2003 Honda Odyssey camper van build

[@josephineespejo4387]

you sold it!!!!!!!! I am a Nurse here in LA ....I drive 42 miles to get to work....this is a perfect van for me....

[@ChristianCathoholic]

Such well considered use of minimal space. My hats off to you. One could really live within this without much compromise. Bathroom and cooking is an issue but could be done without much effort. The best odyssey conversion I’ve seen in terms of functionality of space. Inspiring to say the least.

[@maryajones3147]

Those are the best Relaxing window covers

[@morebucks100]

In 2020, I converted my Odyssey and lived off grid in Colorado and Arizona for 3 months. It was the best thing I've ever done.

[@willn8664]

One of the best minivan setups I've seen. I would say the one big change that would help if possible is having the passenger side seat on a swivel and maybe adding a pull out table similar in style to those trays on commercial airplanes for your laptop. The passenger seat could be like a "computer gaming chair" in a way because of its design.

[@lennyp4782]

Seriously dude😒. You don't even have to get out anymore🤨. There are hundreds better. Stop being so humorous 🤪

[@patrickgrady7505]

​@@lennyp4782 lol so we agree that you are mentally challenged then.

[@donaldteuber8588]

A good example of.. The wisdom of simplicity . The luxury of efficiency. In addition, it appears to be just another well maintained minivan. In todays world there is great wisdom in being inconspicuous.

[@carolynkey876]

I’ve never seen a cleaner van!!! Wonderful build!! I’d love to do the same someday!

[@dogsbyfire]

Fantastic job! This will help me so much with my own build. I really appreciate your taking the time to post this.

[@gearheadgregwi]

Our 2004 has been from Wisconsin to Florida three times without a hiccup. Our 20 year old is doing his darnedest to destroy now. Hasn't changed oil in 7 months, etc. Sad to see a great car abused because it's "old". Honda's are eternal with basic maintenance. We own two Odyssey and two Pilots.

[@Hylan_]

When that 20 year old buys their own car they will regret not taking care of it

[@gearheadgregwi]

@@Hylan_ it's non-car person logic. "It's newer, so it must be more reliable." No... cars are cars. OWNERS are reliable.

[@Vasilyevich05]

You never had any transmission problems?

[@gearheadgregwi]

@@Vasilyevich05 nope. Nothing.

[@larryc1616]

Honda Odyssey are notorious for bad transmissions. Other than that the are pretty reliable and durable.

[@laurahouck5435]

Great functional build! Also loving your scenic window covers and burnout design on cabinets.

[@DottieStanley]

Your buildout is really efficient and beautiful. The wood burning effect and the sink cabinet section are very unique. I love what you did with the window covers. Very inspiring! I want to copycat you! That's flattery!

[@aedanmarcus3253]

My odyssey runs great despite my 200 mile daily commute. I change my oil every month or 3500 miles. Other than that, just keeping up with the rest of the basic maintenance. 180,000 miles on the clock and still runs great. Doesnt leak or burn a drop of oil. I cant afford to move out from my parents so I've been thinking of building the van into a camper so I can cut a few hundred miles off my commute each week. This setup looks absolutely killer and I'll definitely be using it as a reference

[@judielise]

Really enjoyed this. It was like the life of the van story. I loved the jazzy music and you have a cool voice which was really relaxing. Hope you are enjoying your new travels and thanks for sharing!

[@ElisaHall-v5m]

Wow, it seems like the things that are drivIng me nuts with this and other similar videos are actually what people enjoy... The story part... I'm looking everywhere for a strictly pictures and instructional situation... I guess when your already in a van full time and you just want the build over and done with it's a different situation....nice work btw

[@shevy5000]

I recently started building a Chevy Express, and I’m documenting the build this time. Should have a vid tutorial of the floor posted in a few weeks I actually don’t like watching ppl’s stories either. I only posted my own so I could have it documented for myself to watch in the future

[@Vickyplaits]

Love the window screens - always thought it was a missed opportunity to add a bit of joy to van interiors.

[@sheilajoseph9953]

Thankyou for sharing, it's surprising what can fin in a small space. You have all you need. Love your covers for windows. It's given me ideas that I don't need a big van.

[@explorer8125]

I love this build and love Hondas and I would try to do this but I have a bad back and constantly bending over messes with it, so I had been looking at vans like the ford econoline or Chevy and the hightop vans. Ended up finding the perfect hightop ford econoline with low miles which is rare for the age, only to be $1,000 short of having the money. And now nothing will ever look as good of a deal as that van… 😭 I could even stand straight up in it which was a great plus, and it came with a battery inverter and converter and bed frame storage box and flooring done… work I would not have been able to do myself… it was my dream van at a cheap price… The only hope I have now is to sell my old car for the money before it sells… if this deal had been around a few months ago I would’ve had the money… this was my last ditch effort to spend my savings on my dream instead of things I hate like my bills ha before long I won’t have anything. I’m planning on getting a second job just to be able to break even each month and maybe save a little… I’d love to do something like this but I’d have to find one cheap cheap or trade my primary car for it and this Honda set up would work for a while but would eventually aggravate my back especially if I ended up living in it… but I do LOVE the reliability of the Honda…

[@malikaeastonAllahfirstanfamily]

Really nice window cover great design. Love your style and sleep set up and kitchen, comfortable home well thought out. Cozy, peaceful scenery while traveling. Enjoy video and know who owns van appreciate it. Best of wishes in you’re travels in life 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾😊

[@giovannifunaro5408]

I loved the layout. Very wise. Lots of storage. And the sink with the water on both sides. You are smart.

[@teapsan8850]

One of the best I've seen. I have 2004 odyssey lx with 260k miles.

[@kolayotadventures6789]

Sad ending 😢 just like what I did to my odyssey, I sold my odyssey coz was getting to old, now I miss having a van to go car camping and car fulling around 😂… thanks for sharing your van story

[@Cjs_Travelin_Van-Na]

You sold it? You broke my heart! After 39 minutes, I was so invested. What's next? lol

[@shevy5000]

@@Cjs_Travelin_Van-Na I’m currently building another one! kzbin.info/www/bejne/fqunmqRqrrB6hLM

[@Eric31297]

I have a 2012 fully loaded honda odyssey just hit 63,000 miles family owned before me still love the van won't get rid of it anytime soon.

[@Kenny3332]

Thank you ! Ben . I had 2015 Odyssey , still have transmission problem , that's why I like to know. Good luck to your adventure . 🙏

[@ktk2094]

Nice set-up. Good job. Regarding your beautiful window coverings. I'm not sure if it would work for you but I've seen that some people put netting on their ceiling and store them there.

[@adrianawestbrook7296]

I have this same van and man I love this! I wish I was good at woodworking because this would work perfectly for me!

[@BluDawg]

Thank You for taking the time to share your story and build , it’s really nice 😊

[@nomorebsforme]

You have done a fantastic job, really making use of the space with your needs in mind. My Element has similar mileage bought it new...its the most reliable car Of my others much newer..Wish Honda would make them like they used to....

[@mikes4352]

Great lite weight design. Very functional without all the unnecessary cabinets (weight). Thanks for sharing.

[@mannys4036]

I mean this when I say it; this is the best minvan build I've ever seen or heard. I loved every bit of it and learn a great deal. Besides having a great speaking voice, you spoke so clearly I understood every word snd that enabled me to learn all the details. I don't know where to begin but I loved the window coverings. Did you make them? A video alone on that would be very helpful to many; they were beautful with amazing scenery. The bed cusions; did you make them or buy them? I love the versatility of that arrangement. What I loved is that it did not seem cramped; you made the space contour to your needs. I could go on and on but I found this build is something I would emulate. Did you have any power?

[@shevy5000]

Wow thanks a lot - I did make the window covers, reflectix covered with felt (glue gun to attach). Then glued some patterned fleece on one side - bed cushions were a trifold bed off Amazon that I cut lengthwise, and then I paid a guy to upholster them for me - I didn’t have any power, I just had an inverter that plugged into the cigarette lighter to charge my laptop etc when I was driving. I also had a 26,756 mAh power bank with 120v outlets, which I charged at work or while driving

[@edgardomautone2565]

🎉

[@sarahgupton2552]

I love the non electric aspect. I would use batter powered things as much as possible that didn’t require complicated recharging.

[@mcch1n]

rechargeable batteries are better for the environment so use those if you can

[@darrellfort1668]

vanlife4ever!

[@livurelife]

Nice set up for a minivan. Love all the woodwork and you have great storage space.

[@yourtruckerfriend1584]

I really appreciate your style ! You're very soothing to listen to as well. Love love love the artwork! Ive been wondering if I could fit in this model and seeing how tall you are helps me know more . Thank you for sharing your space with us!

[@Hespect]

Honda odyssey is a nice car. I bought it for $1000 on Copart with one owner and 100k mileage. I’m using it like a camper too. But I didn’t do special things, just removed seats, put a mattress, and bought several boxes. It is a good for overnight sleeping everywhere. By the way, I was Mazda owner too, but I had Mazda rx-8. I traveled on it in Europe.

[@sandeedobberstine5591]

What a happy accident with the wood strips on the bottom of the cabinet doors. Awesome! Will definitely use that idea.👍 Thanks for the tour!

[@briancloris815]

Hi Sandy! I noticed your last name. My name is Cloris Dubblestein. We may be related somehow?? My husband and i just bought a Honda Odyssey and plan to make it into a traveling van!!

[@poerava]

This vid is beautifully put together. Thank you.

[@user-jy5dw5ey6z]

Great job bro. I know you're happy. 👍🙏☝️

[@highlightoftheday7058]

Love your bed/settee. This is the design ( there about) I'll be using for mine. Thank you for sharing.

[@nancygee3137]

I like your back ground music~ very pleasant video

[@mcch1n]

Area for the umbrella is a nice touch

[@MyShyCats]

Nice build and nice music choices!

[@Curious_Skeptic]

Was it really worth gutting the van? Seems like you could leave the existing in place, run any wires/plumbing under the floor just the same without the demo work. If you change your mind, you can always put the van back to original. Plus, it's a lot quieter with the original sound proofing/insulation I'd imagine? Great video though. You saved me so much work knowing that I'm not going to strip the van down. :)

[@shevy5000]

No need to strip the van, but it was kinda fun to do. But it did lead to more work and not reversible like you said I did like attaching the floor directly to the metal but again not necessary. Doesn’t even need a floor, the factory carpet works fine too Good luck w your build :)

[@charlottewilson4680]

Love this built. Especially like the bed.

[@LAYERSOFLIFE24]

Good job man! Way to go ! 🎥🏕🚙

[@tomtafola4518]

Nice set It up very interested i am in the proceso on doing a van covertion i love your setup

[@ButterfatFarms]

Freakin' Mr. Rogers here with the jazzy music... is this KZbin or PBS? 😂

[@DtFaithTn1]

Very nice. I like how you wisely used the spacious for all those cabins. How long does it take for you to build this project? And may I ask the estimation of how much did it cost for you to build? Because I'm planning to convert mine minivan into campervan as well. TIA.

[@shevy5000]

Thanks - it took about 2-3 wks of working on it most days to finish the majority of it. A lot of that time was spent planning. It maybe cost around $2k

[@DtFaithTn1]

@shevy5000 wow, that is not too bad. Thank you for your reply.

[@doughankins3996]

Man. What a great build!!

[@johnpavon799]

Great Build, Like the Design & Artwork!

[@nancypettet1515]

My rig is simple too and hwy one is my favorite road in America.

[@angelabraggs7614]

I love your van house

[@missmajestic2158]

Van looks pretty good.👍

[@jennynae]

Hi! I have been searching and looking at minivan builds specifically for months! I LOVEEEE how the sink has the back out to one side, easy access for water containers. Great idea! I like how the little storage is behind the bed at the windows. Also with the sink and counter area where it is, I can OPEN the side door and enjoy it open for the afternoon or whatnot. MORE storage UNDER the bed as well! This is probably the closest to regular size Van Build I have seen! It’s perfect for exactly what I want! Thank you so much! Do you have blueprints for the build? New sub! 😊

[@jennynae]

I wonder if I could just use a stick support to help with those open top cabinets as table tops..

[@shevy5000]

@@jennynae ya I’ve seen others use a fold out leg (or two) to support a table. No blueprints sry

[@meridethhendry5733]

Cool build! Enjoy!

[@freespirit1975]

Very cool build. What do you do if you have a flat tire? The spare is covered up. Velcro has two sides: one side is called "hooks" and the other is called "loops." Not sure which is which, I think the plasticy rough side that attached to your felt was probably the hooks.

[@kingfreedom1863]

Great setup. Easy efficient.

[@nancypettet1515]

Nice jazz music and well done

[@sarahgupton2552]

I think your design is one of the best I’ve seen. Heat and A/C? How is the countertop made?

[@shevy5000]

Thanks! Yes heat and a/c worked normally for the front of the van. The vents in the back were disconnected when I did the build (it was part of the equipment that I removed when I stripped the rear of the van) The countertop is an actual countertop that I bought from ikea and cut to the size/shape that I wanted. I attached it to the top of the cabinets with screws. It was very solid and never came loose which was nice. I was gonna use glue as well but wanted to have the option of removing it without breaking it..the screws alone ended up working out great

[@franciscoamaya2945]

Very nice thank you for sharing

[@marycategolden6251]

This is really great! I want to do something similar!

[@dwcc789]

Great build!

[@hseanny]

Really really nice bro. good job. very creative you should get into a business but don't go crazy on pricing like the RV people.

[@haryoajinugroho7609]

Nice

[@harryenright7939]

I see this vid is older and maybe you've solved a storage problem to get shades out of the way between seats. How about u take the handgrip on back of drivers seat off. Devise some type of holder for your window shades standing long ways up. Could even utilize the two screw locations from the grip to install something sturdy or just bungee them in place to a hook on the sink cabinet.

[@shevy5000]

I sold the van a while ago but that's a good idea having them upright in that spot so they don't hang over into the living space

[@angelabraggs7614]

I love this set ip

[@kathryntaylor4608]

Did you make the window coverings. Great. Your van is very nice. And good mileage. Do you work part-time? Thanks for your video.

[@marzzb3784]

Nice build. Are you going to build another one day? 🙏 Safe Travels..

[@shevy5000]

Yes, I’ve already started. I’ll post vids of the build soon. It’s a 2016 Chevy express :)

[@thinker2328]

Sick dude

[@piya072]

Very nice 👍 thank you for your video

[@maxchau8558]

Great work! I have an 2008 Odyssey ... what are the dimensions of the shelf and countertop? thanks,

[@shevy5000]

Ty! Unfortunately I don’t know the dimensions and I don’t have the van anymore to measure..

[@maxchau8558]

@@shevy5000 understood. what is the width of the bed when fully extended?

[@shevy5000]

@@maxchau8558 It was the size of a standard twin bed when pulled out, so 38” wide. It was one of those twin tri-fold mattresses that I used and designed the bed frame around. I cut the mattress length wise as you can see, and had someone make the blue covers for the pieces so it would be like two long pieces

[@maxchau8558]

@@shevy5000 thank you very much. this is the info I need to exactly!

[@jaynewarriner7214]

What you said, and how you build out your van, but recording video was hard to hear you over the music playing and your mike was so strong that it every time you did an S sound or something along those lines it would kind of come forth sound so I thought if that was going on for me I want somebody to tell me, so I just figured you might want to adjust some of those things and make it more pleasurable to listen to.

[@GlamorGrowthTravelwithMica]

I suggest you blackout all license plate for all cars. Just a suggestion.

[@dee6816]

Did the van sell significantly more because of the build? I am contemplating whether or not I should remove this plastic sidewalls. Did their removal provide you significantly more space? If you were to build another minivan, would you remove the side walls again?

[@shevy5000]

I think this particular van sold for more because of the build (not always the case though). It sold for $3,800. Without the build I could have sold it for maybe 2.5-3k? I’m not sure the removal of panels provided me much more space, but I liked being able to build my floor onto the metal floor, and it was fun stripping it down Not sure if I’d remove the panels again if I built another one. May not be worth the time. But it would depend on what I’m trying to do with the build and whether I want the last bit of extra space or customization

[@Purpleroses]

That's Fantastic. Simple But Mad Space. What Are Your Demensions Of The Bed/Couch And Cabinet. Did You Build Yourself. OUTSTANDING. I LOVE IT.

[@lorrainericardo8680]

beautiful

[@peterfrancisquinijr.7478]

Thanks for the content. One question: Why are you whispering?

[@jacquelineg3987]

Very cool!

[@heathershaffer9731]

How wide is counter, bed in couch mode ? looks great.

[@sandeedobberstine5591]

That would be great to know 😊 Love this build!

[@shevy5000]

Ah I don’t recall, and I don’t have it anymore to take measurements sry. Bed in couch mode is maybe 24-28”?

[@shonda___]

What did you use to glue or stick the fabric to the reflectix? Also are the edges or the covers taped or stitched. Thanks and love the inside mountain pics on the covers. Mine will be polka dots lol

[@shevy5000]

I used a glue gun. The edges of the black felt are folded over the reflectix and glue gunned in place. The edges of the patterned felt are just folded in on themselves and glue gunned in place But if I did it again I’d use a heavier duty glue bc I had a couple corners come unglued a bit. Gorilla glue is prolly overkill but I’d maybe use that bc I know it wouldn’t come undone

[@shonda___]

@@shevy5000 thank you so much for the exclamation and yes it does make sense. I used a spray adhesive, but I’m not sure it’s the right one because I didn’t buy the one for fabric. So guess it’s off to the drawing board again well maybe ha ha ha anyway stay safe.

[@shevy5000]

Good luck. I think many ppl do use some kinda spray adhesive. Whatever you use, make sure it’s good for high temps. Those covers get rly hot on a sunny morning so you want glue that won’t melt/lose it’s hold in high temps

[@shonda___]

@@shevy5000 yes already seen that. Ughhh but thank you for posting.

[@Fenerbahce_1899]

nice setup

[@Earthgal1964]

Nice!

[@luthfi_pranata]

Wow very nice

[@johntran9131]

Good set up. How do you get the spare tire out in the event of a flat during your trip?

[@shevy5000]

No spare tire actually, I decided to rely on aaa instead. Not that I’d recommend that but..it’s what I did

[@gabrielreed6638]

Is there any engine transmissions and problems I mean breakdowns yes or no?

[@shevy5000]

This gen odyssey (99-05) is known for having transmission issues. The trans was replaced on this car early on and it didn’t have any trans issues since. No actual engine issues. The alternator had to be replace once which left me stranded but I was close to my buddy’s place so I had it towed there and fixed it in his driveway. I had to replace a coil pack here and there - when one would go it would cause the car to misfire but I could still drive it a bit so it wasn’t a big issue, and those take like 10 min to replace

[@Inventor254]

Nice review, how much did it cost, come build one for me

[@shevy5000]

Thanks - it was maybe like $3k in materials? If you actually want me to build something for you send me an email: [e-mail]

[@ke-jetronikkyrgyzstan5927]

Nice job. My car too odyssey!

[@eugeniamuniz9844]

Where did you got that window cover?

[@epicrideswithg8820]

Sick bro

[@mollyhigham3460]

Would you build for anyone else’s vehicle

[@ATMscooters]

Hows this van handle in the snow?

[@shevy5000]

With snow tires it handled very well imo. With just all seasons it was pretty slippery in snow, but with all seasons and chains it was quite good I used all seasons with chains for a few seasons and it worked fine. Last winter I used snow tires and it was great

[@Why_Not_travel]

❤

[@canucknuckle79]

Do you have specs for the build? Great work

[@shevy5000]

Thx, what kind of specs are you looking for? I don’t have anything written/drawn out, but if you wanted to know how something was done I can try to describe it

[@canucknuckle79]

@@shevy5000 ok wow you did this kind of free hand. Amazing work. I may fire you a question when I start my build.

[@shevy5000]

⁠​Sounds good. Yes I built the bed to the size I wanted first, and then designed the rest of it around that based on how much space I had

[@eugeniamuniz9844]

Excelente video thanks 😊👍 where Did you get those shadow windows?

[@shevy5000]

I made them. I describe it at 25:55

[@eugeniamuniz9844]

@@shevy5000 thank youuu for answer my question, I tried it several times with out success. Some time are to big or to small. I try to measure from inside out side, I'm different way 🙂 and nothing.. Thank youuu anyway my best wishes for you .. Have fun and enjoy life 😂😂

[@Kenny3332]

Looks great, How many miles on the van now ? do you did anything of the engine. any problem on engine accessary ?

[@benwoodard6851]

This generation of odyssey has a high rate of transmission failure. The transition itself is not that bad however they used way to small of a radiator to cool the fluid. $35 you can get a small radiator with hoses. Connect inline with the existing one.

[@johnfitbyfaithnet]

@@benwoodard6851 great tip

[@benwoodard6851]

@@johnfitbyfaithnet thanks, friend. Might save some one a costly repair. My 04 Odyssey has 253k on the motor and transmission. 😀

[@mayramarrero1218]

Quiet a change of vehicle

[@myhomeonwheels0513]

Are you near minnesota?

[@shevy5000]

No I’m out of the country for now, but beforehand I was in CA

[@vikki92411]

Nice 😊

[@josephineespejo4387]

where are can you fix my van like this.....name your price

[@billstillman8359]

make the doors sliding one over the other -they don't take up room -