Beginner's Guide to Minivan Camping
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 20 เม.ย. 2023
- If you're new to minivan camping, I have some tips that I wish someone had shared with me when I first started. First and foremost, my advice is to hold off on buying any camping gear until you've had some experience. It's easy to get carried away and buy a bunch of unnecessary items that you may never use. Instead, start with just the essentials for comfort, such as a comfortable mattress or sleeping pad, a warm sleeping bag, and a portable stove for cooking.
Once you have your comfort essentials, focus on safety essentials. This includes things like a first aid kit, a flashlight, and a carbon monoxide detector. It's important to prioritize safety when you're camping in a confined space like a minivan.
Another tip is to ease into minivan camping slowly. You don't have to go all out on your first trip. Start with a one-night stay at a local campground or a national park. This will give you a chance to get used to the routine and work out any kinks before embarking on a longer trip.
Finally, if you're not enjoying yourself, don't give up on minivan camping altogether. Instead, try to figure out what's not working and how to improve your experience. Maybe you need to find a better camping spot, adjust your sleeping setup, or bring along a friend for company. The beauty of minivan camping is that it's customizable to your needs and preferences.
Overall, these tips should help you get started with minivan camping and make the most out of your experience. Remember to prioritize comfort and safety, start slow, and be open to adjusting your plans along the way.
*As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
--Window Bug Screens: amzn.to/3MSrEhy
--Fire Maple Gas Stove: amzn.to/3omjBPK
--Steel Bed Frame: amzn.to/3onSxMc
--Mattress: amzn.to/41BT2EN
--Fitted Sheet: amzn.to/3i2rAMz
For inquiries please contact us at: contact@offgridadventure.net
#minivancamper
#minivan
#campervan - แนวปฏิบัติและการใช้ชีวิต
Thanks for stopping by!Check out my biggest dispersed camping trip of 2023 here: th-cam.com/video/BYzMB0cR3IQ/w-d-xo.html
Hi. Veteran vehicle camper, Navy veteran. DO be sure nothing in your vehicle can become a missile hazard in an accident. Cars flip in accidents, too. Don't let furnishings or kitchen implements impale or bash or paralyze or decapitate you!! Everything is bolted down as if it were done in the factory. There's no butcher knives held onto the wall by magnets. There's no cast iron skillets hanging on a hook. It looks TERRIBLE in an obituary. And it's not necessary. If there's anything loose that you wouldn't want to hit you in the back of the head at 40+ mph then it needs to be stowed.
And remember, it's a vehicle, not a house. You really don't want to make a habit of crapping where you eat or cooking where you store your clothes. Think of it as a bedroom on wheels with a bit of extra storage. Think of it as that same bedroom that can receive a surprise visit from Law Enforcement at any time -- not a nudist retreat or Plato's retreat or an opium den. Keep footwear handy so that you can bail out of there fast. And since you may have to move that vehicle at any moment, sorry, but you should probably not be under the influence unless you are sure you are ensconced in a legal camp site (and not during wildfire or typhoon season).
Easing into your gear and build equipment choices, that's the best advice you're gonna get. Thanks for the video.
I agree 100% with these tips. Thanks for sharing, and thanks for serving.
Plato's Retreat⁉️
Very important. Car totaled on the way to work and somehow the lids on the glass snaplock food containers got sheared off, they were even in a bag. Snap on my jacket sheared off. Thankfully I walked away alive. Van life/camping - tons more stuff!
My father in-law spent a week in hospital after a vehicle roll over - all injuries resulting from his tools flying around the cab. Now okay.
UFOs (untethered flying objects) are extremely dangerous in any vehicle. Every Friday, I make sure my car has nothing inside it that needs to be somewhere else. I'm a 25 year felony court reporter. I know retired medical examiners who won't drive because they know the dangers of car accidents. Being a minimalist, keeping everything low and making sure as best you can that everything is secure is of utmost importance. A soda can hitting you in the head at 65 miles an hour can kill you. Safety first ensures fun later.
Hey, a safety tip that may save your life. Carbon monoxide (CO) is heavier than air. Mount your monitor at floor level to make it most sensitive to a problem. The van will be filled with CO by the time a roof level sensor will trigger an alarm.
Yep, I saw his high in video. I was thinking the same thing. All my Rvs have the Cos on base boards.
I'm pretty certain CO is lighter than air.
Thank u for the advice on the alarm. I did not know
@@PapaJoeB You might want to ask a Fire Service Officer. They are expert in environmental CO.
@@PapaJoeB No, it’s heavier. The CO alarms must be placed at the lowest are of any space you are living in. The gas pools at the lowest place and builds up from there. If you have dogs who sleep on the floor, you mustn’t let them sleep near that lowest spot. The OP is correct.
1. Weapons? Depending on your state regulations of course.
2. Always backup into your camping site, so if you need to leave quickly, you are able too.
3. Keys/fobs quickly accessible, not tucked in a purse or suitcase.
All great tips. There’s plenty of two legged and four legged predators out there. I always plan to deescalate and escape before any last resorts.
I'm late to the party but 2 things I keep in all my vehicles are a fire extinguisher and a fully loaded first aid bag with a trauma kit.
Anything that can go wrong will go wrong.
A lot of women out there are carrying weapons that don't look like weapons. And stash them all throughout the vehicle so something is always in reach
Great info. Start small and acquire from there. Saves a lot of money that way. Also when buying don’t forget thrift stores. Many people buy then decide it’s not for the them😊😊
I think a privacy tent placed next to your car, a small shovel and a headlamp would be nicer than walking over to an outhouse but that's just me. A loaf of Italian bread, chunky canned soups, chips, fruit. bottled iced coffee or tea, . are not gourmet but easy. For one overnight trip you really can use everything from home.
All excellent tips. I agree exactly. No need to get a bunch of gear for a single night.
Consider adding a fire suppression blanket, too. Less mess and works immediately to smother it. I had an engine fire many years ago. My power steering line had burst. And i did not have anything to stop it.
Or you can use a pure wool blanket - works great as a fire suppressing blanket but multiple other uses eg. extra layer of warmth, use under mattress in humidity to prevent mold issues, etc
What make/model did you have that had the power steering explosion, if you don’t mind me asking. I’m currently shopping for a minivan, and trying to avoid problematic makes/models.
Very timely vid for me. I haven't camped yet. Just purchased mini-van (2010 Honda Odyssey,) bed frame and mattress/fitted sheet, water containers, window nets, Gas One butane stove, floor mats. I eventually will be getting power supply and a fridge freezer for longer trips. Cooler will do for now. Also will be getting plastic storage containers to keep under the bed for clothes etc...almost ready for first camping trip! My issues are I will be taking my two dogs along so I have to factor in space for them.
It sounds like you have planned your priorities well. Safe travels, and enjoy!
Dang ,I thought I wrote this until I saw I didn't .I just bought a 2010 Honda Odyssey ,too. To live in permanently.
@@susananderson9619 it seems like a common theme on this channel. Good luck, and enjoy your journey!
@@susananderson9619 Hi Susan! I've had my first van camping trip and it went well. Really enjoyed the hiking/camp life. I found a good semi secluded place. I learned a lot! All the best to you!
A cheap evaporative cooler is to wet a cloth, wring it out, and hang it in front of your USB fan. Swamp coolers only work in arid climates, like deserts, but a fan or two keeps the air moving and feels good aimed at your face while sleeping.
Jon in rural BC, Canada
I really enjoy your videos. Thank you for putting them out. An item to consider on the cooking end of things. Been a backpacker and car camper for many years, and seriously looking in to the full time traveller life. About a decade ago, I turned to alcohol stoves. I personally have the Trangia 25 and 27 kits. Bomb proof, will cook in any weather (including white out blizzard conditions - from experience), there's nothing to break. Fuel is cheap. I can do all reasonable cooking with those. They are absolutely silent. With experience, there is very good simmer control. One massive benefit is the byproducts are carbon DIOXIDE, and water vapor, so if it's nasty outside, cooking inside the van isn't an issue. In my car camping kit, I do keep a backup one burner Coleman stove that screws to the top of a one pound canister, but that's really for guests who might be going with me, and who want to cook in a way that is more intuitive and comfortable for them. It's one of those pieces of kit that is very elegant, simple, and I would bet my life on it working. Again, thank you. Richard
Alcohol Burning kills bacteria in the air. I have a perfume one with a catalytic piece it's cool. French. Old hospital technique.
Thank you for this info. I'm just starting out and needing to learn it all from scratch...
❤ Yep, step by step and I am a single traveler. For cooking I use a 12V mini rice cooker. Is good for hot water to have tea and cooks noodles and even vegies. You can cook while driving the last 30 min to your destination and dinner is ready. Am looking forward to buy a mini smootie mixer that is powered by a battery which is chargeable using an USB cable. Of course I have 2 flexibel solar planels 100w with direkt USB plug in and they are not mounted to my car. Was able to get my items for almost a 50% discount on Black Friday season online. Those are real money savings machines. Blessings from Germany
Nice! It sounds like you know exactly how to enjoy your travels. It’s awesome that you got a great deal on your gear. Thanks for stopping by, and cheers to your next adventure.
The dash egg bite maker is really good, it has a larger flat surface you can cook heaps with that. I have the greecho cooking kit, it’s amazing, can cook on only 300 watts, has both a flat grill and pot. Can cook almost anything. Big enough for 1 person only. I also have the itaki hot pot with steamer basket, and the Itaki jumbo lunch box also. All good options. I’m big into low wattage cooking as I’m going solar with my house. Cheers😀
im a otr trucker and if u want to avoid trouble and not be targeted for robbery , look poor or like your working, wear jeans n work boots , high vis tshirts or carhardt type flannels , dont wear jewelry dont carry your phone dont wear tourist type fanny packs , dress nice if u go somewhere nice but mostly its best to look like your having a hard time and nobody will bother u
For the two years I lived in my sports car, it was summer heat that was hardest to deal with. As a woman and a bug freak, I never sleep with my windows open even a lil. Winter was alot easier to deal
Getting ready for my first car camping experience and this is one of the best videos i have come across so far!.
Nice! Thanks for stopping in. Safe travels.
Interesting! I’m trying to stick to the “don’t buy it till you’re sure you need it” rule, but it’s challenging. I’m preparing to full time in a Honda Odyssey with a no-build build (at least initially). I’ve tent camped from it for years, and camped in it a couple times without any furnishings. Challenging to fit what I want and need in such a small space, especially while preserving occasional seating for 2 and space for my pup who will be 100 lb in a few more months! Based on my needs and experience, I did splurge on a fridge/freezer, Bluetti power bank and a couple solar panels when I had an opportunity to save 30% on the cost. They will be used plenty, I’m sure!
My priorities after 35 years camping? Adequate clothes and gear to stay warm and dry. Good first aid kit. Fire extinguisher. Versatile and compact cooking gear. Lots of extra batteries for my flashlights. Toilet paper (the outhouse may be out!). Insect repellant (including incense). My dual fuel propane/butane stove with plenty of fuel is not a necessity, but a cheap item that is cleaner and easier than cooking over a campfire.
Excellent advice, and it sounds like you have plenty of experience. You know exactly what you need and have a decent set of equipment. Which Bluetti, and fridge do you have?
@@OffGridAdventure I don't know about that chap, but I have a Bluetti EB70S, 800W and the 200 watt solar panel. My fridge, from Walmart, is a 20 L Vevor that I plan to use as a freezer to hold homemade meals and frozen juice jugs to use in my cooler.
Jon in rural BC, Canada
Full time mini van dweller in canada...on my 19th year. I use a jetboil..i open the sliding door. I mostly cook with a thermos. I have no fridge or furnace. I have -38 sleeping bags.
I have a CO detector. It saved my life...i was asleep with a window cracked open. Some moron was idling his raised truck beside me. His tailpipe was blowing exhaust into my van. I still struggled to get out of my van..and winded up hospitalized from CO. I was lucky.
I also carry a decent fire extinguisher..so i never need to use one hopefully. Lol.
I've strapped my bed/cabinets to where my previous seats were bolted into.
Things I “need” above the basics of a bed, food, stove/meal stuff, toilet- my Jackery, rechargeable fans and lights.
Fans can make all the difference. I completely forgot about this!
Can you recommend a fan? @@OffGridAdventure
honestly a great introduction to car camping in general, thank you so much!
i did my first trip in my 2022 pacifica hybrid for about 15 days in november to fla and back to ma. love the van! learned alot. the hybrid is beneficial for climate big time but heat is real difficult to deal with. i still havent figured out when or why the van will stop intermittent on/ off so when it shuts off completely the heat builds, even at nite when its only low 70s. but it works well when it stays on for 4 hrs or more. coleman camp cot proved very comfortable, small microwave, sm dorm refr, sm elec mr coffee, sm elec frypan, elec blanket, bluetti 2000 watt inverter and extra back up 100 watt lith iron phosphate connected as backup all worked well . pacifica has 1 110 volt/150watt outlet and 2 12volt/100 watt which i used all to stay charged up. have to be vigilant to avoid complete drainage. biggest challenge is bathrooms and hygene. i bought 5gal bucket toilet setup from rei and never used it. no room in van for that and i want real toilet thank you. parked near 24hr gas stations overnite. camping always includes "roughing it" so there are things that are difficult. but if you can save 100/200 a nite on hotel its a big deal. i did get a room 3 nites to shower and such but 12 nites i didnt..... i had brought too much clothing which cramped things even though all seats were removed. the cot worked well as seating as well. i installed a plastic wal mart drawer unit attached to seat brackets. this setup with a tent and canopy would be excellent for campsite with bathrooms. excellent for travel on highway to save on restaurants and hotel. but hygeine is the issue which has had me looking at camper vans and such with bathrooms but they are expensive as well....i have to figure out how much of this type of thing i want to do. i need to try another trip in the Pacifica.......sounds good!!!!
I have to say, yourvan setup is one of the best I've seen so far...Happy travels!
Great video, lots of good info especially the safety items and being careful of projectile potential energy items. Only thing I would suggest is no fast food. Have a good hardy campsite breakfast and then either have a nice dinner out or hit the grocery store for some cold cuts and cheese and make a sandwich.
Excellent Video !! You hit upon several good points to consider. CO2 monitor and Fire Extinguisher are now on my list and at the top.
Heading out tomorrow (Sat.) for my second over-nighter as I refine my van build out design and tweak my "essentials" list.
Thanks again for your time and presentation.
Right on Toby! Safe travels, and thank you for stopping by.
I just watched your video!! I've been watching different videos on van camping and I'm really interested in doing it. I'm glad I watched your video because you gave me some excellent advice!!!!! Best of all!!!
This was such a great video! I am definitely the type who would have to do a few trial runs before committing to van camping. Thanks for all the tips!
Great tips! Will be doing car camping in my Crosstrek when it gets warmer. Can't wait!
Good luck, and enjoy!
Great tips! I will definitely keep this in mind when planning my trip. Awesome 👏 Thanks for sharing.
I’m glad you liked it!
Very solid and practical advice. Thank you!
I agree, but there's company called Go Sun that sells solar powered gear from a water system, and even cooking, also these can be plugged in at low wattage. It's not expensive, very convenient, compact, and with multiple use.
Nice. I’ll check it out.
Very cool, I find I don’t need a lot. Just the necessities, safe place to park and sleep, use the facilities/showers, enough food and water until my next stop. I don’t use certain rest areas on highways that lack services for a long while. On my last trip there were some strange people parked near the bathroom and something didn’t feel right so I left and kept going. The only reason I used that highway was because of weather and listed hazards on google maps. It’s cool to just drive but I do research ahead of time to possible routes i might take. I also top off and never go below half a tank. Usually stay around 3/4 if I can.
Well, it is a good idea to move if you’re not sure about a place. You’ll never regret it. I have decent access to fuel stations, so it’s easy for me to top off whenever I need to. Either way I hope you enjoy yourself.
@@OffGridAdventureAlways do when I'm on an adventure. Thank you. 🙂
I like to have some light in the darker hours. Small lanterns or string lights, not drawing off starting battery. AM/FM battery radio. Mini power banks; bigger if I can afford it. My laptop: download movies or get a TV system. I have a hot spot for connectivity. Canned foods I can eat out of the can cold or heated. Campfire starters. Mini rake, shovel, wood saw. Good video!
The BEST info of any video on this subject. TY!!!!
Very good point about keeping things low ! I just bought my van I will be working on very soon I'm going to retire next year and plan on a lot of camping so this year will be local and practice
Thankfully I stumbled onto this video. I, buying a grand Caron this year, I’m planning 2 to 3 day trips and don’t want to buy & build stuff I don’t need. Thanks for the “do & buy nothing” tip. Cheers from Southern Georgian Bay Ontario Canada
Nice! Enjoy your travels. Also, check out my latest trip around Michigan. I made it close to the Canada border in the second part. th-cam.com/video/BYzMB0cR3IQ/w-d-xo.htmlsi=ZYemywwFJZu1bOs_
I love your choice of a vehicle.
Car manufacturers have significantly downsized the interior size of customer consumer vans over the last 20 years. I had a 2003 Toyota sienna and it was huge inside. I think manufacturers want you to spend more money and buy a bigger cargo van. I loved that van, I don’t know why I sold it. It was so luxurious inside. Nothing like today’s vans.
Loved your idea about camping in your yard or driveway or testing out maybe Cabelas. I slept in our van in the backyard alone and even in my yard had my windows covered and a fan on (usb) loved it and want to do that a few more times and next a parking lot
I like your style and most importantly your advices. Thanks. Subscribed
Thank you! Check out my most recent adventure here, if you’re interested:
th-cam.com/video/o2Pppq8lUwY/w-d-xo.html
Thanks buddy, that’s great and very helpful video
I loved his style and content.
Thank you!
A well informed and common sense video. Thank you.
Thank you for watching!
Very helpful video thank you. Getting my van soon.
You’re going to love it. Enjoy!
That was an excellent video.
Thank you for the tips. I’m going to car camp 2 nights @ a South Carolina KOA to attend a weekend art workshop.
Try to stay cool. It gets hot in South Carolina!
Great video, we are converting our first van now.
Best of luck! It’ll be a lot of fun.
Great advise. Thank you.😊
Great video series. I got started with my no build flowing a lot of your gear suggestions. I'm retired, ex military, as well.
Since my kids aren't around anymore, I went flat floor bed, all seats removed. In addition, I also charge an ebike inside. I got the AWD Sienna Hybrid Platumun. It has 2 110v plugs. This model sienna solves the problem of heat and cooling while I'm sleeping. Many people refer to this as climate control on TH-cam. Since the engine only runs intermittently to charge the battery, it lowers the concerns of C0 poisiong. Of course, I do have a C0 detector as insurance...
Thanks for sharing your experience. I would love to get the AWD hybrid, but they are still very expensive. The 1500w is a huge bonus as well. Did you remove the middle row? Also, enjoy your travels!
Thinking of Sienna hybrid also. Any trouble removing seats? Covering floor brackets? Tweaking back up camera in case of towing or back rack?
excellent information. Thank you.
Great job. Very helpful. Tk u.😊
Great advice. Need to figure out how to stay cool in summer. Fans and cracking the windows isn't enough.
Great video ..lot of good tips ..thanks for sharing!
Hi Vicki, thanks for stopping in and sharing your thoughts.
Great video. Thank you!
Nice! Thank you for stopping by!
Great useful video thanks you for telling us not to overpurchase
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching.
This is super helpful for me!! Thank you! :D
Thanks for stopping by!
I travel & Camp out of My 2007 Dodge caravan. I travel from Sw Missouri To Minnesota often. I35 has nice rest stops that are clean & I feel safe Sleeping over night. When I am at a campground I have a large Clam screen house that goes up fast & come down fast. Able to set up My self. I tend to bring with Me moe stuff then I need. I have stow & go seats that I removed, witch gives Me plenty of storage. Your Vidios are awesome, Keep it up, They get Better & better each time I watch.
Thanks for stopping in Brett. The rest areas in MO are perfect for an overnighter. In have a trip planned in the next two weeks where I’ll use my tent to store a few things.
Good advice, thank you. Most of the other channels are always the same.
Pull into the site, walk around, cut some wood, cook, (who cares), tell us how wonderful the beans and franks are, sit around, go to bed.
Although I know it is common sense, there are a lot of those who dont; that is the Co2 detector and fire extinguisher
Your advice on keeping things behind you low.
I am a retired traffic homicide investigator and have seen many incidents where objects flew forward and seriously injuring or even killing people.
Great tips all around. Please keep posting and thank you.
Good Day!
Great advice THANKS ALOT 👍
Great video good information
Great advice thanks
Great advice
Awesome advise.
Great video. Food for thought.
Hi Kristi, thanks for stopping by!
Please tell me what the brand of narrow twin frame you got.
Agree on the mattress, Mini noodle maker, usb tent fans, usb magnetic closet lights. 3 gallon water jug with usb faucet, dish pan for sink. Foldable toilet with bags and animal bedding pellets. Folding camp chair. 5-7 day cooler.
Very good points thank you be safe out there 😏
Nice! Thanks for stopping and sharing your thoughts.
I enjoyed this video. Learned somethings.
That’s awesome. I appreciate you sharing your thoughts.
Great tip ideas.
Thank you!
It is rare for me to have an open flame in my van but when I do the fire extinguisher is next to me. I also focus on what I am doing as one mistep with an open flame can be disastrous. I usually carry a small folding table and set it next to the sliding door on the ground. I sit on the ledge and there I make my coffee and heat whatever I need to. I need to get a CO monitor , thanks for the reminder. Great video.
That’s an excellent way to manage it. I ordered a four pack of extinguishers last night for $40. So, I should be able to mount a couple in the van. I’ll even be able to test one.
My sleeping bag, Coleman lantern, Coleman propane burner stove and my inreah mini. The inreach is pricey but safety was key for me. Great video ❤
What kind of mini???
Mini? as in fridge???
Safety: pepper spray, wrapping seat belt through handle loop in door and fastening them. If they break the window and reach in to open the door with the door handle, the door wont open. Truckers do this all the time. Especially if you are keeping your windows down with a flimsy screen over it.
Yup, A comfortable bed is vital. Almost anything will feel comfortable in the first half hour of lying on it. You really need to spend a full overnight in your driveway. to be certain.
It would certainly help limit stress to have a good rehearsal in the driveway.
Tinted windows work SO well. I've been camped inside a few times when people have come up too close and they did not notice me at all.
👍🇨🇦😎 A must is underbed storage. Otherwise you spend the whole trip moving crap around.😂
Good video
Nice music. I see us Rock n Rollers win! 😊🎶🎸
It’s awesome that you noticed! I picked that song after I saw the poll results.
I have been camping for over 30 years. I have a 6 person instant setup tent. It feels like I am camping in a mansion for 1 or 2 people. An air mattress and sleeping bag. A Coleman two burner stove, a portable propane grill, a battery powered lantern, a frying pan and a dutch oven and a cooler with ice or ice packs. I have a system on what to take camping but it is way too detailed to mention here.
Hi Dan, it sounds like you have quite the experience camping. I’m solo in a 6 person Coleman tent this week, and it’s amazing how much room I have. The biggest variable for me is weather.
Yes, the weather is the worst part of camping. The rain downpour that was not in the forecast has gotten me many times. But that is just part of the experience. Camp On-:)
Thanks! I like all your ideas. I have a 2014 Sienna and use it almost exactly like you do, with a few exceptions, So I'll discuss the exceptions. One thing you didn't mention is that minivans are totally impractical for more than one person, also pets are a big hassle. The first exception I'll discuss is, I don't use fuel heated devices or hot plates. They require more time to heat whatever you're heating because the heat has an indirect path to what you're heating, so most of the heat is lost. Your example of an electric blanket is the right way because it keeps the heat close to where you want it to be. The other problem with fuel stoves is you need a container for what you're heating, That means you have something to wash, and that requires hot water. The second exception is, I wanted everything tied down. I also wanted a no-build van, so that required a floor of some kind to attach everything to, which can be attached to the existing floor of the van. This is simple to do in a minivan, but hard to explain, so I've included a link below to describe it. The next exception is about what foods use the least energy. This applies only to boondocking, since just stopping for fast food or carrying some dried or canned food is much easier, except there are no convenient fast food places when you're boondocking and who wants to eat dried, cold food all the time. This brings to mind what you use at home for convenience and a quick hot meal, a microwave oven. It takes only a few minutes to cook some food in a microwave and there's no dishwashing involved. You just throw away the container. Contrary to people's view of microwaves that need several hundred watts to operate, energy is power times the time it takes to cook, so a small microwave that takes only a few minutes to cook your food, uses only about 12 wh per minute, or about 60 wh to cook a TV dinner. The same can be said about electric tea kettles, that get the heat into the water instead of into the room, which is what happens with a fuel fired kettle. Check out how I configured the Sienna to attach and use these appliances in a minivan, at the link below. Ignore all the energy sources I use, that I experimented with before I got my Goal Zero Yeti. photos.app.goo.gl/p25H5Mk5H6SwLkpx6
I keep 2 sources for cooking. Found out the hard way after being caught in an unexpected snow storm in the middle of spring. My propane stove wouldn't start. I had no means to make hot water or cook food. I got lucky and people in the next camp site offered me a cup of coffee and breakfast. Otherwise, I would have been very miserable.
I think you should do a separate video dedicated to "load plan". Cos I agree, this is a very important point.
I would add, if you have to store stuff vertically, make sure you stack the lightweight items higher and that everything is well secured when you're driving
Thank you
Sleeping with just a blanket and a pillow without some kind of mattress would be hell for me. This I already know. Couldn't even do it while camping in my late teens/early twenties when I was trim and in excellent shape. Also a good fan as I sleep in the AC every single day living in south Florida. If I don't get at least 6 hours of good sleep I'm very unpleasant 😅 I already own solar gens as I'm in the hurricane capital of the world along with alternative means of cooking when grid down. Food, water, shelter and sleeping comfortably would be my bare minimum. Thanks for sharing this
I did it my first few times, it is rough. I used a sleeping mat that I had at the time. But, it was not as comfortable as my at all.
A comfortable chair to sit outside by the fire.
Absolutely a great idea. I have a small one that I occasionally pull out to sit on.
I know that blue bridge and the park! ❤
Nice!
Superb video. I aspire to full time van life in 1-3 years, have a small car and plan to test things out slowly and in advance before swapping the car and spending $$ for power and the inside. Love the start slow, try it out, see what you need method!! Question: With solar affixed to a minivan roof, would a sunroof be a workable option? Asking since I don't have the car yet but would someday put hard panels on top.
I wish my van had a sunroof. I have a few ideas of how to use one for mounting fans for circulation. I would still be able to open a sunroof, even if the solar panel covered it. Then, it would be protected from rain.
@@OffGridAdventure Thanks for the great feedback, this is helpful to know.
Hi. I love your awning. Can you tell me a little more about it?
Great tips, thank you. I’ve been obsessed recently with wanting to convert my van, a 2014 Town & Country. It’s easy to get carried away with all the “fancy” stuff. But you’re right, I should start small. The biggest thing that has me hesitating is how to have room for our german shepherd. Any tips for traveling with a large dog?
The most important thing about traveling with a pet is to monitor the internal temperature in the van. The pet can’t complain when they are hot and dehydrated. So, water and climate for the pup. Thanks for sharing your experience, and enjoy yourself.
Please talk about ready made window privacy inserts
Co detector should be placed low to the ground not near the ceiling.
I have heard that before, but for some reason I always put it back in that spot. I need to lower it for sure.
Love you common sense. I live in California. There are so many beautiful camping places. The only thing that's holding me back is that I have a small Pug. How can I leave him in the car by himself when I go hiking? I wish Tesla would make a normal mini van.
@tam8479 But couldn’t you take your Pug (& a collapsible water bowl) with you, hiking…? Our pups love being with us and they love the great outdoors as much as we do!❤
A 5K BTU window AC unit only pulls about 400 to 500 watts. Could easily be matched with a 2000 watt inverter/generator or shore power.
where did you get the shelf that sits behind you passenger seat? Thanks for your videos!
I use a CPAP machine and have two solar generators. A Bluetti and a Jackery.
Nice! Do they have enough power to keep you charged up and your CPAP running throughout the night?
@@OffGridAdventure Yes.......Jackery can run it 4 hours and the Bluetti about 10 hours.
Agree.. i went out first time with alot of stuff i didnt need. But i do have butane stove, all my lights are rechargeable from solor and lil fans.. i have to have my CPAP. But i found out they have charger for cig lighter. And i have a mobile whelchair. Im trying find someone to help me get it so i can charge it with solor panel. I have hella blankets. Yes i have to have a comfortable bed. And i need to remember alll my meds for arthritis and neuropathy are on the 4 dollar chart at walmart...i was miserable. But majority of what i took was from home. I also have four tents.
Thanks for your video. Can you give a link as to where you bought your awning?
Hi, thanks for stopping by. Here’s the link for the one that I have. amzn.to/3oA7kY6. I believe Napa has a similar one for a much price.
Great video!! We have a 2013 Toyota Sienna we will be camping in. I thought I saw in another video that you had black out type curtains that fit your windows? If so, did you get them someplace in particular to fit the Sienna?
I bought them from heatshieldstore.com. I added black felt, but their new version has a black side.
Thanks so much! I just placed the order!! Keep up the awesome videos!!
Hi
Thanks for your beautiful video
What most minivan campers like you use for there minivan 🚐 while using cooler refrigerator, AC , phones , TV , stove , hot water , lights , Is it converter generator or what please ?
Thank you! And timely. I have a Toyota Sienna as well and will do some camping in it this summer. I don’t want to buy a bed frame/cot yet, but I’m wondering how my 7” ExPed mattress will do directly on the floor. I’ve not taken out the seats yet, so not sure what remains on the floor after the seats are out. I wonder how other people cover the seat tracks before putting down their mattress on the floor. Seems like it could be bumpy. Any thoughts?
Hi! Putting your mattress on the floor is not a problem. If you slide the tracks all the way to the front, then your mattress will just barely cover the ends of the rails. If your Sienna is the same model as mine, then the seats easily come out. I will pull my rails out eventually when I have time. I put a full size mattress in the van in this video if it helps to see. th-cam.com/video/wEXkhlt0l98/w-d-xo.html
TH-cam (lol) will tell you all about those Seating questions. GL & happy trails
the most $ I spent on was my mattress, had everything else already, comfy place to sleep is mucho important
I always use an electric egg boiler, electric kettle, window screens, USB fan and pop up lantern and string lights. I need a carbon monoxide detector.
8:10 Excellent safety tips! Do you have an OSHA-Grade First Aid Kit?
No, but I feel like this is a great idea.
Reflective blankets, ventilation, fans, and I made a small swamp cooler with lots of spray foam for cold pack, cold retention. Comfort=Glock 29 10MM!😝
Someplace to rest your head at night.
Good, honest appraisal - don't outfit for a Prevost Class A and then can't use any of it.