Honda Element Camper Conversion (Take 2)

It's time to build another Honda Element camper van! The first 1000 people to click the link will get a one month trial of Skillshare: skl.sh/element...
2022 Element Van Life Calendars: www.elementvanl...
Support The Channel:
Patreon: / elementvanlife
Merchandise: my-store-11200...
Subscribe: www.youtube.com...
Be sure to turn notifications on so you never miss a video!
Instagram: @elementvanlife
/ elementvanlife
============================================
Van Life Gear, Camera Recommendations, and More:
www.amazon.com/...
Using this Amazon link is a great way to support Element Van Life without costing you anything!
AMAZON LINK:
www.amazon.com...
============================================
Music: Epidemic Sound
www.epidemicso...

[@yvan2563]

I want to thank you Nate, you're the reason I bought a Honda Element 2009 a few years ago after watching your channel. They're amazing vehicles and I still can't understand why Honda stopped making them.

[@Omri_Makes]

The numbers weren’t there for Honda to continue making them. I’ve owned my 03 EX for the last 18 years, it’s fantastic and I don’t plan on selling, it does have its limitations though. Just as when the Element was in production, there’s a niche’ market for them. A consensus is that the void from the Element had been filled with the HRV. Do I believe that, no I don’t.

[@gerardpritchard657]

I love the element! I also can't understand why honda stopped making them 😕

[@livingsimplytosimplylive6817]

Very nostalgic, you are taking us on a trip down memory lane.

[@rustykatt3870]

Hi Nate, thank goodness you and Shannon have another Honda Element and are converting it. All seems right with the world again! 😊👍 And it was so cute when you asked Shannon for permission to camperize it! 😊

[@betsyc5123]

Nate you should draw out the plans for what you just built and have them available for purchase. It’s a good start for anyone

[@tjoiner1986]

Element camper here! 🖐 You're right that it's always a work in progress but that's life in general. Even though I'm looking for something bigger now, specifically something with room to stand, I definitely cherish my E and glad to see that you do, too!

[@samanthadodd8112]

Love the aluminum foil trick.

[@LittleBeeeee]

The no music thing is actually pretty nice!

[@gary-fp8rw]

Longing for the good old days. Thank you for this video.

[@drummindreams]

So glad to see you in your “Element” again! Still love the early Element videos!!

[@StephenAldaco]

Nate your the reason I moved into my element that’s for sure! I just upgraded to a ford transit but I am so grateful for the time in my element. Going to keep it for now while I build out the transit .

[@ChrisSeliga]

Nate, you're so lucky you picked up that Element a year ago, since I can only imagine what they are going for now in this crazy, ridiculous used car market!

[@Omri_Makes]

Elements have greatly spiked in price. Even with close to 400k miles on my 03 EX i can’t imagine owning another vehicle.

[@joelincolnlincoln6315]

I dumped my explorer on carvana. 2010 90k miles. In shop for almost all of last 4 months with 6 different problems, including the 3 tranmsisions I had to try from Aramco. Carvana saved my ass giving me enough to cover repairs and a grand extra

[@stevejeffrey11]

older used hondas especially with manual transmissions go for a mint since they are great on gas & so damn reliable lots of old mechanics drive hondas toyotas

[@davieuxable]

No way...back to the Element! I love it!

[@DavidHuffTexas]

I owned an Element back in the day and wish Honda still made them. VERY useful, practical vehicle.

[@PHN-2024]

I would like to see the Original Uncut version of when Nate asked Shannon if he could convert the Honda Element into a Camper. I suspect She threw something at Nate and told him to go Golfing instead. Also. Considering the Honda Element is basically a Square or Rectangular Box on Wheels, the title of this Video could be “Back to Square One” or "Thinking Inside the Box".

[@BlueVanDan]

That's the way I put my bed together in my van! Including the same mattress... been living in my van about 5 years now!!! Except now I have a little bit bigger camper!!! Lol Built a 4 poster bed in it... van is now my toad and a trailer queen!!!

[@Julian-do7bv]

Great little build cant wait to see what you end up doing with it

[@handbagaddicted]

Original Element fan and still owner of a 2005 Element here. Can’t wait to watch this!!! Hopefully you are installing a cat shield on this sweet baby too. If you haven’t already.

[@PeterTECHNVLOGS]

We're back to elements Van life again!!! NICE JOB!!! I can't wait to get my first car and turn into camper, too

[@markpeper8419]

So now if'n Shannon gets mad at you Nate, instead of her telling you go sleep on the couch.....she can tell you go sleep in the Element! I think this is a great use of your assets to have a secondary. You can have another person or couple go on mini trips with you in it also.

[@olebloom1641]

I was waiting for you to start moding the new element. Nice, tight and concise.

[@sneakersonfeet9045]

Nate just got an Element yesterday! You inspired me!

[@53consulting]

I have a 2011 E, I'm 5'11". I fit on my bed almost exactly between the tail gate and the front seats, but it wasn't super comfortable. I needed to make the front seats tilt forward, i just needed a few more inches. If you take off the side covers on the seats. You will see there is a stop for the seats, one on each side. If you cut those off with a grinder or Dremel, the seats will then tilt forward. It gives you about 6 inches more space, it made it way more comfortable.

[@nancylagoyda5337]

You are so clever! I could see you doing this for a living.

[@alohatvn]

Great video Nate. We watch your videos 1st every Sunday morning. Don't know why but I can see you and Shannon starting a van build corporation. Always watch your full videos then I get my Sunday started.

[@brandyag]

Yay! You (all) have another Element!

[@jkholley1118]

Would love to see that Chevy Express van built out. My wife and I had a conversion van one we would stay in on trips we loved. That's the only vehicle we wish we had back.

[@ThisWontEndWell]

Good to see you produce some Element content again Nate, hope you continue to refine that design it could become a product you could sell as plans or a kit if you develop it a bit more.

[@danielmoreno-so2ls]

Stoked and bummed! Stoked to see how this project turns out! Bummed that my E was just totaled. Keep up the good work.

[@bonniepwtf]

Really enjoyed this, love the creative use of small spaces. I started watching way back when you started with your original Element, good times.✌

[@jackbear4528]

Nice build! Look forward to adventures in the Element!

[@mikejf4377]

You might want to look into a Kreg tool for your joints, there very strong and easy to do with it. I think you would like it a lot. I’ve used mine for quite a few things and love it. Looks very nice. The seats might have a pice at the joint to keep it from tilting, see if you can remove it and see if the seat still works. Seen it on my VW’s when it’s a four door they lock it. Best luck with that.

[@1iculungman]

I still have my 2 original element from 07 and 11, just have family driving them now that I have a Ridgeline. I use that to pull my WeeRoll.

[@SmoochieMcgoo]

Your channel is "Element Van Life". How cool would it be to have a side business where you buy used Elements, throw in a conversion, and flip for a profit? Your side business promotes your KZbin channel, and your KZbin channel promotes your side business. Win Win! I'd buy one off of you.

[@richardfischer7486]

Agreed :)

[@uniquekreation]

I miss my element! 😢. Mine got rear ended last year and replaced it with the Ridgeline. I miss the simplicity of my element.

[@AskIveSolar]

What up boss, new viewer here. No lie, I've watched like the last 20 videos. Haha.

[@CoachTMAC]

Up in Canada, I tried to replace my 2003 Honda Element for the past year. One of my pistons stopped working and I needed a new engine. I couldn’t find one. A whole year and I can’t find one that could pass a safety. I did see a 2009 going for $16, 000 (Canadian) and while they shined it up there was no way I could put that off. . All I kept were my four tires and rims. I am still crying to my wife about my old element.

[@freedomdove]

Great design, Nate. 👍

[@ARealCupcake]

That bed design is really clever. I've been thinking of a good way to put in a bed longways like that in a minivan and most people I've seen make it incredibly complicated, but that one is pretty much exactly what I've been looking for.

[@ramblingrose7375]

Looks like you are getting back to your early days with the Element again. IMHO I really liked what you did with the NV200. Do you regret selling the NV? 26 mpg is pretty good for a van and it was very stealth.

[@trekfortruth2841]

Nice work! The seats in my 2008 E folded all the way forward.

[@joelincolnlincoln6315]

I can relate to nate. I had my Cherokee for 15 years. It was still working when I got rid of it. A year later I started missing it, looking for it on Craigslist, see if I could buy it. Then I found out my mechanic still had it, I went to see it couldn't believe it. Was so happy. Then I popped the hood everything was gone. Then I opened the inside and it was molded green as the back door was removed. I felt so bad and guilty rip

[@danpocian9286]

So very cool man. Happy holidays and new year's and happy travels to you guys

[@1_francis_18]

Nice vidéo. Now i am conflicted if I should get an element or a pick-up for my adventures.

[@richardfischer7486]

Hi Nate. Been watching you since Element days. There is something unique about the mini box shaped vehicle that catches on, made by a reliable company. In looking @ comments, I would agree that you should seriously consider Element conversations.

[@richardfischer7486]

Glad you ventured out on the Skill Share course. It is timely.

[@samstellastephen]

Easier than "in the big van" :P

[@bonuspal]

Element 4 - Life!

[@gsdls]

Thank you for the great video

[@zmarko]

I'm having deja vu.

[@alvinmousseau1100]

Great video

[@wdsanchez5]

Do you have the list of tool you used for this build .. thanks in advance

[@jimgood4966]

I just purchased a 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan. I am hoping to get my hands on some design files (ideally I can open in TinkerCAD format .stl, .obj or .svg, or any drawings/diagrams/measurements of bed/cabinet/kitchen alternate setups etc) that I can take inspiration from modify to my personal liking to get the best result possible. I thought I might ask if you would be so kind as to forward any design files that you have that may help me, also if you are aware currently of any useful/necessary items for vanlife selling at a really good price/value I would very much appreciate any help/advice you can provide. Thanks and safe travels!

[@laurajphillips]

Great Vid!

[@clarebrant5305]

Fab. 👍

[@joelincolnlincoln6315]

Has anyone talked about what has happened in San diego for van people? I left in September, there was no major problem other than the police running people out of town if you park at ocean beach early and just stay around. But otherwise people were surviving in other lots. I returned 2 weeks ago, I noticed van lifers reduced by 90%. I got myself parking ticket for sleeping in my car. Theres no place to park any more the police can give you a ticket in the daytime even if you aren't sleeping and aren't in the car just need a pillow blanket or evidence you may be living in the car. I got so mad at the government I applied for low income housing but I don't have time to live in it I like to travel its a big country

[@DarkPhantomSky]

Love you, Nate. :D

[@allana8253]

Hey Nate, this is in regards to setting up the mattress at 7:50. I'm in the process of shopping around for an Element. You stated that you couldn't fold the seats forward. Is that still the case? I need the seats to fold forward and use the area that you ended up passing up. Do you happen to know the Elements that have the front seats folding forward? Really odd that Honda would make it where they don't fold forward anymore.

[@ElementLife]

The second generation Elements (I believe 2007 and later) have the seatbelt built into the front seats. It used to be on the door in the first generation. When they added this feature they also added a stopper piece which prevents the seats from folding all the way forward. Apparently it is pretty easy to remove this as it's only a small piece of metal behind the plastic cover trim on the lower part of the seats. I haven't tried removing it yet on our Element.

[@allana8253]

@@ElementLife Seems like many vehicles are the 1st gen more desirable. Was that way with my last vehicle too. These do get at least 30 mpg with a manual transmission, right? I'm looking for a 4x4 with a standard and with the closet to 30 mpg.

[@iFish54321]

Can a 6 ft tall person sleep straight with front seats all the way forward?

[@robbwolf3309]

What happen to the other Rig?

[@joharmon2148]

Nate, your so clever! Always making something out of nothing.

[@zulmakarnacha]

hi you guys... i cant find honda element....all are ridiculous overpriced wuth so many high miles. how much it was for how many miles?

[@michaelkloeckner6353]

Seeing more cross dowel video was great.. Thanks

[@stoneyrunva]

You seem to enjoy building camper conversions. Maybe you should make a second career of it?

[@tigbak18salas61]

Thank you Nate Diaz I hope to see you again fighting in UFC

[@michaelfrench6197]

This is a Joke, so you're building your DOG HOUSE for when she gets mad at you... LMBO.

[@kenforehand9667]

You should be able to do this one with your eyes closed!

[@alohatvn]

Like 350.

[@smc65714]

ok , but now make it lighter-Skelatonize it,Reduce Mass,Cut wieght!!!!!!