans are so sweet, and are not only for Dad's and Mom's!
Hi Chris, I really like what you have done and shown. Before asking a question, I read all of the comments (and saw your answers) above. I also watched the full video. Here's my question: Please tell me how the fuel economy may have been affected. How many MPG did your Sienna get prior to the install (and was that with stock tires+wheels or AT tires?)? And what MPG does it get now (after Lift Kit install, and with the tires)? This is important info for me. Please share here (as I am not on Instagram).
Just got me a super good deal sienna as a second car, I have a rav4 but the sienna is just so big, perfect for camping, so many things you can do with it, I have had armada, pilot, but nothing like the room on this sienna.
Late again tonight!🙈 What an ace truck, so cool. I have a vw camper here in the uk, it isn’t a 4wd but I think I’m going to put some Bfg’s on it, they look so cool. Ace vid, looking forward to Thursday. 🏁🏁💪💪👌👌
I live in Texas. Home of 4x4 everything. I've never seen a Toyota minivan with a lift kit. Huge props to your buddy with the vision to be different with his vehicle choice. I have a 4Runner and I blessed to have it. I think I want a Toyota Sienna AWD now. What lift kit does he have, how many inches did he lift it and did he have to cut the fender welds so he can make turns? Great rig!
3.5" lift from Journey Off Road. 245 65 17 tires on the 2nd gen AWD. No mods. Turns with no rubbing. The only downside of the Sienna vs the 4runner would be suspension. They don't make any nice shocks for the Sienna.
The slide out fridge plus the power solution is so cool. Loving the towel/jacket storage too, but has he thought about adding cargo-plane interior type netting to the sides so he can "hook" whatever he wants whereever he wants?
Hanging a clear plastic over-the-door shoe rack to a clothing rod that hooks across from one window headliner handle to the other is also a lightweight way to store things at the ready like deodorant, sunscreen, etc. so you don't have to hunt through bags.
Dustin, making content is hard AF, with all your videos you have the amazing ability to make things interesting and relatable. I enjoy the counter culture gritty nature of your content keep up the good work.
very cool van and setup!!! if youre single, or if the van is designated for biking what more do you need?!!!! very simple and clean, i give him an A+ for it!!!
Sick Sienna! I do wonder if you would gain additional space by removing some of the factory panelling. Obviously you would still need to insulate, but car manufacturers tend to make that panelling beefier than necessary for the kiddos that would typically be in the back.
In the future try to ask: what's the longest he has camped in his car, lowest temperature, hottest temperature he has camped in, has he ever missed not having a toilet, access to water (besides the fridge water), did he insulate for cold weather and if not did he ever get caught in freezing temperatures. I'm digging the minimal van vs the full blown camper van set up but these are some of the questions I was wondering about.
I don't live in the van. 5 nights is the longest we've camped in the van. It was hot. It was cold. We cover the windows at night. We camp in the mountains so the bathroom is no big deal. We carry 20 liters of water.
LOVE IT. i have a chevy van with AWD and i use it just like that except with a cooler (no 2nd battery) and i have wooden framed bed with storage under. also, my rack isnt as sweet
man, van life is exploding recently. i follow a couple of other people who do it too, one guy is foresty forest, this canadian dude who climbs mountains in the alberta backcountry. amazing drone footage of those climbs, and he has a whole series on taking his van from a shell into a mobile home. it's amazing. you should check him out if you're into this sorta scene!
Right on! 🤙🤙🤙 The most remarkable thing is really how clean his car is. Otherwise, a van may be just this much of a peculiarity to the american folks. They are very common in Europe amongst camping people.
SPARE TIRE?!!!! Do you have one, or are you not concerned about it? I have a 2015 AWD Sienna with runflats replaced with regular tires and got a real tire as spare and have to keep in the back of the van- just in case!!! Haven’t had a flat tire in 15 or 20 years but feel I gotta have something! Suggestions??
I’m always interested to see everyday vehicles adapted to stealth campers. I’d be tempted to add a small solar panel setup (ahead of the roofbox & if need be move the roofbox a bit more rearward to accommodate) just to charge a few 12v ancillaries (usb charge ports etc) and/or top up the main vehicle battery.
To start out, is it okay to just upgrade the tires first then do the lift later. Is there enough clearance? And on a 2WD, would it even be a benefit to even do this at all?
🤯 How is he running that fridge for 2.5-3 weeks on one 1516 watt hour battery? I have a 1512 watt hour battery AND an 1800 watt hour battery. Even if I used them together, there's no way I could get 2.5 to 3 weeks without having to re-charge the batteries. They would both be drained in less than 2 weeks. What is he doing to enable him to run his fridge that long? Edited to add - Nevermind, in a response comment below he said the longest he's ever camped in the minivan is 5 days. That makes sense. His battery can definitely last 5 days, but 3 weeks is a pipe dream.
I've been so frustrated with auto manufacturers that keep making soccer mo vehicles. So, last year I checked out Toyota and their own mechanic told me he would not take these on dirt road trailheads and would not do a lift kit. He told me that ll I get a yway is one I ch maybe. Sure wish they were built for slightly off road with no seats and more ground clearance. The full size vans are too big and get lousy fuel mileage.
Do you Instagram🤳?: bit.ly/DkleinIG
Chris, you have the best build I've seen. No need to bring a whole house with plumbing and cabinetry in the van.
That's probably the meanest looking Sienna I've ever seen!
FINALLY! A DUDE THAT GETS IT!!! this is how you outfit a van for van life! i see sooo many people put hundreds of pound os space robbing lumber, to make a mini van an RV....detroying ALL of a mini vans benefits. MUCH RESPECT!
Love the functionality of Chris's ride. Most van builds are super cluttered with all the bells and whistles. Cool to see someone take the clean and functional option. Biggest priorities are camping and riding. Super dope!
Totally. I was super close to buying a Tundra but it just didn't make sense!
@@christophersanagustin2941 Tough rig! I'm looking at a Tundra as well, but your van is making me feel all warm and dirty! It would much easier to park in the city as well.
I want to see more vehicle projects like this - I love seeing how people modify their vehicles for outdoor recreation vs living in them. Whether it's weekend bike trips , surf trips, ski trips, etc. I'm so tired of seeing tricked out converted camper vans that function exactly like a Winnebago. More videos like this please!
When I first heard of this from a friend who's parents just did the lift, I thought it's gotta be lame. But now I realize just how dope they are if you're just looking for a road trip vehicle and not a full on RV ... and just imagine what you can do with the tens of thousands of dollars not being spent on a Sprinter van!
That's what I'm saying. When it comes to financial well-being minivan's are superior and abundant
Take a shot every time he says “dialed” no it was so cute
This is what you do! Use the minivan for adventure and sleep. Perfect & Simple. Love the lift! That's what brought me here. Been thinking about my next Van and lifting it.
that rig is swell! I am legit envious! I think his setup fits a lot of people. For us personally, we'd likely add a wash station, a stove, and a solar panel to charge that battery. What a brilliant idea! we bring our folding tandem and it needs to be inside the van when not in use (we don't feel comfortable for our "baby" to be sitting outside). We might add that roof storage, great idea. We have a dometic fridge but (contrary to most people's liking), we don't fancy it (it's a great fridge but we prefer a cooler). Instead, we love our Yeti cooler (no electricity, no problem), you do have a lot more "mess" to deal with when using a cooler as oppose to a fridge (dumping water, slushy, and you need to "think" thru your packing a bit more). But it's virtually maintenance-free and immortal as far as reliability. we are getting great ideas from your channel, subscribed. Question, how might one combat condensation in a minivan while camping?
Love this insight!
Awesome rig!
Thanks!
Super sensible rig. Does everything you need and will be incredibly reliable. Plus bonus points for originality. Parked in a sea of pickup trucks.
I wish that i would have been so smart with my early vehicle purchases. I always tried to go for looks and perceived status. When you are young having a van is the ultimate security. You know that you will always have a place to sleep if needed. They have more protected cargo space than a truck, and you wont lose your stuff if you are in a tough spot. At 28 years old and no kids i will always choose to drive an AWD mini van
What a solid, sensible and functional vehicle for both his needs and adventure destinations. Like I wonder like if like he could like say like any like more?
Here in South Africa i use my lexus RX as my bike and dog car .I can fit a XXL bike in the back without taking it apart .His van is a winner thou
I have a friend who used to have this Ford Windstar (before he drove it into the ground) and I was always surprised how much he loved it until I saw how capable it was as an adventure machine. Arguably a better alternative to a pickup with a topper depending on how you're using it.
Yo Dustin your the kind of guy who’s going to get a show on vice land. Don’t do it man don’t sell out. Anyways stay saucy playa.
I have the same year and color van, work as a bike mechanic and ride too. This video is so inspiring 💯👍
Cleaning my garage now 😬🙂
Great video, awesome build 👏
Awesome! Thank you!
Love the 2" lift with an extra 1" from the knobby tires. If that doesn't say Adventure I'm not sure what does.
When did he say he got a 2 inch lift? He's using the Journies lift kit which is a spacer lift which adds 3.5 inches. Did u whip your ruler out or something?
@@rmat9023 fair enough. I’ve got a few friends that have a 2” spacer lift on their AWD Volvo. Their tires added an additional 1” so I was generalizing. How did you know what lift kit ole boi was using? Did you whip out your zoom lens?
@@tevemullins8156 Wait, that's awesome about the Volvo kit can you tell me more please? And yeah, I whipped out my zoom lens on the comments the guy said he had the Journies Lift kit (which is the only company that I know who even makes lifts for this van)
@@rmat9023 Cross Country Performance makes a plastic suspension spacer lift for the AWD Volvo. My buddy found them in aluminum.
@@rmat9023 Traxda also makes a Sienna lift kit. 2 inch, I think. Journeys is better.
I got a 2004 Sienna> it is the most reliable van I have ever owned. It has 190,000 miles and is not quitting anytime soon
I had a Sienna. Sold it and said goodbye to the "parent car." Regretted it only when I realized what a great car it was.
I love my Honda Odyssey Mini-van for MTB road trips and day-to-day life. I am going to have to take some inspiration from your Sierra in terms of customization. Mini-vans are so sweet, and are not only for Dad's and Mom's!
Jumping in to answer everyone's questions! Here we go!
Thank you player!!
Hi Chris, I really like what you have done and shown. Before asking a question, I read all of the comments (and saw your answers) above. I also watched the full video. Here's my question: Please tell me how the fuel economy may have been affected. How many MPG did your Sienna get prior to the install (and was that with stock tires+wheels or AT tires?)? And what MPG does it get now (after Lift Kit install, and with the tires)? This is important info for me. Please share here (as I am not on Instagram).
@@steadmanuhlich6734 Sorry. I have no idea.
Do you know how tall the lift kit was?
(It sure looks lifted.)
I have two of these one 2004 fwd and 2008 awd both Limited love it.
Awesome rig. Perfectly simple. Loads of space. None of it crapped up with junk. That is what an adventure rig should be.
Just got me a super good deal sienna as a second car, I have a rav4 but the sienna is just so big, perfect for camping, so many things you can do with it, I have had armada, pilot, but nothing like the room on this sienna.
So he’s an overlander, cool. Lots of cross over between cycling and over landing.
Seriously considering one for a storm chasing rig.
Oh my hell yes!!
Great video - chris is one cool dude, and nice to see an affordable/normal travel wagon.
Love it. More Minivan camper reviews please (I believe they stop making the ford transit city). I need to do this.
I have a stock 2004 sienna awd limited, with lexus gs 18x9 245/50-18 tires, and on snow tires that thing goes anywhere , and parts are cheap-ish
Late again tonight!🙈
What an ace truck, so cool.
I have a vw camper here in the uk, it isn’t a 4wd but I think I’m going to put some Bfg’s on it, they look so cool.
Ace vid, looking forward to Thursday. 🏁🏁💪💪👌👌
This is awesome! We just got a 2017 Sienna and plan to modify it for camping. Thanks for all the ideas!!!
Glad it was helpful!
I've been hunting an awd sienna and this video pops up. Nice build!
What a clean setup. Well thought out and really looks tough. Thanks for the video and take care, Al
like the dude said its dialled , luv it.
I live in Texas. Home of 4x4 everything. I've never seen a Toyota minivan with a lift kit. Huge props to your buddy with the vision to be different with his vehicle choice. I have a 4Runner and I blessed to have it. I think I want a Toyota Sienna AWD now. What lift kit does he have, how many inches did he lift it and did he have to cut the fender welds so he can make turns? Great rig!
3.5" lift from Journey Off Road. 245 65 17 tires on the 2nd gen AWD. No mods. Turns with no rubbing. The only downside of the Sienna vs the 4runner would be suspension. They don't make any nice shocks for the Sienna.
What size are your tires?
The slide out fridge plus the power solution is so cool. Loving the towel/jacket storage too, but has he thought about adding cargo-plane interior type netting to the sides so he can "hook" whatever he wants whereever he wants?
Cool suggestion!
It's been working out great!
Hanging a clear plastic over-the-door shoe rack to a clothing rod that hooks across from one window headliner handle to the other is also a lightweight way to store things at the ready like deodorant, sunscreen, etc. so you don't have to hunt through bags.
Beautiful job brothers great stuff.
Dustin, making content is hard AF, with all your videos you have the amazing ability to make things interesting and relatable. I enjoy the counter culture gritty nature of your content keep up the good work.
"Counter culture gritty nature."
I love that!
The sienna the underated overland rig !
Always wanted to do this with a gen 1 odyssey. So dope.
That rig an explosive 🧨 locomotive 🚂 TOYOTA FTW EVERYTIME!
Awesome VID!!! MINI Vans 4 life
Such a sick set up.
Respect the seltzer! 💪🏽
Love the rig but bummed we didn't hear more details on the lift kit. Seems like a very part to leave out.
very cool van and setup!!! if youre single, or if the van is designated for biking what more do you need?!!!! very simple and clean, i give him an A+ for it!!!
Sick Sienna! I do wonder if you would gain additional space by removing some of the factory panelling. Obviously you would still need to insulate, but car manufacturers tend to make that panelling beefier than necessary for the kiddos that would typically be in the back.
I think the answer is yes more space! Ive been taking it off the pro master and there is alot of room behind there!
@@EverythingsBeenDone stoked to see the ride develop!
Lots of people do this but the condition of my interior was super nice so decided to leave it.
@@christophersanagustin2941 understandable!
In the future try to ask: what's the longest he has camped in his car, lowest temperature, hottest temperature he has camped in, has he ever missed not having a toilet, access to water (besides the fridge water), did he insulate for cold weather and if not did he ever get caught in freezing temperatures. I'm digging the minimal van vs the full blown camper van set up but these are some of the questions I was wondering about.
I don't live in the van. 5 nights is the longest we've camped in the van. It was hot. It was cold. We cover the windows at night. We camp in the mountains so the bathroom is no big deal. We carry 20 liters of water.
Definitely dialed.
Great setup. I'd add a waterport or another pressurized water system to that swing out to clean off the bikes, shower, or to wash dishes.
A shower would be dope! Def in the next van build..... Stay tuned.
Funny, I've been researching this same setup with the sienna. And then this popped up!
Hit me with any questions. Happy to help.
@@christophersanagustin2941 What lift do kit do you have, and did you install it?
LOVE IT. i have a chevy van with AWD and i use it just like that except with a cooler (no 2nd battery) and i have wooden framed bed with storage under. also, my rack isnt as sweet
SiCK stance on the minivan with them all-road tires!
amazing idea! but sienna... 😭 lol! if it was a little taller id be sold!
Cool looking Sienna! what is the tire and rim specs? Thanks!
INSPIRING 😎 THANKS DUDE!!
Love it. I hope to get a mini van one day and do a similar thing to it.
Probably one of the best compact off road set up ! 👍🏼👍🏼
Nothing like the Stow-N-Go of the chryslers, but totyota engines the best.
Stow -N-Go was the reason Chrysler stopped making AWD minivans. The seat folds into the space where the rear driveline was located.
man, van life is exploding recently. i follow a couple of other people who do it too, one guy is foresty forest, this canadian dude who climbs mountains in the alberta backcountry. amazing drone footage of those climbs, and he has a whole series on taking his van from a shell into a mobile home. it's amazing. you should check him out if you're into this sorta scene!
This is cool, really cool. ... but where would I put my 5 kids??
Right on! 🤙🤙🤙
The most remarkable thing is really how clean his car is.
Otherwise, a van may be just this much of a peculiarity to the american folks. They are very common in Europe amongst camping people.
Lovin that rig
Did he change the gearing? With bigger tires and crawling off-road i wonder if he is concerned with burning out his torque converter. Love to know.
I did not. Journey Off Road has all the info but doesn't seem to be a problem.
Cool rig. Smart, practical choices keep the cost way down. Better than a Tacoma.
I do wish they made a Sienna with Tacoma parts.
Try to get Sienna from 2007-2010 AWD they have stronger engine 3.5L instead 3.3L Sienna from 2004-2006 has 3.3L engine.
Sweet ride. Inspo for the DKMobile.
Once our taxes are payed I plan to get the new hybrid version and build it out similarly.
SPARE TIRE?!!!! Do you have one, or are you not concerned about it? I have a 2015 AWD Sienna with runflats replaced with regular tires and got a real tire as spare and have to keep in the back of the van- just in case!!! Haven’t had a flat tire in 15 or 20 years but feel I gotta have something! Suggestions??
Awesome brother. !
Makes really good sense
Wheres the mesh roof holder made
Love this. Feeling inspired to do the same.
Brilliant Rig.
I’m always interested to see everyday vehicles adapted to stealth campers. I’d be tempted to add a small solar panel setup (ahead of the roofbox & if need be move the roofbox a bit more rearward to accommodate) just to charge a few 12v ancillaries (usb charge ports etc) and/or top up the main vehicle battery.
I never thought about getting a lift kit on a minivan, but I guess they are quite common all the handicap accessible vans have them right
Toyota's own mechanic advised me not to do it when I asked last year. Also said he wouldn't take these off asphalt.
This makes sense. Love this rig. Wait. Minivan as a “rig”?
It’s a rigi van
I love to do what he does (mountain biking, camping..) but I have a pickup truck. Mini van would be way better.
Does he have a lift kit installed or those just all-terrain tires?
Hey did Chris put a lift kit on van?
To start out, is it okay to just upgrade the tires first then do the lift later. Is there enough clearance? And on a 2WD, would it even be a benefit to even do this at all?
its a homework game for each scenario. I did a lift and AT tires on my 2WD and it helps a lot for clearance and traction.
The van is Dope!!
After a zombie apocalypse, zombies will use this vehicle to ferry their kids to school
LMAO this is classic!
Great rig !
🤯 How is he running that fridge for 2.5-3 weeks on one 1516 watt hour battery? I have a 1512 watt hour battery AND an 1800 watt hour battery. Even if I used them together, there's no way I could get 2.5 to 3 weeks without having to re-charge the batteries. They would both be drained in less than 2 weeks. What is he doing to enable him to run his fridge that long?
Edited to add - Nevermind, in a response comment below he said the longest he's ever camped in the minivan is 5 days. That makes sense. His battery can definitely last 5 days, but 3 weeks is a pipe dream.
hi. Can I have the infor for the lift kit that Chris uses?
Dream car!
Dustin taking notes
Shredder!
all of his rigs are designed to SHRED ;)
Awesome rig!
Which lift kit did you get?
I've been so frustrated with auto manufacturers that keep making soccer mo vehicles. So, last year I checked out Toyota and their own mechanic told me he would not take these on dirt road trailheads and would not do a lift kit. He told me that ll I get a yway is one I ch maybe.
Sure wish they were built for slightly off road with no seats and more ground clearance. The full size vans are too big and get lousy fuel mileage.
Nice Vid DK!
Is it an inflatable mattress? Who made the lift kit?
Got over 200k miles on my Sienna and still going strong; next up is a 3" lift
I am shooting for 300k forsure!
Which lift kit did you use? Traxda 2"? Journeys Off Road 3.5"?
I assume Journey. Never heard of Traxda...but Googling it next.
Curious as well and what size tires would be nice to know.
@@mrblaxto Journey's 3.5 lift (complete kit cost $750) Tire size 245/65 R17
What tires and wheel did you put in this van?
Sorry, what was the name of the lift kit again?
I don’t know