Unexpectedly Perfect: My Mistakes Minivan Camping
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 18 เม.ย. 2023
- Spring is the perfect season for camping. So, today I dusted the cobwebs out of the Toyota Sienna minivan camper to start getting ready for some big trips I have planned this summer. I forgot a few things, but still had an amazing time cooking, setting up camp, and sleeping in the minivan. Check out the window screens here: amzn.to/3MSrEhy
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#minivancamper
#solocamping
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Thanks for stopping by!Check out my biggest dispersed camping trip of 2023 here: th-cam.com/video/BYzMB0cR3IQ/w-d-xo.html
@OffGridAdventures Do you have a link for the awning? Thanks
For your dinner, try cooking it in a different sequence. Here's my suggestions: If you have time, defrost the veggies in a bowl for about an hour so they cook faster. Get a spray can of olive oil and use in pan. Cook your steak first and let it rest on your plate while you cook the veggies (pour out any liquid before cooking).
Yep. Me thinks steaks were made for open fire cooking and there was a BBQ pit just a few more feet beyond the picnic table. But your suggestion for pan searing it before the veggies is good too.
You kept it simple, and in order. People who have never car camped...may get overwhelmed and that may keep them from enjoying the journey. Well done!
It’s amazing how easy it is to lose something in such a small place if I don’t keep it clean. I try to keep things in the same place so I don’t forget where everything is. Thank you !
You could always put your ice cubes in a ziploc bag then in the freezer! I absolutely love your fridge/freezer.
That’s a great idea. I might also pick up another small box/tray to put them in.
i needed to see that . pulling out the horizontal arms first . thanks for the tip . good job !
It took me a long time to figure that out. Helps a lot now.
14:20 From start to finish. Heat some oil in the pan. Dry steak with a paper towel and season front and back. Sear each side in the oil until slightly char'd. Lower temp and cook until center temp is 165F. Remove steak and Let steak rest but keep warm. Place veggies in pan with butter and seasoning. Cook covered until steamed. Remove cover and let reduce. Plate and enjoy.
I would have also had some kind of starch like potatoes or rice.
Keep up the great vids.
Great tips. I’ll have my act together as a chef next time I head out camping. Potatoes would have been a great addition to the menu.
Hard to keep things warm on the side when you're cooking on a backpacking stove. I would cook the veggies and butter first and keep them in a covered pan while you cook the steak. Better to have the steak fresh and hot.
Alternatively, bring a bag of charcoal and cook on the fire ring, and then you have the option of indirect heat.
Do adults really say "veggies"?
@@march24-lp4pv in Australia we shorten es many words as possible, so yes.
I don't think I would have done anything differently, considering what you had to work with! Love that fridge with ice-cube maker!🧊🧊
Nice! Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts!
Love the video. I suppose that I am fortunate that when my wife and I go camping she plans the meals out and vacuum seals the veggies for each meal. Makes the prep quick and easy
That’s an excellent way to plan the veggies. I thought about the value of small containers after I ripped up those bags.
Best camper show on TH-cam don't change a thing real people's person
Wow that’s really nice. Thank you.
I appreciated watching you set up the awning and showing the setup of the window screens. I would’ve thought to cook the steak first and add the vegetables but your point of no oils made sense. I’m going to look back for information about your build. I laughed at your making fun of yourself filming as others walked by. Way to go!
Same thing happened last night. I was filming and talking to the camera. Check out my “Minivan Camping” playlist. That’s where everything is. Thanks for stopping in!
“Vegetable soup with a steak in it was not my goal.” 🤣🤣. You did a good job of making do with what you had. This is what’s so great about camping, it tests our creativity!
Cook the vegetables first and separately. Season the meat and veggies when you first put them in the pan. Also, get some cooking spray!
As one camper to another, you gotta make a "trip list"... I've done the same thing as you!!! (More than once) I use a cast iron pan for my steak. I like a heavy bark on the outside of my steak and rare in the middle. BTW ... Nice EcoFlow Fridge (a bit pricey for me. $1,000 as I recall)
I like a good sear as well, but I didn’t want to run out of fuel in the middle of cooking. I’m going to put the rest of the gear in the minivan and get it ready for long term camping. It’s almost ready.
Sounds like this was your spring shake-down cruise… So forgetting things is part of the deal, right…? 😀 Great video!
Now, I’m deep into the summer and just need to get back to filming my adventures.
I would have seared the steak first on both sides 2 to 3 minutes each side while already heavily seasoned. The pan should also preheat or it won't sear correctly. Then throw in the veggies. Other than that this was one of those relaxing camping videos I like to watch. Awesome job!
I should have seared it first. I’ll get it together for my next trip. Thanks for letting me know what you think.
Do adults really say "veggies"?
Love the awning, and the camp set up looks peaceful
Great to see one person put up that awning. Thank you.
That Icemaker is incredible !
Thanks for letting us learn from your experiences 👍
Hey thanks for actually showing setting up the awning!
These are my favorite van camping videos. Thank you!!
Hi, I’m happy that you enjoyed it. Thank you!
Enjoyed the video! keep it fun, keep it simple. I did a lot of camping in Missouri, a beautiful state. Always thumbs up from the 641..
Thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Steak and veggies look yummy. Love your videos. Thanks for sharing. 😊
Thank you so much for stopping by!
Me, watching you set up the awning: ahhh so it takes a tall person to go minivan camping. XD
Well, that awning is just extra, and not necessary at all. Thanks for stopping in!
Get some little magnents to hold your windowscreens down too close the gaps.
They’d work perfectly! Great tip.
You videos are kind of laid back and en joyable with the sounds of nature .. 15 go site maybe considers take a few newbie's for a small charge folk that want to go but just never have . You would do Great ..You are a teacher
pack the steak with a little iol season veg one bag with cream and chees. chuch`s for when there dome puor on top here done serve fast there done. By dessert something to clean the palate . cold fruity lemon pie try AHA for you supper dink their fun cost
That’s an excellent idea. I’m currently traveling around Michigan, and I don’t know many folks here. But, I love the idea of taking a group camping.
Your getting all the kinks out.lol Happy camping.Thanks for sharing
I am not in love with instant but many love it.
So you pan-broiled it! You did a good job with what you had. Looked good to me. ;) First time seeing your video and yes, I did subscribe. Happy camping!
Hi Rita, thanks for subscribing! I have to admit that steak was better then what I made last night. I’m still experimenting and learning.
You could use magnets on your window screens to secure them to the car! Great setup! Thanks for sharing!
That’s an excellent idea!
A couple of good magnets will help seal your window bug screens. They also make ones that fit over your mirrors.
Bought some magnets recently for this purpose. Keep the bugs out and add some flow.
Great video. I found your video where you show the different bed frames, it is the perfect video, as I have a Sienna SE, and was looking for simple no build bedframes, I already have a tri-folding mattress that I bought at Costco like 4 years ago. I ordered the bedframe from Amazon. I'm hoping to head to GT Nat'l park, and just wanted to have a bed to take short naps, and also being able to put stuff under the bedframe. Thank you for posting that video, it was extremely helpful!
I am with you on the coffee. I just have a pour over that I use.
9:07 I love the different angles and yes, that is very important. Something I need to focus a little bit moron OK a lot more.
$15 is a great price. Important to invest in a portable power station. Having ice is a luxury. Loved your video based on good food, easy cleanup and comfortable sleeping👍. I would switch out the awning to use a folding chair with attached sun shade and set up a privacy tent close by to car for after dark. Those changes for being alone. Otherwise, the awning is a great extra.
Thank you for your time and video production. I am in the process of building out my Honda for the ultimate road tour with my camera gear. After camping out one time, I learned the importance of both making a list, and meal planning. (Early April camping without your cold weather sleeping bag is not good, hence learning the importance of making a list).
Thanks again for your videos, they have been very helpful.
A list is definitely important. What kind of Honda are you building? Also, what kind of road tour are planning to do?
@@OffGridAdventure I bought a low mileage 2006 Honda Odyssey EXL. Being retired, I decided to buy a van, build it out and load it up with my camera gear and camping "stuff". I am meeting a long time friend in Montana in mid to late September and spend a week or two traveling down through Yellowstone taking photos. ...From Yellowstone, my friend will be heading back to Seattle and I will travel down to Phoenix, from there, I am heading to either Florida or up to Nova Scotia or Washington DC, depending where another friend of mine lands when he comes over from Germany. I do not have a hard schedule but plan on photographic destinations.
I will be camping local (N. Illinois/S. Wisconsin) refining the set up and interior, prepping for the Kick-off in September. I have solar and a River 2 battery pack to install, but still have not finalized interior layout (other than the rock-n-roll bed and rear storage. A work in progress at this point in time . . .
AGAIN, thanks for your videos, they have been helpful.
@@tobyz.3452 nice! Maybe we’ll cross paths sometime.
@@tobyz.3452 currently in the Kansas City area, but moving soon.
Nice awning setup. I see you buy your veggies at Walmart especially those mushrooms I can't find them at any other store. Great price on veggies. Enjoy😊
They’re cheap, and I can always have something. I plan to use fresh veggies next time.
That awning is sweet!
I appreciate it!
Really enjoying your videos. I like the way you explain and demonstrate stuff, and your minimalist approach. I lived in a Honda Odyssey for 10 months before being blessed with a 99 Econoline conversion van. Neither has/had any built-ins. My style is shabby chic, held down with bungee cords! I love vanlife. Thanks for sharing your experiences.
Hi Sophi, thanks for stopping by again. Were you glad to get the additional space? It sounds like a step up from the Odyssey.
@@OffGridAdventure oh absolutely. It happened just before covid, and it was like God saw my situation and said, you don't know what's coming, but you're going to need more room. 😉 I'm able to stand up in the middle, and sit upright on the bed, which I couldn't do in the Honda. I enjoy figuring out different storage options and trying to keep the clutter at bay.
@@sophirichmanfletcher4657 figuring out storage is a hobby in itself. I’m always looking for the perfect storage solution.
@@OffGridAdventure I tell people it's like a puzzle 😁 only so much can fit under the bed!
The ice maker is boss! So is the awning.
Nice! Cool thoughts.
You do a great job relating to the camera !
Thank you so much!
Thank you
That coffee looked thick. 😆 and 15 dollars is a great price for a spot!
I had never made that type bed before, and it tasted as thick as it looked.
@@OffGridAdventure 😆
@@jennslifeinhuntingtonwv2678 I meant to say coffee, not bed! lol
8:34 definitely eating clean. Looks like a nice meal.
Since you have the freezer, you can freeze olive oil with seasonings in an ice cube tray while you are at home. Once frozen, pop them into a freezer bag to store. Just take what you think you need for your trip and keep them in a bag with your frozen veg in your little freezer. We often use that trick to preserve our garden herbs for winter use. But that would be a way to have some oil and seasonings for cooking without having to tote a bottle of oil.
That’s a really good idea that I might try in the next few months. I carried a small bottle of olive oil after filming this one, but it ended up spilling. So, your tip is perfect
Hahaha, that was fun. Thanks.
Seems like you enjoyed it! Thanks for stopping by.
12:23 I’m jealous that looks like a gourmet meal at a campground and clean eating some thing I really need to get back focused on. I got a lot of things to focus on to be honest.
I have been a aero press for coffee they take a little bit of practice but once you get used to it they work grate I had a mocha pot set up like that for my boat and always liked it but am riley loving the aero press.
Is that different than a French press? I like to use a French press and make overnight cold brew, but I don’t like dealing with the grains.
I'm a huge fan of the Aero Press as well. Very compact, quick to use, and easy to clean.
@@OffGridAdventure its like a French press but uses a paper filter at the bottom kind of like a giant syringe the plunger is rubber the bottom is detachable.
Loved your video
Thank you!
consider a table cloth or placemats for the table - I've seen people use the tables for all types of nasty things, including laying out their sewer hose.
Aww. Don’t tell me that. Luckily it was raining for a few days prior, so hopefully it rinsed the table enough.
I've seen people cutting open their fish and gutting them. You definitely need a table cloth. I use a fitted twin size sheet. It's perfect for those tables.
We learn from our mistakes 😊
Absolutely! I already have everything packed up for another trip this week.
I use little magnet to keep the mesh on the right place from outside. No gaps with the magnet:)
That’s a good tip. I recently ordered a stack of magnets. I wish those screens had an option to buy with magnets.
I missed when you got the freezer/fridge. I'll scan your videos to see if I can find. But if you see this soon (It's 1/26) let me know. I just bought a Set Power and haven't even unboxed it yet. But I love your ice cubes. I'm a big ice lover.
The ice cube thing works great in the summer, but takes a lot of fridge space when not needed. I published the fridge video a week or two later. And made several videos with it over last summer.
Love you cooking stove
Thanks 👍
great video. make more!
Thank you!
I'm curious about the type and brand of air conditioner you mentioned you had tried and the one you mentioned you were going to try. Look forward to those videos as I would like to find an air conditioner for my van for camping. Thanks for the video and look forward to your future adventures
Hi, here’s the video from last year: th-cam.com/video/9BR07bN3DEU/w-d-xo.html the new one is an EcoFlow Wave 2. It blows a lot more air, but I have not used it in true heat yet. The Wave 2 also has heat. I plan to use it next trip.
:) THANKS MUCH for a great share and video! LOVE your fridge/freezer/ Ice Maker? Have to ask what kind is it? On AMazon? ALL the BEST and CHeers! Just got my Sienna AWD a bit ago :)
Hi, it’s an EcoFlow setup. Basically, all Ecoflow stuff in this video. Thanks for asking!
Musta been a great meal. I could smell it in WY a year later.
great video 😊
Thank you, Carolyn!
I was actually thinking, hey I could cook a steak someday maybe. Because I don't like to fill up the car, I just have one stove usually. Also, I don't really know how to cook steak, so I was like wow, I could buy shakey tasty...it was nice to watch your improvisation. Thanks for the video.
Thanks for stopping in to check it out! Good luck with your cooking.
What was that that fell out of the awning when you unzipped it? That steak looked just the way I like it. I don’t like anything rare.
Ha! That is a sensor for my indoor outdoor thermometer. I usually go for something a little rarer, but didn’t bring my other stove that would have made a better sear.
You might want to get some rubber bands to close your open freezer bags..☺️
That’s an excellent idea. Almost everything has a built in zipper now, so I didn’t even think about how I’d close the bags after opening them.
Sear the meat first, get it nice and brown on both sides. Then let it cook a little. After that, add the veggies, and cook until the vegetables are how you like them. HTH. Glad you had fun.
You cook your steak any way you want 😉. I'm sure that seasoning was tasty.
I use sea and himalayan salt, pepper and garlic powder on my hamburgers, only steak I like and cook is filets, not a fan of the fat on most steak. I always use olive oil, butter and garlic on my veggies.
But must make do with what we have on hand.
I use magnets to keep those exact wondow covers in place and they work great.
Great video! Enjoy and continue exploring. 🤗
Awesome tips with the cooking. I was happy with the taste, but this steak didn’t have much fat on it. Magnets will help quite a bit. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Use a thermos water container, it keeps ice longer and water cold. Usually can add more water before ice starts ti melt fully.
Great tip. I could make a few rounds of ice and fill a thermos with it.
I purchased the clam quick set the smaller one but it’s so fast to set up and an instant screened in room I also bought the sides for it it’s up in less than a few mins the sell point is if you had to drive off and get something you don’t have to take yo awning down
Clam quick? I never heard of it. I’ll check it out. When I first started this, I would set up a 6 person tent and store stuff inside.
@@OffGridAdventure clam quick set traveler is what it’s called. Also I have the eco flow delta prow and a bigger cooler I like the size of your bank because mine is pretty heavy I was able to get 2 folding 400w solar panels off of alibaba for a fraction of the eco flows 1100 for both w shipping out the door there big though
get you some mini magnets and hot glue them to the outside edge of your window covers
Yeah nice eco flow cooler btw
Great suggestions for improving the cooking process in the comments. My addition is thst you really need some kind of covering for the picnic table. You would not believe what campers put on the table while they're cleaning up their site to leave (ie. human, pet poo) and you don't want that near your food prep.
I’ve heard that a few times now, and it makes a lot of sense.
Hello where did you get your fridge? I love that it makes ice!
Hi, it is an EcoFlow Glacier. I plan to make a video about it next week.
Do master camping list. Seasonal. Protip:from 22 yrs experience mini van camper
7:50 so it’s a refrigerator freezer combo with a icemaker I bet that wasn’t cheap but for your home away from home I don’t think you can beat your idea
What is the brand and model of the fridge? Love the ice maker.
Hi Mary, thanks for asking. It is the EcoFlow Glacier. It will be released on April 26th. I am working on a video about it to publish soon. The ice maker is a neat feature.
5:56 a look inside your frig looks like it holds a lot
The title of this video paired with your comment last night saying it was unbearably hot is SENDING ME
I know this is probably about a different trip but its still funny to think about :)
Nope, this was last night. Lol. It went from around 80 down to about 65. So, by the time I fell asleep it was still just a little bit too warm.
@@OffGridAdventure wow, fast video editing!! I'm glad you still had a good time :)
@@neurodivergentlily well, I didn’t want to go wild with the editing on this one. I was going for something a little more authentic and less Oxy Clean/ Sham Wow.
@@OffGridAdventure love to see it! /Genuine
It'd be cool to see you explore this sort of video in the future :)
I've never thought to fry a steak on a bed of vegetables...maybe cook the steak first and the vegetables second, will cook in the fat grease. I don't eat vegetables so It wouldn't be an issue for me. I have those screens on the way for my honda odyssey. I hope they work well!
I hope they work out fine for you. They’re perfect.
@@OffGridAdventure 👍
Cooking tips: season steak with salt/pepper, sear you steak in the pan -alone- maybe in some butter for flavor & browning. Cook on medium high heat once both sides are browned, add other seasoning and remove from pan when done to your taste. While the steak is resting, cook the vegetables in the steak pan. Btw...don't cover your steak to cook like you did today. You see the result is a Grey, unappealing steak. You can cover the veg while cooking, but remove the pan lid before finishing them to allow the water to evaporate.
That is a perfect sequence! Thanks for sharing your tips!
@@OffGridAdventure you're welcome! I think you'll enjoy the result!
Awesome video! I just purchased an 05 sienna to convert. Do you have the link for the window bug nets? Thank you!
Hi, I got the X-Large set for my Sienna. Here’s the link: amzn.to/3MSrEhy
4:32 stove looks really familiar lol
It was just perfect. New subscriber , do you have a link for your freezer? We are new travelers. Traveled cross country from Washington state too Florida with our RV, it is a 16’ trailer but if we decide to travel back to Washington I’d rather not take our RV.
Hi, I appreciate you sharing your story. Sounds like it was a great time going diagonally across the country. I believe the link is in the video description. I also have a more detailed video on my page. Good luck!
My awning trick is; set it up on the north side of your vehicle.
Im trying to get my van camper done this summer...
Good luck. I hope you get it setup the way you want it.
10:49 when I start gathering my stuff for my van build I’m gonna have to get a hold are you? It’s not going to be right away, but let’s stay connected so that when I need some thing and information you can help us out you’re now like family.
Loved the video! Can we get the name and model of your fridge?
Hi, thanks for stopping in and asking. That is the EcoFlow Glacier. I’m testing it out to make a video about it. It’s an interesting fridge.
I see you have the Ecoflow Glacier fridge/freezer/ice maker. It looks like a great machine but a little too big for my minivan setup. How's it working out? I may have to reconfigure.
What kind of minivan do you have? The Glacier isn’t very big compared to some other fridges I’ve tried.
@@OffGridAdventure a Dodge Grand Caravan. The fridge I have now is only 23 qts, 23.5 x 12.6 x 13.2, the Glacier is 30.6 × 15.2 × 17.5
Wow! I’m sold on that refrigerator! Once mine conks out I’m going for the Ecoflow Glacier. Set up & Nice video
How was yr steak?😯, i am sure the pot you used it in kept the juices, and it looks like its great quality
It was pretty tasty. Thanks for asking!
Maybe best to use paper towels or spoons for utensil rather than placing directly on public tables. Safety preacaution
I’ve heard that a few times now. It’s interesting to think that there might be something toxic on the table.
Magnets to hold screen to van door
Nice video 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻What make is your fridge/freezer?
That’s an EcoFlow Glacier. It was released in 2023.
Awning jijiiii
:)
I'm still trying to figure out whether it'd be better to carry two popup canopies rather than have one of these van-attached awnings. One canopy for my patio and another to go over the van, that's what I am thinking. My easy-up canopies set up in about 4 minutes each and another 90 seconds for staking them with a mallet. I like to keep sun, wind, light, precip off of my vehicle and patio rather than rely on blocking some of that from within the vehicle. You seem pretty good with this stuff.... do you have any opinions on any of that?
I used a 12x12 awning for a while, but one storm took it out. It was very useful until that happened. So, if you watch the wind, you can cover a much larger area for a much lower cost.
Steve Flinn can you tell me about the pop up canopy for covering your vehicle?? I have a conversion van, shorter than a sprinter, taller than a minivan. I would love to be able to cover it when I'm away from the stationary 10x20 canopy where I call home.
Have you tried just a small fan near the window to pull outside air into the van?
Hi Melissa, I just got a small USB powered fan. I’ll try it out soon!
@@OffGridAdventure I think it'll make a difference, the small USB fans are good for this. We don't have air-conditioning and have found they are enough to bring that cool night air in while not using a lot of power.
7:08 most the time people that are on the road probably don’t eat nearly as good as you are. It looks like a healthy meal.
Man this video Made me hungry jijiji i started my van conversión AND Is been Easy todeside wat would work n wat dont work Is kind of hard because i would have yo put things to the test jijijiji wat would work for some people may not work for me jijijiji i love your setup i have a van like yours n i am using alot of yourrips next month i plan to hit the Road yo baja
That is awesome to hear. Good luck with it.
Use your tires to secure awning. I learned the hard way with 10 min of high gust winds.
I thought about it. Did you wrap the ropes all the way around the tires?
Throw ropes through tires in your spokes are solid then sinch up tight. Sliding door won't open fully but it's solid when you have nothing else.
Is that a car fridge freezer with an ice maker? Would love a link
It is! So far it’s an interesting mini fridge.
@@OffGridAdventure where did you get it
Where did you buy you shade the peace you set up for rain where you buy it n how much cost you😊
I bought if through Yakima. SlimShady 6.5.
I have the same van as you. What size is your bed length and width ? For now I just put a mattress in from my house but I like your setup. Please let me know if you can. Thanks. Safe travels .
Hi, thanks for asking. I believe the frame is 75x30 inches. This video is all about it. th-cam.com/video/BPfoerxD3S0/w-d-xo.html
I cannot have steak without mushrooms and onions. If you add a little bit of good Sherry it's even better. Name brand on the fridge/Ice maker?
Hi, I also love mushrooms and onions with my steak. The fridge is an EcoFlow Glacier.
@@OffGridAdventure thanks
Definitely season steak get skillet blazing hot ( that is the key to making stainless steel nonstick) add steak the fat will melt to make a lubricant. Cook steak to your liking then add the veggies to the pan with the steak drippings the water from the frozen veggies will make a nice sauce and help to deglaze and clean your skillet
I’ve got oil now, so my last few steaks have come out better.
Where'd you get the awning?
Yakima