Living the Sienna Dream Mini Van Conversion - Version 2

[@erhization]

So I bought Robert’s plans, which were great and easy to use, and built this in a 2008 Sienna a couple months ago using mostly plywood scraps and offcuts. It has been so fun and handy having this camper setup. The design is really clever. I made a few small, unnecessary tweaks here and there. Thanks for sharing this with the world, Robert.

[@RobertGreel]

Hey Eric! Thanks a bunch my man. I'm super glad to hear you built the van from the plans, made it your own, and are enjoying it. If you have any pictures of your build and experience, feel free to toss them my way by email from my website. Thank you for the kind words! Keep traveling!

[@glenhillman9672]

I think this is one of the best, if not THE BEST, designed mini van conversions I've seen. Others seem cramped and crowded, whereas your design seems very spacious. I need something like that for my four door Jeep Wrangler.

[@RobertGreel]

Hahah, thanks Glen, that is very kind of you. It certainly helps to make the bed into a couch to make some room in the van. I'm 5'10 ish so I just fit inside the interior when sitting up on the bed. I think a key here is I'm in a mini van, not sure how much space a Jeep Wrangler has in comparison, mainly the raised floor. Mini vans have the floor pretty low to allow this space. But plenty of people build out their Jeeps to do the thing and its great!

[@dreamingrightnow1174]

Years ago I did something similar, though not nearly as elegant, to put a bed in the back of a nissan pick up with storage spaces underneath and lived in it while saving to take an extended trip to Europe. It was based on the dividers in cardboard wine cases; a nail free slot system that could be taken apart easily. Your system is beautiful, hats off.

[@rose8662]

I looked at your plans and they're so detailed and meticulous. And very reasonably priced. Thank you and bless you for your generosity!

[@RobertGreel]

Thanks for picking them up! I enjoyed the build and making the plans!

[@vikaskamboj8166]

Nice OM logo behind, brings lots of energy in. Lovely van design.

[@RobertGreel]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@whyyouaintcallme]

Excellent and ingenious design! I just purchased your plans and look forward to starting on my 2005 Sienna. Thank you for making them available and for your great videos. Live the dream!

[@RobertGreel]

Thanks for purchasing the plans and the kind words! All the best on your 2005 build. If you have any questions or want to bounce anything around, I'm always up for chatting. Live That Dream!

[@cindybrunshwiler8513]

Your design and craftsmanship is genius! Enjoyed video.

[@RobertGreel]

Thank you very much Cindy!

[@sistersherrilynn]

Nice build, man! Tons of solutions here.

[@driverdan6988]

Wonderful, Practical...... sooooo well done!!!!

[@RobertGreel]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for the kind words

[@timheasman2984]

That is Epic !! There are some good professional build outs on YT, but yours I would say is the best for a non permanent one. I think this will work in my 98 Ford Expedition.

[@RobertGreel]

Thanks for the kind words! I appreciate it. Yeah, get that build going and get on the road!

[@MrMaxine1959]

Thoughtful design

[@Thehonestruth]

That is an awesome build

[@blessedbeyond2118]

You Sir , are genius!!! Awesome work just beautiful

[@RobertGreel]

Thank you Traci! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@solabujen]

This is a dope setup! great work!

[@RobertGreel]

Appreciate it!

[@alecbotash2427]

Excellent ideas , Excellent work ✌🙂👍

[@RobertGreel]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@landontucker5436]

The build was well thought out. Love the bed concept BTW spring latches for different recline settings is genius.

[@RobertGreel]

we can all thank version two for that improvement! and my engineer buddy to help me zoom out and see a totally different way of making it happen.

[@capt.eissaeissa2769]

Fantastic layout in this conversion. Well done. Thanks for sharing.

[@v146824]

heat shield makes really cool black out window covers specifically for the Sienna. I have then for all the windows and they are amazing. blocks out light and heat

[@leeg1995]

hi where do you buy heat shields? thanks

[@zachzach4936]

That's awesome! How does this not have more views??

[@ronpeltz1717]

That's what I was thinking. Bad algorithm

[@RobertGreel]

hahaha, who knows ¯\_(ツ)_/¯. Probably because I haven't spent time making lots of van life videos :)

[@ohmercy5924]

That’s a very high top for a mini van. Some great ideas- thanks. If I ever manage to save enough money for a minivan I’ll definitely think about your instructions- though I only want a twin bed. Oops, I just realized you weren’t in the fan! Doh!

[@dianesiguenza5871]

I love your van build-out and I would be interested in purchasing the plans

[@soup4bob]

Thanks! Head over to my website robertgreel.com and you can check out the plans for purchase there! And let me know if you get building! I want to see progress!

[@capt.eissaeissa2769]

Very well done. Great conversion. Thanks for sharing.

[@RobertGreel]

Much appreciated. Thank you and glad you enjoyed!

[@hazellegate9624]

Always good to be tweaking things. 😉 I have 3 questions: 1. Where is storage for clothing, coats, shoes, personal items, hiking gear, tent, yada, yada? 2. How do you cook if it’s pouring rain or very buggy or super windy…..or all 3?! 3. Where is the porta pottie/bucket?

[@RobertGreel]

1- Storage is in the pull out drawer under the bed panels and the other space under the bed panels. Other longer term storage is in the back seat wells where I keep dry goods and utilities. 2 - With this setup, no cooking while it was super rainy. Dry foods were always a part of the calculation when shopping and looking at the forecast. 3 - In the woods with a shovel! This van setup has been great for travel. I don't think I'd live in it indefinitely unless it was in service of some other life goal. But traveling where there are bathrooms and campgrounds along the way, this setup was great!

[@samanthadodd8112]

If u sit on the other bed with the desk out, u would put ur pillows behind ur back and can lean back then. Great build.

[@RobertGreel]

Exactly. I try to keep my posture up without a back to the seat I sit in when doing computer work, but its also real nice to sit back in that recline. Thanks for enjoying the video!

[@brendanmichaelburchill5393]

Dude! I’ve been scoping van life. So cool to see you in here!

[@RobertGreel]

Hahahaha! Nice Brendan! Thanks for catching me on the Internet from IRL!

[@lynettepatton2600]

Thanks for sharing.. brilliant set up and video will be a keeper.

[@RobertGreel]

Thanks Lynette! Much appreciated

[@KenOhMatic]

Nice job, I like what you made.

[@RobertGreel]

Thanks!

[@ipdmetal]

Wow! Your design is brilliant!

[@RobertGreel]

haha, thanks for the kind words. Its a lot of fun to build and to live with!

[@heidireiter1046]

Robert you are obviously a master of space. My two sons shared your video with me and they are so impressed that apparently, they want to purchase a toyota van and try this themselves. I am wondering what kind of educational background you have to be able to design and build this and also devise your excellent woodworking plans. One son is 23 and dropped out of college for the 4th time a few months ago. He was an architecture and sustainability major at University of Florida. The other son is 19 and we hope he does not follow in his brother's footsteps by dropping out. I think your design is amazing and the plans you have created are incredible. We know that our sons do not have the expertise at this time to build a van like this even though they claim that they can. I am trying to get further insight as a parent who would like to encourage them but in a more realistic direction. You seem like you would be a fantastic role model for them. Thanks for your time and excellent video!

[@RobertGreel]

Hey Heidi! Thanks for the warm words! I big piece of my education was trying to build this thing in the first place. Made mistakes on v1 and had the emotional space to know I would make v2 better with all the lessons. Sometimes you gotta let those who haven't learned much start learning along the way, don't we? I will say I worked on tiny houses with a carpenter who taught me how to make detailed work with more advanced tools like routers, but most of what I build can be done with a skill saw (and jig), jig saw, and a drill/driver set. Maybe there's a carpenter near you who would take your boys under his supervision as they work on these plans. And if they ever want to video chat with me, drop me a line at my website and we can set it up!

[@skyehenderson8869]

Great video; professional and well done; Thanks!-Skye

[@RobertGreel]

Thanks Skye!

[@Joe.Blow1]

You work very well. Thanks a lot for sharing your knowledge.

[@RobertGreel]

It's my pleasure

[@FindingMyMuse]

You are so awesome! Love your channel mate! 🙌🤩

[@jacobkilgannon6059]

Great post so cool man. Also you’ve got a nice vibe

[@RobertGreel]

thanks dude. I appreciate you leaving the comment and the kind words. Trying to keep it relaxed, you know?

[@davidclark291]

Excellent build!

[@RobertGreel]

Thanks David!

[@familycrewtravelandstuff6480]

Great job 👏

[@RobertGreel]

Thank you! 😃

[@sharlenecook9865]

Truly Amazing... Great job...

[@RobertGreel]

thank you kindly!

[@Uzezzi_]

Surely needed in Skid Row, LA

[@kathleenreyes4345]

Very clever and interesting! Thank you for sharing!!

[@ReBK1]

Great job. I had envisioned desk/table inside or out but I have no carpentry skills.

[@tradmanmike3360]

Excellent designs! Thumbs up!!! new sub. from the 641.

[@danmorocco]

Nice job, Robert!

[@DavidLaburglier]

absolutely genius

[@mongo1243]

Wow! Well done! That's as cool as my vw bus

[@RobertGreel]

thanks!

[@CarrieMtn]

Nice work

[@syedjavedahmad9719]

Excellent, plan. 👍👍.

[@RobertGreel]

thanks!

[@MrBabujani1]

Beautiful very practical love it.

[@bapam2]

Excellent

[@AndrewPattullo]

Great . But when its raining ? For cooking

[@RobertGreel]

We did two things. One is a small tarp with some clips to hang and clip to the raised back gate of the van. That worked reasonably well for a solution without much effort. The other solution is having food that does not require using the cook stove. In that case, we are able to prep and eat inside the van with one or both bed panels in the recline position and the desk slid out at a table. With a vehicle as small as the mini van, we don't get to solve everything, but the trade offs are pretty solid for me!

[@AndrewPattullo]

@@RobertGreel i have a tiny japanese stove.. i have attached it to a heacy duty storage box lid .. so i can cook inside or out depending on the weather.

[@kevinkopper9361]

Bob- thanks for the great video. I bought the plans and am in the process of building. Two questions: 1. What mattresses did you buy and what size? 2. What materials did you use to block the windows and which lights? Thanks this design is going to bring my family joy.

[@RobertGreel]

Hey Kevin! Thanks for the kind words. Sorry for the late reply. 1. Mattress was from customfoam . net which is not around anymore unfortunately. It's basically 4" memory foam with a covering sewed by my partner. Size is 1/2" smaller each than the bed panels in the plans to allow for some spread. 2. Window coverings - a layer of "double bubble foam" or equivalent wrapped by fabric sewed. We used cardboard to make a template, cut the foam 1" smaller, sewed the fabric, and installed snap screws into the van and fabric to snap in. Pumped that you're building it! Drop me a line / photo at my website, always love to see someone making this build! -Bob

[@maryammirany9242]

Good job 👌👌👏👏👏👏

[@RobertGreel]

thank you kindly!

[@24ZEN]

Clever ideas 💡

[@independentthinker9113]

Wow...very clever!

[@waytall9213]

Thoughtful design. Thanks.

[@RobertGreel]

thank you! glad you like!

[@maryzaletel4928]

Great design!

[@tuyetmai67]

So Good Job

[@scantojack09]

Great job

[@bcmcgarrity]

Awesome build and love the plans! What are the dimensions for the mattresses and where did you get them?

[@RobertGreel]

Thanks! The mattresses are up in Vermont right now so I don't have their exact measurements. If memory serves, they are an inch smaller than the bed panel they sit on. I got them from a foam mattress website that made custom sizes and enclosures that doesn't exist anymore unfortunately. Haven't looked into finding a new spot. I got 4" of foam (not memory foam, personal preference) and wrapped with a soft cover, and then my partner sewed together some fabric to give them a pillow case like protection. Sorry I don't have another spot to order from! Thanks for the kind words!

[@bcmcgarrity]

@@RobertGreel Thanks for the info!

[@earthquakeforecasting8503]

Wow you're a man of true talent!❤ Thank you amazing!

[@RobertGreel]

Thank you so much 🙏. Just trying to make the space the way it works for me!

[@glendahernandez4950]

would you be visiting new orleans anytime soon? I need you to do my new sienna set up for dog shows

[@RobertGreel]

Glenda Hernandez I live in New Orleans part time! I'll be back next week. If you want to talk about possibilities in person, shoot me an email from my website and we can plan something! How many beds do the dogs get :) ?!

[@ronaldwadewilliams8852]

Robert, Did you ever do a build for a Honda Odyssey Mini Van? I did my version of a Sienna Minivan conversion, but I had to sell the van due to mechanical issues. I would like to know if you ever made detailed plans for the Honda Odyssey. This is important to me.

[@nicolaventure4633]

Just a thing i think you miss If It rain can you get to seat position without get out?

[@RobertGreel]

Yep - if it is raining, you can access all the pin latches and slide it into the recline position with the doors closed. Is it the easiest thing in the world? - no :). Can you do it - definitely and I have to sometimes. You gotta pull the bed sheets up, toss them onto the other bed, then you can move the bed panels relatively easily. Great question!

[@scenesfromearth4666]

Fascinating build and thought you put into that build. Any consideration for the bed frame and non-visible panels to cut away more to reduce their weight for less weight to maneuver when installing/removing and to vehicle weight when travelling? Thanks for sharing that build.

[@RobertGreel]

Yep, I did cut away material from the frame itself, but not the bed panels. I don't think I would cut more away from the bed panels, maybe drill 1" holes if I really wanted to make it more breathable and a little lighter. Thanks!

[@minhhop3208]

Thanks for sharing! Very smart design . However, the bed takes so much space ! Should it be slidable to save some free space for storage underneath and other neeeds . Love your kitchen in the back!

[@Dogandpigheaven]

Nice, I have same plan with you friend.

[@RobertGreel]

Great 👍

[@hissonggirlmoni5706]

That looked exhausting. But I have a bone condition lol. So it probably isn’t. I have an antique bed frame from from the 1940s and it sets up like that. With notches! Needs a specialty mattress tho. Question. Is the desk and table for the stove the same one? It just goes any way you pull? Also, is there a door in the back tone able to access the stove and utensils and such. You, know, in case it rains and you get stuck having to cook on the inside? With the hatch open of course.

[@standraiveyjones3670]

Great build. Did I miss info on how to cook in rainy or super cold weather?

[@RobertGreel]

Nope! Cooking out in the rain is not awesome, but we did get a system with a tarp, bungie cords, and tent poles to go over the back gate and that worked pretty well. Super cold weather :) ? The traveling I do is usually to get out of the cold weather 😉

[@donaldjohnson4019]

We have an 04 Sienna It's been a work Horse hauling everything, Now want to Do Some Camping one or two night stays with light provisions side iron spot lights food water. Tired of 4 walls and big city.

[@gov683]

Great ideas

[@RobertGreel]

Glad you like them!

[@Gimo76]

Very nice build. I just found out I need to drill holes in my platform so to keep mattress from molding. Is that really an issue I have no idea. Maybe for full timers.

[@RobertGreel]

Yeah for full timers you probably want to do something like that to keep the mattress breathing. Box springs and similar allow air flow and we don't think about it much. Also keeping the windows cracked is a big help. Multiple nights sleeping in the van with the windows closed / no air circulation can lead to mold issues all around the car.

[@stevengatewood2725]

Very nice Robert. About how much of the year do you sleep in it?

[@RobertGreel]

These days, for trips across country. So definitely not full time. But the big trip was 5 months in between national parks, back roads, friends, and farms

[@ronaldwadewilliams8852]

Would this fit in an 04--09 Honda Odyssey without modifying the plans you have developed? I see you have Version 1 plans. Is there a Version 2 set of plans?

[@RobertGreel]

Here's some rough measurements: 47-1/2” at the wheel well wide 91-1/2” long from back of kitchen to top of bed laid down 30” tall at the kitchen I'd say measure that against your honda. I believe most mini vans the floor is not flat, so some shimming is necessary and easy to do. The plans are of the build you see in this video, V2!

[@mikeroup2721]

With the floor of a 2007 being flat, does that affect the height of the ribs and notches (and drawers)? My wife and I want to build this for traveling later this year. Great design. Thanks for providing plans for purchase. I'll be purchasing them very soon.

[@RobertGreel]

It does not! WIth the plans and the general approach, you are free to set the height of the ribs to elevate the bed to whatever height you'd like. There are no notches on the floor and the drawers can also be set to a height to accommodate anything on the floor. In my 2011 Sienna, I had to raise up the drawers a bit to clear the seat hardware I couldn't / didn't want to remove. Thanks for the kind words and let me know if you have any other questions!

[@mikeroup2721]

@@RobertGreel Thanks so much for your quick reply!

[@LifeBetweenTheDash]

Wow beautiful!!!!!❤!!!!!!!!!

[@rachellopez1299]

Great job!!!! 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻🤘🏻

[@ronaldwadewilliams8852]

I have a copy of your plans Version 2 of the Sienna build. My question is; of the list of tools you have, what is the more important tool I would need, Router or Jigsaw? I have a Rotorazor, Chicago Electric Multitool, Reciprocating Saw, and drill. I have some wood clamps from making guitars. However, in your opinion, with the limited resources I have, the decision on a Router or Jigsaw is important.

[@jotsingh8917]

Just a thought if the seat rail pushed all the way forward, one has more room for the storage box?

[@nora6623]

I liked your water setup on design one. Why did you remove that concept from design 2? I have installed my own camper setup in a town and country but would like to incorporate some of your ideas.

[@RobertGreel]

Thanks! Version 2 I tried not to design everything to a meticulous degree, thus the water enclosure. I ended up getting a smaller 2 gal container and being able to have that flat surface on top of the cook top cabinet has been very nice. I would consider building that enclosure again, but the strap does nearly the same thing so it's been a decent trade off.

[@stihlsawrepairs7955]

It’s been years since you’ve posted, sir. You have a different channel set up or ?

[@SIG471]

Great video 😊

[@naimasrael6829]

Beautiful and super functional. Thankhz so Much for sharing. Wholeness n Essence of Love ((-;

[@RobertGreel]

You are welcome!

[@jotsingh8917]

Another thing: Not everyone wants to go through the DIY built instead are willing to buy this as a kit from IKEA?

[@youarehere1251]

Jot Singh if you look around Craigslist, there are trade service available to hire. You will be amazed there are people just love doing wood work with reasonable compensation.

[@craigbeaumier2960]

I’m looking into buying a sienna to convert. I will definitely buy your plans, for $10 I may just buy them just to support what your doing here. I like the van conversion option because I have kids and needed a camper van solution that has factory seating for their car seats. I am curious of the benefit for you versus just buying a purpose built camper van, or at least converting a sprinter or something? I also would love to know what you might consider doing if you needed to keep the rear seats accessible while driving?

[@RobertGreel]

Hey Craig, thanks for the message. Second question first - I've seen people keep the rear seats in and put the kitchen platform on top of the folded seats. In that case I would recommend a little bit of securing that platform to the van. At the least, throw a ratchet strap underneath the seats, fold the seats down, put the kitchen platform on the folded seats, and continue the ratchet around the platform. When I have the seats out, the framing in that cargo space is what keeps the kitchen in place, so that's the concept I'm solving for here. First question! I prefer a Sienna over a Sprinter because I use my van for regular city work and life, it's easier to maneuver, less eye catching, and cheaper! The trade off is space obviously. The sprinter is much more comfortable for full time living (you get to stand!). I made this build so I can have a normal mini van one minute and 10 minutes later, have a camper van ready to travel. May not be everyone's priority, but it was mine. If you have other questions, feel free to drop me a line at my website. Thanks!

[@dextere5490]

Got the plans. Wondering if you left the 3rd row seats folded down or if you removed them completely. Thanks in advance! This is an awesome build

[@RobertGreel]

Thanks! I did remove the 3rd row seats so I could use that space as storage. Easy to remove and that space has definitely been useful.

[@dextere5490]

Cool. I couldn't make out how you used the space for storage. Are your compartments easily removable to accommodate/access the storage area?

[@RobertGreel]

@@dextere5490 Oh yeah, I explained the storage below the kitchen more in my v1 videos. I only need to move the cooler out of the way and I can access most of the bottom storage area (the other side is accessible when you remove the drawer and picnic table from the slides).

[@drivinfool9902]

Very nice, thanks so much! I may be getting a 2012 Sienna soon. Will buy your plan if zits do.

[@RobertGreel]

join the Sienna crew!

[@elenauribe4841]

Hi love your wall decoration i don’t know how they call but i like to know where can i get them thank you

[@RobertGreel]

Thanks! We made the curtains by hand. Used cardboard to trace the windows, cut the fabric for both interior and exterior, then cut Reflectix an inch smaller to fit in-between the two fabrics for heat.

[@elenauribe4841]

@@RobertGreel thank you so much! I appreciate your quiet response

[@watching-and-judging-you]

Barrel locks love to rattle. Are you looking into a different hardware solution?

[@RobertGreel]

They sure do! I haven't yet, but it seems all but one have found a comfortable position to cozy into and they don't rattle much. The most rattling came from the slide extensions from the picnic table and any bottles I kept in the right side kitchen cab on the top / daily use, so I will always put some hand cloths in between ball jars and oil bottles.

[@jonmarcmondor]

Like and subbed just cause this guy is a mfn boss for putting all the work into this video

[@RobertGreel]

Thanks Jon! I appreciate the kind words!

[@bluewater4u2]

any link to take the 3rd row seat out, and instruction to battery/inverter setup?

[@RobertGreel]

When the seats are in their normal seated position, there are a couple of bolts that secure the seats metal arms to the frame of the car as they reach down into the cavity. I just started poking around and saw them, unbolted, and things went well. As for the battery inverter setup, that was a custom job from a family friend retired electrical engineer and he made a few custom boards and wire ups that are way above my pay grade. Sorry I don't have anything more specific on that. I gotta think there are more videos online with more off the shelf items to make an inverter and aux battery happen off of the inverter of the car. Good luck!

[@gracecallowayable]

Awesome!!!👠🚌👠

[@nestogonzo1]

Do you think its possible to put swivel seats in the front?

[@Gamebit450]

Maybe the bed should bend the other way for a bench seat. Seems like you would have way more floor space when not in sleep mode.

[@RobertGreel]

that is very possible and considering that for v3

[@mysticalmisfit1332]

Amazing design/build😍 only thing, I would need access to a use a bucket inside 😅 and don’t see where that would be possible

[@RobertGreel]

hahaha, I hear that. I'm a fan of the portable bidet and shovel. But maybe a short bucket would fit underneath the bed panel ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@Tomekonline2]

nice car good job

[@DragnetRadio]

The plans you have on your site now are good for what years of the Sienna?

[@RobertGreel]

works in both the 2007 model and the 2011 model. The interior designs only change once every handful of years. They changed interiors between 2007 and 2011 and the design works for both! Source: I owned both models while I made both version 1 and 2

[@GaryTalbott]

I wish you sold that conversion pre-cut.

[@RobertGreel]

I do! If you are interested, drop me a line on my website www.robertgreel.com

[@MiTran-gy9ls]

Very good idea bro. Thanks.

[@ragazzi25]

I have the same Sienna and would like to set up a bed area only on one side of the van, can you tell where you got the small matresses?? thanks for the video..

[@RobertGreel]

I got the mattress from customfoam.net but they don't seem to exist anymore. I did get them custom made for $60 a piece. Sorry I don't have the immediate answer but custom foam makers are out there for this price range I believe. They sewed a covering on it to make it a little softer and my partner made basically pillow cases for them that we could wash

[@1blackbug]

Amazing.

[@RobertGreel]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@dretech]

Hi Bob, I love your design so much but I'm not handy. Would you be able to give me rough estimate how many hours and how much money needed to build this? Thank you!

[@RobertGreel]

Hi Andre thanks for the kind words! Its certainly a little complex if you don't normally do wood working. It took me a good 8 - 10 days of work after the plans were all set and done. $500-$800 in materials if you start including fancier drawer slides and all the little things for the curtains and the cooler. If you have any questions about building it or are interested in being shipped a pre cut kit to put together yourself, give me a shout on robertgreel . com. Thanks!

[@donnataliercio7080]

Great how much? Considering

[@RobertGreel]

Thanks! The plans and skethcup file are $15. If you're interested in the build, hop over to my website and drop me a line!