CH008 First Look at our Class “B-2” Sienna rear entry, air conditioned camper minivan

[@michelle7352]

Wider shots would have helped me get more perspective. I kept having trouble figuring out where things were in the whole van layout. But that's a common thing for me. I have trouble with perspective and where I am in space. Thanks for the video.

[@CampHatch]

Sorry about that! Will try and shoot updates outside of the garage!

[@IslandBuzzy]

I love your backpack...but then, I'm from Hawaii 😂

[@robertahardy4215]

Places that have the 30-amp shore power are usually oriented towards RVs. Many of them will not accept minivans. Have you run into this?

[@CampHatch]

No, not in the places we’ve been.

[@MySonsMother]

What year is your Sienna? Mine is a 2015. I first put my bed crosswise like yours, but moved it because I’m disabled and I have a hard enough time getting in the back. I prefer it that way, but changed it front to back on passenger side. I’m working on setting up a bathroom next. I bought everything months ago, just have been busy with other things.

[@CampHatch]

2008

[@jeannethornburg2694]

Could you give more info on the switch you installed inside the rear hatch?

[@CampHatch]

I did a video on that. CH006 I think. It was an easy job, and the only answer I could find online to people asking “How do I get out the back?” was “Buy a van with a power gate and use the fob.” I preferred keeping this van and buying a $10 switch! The switch part number is in the description of the other video.

[@faridfarid6561]

What about now in the winter how do you stay warm? Or do you live in a hot climate region like Florida?

[@CampHatch]

The air conditioner has a heat pump good to about 40F outside, and we carry a 120V space heater. Both are untested overnight in the cold, but the heat pump warms the inside nicely on a ~45F afternoon. From our tenting and trailer experience, we think we could add a blanket and be comfy without any other heat source than ourselves overnight down to the low 30s/upper 20s.

[@faridfarid6561]

@CampHatch wonderfull & thanks for sharing. I subbed.& will be learning from your build as I am planning on doing a simple no-build Toyota Sienna conversion in Minnesota. My only main concern is the bitter cold in the winter. So I guess a ceramic heater is a good idea. Also it provides a dry heat which may help reduce condensation.

[@CampHatch]

@@faridfarid6561 We figure in a pinch we could heat with our propane or butane stoves and an open window and both of us awake, but I think you're right about condensation with either of those as they add water vapor to the air as they burn.

[@craftymulligar]

Guess im too tall maybe for 5_8 build. Nice for two i guess.

[@CampHatch]

I’ve toyed with the idea of a slide out at the driver side sliding door to get the full mattress length. If we were taller I’d be going that route.

[@lindachiappetta3387]

what year is your Sienna?

[@CampHatch]

2008