Honda Element Camping Interior Design, Camper Van No Build Layout Plans, Solo Senior Vanlife NEWBIE!

[@jtravels6785]

You are the first person I’ve seen on KZbin use a template of the vehicle to see how everything would lay out. That’s ingenious!

[@mylifeinavan]

Well, I appreciate the compliment, but I actually got the idea from @Simplydande! Not sure I would have thought of it myself.

[@StayInMyLane-c2n]

LOVE finding a van life channel with an older woman like myself!

[@mylifeinavan]

Yay! I'm 71, how about you?

[@LoraPetrie-og6gd]

Yay! I’m another newly minted septuagenarian! I’m also in the planning stages of my Odyssey camper, and like you I’m making a template of the floor, and of the driver-side wall where the kitchen will be.

[@nancymcneill872]

75 year old element camping sister here. I started in the element 10 years ago with a sleeping pad and bag, coleman cooler, plastic bin for cooking/eating stuff and dufflebag for clothes. Not elegant but it worked for years. Now I've got a bed platform, fridge, solar generator/panels and more plastic bins for more stuff. My point is that no matter how well you anticipate and plan, your set up wlll evolve over time. See you on the road.

[@mylifeinavan]

Nancy, so wonderful to meet a fellow 70's Element camping sister! I intended to start exactly how you did, but my desire to BUY THINGS got the better of me. I sure so hope we meet on the road.

[@journeymanadventure]

The key I've found with car camping is not to have to much stuff, Soft square bags are better than hard boxes as they will squish in and wont rattle. building cupboards and so on is always a hassle as over time what you use will change and it takes time to know what you actualy use and need. Building structures adds weight and reduces storage area with the framing but i'm sure you will love and enjoy what you end up creating and it will be extra spechal because it's your creation. " with the fridge you might consider a sliding draw for it that helps with ease of access but keep your weight low and remember the fridge needs airflow where the vents are. Enjoy your adventure

[@mylifeinavan]

Such great advice. I can tell you've had the experience to know. I've got cloth boxes and other than the bed, have no plans to build any structures. I did buy a wire frame for the cloth boxes. Leaving Monday for my first trip with the bed. And yes - planned for and have air flow around the parts of the fridge with the vents. Thank you!!!

[@I-talk-about-tough-topics]

I wondered why you got closed storage boxes with lids instead of sets of drawers. If you want something from the bottom container, you will have to take the top ones off.​@@mylifeinavan I made a sketch of an Opel Agila a while ago and decided that I would sleep diagonally. I found small pallets online (to be collected in person to avoid delivery fees, for me) of which I can use three for my bed frame and others upright as "shelving" on either side. They look good, too. I'm not going to have a fridge: been living without a fridge for years and discovered that I don't need one. I happen to have a whole bunch of large shopping bags from one store chain and I suspect that pallets (upright) may be perfect for them. On the basis of the instruction manual that I downloaded it looks like I would be able to remove an underfloor storage cover in the rear, so that it may give me space for my feet while I sit on the lower end of the bed. Under the bed there will be storage space too, of course. I don't have the car yet. I'm 64.

[@JonTanOsb]

If you want to be able to sit up in your bed, measure how much head room you will need. You can store a lot under your bed. I've got a 2009 Pontiac Montana minivan and bought a camping cot to sleep on, with a 3" foam pad, a sleeping bag and a quilt. A 20 L 12 V fridge/freezer (not at the same time), a butane cook stove, USB fans and rechargeable LED lights. I also got a lunchbox oven to warm up food while driving. It helps to have a power box to run your fridge when you're not driving. I got a Bluetti EB70S 800W power station with a folding portable 200 W solar panel. I wish I'd measured everything before I started putting things in, but I hadn't even removed the back two rows of seats until last summer. I'm hoping to get it together to camp next summer. I'll be 73 next week. Good luck with your build and happy trails. :) Jon in rural BC, Canada

[@mylifeinavan]

Jon, yes, we did that. I've got maximum under bed space and I can sit up! We've got a lot of the same stuff. More will be revealed in future videos ;) Happy 73!

[@deborahsofia4732]

Put your fridge in the front seat.

[@mylifeinavan]

that's an idea! I think I might be too lazy to walk back and forth when I'm cooking, but I might try it.

[@littlehouselife]

I kitted out my Element with a platform made out of plumbing pipes. It was fab. I had exact-fit bins under it. The set up was in 2 pieces, and I could remove it. You have to be careful not to set off the side air bags.

[@mylifeinavan]

Do you have a pic of your bed platform? I'd LOVE to see that. Thanks so much for the warning about the side airbags. Taking her to a Honda specialist today and I'll ask if she has them.

[@tmzebra]

highly suggest a broadway rear view mirror. the bigger the better

[@mylifeinavan]

I WANT one! Will check into that when I return from the trip I leave for on Monday.

[@yardiebarbie5106]

Genius! I never thought about using paper layout but I measured the space I need inside my apt and lay out all the things I will be using for camping to see how they fit. I bought a 2 feet folding camping table for cooking on. I have an electric 1 burner, single cup coffee maker and toaster that I keep under the table when not in use. I've been cooking and eating in the space. I gifted myself a Bluetti AC70 for Christmas so I've been testing out to see how long it lasts based on usage. I recently bought a cot - actually a beach lounge chair - to create space and store things underneath, such as clothing and toiletries, my camping chairs, a 4 ft camping table and coleman propane 2 burner for if and when I want to cook outside the vehicle. I have a suv camp bed that has the 40/60 sectional chamber to inflate but I needed more space. So I will sleep on that on top of the chaise chair. I have been sleeping periodically on the cot inside my apt as a test run. I set up a collapsible sink and rest it in a dishpan to prevent leaking and I place this on top of my Bluetti, and place the waterjug (my faucet) on the table for when I want to wash dishes, etc. When not using the waterjug/dispenser I rest it in the sink. The Bluetti is set up right beside the table and all this fit behind the "40 side" back seat. I keep that seat upright to have a sitting area. My collapsible toilet stays in the footwell of that seat but there is room for my feet when I sit there. I keep my cooler on the front passenger seat, and my tool kit and trunk organizer in the footwell there. I keep my 2 small greywater bottles and catlitter in the footwell behind the driver seat. The lounge chair extends to the driver seat - pushed up a bit, and upright it extends to the edge of the folded seats. I didn't remove any seats, they are folded flat. 2009 Ford Escape. I'm tiny, 5'2". I'll be resuming weekend suv (self-contained) camping this summer. Rural BC.

[@mylifeinavan]

I love how well prepared you are and that you are testing out your equipment and sleeping on your bed in your apartment. Brilliant!

[@JacksonCA2]

Good idea to have a template. Fridge is huge for your space!

[@mylifeinavan]

I think so too!

[@I-talk-about-tough-topics]

​@@mylifeinavanI ordered a tiny Coleman cooler. It tuned out to be really small, but it's probably perfect for me. Haven't used a fridge in years. I discovered that I don't really need it.

[@theminimaldollar]

Omg the paper layout is genius! I'm definitely going to try that because just measuring did not help cut my bed accurately lol

[@mylifeinavan]

So glad I showed me doing this! What kind of vehicle do you have?

[@theminimaldollar]

@mylifeinavan I have a 2018 chevy equinox. Not as much height inside as yours

[@ChristineD8093]

I love my Element SUV. You are going to have so much fun in it. Congratulations

[@mylifeinavan]

Thanks Christine! What color and year is yours?

[@leenaerman594]

Thank You❤ here are a 52 yrs old mom & 10yrs boy Who plan to travel next summer😊. I watch your great channel!

[@mylifeinavan]

Fantastic for you and your son! Where do you think you'll travel?

[@leeinwis]

You had a kid at 42 ?

[@leenaerman594]

@@mylifeinavan we live In Finland so we plan to travel to Norway and Lapland🤗

[@leenaerman594]

@@leeinwis yes-after hope was gone!

[@mylifeinavan]

@@leenaerman594 Sounds terrific. I spent a day in Finland in my teens. Seemed like everyone was tall and gorgeous!

[@karinhart489]

Good job showing viewers how to plan for the small space of car/minivan/SUV/van camping-living! Did you also put tape on the wall to remind you of overhead height? I was thinking about your fridge/freezer doors needing topside space to swing open. Several years ago I watched a video where a lady was trying to figure out space in her van, so she taped off the rectangle of van footprint on spare bedroom floor with Painter’s tape. Then moved her cooler, bins, boxes, & bed around in that space.

[@mylifeinavan]

Karin, I didn't also make a vertical model, but I should have! Unless I hang stuff (not currently a plan, but who knows), I'm only thinking of putting something light on the fridge (with velcro?) that can be easily removed to open the fridge. But actually getting on the road and living in it will show me what works and what doesn't.

[@joanissingle6964]

I have an Element too. My bed is on a platform & most of my travel stuff fits under the bed including the cook stove.

[@mylifeinavan]

Joan - that's great! Can you sit up straight on your bed? Wondering how tall you are.

[@mrj-charles6383]

I am 54 and been some kind of Nomad my whole adult life. I have a Grand Caravan with a 24 in wide bed. Works perfect. Plastic containers for everything to keep things dry and rodents out. Been cutting back what I carry now. Winter though need a few more things to stay warm.

[@mylifeinavan]

Thanks so much for stopping to comment. I'm impressed you can carry everything you need in plastic containers! Do you hold them in place somehow?

[@mrj-charles6383]

@@mylifeinavan Different containers so clothes are separated. With the van, I took all the back seats out. So there is a lot of storage under the floor where the seats used to be. The only things secured in the back are the 12v fridge and bed. Some containers fit under the bed and the rest are in the back. Have a small space between the end of the bed and the liftgate. The trick is to get used to being a minimalist. Also, have a property to store things when not needed.

[@mylifeinavan]

@@mrj-charles6383 Thanks for describing how you do it. Yes, I agree the trick is to get used to being a minimalist. I'll still have my house at first, but really want to sell it. May get a storage locker so I can keep the things I hesitate to get rid of.

[@WendyLeeB111]

Thanks Natalie! ❤I have spent all weekend with you 💃it's been life changing 🕯️

[@mylifeinavan]

Wendy, that's amazing! Where in the world are you?

[@WendyLeeB111]

@mylifeinavan Sturbridge Massachusetts ! ☃️

[@ann-marie8235]

My van built has to be made with the bed I am 5,8 and my kitchen and sink to accommodate my 3 water bottles 6 gallons each see you down the road Natalie I love your videos

[@mylifeinavan]

So good that you know some things your van build needs to accommodate. You're TALL!

[@ann-marie8235]

@ I ordered a 5inch mattress 24x72 but I am a side sleeper so it work out for me

[@JNante]

I just saw a video where the woman used children's furniture for the sink and a cupboard in her mini van. The furniture was well built and made out of wood and not particle board. It was a cute setup and fit the space great.

[@ann-marie8235]

@ yes I saw that video on Serene and simple channel too and they are very neat I was considering doing something similar with my own build but I can’t because I have to have my 18 gallons of water I don’t play with my water

[@Moomoo_Mage]

Can’t wait to see more

[@mylifeinavan]

More is coming. Having fun!

[@courtneysands6646]

I laid a sheet in my livingroom to arrange my setup a few days ago. I'm still in de-cluttering stage, I've watched some old episodes of Hoarders to inspire me.

[@mylifeinavan]

Courtney, I should watch that. I've still got so much junk to get rid of.

[@crimson25543]

Check out how Nancy Faye on Modern Day Pilgrim sets up her minivan as a camper. No build, no clutter, she uses a 25 inch cot.

[@mylifeinavan]

Thanks for the tip, I will check her out!

[@BelieveWomenWhenWeSay]

Thank you for showing this process!

[@mylifeinavan]

You are so welcome!

[@Ulbre]

This is excellent, you are thinking outside the box. I was going to suggest having a raised bed for extra storage but with your set up it can change as needs change and as you discover what you actually want, a raised bed may have inhibited the end story. Good luck.

[@mylifeinavan]

the bed IS raised now! Check out the making of the bed frame video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iHfHqX5ubbushLc

[@littlehouselife]

I recommend putting your head at the rear. That way, you can stargaze out of the moon roof.

[@mylifeinavan]

thanks for the suggestion! I'll have the moon roof covered in the winter - to keep heat in, but I LOVE stargazing.

[@ann-marie8235]

Hi Natalie I’m learning along the way and thank you for sharing your video

[@mylifeinavan]

Ann Marie, so glad you're learning. Isn't KZbin great?

[@ann-marie8235]

@@mylifeinavan KZbin University It just the place to be. Cant wait to get my own van to start working on it but have the layout in my head and I have all my stuff already

[@KatyInNH]

I hope this isn’t to personal. If it is, feel free to ignore/delete. My question is- what do you do to be so flexible? Yoga? Or something else, etc. I am enjoying your videos and subscribed! Thanks!

[@mylifeinavan]

Katy, not too personal, ask away. I do some yoga, but honestly I think I'm just overly flexible. Joints - like elbows and knees - hyperextend. So it's likely how I'm made and not what I do to get flexible.

[@KatyInNH]

@ Thanks so much!

[@evercuriousmichelle]

You probably already know this so feel free to disregard: I used to have a Honda Element, I lived in St. Paul Minnesota, and in less than a year, my catalytic converter was stolen twice. Even with insurance, it was still a huge hassle and $600 a pop. The Elements I guess have more precious metal inside their catalytic converters? These didn't exist when this happened a few years back, but now I think they make steel plates you can add to the bottom of your car to protect your catalytic converter. I recommend getting some sort of protection for your catalytic converter!

[@mylifeinavan]

You're the 2nd person to tell me about this. Thank you. I'll check into it. Twice in one year - you really got the message!

[@kimberlyferrier1312]

You can get a camera that you can hook up to be on when you have your lights on so you can see behind you. I have one for my box truck that doesn’t have a rear window to look out. They can be as little as fifty dollars.

[@mylifeinavan]

Kimberly - I had no idea I could get a back-up camera for so cheap - thanks!

[@tbacon2784]

I was at a garage sale a few weeks ago and spent about $2 on a 9ft by 4ft piece of plasticy graph paper that I intend to use as a layout to figure out how to outfit avan I want to live in! I had never heard of anyone doing that before, but my driveway is long, but still doesn't make it to my house and I am disabled, so not pushing, pulling, or carrying anything that will need to be put back into the house. Anyway, figured that I could cut it to fit the van and take it into the house, lay it out on the floor and decide how to fit things on it before taking it out to the van. Esp. since after taking things out to the van, I will be basically bedridden for at least a couple of days afterward. Carrying things back and forth could keep me in bed for weeks, so when I saw this foldable graph 'paper', I was not going home without it!

[@mylifeinavan]

BRILLIANT! So glad to pass on a good idea I got from another van friend. And I can just imagine what you say about being bedridden for a couple days after moving everything. Just lifting my fridge and power station in and out hurts my low back for a couple days.

[@nancymcneill872]

Just saw your latest post about power station and gadgets. Not happenin' sister. You've got a tiny camper (for CAMPING not glamping) and your vision of needed appliances is equal to a van or larger RV. Attitude adjustment vs reality check needed here.

[@mylifeinavan]

Nancy, thanks for your comments. Stay tuned to see what I actually take with me (if you're interested, that is).

[@mylifeinavan]

Also wanted to mention that I actually plan to LIVE in this van, not just camp or glamp.

[@tinabeane]

Just found your channel and subbed, can't wait to see how it all comes together. I'm working on getting my 4Runner setup.

[@mylifeinavan]

Tina, that's great! So much to do to leave for Q on Monday. Hope we meet some day on the road.

[@InfiniteSoul91]

Hi Natalie, new subscriber from New Zealand 🇳🇿 looking forward to following your journey. All the best for 2025! 🎉💚🌏💚

[@mylifeinavan]

Hey InfiniteSoul91! Thanks for subscribing and all the best to you in '25 too!

[@DottieStanley]

Another great video! I am going to do the paper plan for sure first. Thanks for posting your process. It is really very helpful to us newbies!

[@mylifeinavan]

Dottie, from one newbie to another, thank you for watching and for your kind comment!

[@lorifrier8921]

Yay! New senior woman nomad ❤❤❤❤! So, when you plan on going to quartzite 🤔 😂! Excited to see your journey begin!

[@mylifeinavan]

Heading to Quartzsite in two days! Thanks for your good wishes 🧡🧡🧡

[@ednapuckett1042]

Great idea!

[@mylifeinavan]

Glad you think so!

[@morphergaming0531]

Going to throw out some thoughts that may or may not be useable, or that you can tuck away for future redesign. 1-Think about a back up camera and instead of voiding car warranties by putting in the dash just wire to a 12 v plug. 2- elevate your frig onto a tabletop platform thats stretches across the back with room for another 2nd task area or storage then sleep with your feet under the platform. 3- consider those stackable 1 open side bins ( like they use in part stores or pharmacies) for storage, they come in smaller sizes. Floor to ceiling or platform to ceiling then zip tied together.

[@mylifeinavan]

GREAT thoughts! A backup camera is on my future list for sure - and then I wold have no problem blocking the back window with your fridge/storage ideas. I did get 11" wire bins that hook together and will be testing them out on a trip next week. The ones I got hold 11" cloth cubes and can be set up to open on any side.

[@gracielei76]

Can’t wait to see your bed platform! I’m thinking of adding a swing arm hitch with a cargo box in the back for added storage.

[@mylifeinavan]

Gracie, here's my bed platform! kzbin.info/www/bejne/iHfHqX5ubbushLc

[@mylifeinavan]

The swing arm hitch with a cargo box sounds interesting. Bet you'll be able to hold a ton more stuff with that.

[@moam2799]

Awesome video. Build out my Subaru Ascent. First trips I had so much junk. Keep everything compact and basic.

[@mylifeinavan]

I know I have too much junk. Cutting down to the basics is not easy.

[@carmenlo2391]

Thanks for sharing 👍🏽

[@mylifeinavan]

My pleasure!

[@jax100]

Excellent, thank you.

[@mylifeinavan]

You are welcome!

[@zoeazsss5035]

Happy New Year. Best of luck in the New Year. Organization is not easy for me either. Great video.

[@mylifeinavan]

Happy New Year to you too Zoe! Thanks for the good wishes.

[@Joey-wu5su]

Good video❤🎉

[@mylifeinavan]

Thanks 😁

[@joanissingle6964]

My bed is a 31" wide bed a 4 " Malliard memory foam tri fold

[@mylifeinavan]

Sounds luxurious. Hope I do ok with 24" wide and ~3" of foam.

[@pianogirl3870]

Smart!!!

[@mylifeinavan]

thanks!

[@denisesorenson1150]

You should watch Lulu’s way. She has a great set up

[@mylifeinavan]

I have watched her and she’s inspired me greatly! Going to meet her in one of her meet ups in Florida soon!

[@montanadan2524]

Do you need help with the battery bank and solar to run that fridge?

[@mylifeinavan]

Thanks. I’ve got them both!

[@Rok887-n4w]

Take the passenger seat out for the fridge🤔🤔

[@mylifeinavan]

I might take the passenger seat out - but I think I'll keep the fridge in the back cuz that's the kitchen!

[@WanpenSwedenV3]

You are a very powerful woman. I like you. 💪🥰💖

[@mylifeinavan]

Wow, thank you!

[@leeinwis]

Kinda a big frig choice.

[@mylifeinavan]

You got that right. It's enormous. Hope I don't regret getting such a big one. Non-returnable. Heading out for a week on Monday. Big test.

[@trudytwilite]

Why not remove your passenger seat?

[@mylifeinavan]

I'd like to, but if I do, it's obvious to anyone looking in that there is only one person in this car. It's a safety thing.

[@wandaesch7314]

I would go with a smaller fridge, if you are travelling you only need 2-3 days worth of food at a time.

[@mylifeinavan]

@@wandaesch7314 Too late for that now, but I agree I should have bought a smaller fridge. I'm gonna make it work! I do love food and love to cook. Wasn't thinking about how it would fit when I bought it.