LIVING in a TOYOTA SIENNA hybrid MINI-VAN! After 2.5+ years living in a Prius, is this car next?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 เม.ย. 2022
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Okay, so I stumbled on this channel not too long ago and I must say that I am inspired by Nikki's free spirit. I am 58 and it's just me and my wife now (our two boys/young men are all grown up and out of the house). Nikki has inspired me to retire early and take the wife on an extended road trip across the country. Life is just too short and there is just too much beauty out there to see and visit. Thank you for the inspiration Nikki.
So cooooool!! Congrats Kevin!
Do it Kevin!!!! You will love it!
Good for you! Have an awesome adventure :)
I cannot imagine doing this with my wife though. She might end up like poor Gabby Petito or I might end up that way. After 42 years we get on each others nerves real quick.
Does your wife comment on you watching a lot of Nikki. "Don't forget, if you like what you see...." Oh yeah, looks a lot better than my wife.
Nikki, a Sienna saved my life. I was rear ended while parked on the side of my friends busy highway road, when a distracted speeder rammed into me going over 60. If I was in a regular car, I might have been crushed, even pushed into traffic. I escaped with only minor whiplash. If you maintain and change your fluids properly, they're wonderful vehicles that will last and last. I am surprised Toyota doesn't buy it for you, considering what a wonderful ambassador you've been for the Prius.
Are you okay I've heard I saw on here that you had a wreck are you okay
The minimalist simplicity and brilliance of thinking that it takes to live this life is what makes it so fun!
The problem solving on how to make your morning coffee was fun to watch!
well....it helps the many $thousands a month in Patreon, you know there are loads of ugly hobos living in minivans, and people dont pay $$$$$ a month to watch them
I look back and wish I did this when I was in my early 20s, but after seeing your vids I've realized it's still not too late for me! Out of the military in 3ish years and I'm going for it! Thanks for the inspiration
The Rav4 Hybrid is a great option for your lifestyle. Roof rack, receiver hitch, all wheel drive, great mileage. Rear seats are slightly angled up when laid down.
I was thinking the same with the rav4 prime
I just got the Rav4 Hybrid SE and can definitely confirm it is a GREAT car and certainly made for adventures!
do you know how easy/hard it is to completely remove the middle 2 "captain" seats in a van like this?
Can’t even put the back seats flat or remove them
@@jacksevert3099 i saw a guy that did a video wjere he took out the middle row. You have to take it out completely. It can be done. Search ip in youtube. He did it on this 2021 sienna.
I watched on patreon already but I don't care, I will just watch it again. The Sienna really suits you. And I can tell you from personal experience: A car that does butt-conditioning is really nice. No sticking to a hot seat, no freezing when getting into the cold car in winter. I don't own a car but if I ever get one, it will be hybrid or electric and chill or heat my butt at the click of a button.
Me too, but I really want her to get this van!!! 😁
Same, nothing wrong with Nikki and Camper twice a week.
I hope one day there's a way to capture the methane from your butt and use it to fuel the engine for more mpg
Nikki, you'll love the Sienna! A few months ago, I rented one for three weeks while out of town. It's heavy, it's solid, handled like a dream, and got great gas milage - better than my 2016 Rav4.
I'm on my 2nd sienna. The 1st one is 2012, then a huge tree broke and fell on it in jan 2021 so it was claimed as total. I'm so grateful that my van took a big hit for me. I was in it when the tree fell. Nothing happened to me. I'm currently driving sienna 2021 hybrid. I don't see myself driving any ither car after my kids go to college. 🤣. And i do plan to drive it aroind as a camping car. 👍 . I tried it once woth my 3 growing kids and it was a little cramped. But just me and my hubby..no problem.
I was in my 2003 Sienna for about 2 years I only had the front two seats and it was wonderful being in there. I put all the other seats in storage. It really is amazing how much room there is in those Sienna's. I cut out cardboard inserts to the size of all of the interior windows from the front seats back and spray painted them flat black and you couldn't see in them at all plus those windows were tinted.
You can use a stiff material like posterboard and cut a paper template to size.
Then have the posterboard wrapped in foam and sewed into a black fabric shell for temperature and sound insulation.
Should do very well behind tinted glass.
You can even cut out a horizontal slat in the middle to look out at night on both sides and plug it up with the cutout.
@@thisismagacountry1318 Smart idea!
Happy birthday gorgeous Camper 🐕🎉 and happy Saturday to you both from the UK. I so look forward to watching your new adventures each week. You are such a motivating & inspirational person, Nikki. Your happiness, positivity & kindness shine through. I am now disabled through chronic illness, which leaves me unable to leave home. Every video you post enables me to 'travel' to wonderful & beautiful places and 'join you on the wild ride!' ☺️ Sending you love, light and blessings x x
Jo, Your post was so nice! You might not realize it, but it will help others! You didn't complain at all! You gave a compliment on how these video's help you. Good job!!! Just between you and I...I think Nikki is teaching us all how to be a trooper!!!
Congratulations to you Nikki and Happy Birthday to Camper! At first I missed the Prius, but you deserve something like the Sienna going forward. Come on Toyota, step up and deliver to the young lady!
That’s awesome! I agree with the other comments about the RAV4. I would suggest the Highlander. It come in AWD, hybrid, and lift kits are available. Recently saw one that totally made me think of your needs for a bigger home. If I get a chance I’ll send a picture. Thank you for all the great videos. Your an inspiration to so many. Keep up the great work and stay safe on your journeys.
Happy Birthday Camper! 🐕 Your mom made it a special day! The Sienna looks fun! I hope you can eventually get something bigger like the Sienna.
Camper is the goodest boy!!
~~from a certified 🐈 lady
Linville Gorge is one of my favorites. I've taken my dog pack and short bus there many times. 36 miles to the gallon is almost like a fairytale. Both of my Dog adventure buses average around 7-8 miles to the gallon and the 27' shuttle bus is a diesel. So 130 mile overnight round trips aren't really an option with the current fuel prices.
Thank you for bringing back some Linville memories and giving me the itch for another outdoor dog adventure.
The Toyota Rav4 hybrids with AWD seem to be fantastic, and they do have more ground clearance, so a lift may not be necessary. Having said that, a lifted AWD Sienna would be awesome as well.
When I was younger I bought a brand new 1976 Ford full size van and customized it and it was my camper throughout the rockies in Colorado. I miss those days it was a blast. Nikki I admire what your doing its amazing! God bless you and keep you both safe! Love from Minnesota
I’ve been car camping/living in my Prius for two years now, and I’m about to upgrade to the RAV4 hybrid after the summer! I understand the need for extra room!
Wow! Big move 👍 I'm going to mis you and Camper being creative and innovative in your Prius - there was certainly a mystique to you guys jetting around in your hybrid. But time to move on and it'll be fun watching you guys make people smile in your new ride 😊. HAPPY BIRTHDAY CAMPER!!!!!
Simply the best part of the day! You are awesome, Nikki! Keep it up!
I've just bought sienna hybrid couldn't be happier. Best choice ever.
I've had alot of bad things happen to me this year. I lost my husband two and a half months ago from addiction/ Bad ❤️heart. Your videos have really Made me feeling good. Thank you 💕 for everything. You and your videos saved me from a world of hurt. So again Thank you for everything!!!
Toyota should just give you a AWD version for the inherent free advertising it would bring for them over time. This has already got me thinking about a Sienna as a potential next car.
Me as well.
Yup! As an experienced car camper, Nikki highlights features that are important for van dwellers. This is an angle that conventional advertising misses yet the demand is there.
I’m really surprised Toyota hasn’t. Come on Toyota Nikki and Camper are great advertising for your product.
I believe toyota has a lift kit now as well
be VERY careful with the AWD Sienna. The system that interfaces the front & Rear Drives can go out-The Repair costs close to FIVE GRAND!
I've actually been prepping my 2007 Sienna for Vanlife. Almost picked up a much newer one, but I liked the rails (so I could add solar panels, which I have) and saw an amazing deal on a barely used 2007 (had it a year, no regrets. It's been great).
I loved my 2006 aswell! Loved it!
Wow. Congrats for this vehicle. I have a handicap girl and for me this was the best purchase ever. That means more Nikky adventures coming up. Happy birthday Camper and God put you on his way.
Just made an appointment for a test drive on the 15th April. Thank you MS. Delventhal.
Love your content ! Keep up the amazing work 🤙🏾 from someone who works a regular 9-5 watching ur videos make me crave the weekend so much more ❤️
Your adventures are always so much fun and entertaining!
I think I like the idea of minivan camping!! I use a small cloth strainer bag for my coffee when I go camping. It is reusable and cuts down on waste. I just use it, empty it and let it dry outside in the sun until I need it again. You can use less coffee as you can let it steep for a while.
Thank you for a great channel, loving your fun personality. My dog and I just took the 2022 Kia Carnival minivan "wild camping" in Baja. I wasn't able to get a hybrid anything--the waitlist was 6+ months, so I leased it. It got an average of 30mpg. The middle seats come out completely and were stored at home and it was insane how much space there was. I wouldn't recommend it for camping for the one reason that the back hatch can't be opened from the inside. So climbing over stuff to get out was a bummer. I love the Sienna but not being able to remove and replace the seats whenever I want is a dealbreaker. Since you camp full-time, it wouldn't be as much of an issue for you. And if you ever need more seating, you can always pop the 3rd row back up. Watch some of this guy's videos about his conversions--Tellvia--th-cam.com/video/1wemF-Pub88/w-d-xo.html Enjoy!!
Happy Birthday Camper! 🥳🥳🥳Such a cute cookie! I’ve been looking forward to this episode, and it didn’t disappoint! Fully laughed out loud at the “that’s what she said” “so much room for activities” and the coffee incident🤣
Happy travels!
First Happy Birthday Camper!!! I know it was a test drive but I think that is the perfect option for you. You and the camper deserve a bigger space. Plus you already know how the Toyota hybrid works so you will not have to learn a new system.
You are an inspiration in So Many Ways. I have been follong for about two months.
I purchased a 2022 Kia Sorento to begin my travel adventures. In fact, I will be camping for a week for the first time. There isn't as much head room as in a van but so many many features. For example, a panoramic sunroof and 360 Arial view of the outside of the vehicle.
Thank you for sharing your travels and adventures.
These videos where you test out different vehicles/home options for you and camper are my favourite ones!
all I can say is this women gets every bit of admiration I have, thank you for your content!!!!
Happy Birthday to Camper Boy. Living his best Life. Now seriously, I think this van is perfect for You guys, more space for you both. I would have it lifted like you did with the Prius so it can go more places (talking like I know what I'm talking about 🙂).
Well at that point might aswell get a real truck for the price of a van and get a real camper on the back.
🎉Happy birthday Camper!!🎉
hey @0230Raveena, im sorry i disliked the comment my dog took my shoes and i hit the wrong button
You should get that and trade your prison for it you look more comfortable in that there's more room and I think you will be happy with it
@@albertsublet4483 . Prison? Oh man harsh words for a very reliable prias. Did you see when she drove to death valley? "The little prias that could?". If one can get emotional about a car, I think it would be moments like that. But I totally get your point about the rest of it. :-)
Thank You! You and your buddy Camper managed to put a smile on my face when smiles were not on the daily check list for some time...
Happy Birthday PRECIOUS CAMPER!!! 🐾💗🐾
This car suits you. An all wheel drive version would be perfect! Go for it!
That’s a beauty and so is the van!🤪. I’ve been living in my very nicely built out (I was a cabinetmaker for years) 06 Sienna since June of 2021. When my boat sells I will buy a tall roof Ford Transit or Promaster and build it out. I want standing headroom, permanent bed (with garage below), kitchen, shower and diesel heater. It will be simple, light and beautiful inside.
Happy Birthday to Camper! Always enjoy your videos. Makes me want to travel and explore more
My wife and I have been camping in our Sienna for years though not full time living. Lifted AWD Hybrid is the way to go for you since it is your house! Have over 120k on ours and never had a breakdown. There’s a number of videos on peoples mods and now premade kits out there but one hack I have done which I haven’t seen is I attached 8 ft 4 inch PVC pipe on the racks over each back door with hooks matching the grommets of a standard 6x8 tarp for awnings over each door. It’s a very affordable game changer for us. I use 3/4” pipe for stands though wooden stands are available too. And they fit in the 4 inch pipe. Looking forward to what you decide to do and all your future videos.
Happy Birthday Camper! And wow looks like a mansion compared to the Prius! Love the temperature control that the Toyotas have. I’ve been traveling with my pup out of my Hyundai Tucson and would love to have that in the hotter climates!
Too bad you don’t have a hybrid Tucson.
@@eganfo yeah that would be nice
Even though Im not a "commentor", I really enjoy your videos! Love your dog, he's adoreable! How you found him was a miracle! My dog an I go camping at Linville Gorge & Table Rock all the time. There are better spots, but they're off road....sort of! Thanks for sharing y'alls life and a place I love!
Thank you!!!!!!
I’ve watched similar videos but I definitely think you have the best ones!! You’ve keep me entertained lately on the road. Good stuff and good times!!
Thank you for trying this out. I have been considering a very similar set up when I start my adventure.
If they made a lifted and 4wd minivan I would totally get one. I was never a van guy until my wife and I got an MPV for our move from Seattle to Austin. That was such a versatile car, it was comfortable, spacious and decent on gas. Loved camping in it. While you are famous for camping in your Prius, I hope you change to that van.
Dad had a 90s model. At 120.000 The transmission started stuttering cruising an acceleration in o/d gear but shook up a ram (after asking to put the electronically controlled transmission from normal to power or sport for a Saturn Cadillac GM product)
They have a 1” lifted AWD version
I have been trying to purchase an MPV for years
There's a 3 inch lift kit from Journeysoffroad. And there's a 4WD version. What are you waiting for?
Ohhhh I've been waiting for this episode! I still dream of tiny van living too. They used to make the sienna with an awd option, I'll have to see if they still do. Also, I would have done the exact same thing to get the much needed coffee, well done!
Man you’re doing what I would love to do and given me reassurance on little things like buying a jackery for cooking or essentials,a little foldable table to cook on…overall you’re channel gives me a lot of positivity and that’s very hard to find…stay safe out there and keep up the awesome content…ty so much!
Happy birthday Camper 🎂 love the van….have fun guys
I would definitely give the RAV 4 hybrid a try as the clearance would give you more options off road.
Just lift the van 🤷🏻♂️
@@mach533x or just buy a Mercedes Sprinter 4x4 van;)
I’m sure she’s looking at this for the price, much cheaper than a rav 4 or sprinter
I had an AWD Sienna - handled fantastic in deep snow, etc. Didnt like the mandatory run flat wheels (there was no spare), not sure if they've changed that. There are videos on how to disconnect the airbags to remove the seats. Had they made fold flat second row seats like some other vans, would have been no brainer.
Yes, fold-flat into the floor, like Chrysler's, or easily removable 2nd row seats, like Kia's latest, would make a lot more sense for a minivan.
Last AWD Subaru I had never got more then 12k miles on a set of tires before a nail in the corner of the tire caused me to buy entire new set of tires. The reason was all 4 tires had to be the exact same size within 3/32 of an inch or could damage the driver train just replacing one tire. No more AWD for me I went though 4 sets of tires in 5 years on a car that only had 36k miles total.
I have a 2019 AWD Sienna that I did the 3.5” lift on. Took out the 3rd row entirely for more cargo space (built a platform convertible bed) and took out the 2nd row + trolleys out to get a flat floor space up front. It’s a time intensive project that includes pulling up the carpet and unbolting from the underneath of the car, but bc it only took a few hours it’s well worth it for camping in and living in.
@@Mike-01234 I have a crosstrek. Best awd ever but your right about the tires
@@Mike-01234 Was that an AWD issue or a Subaru issue that all four tires have to be changed at the same time?
Happy Birthday Camper! He likes the van alot more. You two deserve it! Great job with your videos! Please stay safe! 🙏😎🙏
I've camped in my Prius twice, 3 months each time. Both times I left the car "on" (ready mode) 24/7 without any issues. The first time was in Florida in the middle of summer and the second time was also summer but in Hilton Head SC. Needless to say I ran the A/C every night.
Wow!! The van gives you so much room. Yes, you would need AWD and a lift kit. I would look at SUV's. They have a high clearance than the Prius and the Sienna. Great video.
Toyota Rav? Kinda getting far from the Prius' gas mileage tho.
My mom has a 2020 RAV4 hybrid and gets on average 36 MPG. And that's a mix of city and highway. It has a nice amount of space inside, just not as much as the Sienna, and less of the anemities the mini van would provide, like a built-in vaccuum cleaner.
Rav4 is a good happy medium, especially if you get the hybrid version. They have decent ground clearance and 4x4 for what they are, and they are overall pretty comfy also with good gas mileage (especially the hybrid version).
I lived in my rav4 for couple of months and I still want sienna bc of the room 😢
do you know how easy/hard it is to completely remove the middle 2 "captain" seats in a van like this?
@@jacksevert3099 look at the 2004-2010 siennas. Great vans. And can fold third row flat info floor and easily remove middle seats for a completely flat floor. The newest siennas made the middle row seats much harder or impossible to remove. Not so with the older siennas. Unfortunately no hybrid version in the older body style though. I’ve owned 2, my 2005 is about to pass 350k and going strong.
Rav4 hardly a 4x4 its all wheel drive
@@aussieboyzz for sure, but neither is a Prius or a Sienna. Actually, the Rav4 does have 4x4 mode at slow speeds as needed for wheel slip, and the newer version (than mine) has a bit heavier duty edition of it. However, it isn’t a major off road vehicle. I repeat, however, neither is a prius.
I am a new subscriber. Thank you for your videos. I appreciate your gentle spirit, wonderful smile, and positive outlook. I too am a nomad and absolutely can not see myself living any other life style. Keep up the great attitude, warm smile and wonderful outlook on life. Your videos make me feel better! God's richest blessings for you and Camper!
I have no Idea how I got here to the channel, but love Nikki's Outlook on life, and the beautifull places she and Camper visit. Her dad is also a fun person with an equaly relaxed fun outlook on life. I'm buying a new car soon (it's going to be electric - so no stinking/polluting up the beautifull places you visit) and am now even more considering an MG 5. It's a stationwagon, not too expensive, probably allows a full length bed in the back, and has V2L (Vehical to Load) - meaning I can plug in a waterheater, induction stove, whatever, up to 2200W. Camping deluxe. Europe also has beautifull locations to visit.
This is so great! Also, yay for Nikki eating some steak and eggs! So cool they loaned you the car. Toyota is lucky to have you as their spokesperson lol! I see Jeep has some hybrid options that look rugged and able to take on the terrain.
That looked like a good vehicle. It would be cool to see how you modify the interior like you did in the original!
Moving on up 🙂 to the Deluxe edition on wheels! Happy Birthday Camper! 🎂
Nikki, your sense of freedom is contagious. I just feel great after watching you. You are so special!
Happy Birthday Camper. Curious how much more AWD would be. You might need it lifted as well. Would it bring down the mileage? You definitely can stretch out in the Sienna.
I'd love to see you try out a small cargo van that has been converted to a camper, a Kombi (I heard there's a new electric one), or a truck camper.
I had a 2010 Ford Escape AWD Hybrid and loved it. So similar to the Prius (I owned a 2006 in the past) in terms of climate control but with legitimate capability and much more room and comfort. I recently swapped that for a 2012 GMC Yukon Denali Hybrid which is not nearly as good of a hybrid but has loads of room and tremendous capability. One key for any vehicle is to add all terrain tires like the Bridgestone KO2s if you want to take it off road. I have some pics posted of my setup.
Happy Birthday Camper 🎂 🥳
Great video as usual 🥰 Nikki I can't stop watching them 👌
They make a woodlands version of this Sienna, that is all wheel drive and I believe has a 1" lift.
And once you remove those rear sets you can turn these vans into mini campers, its impressive what people do with them.
But as others mention, the RAV4 might be a better option since you seem to do a lot of off road exploring.
RAV4 is abit small ? i have outback, i think thats is about the same and it is small.
Since she uses a Prius normally I would think this would be just find.
With the Rav 4, you can’t remove the back seats on the hybrid due to the battery being there.
Is the Highlander a better option than the Rav4 as far as space? Since i cannot afford such a newer vehicle, i probably won't be going with the latest hybrid. I would bet that the Sienna has the most passenger/cargo area Toyota has that isn't a V8 has guzzler.
I’d consider the Subaru Ascent. Cheaper than the RAV4 and much bigger. It’s a sweet med-size SUV. I’m considering getting one and using it as a camper type vehicle.
A Toyota Highlander Hybrid would be another option for you. Especially if you're going to run back roads. It has more ground clearance than the Sienna and is rated at 35 mpg highway. The interior is voluminous and would hold all your belongings. They don't give them away, so they are especially pricey now.
Happy birthday Camper!!! 👍🏾🎂🎉🌟 Nikki you are an absolute Angel ! Love you guys. 💯
Happy Birthday to camper !!🥳🥳love your videos !!
“Goodbye butt sweat” Hahaha, I wonder if Toyota can use that in a promo. I just really love watching your adventures.
Great option !
Love your videos!
Happy Birthday, Camper! What a fun birthday adventure.
Happy birthday to camper and congrats to you sweetheart you bought a new car. Nikki you’re lovely.
I’ve never slept in the back of my station wagon, but I’ve always thought that it would be fun to try it out. After watching this vid, I’m VERY keen to try it out now! Never thought of freedom camping (that might just be a New Zealand term for it? 🤔) but the idea has grabbed my attention!
Sometimes the term 'freedom camping' is also used in the west/usa, yet 'dispersed camping' is more common, here. I like saying 'sleeping rough', as that seems to be how I felt after a couple years (much of which was w/out a car, also).
@@user-ug1dh1zy4v or just car camping is what the Boy Scouts call it.
@@rhino5551212 They are a vile organization. Diaper snipers
Nice videos! You have me thinking that Toyota needs to manufacturer a van that gets great fuel economy, has a high ground clearance and is a camper. So a part time four wheel drive plug in hybrid, air suspension to raise or lower the car, insulated body, And some type of hot water making device, maybe a air to water heat pump. I will be setting up my 2020Toyota Tacoma off road for camping soon. Thanks and keep up the great work! Exploring is fun!!! Terry D!
You are so right! There is a niche in the market that seems to not be filled. Everything is geared towards a high-price bracket and most of us can’t afford it. I love your idea!
Your car looks so good. I am VAN CAMPER of Korea. I admire your VAN life.Please continue to upload good videos
Hey there, hope your leg gets better. Your dog is a special gift, so loyal. Can’t believe it, great story 👍
Seems like the perfect new home. Good gas mileage, fines of room and everything you need. Not sure if it’s AWD, but I guess that would be a big bonus.
One suggestion for the coffee dilemma: make a coffee bag with a filter and some dental floss. Place coffee grounds in the center of a coffee filter, gather the edges together, wrap dental floss around the “neck” and tie it shut. Double knot it, to be sure it holds. A forceps (originally a surgical tool) is great to tie the knot (available at Walmart in fishing equipment or Harbor Freight in hobby tools).
I LOVE THIS haha !
I used to sew together coffee filters filled with coffee and it works fine (like a tea bag). You can probably tie floss without hemostats but wouldn't you have some bits of wax in your coffee?
@@beauterfly Apples are wax coated. Chocolate often has wax added. Lip balm has wax - my skin absorbs it. I’m using dental floss in my mouth daily. The forceps/hemostat allows me to use a small length of floss to tie around the coffee filter. They also sell unwaxed floss for those times I need less to worry about. Or cinnamon floss for added flavor!
I did this with a plastic rubber band I’m sad to say. No other way to make coffee at that time. Never thought of Nikki’s scrunchi idea but my filters were smaller and don’t think it would have worked. The things we do, getting creative!
The Sienna looks great, I dig the flattening seats. Camper is such a good birthday boy.
Hey Niki,
I just came across these innovative mini-van conversion kits! "GENIUS Car Camping Kit Installs in Minutes - Kitchen | Bed | Refrigerator | Sink". It has me rethinking my Prius! Happy Trails...
Congrats on the upgraded test drive. I used to work for Toyota - Sienna is a nice ride but given your off road adventures a 4 Runner model might be better for you. It has higher ground clearance and the issue with the sienna is that the middle seats do not fold flat.
Except 14 mpg. Since you worked for Toyota tell me this. Why do their trucks and suvs get such crappy mileage? Is obvious Toyota knows how to make vehicles that get good mileage. One of my coworkers owns a late model highlander and and it gets 14mpg. I own a Tacoma and have a Colorado work truck. Comparably loaded. (One tools and parts, the other fun camping stuff) the Colorado gets almost 20 mpg on crappy sheetz fuel and the Tacoma gets 14 on much better Costco premium. Even empty I've only ever gotten 19 out of it one time and that was coming down out of the hills of Tennessee. I drove a company Silverado that has a V8 and it got 25. (Granted empty but and empty tundra (V8) gets 13. Is it a government mandate that the Toyotas get lousy mileage so they don't put the domestics out of business?
I removed the seats and trolleys in mine and have a flat floor. It took all of 3 hours, highly recommend. And did a 3.5” lift. So much better than trying to camp/live out of a 4 runner bc I’ve done that too.
We have a 2004 Sienna Front Wheel Drive. I took the Middle & Rear seats out and made it into camper for myself, the wife and our Cattle Dog. With the Rear Seat out, we gained some "Trunk" space where I have food & other Survival Gear Stashed. I'm 67and my wife is 57, so we don't plan to go 4-wheel'n.
It's not the hybrid, so we get about 23-25 MPG, which is still good IMHO. About the only things I still want to do is put Different Tires on it, some Driving Lights, and figure out a space for the Mobile Ham Radio. With a few more "tweaks" I can provision it for Two Weeks for two people and our Dog.
Sometimes maybe leaving the second row seats are ok. At least you a recliner with an open view
Gas guzzler tho....
Whatever you end up with for a next car, you should definitely consider permanently mounted solar panels. You can charge up without using gasoline through the alternator. Even if you want to keep the roof box you can adhesive a flexible panel to that. I had no problem running my 12v fridge on a trip using a 60W panel.
Yes!
It’s the 20th century, living in a car is ridiculous
@@jwalls1125 have you seen housing costs? Why be a slave to a piece of property? End of the day you dont own your possessions your possessions own you.
@@jwalls1125 It's the 20th century. Arguing that car life is ridiculous is ridiculous.
@@jaya1000 As a home owner I'd just like to say that your username is awesome.
You are awesome!!! Love the lifestyle you're living!!! I'm addicted to your videos..... Can't get enough... Keep up the good work
Impeccable taste in comedy I must say! The office and Stepbrothers
I think the mini-van would be a cool upgrade for you both! But you're definitely right about needing all wheel or 4 wheel drive. I think the space is perfect for you guys though and it saves you the daily challenge of converting the back of your car from sleeping to travel mode lmao. Plenty of room for activities, like watching the office on the projector with Camper 😁
Literally the perfect home on wheels! Totally blew my mind when you folded the seats away into the floor. Toyota smashed it with this van...cooled seats too...what!! #baller #shotcaller
... "40" rims, on the Toyota.. " :P
I totally agree...yeah I didn't know the seats folded either. Totally cool
Stow and go seating is a game changer. My 2010 town & country has the stow and go rear seating and the middle seats swivel and there's a table that you can set up. It was literally made for van camping.
You've done a great job training Camper, he's such a good boy!
Happy birthday Camper! Love how you MacGuyvered the coffee.
For what it's worth: I've been looking at the Sienna AWD as a camper van replacement for my Ford Econoline. They seem AMAZING, but I'm still an armchair driver of one sitting at home. From what I understand that 1500W inverter drags power directly from the traction battery. If you are using it through the night you might find the ICE starts once in a while or maybe never for a small load like a fridge (might need vehicle "on" in park). I've watched videos on removing the 2nd row seat - doesn't seem too bad. Someone has a TH-cam video and a link to a plug-in adapter that gets ride of the air bag warning light. It seems like the big thing to remember is to disconnect the 12V battery before unplugging the seats just so you don't accidentally trigger the air bags. And this model year has a spare tire option that fits inside on the driver's side rear in the cargo area. What's also cool with this (I think is true of all modern Toyota hybrids) is that you can leave the vehicle on in park at night and leave the temperature set where you want. The vehicle will run the AC or heat as needed to keep you comfy. Fuel consumption is microscopic for AC and very small for heat - maybe $2 / night where there is an extreme temperature. And a company in Prescott AZ has a nice lift kit for it. Overall - what a GREAT vehicle for a mini camper van setup!!
I'd definitely look into an SUV for higher clearance and AWD. The Sienna is nice and comfy but maybe look to either a Highlander or Rav4. Personally I'd go for 4x4 but since mileage and hybrid matters to you, the Rav4 or Highlander fits your needs. Higher clearance means you can get to gnarlier places which means more adventures for you and camper.
or as noted RAV4 Prime, plugin hybrid
@@cgamiga Rav4 prime is amazing. But only reason I may not recommend it is because it's plug-in hybrid. I'm not sure how often she'll be at places where she can plug in and charge considering she's always at campsites and living off grid.
@@cgamiga not sure how often she would be able to use that feature.
@@ween0t since it's still hybrid, gas engine will cover the remote&offsite spots, right? It has "charge" mode where gas engine self-charges the battery... many RV spots/campsites do also have power.
and main battery is big enough to cover multiple nights of climate? I guess it will use engine just like the prius to self-charge as needed.. and I read the Prime has a heatpump, more efficient heating (plus can use gas engine for heat)
@@cgamiga Absolutely. If you got the budget for the Prime markup, then go for it! It's more versatile, more power, instant torque, bigger battery I think too. But i think its like 10-15K more before markups if you can even find one.
That meal you whipped up looked really good. Super cool you can cook like that wherever. I know camper enjoys the treats you cook up.
Yup .. I'd ditch the second row too.
Congratulations on the opportunity to test the van!
Great for future family....
The Sienna Hybrid is a great option unless you want to check out the Toyota Rav4 or Highlander Hybrids. Both would already have ground clearance and all wheel drive is an option. In my humble opinion Toyota is the best in the hybrid market and their vehicles longevity is second to none.
My o6 Highlander hybrid was Awesome and so fast?…. it scared me
I bought it with 192K on it
I immediately put a hitch on it and it was wonderful for towing
Mine was 2 Wheel Dr.
it had major ground clearance and it was awesome anywhere
The only thing holding me back from the Sienna was the mileage, as I'm used to a Prius. BUT, as you point out, when you load down the Prius to live in it, the mileage drops, so it's really a wash. I'm thinking my next vehicle will be a Sienna. Thanks for another fantastic video.
The new Sienna is hybrid only, as is the Sequoia and the Venza. You have lots of choices now for brand new cars. If the price of a new car is holding you back you can look into the Prius V.
kudos to this young camper!!!! I predict he will have an awesome future!!!!
A Toyota Highlander? I have one and LOVE it. Thanks for sharing your life with us Nikki and Camper. You've inspired me to retire early and travel the USA 💗
If you decide on the Sienna you can always build out a frame inside for storage and still have plenty of room. AWD for sure! Check out the Dodge Durango has more clearance. Much love to you and Camper.
Yeah she needs a vehicle that will last more that 150k miles before completely falling apart Dodge 😄 🤣 😂 😆 😄
@@kingsamoanOG My Durango has made it well past that milestone. But the gas mileage is nowhere near 36 mph. Maybe half that.
I think a hybrid is mandatory in this case.
@@kingsamoanOG Haha, I respect your opinion.
@@scottc873 I went from a Jeep Cherokee to a Dodge Journey and I have had no issues with it, despite all the back-lash the Dodge Journey has gotten. My Journey has seen some terrain too. I do wish it sat higher but not recommended.
I moved from living in a rav4 to a Prius. Have to say I personally prefer the smaller vehicle.
I’m living in a versa note...gets 35 miles to the gallon/ .15 a mile!! I’m holding on to it for awhile until fuel prices stabilize.
@@robinmiller5256 we haven’t seen anything yet , gas prices going to do a moon shot soon!!!
@@steve5976 can you imagine having to hitch-hike to work?🤨
I've been watching your channel for a long time and the fact that you have great content and enjoyable to watch, the fact that your not verified yet is insane.
Yes finally a bigger ride. I’m glad you stayed with the Toyota. The Prius has served you well. Of course I commented before watching the video.