Engineer builds a campervan in a Dodge Grand Caravan | Solar electricity, running water, fridge

How much did it cost? Here's a full budget breakdown of my van! • Minivan Campervan FULL...
Van tour part 2 - Common questions and bonus features: • Minivan Campervan Tour...
Download link for the Bed/Couch plans:
drive.google.com/uc?export=do...
I converted a Dodge Grand Caravan into a fully functioning tiny RV, complete with 100W solar panel, a fridge, a kitchen, running water, an electrical converter, a bed and a couch that comfortably fits 2 people.
I travelled in this van full time for about 9 months, covering over 43,000km, much of it with my girlfriend. I produced many travel videos, you can see them all here • Erosion, Degradation, ...
Here's a link to a podcast interview Nick did with Story Junkies about his van and his road trip around the continent! storyjunkies.libsyn.com/up-fo...
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[@zanpackard]

I have a Town and Country and I hate to admit how many tutorials I’ve researched for this type of set up. I want a couch mode and bed mode. YOU have designed one of the most functional ones I’ve seen yet. I start my built in about a month, so I thank you for your generous share.

[@bigeyejim]

Same, LOL.

[@serenas8144]

Ditto. It was super nice of him to attach the blueprint to his bed design at the top of this chat awesome.

[@sarabetz]

@@serenas8144 Missed that. Will go back and look. Thank you for making note of that.

[@heli400]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/nXbTomuKmtqchLc just to give you more ideas....

[@serenas8144]

@@heli400 I have looked for 3 weeks trying to find a van conversion contractor for my Dodge Caravan, and no success. 🚐 I need the build done by November 5th. Ugh.

[@withit062714]

Lol...When he opened that rear trunk and I saw the amount of storage, I literally sat straight up and said, "Damn!" :) Outstanding conversion, m'dear - truly!

[@MomCat6000]

I felt the same way!!! 👀❤️

[@alohaXamanda]

This is my favorite minivan build so far

[@gabriellarosa5015]

I couldn't agree more:))

[@12vLife]

I've seen a lot of van bed designs and can't say I've seen one like this.. it's brilliant with that fold down backrest converting into bed support!

[@sandyschutt6132]

I’m impressed young man you’ve put a lot of thought to your design and still have plenty of breathing room,job well done! Safe and happy travels to you!

[@debraderoos5225]

You're right. It feels open and yet everything is in there. He could take a 30 second shower in a pinch with the sprayer. Soap yourself up and just rinse off.

[@shaleeallen2822]

I love that you have the water/sink inside & don’t have to go to the trunk to use it! Fabulous bed layout as well!

Thanks so much! 😊

[@tednaperkoski4564]

Great build!! One of the best Caravan builds I've seen!

[@AcoustiClub]

Thank you for sharing this. Especially your couch and bed plan, it's like a treasure for me.

[@sabrasheedy5685]

Love the couch that's a bed, looks very comfortable. And the rest of your camper van is pretty nice too. Safe journey.

[@carolhenderson1508]

Los luna's New Mexico My

[@cindyjames6053]

I’ve been looking for the build that will suit the needs of a 150 lb dog and me. Love the bed!!

[@LauraFowlerMassie]

I am super excited to build your couch bed design. Thanks

[@PopOutJC]

@@cindyjames6053 150lbs ! Definitely found the perfect bed plan 😁. God Bless you guys ❤️

[@dustinrussell6476]

Dude. This is so great! You’ve traveled a great distance in this van and made it into a home for the road. THIS is innovation at its FINEST!

[@bsflower13]

I liked how you set it up with the kitchen accessible from outside, great for stand up cooking and even a quick shower.

[@raqueldebart5710]

The best conversion I have ever seen in a Dodge!!!

[@SnapszDuhh]

Best van conversion I’ve ever seen. The bed is the best setup I’ve ever seen. Quick and easy with so much storage still available. The little kitchen as well is perfect and very convenient.

[@marvingill3539]

Amazing, many university students in California especially can adopt this fabulous idea because the home & apartment rents have gone through the roof, most students have to sleep in their cars and this idea of yours is revolutionary.

[@saxmanzzz]

It looked like a relatively straightforward build - simple but useable and effective. Makes me think I could have a go. Thanks

[@vanlifethetravelinfranksho5611]

Now that is a great setup! Makes a small van look very roomy and efficient.

[@jennyleef1775]

I love the quick and easy setup of your bed. I think it is the quickest setup I have come across so far. I love the rest of your setup too. It's simple but everything you need. Well done.

[@jasmin0930]

Excellent van build. Everything is easy to access and is very maneuverable. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@lisaroth7526]

I love that bed/couch - it's the best I've seen so far. I also like how the solar panel is placed. Actually, I like much of what you've done.

[@traceybriscoe8218]

So nice to see a tour of your converted space. Superb job on it.

[@carenmckenzie6205]

Thank you for sharing this and your bed plan! I have a 2013 transit connect xlt. This will work great! Happy Travels!

[@bonnienklyde918]

I really like how the back of your couch flips over and down for the bed. Never have seen that before. Very nice. I really like ever detail of your home. The sink and water faucet with sprayer. Youve done a very nice job on all of it. Thank you for sharing stay safe, be well, and God bless

[@alexzander1839]

1:42 The bed design is pure genius.

[@uprootedbostonian]

I really LOVE your design! Great Job! You packed a ton of function-ability into this and without breaking the bank. Your bed design rocks!

[@pdmullgirl]

I can’t get over how much storage space is in there!! Really neat set up. I dig that bench sofa/bed mural he painted. Thought of everything. Happy travels! ❤️💜💚

[@kristinaadler2054]

I really appreciate you taking the time to make this video and sharing your brilliant plans! It is very generous of you. After watching this (and MANY other vids) we actually went out and bought a Dodge Grand Caravan just because of your video! (We call it our G.O.O.D Van = Get Out Of Dodge Van) We are almost done with the build. Pretty much copied everything you did! (we also call it our "Nick Knock-off Patty Wagon!" lol) I'll post a video in a couple of weeks before we head out across the country! Thanks again!

Hahaha thats amazing! I'm super excited to see it!

[@kevinluviano6480]

Awesome build! So smart going with the dodge caravan for extra storage in the stow n go compartments. Love how simple this is yet has many creature comforts (freezer, solar, running water, etc). I’d definitely consider this van if i was building out a stealth camper. Thanks for sharing, very inspiring! PS, thanks for posting this on r/urbancarliving! Upvoted!

[@Laluzdetuvida]

This is awesome! I’ve been in my Infiniti for a while and never imagined other people out there building homes in their cars so easily 😱😍👏🏼👏🏼

[@woodswanderer2489]

Wow, you did an amazing job. I really appreciate the bed plans. A lot of us van dwellers don't have your engineering experience and these will make a huge difference for storage and comfort. Thank you for sharing!

My pleasure!

[@ChooseCarefully]

Great tour! Really enjoyed watching. You seem to have thought of everything.

[@o2bnob]

I have a Dodge Caravan, you did a good job man. I like the ease of your bed couch.

[@hyacinthdibley2420]

THAT COUCH BED IS GENIUS!!! FAST CONVERSION. Love it!!!

[@fm5291]

I've seen so many van campers over the past year - yours is the best so far. I especially love your bed and the overall layout. Thank you for sharing your work.

Thank you! Glad you like it

[@grannieannie1371]

This is really well designed. It's simple but it looks great.

[@bettebuchheit5776]

Very nice conversion and you did a great job on the video! I subscribed and I’m looking forward to more videos.

[@debmarie55]

Really good use of interior space and especially the stow n go storage areas.

[@CarrieJo5916]

Awesome! Happy Travels soon again! ✌💞

[@5mw2]

Bro thats dope. Super professional

[@redlily8101]

Really like your window coverings, very clever. And your couch/bed is a great design! Awesome

[@champagnewalkersequinemass3568]

What are they made of? How do they work with heat and zero degrees? Thanks

[@mannys4036]

Wow. This is by far one on my favorite van builds. I love the simplicity and functionality of it especially the bed. I would love to see how you made that one piece that just swings back and fold down to convert it into a couch. Plus that was such a complete tour. You really did a fantastic job.

[@janmariolle]

Well done! Your build is simple and super efficient. The stow and go option really provides some out of the way storage.

[@marenabenoit6107]

and then boom the sink nozzle could be a shower!! brilliant

[@TechPorkChop]

Thank you very much for your video. You just gave a great idea to convert a mini van into a hybrid of a camper and work van.

Thanks! Glad I could help

[@jatorresrv]

AWESOME built! Lots of great ideas! Thanks for sharing!

[@thisorthat7626]

Super nice conversion with a great use of space. Thank you for explaining everything and sharing your couch/bed plans. Even better is you have used your vehicle to travel already! Cheers.

[@shulex7]

Bro. This is perfection.

[@maelacool]

Amazing!! Good build, i wish i could do all that :)

[@colindante5164]

Your conversion of the couch to a bed is brilliant and the simplicity of your whole design is just amazing. Safe travels. )))

[@nicracine]

Simple and efficient, just how I like it. Congrats!

[@arleneehrlinspiel5232]

This is one of the BEST minivan conversions I have seen on You Tube! Thank you for sharing.

[@autobotavengerfireballxl5339]

Bro you made me proud to build these vans for a living

[@GiantMeteor2024]

Finn, thank you! I have an '18 GT. Love it!

[@willb5571]

if you build these how do we reach you???😏

[@autobotavengerfireballxl5339]

@@willb5571 send me an email or message lol

[@willb5571]

@@autobotavengerfireballxl5339 will be in touch from Ohio soon

[@DonMungia]

This wins the Van Conversion of it all.

Wow thank you!!

[@karennevin7101]

I researched MANY ways to have a couch/bed work and this by far has to be one of the best, thanks!

Wow, thanks!

[@rileycole2588]

love it bro i live out of my 2002 sienna when I'm on the road

[@binasr]

I would love to see an in-depth vid on how you made your window coverings - interior close-ups of the material, where you purchased it, jig template methods, etc.

[@wendyshepard2080]

5he material is corrugated plastic. Looks like cardboard from a box but much more durable! Can be bought at Lowe's/ Home Depot I believe

[@binasr]

@@wendyshepard2080 thanks! Would still love to see an in-depth video about how these were made.

[@kristinaadler2054]

@@binasr This was brilliant! So much better than curtains... WAY more stealth! I personally made a template out of paper and then transferred that to cardboard, and once I had it trimmed just right, traced it on to the corrugated plastic. I could mail you my paper cut outs if you want them.

[@bernfran1313]

Thanks for sharing. That info about the altitude and pressure in the port-pot was interesting. It made me wonder about other storage units inside the vans & other homes-on-wheels and altitude issues.

[@lilfamily]

Congrats, Excellent build. Love the couch bed design and your plans! Thank you for sharing!

[@billiebarker2619]

I am 75 & want to travel with my 2 small dogs. I love how your mind thinks & how you explain things!! I think I can do most of what you show, but if you will ever get near Northern California, I’d love to hire you to help me. I’m not wealthy but I can pay you some $.

[@johnhilbrands3274]

His build is very nice His toughest features would be his plumbing and electronics think of gravity fed water using a 5 gallon coleman jug with spigot by having it raised it pours easily into a bowl. Use a camping battery instead of second battery so that eliminates the battery wiring you can plug a portable solar unit into it when parked and not mount it on the roof. so the rest is building his ingenious bed and making drawers and shelves. I have a simpler video of a tailgate kitchen with these features combining his and my design might be easier for you.

[@gregmackay4369]

Great Build! Love it ! Question about the bed. Is the bed anchored down to the van at any point? If it is in bed mode, and you sit on the end to get in, does it tip forward? I assume it doesnt and you have it anchored somewhere. Ah one more question... the passenger seat position. is it set to all the way forward or back to keep your work area, sink in place? Im hoping to have the passenger seat movable when needed, Again awesome build!

The bed is tied down so that it doesn't slide forward or get lifted up when sitting at the end. The passenger seat isn't quite all the way forward, but it is in a specific spot that helps brace the kitchen

[@larrywebber2971]

You have done a very impressive build. This video certainly provided me with ideas. Thank you for sharing this.

[@connolly447]

The perfect level of minimalism. Thanks for sharing!

[@maurinetahar9929]

Hey! Thanks for the awesome video, the whole design is super well thought and gave me a lot of ideas for my own future conversion! I have a question regarding your clean water tank, it looks stuck under your kitchen cabinet, how do you fill it up? Do you have to remove everything to reach it, or do you have another smart system for this? Thanks again!

[@andysedgley]

I came looking for an answer to this same question. Found the reply and explanation further down in the comments

[@longsleepj2416]

Can u do a tutorial on how you made the bed couch. That looks amazing.

I just added a download link to the plans for it in the video description! Let me know if you have any questions

[@darlenefitzgerald4371]

Yes Please Show How to make that bed

[@darlenefitzgerald4371]

Sorry didn’t see this I’ll try to find it AMAZING BUILD

[@anthonyariola9884]

I like your window coverings.....Im going to Home Depot today to try out....I’m excited 😆!

[@anthonyz5468]

@ plz share

[@name.terrie]

Love the bed/couch. Genius! Thanks for sharing it! You rock! Heaps of best wishes!!!

[@tamoshanter6268]

Excellent job, very creative. I love the couch / bed conversion, best I have seen and I have watched a lot of RV van conversion videos. I love your choice of vehicle also, and the great use of the extra space from the stow and go seating. Well done!

Thank you so much!

[@daisey2957]

This came out really well, so simple but perfectly comfortable. btw where did you get you mattress?

I ordered a foam mattress off amazon. It was 75"x54"x5", and then i just cut it to the shapes i needed

[@gregmackay4369]

WathierFilms can you send a link to the mattress you ordered? I search but I’m not finding it. Btw, I used your bed plan and built my own. I only modified it slightly to anchor it to the floor. It’s awesome thank you.

@@gregmackay4369 I believe it was this one (sorry its amazon.ca). I simply cut it to shape then upholstered it with comfortable flannel. That's awesome! Do you have photos or videos? www.amazon.ca/LINENSPA-Inch-Memory-Foam-Mattress/dp/B01M6Z033T/ref=asc_df_B01MF93DAX/?tag=googlemobshop-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=292927923273&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=501567137690196167&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1002657&hvtargid=pla-386501979505&psc=1&th=1

[@gregmackay4369]

WathierFilms Thanks! No worries, I’m in Canada (Nova Scotia). I ordered it!!! Thanks again !

[@gregmackay4369]

Here are the pic's. Sorry to be a bug.. Just another question, about the mattress. I see that from the Amazon pics it comes as a mattress with in a material case. I'm guessing that since you cut yours to fit. you had to discard it, to get at the inner foam, for your cuts? Pics: facebook.com/100022074783275/posts/806330643446088/?extid=0luTt374wvp3yyHl&d=n

[@jhemnes1]

So many great ideas in one tour...Thank you

[@StewsChannel]

Very simple yet clever design! I like how you can utilize the stow and go areas for additional storage. Be a neat little van to travel across the country with. Couch/bed design is simply genius!

Thank you Stew!

[@tommemac]

This is it!! I love the layout and convenience. Thanks for sharing.

Glad you like it!

[@debmeyer1977]

Nice build! Love the couch/bed. Question: How do you fill the water tank that is under the floor?

[@squirrelcovers6340]

That's my question as well. It's the only thing he didn't address.

[@kcbeerslinger]

I didn't see any tools? Pretty slick for a Caravan. Don't leave that girlfriend alone too long. Or she'll be gone Bud.

[@user-ug3bp3is7h]

Maybe he is gay..

[@Sparrow44183]

Love this💜💜 gave loots of inspiration to convert my dodge caravan, brilliant. Thank you!!

[@lemayelaine]

fantastic. thank you so much for the couch bed plans download as well. very very helpful! :)

[@annhulvey7626]

Could you do a youtube on how to build the bed.

[@samanthadodd8112]

Hope u don't mind if I borrow most of ur ideas. This van is really a great design.

Only if you share photos/videos! I'd love to see other people use my ideas and put their own twists on it

[@samanthadodd8112]

@ I will when I get my van. Thanks for the ideas.

[@heli400]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/nXbTomuKmtqchLc just to give you more ideas....

[@adventure_hannah3841]

This is awesome! Great job, very well-thought-out with few frills, but very functional.

[@lancerevell5979]

A very nice design layout. I have a 2005 Grand Caravan, and have been thinking on how to do something similar. You've given me some great ideas.

[@JesusIsaFlatEarther]

with no end in sight to the covid hoax, even tho this is the perfect build for my needs, I'm holding off for now.

[@suchon3674]

Love your setup! Thank you for sharing! Happy travel

Thank you Su!

[@1sthawkfeathers547]

I like how you did that . The bed hinge is awesome. Your wiring is very neat and tidy too !! Good job.

[@mojo1965]

Thanks! You've given me a lot of great ideas for my 2007 Grand Caravan!

[@gailjohnson6670]

Awesome well planned built...you for the video...Have a blessed day..

[@microgreensgrower3946]

Love it! Thank you for the video and the link to engineer quality plans!

[@lizquinones2003]

My favorite simple and economical conversion van. Thanks for sharing it...

[@joyceullom8037]

I really love your van. Excellent use of space and a place for everything. Thanks for sharing!

[@leilaezawa6475]

I was thinking that the sink sprayer just took out more space, till you showed its use from outside, when the door was open!!!! Loved it!!! So great that you can access the drawers from outside too! Great video, enjoy your trips and be safe please.

[@tjd7964]

Thanks so much for sharing the video and the bed plan. Awesome!

[@hli1787]

Man it pays to be this intelligent. Love love love your glasses, sir!

[@Sewmore]

Boy you are sure are a handyman ! You really thought it through. What a good job!

[@richkettles1062]

I like the way you used different colored window covers. It gives you more to see from the inside.

[@k.leinpondmire8096]

I have travelled all over the US from Key West to Alaska, California to Maine when I had a Ford E-150. I now have a 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan and have been trying to figure out how to make it into a camper van. Your plan is nearly perfect for me. I might change to a small bed because I always go alone. But there are the dogs, so maybe the double bed would work after all. The rest, however, is ingenious. You still have room to move and breathe in there. Thank you so much for the detailed tour! I also watched your video on how to removed the seats, which was also clear and well done. Happy travels!

Thank you! Yeah the double bed is sweet even when im alone, I like the space.

[@shanerob5414]

Love it!!! I just aquired a 2017 Grand Caravan. Gave me a lot of great ideas!!

[@cleekmaker00]

Very efficient build. Looks comfortable! 👍😎

Thanks! It's super cozy inside, especially at night with string lights on

[@turquoisewitch.wild-owl]

Love it; and thanks for sharing the couch/bed construction info!

You're very welcome!

[@Kwozziedoll]

I love your couch/bed design. Thank you for sharing your design.

[@paul2466]

Great build! Happy travels 👍

[@lorettareid4120]

I have a van that I want to camp in... really enjoyed this and love how you made it for you.great ideas

[@srmedia1234]

Wow great build man and thanks so much for the bed plans!! Best Minivan set up I've seen, and I've seen a lot!!

[@Twins4life3533]

Awesome! I'm looking at doing something similar with a Grand Caravan. Love what you did.

Thanks!

[@jamespowell6744]

This is awesome Nick! 😊👍🏽

[@josephhowell6186]

That's a great idea my wife and i are contemplating the van life .thanks for sharing.

Go for it!