Inexpensive No-Build Minivan Camper Setup
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 ก.ค. 2021
- Here's how I convert my minivan into an inexpensive, no-build camper van.
*Links to what I use in my Minivan Camper*
Woven Grass Rug - amzn.to/32yMCdV
Wool Rug Pad - amzn.to/2H1FAG1
Cot - amzn.to/4bLHALI
Bungee Cords - amzn.to/33zP1UD
Mattress - Latex Topper - amzn.to/33uoYOY
Sheets - amzn.to/3iyHwUw
Sleep Mask - amzn.to/3zNiGIC
Quilt Pattern - @TinyOrchardQuilts
Camp Stove - Gas One - amzn.to/3iDyOV4
Butane Canisters - amzn.to/3iyHT1m
Camp Pot - amzn.to/2RBFhnf
Good To-Go Backpacking Food - amzn.to/3loBcDp
Liquid IV Hydration Pack - amzn.to/3j0Hxlq
Long Handle Utensils - amzn.to/2FxNExY
Fire Extinguisher - amzn.to/3hECggx
Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter - amzn.to/3j83bV8
Backpacking Stove - amzn.to/3lb46GI
Solo Stove - amzn.to/3leWsev
Power Box - amzn.to/32zhElR (they don’t make mine anymore, but this is close)
Solar Panel - amzn.to/2FFCGGs
Clip on Fan - amzn.to/2Fx80r6
Luggable Loo - amzn.to/2Ea8CSY
Double Duty Bags - amzn.to/3kitQ0j
Window Coverings - www.heatshieldstore.com/ (they make them to your car's dimensions)
Inflatable Kayak - amzn.to/3kosBge
Trekking Poles - amzn.to/3movz67
My Favorite Daypack - amzn.to/3my6G8f
When I was traveling full-time, I had more storage bins under the bed and a three-tiered rolling cart hooked to the back of the driver's seat with bungee cords. That's the only difference between a full-time set up and what I have here. I did have a mechanic take out the very back seat that folds into the floor. It's not necessary to remove it, but it gave me a lot more "garage" space.
My other vanlife video: • Thoughts on #Vanlife (...
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Rachel Archelaus is the founder of the Intuitive Art Academy where she teaches people how to have a two way conversation with their intuition. She is an internationally known spiritual teacher and business mentor to lightworkers.
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#vanlife #campervan #minivan
Literally sold my 10 foot tall e-350 yesterday and just bought a toyota sienna today!!! The difference in feelings driving them is absolutely incredible. The comfort, the ease, the quietness, the relaxation i feel in my body. SOOO Worth it. Great video. Great build
I'm so happy for you! I hope you have a great time in your Sienna.
I’ve been minivan camping and am so hooked on watching TH-cam minivan tours. I like your set up, but most of all I love your enthusiasm. Wish I had started years ago, or at least earlier in the pandemic when I had no personal training clients.
Thank you, and yes that would have been good timing, but nothing is ever lost. Wishing you all the fun in the world!
I've been camping both on my own and with my husband in our minivan. It's hard to explain how much fun it is. Maybe because it's simple, easy, economical - but we just love it. We have a little vintage camper that we also love, but for travel or just overnight, the minivan is the best thing ever.
I’m so excited to get started! I’ve been watching many videos to get tips.
@@lynnej.9357 I wish my husband wanted to camp, but I've met another camping buddy and it's possible my 51 year old daughter will join me in September.
You are informative and infectious. I'm 58 and am working up the courage. Thank you so much for this video, you make it seem possible, like you want this lifestyle to be available to everyone. You seem like a genuine person, I wish you well:)
Thanks so much and best of everything to you!
I'm also 58 and planning on hitting trying this soon. I still have a 17 year old. One more year and we are hitting the open road.
I am 59 and also working up the courage to do also
58 w an 18 year old that wants to see the national parks. God help each of us 😀
I am 58 also. I've been thinking about this for a year. I'm now working on getting rid of all my stuff.
Love your set up, all the basics, and none of the clutter. Your mattress does look very comfortable, you've done a great job. I would rethink the safety pins in the headliner though. Tention rods work well for a curtain behind the seats. Be safe, happy travels.
Tension rods are a great idea!
Nice hat! Go Sox! I've been living in a minivan since last year and it's been great.
That's awesome!
Good to see someone into it. Hope to do full time some day. Enjoy!👍🙂👍
Awesome, all the best to you!
Wonderful! It seems so much easier to make the transition when you’ve been a tent camper previously like us. After all this is luxury in comparison without bringing your whole house like an RV and we know how to be a minimalist and enjoy the adventure and scenery. I’m retired, been camping my whole life but at 64 I have decided to try this to hit National Parks all over different states for 4 months of the year every year. To be honest I’m still going to bring a tent ( my tents are small) for the times I want to be closer to nature. Like you I already have everything I need in terms of backpacking equipment like stoves (keep up with fire restrictions) pots/pans, sleeping bags etc. I will use my camping cot (Teton Somnia) since that’s what I use now in the tent, no more floor at my age. Little tip, to save water while washing dishes get a pump squirt bottle, using the strong stream to rinse, wash and rinse again, you’ll be surprised how much water you save. Thanks for showing us your van and doing such great job in your video. Happy trails.👍🏻👍🏻
Thanks for that water tip. I appreciate it! I love that you use the van for the big parks. It's nice to be able to have everything inside and drive to trailheads easily. I like bringing a tent, too. Even if just to leave something at my campsite when I'm off for the day. But I love walking sites, too. Happy travels!
I have a 2009 Odyssey and I love it 😁. I live full time in mine for now and it's been a nice experience. Wish I would have done it sooner! Love your vibe and set up. ☺
That is awesome! And thanks 😀
Hi Zodiac I also I've full time in my Honda Odyssey.
Safe travels.
@@JoyRoute awesome!! You too ☺. Love my Honda, even with its odd quirks lol.
@@JoyRoute hi there I have a 2016 starting cami
me too...only using for "serious" camping as i live in a 34ft 5th wheel.
perfecting the van experience so one day it will be an easier transition, to live in & travel😊
I use the same bed set up. It's comfortable because the cot has give to it. I love mine too
Very cool!
I love your minivan camper. I could be comfortable camping in their. I would lose a lot of weight with those food options...lol
Haha, yes it's not quite the same as fresh food. I also use a cooler to keep veggies and other tasty things. And lots of chips 😀
I love your set up! I live in Salt Lake and really miss camping. I am turning my Suburban into my “get away” camper. I can’t get my husband to go camping with me so I’m going to go myself, even if it’s just getting out of the valley for the weekend. Great idea with the cot and the TV tray. You show you can have a great set up without a big build. I love it. Enjoy your time away from the hustle and bustle of the city 🥰
So cool, Utah is amazing. I go by myself, too. At least no one can tell you what to do :)
Suburbans be are awesome! ✨
Great set up!!! I love the minimalism, best way to become nimble! Thank you, Adriana
Yes! Thank you!
WOW! Rachel you're well-prepared...impressive! Thank you for sharing the video, that was interesting.
Glad you enjoyed it!
This girl is so encouraging 💜.... Gotta nice Town and Country, all built out ..... Connecting with camping groups on FB.
Awesome, all the best with your adventures!
I just bought a 2010 Chrysler Town and Country Touring minivan. Basic model. (Slight disappointments. But it's doable.) Cleaning it this week. Learning what works and what doesn't. What's ripped, torn, broken, lol. Ex. Passenger side clothes hanger. 🤷♀️
‘07 Odyssey, nice foam mattress, window screens, everything else is a bonus. I still have my back seats cuz they are so sturdy and comfortable. Everything else fits behind the seat. Kitchen next. my set up is specific to the mountain escape 16 miles away
That's great! I love that minivans are so customizable. Enjoy your mountain time 😀
An amazing thing about being short =) I am 5'3 (sometimes), I love that your nails are done, it seems like you do them regularly.
I love painting my nails 🥰 and yes, being short is awesome!
*I totally love your passion for what you're doing. What made you decides for the 5 Gallon bucket vs the Collapsible Toilets? I can relate to thinking you couldn't do something & you do it. Congratulations on your success with your Solar Hook-up. YES..... Please do a video on a Van vs SUV's. Great Video. 👍👍👍* Sharon in SC
Hi Sharon, thanks for your comment. I chose a 5 gallon because it seemed more durable but I'm sure the collapsible is great, too. I haven't had much experience with SUV camping, but I did do a video comparing the minivan to a true campervan. You can check that out if it suits you :)
@@RachelArchelaus *Thank you I love watching these kind of videos. Great Shares. 😁😁😁* Sharon in SC
Love the simplicity and your enthusiasm!
Thanks 😄
Hello i am so glad and happy i came across your videos and channel. My name is Gloria i am 62 Year's Young from Wildwood New Jersey i live in a 55 and over Community and love my apartment and looking to travel New Jersey and Pennsylvania to save also to take a trip out West to Flaggstaff Arizona. I am saving to buy a Minivan to Travel Part-Time. I love your Minivan and your set up . Thank you so much. Take Care Be Safe and God Bless Us All... Happy Traveling..
That's wonderful! I lived in Arizona before moving to Utah, and I'm originally from Connecticut. Traveling in a van to all those places is a wonderful way to go. Best of luck with saving for your van, I'm sure the perfect one will find you!
@@RachelArchelaus Thank You so much learning frim you and other's can not wait. Take Care Be Safe and God Bless us all..
Sorry, I should've explaned, I take Insulin and it requires refrigeration. Its a necessity but I try not to let it keep me from enjoying nature. Thank you for your speedy response! I Liked and Subscribed! Thanks again.❤
OMG, I went to your channel and wow, pow, I love what you are doing. I connected with my higher power been so depressed I haven't talked to hp in moths. I have been watching van living and conversions for a while never expecting anything...
Any van peeps here, check out the rest of the content here. You are searching, taking off right now in a cheap van might seem like the best option. Talk to your higher power.
I love that! Thanks :)
Yeah I talk to Jesus all the time! 🙋💜✝️
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
I minivan camp in a Kia in the UK. I prefer free wild camping rather than designated sites. Now working on the best way warmth wise to survive another Winter lol. Like your Solar
I can feel your love of your minivan😍. Enjoy! I love to camp in my Sienna minivan too😂.
Thank you, you too!
Yes!!! I love how you have your curtains. I have been so inspired by people like you. I am currently building our my minivan and documenting my journey on my youtube channel. ❤❤❤
Congrats! 🎉
@@RachelArchelaus 😊
I never thought of dafety pins!! You're brilliant!! Thank you!🎉
Happy to help!
Your video is the first video out of all the ones I watch for mobile living/camping with a Humless battery. I have 2 of them. They're okay, but I do have a Jackery 240, too.
The humless is a bit more than I need. How do you like it?
@@RachelArchelaus, it's okay, but I wish I'd waited until the Jackery or Bluetti became more popular. I like their set ups better.
A really great video with lots of encouragement and excitement to be on the road and off camping somewhere! Thanks so much for sharing with us!!
Thanks for watching. Happy adventures!
Love the power bank..;) So sad they done make it anymore 😪. Enjoy the journey
Yeah, it's a beast! :)
Thank you for sharing. Great tips.
Safety pins, brilliant!
thanks :)
Awesome job!! Happy for you!!
Thank you ☺️
Great video, I'm right there with you, the feeling of freedom is overwhelming!
You’re so bubbly and enthusiastic. I love it. Thanks!
Beautiful setup. Enjoy and stay safe 🤗
Thank you! You too!
I really like your new look and the minivan layout!
Thanks so much!
Cute simple set up. I also love love my mini van (no build, build) camper. Agree 100% its the best! Thanks for sharing. Have fun!
Great vid! Love the simplicity and minimalist approach. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks!
Awesome sharing!
I love the carpet pad idea. I bet that helps keep it insulated too
Great point!
Love the build!! I also have an Odyssey Conversion!! Love these vans and your setup
That's so cool!
Safety Pins?! Genius!!! Lol thanks!!
You bet!
Ur on the role I'm 67 I brought my honda with this in mine I'm going camping for the 1st time happy camping god bless after 6 yr I'm starting lol
I hope you have a great time!
U did an awesome job, I’m impressed with how much u accomplished by yourself. Love it all
Thank you 😊❣️
I love the simplicity of your set-up it looks real comfortable enjoy your travels and keep smiling.. watching you from Australia 👍
Thanks so much! 😊
Great video. You have inspired me - I think I have found a use for the Coleman cot that is too hard for just a sleeping bag. That and a foam topper - good to go for van camping. Go Sox!
beautiful quilt nice van organization
Thank you 😊
THANKS for being (1) very practical about your set-up - a good thing to be anytime and (2) so appreciative for all you are showing us… it helps me to appreciate everything too.
You're so welcome! 💓
Great job thanks for sharing
i love your set up..nice and simple ❤️❤️❤️stay safe and healthy God bless 🙏
Thank you 😃
Lots of positive idea thanks for sharing
Mike from Oklahoma
Great ideas.Thanks for sharing. You are so positive
thank you :)
Vantree - love it! Same - went big, then back to a mjji van
Awesome!
I have seen so many videos and finally it makes sense I have a Honda Odyssey as well 2000 and I’ve been racking my brain trying to make it comfortable I have a disability and me using certain tool not an option! Thank you for making so simple. Great ideas.
I'm so happy about that! Have a wonderful time traveling!
Excellent set up, great job :)
Thanks so much 😄
Nice setup. Happy adventures.
Thank you, you too! 😀
Thanks for your video and enthusiasm! A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to rent a minivan and went on a weekend camping trip to see how I liked it. I had a great time and definitely want to have a minivan to do more trips. Now I'm trying to figure out whether I want to sell or trade in my paid for SUV to get a minivan or just save up cash to buy a minivan and have 2 vehicles.
Cool little set up, You Love your minnie van ❤ 😉👍
Thanks 😊
Geeat stuff thanks for sharing! Been thinking of getting a small rv but we have a minivan so we will see lol
I love your setup. Nice and simple. No fancy kitchen or dresser drawers.
I’m in the process of picking a mini van for camping but it will need to be my regular car as. I don’t want to remove the seats. Hopefully I can find one with seats that can fold into the floor.
Yeah, that's a great idea. I slept in mine before removing the seats and it was pretty comfortable 😃
@@RachelArchelaus how did you fit the cot without removing the seats?
Hi Janis, I removed all but the front seats. The cot needs to be bungeed to the front one. Happy travels. :)
Dodge/Chrysler
I love that you LOVE IT..!! 😆💚💚💚💚💚
Love this.I have been on the road for 1 year. I use a jug and funnel for pee and a plastic bucket for poop. I do not spend money on cat litter or horse pellets so I don't know how effective they are. I just use my small plastic bucket with a firm closing lid. I put a layer of toilet paper on the bottom of the bucket, and after I have used it, I just place the used toilet paper on top and close the lid. I then find a public toilet and empty it. The contents just fall into the toilet with the toilet paper and that's it. I do have a spray bottle of air freshiner to spray into the bucket but hardly use it at all. After a year my plastic poo bucket still has no smell.
love your canines
Thank you
Amazing!
Thanks!
excellent ideas for preparing for travel
Thank you 😀
Thank you for the video. New subscriber. Blessings to you.
Couldn't agree more with the reliability.
Thanks for stopping by!
I love your set up! Thanks for the tour.
I might be looking into a type of no build bed situation allowing for storage underneath. And also for raising me up higher towards the window where the air from vents, fans, and natural air flow would be if the windows are open. (Plus the difficulty from my not so great knees.😉)
It appears that you have everything well thought out in a minimalistic fashion. Kudos! 👏 Great for either a basic or extended van, this would be ideal. I recently aquired a Chrysler Town and Country Touring minivan. Thought it was larger and had more features like the Dodge Caravan, but no. I'm cleaning the interior, seats and carpeting this week. Learning of a few more damaged items. One of the clothes hooks is pulled halfway out. The molding won't give to permit pushing it back in on the one side. Thinking I should maybe just take it all the way out and I could just maybe put some hooks there. Or fashion a new handle, then repeat on the opposite side.
I love that you've got the mat with padding underneath on the floor to protect yourself from those metal anchors. And that you made your own quilt. I have a convenient, foldable, adjustable ht.1- legged, bedside/laptop/dining table, with an edge on the front side.
Curious as to how do you bathe/shower? And if you've ever tried one of those shower tents or privacy tents for the potty and showering?
Enjoy your summer.
Hi Cheryl, congrats on your van! I had a Big Kahuna portable shower. It was very large but it worked well. I haven't tried a tent, but that would be convenient. I just washed my hair in a bin inside the van and "bird bathed" inside. It worked well enough. :)
Love this ❤
thanks!
Great job 👍😇❤️
Thank you!
The thumbs down well, can't be serious!! Love mini van camping and this video has enough joy to create a Movement!!
Aww, thank you 😄🌈☀️
Nice minivan
Thank you.
I have a 2006 Odyssey EX .... same color (Ocean Mist) w/Mouse Fur Grey cloth interior!
Got it new August of 2006 (Honda "Celebration Sale") right before the '07s were rolling out....
Very cool!
U make me wanna take a trip. I just need a mini van now. Lol
Glad to be inspiration!
Very nice I love it
Thanks!
Great video..new sub here..I'm looking for no build build for my grand caravan..gave me some ideas..Take care..Happy travels..
I'm so happy it was helpful. Happy adventures!
I’m “no-build” Building my 2020 Kia Soul.
I wanted a high top “old man van” but, I KNOW my Kia is dependable and the GAS MILEAGE IS BOSS!!!! 😆💪🏾
I LOVE YOUR ENERGY #subscribing
I loved my high top, but the minivan was such a comfort game changer. All the best to you!
Thanks, very nice video. I love your joyful personality 😊. May our Lord Jesus continue to keep you safe and very blessed 🙌🏼 😇
I love it
Thanks 😊
Awesomeness…
I’m searching for a video where you cook in the van… lol…
Love the setup,funny thing is I have same bed setup and I love it.
But please put up the link to the place that cut the window out specially for whatever minivan you have,that is the one thing that been driving me nuts so please list I would be grateful for ever. Thanks in advance. The funny thing is our builds are so similar. The life vest is funny though. Talks out being prepared for anything.
Hi, yes, the most comfy bed! The link for the window coverings is in the description. It's the Heat Shield Store.
Thanks so much for getting back so quick,sorry I didn't see it on your list of stuff.,
No worries :) Happy travels!
Awesome!!!👠🚌👠
Thanks! Love those emojis 😎💓
vanlife4ever!
Nice
This is amazing I love this! my favorite no build minivan vid by far. If you dont mind me asking how much did you sell the seats for and where?
Not all of them have sold, but so far I've gotten about $250 for the middle seat and the back seat. They sold in Connecticut from a listing on Facebook.
and thanks!
I just got a blue Honda Odyssey today.
congrats!
Love it!!! Thanks for sharing!
Can you power a mini fridge 24/7 using your solar power? Also can you charge your laptop simultaneously?
I never had a mini fridge but there is definitely enough power for a Dometic or similar model. And yes, there are several outlets and you can change a laptop simultaneously. 😄
Thanks for the tour and inspiration. I noticed you can sit on your bed without your head hitting the ceiling. How high is your bed off the van floor?
I believe it's about 2 feet. Also, I'm pretty short :)
Thank for the informative video. Are you worried about condensation and mold forming under the carpet?
I live and mostly travel in the desert so I hadn't really thought about. But good point!
Great video! You mentioned a service that will cut Reflectix for you based on the make and model of your van. Can you provide a link to that? Thank you!!
Hi, yes! The company is heat shield and the link is in the description. Happy travels!
Awesome van. I just bought a 97 Plymouth Voyager and started my minimalist build today. The hydration multiplier is a great idea. Where do you get it?
Congrats! I got mine at a grocery store but I put an Amazon link in the description, too. Enjoy your van!
Really nice!! Did I miss it? What do you do for water?
Thanks :) I use gallon jugs of filtered or spring water from the store/a house and I filter water from streams using a Sawyer Squeeze.
Looks great. I’ve been seriously thinking of getting a mini van instead of a van, van. I’m traveling in my Jeep Cherokee and it’s small. I love it. But it’s small. Did I say it was small? 🙄 thanks for your share😊
You'll love the extra space and you don't have to give up the stealthiness. But I bet the Jeep is better off road. Best of luck whatever you decide!
I never thought of the negatives of a high roof van until my sister got one... she can not go through drive throughs, the cross winds wow they r hard to drive in, has been asked to move a few times ...I am proud of her...she started camping in her suv. Then moved to the van. I am still getting courage to camp in my suv...God give u wisdom for your next upgrade
Very kewl..mahalo for sharing! I’m interested in what kind of mini van this is please! Much aloha! 🌺🌈❤️🙏
Thanks for watching 😀 The van is a 2007 Honda Odyssey.
@@RachelArchelaus great!! Mahalo for your speedy reply!! Happy trails! 🤗
What year is your Odyssey? I have a 2001, it just went over 100,000, put a new transmission in a couple yrs ago and it's just in too good of shape to get ride of. We're wanting to buy a newer vehicle to modify for our son who uses a wheelchair, and didn't want to spend the money on a 22yr old van regardless of the shape it's in. This looks like it would be a fun thing to do with the ol' gal.
Mine is a 2007. And yes, very fun!
Yeah, I need to sell my VW Eurovan and buy a minivan for sure. I scrape too many parking garages in Seattle with it and the mileage sucks.
I bet vanlife in Seattle is great! One of my favorite hikes of all time was Lake 22. All the best with getting a minivan ❤️
I’m wondering if I can get info for bed frame that you used. Thank you.
I would love to, but unfortunately it's been discontinued. I put a comparable model in the description. All the best with your build!
How did you run your wires in the van? I'm getting my Odyssey in two weeks and I have the panel already
Congrats! I drilled a hole in the roof and covered it and the wires with a housing. Then caulked the perimeter. I fed the wires down through the door to the inside.
@@RachelArchelaus sweet! I have another question do certain years not open the third row windows like the wings how they push out???
Do you still have access to your spare tire? Great video .
I have a donut in the back side panel. It's been enough to get me to a tire shop. 😀
What kind of caught do you use? Thanks in advance
Hi, it's a Coleman cot. The link is in the description of you want to check it out. 😄
Hi, the link to the cot is not the same as you have in your van. I see the leg post in your van cot is a straight post, the link shows a cot with rounded leg supports. Can you please clarify which you use. I like your set up !
Thanks for watching. The cot I have isn't available anymore. The one I linked is the closest I could find. Here's the link to what I have: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01014F6E4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_image?ie=UTF8&psc=1
@@RachelArchelaus Thank you so much , Luv !
Hi! When you say that your Coleman cot is perfectly sized to you at 5' 2", do you mean the cot is that length? I've been searching for a cot of that length, but have had no luck in finding one. I clicked on the Amazon link, but it is broken. Do you have any details about the cot so that I can search for it? I am also 5'2" and have a tri-fold mattress cut down to 5'2". Would love to have a cot that length!!
Hi, sorry, they keep moving the listing :) Here's what I have: amzn.to/4bLHALI
@@RachelArchelaus Thanks so much! Sigh... it's shorter than most, but trying to find a cot that is 5' long.... 5' 2" at the most. Thanks, though... that's the closest so far.