How to Turn a Borrowed or Rented Minivan into a Camper (Chrysler Pacifica Campervan Tour)

In this video I go over my camping setup in the Chrystler Pacifica minivan that was loaned to me for a week's worth of adventuring.
GEAR SHOWN IN THIS VIDEO
** Packable duffle bag (couldn’t find the exact one I use, but this one is similar): amzn.to/3r0tyBT
** Jackery Explorer 160: amzn.to/3CLtdoR
** Window bug screen things (XL size): amzn.to/3lbSN0m
** Folding windshield sun shield (L size): amzn.to/2ZnWkRo
** Magnetic cup holder phone mount: amzn.to/3CSJok4
** 3-in-1 USB cables: amzn.to/3r7O7Mz
** 12-volt USB socket thing: amzn.to/3rb7OTR
** Headlamp (the one I have isn’t made anymore, but here's one that looks kind of similar): amzn.to/3FFpvPs
** Ozark Trail lantern: www.walmart.co...
► Adventure Know-How: adventureknowh...
► The SUV RVing Website: suvrving.com/
► My online store (SUV camping/vandwelling/overlanding accessories & SUV RVing merch): KamchatkaGear.com
OTHER LINKS
** Gear I use: suvrving.com/gear
** SUV RVing the Book: amzn.to/2SUrtme (Affiliate link)
** The blog: suvrving.com
** Instagram: / suvrving
** My other KZbin channel: / tenkaraaddict
#minivan #campervan #vanlife

[@hmcvalesano]

Tristan, because of you, I am camping at Disney World at Fort Wilderness and saving a lot of money with the advantage of staying at an on-site resort and getting into the parks earlier. I will have my SUV RV and I have a Napier Tent that connects to the back of my SUV. Thank you for the inspiration!!

[@SUVRVing]

That's great! Have fun 🎉

[@susie9893]

Living the dream

[@proehm]

Nice little set up. A guy I used to work with used to camp out of rental vans quite a bit. He flew his pocket rocket, luci light and a set of blackout curtains, bought a styrofoam cooler, and hit Goodwill for a pan.

[@SUVRVing]

It's definitely something I'll do more of in the future 👍

[@nanc1970]

I'm currently living in my Jeep Patriot, and appreciate all the things I learned from this channel before I started this adventure. I do some car camping in parks and national forests, and some stealth camping in towns and cities. I've never been bothered, or felt insecure in my SUV RV! I love the freedom I have doing this!

[@SUVRVing]

That's awesome! It's a great way to travel, isn't it?

[@kennethwhitney4737]

I have a 2020 Chrysler Pacifica that I use for business and drive over 100,000 miles a year. I sleep in it on a 6” futon that folds out to 6’8”” and is 54” wide. I have a refrigerator in the back. Clothing space. I also have window covers that are two sided, one keeps heat out or reverse keeps heat in. I do use motels when I want to shower or for $6 you can shower at truck stops. Vans are great for travel.

[@zackdemundo]

Three years ago I rented a Pacifica and drove from the Midwest to Badlands, Custer State Park, Bighorn, Teton and Craters of the Moon in Idaho. Although I did no classic off-roading, it was sufficient for use in campgrounds or well-maintained roads leading to BLM spots. The space was cavernous. I used a cot and mat, plus a sleeping bag. Space under the cot was where I stowed cooking equipment and food. This left a huge space to walk/crawl around. The height was glorious when having to change clothes, plus during bad weather, I was not claustrophobic while staying in and reading. Got about 26/27 mpg on the highway. Did the same thing a year later out to Arches, and camped along the Colorado river. Returned east after winding down through Tucson area. They aren’t designed for rough roads, but they are a big volume on wheels, and sometimes that’s all you need for a week or two.

[@mdaski]

I have the 2018 version of this top-of-the-line Pacifica, with the built-in vacuum cleaner. You didn't mention or maybe you didn't realize, that there is no spare tire in this van. The vacuum is in the space where a spare would go. I made two cross-country road trips in it with my son-in-law in 2019 & 2020. the first year we got a flat but luckily it occurred in a campground and we were able to remove the nail and plug the tire ourselves. For the 2020 trip I bought a full-size tire and had it mounted on a wheel. We laid it on the floor just behind the console and I cut a circular piece of plywood to lay on top and then put a box of gear on top of it. Thankfully we didn't get any flats on that trip but I was grateful for the peace of mind of having a spare.

[@tucsontom7244]

I got the inflatable spare tire option for this very reason.

[@CPB111]

For anyone who might be interested, the 2015 honda pilot rear seats fold down pretty flat with a very minor slope to the rear. I camp in it and sleep fine. I recently made a removable platform for more storage and of course its even better but if you're renting somewhere I thought some of you might want to know.

[@saramarencic6027]

Great tip, have been looking for a minivan like that - thanks a ton!

[@cousinjeb7116]

I am totally in agreement with you on the minivan ground clearance issue, but as far as finding camping spots as it's getting dark, that is an east vs. west issue in my opinion. Normally in the east you gotta reserve your space three years in advance, pay $45 a night, and look at 67,000 people within 73 feet of you the entire time. Out west yur like: well there's ten minutes of daylight left....oh look at this wonderful epic spot with no people and it's free for 14 days.

[@joewehner5095]

Man! Ain't that the truth!

[@TheSunGoethDown]

So true.

[@aegisreflector1239]

What do u mean? It's more difficult to stealth camp in the east coast than west coast??

[@cousinjeb7116]

@@aegisreflector1239 Yah just a harrrrrrr.....

[@mycharmedunicorn8715]

I have ripped off a plastic piece on the front underside of my Toyota Sienna coming out of a mall parking lot that was a little steep.

[@katmogstad1692]

You mentioned using an air mattress in the mini van. I caution viewers against that if staying in cold climates. I experienced moisture buildup between my body and the top of the mattress because of the cold air mixing with my body heat. It may be tolerable for short term though. Just be sure to dry the mattress and the bedding during the day.

[@turkey4957]

Definitely foam is better, you. can get one of those $40 Walmart mattress toppers that is like 4" thick foam and already in a twin bed size and easily cuttable.

[@jwagnermail]

One suggestion for securing your bags - buy a small padlock, and lock the bags onto something secure inside the van. This will at least slow down the "smash and grab" thieves. They want to get in and out of your van fast, they don't care if you have an alarm because they will be gone before other people notice the van has been broken into. Bags that are locked down will at least slow them down. A small tarp to cover everything in the back of the van will also deter the thieves who look in your windows and confirm you have expensive camera bags before they break in. The lock on the bags will also help keep them in place if the van is in an accident, a flying camera bag full of equipment will not be good when a wreck throws it at the back of your head, even with a seat head rest in the way.

[@bdmenne]

It is amazing how a 4mm opaque plastic sheeting can be more effective than an expensive car alarm at deterring thieves. And thanks for the locking down idea!! I have rubber sheathed steel cables and U-lock. Never thought of that. That and a tarp and Thieves will be running for the hills after they pull their hair out.

[@jwagnermail]

This is another security idea for people with the vans that have storage compartments for the seats, like this van. You could find a way to stash the cameras and other valuables in those compartments, and lock them down.

[@susie9893]

Or just consider going ultra minimal with the camera gear so that you just take with you pretty much whenever you leave your vehicle

[@johnsousa2558]

Campsites in a minivan are more enjoyable than motels at times. I have my dodge caravan set up for car camping on road trips. I have had occasions where hotels are all booked up on a trip and the other option was to car camp. A campsite is a fraction of the cost with all you need to sleep the night. Thanks for sharing great information when flying into a destination renting a similar van.

[@saginawdan]

I drove a new company owned Dodge mini van on my last and final job (I'm retired!). I was very impressed with that vehicle. Chrysler has perfected the mini van! Nice video Tristan - Thanks 🌲🌲🌲!

[@turkey4957]

Significantly less reliable than siennas and odysseys

[@mdaski]

I used to have a 2002 Chrysler (non-Grand) Voyager. It was a bottom-of-the-line 4 cylinder. It had two bench seats in the back that you could remove and store in the garage and then you had a nice flat surface for sleeping--not like the split-level floor in the Pacifica. The other thing I liked that the Pacifica can't do is that there was no console, so you could go from the front seat to the rear without getting out of the vehicle. Nice when you're stealth-camping in a rest stop and you don't want people to see you climbing into the side door (I'm paranoid). Also, the rear side windows were on a hinge so you could open them a couple inches to get some fresh air and to keep the windows from fogging up. I live in NJ so I would drive around the clock, sleeping in rest stops, until I got to Wyoming or Colorado, whatever, then I tent camp.

[@jeffreywhitaker5154]

I thoroughly enjoy these types of vids much more than the hiking up mountain vids.

[@SUVRVing]

You're in the minority. This video is the 9th most popular out of the last 10 I've uploaded 😄

[@jeffreywhitaker5154]

@@SUVRVing LOL, thats ok buddy, I prefer not to be like everybody else lolol.

[@cynforrest]

I enjoyed this too but not more. All Tristan’s vid are interesting and valuable.

[@kimsargeant8126]

I recently traded my 2016 Nissan Rogue (I miss it) because the rear seats do not fold down anywhere near flat. It was very uncomfortable for me to use it for camping. I bought a 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan. The floor isn’t truly flat, but I’ve had some help building a bed platform. I know that the minivan is just a first step toward my becoming a Nomad in my retirement. Thank you for showing us how to use a rental van for getting out and seeing this country.

[@turkey4957]

awesome enjoy your travels :)

[@michelledavis2717]

This is a great idea and it also helps to give someone ideas if they are just getting started.

[@tim_schu5850]

my routine: -rent van or if you can't get a van an suv. -pack sleeping bag, air mattress, pillows and any other hiking/camping supplies in checked bag -stop at walmart and set up. buy foam cooler and groceries adding in some sort of window cover solution could be a good upgrade for me.

[@H.pylori]

If one does not have a sister that is willing to loan out a top of the line minivan (leather seats), and if one does not want to buy a lot of equipment on arrival, consider the many SUV/campervan rental companies that operate out of major city airports. Probably a bit more expensive and there are mileage restrictions, but all the gear can be rented as well, so that all one has to do is pickup the van, have fun, return the van and head to the airport. If you do have a wonderful sister like Tristan's, then you are a lucky person. This is a very informative video, watched it all the way through and then used his link to purchase the 3/1 USB cables and the headlamp.

[@SUVRVing]

There are SUV camper rental companies in airports? Do tell.

[@H.pylori]

@@SUVRVing Meant to say "near" airports like in Las Vegas. Not in the airport. Like Escape Campervans, las vegas RV rental, El Monte rental, Sprinter rentals, etc.

[@ReneaDooserider]

Thank you for sharing, love that black and brown interior very nice and that it has a vacuum that is so cool. Subaru Outback girl here and that’s what I camp in travel in.

[@cynthiahowell4172]

My partner and I spent a month in New Zealand traveling in a rented station wagon. You have included great information in this video.

[@susans7091]

Those stow and go seats are fabulous! I boondock camp in a Subaru Outback that has tinted windows in the back, and do not even bother with using window covers as people can't see me in the back, although I can see out just fine. The net front window coverings are a good idea, especially if they help keep the rain out:)

[@JohnMillekerPhotography]

Great video on how you can turn nearly anything into an overnighter. My wife and I wanted to stay overnight for astrophotography in Valley of Fire while in Vegas. We had a hotel the entire stay, but piled blankets and pillows from the hotel in our overnight bag for that one day and rolled them out to our rental SUV. Slept in the vehicle, brought everything back and like nothing even happened. If we do it again we'll consider renting sleeping pads. The blankets weren't enough.

[@SUVRVing]

Nice! What kind of SUV was it?

[@suv629]

Nice van, so much room inside. I love those stow and go seats!

[@expressivepets1]

You have your Jackery!... It's your sister's. Too sweet.

[@flacat6437]

Loved seeing the minivan set up since we have owned them in the past and love the interior space. However I am so happy you mentioned the con of ground clearance ! Have you ever seen a Dodge Durango as an rv suv? That’s my current ride. Thanks for the video and links!

[@TheSunGoethDown]

I have a 2010 Chrysler Town and County and one of the sweetest things about it is the Stow&Go seats. It’s very comfortable.

[@joanndavis4843]

Your video gave me a good idea🤔. I day camp my mid-size suv and want to upgrade in a year to Chrysler Pacifica. I luv the spacious feel of the van when all seats are stowed away. I can easily rent the van for a weekend, get my camping gear, and head on out! Why wait?😊

[@cynforrest]

What a fun vid, Tristan. TFS your sister’s van in such detail. Might work for me as I don’t do serious off-road camping anymore. Appreciate the links you always include. Thanks so much. Merry Christmas! 🎁🎄❤️

[@demesrvl6761]

Can't wait to watch this!! I have been thinking of this very topic lately!!!... OK, just finished. This was SO helpful! Even talking about van vs SUV!! I will definitely "try before I buy". I am not thevadventurer you are, so a van might actually work for me. I really love ypur channel. Am a member of your website, too. Any other ways I can help support your efforts?

[@katechang2394]

Many thanks for explaining everything well. VERY informative & concise. Enjoyed watching your video!

[@erindunebuggy9772]

Woo hoo, my Sister's mini van! Let's do oooies! Still full time here in the 01' CRV RD 1 and loving Life. Thanks for your Nomad insight, totally cool.

[@Julian-do7bv]

You sister is awesome for letting you borrow her really nice van I really like the deep brown leather

[@eileenselts7794]

Looking forward to seeing where it is this adventure took you.

[@Terraducky]

Morning, Tristan! Thanks for all your great videos! Happy holidays!

[@aerohk]

The roof is amazing

[@bdmenne]

I love my minivan for its utility. Sto-&-Go just for the back row seats only, though. So I pulled out both middle seats. I need that Pacifica all Sto&Go seating!!! Only problem with minivans. Low Clearance & usually not AWD. Other than that you can drive 90% of America.

[@FrugalPandaTravels]

One thing I do is take the floor mats and turn them over with carpet side down in a rental (unless bottom of floor mat is super spiky that will be under air mattress. It keeps the mats from getting embedded with dirt and bottom/rubber side just shake off. Good video

[@SUVRVing]

Great tip!

[@lindamartin2045]

Another informative video👍 Thank you,Tristan. Guess a minivan (low ground clearance)would be easier for arthritic knees. Take care.

[@amybee40]

Doing vanlife on the road for a few weeks last fall, I quickly learned to find parking spots with a slight up-hill slope so that I did not have to use chucks to get my minivan tilted up so my bed would be level. I can sleep that way, but the slight tilt just makes everything else a little harder to do in the van.

[@dixxebell]

Your sister did you a solid...for sure. HOW cool!! The Fly was funny...

[@teatonaz]

Mick-Fly made the “ big lights “,...Ha! GREAT vid, we watched most of your Ill./Missouri vid’s first so this answered a lot of ?’s. Would like to do this (fly first) from Phoenix to New England states in the fall. We might make it to Quartzite for the RTR, to see if we can see ya! You there all 4 days ? PS- can’t wait for the Minn. to Canada, to Rockies trip, and then the Alaska trip even more! Whew who !!

[@dixielambrecht7009]

Those sunroofs are so cool! And the stow and go seats. Would a lift kit make enough of a difference for dirt roads?

[@SUVRVing]

Yeah the sunroofs in there are awesome. In my opinion, putting a lift on a minivan doesn't make sense. Those vehicles just aren't made for rougher road travel.

[@turbolag5107]

Maybe not so much for "rough roads" but it could be beneficial to get a little more clearance for the forest roads that are a little less cured... Looking at you Poe Paddy State Park in PA 👀. Fun in the Jeep though lol.

[@tucsontom7244]

I have the same minivan. A cot fits in the space you were sleeping. It wedges against the seat which keeps it from moving.

[@Marys-Channel]

I don't know. I've made black out window covers before. 20 minutes????? I'm overwhelmed with the memory. ✌️❤️

[@davidgodley521]

What a nice Red Ride! I've had a couple of minivans in the past. They definitely have some space after the seats have been taken out.

[@llorylloyd]

I love how simple this van setup was. How you brought the majority of your needed items on a plane. This seems like a no stress "build". Just gather some basic items and go. Thanks looking forward to your adventure. 💕

[@suzannekoppes5104]

Do you know a Pacifica AWD Has more ground clearance and of you need more lift kits are out there. We just bought one and love it!

[@78twood]

I always carry my Anker wireless charger in my purse all the time. I’m live in a house but it’s great if your power is out or you’re away from home

[@evehumphreys1]

this is absolutely brilliant can i ask we are planning on a 3 week car camping trip which rental car (s) would you recommend for us thanks!

[@livetravelwithMaryandMom]

Be able to fly to somewhere then rent the van and sleep in and doing some exploring. No need to pay for hotel. It suits this economics very well. I definitely try this on my trips. Great ideas! Thank you so much.

[@brandonevans3247]

Great video Tristan!! Have you ever thought of renting a full size van from Enterprise and doing a similar video on that? The minivans are spacious but the full size van such as the Nissan Cargo Van give you even more space.

[@SUVRVing]

Nah, I have no need for that much space.

[@lawsonone6015]

Nice minivan! I always wanted to try one for camping. I can see what you mean about the care you’d need to choose your locations because of the ground clearance.

[@freedomdove]

That's the windshield cover I bought for my Galant. It was too big for a car but it fits my Suboverland perfectly. 👍

[@mollerthereal]

Did this in Florida traveling between Keyes and everglades. Crazy cheap trip

[@thetommantom]

I like it uneven or not flat depending how you park you can lay into the hill or put your feet up

[@SUVRVing]

Here's a tour of the RAV4 camping setup: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iondpZRoYrSYesk

[@largelarry2126]

I have a tip for you. The glass in cars have UV protection and will block a lot of the UV needed to charge any solar powered devices.

[@iliveinthewoods]

Nice van. Really nice.. 🤌🏻

[@davidleigh443]

Great tip on using a spray bottle to wet your toothbrush. BTW, Tristan, I have watched several of your videos and regarding pooping it is not one size fits all. To be honest, you are still young and controlling bowel movements until you can use public facilities does not work necessarily with nomads over 60, etc. When I was young, I could control it for a long time, not so much now. Basically, I view a camping toilet, I prefer the Trip Tip one, is job #1, when outfitting whatever vehicle/rig you choose.

[@FrankGreenway]

Good video, I’m thinking about borrowing my daughters Honda Pilot for a 7 day trip out to Arizona in February and I’d not be able to modify the car for camping.

[@carolsmith7380]

Very interesting and informative video, Tristan!

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks Carol!

[@lisemacleod9260]

Thanks. I'm looking for specifics on the sunroof because I think when it's opened my elderly husband could stand up in the center of the van while camping. Also, when the seats are stowed, it looks like the floor is still low enough to leave space between it and the ceiling to move around. True?

[@lesterdelvalle3690]

That’s better than owning a Jeep Wrangler for most uses

[@jonwarner1977]

As Bob Wells would say "a no-build build". Looking at options for my full size pickup from a "no build build" camper shell to something like a used camper or maybe even a Kimbo perhaps after I retire. The low expense "no-build build" camper shell is looking more likely though.

[@jamesrichardson1326]

Like the video. Looks like you're in my part of the country.

[@MaxZomboni]

18:42 If you want one of those, but clearance is a problem, you can easily install a lift kit on it. 😎👍

[@zimmejoc]

the background looks really green...you ain't out west, that's for sure :)

[@solangeamato2949]

Is it possible to use pieces of foam under the matress to fill the gaps and make the bed flat?

[@michaeltichonuk2176]

Honestly, I kept trying to figure out where you recorded this. 🤔. Wanna say Lowlands of Carolinas...but I've never been to the UP, Washington or Oregon yet, so... Yeah, you don't usually do van review or whatever. I appreciate that you present options to others. I didn't spy a scooter or a Tenkara rod so this next Adventure will be...

[@tonycuriel5948]

How flat is the cargo area? Renting one next month to camp in Washington for a few nights and trying to prep what I need to take with me.

[@thomasdreke1698]

I'm looking forward to your travels east. Where did you go ? I thought I would find out this morning but I guess that I have to wait another week. Cool minivan that your sister loaned you.

[@SUVRVing]

Yep, gotta wait another week!

[@mycharmedunicorn8715]

Do solar powered items charge pretty good on your dash?

[@wadewilliston5424]

How did you remove the seats in the back. Did they just unscrew?

[@jamesrichardson1326]

I appreciate the slip on shoes for the TSA fun and games. Were they much interested in your cameras and such?

[@SUVRVing]

Nope. Sailed right on through security.

[@jamesrichardson1326]

@@SUVRVing I really dislike taking off shoes and my belt. My dang pants almost slip off my hips! If I flew a lot I'd pay for TSA pre check to smooth out the process. Have a great trip.

[@spellerlittlewing]

Thanks I forgot about ground clearance

[@terry362]

🧡🇬🇧🧡

[@hauk3839]

If something happen to my 2010 t&c. I wonder if the demensions are the same

[@MegaGo68]

He's somewhere near Nashville, TN. Just a guess.

[@otiswinters3674]

I know this sounds crazy, but there is a company that lifts minivans! It's not Land Cruiser ground clearance, but it's a definite improvement. Here is the short 1:30 min video that shows what I am talking about: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mWeam6Zpa9mql9U

[@christinerolle3876]

Tristian, i have the Jackery explorer is it okay to carry on on the flight or check in?

[@SUVRVing]

I don't believe so

[@sierramantrvlnus]

Yay!

[@sunyoo1838]

Is Jackery 2000 too big ?

[@dyerarch]

AWD Pacifica with a 2" lift kit 🙂

[@jjrne6]

If you cant find a campground on the road where are best places to park and sleep. Please dont say Walmart because im not convinced thats the safest place to be nowadays

[@김성수-n4q8p]

Good

[@BS2Dos]

👍👍

[@Moondoggy1941]

How bout a 99 isch Toyota Siena van for a camper conversion?

[@KO-cy5bn]

If your seats are removable you have a mobile tent. I spent six weeks in Utah in my Honda Odyssey. You can't get everywhere without four wheel drive, but you can travel 1,500 miles from home like I did and stay safe and dry in any weather. Look at the channel called cheap RV living, many people who live full-time in their vehicles are interviewed on that channel. Tristan is doing it in different vehicles and you can too.

[@Moondoggy1941]

@@KO-cy5bn Thanks, I have a Lexus GX 470 that gets 12 MPG so it is costly to just get there. Looking for something that is easier on the wallet.

[@KO-cy5bn]

If money is an issue, let me suggest sleeping in your vehicle where you are living now with the gear you already have. Then you can buy what you need instead of what you think you want. Have fun on your travels.

[@Moondoggy1941]

@@KO-cy5bn Thanks I learned the hard way not having a good enough sleeping bag, that and a small BBQ is basically all I have.

[@helenvwalker7919]

Can you take butane/ gas bottles on planes? In your luggage?

[@barbarootoo]

No, you'd need to buy those at your destination and dispose (recycle or gift to someone else) before you fly home.

[@AirVac99]

@@barbarootoo This is what I thought. Thank you for the confirmation.

[@helenvwalker7919]

That's what I thought too. Certainly you couldn't fly with them here, in Europe.

[@SUVRVing]

Nope.

[@norsefalconer]

I'll have.to reach out to you via email before you come to NC (Mt Mitchell, highest pt E of the Mississippi). There is a neat relic structure, mostly only known by locals, not far from there that I think you'd appreciate.

[@SUVRVing]

Sounds great. Send over the email!

[@norsefalconer]

@@SUVRVing Sent Brother. Safe Travels!

[@diannamallis575]

lift kit

[@santival505]

Ok pee bottle. TMI