✨️ 5 reasons a minivan is perfect for vanlife or car camping ✨️

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Learn my top five reasons for choosing a minivan as the perfect car camping or vanlife rig to go adventuring with! There are so many reasons I'm happy with my minivan camper, and I never expected a passenger vehicle so easily transition into a cozy camper to travel in. Do you agree that a minivan makes an ideal choice? If not, what would you choose? Where do you think the minivan falls short?? In the next video I'll share my 6 reasons why someone may *not* want to choose a minivan for their needs, so make sure you're subscribed with your notifications on! (because of time constraints & editing, I'm posting this a little out of the order in my previous update, but those videos are on the schedule for next week as well... I just needed a little more time. Thanks again for understanding 💚) ==== My simplest no build solo setup if you're just wanting a trial run to see if car camping is right for you kzbin.info/www/bejne/nWmamICsrMmZpq8si=Ru3aZf2JRi0GWcCg My simple 2 person setup kzbin.info/www/bejne/iaq1aIl7pbOCmpYsi=I8DnAyRFa--E-3tn ==== My setup details **As an Amazon Associate, I do earn a small commission for any qualifying purchases made using the links below, but this is at no additional cost to you, and I only recommend the items I personally use and love. Using these links is a great way to support my channel and ensure that I can continue to deliver quality future content, so thank you in advance for your support - I truly appreciate it! Product Links for Indoor & Outdoor Setup/Items Used: Jackery 240 Power Station: amzn.to/3wIiHgX Jackery 1000 Power Station: amzn.to/3lzmMyP Bluetti EB70S Power Station (800W inverter with 716Wh): amzn.to/3nhu0ft new tri-fold full size mattress: amzn.to/44PkcLe puzzle mat "wood" flooring amzn.to/4bpzNU4 salt lamp string lights amzn.to/44Oi8Tn Shower bag: amzn.to/39LSDtM Luci Light inflatable solar lantern: amzn.to/3YXvJ6U Lunatec pressurized water bottle: amzn.to/3KBgXyX macrame fruit hammock/bag: amzn.to/3lOlwLT Koonie 8" blades rechargeable USB fan with clamp: amzn.to/3lHxBCl cup holder inverter: amzn.to/41bpluz bamboo breakfast tray: amzn.to/3GiXM8Q Hot Logic Mini: amzn.to/3YD1YbV Dash Mini Maker Electric Griddle: amzn.to/413y6qF low wattage (300W) BalBali electric kettle: amzn.to/3YD96EV Aeropress coffee maker: amzn.to/3lLFKG5 handheld battery powered milk frother: amzn.to/3kat7DV mesh window screens: amzn.to/3GiXSxe magnetic window curtains: amzn.to/3G8TqAW Insulated cooler bag: amzn.to/38FK6IG ergonomic gel memory foam seat cushion: amzn.to/3wBLNjg USB LED light bulb: amzn.to/3yVudZc stained glass "rainbow" decals: - phases of the moon: amzn.to/3WBaxm9 - mandalas: amzn.to/3hJXlfF magic mesh screen doors: amzn.to/41OXq3x mosquito netting: amzn.to/44aPhrU Luci solar string lights: amzn.to/46mPF6X Mosaic solar lantern: amzn.to/3LDJpjb large storage hamper: amzn.to/3OVtO0S storage bins with bamboo lids: amzn.to/3oCcfbC chargeable hang led color change light amzn.to/41a5IUm

[@-miekeb-]

Good reasons!! Thanks and Greetings 😊👋

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Hi! Thanks so much!

[@deeplansandbudgets]

I love camping in my Mini Van. It makes me live outside which I like.

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Yes! Great point, thanks for watching!

[@Viannes_ventures_visions13]

I totally agree with you Heather! I've had over 60 vehicles in the last 50 years, my last two have been Dodge Grand caravans. And I now have a GRAY 2019 DGC. It is my daily driver and I have removed all the seats and turn it into my camping van. I recently went to Florida and back in it. I love it for so many reasons. The space and very importantly is the 360 vision. I just adore it. Thanks so much for all you share Heather, they're all really grateful. Many blessings to you. 💜🙏🥰

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Wow, you're definitely an expert in the matter! Thank you for watching, and for your comment!

[@juliehoot3916]

Thank you! I also think minivans are awesome. What utube creators have done with their minivans is amazing.

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

I agree... there are sooooo many possibilities!! Thanks for watching!

[@deborahhuckaby4623]

I have an SUV that I've camped in several times. It's comfortable, but I think a mini van would be better. Maybe one day I will come across one that I like and is affordable. Great ideas and tips. Take care of yourself and have a great weekend.

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

I hope you do, although I'm sure your setup in your SUV is great for now! (I do have to admit that hybrid Sienna is sooo tempting! Maybe a few more years down the road when Terra decides she's ready to retire!

[@ArmyMadre]

Love the sun glasses! They're so cute on you.

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Thank you so much! They have the Smoky Mountains on the arms! 💚

[@ramonapuckett3059]

Great video, Heather! I really enjoyed all your good points, oh and your sunglasses are cute 🥰

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Thank you x 2!!!

[@virginiawedell9715]

Hey Heather! It’s great to see you smiling and being a little bit silly. That’s my warrior girl. 💙🩵💚

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Thank you! Trying to still laugh as much as possible to keep sane! 💕💕

[@Myyt6908]

Cool Bonus!

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Haha, thank you!!

[@abdullahbabkhan2401]

wow the steering Cover is very nice.

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

@@abdullahbabkhan2401 thank you!!!

[@mizheidi]

We’re looking for one!! I have a hatchback that’s great for daytime adventures, it would only really work for one person overnight. For my sanity, I’m trying to get back out into nature and I have my husband to consider. If I’m being honest, he’s a bit more high maintenance than me 😂 but I think the minivan will fit the bill! It’s a great space for one and gives the option to add that second person. Thanks for another great video Heather! 😊

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

I hope you find something soon! Nature is so therapeutic!!

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Thank you!

[@ArmyMadre]

Im currently living in mine and have been traveling cross country for 4 months now. I get on average 25 miles to gallon and couldn't do what Im doing in anything else.

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

The better mileage makes such a huge difference if you're wanting to travel!!

[@sarahereach]

I definitely agree with your conclusion. However, I think that your first two points are the same point. Being a bit boring and unobtrusive is exactly why Minivans are best at stealth. Stealth isn't always just about avoiding the knock, but any sort of unwanted attention like getting your car stolen or vandalized. I would also add to point 5 that being the most economical applies to purchase price too. A minivan costs usually the same or less than the bigger SUVs that would approach a similar footprint (but still not really, the headroom is unbeatable unless you move to a sprinter or conversion van. And then you are looking at a much more expensive vehicle. The biggest selling point I give as a minivan camping evangelist is the flexibility. I haven't gone full time so I still have a house, but there is no beating the multitool that is a Dodge Grand Caravan. I have moved houses, including full size fridge, used all seven seat belts for day trips with my friends, taken multiple week long van-cations with my best friend (I have two foam mattresses that I cut to fit side by side, so we have a full 4'×7' sleeping pad in the back that sleeps two), If I am alone I stack the two mattresses on top of each other and can have the smaller back seat up as a lounger, I have even gone on multi day trips with 3 in the car (although the third has to set up a tent).

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Thank you for your thoughtful comment! You bring up excellent points and I appreciate you sharing!! Thanks for watching, too

[@angelabraggs7614]

I love your sterling wheels covering where did you purchased it from

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Thank you! I found it on Amazon, here is the link for the one I got (they have other patterns though) amzn.to/3yyvM1o

[@kirstenstrobel4387]

And it’s a reasonable way to try camping. It doesn’t take much to do a no-build build. If it doesn’t work out, you still have an every day driver. Not all minivans or SUVs are created equal. I think the Chrysler Pacifica (?) made a really good design decision when they did the stowable seats. I thought other models had it, too, in years past.

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

I cant believe I didn't mention the versatility of being able to switch back and forth btwn daily driver & camper!! Darn!

[@KaiExploresLife]

A minivan was definitely on my list when I started watching your videos. Then when things went wrong… I ended up with an SUV

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

SUVs have their advantages too, though! Especially handy having a higher clearance for some of those mountain roads in the Blue Ridge!!

[@smooth111012]

It’s your car/van there should be NO laws telling you not to live inside it. Freedom should prevail