Toyota Sienna Minivan Camper EASY Solar Power Setup
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 19 พ.ค. 2021
- An easy Toyota Sienna no-build minivan camper conversion with a bed, mini-fridge, and portable power station. This video shows how I use my Renogy 100w solar panel, Anker PowerHouse 400, and Alpicool mini-fridge while minivan camping. Cheap Minivan Camper BUILD with Solar Power Mini Fridge
If you find my content interesting, check out my other videos here: / @offgridadventure
*As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
POWER
Alpicool C50 Mini Fridge: amzn.to/33Pt2tI
Anker PowerHouse 400: amzn.to/33YNo3y
Renogy 100w Solar Panel: amzn.to/3hDHhd2
BED
Steel Folding Bed Frame: amzn.to/3onSxMc
Six Inch Folding Mattress: amzn.to/3fkfrjj
Fitted Sheet: amzn.to/3i2rAMz
Curtain Rod: amzn.to/3w169zD
For inquiries please contact us at: contact@offgridadventure.net
#vanlife
#minivancamper - แนวปฏิบัติและการใช้ชีวิต
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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
I appreciate you going through the easier "NO-build" options that you can do to hit the road in a Sienna. Thanks for the content and everything!
Thank you!
Your setup is EXACTLY the kind of thing I want to do in a couple of years - just me doing minivan trips all over the place from a home base in Arizona. I really like your build - that takes care of the bed, sitting area, fridge and power - I'll probably do exactly what you are doing. Next up - porta potti, cooking solution and some kind of water system / shower. I have subscribed and look forward to more of your adventures! :-)
I really recommend the power stations with regulated 12v outlets. The rockpals does not have that, and it is somewhat of a hassle.
New subscriber this morning. Thank you for sharing your stealth setup.
My Milin Power Supply 12V outlet will NOT run my Joy Tutus refrigerator. You mention watching a video for a solution, but I'm not finding which video you are referencing. Would you provide a link, please. TIA.
Hi, thanks for asking. I’ll look up your power station tonight and see what the specs are. For now here’s the link. th-cam.com/video/jZAF0taYWj8/w-d-xo.html
Your solar setup looks great! I'm interested in the brackets you used to attach the panel to the roof racks. I did a very simple job of it on my Sienna. I used 12 metal zip ties to attach a Renogy 200w panel to the original roof racks. It's working pretty good. I ended up routing the solar panel cable down the side of the back door opening and into a hole near the tail light. Then I drilled a hole behind the tail light thru the plastic alcove area. It's hacky, but my van is a 2006 and I don't worry about modifications as much anymore. I also have a fridge, but mine is between the two front seats as I was able to remove the "foldaway" center table that came with my van.
I've had my big Alpicool for several years and it still works great. I keep it in the minivan to have cold drinks and snacks for the family and it's handy when I go grocery shopping so that things don't melt by the time I got home
I love the simplicity and you still can use your van as a regular car by just dismantling bed and the fridge. And when you plan to travel put them back with just a screw driver.
I appreciate it!
Thanks for the good information! It was smart to buy a narrow twin so that you can have a seat to sit in. I got a full sized bed for my van, and took all the seats out. Live and learn :)
Great videos and ideas, I have been camping fan since my twenties, I am 80 now and technology have made much easier to minimize the things needed for camping. Thanks for sharing your good ideas and keep doing it .
Thank you for stopping in. I bet you have a lot of stories to tell!
Planning a road trip sometime in the next month... Time to watch all your videos!
Yet another video that's not only entertaining, but full to the brim of useful information. Keep up the good work!
Thanks, if this topic interests you check out my latest minivan camping video here: th-cam.com/video/o2Pppq8lUwY/w-d-xo.htmlsi=cAYWYXOQPTh8DtUd
GREAT SETUP I LOVED THE SIMPLICITY OF YOUR BUILD
Thanks!
Love all the details 😆👏🏼very practical 🙏🏼thank you
Thank you, Jade!
Solar will be my next big purchase for my minivan camper....thank you for this video!
It really opens up the long term opportunities. The best thing about solar is that you get more of it on the hotter days, so it balances the fridges consumption.
@@OffGridAdventure i didn't think about that. Thank you.
This is a perfect setup, thanks.
Thank you!
Good set-up. Trying to figure out one for my SUV-yours might be the winner⚡️
Thanks, the goal for me was to keep it simple. Good luck!
Hi, thanks for checking out my van. Tell me about your setup, and don’t forget to subscribe!
Nice setup, thanks for sharing.
Thanks!
I routed my solar wire through the rear roof rack support. at 1:59, where the roof rack supports onto the roof. on my 2008, its a plastic cover that reveals bolts. there is a perfect spot to drill a hole through the roof beneath that cover. the plastic cover is already water proof. I routed the wire through the SIDE of the cover than down into the hole. 2 years like this and works awesome. been through rain storms and harsh winter with no issues.
That is very interesting. I’ll check it out soon.
Good setup
Thank you!
Thanks for your video very informative!
Glad it was helpful!
Love your video❤️
Thank you!
Great stuff 😎
Right on!
Love it!! I recently purchased a foldable 100w solar panel and it keeps my marine deep cycle battery from running low quickly. I leave my alpicol C20 on during the day three days in a row. I'll be moving into my van in a couple of months and I'm afraid I may need a stronger panel. We shall see but I would love to build it on the luggage rack. So far I place mine inside the dashboard.
Hi, I have a folding solar panel also. I don’t use it much, but sometimes I set it out when I’m parked in the shade. I think placing your foldable on the dash might lower input because your windshield has UV filtration. Are you in a place that you can place the panel outside?
@@OffGridAdventure you're right. The process slows down when I place the solar behind the windshield. When I'm at a coffee shop or near a window I do leave it on the rack. It's all a learning process :) It may be more difficult when I go full time in 6 weeks. I may have to build it in top but it would scream "camper" or "van dweller." :(
I love it!
RIght on! Thank you.
Yes this my next move minimalist no built
Awesome, let me know how it works out!
I want to do this now so cool
Check it out! It really is a great way to travel.
Nice setup! Victoria from the Facebook group sent me! I am looking into a fridge now for my Dodge Grand Caravan camper conversion! Thanks for sharing and safe travels! -Marshall 🎸
Thanks!
I really like my Alpicool C20. :)
@@IlianaGuadalupe That is great! How do you power it? 🤔
@@MellowNomadicAdventures with the cigarette lighter and also a marine deep cycle battery when I'm not driving. :D
@@IlianaGuadalupe Sweet! Do you have to have an inverter for that set up?
So i got this 20 yo Chevy express 3500 that i was building to live and travel in maybe 1/2 the year. With gas so high I'm thinking on switching to a Sienna. With probably less than half the space, I'll just have to have less junk. Less is More! Thanks for your videos!
Hi Robert, what did you end up doing? Gas isn’t as bad as it was last summer, and the 3500 must have a lot of space inside!
I still have the 3500, and yes it is cavernous inside. Could probably fit a Sienna in it lol. I plan to drive to Missoula in the spring and complete the build while staying with my daughter. The MPGs are a lot better when it's only highway miles. And the ground clearance is very good. Wish me good luck!
Great fridge! I just bring non refrigerated items which gets a little boring! I wish I knew how to set up the solar panel to my Chrysler Pacifica van. Great job!!!
You can mount a solar panel to the cross bars, if you have them.
Thanks 👍🙏
Thank you!
Just perfect
Thank you!
@@OffGridAdventure keep it simple that's all us wanna be campers want to see just picture yourself in a walking Dead situation I do all the time this set up is brilliant
Awesome!!!👠🚌👠
Thanks!
I'm sure your video helped many people, thank you for that. I have a question. Can I use 2 100w solar panels with Anker solix SOLIX C1000? I just want to run my zerobreeze mark 2 air conditioner and bougerv mini fridge and charge my laptop.
A good source of lighting is a set of AMARS globe string lights in warm white. Plugs into USB, and doesn't use a lot of power. $18- on amazon. Also, a 9 inch USB fan is a great idea, and is really efficient. I have an opolar, but amazon doesn't seem to have those right now. They are all pretty much the same though, so the knockoff should be fine.
I have a set of string lights, but I picked the bright white and should’ve went with the natural light. Thanks for sharing.
bro you can run the solar wires down the rain gutters then through the waterproof thingy that the back doors lights use then its tidy and wont get as badly sun damaged or closed in the back door. the roof lining and plasitc internal upholstery parts pop out easy enough. i also drilled the roof racks and solar panel so i could bolt it on flush, that way no one can see it unless you look down from above.. my other tip is to disable the door open light switch on each door, that way the red light on the dash wont show up and you cant accidently drain the starter battery by leaving the the door ajar
Two great tips, and I’ll try them both soon. Thank you so much!
I want to buy a Sienna hybrid. Some models have a 1500 watt inverter built in, running off the bybrid battery. I think that would handle most of my power needs.
If you’re getting a new Sienna, the inverter is a must.
I have 100 w Renogy panel up top running to a Golabs 299 wh solar LiFePo generator (I have 2 of them). They run my Alpicool c30 fridge, 8 inch tv, and charge small devices. Im not sure if I can " daisy chain them together" I just switch the charge cord to the second when #1 is full. Having a fridge is a game changer ! Love your vids !
Is 299 wh enough power for you?
Does that setup work for you?
@@jessr7361 Plenty, the fridge draws 30-34 w when on. Draws the battery down to @ 70% overnight
@@OffGridAdventure Works great so far. I only camp on mostly sunny days and the panel will charge both batteries to full by 2 pm then the one running the fridge will just float till 5ish. The 2nd battery will handle the tv using only 8 watts. I average 50-55 watts with my panel here in New England, probably more in say July. I love this "plug and play" setup. I dont worry about fire. And I also carry backup mc4 cables just in case.
@@barbwire8280 I missed that you have two. That’s perfect.
Hi, I love your video and thanks for doing this review, elaborating and dressing up the no-build build to make it a much more livable, enjoyable environment. You've got me amped to find an old Sienna and get started with a cot and storage space! That system is easily over $1,000+ but not sure if I need all of that power. You could probably easily run a microwave through these inputs, no doubt? Seems like a lot of power for what you're currently housing, but I guess you planned this system out with room for quite some expansion? You've got me curious :). Was there a particular wiki or subreddit that got you going with the mathematics of your electrical? Thanks again Off Grid Adventure Man, subscribed!! -R
Hi, thanks for sharing your thoughts. I’ve changed quite a few things over the last few years. I personally like having a lot of power and upgraded to a massive unit. Not needed at all if you don’t plan to run a refrigerator.
1x(10/14/22)……Done thank you excellent
Hi, thanks for the message. What does this mean?
@@OffGridAdventure Definition: 1x means the 1st time I watch it, then the date I watched it , done means I completed it, thanks and that you did an excellent job
@@stephenfiore9960 interesting system. Thanks again!
@@OffGridAdventure …some times I do 2x, 3x, and 4x on harder to understand videos, like Biblical studies
sir may I know where you purchased the aluminum clamps that attach the solar panel to the cross bars.. I would like to get one for my Subaru outback,,,
Hi, those clamps were from Amazon. I ended up adding a larger panel later that has tin roof screws securing it.
Could you wrap your cables in electrical tape or something at the hatch point to strengthen them? Also, how do you stop the cables on the roof from banging around and dinging the roof while driving?
Hi, thanks for posting. I can put a sleeve on the cable to make them stronger. The cables don’t move much, and I don’t have any issues with dinging.
I have not been through all of your build vids yet but what kind of cot are you using?
Hi, that one is a narrow twin bed frame and Zinus mattress. The link is in the video description.
Do you still recommend the dual power station set up? If so, do you suggest getting 2 of the Jackery 500's? Do you have your cooler plugged into one of them at all times when camped?
Ideally I would get a 1000wh system. The daisy chain is extra work. I would even go for the 1500wh system if possible.
Hey, do you're two back windows open? You can run the solar cables along and under the window, won't damage the cables as fast
They open. I prefer to have the cable go through the hatch. I recently upgraded the panel and it has a more robust cable.
Hi do you have a video about the awning ? Thanks
I made one last summer, I’m not sure they still make it, but I believe Napa sells one that is very similar. th-cam.com/video/LxzzOh0lih0/w-d-xo.html
@@OffGridAdventure Thanks
The new cable...wrap it in something to protect. a loom, tape, idk Also, the units on top of the hood. does it need to be outside? Extend the wire so that those 2 units are in the car out of the weather.
Surprisingly, that same cable still works fine. Although I recently put on a larger panel.
Hi! How did you secure your solar panel to the OEM crossbars?
Hi Suzanne, I used the brackets that came with the solar panel. I’m planning to make a new video showing how exactly very soon. I’m going in three years with it mounted without issues.
I keep watching any video I can about power in a van .But I'm still so confused arghhh Not your fault it's a great video ,it's me.
Hi Susan, what are you planning to power? Are you going to live in it, or do leisure travel?
Live in it . I want to get a roof top ac unit installed but from a power unit, I'd love to use my electric skillet and a compressor frig
@@susananderson9619 look up my Facebook page and send a picture of your setup. Air conditioners and heaters use a lot of power, but everything else takes much less to run. What region of the world are you located?
@@OffGridAdventure I'm in central Virginia near Charlottesville.
I ride bikes too (saw your t-shirt). Interested in if you bring a bike along on your adventures and how you haul it. I don’t have a minivan yet but thinking of making the switch do do this same thing.
I have two setups for the bike. First, is in the van. I lay down the third seat. I also have a hitch rack, but am constantly thinking about the bike when it’s on the rack.
@@OffGridAdventure that is my concern too. I got too much money in bikes to leave them in the weather and in the open.
If you have seen Bicycle Touring Pro’s setup I have been thinking of something similar. Though some sort of hard case cover over a bike rack would be nice
@@RowlettResS exactly. For that reason, I usually don’t bring bikes camping. Maybe if I had a bigger van with some kind of “garage” space. It has rained every day this weekend, and I planned to bring my bike on our camping trip, but didn’t want the steel frame to get rusty. It’s a Spec AWOL (among others).
Get a portable pressure washer with a battery. This way you can clean the bike after the ride and Store it inside without all the dirt.
Could you run it through the back window and not close it to keep from damaging it?
Hi Jewel, it could run through one of the back side windows. I feel like it is more noticeable going through the windows.
What are the lights that you use in your van?
That is a Goal Zero light.
@@OffGridAdventure Thanks! Great setup!
How do you bolt the solar panel to the roof rack?
If you look around 3:57 to 4:04 you can see the OEM cross bars and the brackets that came with the solar panel. You will see zip ties, but they are not needed at all. I used the zip ties when I was testing it, but the bolts and brackets are completely secure.
You commented that you would include the spare cables in the description. I'm not seeing it? Also, is this cable specific to your batteries?
Hi, the size and polarity are specific, but this one works with all of my power stations. Some use the included adapter. Which model do you have? Here is the link: amzn.to/3DkFpx8
@@OffGridAdventure I'm going to a lead acid battery - so I would need a Renogy connector on one end and bare exposed wire on the other end - just like the original. I suppose buying from renogy would be the place to look? I think I'll just run it trough the window...
Sounds like you just need an MC4 connector kit. If you have some wire, you can add the connectors. Something like this:amzn.to/3IiM1Q8 also, there might be some cheaper options. This kit has the right pliers to make the connection.
@@OffGridAdventure Thanks for the response! Really love your setup to the factory roof rack - great tip, makes it nice and easy. Thanks!!!
You have enough room on the roof of your Mini-van. Why not a 200 Watt solar panel for more charging power which is also recommended to charge these types of power stations that can take between 7-8 hours to fully charge?
It’s very tempting, but none of my solar generators accept more than 100w except the old rockpals 500.
Put the wires out one of the back windows so they won’t wear out so much
This is a great idea, and I’ll try it. I chose the tailgate because it is a little less noticeable.
@@OffGridAdventure no one but other travelers will notice and they don’t care ♥️
Will the back window be able to close completely?
@@cuddlesanddaisy it should the gaskets are thick enough
Hi.
What year , model sienna is this ?
Ty!:)
It’s a 2014 LE FWD.
@@OffGridAdventure oh ok ~
I have a 2012 awd Ltd maybe a bit different bc of spare.
Very helpful video
Thank you !
It is, my spare tire is where your rear differential is. Someone has a great tire rack video somewhere.
How many amp hours each rockpal and anchor
Hi, the Anker PowerHouse is 388wh and the RockPals 500 is 520wh
I don't think you have passthrough charging on either of your power station which means you can not charge it while using the ac port at the same time and you have 2 Nickle Manganese Cobalt batteries not LIFEPO4 which is Lithium Iron Phosphate
Those power stations only had pass through for the 12v outlet. Which is what I use most of the time. The Rockpals 500 had pass through, but it is worn out now.
Sienna lift kit
Definitely want to install one!
Can AC run off solar panels?
Not anything this small. You would need more solar power than will fit on a minivan.
What's your awning?
This video me is the Yakima SlimShady.
I want to watch this video so badly, I’ve tried earlier today, and now several hours later and it won’t load for some reason 🥺
Hmm. I’m sorry to hear that. Not sure why it won’t play for you.
@@OffGridAdventure I’m trying again right now and it just shows the loading circle lol, it’s weird because I can scroll by moving the bar at the bottom, but it won’t fast forward by tapping the right side of the screen. Just weird other videos work, but I will keep trying lol.
Are you able to watch my other videos? It’s a strange problem to have, and I appreciate you trying so much.
Why not charging the battery inside the car rather than carrying a spare one with it's weight.
Back then, that was the cheapest option. I have a much bigger system now.
I think people would like to know how to charge a hybrid car battery with a roof solar panel. It may require high voltage charging connection but it can be a good project for your next video.
One more thing. In a regular car, there is a lot of electronics that draw power from the combustion engine. A solar roof setup that can power all the electronics can bring more milages per gallon in a regular gas car. Hope you will make such a project and share with everyone. Thanks.