🚐 Van Life Hacks : More Camping Space In Your Minivan or Camper Van. How To Increase Storage.

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

Check the current pricing/coupons on these: amzn.to/38h9Vvm - Jackery 300 amzn.to/3SE0bBx - Bluetti EB3a amzn.to/3VckaKn - EcoFlow River2 amzn.to/3wAk4So - Browey Portable Power Station ____________________________________________ Go to Facebook and FOLLOW our page for other hints/tips/thoughts/fun stuff--- tinyurl.com/qqdx8lg ------------------------------------------------------------------------- BudgetTravelGuy is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for people to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. I also participate in other affiliate programs where I may be compensated for referring traffic. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Other videos: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4aqpJlpa8yKm7M - Minivan Build 2.0 kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y6bXY4tqrL1oapI - Best Power Station Brands kzbin.info/www/bejne/foCkk3SHd7OcqLc - VanTrue Dash Cam Review kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJe2h3esZ7SYd68 - Zero Degree Minivan Camping kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZe6kKeeq9Kmr8U - 12v Blankets For Van Life kzbin.info/www/bejne/p4jXkHl6g6qDmqM - How Long Will Bluetti Run 12v Fridge? kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZWal2R4er6GZ6s - How To Run A 12v Fridge On Solar kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3vXpmWtZpJkh68 - Van Life Sucks (or Does It?). kzbin.info/www/bejne/q2Gyfn6PZ8hkedE - Bluetti Power Station Review (EB70S) kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXq5mGlogcare5Y - 4 Odd Things You Need For Vanlife kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6W5oJyVgdqAa5o - Avoiding Poison Ivy When Camping kzbin.info/www/bejne/foWVcnZqoLJsZqM - Which Jackery Do You Need? kzbin.info/www/bejne/noq0nmmni7WmeLM - Minivan Build 2.0 Starts Here kzbin.info/www/bejne/nWGZamyEmbOFd5Y - Number 1 Thing People Get Wrong In Van Build kzbin.info/www/bejne/qoSQmql5qM6arJo - National Park Veteran Discount Change kzbin.info/www/bejne/imHWiYakr8x-pKc - Vandalism - My Van Tire Knifed ! kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5unXnWFadeaeKM - Portable Power Station Best Brands kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZniTo4FtoLqop6M - Vanlifers Are Miserable Failures (Not) kzbin.info/www/bejne/gX-co5eKo5WZe9U - Why Winter Vanlife is HARD kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4bcg6eOqd-qeZI - Can Jackerys Run An Electric Heater? kzbin.info/www/bejne/nnrXiJWXr9qYgrM - New Dealership Van Scam kzbin.info/www/bejne/op-phJ5rqayDjLs - How old is TOO old for your vanlife van? kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJ7Tloahbaeca7M - Fulltime vs Part time van life kzbin.info/www/bejne/gnXOmIKjj75lntk - Tire blowouts can end your adventures kzbin.info/www/bejne/fJfGY5KqqcRmrsk - Buying/Inspecting Vans Part 1 kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y2rVlGysqc-tq7s - Craigslist Camper Van Scam Explained kzbin.info/www/bejne/o5aadXSbe9aZetk - Should You Buy From A Dealership? kzbin.info/www/bejne/r3XagJiNn7xqnqc - Save Thousands On Your Next Van kzbin.info/www/bejne/mXfPlql-jbOma7s - How Much Will a 12V Fridge Hold kzbin.info/www/bejne/mJu0qGWQpJmjr5Y - The BEST no build van bed frame

[@vagabondvon221]

I had already turned the passenger seat around like that, which is one of the reasons the ottoman containing the Thetford works out so well because now I have the seat facing into the van and the ottoman to put my feet up on. It's quite comfy 😊 Really glad you're back to putting out more videos again for us, thank you for your time and effort and words of wisdom !!

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

Thank you for the kind words, my friend. Glad your van model allowed turning that seat around and giving you more room. More soon...safe travels!

[@VanLifeKen]

I just removed my passenger seat yesterday! Editing a video now to show what im putting in that space...... Shhhhhh its a surprise. Havent seen it it done anywhere before! Love that youre talking about this cause i dont see many people do it 👍🏾👍🏾

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

Very cool, Ken....look forward to seeing to seeing your vid and what you did to go through with your particular van. Safe travels!

[@MoBangFoYoBucks]

Lol I have done it! You didn't look hard enough!🤣😂🤣 I reversed it in that model years ago.

[@VanLifeKen]

@@MoBangFoYoBucks i didn't mean reversing the seat hadnt been done. Im not reversing mine. As i said, i removed it. I meant what IM doing, hasn't been done! 👍🏾

[@VanLifeKen]

@@BudgetTravelGuy thanks brother. Churning out 2 videos a week minimum! Thanks for the inspiration

[@MoBangFoYoBucks]

@@VanLifeKen In that case, looking forward to see it!😎👍

[@lynnef3297]

I've removed my middle seats in my stow-n-go and have plenty of room in my "basement". I'm considering removing the larger rear seat and leaving the smaller one as you have done so I'll have that extra space in the back. I like having the small seat so I have a place to sit if the weather is cold or wet and I'm spending time inside. Although I won't be removing my passenger seat, thanks for showing how to do it, Kevin. 🙂👍

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

lynne, I think you're on the right path. It makes a real difference with having that REAL seat back there in which to sit. More soon...safe travels!

[@sueweis1489]

Years ago, as a solo traveler, I took passenger sear out of motor home. Was a perfect place for my 100# dog.😅

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

Wow, a 100 pound dog is quite the travel companion! More soon...safe travels!

[@jameslamb7300]

Pro's and Con's... Pro - I agree with the seat being able to face rearward for the room and comfortable seat. Con - That side mounted AirBag is now facing the driver.

[@Galen-864]

😳

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

Valid observation you made, James. While my minivan does NOT have side airbags (or airbags built into the seat), that may be a consideration for some brands/models as far as turning the seat around. More soon..safe travels!

[@toddstone4678]

I to own that same van. I own a 2007 Dodge Grand Caravan. They are great vans for camping in. I BBQ under my rear tailgate when it rains. I am 6 foot 1 lots of room for a bed. My porta potty lives in the back drivers side where the seat is or was. My kitchen is under the floor behind the passenger seat. The floor behind the driver has tools & camping stuff axe etc under it. That take care of all my needs. The BBQ is stored under the van at the back when i am camping. It travels in the van behind the two front seats in a bag.

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

Todd, sounds like you've figured out what works for you and how to maximize space well in your minivan camper! More soon..safe travels!

[@MoBangFoYoBucks]

Good lawrd! We need to kick the engineers in the rears to make it so complicated to remove the front passenger seat. Good information, Kevin!😎👍 I can't reverse my seat easily because the mounting pattern of the bolt are different from front and rear of the seat on a 2008 Toyota Sienna. I will have to jig up a mounting bracket to make it work.

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

Hey Tim, thanks for the info on the bolt pattern on that generation of Sienna minivan. Sounds like that one is going to require a custom plate (hope you have a welder friend!). More soon...safe travels!

[@jazziered142]

I hope your travels are well Kevin.

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

Hey, jazziered - all good in my corner of the world. Hope all is going well for you - safe travels!

[@peterpowell6168]

Thanks for your videos 👍 I m still looking for another van hopefully soon 🤞☘️ I heard you mention about head liner on my van I used upholstery screws so you can screw into liner mine looked like a quilted pattern. I got them on Amazon, any way I didn't want to take off and re glue etc. Happy trails to y'all 🤠

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

Peter, those upholstery screws are a good solution - you'll see them used in one of my upcoming videos. Good luck on your van search!

[@Michelle-bw1xg]

I appreciate the informative video. I have a 2014 Dodge Grand Caravan SE, took out all but 2 front seats. Plywood floor in for leveling and to preserve the carpet. Made removable lids to access underfloor storage. Bed will be 3 pcs so I can move one to get to the storage. Passenger seat changes will be a "phase 2" decision after build and using van for overnights. Nice you discuss all to consider so it is not a surprise. Hope commenters can share if the seat can be turned around and bolted without having to remove the arms for clearance by the door. Curious if it changes the stealth of the vehicle or invites unwanted attention if parked in a more urban setting.

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

MIchelle, as far as turning the seat around, I've decided it won't really draw attention as long as I remove the headrest...at least on that one, the headrest sticks up so high it makes it a little more obvious. Sounds like you're well on your way to getting yours the way you want it!!! More soon..safe travels!

[@jjrobinson9759]

New subscriber here, ty for being so clear and concise 2:05 !I am watching a lot of your older videos because ready to trade my 2019 Honda Pilot for a minivan for more room and less climbing as I get a bit ilder Everyday 🤪

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

JJ, glad you're finding some of the van life/van build vids useful to you. Never hesitate to ank any questions that would help you get the right setup for you. More soon...safe travels!

[@neilmckay8649]

2009 Mk5 GV. A conversion I saw removed the roof console, saves banging your head when shuffling around. My ideas include a 3" slim cabinet attached to inside of rear tailgate, for storing folding camp mattresses. Every little extra space ...

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

Neil, that's an interesting idea about removing the roof console (I have something similiar in a larger van that I'm hitting my head on constantly!). Sounds like you're figuring out the 'van space' thing that works for you. More soon...safe travels!

[@3generations393]

Missed ya, hope all is well 🙏🤗

[@3generations393]

I have all seats out but drivers seat but my dog & I live in the minivan. It can be done but I do sit on my bed 🤷 And I paid to have them removed & donated them to a junkyard. 👋🐾

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

Hey, 3Gens!!!! All good here, and I hope all is good with you! Safe travels!

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

3 Gens...since you completely removed the passenger seat in your van, may I ask which van you have? Did you run into any issues with the wiring left behind, etc.?

[@3generations393]

@@BudgetTravelGuy I have a 2010 Chrysler Towne and Country minivan. No problem so far- I paid a mechanic to remove them

[@samanthadodd8112]

I thought I would do the same ylthing if I get a minivan. I'm still using my class b now.

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

Samantha, if you have swivel seats in that class B, then you know what a huge difference it makes to make able to sit in them at night and look toward the back of the van. If you downsize to a minivan, turning the seat around (if possible) is certainly worth considering. More soon...safe travels!

[@GaryNichols50]

Did you consider removing the headrest from the passenger seat to minimize obstruction of the view?

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

Gary, I actually had NOT thought about removing the headrest until you said that... now you've got me thinking!

[@karinhart489]

I was going to ask about that. I know the passenger side front headrest can be pulled out on my cargo minivan.

[@GaryNichols50]

@@karinhart489 They can't be easily removed on my 2014 DGC. They don't just slide up as in most cars. But with a little effort, they could be disassembled or cut out.

[@tamik1967]

Just lean seat toward the back while driving. But, squeezing the 2 poles holding headrest into seat toward center of headrest while raising it out will fully disengage it from locking indents.

[@GaryNichols50]

@@tamik1967 1) When the seat is turned, it is too close to the dashboard to lean back. 2) On some cars, there are positive stops which prevent complete removal of the headrest.

[@vickimark9603]

Thanks for all.the details. How is the visibility through the passenger side window--can you see/use the right hand rear view mirror?

[@neilmckay8649]

Good question. Perhaps need to adjust tilt the backrest.

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

I was able to see the outside mirror with no issue with the seat turned around, even with the headrest (although I may end up taking the headrest off). More soon...safe travels!

[@JonTanOsb]

Mobility scooter seats swivel and lock. Maybe you could put one, or the base of one, in your front passenger area? Technically, having the middle seats out, it isn't legal to have passengers in the rear seats. I have a 2009 Pontiac Montana van, basically a minivan, and yes, they made them past '94 in Mexico and Canada. Monty is the short version without the DVD player. The middle seats roll forward and unlock from the floor (I think there's a lever at the bottom to pull); the back seats lay forward, then you pull the plastic bar at the bottom and slide them out the back hatch. I got my son to disengage the middle seats and got my mechanic to to the back. They're all stored in my garden shed under a tarp to keep the mice crap off. Jon in rural BC, Canada

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

JonTanOsb, that's an interesting thought of using the swivel seat and mechanism from a mobility scooter - then possibly mounting that to a solid "base". More soon...safe travels.

[@HaroldLeeDye]

Rethinking my thoughts on if I should keep my 94 Dodge mini van and rethink its use. Thanks for your vid and commits .

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

Minivans make great campers, so I say go for it!!!! More soon..safe travels!

[@tod8205]

Hey Kevin, I removed the front passenger seat on my Roadtrek 200 V. I bought the Alpicool 12v fridge you recommended and I put my Bluetti AC200P there. Fits perfect with room to spare.

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

Glad to hear that Alpicool fridge is working out for you! More soon...safe travels!

[@bettybrigance6784]

2012 grand caravan here... I'd like to remove thne back half of middle console, leaving the front half..giving access to the back of the van without getting out of the van.. I don't want to make a hole..any suggestions would be appreciated

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

Betty (assuming the 2012 seat setup is the same as mine), the middle row of sets will come out without tools. The back row of folding seats WILL require tools (unbolting) if you choose to remove one (or both) of them. They're also quite heavy, so you may want to recruit a little help with them. Safe travels!

[@moneysitem2142]

Will work on kia Sonata van?

[@theliberationstation8457]

Can you show how you solved the flashing airbag light?

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

As for the airbag light, if you simply reverse the seat, the harness will plug back in and the light won't be an issue. If you remove the seat completely it becomes a bit more complicated and varies by vehicle as far as dealing with the airbag light. More soon...safe travels!

[@Genjonez-o763]

I wonder if you couldn’t just pull the fuse on the seatbelt to keep the light from flashing?

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

Julie, pulling a fuse would (probably) disable them altogether AND make the light stay on the dashboard (as a safety warning). Reversing the seat solves the issue, as the harness will still plug in and things will work as they should. More soon...safe travels!

[@lucyf6613]

Did you keep the seatbelts on the rear seat? Wondering because if you happen to travel with the significant other, they would need a place to sit. It would be a drag to have to install the front seat back just for the other person.

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

Yes, the rear seat still has the factory seatbelt attached, so it's perfectly legal for someone to ride back there.

[@carolspencer1407]

Hi enjoyed the info. Question, if you only turn around the passenger seat, must you remove and turn around the seat riser? Meaning just turning the seat and placing it back on the seat rise as it is.

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

Carol, on that van (06 Grand Caravan), the seat riser and seat come out and could be turned and bolted back down as a one piece unit. The nuts that have to be removed are actually UNDER the van (as shown in the vid). Other models may be slightly different. Certainly worth doing if your van allows it. More soon...safe travels.

[@dolphinlover4864]

How would you do away w/the wires that control the movement of the passenger (up, down, etc) seat in a 2010 DGC? Thanks Kevin! 🤗

[@BudgetTravelGuy]

dolphinlover - if you can bolt the seat in backwards on that model, then you can still connect the wiring harness and have seat controls. That's going to be a simpler option than removing it completely - you can tuck the harness back under the carpet, but that still leaves the issue of the airbag light staying 'on' on the dashboard. There are ways around that, but it complicates things a bit (unless you can live with the warning light). More soon... safe travels!

[@jjrobinson9759]

Ugh , don’t know how 2:05 popped up in my comments sorry lol