I binged watched van life videos and conversions. But I find most videos are prepped to glamorize van life. Now this video is real and shows how someone would actually set up their van to live in it full time. Not just making it to look good on camera.
@@BaneTier There's no perfect van conversion for everyone. No one travel the same and doing the same activities. If you're happy with what you got, good for you. I travel several weeks in a rental van before and l know what's like in a minimal build. It's OK for some people but l enjoy improving my own van to fit my travel. Thank for watching.🙂
Wow, great job on your van build! You definitely put a lot of thought into the design and into what to bring along. I like what you've done - good job!
Finally I see somebody with their spare tire. Out of all the videos that I’ve seen I’ve never seen these people carry a spare tire.It’s so important to carry a good spare tire. Thank you for a good video
Excellent job, both the build and the video. I travel with my 2 cats, which can get interesting, but they’re great companions. I’m sure your 4 legged pal enjoys trips with you too. New subscriber here.
I love your build out. You've thought of everything. You are so organized. I wish you many wonderful adventures with Rocky. What a beautiful companion. Thank you for a very detailed, well done video.
Excellent build and organization. I may borrow your ideas when we convert our minivan. For now, we just put matts and sleeping bags on the van floor. Have safe, blessed travels.
I think it’s brilliant of you to include your tire upgrade on your van, as well. Most people don’t think about the different climates they encounter when shopping for tires on their vehicles. And good, high quality wiper blades are a must too!👍 I prefer a Rain X infused blade and super bug washer fluid with Rain X too. Safe traveling and remember a fire extinguisher or wool blanket for emergencies…
I learned my lesson on my first trip to California where Google Map routed me on a gravel road and I could barely drive faster than 10 MPH. I also encountered several snow storm during Spring Trip. Therefore I upgraded to the best tires I can afford. Yes, I use Rain X washer fluid too. I also apply Rain Clear rain repellent gel to my wind shied, it works great in repels rain & snow. Water just form a bead and slides off.
God bless you. Awesome job! Super awesome! And the absolute survival item, The Bible! It's a must. Happy and peaceful travels dears thanks for sharing. 🐕
Am a big fan of your ongoing upgrades and the fact that you take the time to let us know how you keep improving the build is very unique as far as van life type of videos go, keep the update videos coming please. I'm in a Sienna as well and redoing my kitchen cabinet this year, you've convinced me to ditch the built in sink, we're going to try a collapsible sink as well but we have a 'everything we bring should have a minimum of 2 uses' game that we like to play so we're going to use a collapsible basin with built in cutting board to also be used as a lap table for eating. Thanks again for the great content!
Thank you, glad you like it. I spent a lot time building my first sink like most people did. We always want something we wish but not what we really need until you try it. What I like to upgrade now is more counter space for cooking.
*Very* cool build. I'm impressed that the roof carrier didn't hurt your mpg. I agree that being able to cook inside is necessary, especially in the rainy eastern USA, and after dark in public areas. My butane stove was OK but when I used it I lowered the windows about 2" for safety. That was uncomfortable when making coffee on freezing cold mornings. So I put in a big electrical system so I could use an induction cooktop, which is also safer for fire, burns, and carbon monoxide. But the butane stove worked OK, and I like having it at my house it in case of a power outage.
Yes, I was surprised that the roof box didn't reduce the mpg. I have several cooking devices but butane stove is my favorite. I always open the moon roof to crate a stack effect to draw more fresh air into the car when I am cooking. Thanks for watching.
SIMPLY THE D BEST! it doesn't need to be luxurious, More importantly you're comfortable and you got all you need. And happy to see you buddy in their with yah 😊 good health and wealth bud!
Enjoyed your video. Love your wood working approach to the initial build. As a dog lover, I appreciate your fur baby laying around enjoying your company!
Your just on another level with your build. Great van build, but for me, I don't have the tools or skill to do what you have, so a no build build works for me. But, I have to say, so impressed by what you have done in your build, build.
Check out a channel called Eric Enjoys Earth for step by step videos on how to build out your Sienna, lots of van folks out there got their start by watching Eric, happy trails!
I do similar long road trips and this video is the best one I've seen that addresses this type of travel. A ton of very useful information. Also shows that you don't have to break the bank to equip yourself very nicely for these type road rips. Thank you for making this video.
Great job in constructing what you needed for space and storage. Besides everything you take with you there is one that is important and can see that it is and that is your bible (awesome). You have a beautiful dog and great companion. You probably should keep your first aid kit more reachable and handy for any emergency where you can easily find it and also one for your dog.
I had the same thought about the first aid kit. I had an incident on a cross country trip in which I fell in the camp site and ripped 10 stitches worth of flesh off my knee. I remember trying to find my first aid kit as blood streamed down my leg and I felt myself going into shock. Fortunately, the camp hosts motored by just then, and fortunately, I had secured both my (highly trained) dogs instead of leaving loose as I usually do when the campground is empty. It all ended well, but I relocated my first aid kit to a visible and obvious location.
most thoughtful mini van build i've seen! Love this and all of your details, makes the traveling look much more comfortable and safe...thank you for sharing!
We're about to buy a RAV4 that will be a daily driver, but I also want to use for car camping and extended road trips. Your organization, tight design, and careful selection of items for power, water, etc. are perfect, and helped me figure out a couple things.
Beautiful work and so organized! What kind of a vehicle is this and year please? How wonderful for you and Rocky to have such a lovely way to travel! I admire you! P.s your dog is gorgeous. German Shepherds are my favourite.
Thank you for watching. I didn't make a video on the bed yet since there are already similar bed built videos on TH-cam. I might make a separate video on that if people are interested.
You are very prepared. Much thought and design went into your build. I like the bed and cabinet design. Curious why the cabinet is made out of such thick wood? You have a wonderful and well thought out build that looks good too. Beautiful dog and travelling companion. Thankyou for sharing your build. Safe and happy travels for you both.
Thank you for your comments. Most of the materials I use in my build are either used or left over from old projects. The cabinet doors were cut from an old desk top. I just like to give my old furniture a new life in stead of go to the dump. You can use thinner materials but need more thought to keep it rigid. The lowest portion of the cabinet is 1/8" pre-finished plywood from scrap, that's why they are different color, 😆. The 2" thick butcher block counter top (reclaimed from demolition) I built for my previous built only last one trip and was replaced by current set up. Glad I didn't have to pay for the material.
I binged watched van life videos and conversions. But I find most videos are prepped to glamorize van life. Now this video is real and shows how someone would actually set up their van to live in it full time. Not just making it to look good on camera.
Thank you, glad you like it.
As a minimalist I usually do without 80% of the shit he has in his van as I find zero use for it due to much simpler alternatives.
@@BaneTier There's no perfect van conversion for everyone. No one travel the same and doing the same activities. If you're happy with what you got, good for you. I travel several weeks in a rental van before and l know what's like in a minimal build. It's OK for some people but l enjoy improving my own van to fit my travel. Thank for watching.🙂
Sorry, I had to stop by this vid because the dog in the thumbnail looks exactly like my dog. Thumbs up. Good vid.
Glad you like it.
Very nice setup. I think Rocky will enjoy too. 👍😁
Thanks 👍
Wow, great job on your van build! You definitely put a lot of thought into the design and into what to bring along. I like what you've done - good job!
Thank you.
A lot of efforts shown in your road trip preparation! Good presentation!👍
So nice of you
Very Impressive!
Thank you so much.
Finally I see somebody with their spare tire. Out of all the videos that I’ve seen I’ve never seen these people carry a spare tire.It’s so important to carry a good spare tire. Thank you for a good video
Glad you like it.
Very nice job! A lot of work, well done 👍🏼 !! Enjoy🎊🎉
Thank you 💓
Excellent job, both the build and the video. I travel with my 2 cats, which can get interesting, but they’re great companions. I’m sure your 4 legged pal enjoys trips with you too. New subscriber here.
Thank you.
I love your build out. You've thought of everything. You are so organized. I wish you many wonderful adventures with Rocky. What a beautiful companion. Thank you for a very detailed, well done video.
Thank you.
This is one of the best minivan designs I have ever come across!!
Glad you like it.
Such beautiful skill and built .. It's an amazing layout .. Thank you so much for sharing ..
Blessed travels !!
🛐🕊🕎❤
Thank you for watching.
You're welcome .. Looking forward to more videos .. God bless !!
@@studentrving Yes, I'll add a DIY window exhaust fan soon.
Excellent build and organization. I may borrow your ideas when we convert our minivan. For now, we just put matts and sleeping bags on the van floor. Have safe, blessed travels.
Glad you like it. That's what l did before l start my convertion.
I think it’s brilliant of you to include your tire upgrade on your van, as well. Most people don’t think about the different climates they encounter when shopping for tires on their vehicles. And good, high quality wiper blades are a must too!👍 I prefer a Rain X infused blade and super bug washer fluid with Rain X too. Safe traveling and remember a fire extinguisher or wool blanket for emergencies…
I learned my lesson on my first trip to California where Google Map routed me on a gravel road and I could barely drive faster than 10 MPH. I also encountered several snow storm during Spring Trip. Therefore I upgraded to the best tires I can afford. Yes, I use Rain X washer fluid too. I also apply Rain Clear rain repellent gel to my wind shied, it works great in repels rain & snow. Water just form a bead and slides off.
This was very relaxing to watch. Cute dog.
Glad you enjoyed it.🙂
Looks like a very pleasant setup!
Thank you.
Excellent build thanks for posting!
You are welcome.
Wow, you are very talented and organized! I cannot believe how much fits in your van!!!! Thank you very much for sharing. Happy trails!
Thank you. Glad you like it.
Excellent setup and presentation of it. May I suggest...sell a general layout, then others may modify, ty
Thanks for the tip!
Simply outstanding !
Thank you.
Awesome little build 👍
Thank you.
Love how organized you are😊
Thank you so much.
Bravo. Just well thought out
Thank you.
Brilliant set up, safe travels!
Thank you so much.
Probably the best set up I’ve seen so far!! This video I’m sharing with my hubby.
Glad you like it.
Wow! Talk about a clever design and incredible organization! This gentleman has it all.
Thank you.🙂
Ingenious. You've got a great carpentry skills.
Thank you.
Excellent job, brother👍
Thank you.
God bless you. Awesome job! Super awesome! And the absolute survival item, The Bible! It's a must. Happy and peaceful travels dears thanks for sharing. 🐕
Thank you so much. Glad you like it.
Looks nice, Thanks for sharing.
Thanks.
An excellent design, well constructed. The best I've seen and you've thought of everything. Thanks for the video.
Glad you like it.
Am a big fan of your ongoing upgrades and the fact that you take the time to let us know how you keep improving the build is very unique as far as van life type of videos go, keep the update videos coming please.
I'm in a Sienna as well and redoing my kitchen cabinet this year, you've convinced me to ditch the built in sink, we're going to try a collapsible sink as well but we have a 'everything we bring should have a minimum of 2 uses' game that we like to play so we're going to use a collapsible basin with built in cutting board to also be used as a lap table for eating. Thanks again for the great content!
Thank you, glad you like it. I spent a lot time building my first sink like most people did. We always want something we wish but not what we really need until you try it. What I like to upgrade now is more counter space for cooking.
*Very* cool build. I'm impressed that the roof carrier didn't hurt your mpg. I agree that being able to cook inside is necessary, especially in the rainy eastern USA, and after dark in public areas. My butane stove was OK but when I used it I lowered the windows about 2" for safety. That was uncomfortable when making coffee on freezing cold mornings. So I put in a big electrical system so I could use an induction cooktop, which is also safer for fire, burns, and carbon monoxide. But the butane stove worked OK, and I like having it at my house it in case of a power outage.
Yes, I was surprised that the roof box didn't reduce the mpg. I have several cooking devices but butane stove is my favorite. I always open the moon roof to crate a stack effect to draw more fresh air into the car when I am cooking. Thanks for watching.
SIMPLY THE D BEST! it doesn't need to be luxurious, More importantly you're comfortable and you got all you need. And happy to see you buddy in their with yah 😊 good health and wealth bud!
Glad you like it. 🙂
Beautiful GSD. They are my favorite breed. Nice build, great use of space.
Glad you like it. Thank you.
Enjoyed your video. Love your wood working approach to the initial build.
As a dog lover, I appreciate your fur baby laying around enjoying your company!
Thank you, glad you like it.
Thank you for this layout of your vehicle. That you carry a bible the best part of your journey. God bless my brother in Christ.
Thank you.🙏
Your just on another level with your build. Great van build, but for me, I don't have the tools or skill to do what you have, so a no build build works for me. But, I have to say, so impressed by what you have done in your build, build.
Thank you. No build is fine, just go out and enjoy.
AMAZING Build! Love what you did. It's got all the aspects I'm looking for in a minivan build. Thank you for sharing!
Glad you like it. I just made more changes, stay tune for coming video.
Very clever modifications.
Thank you.
Great build! It’s nice to see how so many people have their own unique buildout. Thank you for sharing your adventure. I also have a shepherd!
Thank you for watching. GSD are great, good for you.🙂
Wow. I bought a 2017 Sienna in May. Your van is my ultimate dream. Wish you could build my van out. Great job. I’ll follow along.
Glad you like it.😊
Check out a channel called Eric Enjoys Earth for step by step videos on how to build out your Sienna, lots of van folks out there got their start by watching Eric, happy trails!
@@Stephan5150 Yes, I watched all his video. I mentioned his channel in my first build. I modified his bed design to fit my need.😄
I do similar long road trips and this video is the best one I've seen that addresses this type of travel. A ton of very useful information. Also shows that you don't have to break the bank to equip yourself very nicely for these type road rips. Thank you for making this video.
Glad you like it. Thank you.
Excellent creation! Amazing work of yours!
Thank you so much 😀
Very nice and so organized. Rocky is beautiful ❤ have fun and stay safe❤
Thank you.🥰
Thanks for the tire recommendation
You are welcome.
Wow, very well thought out. Your craftsmanship is beautiful and clever.
Thank you.
Awesome video, much appreciate your efforts, brilliant bed design. Functional lay out and great explanation. Thanks from Lismore NSW Australia
Thank you.
Amazing ideas. Thanks for sharing!
It’s amazing how much stuff you can stuff in your camper van! Even in the spare tire area….cool!
The roof box is even more space than I thought!
Well thought-out build. Nice work.
Thank you.
Beautiful build and dog!
Excellent job! Love it! You've got the best ideas I've seen. And I've watched hundreds of videos!
Glad you like it. Thanks.
Very good video, all important info, no BS. Japanese minivan are the best deal now, and they don't breakdown.
Glad you like it. Yes, reliable is important when choosing a minivan as a camper.
Well thought out and nicely built with lots of great ideas. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for watching.
현실적인 캠핑카!!너무 잘 만들었네요.저도 당신처럼 꼭캠핑카를 만들어 떠나고 싶어요
Thank you.😊
Great job in constructing what you needed for space and storage. Besides everything you take with you there is one that is important and can see that it is and that is your bible (awesome). You have a beautiful dog and great companion. You probably should keep your first aid kit more reachable and handy for any emergency where you can easily find it and also one for your dog.
Thanks for the tips and l would rearrange my first aid kit on my next trip. Yes, l have a separate medical pouch for my 🐶.
I had the same thought about the first aid kit. I had an incident on a cross country trip in which I fell in the camp site and ripped 10 stitches worth of flesh off my knee. I remember trying to find my first aid kit as blood streamed down my leg and I felt myself going into shock. Fortunately, the camp hosts motored by just then, and fortunately, I had secured both my (highly trained) dogs instead of leaving loose as I usually do when the campground is empty. It all ended well, but I relocated my first aid kit to a visible and obvious location.
@@anneK3801 I also carry another small first-aid-kit in my backpack when I hike.
You are a wonderful carpenter. That’s some beautiful work you did. Very impressive plus love the dog.
Thank you very much!
Loved your van build. GSD are the best
Yes they are! Thank you.😊
Beautiful build! Thank you the sharing.
most thoughtful mini van build i've seen! Love this and all of your details, makes the traveling look much more comfortable and safe...thank you for sharing!
Thank you for watching.
beautiful setup
Thank you.
Excellent craftsmanship! Thank you for sharing this with us. Happy trails!!
Thank you.
Nice ideas !
Thank you! 😊
Wow. Stunning job. Take care!
Thank you.
I'm very impressed with what you did with your van. Gives me ideas how to better ours. Enjoyable video
Thank you. Glad you like it.
nice job
Thank you.
Nice build! I really like it
Glad you like it.
I aspire for the same.
Thank you.
Thank you for your concise and clear video. I loved it!!
You are welcome. 🙂
thank you for providing valuable videos to those who want to travel best wishes see you on the road .... liked and subscribed
Thank you so much.
Very nicely done...good job.👍👍❤️
Excellent set up, travel well!
Thank you.🙂
We're about to buy a RAV4 that will be a daily driver, but I also want to use for car camping and extended road trips. Your organization, tight design, and careful selection of items for power, water, etc. are perfect, and helped me figure out a couple things.
Thank you.👍
Very nice! Taking notes!
Thank you, glad you like it.
Love this! Thank you for sharing. It's given me many ideas. :-) Happy travels to you!
Good luck on your build.
Beautiful work and so organized! What kind of a vehicle is this and year please? How wonderful for you and Rocky to have such a lovely way to travel! I admire you! P.s your dog is gorgeous. German Shepherds are my favourite.
2019 Toyota Sienna AWD EXL. Re-watch the video and you’ll see this info at the beginning. 👍
Thank you, glad you like it. I have three dogs in my life, GSD is the best.
@@DLY0898 Thank you! We have the same vehicle/year!
Like your craftsmanship and design 🎉, wonder if u have a vedeo or template on your foldable bed sofa? Such a genius design
Thank you for watching. I didn't make a video on the bed yet since there are already similar bed built videos on TH-cam. I might make a separate video on that if people are interested.
Excellent set-up.
Thank you.
Great build.😊
Beautiful work!
Glad you like it.😀
excellent video and conversion of your vehicle
Thank you! 👍
Nice idea on the bug screen. I snore fairly loud. Can't have open windows too much lol
In the mountains or deep into the wood, you can snore as loud as you like, 😄. That's the benefit of camping in wilderness!
Just an excellent video! Thank you for all of this great information.
Glad you like it.
That was such an awesome video. Great job on the modification to your minivan. Now if you can make that minivan a 4x4 it will be perfect 😂
I need a 4x4 van, LOL
Great design!
Thank you!
Nice job !! 👍
Thank you.
Really good job with the build and the video 👏👏. I’ll bet it’s difficult with a wet dog though on those rainy days and nights 😢😂
Yes, I have to give him a warm bath after each muddy hike. Thanks for watching.
thank you so much for sharing your journey
Glad you like it.
Well thought out set up….
Thank you.
Súper lo máximo ❤❤❤❤❤❤
Thank you.
Great set up I like it very much.
Thank you.
Excellent ! thank you for sharing .
My pleasure!
What a great build!!!すごいね
Thank you.😉
Very nice van, love it
Thank you!
Great video, Vinny! I'm now a subscriber to your channel!
Thank you so much.
You are very prepared. Much thought and design went into your build. I like the bed and cabinet design. Curious why the cabinet is made out of such thick wood? You have a wonderful and well thought out build that looks good too. Beautiful dog and travelling companion. Thankyou for sharing your build. Safe and happy travels for you both.
Thank you for your comments. Most of the materials I use in my build are either used or left over from old projects. The cabinet doors were cut from an old desk top. I just like to give my old furniture a new life in stead of go to the dump. You can use thinner materials but need more thought to keep it rigid. The lowest portion of the cabinet is 1/8" pre-finished plywood from scrap, that's why they are different color, 😆. The 2" thick butcher block counter top (reclaimed from demolition) I built for my previous built only last one trip and was replaced by current set up. Glad I didn't have to pay for the material.
Awesome video. Thanks.
@@dorian1370 Thank you for watching
Great Build !!!
Thank you.
Such a well design use of space. I couldn’t find your link on directions for making the big screen. Can you post?
Thank you. Here's the link for the bug screen:
th-cam.com/video/Es3PsKRGLkQ/w-d-xo.html