Finally, a tour of my very small, self built, minivan camper van
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 31 มี.ค. 2021
- I am still tinkering with the van build, but it is pretty much complete now, so I have finally filmed a tour of the van.
This very small camper van was self build by me over the course of a few years, with lots of trips and camping weekends in between to test things out.
It has been a delight to work on and fine tune the van, and a delight to camp in.
The van is a 2012 Grand Caravan and the whole set up; bed for two, storage, kitchen and electrical system can be completely removed from the van, without a trace.
It has a bed that folds into a couch, a kitchen with thermoelectric cooler, butane stove and storage for all our food. We also have lots of storage under the bed and in the built in storage under the floor behind the front seats.
I have installed an electrical system with a sealed lead acid battery (AGM) that is charged from three sources; from the engine, from the solar panels and it can be plugged into a 110 volt outlet if one is available.
I have made several videos detailing how I build the different parts of the van:
Making the sliding bed base: • Sliding bed base for m...
Bedside storage: • Seat back bags and bed...
Window covers: • Video
Front curtain: • Fitted front curtain f... and • Fitted front curtain f...
Insulated curtains: • Insulated curtains for...
Electrical system: • Van Electrical System ...
Auxiliary solar panel set up: • Adjustable legs for so...
Mosquito screens: • All things mosquito: s...
Side door screen: • Bug screen for sliding...
Back window screens: • DIY mosquito screens f...
Awning: • DIY awning for minivan...
Kitchen boxes: • Kitchen boxes for a mi...
Cooler insulation: • Cooler box - part 1: A...
Cooler thermostat: • Cooler box - part 2: A...
Things:
bedside reading lights: www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07L...
Red light Flashlight: www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01M...
head rest fan: www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07R...
12v laptop charger: www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00S...
Nylon bags: www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01N...
Battery monitor: www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07C...
Outlet for Genius charger: www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B009...
USB sockets: www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B076...
150 amp circuit breaker: www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01N...
Battery isolator: www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B005...
Fuse box:
www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07D...
Koolatron battery saver: www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B000...
Charge controller: www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07G...
50 Watt solar panel: www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07G...
100 watt solar panel: www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00B...
Folding table: www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00H...
Butane stove: www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01N...
Koolatron cooler: www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B000...
Thermostat: www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01K...
Poo powder: www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B002...
Welcome to a very small camper van, my channel all about my very small camper van - a minivan being transformed into a diy camper. #vanlife #minivancamper
Please take a moment to subscribe:
/ @averysmallcampervan
And visit my channel for more van build videos: / @averysmallcampervan - แนวปฏิบัติและการใช้ชีวิต
Omg!!! Perfect, just perfect!!!! Thank you. No annoying background music, very detailed without unnecessary information and very well spoken, direct and extremely helpful. THANK YOU!!!!
So glad you liked it - I tried to make the kind of video I would want to see. I hate those long "opening" sequences or 10 minutes of someones face while they explain.
But I guess that endears the youtuber to their audience.
Just, WOW!
I agree
i usually just skip the intro
Fabulous, detail that is useful, descriptive and so practical, first time ever I felt to leave a comment
Thankyou! I am copying some of your ideas to build my small van, I'm a gran in my 70s and loving the chance to dream on!
Go for it! I'm glad the video is helpful
@HeatherGrace. and i'm a granpa in my late 60s with 2 bikes of which i'm selling one to also dream on, and will steal a few of this womens ideas.
Happy travels granny Grace.
I too am a Granny, Grace and use my car in a similar way. Havi to keep everything removable so can use seats for Nanan duties and taking my Grandchildren out and about.
I can also take them with me camping one at a time :-). Enjoy xx
I am in my 70s as well n just bought a 3007 kia sedona. So excited to get started!!!
@@karenking2742 Mine is an old Kia Sedona too. Used to have a Hyundai Trajet....much bigger and more versatile, but hey ho, lift is what it is and what you make if it. Best wishes x
So you're an electrical engineer AND a master woodworker? So impressive. I've watched hundreds of these build videos for all kinds of vehicles and this one is very impressive. Your standards are high and you put in the hard work. As I was watching I was tallying all the hours this must have taken. Your hard work has paid off. Well done.
If only - but I did ask one a few questions when setting up the electricals.
I consider the van build as two hobbies in one - building and camping, so the hours were pleasantly spent
So impressive! I’m intimidated by all of the electrical components, but I feel as if I could study and figure it out after listening to your clear, knowledgeable explanations.
I've watched a million videos trying to understand the electrical part of things. My conclusion is I better buy my vehicle ready to go. But yours is outstanding, the best I've seen! You are very knowledgeable and clever too. I wish I had your skills. Your build is awesome! 😊
@@KW-dp5py I think this build is great. Ideas I've never seen in a van build before.
If you want to see a simple explanation of a van electrical system look up "Linnea and Akela - Prewiring my electrical system" on TH-cam.
She had never done anything like that before, but she works through it step by step and is very good at explaining. She even made me feel that I could perhaps tackle it myself! 🤔👍
Amazing build. Very professional
Ma'am: I nominate you for a Nobel Prize in Engineering and Design 💐💐💐
This is the most organized and use of small space I've seen on TH-cam and I have been a lurking and unable watcher for about 2 years (due to health )so I know it's true..You are the best. Thanks also for the voice over..very relaxed, clear and precise. Thanks for posting!!
Thanks for the praise! sorry to hear you have been sidelined by your health - hope you get out there eventually
Completely agree. The design puts most of the other channels to shame. So impressed by the organization and the craftsmanship of the back kitchen and shelves is really good too!
I too, have watched endless TH-cam camper videos......this one is a real treat and now one of my top favorites! The kitchen is spectacularly done!
I love how you let your build be the star with great voiceover
Thanks! just trying to stay off camera as much as possible!
I'm so jealous of your mad building skills !!!!!
Years of practice finally put to a new, fun use!
I lay in bed at night and fantasize about van living in a stealth van once my little birdies have flown the coop. This is exactly what I think of when I want my van converted. I know it will never happen but an old gal can dream!
And I thought I was OCD. Great detailed work.
Tell me about it! I must say it is lovely to have everything close at hand in the van - the old "a place for everything..."
The best simple but have practically everything that you need on the road.💯👍
Yes! Everything in its place is nice too.
Finally a tour without the camera zooming in & out on things that you’re desperately trying to understand where & or what you’re looking at. Very straight forward & planned out. Thank you!
OMG! Your metal strapping running flush with the ceiling! And magnets to hold your curtains! Just PERFECT!!! Thank you
"Checklist in drawer"...Brilliant!!!
Thanks- brought to you by the number of times I forgot something vital!
That is some sick (amazing) set up specially the kitchen... 👌👌
Thanks! ( and I am not that old!)
This is nothing short of genius. I am rethinking my entire life and all of my vanlife choices watch your tour 😂
I just fell onto your channel. My first thought was Who are you? You’re amazing as you so casually explain all these things that you’ve done like everybody does them. LOL The thought processes behind them alone are crazy good. That you can execute them into functional creative pieces that serve their purposes so efficiently is nothing short of superb talent. Do you realize how talented you truly are? I’m sitting here thinking I would never have thought of all that let alone be able to pull it off. I was doing good just trimming the padding out for my van. With scissors.lol
Thanks for the compliments - I am afraid I DO know how talented I am 🥳
I have been making stuff in one medium or another my whole life, and this is just an extension of it. I have built up my skills over years to get here! But yah, I am enjoying showing off my cool van.
Best!
@@averysmallcampervan
Well that’s good to hear! I’m looking forward to watching more videos. I’m fixing to get in a whole bunch of trouble I can see that right now. LOL
@@peppermyntpatti144 The best kind of trouble! Good luck with your van
Great video! No unnecessary talk and no music. Straight on, I love it 👍👍👍
And wow! A TH-camr who actually responds to their watchers comments! Woop woop!
Great! now I have to keep up with the answering, thanks 😉
But we must understand that it is possible for them to do so in the beginning, but when the channels grow into ten thousand and they grow, with more & more subscribers, it is an impossible feat for them, to respond to ALL of us!!! It's just reality!🤠
Yes, mine is still just a baby channel! Those big channel become something else - people commenting to each other, which becomes a community of fans by themselves
@@cjcj6945 That’s why it’s so fun to get in in the beginning with a new channel, because you get to talk to the contact creator
@@DragonHeartTree I agree!😊
Well I have to say you have nailed it to being quick, simply creative and so many little tips and tricks. Simply put you are a 99% effective get up and go with out a lot of extra money spent or effort on building it. Thank you
These videos now help me to remember that most things are rubbish and unnecessary. I love my minimalistic setup and I am so glad that I can spend my day adventuring and not fussing with unnecessary things
I know, when I am home I look at all my stuff and dream of chucking most of it!
Even in the van, there are things I find I don't use and will probably leave out on the next trip
@@averysmallcampervan like all of that wiring 4 this 4 that 2 turn off is 2 turn off that so that won't drain this so when I switched cell phone 2 laptop I can plug up this in back of that and I got this incase that doesn't work or when it is raining 2 much🚐🙌😣àhhaaa! STOP! That may b your dream but 4 living n a campervan and car no. U need 2b making toys 4 kids,with all that electronic wiring stuff so it can b applied 4 specific objects like a toy car or talking baby doll etc. Or electronic train. U enjoy tinkering with wires and 2 c what u can load up n that component or charge n that component but as far as all of that 4 camping and living RV life after 5 minutes I'm ready 2 thro' throw my hands up! I just want 2b able 2 simply turn on my lights, b able 2 turn on my heat on 1 or 2 good batteries, charged by 1 solar power screen that's attached 2 my car 4 the sun and b able 2 run my heat/air inside my tiny home and pee in a toilet n a bathroom inside my RV with a bedroom area with a bed and the only movement I'll do at night is 2 get up out my bed, walk 2 bathroom, close the door 2 pee and wash my hands in a sink all inside my RV.
I bumped into her videos by accident, this is her second one I'm watching and astonished by small details she points out. it is incredibly inspiring how resourceful she is.
Me too! Learned sooo so much in 13 minutes. Taking notes!!
OMG 😳 this is the best (for 2) minivan build I have seen so far and I’ve seen hundreds. It’s because you were not only able to dream up all these things but that you could execute them all so professionally. Very impressive. Thanks for the tour it was inspiring. 😀
Wow, thank you! Glad you liked it
Agreed!
A comfortable sleeping place is the most important thing when van dwelling. You nailed it. Lots of nice amenities within reach.
My wife and I really enjoyed your video. Gives great ideas. Thank u for posting.
Well thought out build.
Thanks! I've been working and reworking it for years now!
This seriously has to be the most impressive, most thought out van build ive ever seen. The light and holes to see the water level? So smart. The woodwork around the fridge/cooler. So impressed.
Really one of the best van builds I have seen.
This woman must of been a electrician. Loved everything about this van. Every inch has a purpose.
So glad you liked it!
I'm very impressed with your water/sink set up, so simple but the first time I've seen someone do it!
Once again, your creativity is AMAZING! LOTS of great ideas. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks so much! 😊
Nifty little conversion. The design and construction of the kitchen is especially nice.
Ma'am, you are a genius! From the the carefully labeled electrical wiring to the checklists for the drawers, this is an organized person's dream. Really enjoyed!
You are so welcome! I try my best to be as clear as I can - not easy with that tangle of wires!
You should have a look at the electrical system video - th-cam.com/video/Kt8Rxu5yPMs/w-d-xo.html
That level is such a genius detail, I'm surprised this is the first time I've seen that.
Thanks!
What an inspiration! Thank you!
You are so welcome! Thank you
I've watched 10 hours of minivan conversions and yours is my favorite!
I am very impressed! I was a professional woodworker for almost 20 years. The creativity and execution here is admirable.
Wow, thank you!
This is sooo smart! So much flexibility with the wiring; bedside light and charging outlets just lovely.
Wow! Both the setup and this tour are wonderfully well done-models of excellence, at both tasks. Thank you for sharing. Hope you and yours have many wonderful adventures with this sweet rig.
What a joy to see a woman who knows her technical stuff, bravo sister!
Concise, to the point.
Knowledgeable person who built it herself. 100 extra points for being female which is rare.
No intro - hurrah!
NO MUSIC - HURRAH X 100!!!
Clear visuals with no talking heads
Great build.
Belongs in top 10% of all TH-cam van builds in video quality and van tour. Thank you!!
The center console is so functional. Love the Bulls Eye Level!
6:59 - Love the two wind deflectors on north south side of solar panel, very smart. Lessens wind drag on solar mounts. I was going to ask questions but you read my mind. Wooden, eh? Bet 80/20 makes aluminum trim or maybe large tile edging. Sheer genius! Also love the metal mounts holding up the solar panel. No holes in roof, hurrah!
Things I loved about your build:
Window rain deflectors.
Solar mounts without holes and with deflectors.
Superb rear kitchen console with checklists!
Fold up toilet with special powder, wow!
Full functionality of back seats despite the build.
I'm keeping this build as a model for my own improvements. Very impressed with your tour, visuals, audio, and skills! Great job.
Thanks so much for this in depth "review" of the video :-)
I am starting to get the feeling that I am not the only one who is getting tired of long intros.
When I made the wind deflectors for the solar panel I had intended to make fiberglas versions of them, but the wood ones are holding up well after 2 years, so no rush to upgrade them.
Again, thanks for watching and for the great feedback - more videos should be coming soon
Wow. Dont know what else to say but WOW!!!
Thanks!
Looks to me like you are a brilliant engineer. Thanks very much. Very well thought out and looks good.
Many thanks!
Great build! I like how you can convert the bed into a couch! Thanks for sharing, looking forward to the next video.
Glad you liked it!
Very impressive build and great, informative video. Thank you for taking the time to share. Very grateful
This is simple yet AMAZING! Thanks for sharing❤️
Wow! Great tour, thanks for sharing. Just what i need.
Glad it was helpful!
Best of this size van i have seen. Well thought out and very complete
Thanks so much!
This was so organized and easy! Love it!!
I love following your journey
Thank you for taking the time to do this tour. Your van just gets better and better. The woodwork is beautiful. Our setup is very amateur but at least it functions well. I plan to use your method for screening our wing windows. Thank you. Safe travels.
The important thing is having fun camping with it! I also have fun doing the woodworking, but it is a skill I have + access to tools.
I am glad you have enjoyed the videos.
Great setup! 👍
Thanks! 👍
This is THE best van/bus tour I’ve ever seen on TH-cam! Just about the build-❤️❤️❤️❤️🙌🏾
Wow this is so impressive. I'd love to do this but my expertise extend as far as lying down the seats and bringing a sleeping bag lol. Thanks for showing us ❤
Your van is great! You’ve definitely thought of everything! I think it’s awesome! Thank you for taking the time to show us. I wish you health, happiness and safety on your travels!!
❤️💜💚
Thanks - so sweet, best to you too
@@averysmallcampervan mkkk
your command of space is awe inspiring
Thanks (takes bow)
Nicely done 👍 👍 Thank you for showing it 😊 Happy travels
Wow! You are so talented! Amazing job. 👍👍
I am soooo in love with your kitchen and your organization
I'm like, yes, this, all this, this is great.
Thank you for sharing
You are so welcome!
That was great! I'm a cabinet maker and you really did a great job on the kitchen!!
Thanks so much! 😊
I'm really impressed by your design simple elegant design. I especially like how you have made the cooking area easy to use, but almost impossible to make disorganized, it reminds me of some of the better lean manufacturing video tours I've seen. Great attention to detail with the lighting and solar.
You are brilliant!! Amazing built out.
This is great. Thank you! Her skill set is far beyond mine! :)
Thanks - glad you liked it
Did you use 1/2 inch or 3/4 inch ply wood? Don't rely on the lever to disengage the butane. Once time I did the lever, turned the burner over, and started to put it away. My burner was still very hot and it should not have been. I looked closely and there was a teeny, tiny little flame. The bottle had stayed attached even though all of the safety features were working as designed. Now I physically verify the can is pulled away and I visually verify there is no flame.
Re: plywood - I used 3/4 inch for the bed parts, 1/2 inch for the bench and some parts of the kitchen and 3/8 in for the upper boxes and the drawers. I try to use the lightest wood that I can for the strength needed.
And thanks for the heads up re: the butane. I'll be double checking it from now on.
That is very impressive. Thank you for sharing.
Excellent setup.
OMG! This is absolute genius! So organized and such a great use of all the space. I also love that you focused on the vehicle without a long introduction. The whole build is awesome but I especially love the kitchen! AMAZING!!
Thank you so much Michelle, I am so glad you liked the build!
As you can guess, I am also not a fan of long intros either. I know there is a lot of the cult of personalities involved in youtube popularity, but sometimes it is at the expense of getting the content!
Thank you so much for the tour. You did an excellent job and gave me many ideas for my 2006 Honda Odyssey conversion. Love your channel, and looking forward to your next video. Ciao.
Glad to help! I already have videos of most of the steps of the build if you check out the playlist at the end or go to my channel page.
@@averysmallcampervan Thanks I have viewed most, and they are great too!
Awesome and so well thought out!
What an awesome build!
Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant! Your attention to detail is impeccable. Fantastic job! I'd pay you to outfit my Toyota Sienna any day. 👍😃
Thanks - so glad you like the video
I love this. Very comfortable looking for 2 people.
It is! It is a lovely way to get away just the two of us.
Amazing build. Awesome job!
Holy smacks! I'm blown away by the ingenuity! Front to back, top to bottom! 👏🏾 👏🏾 👏🏾 👏🏾
Wow, thank you!
I've watched a lot of van build videos, and this is one of the very best for so many reasons: video and audio quality and length, voiceover jam-packed with useful info (and no fillers), incredibly well thought-out built and, most importantly, you did it all yourself! Carpentry and electrical are two things I've never mastered, and you are inspiring me to jump in and figure it out (do you teach classes??)! Well done - very impressed!
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for the kind feedback. I am starting to get the feeling that I am not the only one who likes their informative youtube videos to be to the point, without long intros to fast forward through.
And yes - jump in, but find some videos to watch that show you step by step.
One thing I recommend if you are starting out in carpentry and don't have tools, it to plan the pieces you need and have them cut at a big box hardware store. Sometimes they charge for the cuts, but it is great to have all the pieces cut with nice straight edges. Then you can screw them together at home. (predrill, then screw if possible, to avoid splitting the wood)
Good luck!
@@averysmallcampervan Excellent advice; thank you!
This is amazing! I wish I had someone with your expertise to help me build out my suv as a camper! You have thought of everything! Great job!
Takes a lot of planning and looking at other builds to figure out what I needed, then a lot of testing and rebuilding ! Thanks for watching, I hope it is helpful for your SUV camper.
You could sell blueprints for this build. I can't do the work but I could hire it done. 😉
I am so doing this sort of thing, thank you so much for making this video!
Wow! I love your cleverness! Everything is so well thought out! I especially love how you presented this tour! Thank you!
Love it, good job 👏👏👏👏
Thank you! 😊
Jesus Christ is God powerful Holy mighty and Savior in World peoples 🙏❤💝Jesus Christ Bless you and your Family friends amen
@@averysmallcampervan Jesus Christ is God powerful Holy mighty and Savior in World peoples 🙏❤💝Jesus Christ Bless you and your Family friends amen
Absolutely loved that video and your build. I am impressed with everything you did and love the woodwork too.
Thank you very much! Good to hear from you - I'm enjoying you channel too
Wow! Great job. Love it!
this is fantastic!! thank you so much for sharing!
Glad you enjoyed it!
I use Jackery 500 Power Station.
I've never tried them. How many amp hours does that one hold?
@@averysmallcampervan 500 Wh at 12V is about 42 Ah.
I am impressed. I want to do that. I have a 2019 encore. Wanting a Ford transit or a van. You have inspired Ed me. However I do have questions about the electrical work. I know I can do it myself did you do it yourself or did you have someone do it? I am going to look at your other videos
Hi, yes I did all the electrical myself, but only after watching countless videos and reading up on how all the parts work together; wire sizes for different power draws, where to put fuses, etc.,
So yes you can do it, but you need to do your homework first. It's 12 volts but a full size battery packs a lot of amps.
I did a video of my electrical set up when I added my battery monitor, it is pretty detailed: th-cam.com/video/Kt8Rxu5yPMs/w-d-xo.html
Such a great video showing great design ideas. Thanks 👏😊
I love the way you worked your kitchen! Nice work.
I'm very impressed. Thank you
Very well done! Thanks for all the great ideas!!
Glad you like them!
Wow you really thought things through. Well done.
Great practical setup. Thanks for posting.
So many good ideas, thank you!
Best Ive seen in this size van!!! Welldone!!
Excellent job!!!
Wow. What a wonderful build. Very well thought out. Thx you for sharing!
Well thought out design! Everything is compact and has its place. Excellent conversion!
Clever lady! So well-thought out.
Your design is wonderful. I love it all.
Phenomenal build and practical.
Love it. Congrats great job
Very well organized and executed!! Thank you!
Amazing job!
Your great love your conversion....good life 😊