I hope Honda brings this model back.. It's such a neat little SUV with unnbelievable room inside.. Great fuel economy and reliable.. Not sure why Honda discontinued it as it was just starting gain popularity and fan base.
I almost bought an Element for my last vehicle, but my husband thought it was awful looking.......I LOVED everything about it! Looks like you're going to have a great journey!
I have a 05 elephant that I took the back seats out, had a foamy made, and traveled Jan./16 from Vancouver island to tip of Baja in 4 weeks. (8900 km) Walmarts were happy to accommodate me in USA and I boondocked in Mexico. Over the 4 weeks I planned my layout as the bed needed to be raised so I could store my clothes, food camping gear underneath as that became a hassle moving stuff to the front seats. I had liked having the 42" wide bed as it could sub for 2 people in a pinch (wink). I will build a rigid cooler icebox under the bed and a couple of cupboards on each side by the rear windows to complete the camper. Didn't have any mechanical problems and gas mileage was around 26-28 mpg. Happy camping....
Amazing. I have watched the videos with cargo and extended vans and been impressed with the fit and function. Your setup is outstanding for the "space."
Getting a 2003 Honda Element Dx: 2.4L, clean title/no accidents, only 140, 000 actual miles/9300k miles a year, only 1000 miles on new tires, interior and exterior in above average condition, all features work. Thinking of converting as well, to include a tent that attaches to rear of Element. Paying 2500.00 for it, and cannot wait to get started. Thanks for the upload!👍
I thought a Honda Element would be a great solo "vanlife" vehicle, but my fiance and I needed a little more room so we went with a Chevy Astro. Love the build! Safe journeys!
Nice set-up. I thought about scratching my Honda Odyssey idea and going with a bigger standup van. Then my last trip I averaged 28.7 mpg. No way am I upsizing. Paid off in 11 months, Hell Yeah.
Enjoy the open road ! Be safe ! My Honda Element was vandalized in the State of Connecticut and covered up by some ( not all ) of the police ( State, local ) and my insurance company (Liberty Mutual). Still waiting for restitution ! Please keep posting regarding your travels ! Enjoy !
Nate, I finished making my Element bed frame yesterday and have it in now. I like your cabinets and am going to try to figure out a blue print to make some. I can't do video's but I posted the pictures Element 2005 Camper Bed Build. I'm learning You Tube and had to use the music they suggested. But I went short in height for more ceiling space. Thank you for your inspiration!
I have watch your other videos and have to say, I love the freedom and minimalist life style. I think with your vehicle , it works great! Your carbon footprint is essentially so small so good job. You are young so unfortunately, it won't last forever I think, It really motivates me to do this when I retire though, get rid of all the unnecessary things that clutter your life and let you actually live your life. Good job, I will keep following your adventure and hope to do my own later.
I was looking to buy a used 2005 honda element with 142,000, wow thats a lot of miles on the vehile how. What year do you have? Have you had any major matience problems?
I was the same way but he did a great job pulling it off and I'm sure it'll get better over time.Great gas mileage and stealthy too compared to a larger van.
Dude... interesting set up! I own a 2005 Honda Element and never gave much serious thought to setting it up like a camper. Hope you have the back seats stored somewhere. The Element is the best vehicle I've ever owned... wouldn't give it up for anything. Great video....
Nicely done... it shows that even in a very compact vehicle, you can make things livable. I'd think that the Element would be an ideal stealth van... it looks not much different from various SUVs. Good job!
Rick Rose mostly it was marketing fail. Honda marketed the Element for teens and young 20 year olds. Instead, people buying the Element were 30-40 year olds. In result, sales were down to the point they had discontinue it.
I'm 19 and I like mine. Sure it wasn't my first choice but when my Dad got it for me on a good deal ($4500) I couldn't complain, and now I really appreciate the room it has inside!
Don I used to love tiny cars, but I recently got my permit and the first car I drove since getting my permit was the element and I'm literally in love and trying to find one for myself
yeah my 2005 ex has 155k miles and other than 20/24 mpg and new alternator, condenser fan, no complains. i also lived in it for 4 months, quiet roomy and stealthy. also a great cargo van w/ rear seats removed it swallowed a bed, frames, and an easy chair.
Looks interesting bro. 👍im getting rdy to do this but i have a gmc yukon xl. Trying to research & learn all i can from folks like u before i jump out there. Thanks for posting, looking forward to the journey.
The element is such a great car. Still have my 06' with only 80k miles on it. Perfect car for a surfer, I surf too. There's been rumors online of honda bringing it back. Doubt it will happen. Wish they would though, I definitely wouldn't hesitate to get another one.
Hi Nate. Great setup. I slept in a kia sportage a brief time. It sucked on space, I removed all the rear interior. I was thinking you should remove your front passenger seat for more leg room or even a night time 5 gallon bucket/ toilet. You could cut a hole in the floorboard. My worst problem was having to use McD cups at night time. Maybe you could get a propane camping grill to mount off the rear bumper. Lol.
Wow, awesome idea. Been thinking about giving up my rental and buying a van and perhaps do some traveling around the eastern southern half of the US. Retired 8 years ago and this life looks interesting. Nice set up you have there. Just subbed.
I am looking at Elements to live in, so coming across your videos is helpful. Of course a van would be more room but they are pretty costly on fuel. My goal is to be living in a vehicle within 2 years. So doing a lot of research and saving cash. Thanks
nice setup ,love the solar panel and sink, cooler also convenient, just got a 07 so looking to road trip with camper setup by 2020..safe travels bro nice vid
Very nice car to begin...I love how the doors open on all sides... ( I was not aware of this ) Wow! Lots of great cross air...Love the interior setup...Great job! :))
Yo Nate, what's up man😂 randomly came across this video on TH-cam. I was the buyer assistant when you used to work at CarMax. This is wild dude 😂 starting to blow up
This is awesome man! I subbed to you. I have a 2007 Honda CR-V that I just started living out of. Last night I just built a raised bed frame for storage underneath and I plan on making a video of it actually once I get the time. But I'm pretty excited to watch the series because the Honda Element to me is a really cool SUV that I wish they would have continued making.
+Wookie Senshi Thank you! And that is awesome! I look forward to checking out the video of the CR-V. I wish Honda had continued making the Element too.
+Chris Clemens Thanks Chris! I actually found your blog about a year ago and built a previous conversion similar to your Element's setup. I didn't really do a good job with it though, so I decided to try this instead. Either way, you're definitely an inspiration for me!
Hey Nate, Dave here from the Dumbing it Down with Dave podcast. Been following you recently online. You've inspired me to make a change. I'm in the process of moving into my wife's Honda Fit. I'll be living in it 3 to 4 days a week, while I drive a truck 4-5 nights a week. I'll be saving over 1.5 hours a day of commuting and using that time to go to the gym instead. So I'll be naming the show Dave's "FIT" life. I'm gonna watch your show from season 1 episode 1 until I'm all caught up. I'm sure I'll have a few questions after everything is all said and done. I hope you don't mind and maybe you can be helpful from time to time. Right off the bat I'm worried about my CPAP machine. I can't sleep without it. I need to have a power supply that can handle it. Ttyl Thanks
I know you are in a NV200 now ( i seen most of those vids ) but thought I would check out your older Element build. Very cool for such a tiny vehicle! There are many used 4x4 Elements for sale at REALLY good prices around here. I can save nearly $20k by going with one of these instead of a new NV200/PTC/FTC. It is very tempting since I am just starting out with this lifestyle!
Now that's just pure genius. And very efficient use of space too. I stumbled onto this not long ago and videos similar to this piqued my interest.Would you have any advice for someone who'd be just starting out in this kind of lifestyle?
Roomy setup. All my cooking stuff, 12 volt fridge, and actual camping stuff takes up most of my space. I would have so much room if I only had a cooler.
I have a 2008 now you got me thinking for a road trip i don't have to spend any money on hotels, just find a local 24 gym where I can do my business, shower and freshen up.....oh yea!
bought a new element on 04 ...395k miles and still going...best car ever ..
is it still going strong ? mine has 200k on it. im jealous of you lol
I have a 2004 with 300,000 miles , i also bought new and still love my car. Cant believe they stopped making them.
@@dovesmum8521 - They’re going to start making them again!
I hope Honda brings this model back.. It's such a neat little SUV with unnbelievable room inside.. Great fuel economy and reliable.. Not sure why Honda discontinued it as it was just starting gain popularity and fan base.
When I was building the Element at the Honda East Liberty Plant, I would always wonder where each one went. Nice destination for your base model.
I built them too. Paint shop
I just bought a Honda Element yesterday, I am so excited to camp and do my favorite outdoor activities, amazing car!
I almost bought an Element for my last vehicle, but my husband thought it was awful looking.......I LOVED everything about it! Looks like you're going to have a great journey!
By far the most stealthiest set I have seen to date.
Nice Sleeper man, totally under the radar.
I have a 05 elephant that I took the back seats out, had a foamy made, and traveled Jan./16 from Vancouver island to tip of Baja in 4 weeks. (8900 km) Walmarts were happy to accommodate me in USA and I boondocked in Mexico. Over the 4 weeks I planned my layout as the bed needed to be raised so I could store my clothes, food camping gear underneath as that became a hassle moving stuff to the front seats. I had liked having the 42" wide bed as it could sub for 2 people in a pinch (wink). I will build a rigid cooler icebox under the bed and a couple of cupboards on each side by the rear windows to complete the camper. Didn't have any mechanical problems and gas mileage was around 26-28 mpg. Happy camping....
Amazing. I have watched the videos with cargo and extended vans and been impressed with the fit and function. Your setup is outstanding for the "space."
I always love coming back to this first video. How far you’ve come Nate! 😃
"A little bit of a unique setup here" is the understatement of 2016.
Very impressive! Right way to travel on a budget. Keep up the spirit of adventure and resourcefulness!!
It's amazing how much you've done with such a small space!
My first time watching. I have to say your van build is impressive! You make excellent use of your space.
Getting a 2003 Honda Element Dx: 2.4L, clean title/no accidents, only 140, 000 actual miles/9300k miles a year, only 1000 miles on new tires, interior and exterior in above average condition, all features work. Thinking of converting as well, to include a tent that attaches to rear of Element. Paying 2500.00 for it, and cannot wait to get started. Thanks for the upload!👍
I thought a Honda Element would be a great solo "vanlife" vehicle, but my fiance and I needed a little more room so we went with a Chevy Astro. Love the build! Safe journeys!
Nice set-up.
I thought about scratching my Honda Odyssey idea and going with a bigger standup van. Then my last trip I averaged 28.7 mpg. No way am I upsizing. Paid off in 11 months, Hell Yeah.
Enjoy the open road ! Be safe ! My Honda Element was vandalized in the State of Connecticut and covered up by some ( not all ) of the police ( State, local ) and my insurance company (Liberty Mutual).
Still waiting for restitution ! Please keep posting regarding your travels ! Enjoy !
Great job! I love my element and while I am working on downsizing my lifestyle, you've taken it to the next level. Kudos!
Nate, I finished making my Element bed frame yesterday and have it in now. I like your cabinets and am going to try to figure out a blue print to make some. I can't do video's but I posted the pictures Element 2005 Camper Bed Build. I'm learning You Tube and had to use the music they suggested. But I went short in height for more ceiling space. Thank you for your inspiration!
I have watch your other videos and have to say, I love the freedom and minimalist life style. I think with your vehicle , it works great! Your carbon footprint is essentially so small so good job. You are young so unfortunately, it won't last forever I think, It really motivates me to do this when I retire though, get rid of all the unnecessary things that clutter your life and let you actually live your life. Good job, I will keep following your adventure and hope to do my own later.
I'm inspired, man. Can't wait to get back to the states and buy my Element. Thank you!
Thanks for showing us your camper. That's a neat setup!
Great job in such a small space! Love the sink/closet feature. You have a gift! Good luck in your travels!
I know this is an old video but thanks for sharing, I love the design of your build seems very livable.
Your setup is giving me SO much life! amazing! so creative!
Dude that is cool my sister had one like yours I would have never thought of this.
my element has 450,000 miles and going strong like a top
Right on!
I was looking to buy a used 2005 honda element with 142,000, wow thats a lot of miles on the vehile how. What year do you have? Have you had any major matience problems?
Fishing Guru I miss my Element so much!!
to be completely honest, seeing your Element before I didn't think much of it. But holy shit, nice work dude!
I was the same way but he did a great job pulling it off and I'm sure it'll get better over time.Great gas mileage and stealthy too compared to a larger van.
+SouthJerseySound defiantly
Dude... interesting set up! I own a 2005 Honda Element and never gave much serious thought to setting it up like a camper. Hope you have the back seats stored somewhere. The Element is the best vehicle I've ever owned... wouldn't give it up for anything. Great video....
I agree! I have an 04’ I love her as much as the day I drove her off the lot 🚙
Cool set up! I love the Honda Elements.
I love what you've done with the place.
Nicely done... it shows that even in a very compact vehicle, you can make things livable. I'd think that the Element would be an ideal stealth van... it looks not much different from various SUVs. Good job!
Very cool. I don't understand why they stopped making the Element--seems like a great vehicle.
Rick Rose mostly it was marketing fail. Honda marketed the Element for teens and young 20 year olds. Instead, people buying the Element were 30-40 year olds. In result, sales were down to the point they had discontinue it.
Now making a 2017 Honda Element.
I'm 19 and I like mine. Sure it wasn't my first choice but when my Dad got it for me on a good deal ($4500) I couldn't complain, and now I really appreciate the room it has inside!
Don I used to love tiny cars, but I recently got my permit and the first car I drove since getting my permit was the element and I'm literally in love and trying to find one for myself
yeah my 2005 ex has 155k miles and other than 20/24 mpg and new alternator, condenser fan, no complains. i also lived in it for 4 months, quiet roomy and stealthy. also a great cargo van w/ rear seats removed it swallowed a bed, frames, and an easy chair.
I am going back over your series to see how you have grown from then to now... May 27, 2019
His hair has changed.
dope mods man. love the minimalist approach to the sporting lifestyle
That's one of the neatest, cleanest and most tidy setups that I've ever seen ! really good job ! Very best wishes from the UK :) ....J
That use of space is amazing!
I like your setup, I'm planning do something similar to weekend camping some time here in Washington state
That's a pretty sweet set up. Nice job
Looks interesting bro. 👍im getting rdy to do this but i have a gmc yukon xl. Trying to research & learn all i can from folks like u before i jump out there. Thanks for posting, looking forward to the journey.
The element is such a great car. Still have my 06' with only 80k miles on it. Perfect car for a surfer, I surf too. There's been rumors online of honda bringing it back. Doubt it will happen. Wish they would though, I definitely wouldn't hesitate to get another one.
I have an element and I loved! thanks for sharing the video good luck
that was a really nice set up. i guess watching it with the light and fully extended changed my opinion of what i thought before. :)
Have to say that's pretty cool and very stealth!
Hi Nate. Great setup. I slept in a kia sportage a brief time. It sucked on space, I removed all the rear interior. I was thinking you should remove your front passenger seat for more leg room or even a night time 5 gallon bucket/ toilet. You could cut a hole in the floorboard. My worst problem was having to use McD cups at night time. Maybe you could get a propane camping grill to mount off the rear bumper. Lol.
Your set up is just awesome! I love it
Love your use of magnets. Smart!
went to your site. love the flexible solar panels. your solar panel is on deep discount at Amazon now. only 18 left. just fyi.
Nice job! I've been looking at bigger vans but I think smaller is the way to go!
Thanks for the inspiration I have an element and I'm ready to transform mine..🏕🏞
Great set up bro, quite stealthy. Keep making mods and it will only get better.
Wow the Element is awesome!
very nicely optimised considering the space!
Wow, awesome idea. Been thinking about giving up my rental and buying a van and perhaps do some traveling around the eastern southern half of the US. Retired 8 years ago and this life looks interesting. Nice set up you have there. Just subbed.
I am looking at Elements to live in, so coming across your videos is helpful. Of course a van would be more room but they are pretty costly on fuel. My goal is to be living in a vehicle within 2 years. So doing a lot of research and saving cash. Thanks
What a great set up, Love the cabinet! We Van Dwellers are always full of questions! 🐙
That is a nice setup, one that is easily functional!
You've got an awesome small camper there 😀 I've just made my MPV car into a nice camper too my friend, Happy days,
Best wishes ☺
nice setup ,love the solar panel and sink, cooler also convenient, just got a 07 so looking to road trip with camper setup by 2020..safe travels bro nice vid
I like Honda Elements. You built it nice
Nate...♥️ what you've done. Elements are the best. Where you heading?
Pretty cool! Nice and stealthy, too.
First thing I noticed, you are incredibly, admirably, neat! Nice to see your ingenious setup. (:
Very nice car to begin...I love how the doors open on all sides... ( I was not aware of this ) Wow! Lots of great cross air...Love the interior setup...Great job! :))
Nice rig man, happy travels!
Great bit of ingenuity, thanks for sharing!!
Wow, what a spectacular camper you have turned this versatile SUV into! Nice going :-)
very well thought out set up. Thanks for the ideas.
i have a 2001 pt cruiser that i am thinking of setting it up for camping at least 1 to 2 weeks as a test run the maybe go part time then full time
Cool little setup, and very stealth! : )
Wow, is it tight in there. Great use of space though. You even managed a sink. Happy trails!
Dude this is such a cool idea!
awesome! Thanks for sharing Nate
Pretty cool set up.
Yo Nate, what's up man😂 randomly came across this video on TH-cam. I was the buyer assistant when you used to work at CarMax. This is wild dude 😂 starting to blow up
Nice! His dad was a teacher of mine sophomore year lol
This is awesome man! I subbed to you. I have a 2007 Honda CR-V that I just started living out of. Last night I just built a raised bed frame for storage underneath and I plan on making a video of it actually once I get the time. But I'm pretty excited to watch the series because the Honda Element to me is a really cool SUV that I wish they would have continued making.
+Wookie Senshi Thank you! And that is awesome! I look forward to checking out the video of the CR-V. I wish Honda had continued making the Element too.
Wookie Senshi what year is it??
Awesome! I miss living in my Honda Element!
+Chris Clemens Thanks Chris! I actually found your blog about a year ago and built a previous conversion similar to your Element's setup. I didn't really do a good job with it though, so I decided to try this instead. Either way, you're definitely an inspiration for me!
Looks good! Please post a video explaining the sink/water source.
Thanks! Check out my "Honda Element Camper Build Details" video. It shows the sink/ water source in more detail.
Hey Nate, Dave here from the Dumbing it Down with Dave podcast. Been following you recently online. You've inspired me to make a change. I'm in the process of moving into my wife's Honda Fit. I'll be living in it 3 to 4 days a week, while I drive a truck 4-5 nights a week. I'll be saving over 1.5 hours a day of commuting and using that time to go to the gym instead. So I'll be naming the show Dave's "FIT" life.
I'm gonna watch your show from season 1 episode 1 until I'm all caught up. I'm sure I'll have a few questions after everything is all said and done. I hope you don't mind and maybe you can be helpful from time to time.
Right off the bat I'm worried about my CPAP machine. I can't sleep without it. I need to have a power supply that can handle it.
Ttyl Thanks
Hi! could you show your sink system? Pretty nice set up. Love the simplicity!
Just stumbled upon the channel. Must be a great guy wearing a Red Sox shirt!
I know you are in a NV200 now ( i seen most of those vids ) but thought I would check out your older Element build. Very cool for such a tiny vehicle! There are many used 4x4 Elements for sale at REALLY good prices around here. I can save nearly $20k by going with one of these instead of a new NV200/PTC/FTC. It is very tempting since I am just starting out with this lifestyle!
Nice work...looking forward to future posts.
a great vehicle. I hope the 2018-2019 model will mirror the 2010-11 ... I wrote to Honda about it. Please, write you too. all the best from Greenland.
The Honda has gone a long time, but its name is immortalized in the Channel Name. :)
Now that's just pure genius. And very efficient use of space too. I stumbled onto this not long ago and videos similar to this piqued my interest.Would you have any advice for someone who'd be just starting out in this kind of lifestyle?
Really cool setup!
Glad I came acroos your channel. Ive aways been curious how an element would do for camping =/living
Sick conversion. Gonna do something like this in my elie come 6 months from now. Subbed.
Roomy setup. All my cooking stuff, 12 volt fridge, and actual camping stuff takes up most of my space. I would have so much room if I only had a cooler.
stealthy and functional, good job!
Very clever setup!
excellent use of space.
Its looks comfortable, I hope that it is. I was wondering if you use magnets on your solar panel because you move it?
Awesome setup!
I have a 2008 now you got me thinking for a road trip i don't have to spend any money on hotels, just find a local 24 gym where I can do my business, shower and freshen up.....oh yea!
Love it! Gives me lots of ideas, thanks!
Could you describe in detail how you built the bed and ran the 12v power accessories? Your set up is very impressive
great setup for the space, i'm thinking of a Nissan nv200. Checking out DIY ideas. Great vids i enjoyed them!