From Panic to Freedom. HIGH TOP MINIVAN (She Built Herself!) Guest Room, Massive Storage, Bike Too!

[@BlueWonderLady]

FOR MORE INFO ABOUT TRAVEL GRANDMA's COMMUNITY: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eqWUl5VpoNuim6csi=vR9kt4uaVf68KmdV

[@dianac7002]

Wow, what a wonderful space she created! I didn't realize a high top roof could be added to a minivan. This setup would be ideal for me. Thanks for sharing!

[@BlueWonderLady]

It is a game changer! Thanks for watching 😁🎉

[@Debrajoy]

Unfortunately, they only do it on newer vans :-( I have a 2003 Honda Odyssey that I really wanted a high top on, but no way.

[@rocknmamma2666]

Thinking I'll contact Ursa Minor, Chula Vista, CA to see if they'll just install the hi top and not full bed aloft. Have you checked with them?

[@rs5570]

I thought Bob Wells said he did that once and it was a nightmare for him? I can’t remember exactly, but this is super impressive. Good job!

[@BlueWonderLady]

That’s a shame. Hopefully someone will start innovating once they pick up in popularity.

[@KiKiQuiQuiKiKi]

I love that she’s minimalist but includes her hobbies. A nice lifestyle!

[@AliRnBPopAndReggae]

The high top is always better on any minivans!😊👍🏽💯🤗

[@BlueWonderLady]

Agreed!

[@KampingKatie]

Travel Grandma always comes up with the best ideas. Her energy in unstoppable. It's great to see you, Ishana. I hope all is well. Thank you for this wonderful tour.

[@BlueWonderLady]

Hi Kamping Katie! It is great to hear from you! Thanks for watching and saying hi. I hope all is well with you too ❤️😁

[@suesmith6770]

I’d love to have some visitors at my property in southern Indiana . 17 acres . A gas station & dollar store a few miles away , a county park with camper spots , lake , trails & cabins 6 miles away . In spring with redbud dogwood & flower bushes etc it’s nice .

[@BlueWonderLady]

That’s great, Sue. If you register for free at NomadsDownTheRoad.com, you can be a Host 😁❤️❤️😁

[@gianicholas7028]

I'm amazed! This is the best simple, yet extraordinary extravagant. I have seen alot of Nomad Communial videos and I thoroughly enjoyed this one. You look so happy and content. Good job sister!❣️

[@cc-camper-lady]

Great tour! I love Travel Grandma's finishing touches around the top. I know it has to be nice of still having the ease of driving a minivan with the big van interior. Love this!

[@jeannerountree952]

I really like her design. I don’t think I have seen one this nice!

[@ahyungrocks5509]

Wish someone can mass produce these high top at an affordable price. Us DIY minivan campers like to install them ourselves.

[@loKey73]

Curious what the cost was to add the raised roof?

[@rebeccamckinney9037]

I came here from Elaine's tour of your minivan. I thoroughly enjoyed your interview and tour of Elaine's new build and all I can say is wow! What a difference! Elaine gave me a ride during KOKO Fest 2021 and this new build is truly outstanding. Learned so much and send lots of thanks to you and Elaine. Oh and I enjoyed this so much I subscribed!

[@BlueWonderLady]

Hi Rebecca, Welcome to the channel! I love hearing how you got here. I totally agree, Elaine’s build is “outstanding”. And, it’s straight forward enough for the DIYer to do. Thanks for watching and for your kind words! ❤️😁

[@teresagilroy5495]

I LOVE this van! I am going to look into a high top 😊. It is the perfect set up (for me) I just can’t say enough about it! Love love love it ❤

[@BlueWonderLady]

Great!

[@nurseelliott4256]

Looks pretty cozy in there. the high top is a nice touch

[@debrabain7564]

Thoroughly enjoyed this tour. It was fun to learn more about Elaine and how she got started doing this life style. I love the new ideas she had about how to do her roof cut out to add more standing room. Lots of good storage ideas. Safe travels to you both 💕

[@BlueWonderLady]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for watching ❤️😁

[@charlenebranca2523]

Love your van, BUT love love love your JACKET....💖👍🏻👏🏻

[@judyzeigler3980]

Very nice I love it. You’ve done a lot to your van, but it sure is homey.

[@gwenwallace6175]

Love how your always upgrading according to your need!

[@ekdaufin1485]

Tim is so kind and handy.

[@joanneracadio1464]

I bought a tent like that but haven’t been healthy enough to leave yet. Bless you and your journey

[@BlueWonderLady]

Hi Joanne, I hope your health improves soon and we see you on the road ❤️❤️

[@inthekitchenwithnancy618]

I have land that you can park and hook up water and electric. Jack county Texas right off hwy.281 38 miles south of Wichita Falls,Texas. About 80 miles north of Ft. Worth,Texas.

[@BlueWonderLady]

Hi! Sounds like you could be a host at NomadsDownTheRoad.com 😁❤️

[@200Nora]

This is the set up I have been dreaming about. I may do a couple of tweaks, but overall is perfect. I do not want too much wood and like to keep my legs from bruising.I bought those shoes storage some time ago for the same reason she did. Nice!

[@BlueWonderLady]

Go for it!

[@Locd4life707]

I love all of the storage space. She has a very nice van/rig.👍

[@fayejones6740]

Thanks for the tour. I love your van. The simplicity makes it seem open.

[@sherrypost3881]

Traveling Grandma this is awesome

[@eprofengr6670]

Nice colorful coat. Interesting topics to discuss and aspects about life on the road.

[@BlueWonderLady]

Glad you enjoyed the video! Thanks for watching : )

[@amazing9754]

My my you've got a real car home... its just like a mini house

[@niks966]

Really awesome...i change my mind about buying high top van.. ..

[@BlueWonderLady]

Great! Glad it was helpful. Thanks for watching : ))

[@tonyastokley5165]

Oh I use to live as a kid in California! Lol many moons ago

[@Thehonestruth]

What a great woman and well designed van. She has everything! Even wigs 😂

[@gracecallowayable]

Wow!!! Awesome!!!👠🚌👠

[@BlueWonderLady]

Thank you 🤗

[@melapost9207]

Thank you for sharing! I love your videos!

[@BlueWonderLady]

Thanks for watching!!

[@saracaldwell1738]

I love this. I think I am gonna do this to my van. Thank you.

[@BlueWonderLady]

Go for it!

[@Knightrayn]

Wonderful build! Thanks for sharing.

[@BlueWonderLady]

Glad you liked it. Thanks so much for watching!

[@ethelperry4529]

Yep, I have a driveway for "stopover" visit❣

[@TravelGrandma]

Wonderful. Thank you.

[@ChooChooVanlife]

Nice space!!!!!

[@EmilioExploring]

Love the build.

[@brendamcchristy6044]

Wonderful

[@lisachennault575]

Two beautiful ladies love 💕 this. Thank you 🙏🏼 for sharing 😊

[@BlueWonderLady]

🙏❤️😁

[@carolynadams1249]

Love your home on wheels and love how you think.

[@loriannehancock6364]

Share the Land with a VAN. Come park here. Montana is beautiful in the Summertime.

[@rs5570]

I would love to have room for my sewing machine! A young guy up in Canada brings along a sewing machine and makes cool stuff for his mini van.

[@53andME]

I wouldn't feel like a grandma if i was always traveling though

[@MySonsMother]

excellent tour. You both did a great job.

[@BlueWonderLady]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching and for your encouragement : ))

[@lisaschippert9426]

Omg!! I need more details!! Like interior height, width of the counter and bed.. and if your friend would want help/do another one

[@kathyschaefer2455]

Love what you have done on this. I have a mini van and would love to know what it cost to have them make the new top for you. Thank you for sharing.

[@RLeeVanCamps]

Check out fiberene in California.

[@MaggieG70]

She said in a previous comment it cost $5,200

[@burly636]

As a disabled woman, I had to live vicariously most of my life. Facebook and Internet doesn’t do that for me. I don’t want to live through a screen.

[@louisepotier2784]

Very nice. High top on a mini-van - great! And when you mentioned clouds on the ceiling I was again reminded of the STEAMPUNK rig - (I forget his name but not him nor the van, sorry!) Now that van had personality that showed who the person was and the crafts he did. Have a great day! 🙂

[@BlueWonderLady]

Steven 😁

[@louisepotier2784]

@@BlueWonderLady Yes, I scrolled back and realised it was Steven! Thank-You!

[@BlueWonderLady]

You are welcome 🤗

[@Melanatedminimalist]

Hey travel grandma ❤-Another minimalist 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾😊amazing van 🚐

[@FORUIDIG]

Awesome! Just joined! I’m only able now to start to get out due to life situations! 💕☮️

[@BlueWonderLady]

Hi FORUIDIG, That is GREAT! Congratulations 🎉🎊🎈

[@gailjohnson6670]

Awesome interview and video. New subscriber. Thank you for the video. Blessings to you.

[@BlueWonderLady]

Hi Gail, Welcome to the channel! Thank you for watching and your encouraging comment. I am so glad you enjoyed the interview and tour 😁❤️🎉

[@deniseburns5815]

Great job. Love how you finished the ceiling area. Thanks for sharing, really interesting. I’ll go back and watch some of your other videos!

[@rs5570]

Guest room! Wow I want to do this!!

[@BlueWonderLady]

Go for it, R S!!!!!

[@brendamcchristy6044]

I love this video and want to get out there and connect in person. Yes

[@BlueWonderLady]

Great!

[@monnaprovost7294]

Wow, what a great video you have made. I love how Elaine remodeled her van with the high top & shelving. I’d like to know about the Ikea shoe furniture she used as tilt out cabinets. I looked in the description but couldn’t find Ikea anywhere. What is the name or a link please? I actually envisioned using the shoe cabinets over a year ago when I saw them on Wayfair. I haven’t done or bought anything more for fear of buying too much. I’ll wait to do that as I begin to travel hopefully in 6 months. I’m glad to see the 16” fiberine roof on Elaine’s minivan & how she has finished the shelving with the board & materials but I’m not confident about how to finish it. Since that’ll be further down the road, I’ll explore it later. Safe & happy travels to you both. Cheers, Mo in NJ

[@BlueWonderLady]

That’s a great question, Monna. I’ll add that info once I have it. Congratulations on being so close to getting on the road. Very exciting!

[@TravelGrandma]

The cabinets under my counter are called Throngs. Most people use them to store their shoes. Mine are made of plastic but are also available in wood. The ones I purchased came in a set of 2 in a store called Ikea, which is a big box store that sells a lot of furniture, kitchen cabinets, and home decor items. The price was about $40 for the set. I assembled the wood to finish the top shelving around my roofline using L brackets. It was easy to do once I figure out the best solution for covering the gap left between the headliner and original roof. I then stapled fabric around to cover the wood.

[@BlueWonderLady]

You are so good at creating solutions in all your builds. : ))

[@mariacasanova6284]

I love it! I love the high top. Please let me know which company did this for you and the cost. Thank you for sharing 😊

[@BlueWonderLady]

Hello Maria, The company is Fiberine. Their link is in the description. 😁

[@mariacasanova6284]

@@BlueWonderLady thank you so much 👍

[@BlueWonderLady]

You are very welcome : )

[@mrbilllollar]

Why reinvent the wheel? Boondockers Welcome (part of Harvest Hosts) offers safe places for nomads and RVers to park overnight from 1-5 nights free of charge.

[@BlueWonderLady]

Hi Poppa’s Place, Great question! When exploring the site NomadsDownTheRoad.com, I see a lot more than hosting/offering free parking. The community building is a big part of the site as well. Thanks for asking, and for watching!

[@Carol-bk1ro]

What's the height with the new roof. Just wondering if I would be able to stand up in it. I'm 5'5

[@BlueWonderLady]

Hello Carol. Great question. Later in the tour, we show how well we got and say our heights. It depends on where you are standing. I am 5’6 and stood up all the way towards the front.

[@TravelGrandma]

I'm 5'5". The size of my hightop is 16". There's more headroom in the front but less towards the back where both the floor slopes up and the roofline slopes down. I can, however, stand up perfectly straight throughout, even with shoes on.

[@TravelGrandma]

Finally measured the interior. It varies from 67" to 63" front to back with a 39" width x 5'' opening, narrowing in width a few inches towards the back where I kept the air vents intact and where the floor slopes. The majority of the opening is 6'6".

[@Carol-bk1ro]

@@TravelGrandma oh, that's great. Thank you!

[@BlueWonderLady]

That’s really quite amazing. This is a game changer.

[@InJusticeAustralia]

Great roof idea. Can you please tell us how much the conversion cost? And is it insulated?

[@BlueWonderLady]

Could you please let us know if you are asking for the cost of the entire conversion or just the roof? Thanks!

[@houseportraitscalligraphy7474]

Hi....we need a prepper community a.o g the VAnners. Btw harvest home does not allow tents. Yes I can. See missing a. CRaft room

[@BlueWonderLady]

A prepper van community would be great!

[@amandacummins9301]

Worth sharing with the others in my life Suitable for part-timers who has a place to go home to You didn’t say where you showered Or my question is are there places nearby to shower? For the budget friendly person I feel like this was a nice fit-out done yourself How do you plug-in solar? And you can use the front of the van for your mobile solar power mats couldn’t you? Anyway Blue Wonder Lady I loved your time to show me and thank you for being such a great person and all the best regards Amanda 12/3/23

[@BlueWonderLady]

Hi Amanda, Great to hear from you! There are plenty of places to shower nearby, such as truck stops and laundry mats. Agreed, this build gets a lot of bang for the buck. For plugging in solar, there is a part of the video where Travel Grandma talks about attaching the small portable battery to her folding solar panel. Let me know if you have any specific questions about that. I am so glad this was helpful to you : ) Thanks for watching!

[@rick5653]

I was thinking that because I live in a condominium I have extra visit space lots that we all get for our guest. I think if I was traveling I would stop in condominiums and ask if I could use their extra guest lot😊

[@TravelGrandma]

I have done that before.

[@BlueWonderLady]

Yep. That can work : ))))

[@palbers1619]

Great video! What vehicle do you have and do you mind saying what it cost and how long it took. Thank you!

[@TravelGrandma]

2018 Dodge Grand Caravan. The cost of the High Top was $5k. Once ordered they manufacture the top for you. it can take between 2-6 weeks before it is ready to be installed. The install takes one full day.

[@palbers1619]

@@TravelGrandma thanks very much for the info!

[@godevarcooper9366]

Nomad down the road 2:45

[@Genjonez-o763]

Is it colder in there with the high top? How does it affect climate control?

[@darleneflannigan7469]

I love the high top I would never have thought of that on a minivan now I will purchase a minivan instead of a cargo van..what are the measurements of the high top? Where did you purchase the high top..I live in Niagara Falls Canada

[@stansclan89]

Looks great! I've been thinking of doing this to my van. What did it cost to have the roof put on, and how did it change your gas mileage?

[@TravelGrandma]

I have not noticed a difference. It is designed to avoid wind resistance.

[@TravelGrandma]

The cost can vary depending on some options you have. The cost for my 16" high top was $5,200

[@smoll8746]

I love your channel. I want to know where you got that gorgeous Hoodie jacket?

[@Karmifive]

New sub great insight

[@BlueWonderLady]

Welcome to the Blue Wonder Lady channel, Karmifive! ❤️

[@virginia7890]

I want to be a part of this. Yes

[@BlueWonderLady]

Great!

[@Seams_in_the_Wild]

I want to see a sewing setup! Please, Grandma?

[@cindyshipley1]

Great video, Ladies! Was great fun getting to know you in Quartzsite!

[@BlueWonderLady]

Yes! It was wonderful to meet you too! ❤️

[@juliadawnyel3648]

What's added roof top run how do you get inform I'm 66 in Texas

[@BlueWonderLady]

Hi! The company is Fiberine. They will provide the current cost. Thanks for watching!

[@pennylane549]

Does high top impact your driving? Any issues on freeways, or curves or turns? Or gas mileage?

[@BlueWonderLady]

That’s a great question. I have not heard anyone mention the driving being very different, but I also am not finding anything about this on the internet. My gut tells me that the low center of gravity of the vehicle helps. Could you call the high top company? Thanks for asking!

[@leggy1957]

Hi ladies! I want to be out there so badly but I have a house to sell in Milton Delaware. I am about 3 miles from the bay and 13 miles from the ocean maybe! It will take me at least a year just to empty 31 years! I can’t wait! I believe you said it was a 16 inch raise I’m 5’9”…do you think they could do 20 inch?

[@BlueWonderLady]

Hi 👋 Best to give the dealer a call to get those details. Sounds like a sweet location. I hope it sells fast. Some folks move everything into storage to get the house on the market sooner. It’s easier to let things go too when they are not where we are used to seeing them. Good luck!

[@lawrenceleggett9534]

I am pretty sure Elaine is Rosanne's sister.

[@Sandy.Squirrel]

Where did she find that 5 gallon container? That would so work for me.

[@carenmckenzie6205]

What a great tour and conversation. Learned alot. Question 1: What is the name of that emulsifier T.Gma uses? And 2. Everyone asks about how do you go to the bathroom . My question is how do you store "the potty" when there is no place to dispose of it immediately? Great job Girls!

[@monnaprovost7294]

I want to know this too. I will check back for the answer later. Mo in NJ

[@TravelGrandma]

Any liquid or urine solidifier works. I've used different brands. There are also pads that have the gel forming ability too. I'm interested in trying those too as some I found are cheaper and say they hold up to 35 Oz of liquid.

[@TravelGrandma]

Double bag it. If you have room, keep bags in a separate container with a lid. I also heard that you can set bags outside on the roof of your car in a sealed container an animal will not be able to open, but I've never had to resort to doing that.

[@carenmckenzie6205]

@@TravelGrandma Thank you- I was wondering about the critters. That is good to know. Thank you!

[@BlueWonderLady]

Hi Monna, The answer to your question is here in this thread now 😁

[@antigroundhogday]

What is the maximum interior height closest to the front seats when standing?

[@janetherrera3424]

Please tell me where she had her roof raised

[@curious1366]

I didn't watch the whole video yet. Do campgrounds consider this to be an RV? Are there any restrictions that you've encountered because it's a modified minivan and not a "Class B van"? Also, how did you classify it for insurance? I'm considering using this idea. I thought I'd need a class B in order to stand up, but I like certain minivan features that I don't see in Class B vans as much.

[@BlueWonderLady]

Hi Curious1 (I love that handle BTW : )), Great questions! I have reached out to Travel Grandma for a reply. Stay tuned. Thanks for watching!

[@angelabraggs7614]

Where have you been?

[@rockyshore7017]

With the high top added, would that van still fit in a garage?

[@BlueWonderLady]

Depends on the garage. Garages vary. The van with high top is a bit over 6feet high.

[@lionandthelamb9379]

I don't know if I missed it but how tall is she? How much was the high top?

[@BlueWonderLady]

Hi Lion and the Lamb, We are both about 5’6”, but her exact height is mentioned toward the end of the tour. Fiberine would be the best place to find out costs. Thanks for watching! 😁

[@rickybrown4745]

❓WHAT BRAND TENT IS THIS❓PLEASE POST LINK FOR TENT, THANK YOU

[@BlueWonderLady]

Great question, Ricky! I am sorry I did not ask. Let’s see what Travel Grandma says : ) Thanks for watching!

[@diaperdood1]

How many inches is from the floor to the ceiling inside?

[@jazziered142]

Did she say how tall she was? I need something for someone 5'5.

[@orbyjett2864]

Been hearing problems with mice, this happen often? If jackery old school, what's new?

[@jazziered142]

I don't know about mice, but I hear the Bluetti's are great.

[@orbyjett2864]

@@jazziered142 👍

[@traceyowers9095]

New to these channels and was wondering why you use paper plates.

[@TravelGrandma]

I can burn them in a bonfire. Saves water and need to store waste. Just my preference.

[@BlueWonderLady]

Great question!

[@MANZANOADRIAN]

how much cost for the hight top

[@BlueWonderLady]

Hi. Hi-Tops range in price. The lower cost ones that I have seen have been $5,000.

[@albamartinez7477]

What mini Van?

[@debsorenson5263]

What color is the white on your van it looks like it matches your high top?

[@sandyallen1523]

May I ask how much the high top cost

[@BlueWonderLady]

Hi Sandy, Great question. You can see the answer in the reply to Amy Bates 😁 Thanks for watching! ❤️

[@thayalansuntharalingam]

What mpg your van with high top gets?

[@patgaff3886]

How many inches is the high top? Nice.

[@lisalamorey3453]

I’m 5’ 10 “ , I wonder if the high top can be made higher?

[@BlueWonderLady]

Hi Lisa, That’s a good question. Fiberine is the company.

[@jillstradley8553]

What fridge are you using

[@TammyTimeMovies]

How much do they charge to put the high-top on?

[@BlueWonderLady]

Hello Tammy, The cost varies. If you contact fiberine, they can give you the current cost. Thanks for watching!

[@sallym4149]

Where does someone find the storage? It is awesome. I can't seem to find it in the links.

[@BlueWonderLady]

Hi Sally, I want to get you the information. Could you please help me know what storage you are referring to? If it is the high top, that is fiberine. Thanks!

[@sallym4149]

@@BlueWonderLady I was talking about the little table with the drawer that pulls out and closes by itself

[@TravelGrandma]

They are called Thongs and I purchased them at Ikea. Approx cost $40 for the pair.

[@BlueWonderLady]

Thanks : )

[@53andME]

As a way grown female i don't feel like i need so many friends .that seems elementary