3 Unique Minivan Sink and Grey Water Ideas to Make Van Life and Camping More Enjoyable!

[@minivancampergal1554]

To see everything I use in my van, go to www.minivancampergal.com!

[@Norwottuck413]

Thanks for your video, it helped me work through some design modifications to make a camp sink for my large camp group

[@TheSharlethaG]

I love the simplicity and function! Thanks for sharing ❤

[@gjyalpha]

People who don't do car camping or living can't really understand that amazing feeling of finding your perspective solution of a small detail requirement after several trials and errors.

[@minivancampergal1554]

Haha, yes it’s so satisfying! I’m glad I have a community that can appreciate it!

[@Purpleeye600]

I don't do car camping but I relate very well I understand I think you don't understand😅

[@ChiqueChiing]

I actually just use bottles of water to wash my hair anymore..i just do it out in the open wherever i am in nature/sumtimes public parks, at camping sites they sumtimes have water pumps/hose hookups that u can bend over to wash ur hair underneath i like this since i dnt have to do so much ...and for the rest of ur body... wash cloth baths are necessary 💯 and essential 💯, 💯. And car living u just gotta find a private place to do all this or do it behind closed doors [literally] gotta love tinted backseats ...along with 'ho baths' which is washing ur private parts while u use the bathroom in a toilet... which I also use a water bottle to do so....its really the same thing as washing ur private parts in the shower, also I adopted this method from my college roommate who was Muslim, and would always have a pitcher of water drawn over by the toilet. ...and after using the bathroom, especially this way, wash ur hands very, very well with soap as to not be a nasty/ indecent fn person Lol This is what has worked for me. I do appreciate your new sink! I may have to make sumthing similar, but I want to have a pump instead of having to rely on electricity

[@Foostrader]

Looks great! I use a 3 gallon bucket with holes in it. It fits inside the five gallon bucket. It’s deeper so you can wash bigger items even clothes. Not as classy or drainy as the stainless bowl but pretty functional.

[@minivancampergal1554]

WOAH, that’s a great idea John! I love it.

[@4pattiw]

Great idea 😮

[@theartistjodievans]

Great idea

[@plantstho6599]

In theory, you could use a heat gun to warm up the plastic on the bottom and then shove a mixing bowl or basket ball to bend it into more of a bowl/sink shape. Haven't tested it, but seems like it would work.

[@Just..Me..]

Thank you !

[@davethedoginist]

I love that you smile when you talk.

[@minivancampergal1554]

Thank you!

[@777sgiles]

I hope this isn’t redundant, but I didn’t go through all 258 comments to be sure. Here goes. Perhaps instead of the wooden platform for the pump, you can hang a cup holder? Can cut a slot to allow for the hose. Any way, I’m doing a camper van build and I definitely appreciate all your wonderful ideas and trials.

[@minivancampergal1554]

Ooh, thanks! That’s a unique idea! I’ll look into it!

[@steveanton763]

That's a great idea. Thank you. You just solved my problem. I want a USB tap for my pull out sink this will work perfectly. ❤

[@toopshigher4037]

Could do it super cheap with just a round plastic container that would fit the tap. Cut a line and hole for the water tube and just glue it on to the side of the bucket. You could even just hot glue some magnets on the side and the you could mount it anywhere you have metal.

[@mfb6310]

That would be easy enought to heat up and mold as needed, too!

[@SarahWRah]

Clever Ideas! And let me add my solution for a sink. Auto supply stores carry several types of inexpensive PORTABLE OIL DRAIN PANS that hold 5 to 12 quarts. The top has a shallow depression with a twist plug that drains into an enclosed cavity below that is emptied by a side twist plug. The shallow depression works for light needs. Add a bowl when you need a deeper catchment, and pour the waste water into the shallow depression. Disposal is super easy with no splashing by twisting the plugs closed to carry the pan outside.

[@karenolsen5302]

Yes,my thought also. Easy to carry with the built in handle. And cheap if you get one of the black ones. Gray water contained so little odor.

[@mfb6310]

Hmm. Yes. But might that not be a bit harder to sanitize though, after a while?

[@SarahWRah]

@@mfb6310 The oil change receptacle I use holds about 2 gallons. I empty and clean it after every use, usually with vinegar or OxiClean.

[@oksanacrane8644]

Your videos provide very practical, simple, cute, clean and logical approach!👍😊 Excellent job!🫶 God bless and stay safe, dear! 🌷

[@vegansinthewildover5023]

I am in awe of your mechanical skills. Well done!

[@nanasofia]

Creative and practical 😊

[@minivancampergal1554]

Thanks!

[@BohoBlueVan]

Great sink ideas. The bucket is great!

[@LadydogC]

Get a plastic watercup that holds the water pump. You can cut out the bottom for the hose and attach the cup to the bucket with just about anything,screw it, 2 sided tape, magnets or a rubber band all around the top.

[@bigrobsvan]

I bought that same USB faucet -- it just seemed like the simplest/best solution. I haven't built out my sink area yet but I like the idea of magnets holding it in place. Great job on your many versions!

[@minivancampergal1554]

Thank you! Glad you like your faucet too. Thanks for watching, and good luck on your sink!

[@topofhelist6592]

Pump sprayer for efficient water solution washes dishes very economically also showers save lots of water and still get the job done

[@lilyandrose8557]

The Annette Benning of van life 😊

[@JeffCooper-bb5rs]

I really like the mixing bowel in the bucket!

[@shepatown]

I like it! That USB powered faucet is a game changer - IMO.

[@differentbuthappy5791]

I love the realistic feeling of the process of making something from what you got to what you need. I identify a lot with this process of thinking (simple and efficient) and inspires me to go back to building stuff for our car. Thanks for sharing and keep it coming!

[@DouglasBrandon]

You are pretty creative and witty with your designs.... really cool!😊

[@lisahart4720]

Try a hole saw the size of the pump to make a groove for it to set in. That might firm it up more

[@jerseydevil7895]

" I use an Ozark Trails collapsible sink ( Walmart $ 9.97, 12" x12" x 3.75" / 7.87" expanded, with built in plug / strainer) that fits perfectly inside a square 5 gallon bucket, with removable handle,( Lowes, Hefty 9.97). Still figuring attachment of USB faucet. Super stable, flat sides for space saving and lockable lid for other uses. If you use a 5 gallon or less clean water source, you can't overfill the grey water bucket. "

[@minivancampergal1554]

Ooh, great tips and ideas, thank you!

[@madsxolotl378]

I would just like to say that all of your ideas were absolutely genius

[@morphergaming0531]

I like how the bucket style lowers the center of gravity which has to be more stable than your previous attempts. Thank you for sharing this concept as I'm currently working through my plans

[@minivancampergal1554]

Thank you! Yes, it continues to work quite well. Good luck on your build!

[@dawnaniemeyer3037]

I am silly for this but I was 100% answering your questions, like a 9 y/o watching reading rainbow as you went through this video but then I was yelling “use fire hydrant Velcro!” Nearish the end at the part of the videos when you were trying to take care of the pump b/ securing it, even thoug h I see that you did figure on something -I still wanted to recommend what I was hollering about, one of my favorite solutions, I think you’ll like this and could use it in the future maybe?! thanks for sharing the journey too. Just remember for the next modification, in the craft section and or the garage stuff building section of nearly any store you can buy this heavenly hefty for heavyweight stuff Velcro. It could hang a tv this stuff could it’s amazing for this van builder life style. A little steep on the $ for it but it’s sturdy and flexible for what the heck you may need it for making it worth it. Thought I’d mention it for future adventures and stuff. Cheers!!! 😅

[@minivancampergal1554]

Haha, that’s funny. Thanks for the recommendation!

[@4yellowwolf]

I’ve gone through a series of sink myself and most didn’t work out well. Mainly because of the amount of water that spills or that smells. In a small space, I found it better to dispose of gray water as soon as possible. and And to help minimize spills, gray water needs to be kept in an enclosed container. Just my experience! Good Luck 🍀

[@minivancampergal1554]

Yeah, I agree! My bucket sink works the best because the water I use doesn't come close to 5 gallons, so the level stays pretty low. And the sink with the rubber bungee seals it up pretty well. What's the saying - Don't ask me how I know? Haha.

[@sherryduncan7968]

You could just pull the bowl out and add a Menards bucket lid to the top. I think I'd dump it right away and store everything in the bucket with the lid when not in use. Still clever all the same though!

[@sandeec6381]

This is awesome. I camped with a small trailer that was a box on wheels for 10 years. I never really figured out the sink part. I would use CleanWaste bags that took water and congealed it so I could throw it away at the next trash can. Now I know how to do the sink for my next camper. Although I think I will use the larger CleanWaste bags for the bucket to keep the bucket clean.

[@uffda]

Glad she’s so resourceful. Great ideas. Would a simple home water hose and adjustable sprayer handle attachment like the ones used to water a garden or hose down a driveway work - that way she can pull it out the door as well for washing her hair and hang it on a hook near a 5 gallon container for indoor use. The water pressure on a sprayer is adjustable. The bowl doesn’t seem deep enough for hair washing or washing dishes and the faucet isn’t tall enough. But if the hose is removable from a sprayer by simply screwing it off and also the the rear water supply she can also screw the hose to a campground water supply to refill and for other water needs such as rinsing off shoes outdoors - that way she doesn’t use up her 15 gallon water supply. I’d also recommend a small solar panel for the rear water supply to keep the water warm - if even just a window pane above the storage tank. .

[@minivancampergal1554]

Hey Bonnie! Thanks for the suggestions! I have a video coming out soon about a new way to shower in the van! I do have a hose that I use to refill my water jugs. Most of the time I camp in the wilderness without water hookups.

[@JohnDoe-fu4qd]

it's always the little things that bring satisfaction

[@crashjump1849]

I having been using the USB rechargeable faucet on a 3 gallon water bottle from Walmart for the last few years but your idea of using a stainless bowl insde the 5gal bucket will be a upgrade for me👍 thank you for sharing. 🎉

[@baz7055]

Brilliant

[@Swimdeep]

Nicely done. I think I would strap the pump directly to the bucket with an adjustable metal strap instead of the shelf. For me, the fewer parts, the better.

[@cheffie521]

Space in my van is at a premium so pI keep two collapsible sinks in my Transit connect. One sink for personally wahing and one for dishes and utility. I just fill with water and wash whatever I need to wash, then toss out when I'm done. The sinks are collapsible so it's easily stored. Generally I try to do any kind of washing outside but sometimes that's not possible. Works great inside or outside.

[@daralingram]

Love it! You are so joyful! Success = gratification

[@sailingeden9866]

That is a good setup. I have the same pump. I mounted it to the top of my top loading refrigerator using magnets and ran the hose inside thru a hole and into a 1-gallon water jug. Now I just push a button and get ice cold drinking water without having to open the lid or use water bottles. I have been washing dishes using two spray bottles. One has water and dish soap, and the other just plain water. I wipe off my dirty dishes with paper towels, then squirt it with my soapy water mix, and then scrub it with a green pad, they rinse it with the clean water spray bottle. I found it to be easier than traditional dishwashing and only uses a tiny amount of water. I use the spray bottles to wash and rinse my hands, and to wet and clean my toothbrush. I highly recommend using spray bottles.

[@minivancampergal1554]

Ooh, I like this dishwashing idea!!

[@sailingeden9866]

@@minivancampergal1554 With one gallon of water, I can wash dishes for about two weeks. Depending on how long you boondock, you could probably get rid of one of your five gallon jugs, and re-purpose that space for other things.

[@kdel45]

Thank you for sharing your field tests! I am in the process of researching and acquiring the items I will need for the no-build conversion of my Sienna, and this really helps. I like your super speedy wood working montages, too! :). Fun to watch.

[@minivancampergal1554]

Hey Kelly! Ah yes, I researched so much when I was first building mine out! I tried and failed at quite a few builds too. It's so fun creating something that is absolutely perfect for you. (Well, once you get it right!) I hope you enjoy you van once you get into it, and thanks for watching!

[@WanderingWithWanda]

I have yet to come up with a running water or sink idea that works for my situation in my minivan.

[@SimoneNC]

Perfect for outside

[@minivancampergal1554]

Yes, you could totally take it right outside.

[@cocacolafiesta]

Ingenious! Thanks for sharing all your experiments that are very useful!

[@minivancampergal1554]

Thank you!

[@VanityBitty]

Clever sink solution! I struggled a bit with mine as I didn’t want to cut a hole in the cabinet for the sink, had to come up with a solution to raise it to allow for drain. I love how you just drilled holes in the bowl and made that the drain directly into a bucket! The use of the rubber bungie for a snug fit, all of it. It reminds me of me and my “ridiculous contraptions” that I seem to always be forced to come up with. Good job! Love it when something works perfectly for the situation.

[@HiSpeedDrifter]

Lowe's blue buckets look nice.

[@tasaneesomintr871]

So cute

[@Wastelander13]

Great job. 👍👍👍

[@kbeautician]

Thanks. Will try this first.

[@minivancampergal1554]

Good luck!

[@cherylperkins7538]

Great. Sharp lady.

[@BrigitteGoodman]

I do have exactly that USB-pump. I love it.

[@RebeccaTreeseed]

Sheesh, I got bumped out and had to search for you so I could subscribe. I have the parts, so I am going to make a sink. I pick up ANY stainless bowl at the thrift store. About $3. I use them for everything, after I fell off a roof, I drop things, and stainless survives that and sooo lightweight. Thanks for the pump links.

[@minivancampergal1554]

Hey Janet, thanks for finding me again! Yeah, I’m really loving it so far. Good luck on your construction!

[@nubiasilva2449]

Thank you for your video ❤❤❤❤❤

[@minivancampergal1554]

Thanks for watching!

[@AutoMotivate]

Thats pretty awesome, love it

[@phfreshvintagecollections6046]

------love that you're super down-to-earth about repurposing items without it being cute to have it----so me appreciate you being relatable. Me enjoy that your content isn't "Instagram-ish perfect" or look like a Rich person could only have it. Malave' Contreras Sunday the 4th of June of 2023.

[@minivancampergal1554]

Thank you! Sometimes I wonder if I'm a little too down-to-earth, haha, and maybe I should spruce things up. I really appreciate your comment! Thanks for watching!

[@CaravanCarolyn]

LOVED that last one.

[@minivancampergal1554]

Thank you!

[@flowersafeheart]

Brilliant. Thank you so much! Was about to say for aesthetics, with the right cleaning, scuff sanding, priming, paint, and clear top coat could make bucket look any color/finish you want...but then saw you got it covered. Stainless steel is an excellent material for sinks. I once did a deep-dive on researching sinks abd stainless steel was the affordable but sanitizable one I liked best even if I find other metals prettier. Excess water may splash so im wondering about some sorta basin Now Im curious to hear your toilet ideas and more...

[@flowersafeheart]

Cont....was saying so I wonder about some basin or bin to stand the sink in. And washcloth hanger nearby or right on sink. Maybe a larger version of the sink too if ever needed like for larger dish load or soaking feet or washing hair or washing small pet etc. Stowed away when not needed. Uses same faucet.

[@minivancampergal1554]

Ooh thanks, yeah those are interesting ideas!

[@mehameha4453]

Thanks for showing us this pump. Thanks for sharing your inventions. I believe you have helped many avoid issues with your “smart sink”.

[@minivancampergal1554]

Thank you!

[@strawberryroad1347]

I haven't even thought about this.. I actually have 2 of those taps (because I ordered the wrong colour, so I decided to get another one too)😅 I had a trip this summer, and after that, I ripped everything out, and are starting new. I had the sofa -bed, but I need the space, so are going to have a fold down hammock like bed instead.. 😊

[@minivancampergal1554]

Ooh a hammock bed, that sounds awesome!

[@CitizenCWQ]

I need to hear more about the fold down hammock ...😊

[@strawberryroad1347]

@@CitizenCWQ I wasn't able to figure it out, so I had to just make a Murphy bed solution. But now, coming back from my 2 month trip, I'm thinking of redoing the whole interior, so I don't have to deal with the seat every time I use the bed, and can have some more headspace. I think it will be great, you can see updates on my channel in a couple of months. 😊

[@strawberryroad1347]

@@minivancampergal1554 Yes, I just wasn't able to figure it out, so I ended up with a Murphy bed solution instead. 😅

[@marks-0-0]

Well done thats my kind of cheap but suprer functional solution

[@minivancampergal1554]

Thanks Mark!

[@MR3JA4Y]

absolutely love the bucket idea.. Can i suggest a black bucket, black pvc piping with a diameter that allows for the tap pump to sit in snug and metal strap to keep the pvc plumbing down the side of the black bucket to stay in tack.. it will look solid and you could possibly run a drain off the bucket with a side tap that runs tubing to under your car for water to be drained too..

[@minivancampergal1554]

Ooh, thanks for the idea! Yes, a drain tube would be very handy.

[@susananderson9619]

I'm very easily made nauseous by any motion and I don't know what the dude is talking about. I didn't find your video any crazy motions. I really liked your ideas and it will help me enormously in a few months . I'll be living in a car or van again,myself.Last time ,I was living in a 2005 Mazda 6s with a 3.0 engine.

[@minivancampergal1554]

Haha, thanks Susan! Good luck with your transition! I used to have a Mazda 3- I didn’t camp in it, but I loved it. They’re great cars!

[@cherylroumillat3660]

😊 Thankyou Darling..🦋

[@minivancampergal1554]

Thanks Cheryl!

[@lamarrharding4776]

I bought a 12 volt pump with a pressure switch, male and female garden hose ends, two short garden hoses, and a hand trigger spray nozzle. It works much better than an aquabot on a Nalgene bottle. The intake hose can go in a 5 gallon water container or a large tea kettle for taking a quick shower, washing dishes, hands, or pets.

[@hippieHawk]

Make a video, I want to see what you are talking about, cause I can't visualize it.

[@dtlastraightahead2133]

Perseverance pays off

[@minivancampergal1554]

Yes, this has definitely been a great teacher for that!

[@docwilson5384]

Minivan Camper Gal you are a genius..Peace

[@minivancampergal1554]

Hey Doc, haha, thank you!

[@MoBangFoYoBucks]

Love the last choice!!! 😻

[@minivancampergal1554]

Thanks!

[@a.w.thompson4001]

Thanks for this nicely-edited, well-explained, and clear exploration and how-to video. Subscribed.

[@minivancampergal1554]

Awesome, thank you!

[@happydays9613]

Glad I found your channel. I am a solo female part-time car camper. Thanks for tips and ideas 🇬🇧 when your trying to perfect and make your set up better, loss of money is involved. What works for others and your own ideas doesn't always pan out. I have been lucky, passed on things to others. Not to many failings but a few money wise. Stay blessed and safe on your travels. I have a basic sink set up. New item coming to hopefully use with it but if not can be for another two functions as a alternative.

[@minivancampergal1554]

Hey Happy! Thanks for stopping by. Good luck on your travels too!

[@joyjournal6157]

Excellent video!

[@jacquelinejensen5360]

I love your creativity & willingness to design and redesign until you got what worked best for you. I also put a pump similar to yours in my Pacifica so I have running water in my van. I think it's fun to create and work out the little bugs that make minivan life more comfortable. Thank you for sharing.

[@minivancampergal1554]

Hey Jacqueline! Thank you! Yes, there’s nothing quite like the thrill. We’re Pacifica sisters! Thanks for watching.

[@deverm00]

Thank you. Good to know for future

[@minivancampergal1554]

Hey Michelle! Glad it’s helpful!

[@rucebaybruce6174]

You’re very creative. And cute

[@MisterDusk007]

stumbled across your video, i'm so impressed with your out of the box thinking & creativity....nice work & now I'm going to binge watch the rest of your videos. Cheers from Texas :)

[@minivancampergal1554]

Hey Mister! Aw thank you. Thanks for watching!

[@sherliethompson1347]

The bucket and the stainless bowl is pretty good idea 👍.

[@missbehavinnmyminivan9117]

I think the bucket was a great idea!!

[@minivancampergal1554]

Thanks! It's been working out great so far!

[@justesaint-louis864]

Yep, very imaginative and organized... BUT YOU KNOW WHAT...You should use those qualities of yours to build yourself a work table in your 'craft shop' in your house... it would surely give you some wings and space organisation for your ideas... Anyway, very very instructive viedos. Love to ear about your 'searching path' in getting things to work bette. Thanks.

[@bigred19742003ify]

Brilliant!!!

[@minivancampergal1554]

Thank you!

[@niluferwajeeh4352]

Hello Kelly .I enjoyed watching your video. You have good ideas which are useful. Wish you the best.

[@duggydugg3937]

maybe a spout on the bottom of the bucket for emptying into a small opening.. or more stealth ? not having to pull the bowl at the dump site ?

[@kathyfann]

Thank you that was the best idea I’ve seen for my van I appreciate that😊

[@lone982]

Great video...well done

[@wendyteacher2]

Great! Also some good comments... combining ideas from everyone...7 gallon Grey water bucket, topped with 3 gallon bucket with hole drilled to fit a plug, topped with your lovely Ikea bowl. Possibly topped with 1/2 a bucket cover (don't know if it would fit over your bowl though) to serve as a counter for pump and soap.

[@minivancampergal1554]

Ooh cool! Why the two buckets though?

[@lienchase2301]

I absolutely appreciate this incredible idea!❤

[@auntyv]

I could see where you could also use a bucket with a gamma lid and a smaller bowl to sit in a hole in the top. I think I would run a bead of silicone sealant around the bowl edge, and then you'd just take off the lid to dump your grey water. Great ideas, thanks for sharing. Getting ready to build out a Subaru Legacy Outback.

[@timiglobe]

God your high and lifted up today Jesus 🙏🏽❤️❤️❤️

[@mariesonoma]

That helped me thanks. Have a fun Summer 😊

[@debmurray2734]

Brilliant. I like the small hole drain design for exactly the reasons you indicated. I have a flexible drain cover that would work to temporarily hold water in the sink when needed for soaking items and to help contain the dirty water smells.

[@widowswatch6610]

All the sinks I thought were fabulous!!! You are a genius. Good job!!!!!!

[@LibertyEducator]

Okay this is genius!

[@minivancampergal1554]

Thank you!

[@ktk2094]

All great ideas.

[@minivancampergal1554]

Thanks!

[@keyplayer5]

I like watching you troubleshoot problems. You are very creative.

[@eloyanzaldua7433]

Rite on, glad ya got it figured out, thanks

[@HelloCrystal01]

*Great sink idea! Thx for sharing.*

[@ekdaufin1485]

Great final sink!

[@kbeautician]

What about minivan toilet ideas? Please do a video on that💕

[@minivancampergal1554]

Yes, I will! I’ve done quite a bit of trial and error with that too!

[@Maryfran03]

For a toilet use a bucket & put a toilet seat on it - you can take the seat off & put the lid on it until you find a place to empty it

[@christophberenotto]

Just take the sink out of the bucket and go! Easy peasy. JK

[@nessapainter]

Brilliant! Thank you so much.

[@minivancampergal1554]

Hey Nessa! Thanks for watching!

[@JustMuah57]

Really Awesome love the bucket idea great job Im converting a bus wanting to keep it simple this give me ideas

[@minivancampergal1554]

Hey Gypsy! Ooh, a converted bus, sounds awesome. I think simple is best! Good luck with it!

[@davidjacksonjackson3212]

This vid have me smiling all the way through, I just love people who invent stuff and use inichetive to complete a task, and the presentation was clear and informative with no annoying music. I will definitely subscribe.

[@minivancampergal1554]

Hey David! Thank you! Yes, I’m loving coming up with ideas! I’ll have to start creating other problems to solve soon, now that the van is getting dialed in, lol!

[@lynnef3297]

Nice idea, using the bucket. They are very useful for many different things. Thanks for sharing your ideas and results.

[@minivancampergal1554]

Hey Lynne! Thanks for watching and commenting, it’s nice to get feedback! 🌸

[@duggydugg3937]

skillful

[@thawatchaia.7498]

Great idea,Cheap and easy way.

[@minivancampergal1554]

Glad you like it!

[@oliviabreadly8314]

You are very smart.... Thank you for sharing.

[@timmusician5060]

Thank you for this!!!! A lot of great ideas!

[@zerosk8er77]

This is a freaking brilliant and simplistic space saving idea! I just bought a whole vanity with a sink and was going to modify it to be smaller however the bucket in between the seats is just so great

[@jw7956]

Appreciate your creativity! Love building my own! Ty

[@longmelinda]

Very resourceful. Good job.

[@minivancampergal1554]

Hey Melinda! Thank you!

[@cheriemiller669]

Very smart!

[@minivancampergal1554]

Thank you!