I never gave the Honda Element a second thought or glance. Seeing all the features they have as far as the seats simply being able to fold up or combine with each other to make a bed is pretty damn innovative even though it's so simple. Definitely handy and lets you take your toys without the gas costs of having to get a truck or van. Like I said I never looked at em twice, now I want one and lift it with some off-road tires and some camper features
Own an 03 element. An truly enjoy your videos and the path you've chosen to enjoy life together to reach goals. You guys definitely have a great foundation for the future. Keep on truckin!
Cool build. I'm going van living in two months, for two months. Your video taught me a few important things as I prepare to design my caravan's interior. Thanks!
Hi guys, love the element. I just moved into my element two weeks ago and its amazing. My home base is Mt shasta, CA. Im a starseed and travel doing energy work. If you two come this way, I would love to meet up. Much love and light
Well done! Good for you guys, living so tiny & simple...really environmentally friendly, while saving you a lot of money to enjoy what's really important in life! Very inspiring!
I've been contemplating buying an ambulance, but seeing that you and Vanessa live in your Honda Element, then I'm sure my two dogs and I can live in mine. Thanks for the inspiration!
You guys are so awesome. I follow another camper in a Honda element. His name is Nate, and his youtube page is "element van life". I so admire that you guys have successfully pulled this off. I could never just keep the bare essential required for the journey, my stuff would probably fill up three up three elements. I have subscribed to your youtube account and look forward to following your adventure.
I've been lurking on your channel for the longest time, in hopes I'll eventually muster the courage to move into my car. Thanks for the Info!! You two are living the life I aspire to have!
Hope you are well and happy! I know you are on new adventures...IDK how many times I have watched this in the past few years. I am looking for new ideas rebuilding my E for the 3rd time and yours is still one of the best!
My 03 element has a bad motor, still runs but runs badly. I'm very impressed with your conversion. It inspires me to put a new motor in my E and keep it alive, if you know of any place that sells good used motors please let me know.
I owned an '04 and then an '08. Sad they stopped making them. Now I have a '13 Nissan NV2500 high roof ... kinda like an Element on steroids, is what someone told me... Lol. Nice setup in a great vehicle. Only trouble I had in 10 years of Element owning, were the window regulators. It got so I bot a suction holder (for window glass workers) and if the window started to fall into the door, I would slap the suction cup on it, low, to keep from losing it inside the door. Lol. Good luck to you both.
I had to replace the passenger regulator in my 04 last year...after 14 years of ownership. It took 4 days for the part to get to me and about 45 minutes to replace.
Wonderful setup! Looks cozy and really functional. I have been thinking about a cargo net for so long and yours is exactly the setup I needed to see, thanks!
I just got a 2006 Element. I moved out of San Francisco back to Houston. You look like you're at Apple's offices ;). I hope you put up more videos. A few people live in their car in the Bay Area.
I traded my 2000 Miata (too small) for a 2008 Element. It was a one owner and exceptionally clean SC model with 129K miles. It runs like a brand new one. I'm in the process of customizing the rear, less the rear seats into a rv type interior like yours. I'm looking into mounting a solar panel on the roof when camping. Harbor Freight has some neat ones that should work. I hope to have it completed by end of May. Unfortunately here in Arkansas the summers get quite muggy and hot. Will try and find a small portable a/c to cool the interior at night. Most state parks have electrical hook ups and this should take care of all of our needs
One of the best camper conversions I've seen! Still not sure how 2 people live in one though, but this conversion with a narrow bed would be amazing for 1.
I always thought of doing this with an element since I was a senior in high school (2005). Fantastic set up you guys have. Hope I get to try this. Sucks they are no longer made.
Actually, my '95 Odyssey had better gas mileage than my '10 Element, although it would be easier to set up an Element for living in. I tried to figure it out in my Odyssey and it just didn't work for me. When I realized I could make the Element into two beds with no effort, that's what sold me on buying the Element. 321,000 miles later...couldn't be happier.
good shits Phil. Im gonna do the same with my 2005 Element! As soon as i get a new engine installed! Bought the goal zero 150 yeti. Thanks for the tips!
I love your setup. I also have a Honda Element, with ecamper on top. I hesitate about making permanent modifications inside the back because the spare tire and tools are stored under the floor. How do you access these? Would it be easy in an emergency?
That was one of those reasons why I didn't cover up that part of the floor. I made it where the legs for the bed frame are just thick enough where I can access the spare tire if I need to. They do not block the door at all. All I need to do is just remove the stove, water jug....etc. I wish Honda would place the spare tire underneath the car or something like that. That way I would have a bit more options designing it a different way.
I have a few questions: What are you two doing to make sure you have gas costs covered? Do you have money saved? Also, have you ever run into legal issues? I'd imagine Uncle Sam wouldn't be happy about nomads in terms of property taxes and lack of a regular address
John Buterbaugh we work and go to school full time, john. Check out our other videos which will answer all of your questions. :) thanks for dropping by.
Very cool van life. It's a great way to save money and be adventurous. Totally support this and the reason why you guys are deciding to live in a element. Awesome cause I'm sleeping in my element to. Little by little I'm up grading my Elemento
Wow your brilliant ... I love your setup only add on would be solar panel and a fantastic fan... this is exactly the same way that I want my rig to be setup... thank you
Thank you Frank. We didn't want to setup a solar panel because we wanted to be as stealthy as possible. And there is really no need for one with the way we setup our battery and what we need to charge. Check out my battery setup video if you want more details.
I love it!!! you have given me so many ideas for when I hit the coast in my berlingo multispace. I love the blinds and what more do you need but a bed at night and a little storage. Fantastic video, keep them coming.
Wow!!!! That's a really good build for One of those. And one of the better ones I've seen. I always give you people who do conversions out of small suvs/cars mad props! I have a van. I don't think I could go smaller unless I really really really had to lol. Can't wait to see some of your other videos.
Very organized and streamlined. Well thought out! My concern is the propane tank. Always told not to keep in living quarters. Do you have a monitor for fumes, etc.? What about leaving the vehicle on a hot day, does the propane stay in it? Any views on this would appreciate it. Going to do a van type vehicle soon.
You guys must have an amazing mindset to be able to spend so much time in your van. I realise you have the freedom to set up anywhere I wish you both well and every success hassle free vanning. One question tho how did you manage to d clutter. Wayne from Brisbane Queensland Australia. More people in Australia are also starting to do this and I have also started preparing myself as well.
Hi Wayne. I love Brisbane! We also did the whole van thing in Australia as well and spent about a month in Brisbane. Australia is the perfect to do it to be honest. If you travel along the coast, all you see are camper vans everywhere. You guys have it easy there with all the public facilities....I traveled in a 40L backpack for two years and after that I realized people doesn't really need much to survive. Clothing, shelter, food. The rest are toys. Most of our pictures are digitals nowadays, clothing wise all you really need is a few pair of shirts and pants....etc. We actually have a video about our wardrobe. th-cam.com/video/PvPGwW6PYHI/w-d-xo.html Make sure to go check that out. But we do have a few boxes of Vanessa's school stuff store at a friends house.
Hi Phil: Nice work! AND... you have two people living in the Element! Way to go! BTW, I spotted that Biolite PowerLight in your cabinet. I have one, and it's a great light, plus a backup power pack to recharge a phone. I like the fact that you can dim the light. Good luck with that setup, and I'm looking forward to seeing a video after you finish a year in the Element. ;)
Just subbed! awesome. I have a 2007 Honda CRV that I can't out of here and there but after I pay off all of my dad later this year I plan on saving up and getting myself and older element and that will be my primary vehicle to travel in full time. (:
It's great but the Honda Element is only supposed to hold 650 lbs. That's what the manual says. I figure 750 lbs with the back seat out. You must be way over 1000 lbs. Do you think it's safe ? I worry about overloading my Element all the time? Have you thought about this?
Hi Rachel. We've lived in it for almost two years and car ran just fine. It did drop the back suspension down a couple of inches and lowerd the gas mileage by about 2 or 3 gallons. Other than that, the car was in very good condition.
i had a suzuki 4x4 I traded it and cash for a rebilt honda element there is so much more room to use. I would like some plans to build the side cabinet simlar to yours. curved up an away from the second sleeper. Best of dreams to yas
good job and nice vid as well. as consideration you might add some more little holes into the plattform for your bed. keeps your matratz alive as the humidity isn`t traped in between :) cheers!
Nice, I also am a van dweller. Except in an astro van. I think you actually have too much stuff still. I read a book called "the joy of less" and it made more than enough room in my van.
Gibbet Hoskins yeah it's great. We can pretty much park and sleep anywhere we want. No one ever notices. FYI the adhesive will eventually not stick anymore when it gets really hot inside. So I end up getting some heat resistance super glue and glued it onto the plastic panel.
WOW! fantastic design although i can't imagine 2 people living in such a small van. Have you thought about a LDV V80 short wheelbase, low roof van or Toyota HiAce ?
Sharon Lester thanks Sharon. We made a video about the netting so you can go check it out. For the screens, it's just sunscreens from the dollar store but you can get better ones at Home Depot or lowes. Then we went to a fabric store and basically made covers for them. Black on the outside and white inside. We borrowed a sewing machine from a friend.
Thanks so much, your van design is such an inspiration for brainstorming yet I'm constantly coming back to it for closer consideration. Awesome job and thanks for helping others along the path!
You're doing great!! I just started watching. Thanks for the tour. What year Element is it? How much miles do you have on it? I have always loved the Element. At the time I bought my SUV I wished I could have bought the Element instead. Many happy blessings to you & your wife!
Your Mong Kok sign brings back so many great memories of living in Hong Kong. Even the living space😂😂 You know how it is. I hope the virus ends soon so I can go back!
Wow, great setup very organized and good use of space. I'm in the Bay Area as well over in the East Bay. Take care, and can't wait for more videos. What have you been doing during the day when it's raining and your not working? Thanks, Tina
We rarely store any food in the car. We go grocery shopping pretty much every day. It takes an extra 15 mins but we eat fresh food all the time. Eggs and vegetables can usually store it for a couple of days. We do not store raw meat. We buy and eat that on the same day. You start to realize there a lot of food you do not need refrigerating unless you want to store it more than a few days. During winter time, the inside of the car is pretty cool already.
I appreciate your response Phil. Sounds like a good way to approach food. I visit the grocery store with almost the same frequency as you even though I live in an apartment, so it would be an easy accommodation for me should I make the move into a vehicle. With your platform set up, are you able to access the spare tire without having to disassemble the platform?
That was my #1 priority when we designed the bed frame. It's unfortunate that the Element put the spare tire inside the vehicle instead of outside underneath the car. Or else we would have a totally different setup where we can sit up straight when not sleeping. To answer your answer, yes I made sure we can access the spare tire without having to take the platform out if we needed it. I just used 2x4s for the legs and they fit in that little corner just enough where I can open the spare tire access door. I may have to push the legs out just a few centimeters when I need to open that door.
Do you two have anymore details on how you made the blackout window shades ? Just so you know your videos are awesome and inspiring. Go fun time in my E in about 15days 🤞🏼!
Hey Thanks!!! we bought those window sunscreens from the dollar stores and got the cheapest fabric we can find at walmart. We hand stitched them together because we didn't have a machine. It would be much faster if you have one. We didn't need magnets or velcro because we measure the shades to be a bit bigger than the window so we can just slide them into the spaces between the glass and panels.
yes this is very nice. well organized and clean. i love it. where did you get the jeti battery . ? is it a battery or a converter...and how much was it.
I really like the Japanese futon bed good Idea thinking of turn my 2014 xL yukon into a camper although I do own a camper but itll be nice for day trips I have so many ideas running through my head for it but I like you're bed idea
Doing this long term, as you are, I would like to ask if "not being able to stand up" in the camper becomes frustrating? I am thinking of hitting the road myself, and want something small like this. However, the tho't of always having to crawl around inside, I think would drive me crazy after a month. I'm sure most of the time you are living outside, so this is more like your "hotel", but what about when there's inclement weather and you can't get outside? Do you use a tent.... and if not, what do you do when the weather is bad? Do you stay inside and crawl for days? I don't know that I could handle that!
There were times I wish we could stand, but not enough where it drives us crazy. We kinda like laying in bed and if we do need to stand we just go to the mall or gym. It's not too big of a deal for us. We lived in a bigger van and we actually prefer the element because it's so much easier to get around.
I am so happy that there is a HongKonger driving and enjoying a Honda element. I came from Hong Kong too, bless you and your family a wonderful life.
Can't see a Honda Element on the street anymore without wondering if it's a mobile home. Amazing set up for two people.
Robin Montana 😂😂🤔
How true 😉
That's cool. I been living in my Honda Element for two years. Loveit
I'm just starting out living in my Element ... love to hear about how it is going for you!
Very cool. We spent a year and 1/2 living out of a RV traveling around the U.S. as a family (2 kids). Was tons of fun. Love your setup!
I never gave the Honda Element a second thought or glance. Seeing all the features they have as far as the seats simply being able to fold up or combine with each other to make a bed is pretty damn innovative even though it's so simple. Definitely handy and lets you take your toys without the gas costs of having to get a truck or van. Like I said I never looked at em twice, now I want one and lift it with some off-road tires and some camper features
amazing set up id love to live in that car, just living by the ocean working a job at a seaside restaurant. falling asleep the sound of the waves
I have a 2006 Honda Element. It is a wonderful and versatile car. Love what you've done with yours.
Own an 03 element. An truly enjoy your videos and the path you've chosen to enjoy life together to reach goals. You guys definitely have a great foundation for the future. Keep on truckin!
Cool build. I'm going van living in two months, for two months. Your video taught me a few important things as I prepare to design my caravan's interior. Thanks!
What a great use of space. I have a van which I love, but I can see how comfortable even a smaller space can be. Great planning and execution!
Hi guys, love the element. I just moved into my element two weeks ago and its amazing. My home base is Mt shasta, CA. Im a starseed and travel doing energy work. If you two come this way, I would love to meet up.
Much love and light
Namaste Ashtar - I'm just moving into my Element this week. Excited, scared, joyful, thrilled. Hope to meet you along the road!
Well done! Good for you guys, living so tiny & simple...really environmentally friendly, while saving you a lot of money to enjoy what's really important in life! Very inspiring!
I've been contemplating buying an ambulance, but seeing that you and Vanessa live in your Honda Element, then I'm sure my two dogs and I can live in mine. Thanks for the inspiration!
shouldn't be an issue. =)
You guys are so awesome. I follow another camper in a Honda element. His name is Nate, and his youtube page is "element van life". I so admire that you guys have successfully pulled this off. I could never just keep the bare essential required for the journey, my stuff would probably fill up three up three elements. I have subscribed to your youtube account and look forward to following your adventure.
genius! Especially the access to the "middle" and the cargo net! Gotta remember those ideas!!
Congratulations 👏
From dozens of videos received about honda element camper :
Yours is the best, its simple, uncomplicated and efficient !
thanks Alex!!
I've been lurking on your channel for the longest time, in hopes I'll eventually muster the courage to move into my car. Thanks for the Info!! You two are living the life I aspire to have!
Thank you so much, Hugo
I just bought a Honda element an 2004 I love it so far and love your set up
thanks!
Very inspirational. I love the Hebrews 11:1 scripture on the wall as well.
Hope you are well and happy! I know you are on new adventures...IDK how many times I have watched this in the past few years. I am looking for new ideas rebuilding my E for the 3rd time and yours is still one of the best!
hey! Thanks man. Much appreciated. We are hoping to upload an update soon.
My 03 element has a bad motor, still runs but runs badly. I'm very impressed with your conversion. It inspires me to put a new motor in my E and keep it alive, if you know of any place that sells good used motors please let me know.
I owned an '04 and then an '08. Sad they stopped making them. Now I have a '13 Nissan NV2500 high roof ... kinda like an Element on steroids, is what someone told me... Lol. Nice setup in a great vehicle. Only trouble I had in 10 years of Element owning, were the window regulators. It got so I bot a suction holder (for window glass workers) and if the window started to fall into the door, I would slap the suction cup on it, low, to keep from losing it inside the door. Lol. Good luck to you both.
I had to replace the passenger regulator in my 04 last year...after 14 years of ownership. It took 4 days for the part to get to me and about 45 minutes to replace.
Thanks for sharing. Fully amazed that two people could live in such a small space, very inspiring
Wonderful setup! Looks cozy and really functional. I have been thinking about a cargo net for so long and yours is exactly the setup I needed to see, thanks!
One of the best.... I own a XC 90 and will adjust to it, can’t wait till spring
Greetings from Sweden 😎
It's been 10 months for me living in my truck. Very nice set up. Thanks for sharing.
Very nice video. I'm blown away that two people are able to make it work in one honda element. You guys are amazing.
when i was working in SF I lived in my car during the week. Your set up is very nice
Thanks Manuel
I just got a 2006 Element. I moved out of San Francisco back to Houston. You look like you're at Apple's offices ;). I hope you put up more videos. A few people live in their car in the Bay Area.
Such a perfect setup that's way better than other ones I've seen. Great job and helpful ideas.
I traded my 2000 Miata (too small) for a 2008 Element. It was a one owner and exceptionally clean SC model with 129K miles. It runs like a brand new one. I'm in the process of customizing the rear, less the rear seats into a rv type interior like yours. I'm looking into mounting a solar panel on the roof when camping. Harbor Freight has some neat ones that should work. I hope to have it completed by end of May. Unfortunately here in Arkansas the summers get quite muggy and hot. Will try and find a small portable a/c to cool the interior at night. Most state parks have electrical hook ups and this should take care of all of our needs
sounds great! best of luck. I love our element. We also thought about a solar panel on the roof but being stealthy was one of our priorities.
You made excellent and efficient use of limited space...great job! My intention is to build one myself for my Element.
Thanks for sharing. Cheers,
One of the best camper conversions I've seen! Still not sure how 2 people live in one though, but this conversion with a narrow bed would be amazing for 1.
Thanks Linsey. =) two people is just right but yes 1 person would be very spacious.
Wow, this is amazing. I own a 2006 Honda Element and love it too. Good job on your camper.
Very cool customizations! It's interesting seeing how similar and different other people setup the Element for this lifestyle :)
Fantastic setup and use of space. I love it! And probably roomier than most apartments in Mong Kok too!
I know I'm late 😅... But your Element is currently blowing my mind!! Now more than ever I want one.
haha thanks. I miss it everyday
I always thought of doing this with an element since I was a senior in high school (2005). Fantastic set up you guys have. Hope I get to try this. Sucks they are no longer made.
There are plenty for sale on the used market. Just buy one that has the maintenance records.
Suppose to come out with a new element in 2022 - stay tuned
I love how you set up your Honda Element. Was looking into an Odessy but might go with element due to better gas mileage.
Actually, my '95 Odyssey had better gas mileage than my '10 Element, although it would be easier to set up an Element for living in. I tried to figure it out in my Odyssey and it just didn't work for me. When I realized I could make the Element into two beds with no effort, that's what sold me on buying the Element. 321,000 miles later...couldn't be happier.
good shits Phil. Im gonna do the same with my 2005 Element! As soon as i get a new engine installed! Bought the goal zero 150 yeti. Thanks for the tips!
I own 2 elements. I sleep in mine...love them! Take Care Vanessa and Phil!!
+North American Dogman Project thanks!
That was one of the best setups I have ever seen. Seriously debating on getting a honda element now and trying this out!
Kevin Ngo thanks Kevin. It is definitely more than enough room for one person.
I love your setup. I also have a Honda Element, with ecamper on top. I hesitate about making permanent modifications inside the back because the spare tire and tools are stored under the floor. How do you access these? Would it be easy in an emergency?
That was one of those reasons why I didn't cover up that part of the floor. I made it where the legs for the bed frame are just thick enough where I can access the spare tire if I need to. They do not block the door at all. All I need to do is just remove the stove, water jug....etc. I wish Honda would place the spare tire underneath the car or something like that. That way I would have a bit more options designing it a different way.
I have a few questions: What are you two doing to make sure you have gas costs covered? Do you have money saved? Also, have you ever run into legal issues? I'd imagine Uncle Sam wouldn't be happy about nomads in terms of property taxes and lack of a regular address
John Buterbaugh we work and go to school full time, john. Check out our other videos which will answer all of your questions. :) thanks for dropping by.
Thanks for the response. I'm definitely very interested in what you guys are doing! It's awesome!
We set off here in a couple weeks and we hope to meet you guys. We're making our first video here pretty soon! Great video, and safe travels!
sounds great. Where are you guys heading off from? Let us know when you are in the area. Looking forward to seeing your vids. Just subscribed. =)
Thanks Phil....Great setup!! I subscribed as a way to thank you for making this video
Very cool van life. It's a great way to save money and be adventurous. Totally support this and the reason why you guys are deciding to live in a element. Awesome cause I'm sleeping in my element to. Little by little I'm up grading my Elemento
Great Job!!! Love you vid & explanations & music too !! I have a 2009 Sante Fe I’m gonna try and convert myself ( I’m an active senior w 2 doggos )
Wow your brilliant ... I love your setup only add on would be solar panel and a fantastic fan... this is exactly the same way that I want my rig to be setup... thank you
Thank you Frank. We didn't want to setup a solar panel because we wanted to be as stealthy as possible. And there is really no need for one with the way we setup our battery and what we need to charge. Check out my battery setup video if you want more details.
I love it!!! you have given me so many ideas for when I hit the coast in my berlingo multispace. I love the blinds and what more do you need but a bed at night and a little storage. Fantastic video, keep them coming.
Thanks! I'm glad the videos have been useful. haha The Berlingo is a pretty sweet looking car. Could definitely make it pretty cozy living space.
Wow!!!! That's a really good build for One of those. And one of the better ones I've seen. I always give you people who do conversions out of small suvs/cars mad props! I have a van. I don't think I could go smaller unless I really really really had to lol. Can't wait to see some of your other videos.
Man! 2 ppl living in there together? That's crazy! Props to you guys, it's pretty amazing! good job!
Thank you Phil, very helpful of you. I enjoy your videos and I'm glad you can share your lifestyle, it's helps me. All the best :)
That's pretty cool. You should consider adding a solar panel on the roof then you'll have loads more power!
Mustafa Kapasi we wanted to be as stealthy as possible so no solar. Plus the yeti give us more than enough power for what we need. :)
Very organized and streamlined. Well thought out! My concern is the propane tank. Always told not to keep in living quarters. Do you have a monitor for fumes, etc.? What about leaving the vehicle on a hot day, does the propane stay in it? Any views on this would appreciate it. Going to do a van type vehicle soon.
Thanks for the questions. I will answer them in our next Q&A. Stay tuned!
Dave 2D got an Element and couldn't stand it just living in it alone. How 2 ppl do it is crazy. But he didn't have a big bed like that.
Very creative use of your space! I wish now I had purchased a Honda Element!😄
Very cool, thanks for sharing. I hope you are having lots of adventures.
Very cool. Ok I am now shopping for a Honda Element. 🚂
You guys must have an amazing mindset to be able to spend so much time in your van. I realise you have the freedom to set up anywhere I wish you both well and every success hassle free vanning. One question tho how did you manage to d clutter. Wayne from Brisbane Queensland Australia. More people in Australia are also starting to do this and I have also started preparing myself as well.
Hi Wayne. I love Brisbane! We also did the whole van thing in Australia as well and spent about a month in Brisbane. Australia is the perfect to do it to be honest. If you travel along the coast, all you see are camper vans everywhere. You guys have it easy there with all the public facilities....I traveled in a 40L backpack for two years and after that I realized people doesn't really need much to survive. Clothing, shelter, food. The rest are toys. Most of our pictures are digitals nowadays, clothing wise all you really need is a few pair of shirts and pants....etc. We actually have a video about our wardrobe. th-cam.com/video/PvPGwW6PYHI/w-d-xo.html
Make sure to go check that out. But we do have a few boxes of Vanessa's school stuff store at a friends house.
I love this. Very thought out and I love seeing alternative ways of living!!
Hi Phil: Nice work! AND... you have two people living in the Element! Way to go! BTW, I spotted that Biolite PowerLight in your cabinet. I have one, and it's a great light, plus a backup power pack to recharge a phone. I like the fact that you can dim the light. Good luck with that setup, and I'm looking forward to seeing a video after you finish a year in the Element. ;)
Whaaat up guys ! Love da Hawaiian tunes. Very sweet set up gave me a few ideas ! Thanks 😁🤙
Go yall!💖
Supporting yall from Texas
Just subbed! awesome. I have a 2007 Honda CRV that I can't out of here and there but after I pay off all of my dad later this year I plan on saving up and getting myself and older element and that will be my primary vehicle to travel in full time. (:
Pretty sweet Element nice set up.
Awesome! Very ingenious setup with lots of thought given to design. Thanks also for the links to all the stuff included in the video!
So cool. I like your FAith magnet.
It's great but the Honda Element is only supposed to hold 650 lbs. That's what the manual says. I figure 750 lbs with the back seat out. You must be way over 1000 lbs. Do you think it's safe ? I worry about overloading my Element all the time? Have you thought about this?
Hi Rachel. We've lived in it for almost two years and car ran just fine. It did drop the back suspension down a couple of inches and lowerd the gas mileage by about 2 or 3 gallons. Other than that, the car was in very good condition.
Very well planned and organized.
i had a suzuki 4x4 I traded it and cash for a rebilt honda element there is so much more room to use. I would like some plans to build the side cabinet simlar to yours. curved up an away from the second sleeper. Best of dreams to yas
good job and nice vid as well. as consideration you might add some more little holes into the plattform for your bed. keeps your matratz alive as the humidity isn`t traped in between :) cheers!
Akibono good tip! Thanks. Another user told us to just take the mattress out once in awhile.
Thank you for the tour. Great way to travel. You both are very creative.
Nice, I also am a van dweller. Except in an astro van. I think you actually have too much stuff still. I read a book called "the joy of less" and it made more than enough room in my van.
thats a very good setup well planned
Nice practical and effective... ur a creative pair
MONG KOK lol ...The best thing about this is the steath factor. The phone holder in the back is a killer Idea, going to add this to my set up
Gibbet Hoskins . Me too! 👍🏻
Gibbet Hoskins yeah it's great. We can pretty much park and sleep anywhere we want. No one ever notices. FYI the adhesive will eventually not stick anymore when it gets really hot inside. So I end up getting some heat resistance super glue and glued it onto the plastic panel.
Thanks man appreciate the tip
WOW! fantastic design although i can't imagine 2 people living in such a small van. Have you thought about a LDV V80 short wheelbase, low roof van or Toyota HiAce ?
Excelente Phil, muy creativo y practico tu diseño. Felicitaciones!
Love the side window shades with the netting and the black out part! Could you give more detail on how to make these?
Happy Honda-elementing!! 😊
Sharon Lester thanks Sharon. We made a video about the netting so you can go check it out. For the screens, it's just sunscreens from the dollar store but you can get better ones at Home Depot or lowes. Then we went to a fabric store and basically made covers for them. Black on the outside and white inside. We borrowed a sewing machine from a friend.
Thanks so much, your van design is such an inspiration for brainstorming yet I'm constantly coming back to it for closer consideration. Awesome job and thanks for helping others along the path!
Thanks! Hope it works out for you.
This is pure genius.
Awesome! Love the accessibility of everything you did.
Great camper!! Safe and happy trails.☺
You're doing great!! I just started watching. Thanks for the tour. What year Element is it? How much miles do you have on it? I have always loved the Element. At the time I bought my SUV I wished I could have bought the Element instead. Many happy blessings to you & your wife!
Awesome setup and inspiring
Your Mong Kok sign brings back so many great memories of living in Hong Kong. Even the living space😂😂 You know how it is. I hope the virus ends soon so I can go back!
hi ..guys i love watching your video...i hope more new adventure to share...
Love this van. Great video. Lovely use of space. Well done 😊xxxx
Beautifully done. A lot of great ideas. Thank you!
Wow, great setup very organized and good use of space. I'm in the Bay Area as well over in the East Bay.
Take care, and can't wait for more videos. What have you been doing during the day when it's raining and your not working?
Thanks,
Tina
Libraries, gym, malls, museums. Lots of choices
I love how guys have converted your element. Do you find refrigerating your food to be an issue? How do you keep your food cool, especially raw meats?
We rarely store any food in the car. We go grocery shopping pretty much every day. It takes an extra 15 mins but we eat fresh food all the time. Eggs and vegetables can usually store it for a couple of days. We do not store raw meat. We buy and eat that on the same day. You start to realize there a lot of food you do not need refrigerating unless you want to store it more than a few days. During winter time, the inside of the car is pretty cool already.
I appreciate your response Phil. Sounds like a good way to approach food. I visit the grocery store with almost the same frequency as you even though I live in an apartment, so it would be an easy accommodation for me should I make the move into a vehicle.
With your platform set up, are you able to access the spare tire without having to disassemble the platform?
That was my #1 priority when we designed the bed frame. It's unfortunate that the Element put the spare tire inside the vehicle instead of outside underneath the car. Or else we would have a totally different setup where we can sit up straight when not sleeping.
To answer your answer, yes I made sure we can access the spare tire without having to take the platform out if we needed it. I just used 2x4s for the legs and they fit in that little corner just enough where I can open the spare tire access door. I may have to push the legs out just a few centimeters when I need to open that door.
I’m impressed. What a freakin fun adventure guys:) did you bring a rice cooker? Lol I can’t live without it! Stay safe!
You both work full time? No rents in Cali? You are saving a crap load of money. Great job!
Do you two have anymore details on how you made the blackout window shades ? Just so you know your videos are awesome and inspiring. Go fun time in my E in about 15days 🤞🏼!
Hey Thanks!!! we bought those window sunscreens from the dollar stores and got the cheapest fabric we can find at walmart. We hand stitched them together because we didn't have a machine. It would be much faster if you have one. We didn't need magnets or velcro because we measure the shades to be a bit bigger than the window so we can just slide them into the spaces between the glass and panels.
that is really an innovative way to live full time.
Awesome set up!
yes this is very nice. well organized and clean. i love it. where did you get the jeti battery . ? is it a battery or a converter...and how much was it.
Its a yeti. Can find on Amazon
I really like the Japanese futon bed good Idea thinking of turn my 2014 xL yukon into a camper although I do own a camper but itll be nice for day trips I have so many ideas running through my head for it but I like you're bed idea
Doing this long term, as you are, I would like to ask if "not being able to stand up" in the camper becomes frustrating? I am thinking of hitting the road myself, and want something small like this. However, the tho't of always having to crawl around inside, I think would drive me crazy after a month. I'm sure most of the time you are living outside, so this is more like your "hotel", but what about when there's inclement weather and you can't get outside? Do you use a tent.... and if not, what do you do when the weather is bad? Do you stay inside and crawl for days? I don't know that I could handle that!
There were times I wish we could stand, but not enough where it drives us crazy. We kinda like laying in bed and if we do need to stand we just go to the mall or gym. It's not too big of a deal for us. We lived in a bigger van and we actually prefer the element because it's so much easier to get around.
I like the NETTING! :) its cool! Great battery idea :)