Minivan Camper Tour | No-build Convertible Sofa-Bed, Two Modes, Bike & Gear Tips | Full-time 3+yrs
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ก.พ. 2022
- Today I take you on a tour of my 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan Camper Conversion. I've lived in the van for over three years now but only built it out one year ago (winter 2020-21). I kept everything as simple as I could to keep cost down and because I lived in the van while building it out! I'm a photographer/videographer and prioritized a workstation for editing and using what I already had, namely my climbing crash-pad as the sofa-bed.
I'd love to hear from you! Feel free to leave any questions or feedback in the comments below. Take care!
-Kodak
*Gear Used*
Vacuum: amzn.to/3ru4C43
Drill: amzn.to/3ruJF9p
Bed: amzn.to/33ILVSj
Mattress: amzn.to/3IgQL8m
Battery: amzn.to/34PoKWM
Backup Battery: amzn.to/3Kixk0C
Solar Panel: amzn.to/3I86fLA
*Camera Gear Used*
Camera: amzn.to/2WddQWz
Wide Lens: amzn.to/3B60uKK
Telephoto Lens: amzn.to/2W86Drn
Microphone: amzn.to/3AZvMDh
Tripod: amzn.to/2Wizucr
Peak Designs Clip: amzn.to/3y9vLef
DISCLAIMER: Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you! Thank you for supporting my channel so I can continue to provide you with free content each week!
#Vanlife - กีฬา
Here's a word of advice, if you know what area you're going to go to for your parking go to Harbor Freight and get a big round magnet and attach it to the end of a mop handle or a stick or whatever. Then walk your area before you pull your van in and that magnet will pick up every nail screw or metal that's there.
That is an incredible idea, thanks for sharing.
I will add that one to my list, thanks
Thanks, that is so helpful.
Yes we did that all the time growing up. Some farmers hang a bar magnet on the rear bumper of the pickup truck to pick up nails on the go... Real pain in the butt, all my flat tires usually from a nail or screw...
@@alanschaller5869 We have always done this! Getting a flat on a livestock trailer full of moo cows on a 100° day is an experience to be avoided.
OMG!!! This was like watching the small clown car at the circus when like 40 clowns just keep coming out of the little car! 🤣. I am not trying to be mean - I was just completely amazed at all the stuff you have squirreled in there. You seem to have everything you need and are really enjoying your life! Kudos! Thank you for giving us a tour. I really like your no build build👍🏻👍🏻 Enjoy! 👍🏻🌞🚙🏞
Hahahaha that’s exactly the feel i was going for 🤣 and what my life feels like sometimes!
Thanks for this video Ryan. I am a senior trying to live on $883 a month. I sold my stuff and have been looking for a proper vehicle to go camping in. I have been reluctant to get a Caravan. But your experience has sparked my interest in them again. 😊
No problem. Caravans are a great option. The transmissions in them aren't the best so have that looked at, but otherwise great value for the money and still a lot of room to work with. Good luck!
I have one and I wouldn’t trade it for the world because the more you have the more stress that can go along with it! Happy van living
I have a 2012. Love it. Do check your transmission prior to purchase. I’ve never had an issue. I do use full synthetic oil.
Me toooo! Almost word for word. ❤ it seems a bit scary for me with so little income and trying to figure out how I'm even going to find a van but also excited to try this life and meet other senior friends.
I'm suspecting that plugin hybrids and EV's could be an option, about 76% of publicly accessible charging stations are free level 2 EVSE's at hotels, restaurants, and department store parking lots such as Walmart. Being plugged in means the DC to DC charge system that recharged your 12v from the high voltage batteries would basically be running of the charger power and should not deplete and also the vehicles heating or AC could just effectively run off the plug power. Besides no one can blame you for being parked a long time at a level 2 charging station. I did see some new EVSE's at shopping center parking lots with card RFID readers so it looks like the property management are now outsourcing the EVSE's to third parties so the free power situation might not last much longer but even paying for an overnight stay at a paid parking lot with level 2 EVSE's that have no billing mechanism might be worth it and as those paid parking lots with level 2 EVSE's are often heated downtown parking lots, staying overnight at one while plugged in, might be a good choice if the temperatures hit minus 30 Celsius overnight. Somehow, I think the high roof cargo vans might have a problem getting into these heated garages especially if solar panels were installed but the usual cross over SUV or Prius should be good.
Save this for my reference , I am going to purchase a minivan and build up on it for camping. To be a snowbird, I live in British Columbia from April to November and travel down south like Southern California for winter. Thank u for sharing
That’s awesome. It’s such a good way to travel and escape winter especially. I’d recommend Arizona as well. It’s a great place to be this time of year.
His girlfriends moving in! I love it! The greedy landlord can kick rocks!
That's right! 😉
Hi Ryan the best thing for the toilet is pine pellets you can get them at any pet store and they don’t smell at all I mean smells like pine like you are in the woods. It’s lighter than cat litter. It was a great tip from this other van lady. Great videos ! Thank you 🙏
Thanks for the tip! ✌️
Better than a hole in the ground?
Saw ur video a year ago and was impressed with bikes in the van. Now, again, impressed. Subscribed.
Awesome, thank you!
That is a genius idea to keep the cat litter in the bottom of the bucket, I'd figured I would store the roll of bags there but it had never occurred to me to keep the cat litter there too!
I have a Toyota & I find that just turning the heat on for a few min at nite In the The winter works if I have a good down bag & some fleece blankets, very warm & toasty to sleep. Then make coffee w the windows cracked in the morning & wala! I'm warm.
Yeah, that's probably the best for small campers like minivans. Even just burning the stove for a bit before bed, making tea or something!
I think you were able to put huge amount of stuff in your van 👍. May you and your girlfriend have many of wonderful memories together.
Have you ever tried any of the caned meats. I keep a can of corn beef hash on hand when i want something more than beans and rice to eat.
I have and used to eat a lot of canned chicken and fish like tuna and salmon. I stopped eating canned fish because I worry about heavy metals (I was eating a packet of tuna a day on trails) and the meats just scare me now 😅. I avoid processed foods as much as possible. Gotta say though, corn beef hash is SOO good! 🤤
This is a fantastic video! Very comprehensive. Can't wait to see more from you. I bought a Town and Country last fall and this spring I will be doing a "no boild" so me and my two pugs can go camping around our province. I love how you have a place for everything. Very nicely organized.
Thanks! That’s awesome, I wish you and the Pugs the best out there!
@@RyanKodakBrown thanks, you as well Ryan, safe travels.
Ryan new subscriber. I must say out of all the van lifer videos i have watched, you are my new favorite. I don't want the expensive build and you nail everything in this video. Outstanding!!!
Thank you! I’m glad you’re enjoying the videos! 😊
You have a lot going in the van. Great job. I enjoyed watching.
I am new to your channel. Loved this video. Thanks for sharing your life experiences. My first thought was "holy moly, he has so much packed in to this van"! We were full time RVers for several years. We were ultra careful about how much packed weight we had and we were in a 37' Class A. You are having a wonderful life adventure and I am so happy for you. Now that we are more knowledgeable about being on the road full time my philosophy is DO IT WHILE YOU ARE YOUNG!!! We are now 71, decided to go back to a stick house but still have an RV (5th wheel). Seeing our great country, from the road, makes us happy. I wish you safe travels and happy times.
That's amazing and thank you! "Do it while you're young" is the best advice ever. Wish I had started even sooner!
I think I compensated for years of backpacking and Bikepacking (ultra-minimalism there) with the van! Hahaha, finally a little space of my own and I filled it to the brim 😂 I'm happy for you guys, too, and that you've found a beautiful balance with travel and the comfort of a home. Take care and happy trails!
I have the same van. The wife and I camped in the N.C. mountains. We used a select comfort full size mattress. it stows easily. We had a great time. Thanks for the vids.
Thanks for sharing!
I have caught the outdoor bug. I love watching people like you. You have inspired to began my journey in which I am currently documenting on my channel. Thanks❤
That is awesome!
@@RyanKodakBrown 😊😊
Such a pleasure to watch!
Nice set up! I’m living in a Prius… it’s about 2 weeks now full time living in this car. I’m still getting the hang of living in a vehicle but I’m still glad I moved into my Prius. 👍
That’s awesome. Best of luck out there!!!
@@RyanKodakBrown thanks Ryan! 😊
Nice setup, Great video thanks
Enjoy Belgium. One of our exchange children( he is a young adult now) is from there. Love your build. We ended up purchasing a 1995 full sized camper van. My husband really needs to be able to stand up. We are older though, and can afford the gas. Thank you for another great video.
That’s awesome. My mom hosted exchange students as well, most of them were from the Middle East. Enjoy the camper van and safe travels! ✌️
Hanging shoe rack bag works great to hold a lot of things.
U carry a lot n ur van. Thats great-well organized.
Hey now! It’s not that much stuff! I mean, it’s everything I own and a only just a little more than I truly need but very few possessions comparatively!!! Hahaha, jk. I’ve acquired a lot in the last two years. All my stuff used to fit in bike panniers before I got the van 🤷🏼♂️
i love this compactness
I luv this video. Ive never seen this much items packed in a van before. Thank you for your time. Just keep on keepin on. Enjoy your travels. Please do more videos. Im kinda a minimalist. I love the van life a nomadic lifestyle. Im a namad wannabe. C ant afford it. No computer experience. The pandemic took all the savings we had. Not all that much tho. Cant even go on a picnic. Cant camp out or sleep in the car at this apt. We live at. Sept. 1st. This yr. If the rent goes up. We are homeless. We have a subcompact car. It has a 3 cyl. Engine and 4 drs. It gets us around town. A 2019 mitsubishi g.4. We need to get in a caravan group. Cant get out of town. Not traveled. The biggest problem is my husband. He doesnt want to do anything i want do. Its his way or not at all. I dont know what to say to him anymore. Im lost for words. I told him. Better start practicing for a nomadic lifestyle. We cant pay anymore higher rent. We eat out of can goods. We go and eat whataburgers for fresh meat. Chicken and beef. Plus its a good meal to. Groceries is going up. Resturants is at least 3.00 more now. 2. 21.22. I luv to cook on the grill. We are on med. Low income. But the rent is already half my check. My husband is a apt. Painter. Maint. Absolutely nobody is hiring here in town. Contracted or hourly. Im retired. We are 75 yrs. Old. Good health. He hasnt worked in 3 yrs. Now. Thank you for your time. Keep those videos running.
Hi Jan. Thank you for sharing and I wish you the best of luck with everything. I’m working on the next series of videos now 👍. What kind are your favorite to watch?
@@RyanKodakBrown hi ryan. Thank you for your reply. I like everything. They have such a special meaning. I guess one would be interviewing travelers and showing there arrangements as you just did. Im a nomad wannabe. Im in the same boat as a lot of people are in. The nomad life is so wonderful. Meeting good people. Also the freedom and peace of mind. Being our own boss. Camping.picnic. cruzing around sight seeing. Work on the road. How fantastic. We all face challenges periodically anyway. Car troubles to. The best part is wherever we go. We have our home with us. Have a flat. Our home is with us. No motels or taxi cabs to call. Expensive. And can save money to. We might be homeless but not houseless. How wonderful is that. Staying on a budget is important. I love these videos. I feel so good watching them. And how people realize the nomad is a wonderful different kind of life. Also a new life for happiness and joy. It might not be for some people. But at least try it out part time. Sleep in the vehicle in the driveway. Practice. Picnic at a nice park. All this before you decide not to do it or actually do it. Pack up the kids and just do it. Talk about camping. Get good ideas. Take a vacation. Or do it on weekends. With kids wait until school is out. On weekends if you have a house picnic in the back yard as if you was traveling. Enjoy the freedom and happiness. Love you all. Jan from texas. Oh. My problem is. My husband is hardheaded and dont want to do anything i want to. He has been out of work 6 mo. Before the pandrmic. My soc.sec. ckeck is medium small. Gotta pay some bills. Bad credit from the pandemic. Thank you all. And ryan to.
Wow, great video, so much content in just a few minutes. Thanks for sharing.
Your trunk is reminding me of Mary Popins carpet bag. Hilarious how much you have in there.
Very nice, gave me few ideas
Cool build to maximize a small space
Thanks man!
Thanks for posting the video 💯✌🏽
Thanks for watching! 👋✌️
STORAGE UNDER THE SEATS IS IMPRESSIVE 😂 I NEED THIS VAN
Loved the tour…lots of great ideas!
Thank you! Glad you got something from my rambling 😊
Really great!
Thank you!
Wow the sky is breath taking
Great advice about the tires! Thanks!
No problem!
This video is saved and greatly appreciated. I’m rewatching how you constructed the floor. Awesome content.
Glad it was helpful!
Holy cow, you've packed a lot in there. Crazy! Thanks for all the ideas and especially thanks for the beautiful sky view at the end and the cool howling too. Very nice, all of it.
I am watching your video and following in your footsteps! You are doing exactly what I want to do and in the works of making it happen! I've almost got everything in my apartment sold and ready to hit the road! You have been a great inspiration!!! Thank you
That’s amazing and I’m so excited for you! I wish you the best of luck and happy trails!
I appreciate the kind words, thank you 😊
You’re a cool dude muh bro. See you on the open road.
New sub from the other side of the globe. I love the set up, it is less costly. 👍👍
Brilliant. So much useful I formation. Great set up. Thanks
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it
Great job with space. Looks comfy.
Thank you! It feels comfy too
A lot of great info! Thank you :) The coyotes are cool. Have a great time in Belgium!
Thank you! The coyotes here are crazy, never seen so many in my life. ✌️
Put some airbags in your rear springs… it’ll level your van and give a better ride. Easy to install and cheap
That's a great idea. Thanks for the suggestion
Well done, I can't believe how much you can for in a minivan. Happy travelling
Thanks man! This was super useful.
Glad it helped!
Beautiful. And the build is genius as well.
Thank you 😊.
Nice set up friend. I wish you safe and happy travels.
Thank you! I wish you all the best in your endeavor’s ✌️
Enjoyed this and the one where you built out the floor great stuff!
Awesome, thank you!
omg i thought i over pack on supplies you have beaten me love it!!!
4 years of accumulation....
Hey kodak, looks like you're still doing good and living the dream! Have fun in Belgium! Take care.
Belgium was awesome and it was great seeing my brother who lives in Germany as well. Thanks Buddy!!!!
Love the bed
Yeah, it’s so simply and multi-purpose.
I know how intensive making this video was but I wish you could make a list of everything lol! I’m saving this to rewatch over and over to get specific product info. Thank you
Thank you! Don't get too caught up gear, though! You'll figure out what works best for you ✌️
Thank you for the tour and all the ideas! My favorite is having a back up “pocket rocket” for coffee emergencies. ☕️ Happy travels!
Hahaha, gotta have that coffee! No problem, glad you enjoyed the video ✌️
Ive got a 2019 Dodge Caravan. I removed all my rear seats & in the very back with seats removed is where I'm installing a diesel heater & 3,000 watt 40 pound propane electric start Honda generator which will fit nicely in the recessed floor. An upright pedestal-portable style a/c unit 8,000 btu is what I'll have running off the generator. Both the exhaust runs from generator & heater will be ran from the back to front door left side at 12 feet so that any exhaust noise will be street side because I mostly park Intercity next to sidewalk / curside. Other than that I'm not gonna alter the inside vehicle. Don't want a solar panel either.
I like your honesty & simplicity, I just live in a way that works for me in my van when I'm on raveling & its always evolving & changing. 👍☀️
That it is, just like life! 😊
Safe travels and happy trails ✌️
I loved how you have everything nice and neat. Thank you for sharing your videos
Thank you! I’m a bit ocd, must admit. And, if I’m being honest, that was REALLY messy for me 😅. Organization is soo important in tiny spaces. It’s crazy and frustrating sometimes how quickly the van dissolves into total choas! ✌️
Ohh I know I lived in a fifth wheel and I only have what I need that's it.😂. Nahhh messy. Thank you for sharing your videos. Can't wait to see your next video
Very enjoyable video! Loved the editing!
Sounds like you're having fun. Thanks for sharing all your ideas.
You are so welcome!
Great build
Thanks!
One word .....BRILLIANT 😊
Thank you! 😎
Very cool and personalized set up! I enjoyed watching it come along over the last year or so! Let me know if you are ever out in the Yosemite CA area! 🤙 Keep em' rollin!
Thanks man! Will do!
Chains can also get you out of mud. Just harder to clean up.
Put a few bags in your pottie all at once. put one inside another. then you always have a clean one when you pulla bag.
Nomads are creative living people. Thank you for sharing. Well wishes!
Thank you, happy trails ✌️
dude.. amazing video! loveee it!
Thank you!
You've got an amazing amount of stuff in there!
Yep! My whole life
I'm the same way, need the morning cup of coffee
Love it!!!
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed
The back of your van is like Mary Poppins bag. 😆
hahaha, it really is
Great video, I have a caravan also and love it, Soo much room, stay safe my friend!
Thanks, you too!
Like your build. I’m working with a caravan too. Some nice idea.
Awesome. Good luck with the build!
I have a 2012. I love mine!!
Awesome! 😄
What I notice is that all you van lifers are are incredibly,relaxed and happy fantastic love it great job.
Hahahaha, it's hard not to be when you live off grid ✌️
Amazing build!!
Thank you!
Excellent video with many wonderful hacks! You went into full detail that was awesome 👍
Thank you! I was afraid I might have gone into too much detail… Glad you enjoyed it! 👋✌️✌️
@@RyanKodakBrown It was perfect!
Planing to turn my van into a camper, great ideas
Awesome! Good luck and safe travels ✌️
😀👍🌺🌻🦋🍀🍁 it's amazing how much you have in the Van!!!! Safe Happy Trails.
Hahaha, amazing and perhaps a little embarrassing 😅🙈. Happy trails!!! ✌️
Awww totally lived in Flag and I have a caravan that I converted for camping too ❤
Don't cut it out. I love Bob! Great set up! Thanks for sharing!
Hahaha, he is awesome and an inspiration!
I enjoyed your video and the one where you showed how to put a floor in. Very nice ..happy safe travels to you :)
Thank you! All the best to you as well 😊
Just concerned about all that weight you have packed in there. You might want to upgrade your suspension and it might give you a higher clearance if you do one. Over time your suspension might fail and you'd be stuck dragging your rear end on the ground. So I'd look into that. I learned the hard way. I didn't listen to those telling me that in the beginning.. I used to help people move their belongings in my van and myself too. One day I started dragging and it was not a cheap fix.
Another suggestion is to use your extra backpacks for your individual items you have stored in the backend. Watching you pull out each thing you could have stored in a backpack.
You make me smile tho. You're quite the tetris master. Lol. And you're living the dream. So happy to see young folks living life to the fullest. And doing all their traveling while you're young. Making tons of memories. To being to your class reunion. Making others envious . I sure wish I had done that. Enjoy a few miles for me. Travel safe and stay safe out there.
The suspension was replaced a couple years ago, but it’s a very good suggestion! Had I the money, I’d even use a spacer kit to raise it an extra inch or two. The van is, a little, more organized these days 😅, even added a roof box.
Thank you! Maybe you still can!?
This was crazy cooool! Like..... some kind of magic show where u just kept pulling a million rabbits out of a tiny hat!!! Lol now I'm not so afraid to attempt van life with my little dog. When u said "my girlfriend is moving in" I lost it lol so fricking awesome that you know what life is really about. Just live huh!
Hahaha, that's what it feels like sometimes! Good luck and have fun out there! ✌️ (P.S. the girlfriend is now my wife 😊)
@@RyanKodakBrown yaaaaay!! How wonderful that you guys are married now!! What a gift for her that you're proud to say that. How refreshing that is!
like ur setup kool👍 safe travels ✌️
Thank you! ✌️
Yes it is a great help. Wonderful ideas. You are so easy to watch and very informative. Thank you! [I have the same van yahoo]
THat's awesome. Thank you!
I always learn something new. Have a great time in Belgium and say hi to Ilsa for me :)
Thanks man! Will do ✌️
Good video, you seem to have all the bases covered.
I’m so inspired💙🛐🙏👆🏻thank you.
awesome. We're in early stages of planning a year-long drive around China. This video is useful. Subscribed and gonna check out your other vids :)
Around China?! Sounds like one hell of an adventure! Best of luck with everything and safe travels 🤙
"Block ice is the way to go". Yes I agree, but unfortunately its hard to find anymore, at least where I live in the Northeast.
Yeah, it's not all that easy to find anywhere, unfortunately.
Yep to all of it. I am def leaning towards a semi no build or a partial build. Your space back there looks huge bro. How is that a twin mattress? I have an Ikea twin memory foam mattress and it leave maybe 10 inches space on one side. I also have the roof bike rack by Thule and its a real chore getting it up there, But I could be comfortable leaving it up there. Thanks for the thorough walk through and safe travels!
Hahaha, it does feel surprisingly roomy in there and I’d say there is about ten inches of room with the mattress. I usually keep it centered.
Thank you and good luck with the build!
I have a Subaru Outback. Eventually, I may get a small teardrop to pull. After looking at your mini-van life, I may consider getting a mini van. As far as laundry, I'd get a Wonder Wash, a small hand crank washing machine.
I've thought real hard about getting a small trailer. Something bigger than a teardrop though, scampi or something with a bed at one end and a table at the other with a small kitchen in between! Next time, I'm getting something I can stand in that always has a table at the ready! Interesting about the Wonder Wash! Never heard of it. I pop into towns every week or so anyway so I don't mind the laundromats. It's a good time to get other chores / work done and one less thing to carry. ✌️
Awesome 🌸💗🌸💗🌸video🤗
Awesome video! Gotta love Bob Wells! He actually shook my hand during his RTR live video! 😊 Thanks for sharing..new sub here!
Be safe!
Oh, that's awesome. I hope I cross paths with him someday. Safe travels to you as well!
“Your mileage may vary, maybe I’ll cut that part out.” Nice! LOL…
New subscriber! Great video!
If anyone here is (was) a Canadian kid, this wonderful van is like that pouch Rusty lived in (The Friendly Giant)! That guy had an extensive library and a harp in his little pouch 😍
It never fails to amaze me after how many vanlife and no-build videos I've watched (it's gotta be 100s!), Every. Single One. has at least one idea I've never seen before:
I'm always wrestling with that darn canister of cat litter, never occurred to me to dump that below the bag inside the toilet! Don't know why it didn't occur to me, because I've always put extra plastic bags under the bag in any trash bin in my home. THANK YOU!!
PS if I can sound like your pretend van -mom (or Gran lol) for a moment: for any items that could become a lethal projectile in a sudden emergency stop, I would recommend ratchet straps or other secure, non-stretchy straps over bungees.
I use lashing straps that I got from Amazon. They're a bit more fiddly than using bungees, but for the really big items (or small ones that weigh a bunch, like power stations), I would opt for those for keeping such items immobile.
That's awesome and I'm glad you found a useful idea in the video! I always figuring out more tips too and really should strap more things down. It's always on the back of my mind, for sure...
Cool setup. Stay away from the hard core druggies and you will do well.
I cannot believe how much stuff you got in there. I am a disabled senior that recently bought a 2010 wheelchair accessible Dodge Grand Caravan my challenge is I need to keep the third row seats for the grandchildren second row seats are already gone to accommodate my power chair. The floor is sealed with carpet but I am wondering if the driver side stow and go area is still there. Unfortunately the motor blew up last month and it is in the garage waiting for a used motor because we could not find a remanufactured motor for it. I have nine large bins of stuff from my old 1992 Ford E150 high top conversion I have no idea where I'm going to put it all in this little space. But it will be fun finding out. I love how you have utilize all the space in the back that is fantastic! It gives me hope that all my junk can fit in my minivan. Like you I need two setups one for travel which is what I mostly do as I travel for suicide awareness and another setup for when I am "camping"
Oh wow, that’s amazing work and I’m grateful for folks like you. If you can put a cargo box on the roof, especially on if the big ones, you can REALLY haul a lot in things. Good luck with it all, especially that new motor.
I was watching a no build on a Sienna and the guy put some kind of airbags into the front springs under the van. Just stuck them into the coil the released a value and they filled up. He also had a tube that he could refill with air when they got low. DIY
That sounds really cool. I've given some thought to lifting it but doubt I ever would 😂
Stay safe.
Great freedom
That it is!
Do any van people have doors on the sides instead of a sliding door? Living in a Prius , van girl seems to be only one
I think some of the cargo vans have doors instead of a slider; Ford Econolines and GMC Safari type vans.
Great video! Do you have a video on what you take with backpacking? For example food and products. Many blessings🌸
thanks! not yet but I’ll publish one sometime soon. we’re out backpacking the Great Divide right now. ✌️🥾