Convert ANY MINIVAN into a CAMPER in 15 MINUTES?! (No Build)
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 22 พ.ค. 2024
- You can convert almost ANY minivan from an everyday driver into a comfortable NO BUILD minivan CAMPER in less than 15 minutes. I timed myself to prove it! I show you from start to finish how I create my 100% “no build” minivan camper conversion.
In this video I convert my 2023 Honda Odyssey but as long as your minivan has removable 2nd row seats and foldable 3rd row seats you should be able to do a similar conversion in your minivan. And with my three MUST-HAVE items, you'll have a luxurious bed and more storage than you even need.
***** Get $75 OFF on a TrunkMate Sleeping Platform by using Promo Code JUSTINHIKES at checkout or by using this link directly: trunk-mate.com/ref/6/
-------------------------------------
➤ Gear I'm using in my MINIVAN CAMPER
- TrunkMate Sleeping Platform: trunk-mate.com/ref/6/ (Use THIS link for $75 off your order)
- Thule Motion XT Rooftop Cargo Carrier: amzn.to/3tJmbCd
- Trailer Hitch Cargo Carrier: amzn.to/3skmWkP
- Memory Foam Camping Sleeping Pad: amzn.to/46Z7w4b
- Car Seat Organizer: amzn.to/3MB2XW7
- Magnetic Car Sunroof Sun Shade Breathable Mesh: amzn.to/47296Co
- Tailgate Mesh Net: amzn.to/45CxCsA
- Breathable Mesh Window Covers: amzn.to/3yjixky
- WeatherTech Side Window Deflectors (Honda Odyssey): amzn.to/4dKOind
- Rechargeable 8-Inch Battery Operated Clip on Fan: amzn.to/408a25S
- Tie Downs Straps: amzn.to/3uatjHN
Disclaimer: Some of these links are affiliate links where I'll earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. This helps support the channel. Thank you!
Buy me a coffee: ko-fi.com/justin_hikes
-------------------------------------
If you enjoyed this video, please consider LIKING and SUBSCRIBING. I want to share my joy of the outdoors with you. I hope that you are inspired to get outside and enjoy nature too.
Find me on social media:
- Instagram: / justin_hikes
- TikTok: / justin_hikes
- Twitter: / justin_hikes
1) Get $75 off on a Trunk-Mate Sleeping Platform by using coupon code JUSTINHIKES at checkout or by using this link directly: trunk-mate.com/ref/6/
2) Here's a link to my other video where I provide detail on the DOUBLE (2-person) Sleeper setup: th-cam.com/video/ILP-y7Hrqrs/w-d-xo.html
3.) See the video Description for links to all of the products I'm using in my minivan camper build.
Thanks for all the positive feedback. It's really appreciated. If this video delivered any value to you, please consider LIKING and SUBSCRIBING for more minivan camper and hiking adventures.
I'm a 5'9" 58 year old female. Last year I car camped solo driving across Canada in my 2023 Chevy Equinox staying in national and provincial parks. My trip was 15 000 kms return. My bed is a queen size memory foam folded double that stays in place the entire trip. It goes from behind the passenger seat to the rear hatchback and has enough room for me to stretch out comfortably. My storage goes from behind the drivers seat to the rear hatchback door with room for a cooler, camp stove, camp chair, backpack, camera bag, water, dishes and my guitar. I have a tarp, mosquito netting and big umbrella I put up outside for sitting under if the weather is bad. I have screens for my windows so I can have a breeze at night when it's hot. I sleep with the cover open on my sunroof, it's like sleeping under the stars bug free. We live half of the year in northern BC and half in Newfoundland, so the cross Canada trip is our yearly migration. We go west in the Fall and east in the Spring. In the past I've stayed in hotels or tented. After camping in my Equinox I'll never go back to hotels or a tent. It's simple, easy, safe, efficient, inexpensive and extremely enjoyable. I highly recommend solo car camping for everyone, especially women my age. My husband flies out to our destination and meets me there so I can have my twice a year solo adventure.
Thanks for your awesome comment. I enjoy reading about other people's setups and what they like about them. Your twice a year solo adventure sounds wonderful. I visited BC and Alberta back in the 90's and I would love to go back someday for further exploration. Cheers!
@@Justin_Hikes You're welcome. Alberta and BC are beautiful, especially the remote unpopulated areas.
Im a 69 year-old single female who wants to do the same! I truly admire you, and I wish I could do the same. I’d like to travel with you in my Toyota Rav 4. I am 4’9”, so I can fit, but I have Lyme and medications. I have a dog and I’d like to travel with you! I’m afraid to go alone!
^^^^^^^^^^
Me: 🤣 🤣
Put a mattress in a that VAN and go times ticking boomers
As a Honda Odyssey minivan owner as you, your channel is the ONLY ONE so far I can find on TH-cam that turn minivan into camper no-build perfectly. Not mention you also give us even more how to turn into DOUBLE BED no-build when traveling with partner. Excellent video and thank you !❤
Thanks so much for the kind words. I’m thrilled some folks find these vids helpful.
Nice
You forgot 200 hours of the process, to daydream and decide where to go on your road trip. 😂
Haha. I'm currently in the "daydream and decide" phase of my next trip. That's definitely part of the fun. 😀
I have a Ford Escape! It’s tiny in comparison to this but I’ve made it work! I’ve traveled all over the country as a solo camper and love it. I uploaded a tour on my channel. It’s not nearly as good as your video, but I’m pretty proud of it! :-D
That extra 2 mins is to get your 5 gal bucket and trash bags 🤣. Good job. I'm planning a nobuild. I just purchased a used Sienna last week but been too🥵 hot already to work on it. I just turned 75 and ready to find some cooler weather.
Safe travels 🙏
Best of luck with your Sienna and your nobuild. I hope you have a summer filled with grand adventures and cool weather.
@@Justin_Hikes 𝑇ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑘 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑠𝑜 𝑚𝑢𝑐ℎ. 🙏 𝐻𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑎 𝑔𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑡 𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑘𝑒𝑛𝑑.
Consideration of the cost of these items makes me appreciate my diy skills.
Much respect to folks like you who build their own. I really enjoy watching the diverse and creative camper builds skilled craftsman create. In my case I don't have the tools or skills to build my own. That's why I set aside a budget to buy off-the-shelf items. For me it was money well spent and I've been really happy with them. Cheers!
@@Justin_Hikes Good point. Thanks for the video with good ideas.
BACK-OF-SEAT ORGANIZER:
They make a Molle panel (plastic or soft) that you can customize with different attachments, etc if you are more gear-oriented.
I keep one with a med kit, everyday tools, and then have 3 spots left for things like vitamin bottles, dry snacks, quick access to power cells etc.
The Molle organizer is cheap and very customizable if you have a desire for something equally as fast to add/remove
Love it, as an older female, a portapottie will be essential.😅
Bedside commode works great, wrap the bucket in a plastic bag for easy disposal, the commode is adjustable to store it away. Or camp at Planet Fitness lol they’re open 24hrs
Get a Luggable-Loo! Smaller.
I have stow and go seats. I drop the 2 middle seats and one of the back seats. My Coleman cot fits in that back space. I have storage underneath the length of the cot. It all works great for me, no camp set up and i can pull in and sleep anywhere, most recently a rest area.
I love to hear it Sue. Thanks for commenting describing your setup. There are so many great options out there. From inexpensive to incredible feats of craftsmanship and engineering that make my jaw drop. I love watching vids of all the versions. Cheers!
yeah rei co-op cot $70 bucks, then stows away to nearly nothing
This looked pretty easy, for even a 5ft, 74 year old female to do, until you got to that overhead carrier. I do have stow and go, for all my seats, so I wouldn't have to lift any seats out. I would just do with less cargo, and forgo the overhead carrier. Thanks for the good information!!
Charlotte, thanks for your comment. My back gets a little jealous every time I see stow-and-go seats. Haha! Best of luck with your build. Cheers!
Neat bed idea. A regular camping cot can do the same function for under $60. I had ours for 25 years. Used on many boyscout trips. I add an air camping mat and foam mattress. Two can fit nicely in a van.
Thanks Eagle Arrow. One of the fun things I like about camper conversions is the wide array of solutions folks come up with. I've spent decades sleeping in tents while camping and backpacking. So I totally get it when you go with the inexpensive camping cot. Or even throwing a mattress down and calling it good. When I bought this van I set aside a budget to buy some off-the-shelf items like the bed and the two cargo carriers. For me it was a good investment in comfort but like I said, I totally get where you are coming from too. Cheers!
May be an fishermen lounge with height-adjustable feet could be an opportunity, too? Greetings from Germany.
I don’t camp and don’t really plan to but I find everything interesting and this popped up in my recommended. Your setup looks so cool and convenient and this is a great video. I’m into linguistics so I also gotta say I love your accent! You seem very friendly
Thanks for the kind words. I'm originally from the northeast and occasionally that accent slips through. Haha!
huge thanks and gratitude from me and my dad. We're soon planning to go camping and I am a huge tent enthusiast while my father wants a camping van setup for himself. Your tips and setup will prove to be valuable for us!
Thanks for the kind words. Best of luck to you and your father on your upcoming camping adventures!
I like the idea of leaving the seat up, nice comfy spot.
Thanks Jessy! Iv'e been really happy with the seat setup. People laugh when I call it my "Living Room." I've hung out in that seat on rainy nights when I can't sit out by the campfire. I'm always happy to have it! Cheers!
I have a small car and I probably won't get a van anytime soon, but I really enjoyed watching the video and sat through the entire thing... You seem like a really pleasant person and I bet it's really fun to go camping with you.
Thanks so much for the kind words. Cheers!
Thanks for not spending 3 hours to tell us how to build in 15 minutes!
I just put a fold out Coleman cot from Walmart in my Odyssey, left the single rear seat too. I put my refrigerator in the front passenger seat, and Lifepo4 batteries in passenger front floor board. I use a kayak up top for my storage pod, and keep cooking stuff and extra fuel in basket on back.
Right on! Always cool when fellow Odyssey folks comment. Cheers!
Nice job, very helpful because no-one wants to go thru the time and expense of a permanent built in conversion.
Thanks! I've seen a lot of minivan camper conversion videos. Some folks are incredible craftsman and construct really cool setups. Although I like watching those vids and respect their skills, I'm not a craftsman so I prefer off-the-shelf items and quick install/removal. I think there's a lot of folks who feel the same way. Cheers!
This is really smart if you might need to bug-out fast. That is, if you have to get out of town for any number of foreign reasons.
It's always good to have options! 🤪
I camp, with small dog, in a 2018 Ford escape. Back seas permently removed. Bed is on a slab of plywood propped on a block with storage underneath. This year I will be putting a twin sized memory foam mattress that my niece was no longer using. I bet it will be real comfy, better than the blow up air mattress that would lose air too often. My front seat holds the cooler and misc. I have a behind the seat hanger for misc. items. I would like a longer roomier vehicle but I am 83 and this is my last one.
Judy, thanks so much for commenting with your camping setup. I hope you enjoy your new foam mattress and have very pleasant travels ahead. Cheers!
Way to go! Enjoy your new relationship!
Genius!!! Thanks for sharing. Good on ya.
Thanks for the kind words. I’m thrilled some folks find this vid helpful.
I did the same thing w/ my Hybrid 23 Sienna, except I purchased a cot, & ziptied all but the end down so I had room for my dogs while traveling. I just pushed the second row seats up as far as they could go & it works just fine. I use the small 3rd row seat just like you have set up. I use some foam & carpets to smooth out the seat runners…so far, I haven’t added the extra storage, but that sounds like a good idea, too!
Rose, thanks for sharing how you've setup your Sienna minivan camper. I used to own a Sienna back in the day and loved it. When I purchased my '23 Odyssey I seriously considered getting another Sienna. As a tall guy, I didn't like that I couldn't remove the Sienna's 2nd row seats (without MAJOR effort). There was also a long wait list for new Sienna's where I live. It's possible I could have managed with folding up the Sienna's seats but with the lack of available vehicles I decided to go with the Odyssey. The Sienna still holds a special place in my heart though. Cheers!
Do your front seats turn, because if they did this would mean you could get rid of the back seat altogether and have some sort of sink system cupboard with an area for a cassette toilet for those times your caught short in the middle of the night!! lol. Also i would recommend an eco flow, for power because they are great. Happy camping.
Wow, converting a minivan into a camper in just 15 minutes sounds amazing! We sent you an email, take a look.
Great video, my 2017 Toyota Sienna has 2nd row seating that is slightly heavier and the carts on the track that are left are a pain also. Being verticality challenged the rooftop carrier is a no go for me but the bumper rack is great. I was given one with a diamond plate truck box already mounted on it so I gave away my bumper rack and old rubber made box. Having a backpacking background the minivan is a palace... it is 2x the size of the Jeep Patriot and actually has headroom so I can setup on my simple bed build... yep, 20 minutes for me to go from daily driver to camping mode. Thank you for taking the time to create this video. ❤😊
Thanks for the kind words and for sharing your story. Us backpackers sure do appreciate the minivan camper. It's definitely spacious compared to my ultra-light tent. Cheer!
I just put a 3 " serta matt covered across my folded doen seats for my bed, works perfect!!
Glad to hear it! Enjoy
WOW! I have been looking for something like the Trunk bed! Going to look it up. Blessings to you!
Thanks! Best of luck to you. Cheers!
I love that trunk bed! Yes! Those yoga mats are amazing. I already have throw rugs that line the inside of my tent and last year added a 12mm yoga mat and put it between the rug and sleeping mat. What a difference! Definitely checking out that bed...
Thanks! I'm laughing thinking about when I was in my 20's and could sleep comfortably on a thin closed-cell foam backpacking sleeping mat. Now I'm in my 50's and I've got a yoga mat, pilates mat and a three inch memory foam mattress. Times have changed! Cheers!
I have a very similar setup. I left the middle seat up but had been considering leaving the back one up instead. I could use the floor space, and I think i like the idea of storage in the back rather than the middle seat compartment.
Right on! I find so many great camper ideas on TH-cam. I’m glad my video helped you consider a new approach for your build. Cheers!
Awesome work, and great Narration. Good attitude, thanks.
Thanks for the kind words.
Such an efficient, organized "camping" set-up. Enjoy all your camping trips, hikes; Such an awesome set-up
Ann, thanks so much for the kind words. I'm thrilled some folks find this video helpful. And hopefully a few folks will give my hiking videos a watch too! 😀
Very nice produced, entertaining and interesting video. The positive attitude makes it fun to watch and also made me think over my van built to go maybe a more non permanent and flexible way. Thank you for this 11 minutes absolute well spent time to watch, specially when you compare it to the avarage click bait stuff on TH-cam.
Thanks so much for the kind words. It means a lot that some folks are finding this video helpful and entertaining. That was my goal.
That was great! Thank you for sharing!
Thanks so much for the kind words Lydia. I'm thrilled some folks find this video helpful and hopefully a little entertaining too.
Great job!
Thanks!
Enjoyed watching, thx, Justin! I got similar set up for my town&country (like Sue above) : the second row is stoved, an elevated sleeping home-made bed is on the left, the right 3rd row bench is used for sitting & working and 'living', and still having 4 legal seats when needed. Your set up reconfirmed mine - thx! As far as the beds, h/m one wants to pay for it, it is all personal preferences and capabilities! Thx and happy camping!
Right on! Sounds like your setup is dialed in perfectly. Thanks for the kind words. Cheers!
BRILLIANT JUSTIN! 💪👍🌍South Africa🥳
Thank youuuu. You really put this video together in such a nice way 👍 ❤
Thanks for the kind words. I'm thrilled some folks find this video helpful and hopefully a little entertaining too. Cheers!
You can easily make a bed with the TrunkMate Sleeping Platform, but if you are a handyperson, you can also make an inexpensive platform with plastic storage shelves and a few tie wraps that you can find in any big box hardware. If your floor is uneven like in the Honda Odyssey, you will simply need to cut some columns/legs. You can also use the underbed space as storage. I have seen it in another TH-cam video.
Right on! I enjoy watching vids and seeing all the DIY solutions folks use. In my case, I’m not particularly handy. So when I bought my minivan I set aside a budget to buy off the shelf items for my camper conversion. For me it was a good investment and I’m happy with it. Cheers!
I love this! What a great idea!
Thank you! I’m thrilled some folks find this video helpful.
awesome and great presentation!
Thanks so much for the kind words. I enjoyed making this video and I'm thrilled some folks are finding it helpful.
Awesome, Love the blanket
Thanks so much. That blanket is so soft too. 😀
Where did you buy the blanket?
@@heathersutton8194 the brand is Pendleton and I think we bought it at Costco. Cheers
Great detail and narration.
Thanks so much! I’m thrilled some folks find this video helpful.
Thanks for posting!
Right on! I'm thrilled some folks enjoy this video.
Thanks for the effort!
We need to know as much as possible!
Thanks for the kind words. I'm thrilled some folks are finding my videos helpful. Cheers!
Pretty slick. Handier than sleeves in a vest!
Thanks John!
This is a great video!
Thanks so much. I’m thrilled some folks find it helpful.
❤I LOVE THIS SET UP IT’S BRILLIANT
Thanks so much Edith! I'm thrilled some folks are finding this video helpful. Cheers!
This is awesome! Thank you.
Thanks for the kind words. I'm thrilled some folks find this video helpful and hopefully a little entertaining too. Cheers!
I thought the trunk-mate was going to be my solution until I saw the price... $700+ !!! Nope. great job though man.
Thanks Dana. I totally understand your sentiment on the price. In my case, I lack the tools and skills to build my own solution. So when I bought the van I set aside a budget to purchase off-the-shelf items for my camper conversion. For me it was worth the investment and I've been satisfied with all three of my big purchases (bed, rooftop cargo, trailer hitch cargo carrier). Cheers!
Well done.
Thanks so much! I'm thrilled some folks find this video helpful and hopefully a little entertaining too.
Great video. Thanks 🙏
Thanks! I’m thrilled some folks find it helpful.
Exactly how I set up my odyssey !
Awesome! Great minds think alike! 😀
Pretty cool!
Thanks!
That was interesting. Never heard of that Trunk-Mate Sleeping Platform.
I decided to go with an adjustable chaise lounge chair, which is a lot like a cot, but has an adjustable back and foot section so you can go from laying flat to sitting up. Still need to get a mattress for mine as the webbing is too stiff for me to sleep on it. Thinking of getting a tri-fold mattress for it. But I'm in no rush.
One issue I take with this is on your 3rd must have. Most mini-vans won't have a tow hitch, and adding one may be doable for many folks, but not for all folks, you also lose ground clearance by adding one and have to cut into your bumper. So that's not an option I'm willing to take. Otherwise, I enjoyed watching, and I learned something. Thank you.
Thanks RoofDogBlues! I appreciate when folks comment with their own creative solutions. As for the trailer hitch, I definitely see your point. It has some drawbacks. It also makes parking in urban areas more difficult when the trailer hitch cargo carrier is on. I've been happy with the trailer hitch on my Odyssey and a Toyota Sienna before that. As mentioned in the vid, when I'm traveling solo I don't always bring the trailer cargo carrier. But when it's both my wife and I and I've got TWO beds setup inside the minivan, then I am thankful for the additional storage on the hitch. Cheers!
INGENIOUS! 👍 👍 Two Thumbs Up! 👍 👍
Thanks for the kind words. I'm thrilled some folks are finding this video helpful. Cheers!
Very cool 😎 👍
Thanks for the kind words Jane. I'm thrilled some folks are finding this video helpful.
Justin, you seem like a nice guy but you sure travel heavy! As a solo female adventurer I find it wise to travel as light as possible - whether backpacking around the world or living in my van - makes for quick and easy reactions if things get sketchy, dangerous or weird. Things do get sketchy, dangerous or weird sometimes :D
Thank you. I'm wishing you pleasant travels in your future adventures. Cheers!
I love your blanket! Have the same one.
Thanks! It’s so soft.
Where did you buy the blanket?
I’m pretty sure we got it from Costco. It’s a Pendleton brand blanket.
Thanks very much for the nice and informative video. I was wondering how you haave figured out the cooking stove situation? Thanks again
Thanks Gabriele! For cooking I bring my small backpacking one-burner stove. I usually camp in campgrounds which almost always have a picnic table at the campsite. I put the stove and my cooking gear on the picnic table where I prepare my meal. I'm pretty happy with that minimal setup. If the weather is bad, then I sometimes have to eat a cold dinner. 😀 Cheers!
I could do exactly this to my large SUV too. Thanks.
For sure you could Marian! SUV can be a great camper too. Cheers!
Fantastic ! you've got me thinking about taking the back off a front seat of a modest 5 seater.. hmm! Greetings from Ireland :)
Thanks Ross! I hope you wonderful car camper adventures in beautiful Ireland. I visited Connemara and truly fell in love with the region. I hope to return someday. Cheers!
fantastic
Thank you! Cheers!
This is awesome, and just what I'm looking for. I must buy a van now.
Thanks so much! Minivans are great because they are a great family vehicle AND a great camper. It definitely requires a certain mindset for camping but if you've spend as many years camping in tents like I have, the minivan camper is a big step up. Cheers!
Pretty good. 👍
~ 🦋
Well Done...
Thanks Kryss!
WOW JUSTIN!👍👏👏☕️🏆
Thanks so much Babs!
I love me an Odyssey! You're a funny guy.
Odyssey owners unite! Cheers!
Nice
Remove third row seats for a basement!
There's definitely pros and cons about removing the third row seats. I can understand why some folks do it. For me I'm happy to keep them in there as I have enough storage already. Cheers!
The correct pronunciation of the Swedish company Thule is "too li"
Thanks for the correction. Cheers!
Thank you, I always wondered if I was saying it correctly (I wasn't lol).
This is only the english pronunciation ;-)
the e is spoken like a german e...not an i, like english speaker are doing.
Swedish do it same like me as german.
Same for "Porsch e"...no i...eeeeeee. There is no Porschi..but Porscheeeee.
@@josefv8708 Porsh - uh
Nice.
Thanks!
👏👍Smart ideas.
Thanks! I’m thrilled some folks find this video helpful. Cheers!
Luckily my wife is very small and she sleeps in the top box on the car roof. 👍👍
Here’s my vid on how I convert from 1-person sleeper into a 2-person sleeper. Cheers!
th-cam.com/video/ILP-y7Hrqrs/w-d-xo.htmlsi=qYn1Vz8Yq47KiYn1
I Stay in Singapore, really envy you guys on the camping trip in US.
Cheers to you in Singapore James!
I have a mattress on the floor but really want to learn how to build a small bed like that.. amazing 😅
Thanks! One of the things I enjoy about minivan camper conversions is the wide variety options. Some folks are really happy with just a mattress. Others are incredible craftsman and build impressively engineered campers. I think I fall somewhere in between. Best of luck with yours whether you stick with the mattress of build a bed. Cheers!
@@Justin_Hikes 👍 do you keep your power bank in there with you! If so do you prefer bluetti or eco-flow?
Nice 👍🙂
Thanks!
Car wind/rain deflectors on the front side windows are great, and you get benefit from them camping or driving. It means that you can let an inch or so of the windows to be winded down, so ensure air circulation, it is more secure, and the air, but not the rain, can get in. It does not prevent flies or other insects, but it does inhibit them. The only real answer is to fit a bug screen.
The only other thing I would consider is an emergency loo. Extensive traveling means the possibility of not finding a restroom in time, and foreign places can make you more vulnerable to a stomach bug.
Obviously a water container [with add-on for the ladies] can take care of the liquids, and a cheap collapsible toilet with bags will take care of number twos.
Younger people in particular, tend not to think of this aspect of camping, especially with a 10-minute van conversion. Toilets can be locked. they can be hazardous to use at night, etc. if you are on the road long enough you will see people in a desperation communing with nature, because there is nothing around, and nothing in their vehicle that they can use. Especially if you need to get some shut-eye in a town or city. The wilderness is much easier, but sometimes people are not responsible there either.
Thank you Robert for your thoughtful comment. I just installed the rain deflectors and I'm looking forward to using them exactly as you suggest this season. Regarding the bathroom, I usually stay in campgrounds and use their toilet. But you are right that I can't ALWAYS count on that. I'm going to consider adding a cheap collapsible toilet for the future. Thanks and Cheers!
Good video opie
Opie? I'm going to go ahead and take that as a compliment. Cheers!
@@Justin_Hikes it was
@@Justin_Hikes loved the video Andy
Are these Andy Griffith Show references? I’m old enough to remember. Reruns at least.
@Justin_Hikes yea I'm just cutting up with you
Nice video! In stead of your sleeping bag arrangement, I suggest you investivate how you could throw a Japanese futon -- a peroper flat futon bedding space, not the weird "wooden sofa + sleeping thing" tjat os lmpwm as a Fitpm om tje West. It would be amazing!
Thanks. The futon idea is interesting. Cheers!
Thank you very much for a very entertaining and educational video.😊 I subscribed right away and look forward to our videos. Wishing you safe travels on your adventures.😊
Thank you for the kind words Diana. I'm thrilled some folks are finding this video helpful and a little entertaining. I had a lot of fun making it!
Bravo on the no build..
Thanks Rhonda. I'm thrilled some folks find this video enjoyable and helpful.
Great video. Makes doing a conversion very doable.
But
No kitchen or washup/bathroom setup? Those seem essential to me.
Hi Joan, thanks so much for your comment. One of the things I enjoy about watching TH-cam camper conversion videos is the wide variety of setups people have. I know my setup isn't ideal for everyone. I come from a car camping and backpacking background where I would typically sleep in my tent. For me the Minivan Camper is a BIG step up! Right now I'm pretty happy with a minimalist setup. Kitchen duties happen at the picnic table. Wash up and Bathroom happen elsewhere. 🤪 Cheers!
Just buy a fold up camping elevated sleeping canvas. Then put a couple of comforters on top.
I have a 2005 Honda Odessy...I can't pull my middle row seats out, so instead they are folded down flat (well as flat as they can go) I got myself a fold up camp cot, and because the middle row doesn't quite lay flat I made a wooden frame to go under and support the head end, which leaves the legs folded at that end, thus making the bed flat/level..I've used it a couple of times now, and the dog and I sleep quite comfy in it..
Carol, thanks so much for commenting with your setup. One of the things I love about camper conversions is the endless variety of solutions folks come up with. Your setup sounds great for you and your dog. Cheers!
Minivans are the fuckin bomb yo
That's the truth teklife!
That’s a cool set up, I think it took 15 minutes just to string those lights you didn’t include that! Also, no power gonna spend a lot of money on ice, how do you cook? I started with propane, but switch to induction less heat no flame. My biggest problem is finding level spots to camp, I’m using a 2000 W hour bluettewith a 3000 pier side wave in burger and 240 W solar panel that I can tilt for power.
Haha! I keep the fairly lights in there all the time so I don't really consider them part of my "setup" time anymore. You make good points about power and cooking and those might be useful upgrades someday. For now I'm satisfied with my minimal setup. I just use my backpacking one-burner stove to cook. Cheers!
Belle réalisation!
J'avais eu l'idée d'aménager mon Renault Kangoo selon ce principe. C'est à mon avis une excellente solution, surtout si on est seul.
Mais avez vous réellement besoin d'avoir autant de place et d'emporter autant d'affaires?
Il me semble qu'un bon coffre d'attelage suffirait déjà et serait largement plus facile à utiliser qu'un coffre de toit.
Et en plus vous économiseriez du carburant!
When I travel solo I often just take one of the storage options. I wanted this video to show how to maximize storage because many folks travel with more items than I do. Cheers!
For my Any% camper speedrun I just throw a folding mattress and bedding in my car and I'm basically done.
Right on Matt. One of the cool things about minivan camping is the wide range of "builds." From really simple to incredible woodworking and engineering. I'm happy with my setup but have nothing but respect for all the other options out there. Whatever works for you. Cheers!
thank you justin. just one question, what do u do about privacy? curtains or mirror window film please?
Hi John, the side windows came factory tinted which provides some privacy. I also have window sun shades for ALL the windows which nearly completely block out the windows. I'm planning on doing a video about the sunshades at some point. Cheers!
I think he put that in the roof top carrier watch it again
@@brownsugar1958ful good catch! I did throw them up there. 🙂
I’m wondering if you ever cook in the van in this kind of set up and if so, do you have a video doing it?
That's a great question. I usually stay at campgrounds and just cook at the picnic table using my backpacking one-burner stove. Cheers!
Where did you get the bed? Love it
It’s a Trunk Mate bed. Link in the description and a $75 off coupon code too. Cheers!
When working on this configuration, did you consider placing the passenger seat on a swivel base so you could use that as your lounger and remove, or store, the fourth seat? Also, what about window covers?
Great questions! The passenger swivel seat sounds great but my goal for now is to keep this setup simple and easy. I'm happy with this setup but you've given me something to think about for the future. Regarding window covers, yes I use WeatherTech window covering which I haven't been 100% happy with. I'm planning on doing a video just about the window covers soon. Cheers! And thanks for the suggestion.
Glad you mentioned not being happy with weather tech shades. I bought the frint one and couldn't decide whether to buy the rest.
Good ideas, but no cooking area or porta potty etc. And you have Interior window covers for privacy at night?
Thanks! I’m pretty happy with this minimal setup for now. I use my backpacking stove and I do have WeatherTech window coverings for sun shade and privacy. I put them in the rooftop carrier during the vid. As for toilet, I’ll stick with the campground toilet. 🙂
For 650 dollars I would create this myself 😄✌️
Nothing but respect for those who build their own solutions. I enjoy watching those type of camper conversion videos too. For me personally I lack the tools, skills, time and interest to build my own. That's why I set aside a budget to purchase off-the-shelf items for my minivan camper. My three must-have items were worthwhile investments for me and I'm very happy with them. Cheers!
@@Justin_Hikes make sense! Enjoy, because if you do it's worth every penny! Being lucky has no price 😊
How wide is the bed platform your showing in this video ?
Hi Morris, the bed platform in the video is 24 inches wide. This is a step up for me after many years of camping and backpacking on a 20" sleeping pad. Also, 24 inches is also good for my Odyssey because the interior is EXACTLY 48 inches wide. That means I can put a second 24 inch bed down and the two beds fit PERFECTLY side-by-side. I have a video about the 2-person setup on my channel as well. FYI - Trunk Mate also sells a 20 inch wide version for smaller vehicles. I hope that helps. Cheers!
Just wondering if you could have left the middle row of seats by folding instead?
I don't think the bed would fit with the 2nd row (middle) seats just folded. But I'd have to measure it to be sure. It would be close. A shorter person could save a few inches by only partially extending the bed. That would have a better chance of fitting.
If you collapsed that extra seat in the back, would you be able to fit a second TrunkMate bed there?
Yes, that's exactly what I do when my wife and I travel together. Here's a link to the video: th-cam.com/video/ILP-y7Hrqrs/w-d-xo.html
Can you tell us what gas mileage you get when fully loaded? Thanks.
I got around 27 MPG on my big road trip last year. That trip had a lot of highway miles.