Minivan Tour with RoadLoft kit

We installed a RoadLoft kit in our 2018 Toyota Sienna XLE, and we love it (both the van and the kit). Here's a tour, which we put together a few months before setting off for our Alaska trip.

[@rajendranthirunavukkarasu4040]

Super built, best utilization of space.

[@texasredleg4924]

Great use of space!

[@lydialangfordjoiner765]

It’s great! Happy Trails! Thank you for sharing-

[@gabrielnascimento206]

I'm from Brazil and I'm learning English with your videos

[@serenityjewel]

This is awesome. I recommend you get a hatch screen to stop bugs from getting into your vehicle when you have the hatch up. I bought the GreceYou Tailgate Screen and I love it. It's really quick, easy, and simple to put on but I keep it on 24-7 in the summer because I live in the mountains and we have a lot of bugs and mosquitoes here.

[@tomandkarenontheroad6095]

That's a great idea! And definitely need in Alaska when it's particularly buggy. Thanks.

[@kitaoden703]

I just love your beautiful van design 🧡

[@ROADLOFT]

What an insightful video ! Thank you Tom and Karen for sharing your love for the kit. We love what you have been able to do with your van! We wish you endless adventures. Keep spreading your love for Vanlife, we sure love to watch your videos !

[@tomandkarenontheroad6095]

Thanks so much! We love our Road Loft!❤

[@mikeroeger8804]

My wife and I have a RoadLoft kit too. We love it.

[@JayneW911]

Oh my mechanic friends, tell me not to put those battery banks on the side is the same as the one in your car they have to be stored upright or they won’t charge to the capacity at your wreck them after a few .😊

[@tomandkarenontheroad6095]

Thanks for the feedback - after making this video, we heard the same from others. Good advice!

[@angelafong8771]

Very nice and creative!! Thanks 🙏

[@ShanLiuGBM]

I drove into canada once by mistake, I was enjoying the view of Glacier national park, and discovered that the road kinda just continues into Canada. I wish I had the ambition to drive all the way to Anchorage one day. I really want to visit that Whittier town in Alaska.

[@theomartin7339]

That's a nice set up

[@freeshrugs63]

Impressive. Great ideas.

[@mageanast]

Great video ! And very clean installation!

[@caroltaverna4365]

I love your setup, I just found your video and did subscribe. I would love to do that set up exactly I love it, Would you mind sharing with me how I can get that kit. Thank you, happy camping.

[@tomandkarenontheroad6095]

Hi, Glad you like it! We ordered it from RoadLoft.com. Just go their website. You can call them (which we did) or order it online - based on what kind of minivan you have. They were great to work with. Highly recommended. Good luck!

[@jadee286]

cool🤩

[@goblack6770]

I’m super impressed with that kit.

[@tomandkarenontheroad6095]

We like it a lot!

[@FreddietheFly]

You didn't show placing down the table to make the bed. Must have been difficult.

[@tomandkarenontheroad6095]

It's not that it's difficult, but we've found it to be less than convenient. We keep the van in bed mode almost all the time. We did set up the table one night after a full day of rain, continuing into the evening, but for the most part, we eat outside.

[@annettegray1843]

Great job on converting your mini van into a memory making camper! ❤️🙏🙌

[@tomandkarenontheroad6095]

Buying a kit made it easy!

[@TheJanapple]

How does the van handle all that weight? Ground clearance must surely be an issue.

[@tomandkarenontheroad6095]

With the seats out, the van actually gets better gas mileage than with all of them in. The kit itself is pretty light. And we don't pack heavy. For regular road use, ground clearance isn't an issue. But like all minivans, the Sienna is not noted for its high ground clearance! Lol

[@Gingermarie745]

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[@my3suns568]

nice build.

[@tomandkarenontheroad6095]

Thanks, it’s a kit (we didn’t build it) from RoadLoft.

[@jasonsandifer3250]

I just happened to see your channel, and others similar channels recently, and I think that you, and others sharing their actual reality, and some have expressed some of the the up, and down sides to van, RV, or vehicle living. I believe that it is very helpful, and beneficial to others who may be thinking about this type of living without actually thinking through, about the some of the realistic problems that could occur with vehicle or van living etc. People need to know what up sides there are, as well as some of the down sides of vehicle living. I believe this channel, and other channels have been informative to others, including myself. Although, I am NOT living in a vehicle or anything like this. I feel that you , and others KZbinrs sharing this with your viewers will is very helpful. I wish you ALL the Best with your traveling endeavors. I shared this with another traveler as I watched their KZbin channel for the first time, as yours, and I shared with them this information that may be helpful to you as well to others. Therefore, I would also like to suggest a few Safety items That may help you or others in your viewing audience. Although, you may have knowledge of this, I am not sure, so I hope this will be helpful to you, others or someone. *Keep a Extra working cellphone with you or in your vehicle. You can purchase inexpensive phone with a very low monthly price between 25, 35, 45, dollars a month with unlimited data and text, and some have Nationwide coverage Do your research for the best fit for you Carry Several Extra portable phone chargers, and cables. *Mini portable power charging station. I have seen outdoor portable solar powered power stations, this may be very useful to have, to power your devices. *Cellular booster for outdoor use, and camping situations to boost your cell reception, Research to see what you prefer. *Very Inportant: Invest in a SOS distress electronic signal device, this a kind of device can send out a distress signal with your exact location. There are various types of these devices, and including devices that can be used when boating or camping situations. *Some have emergency Strobe lights SOS signaling with location alerts and location updates that can be sent to your family and emergency first responders. You can check online, and on Amazon, research what SOS devices will be a good fit for you. *Mini portable vehicle battery charger-( portable vehicle battery jumper cables ) *Vehicle Jumper cables Mounted Dashboard camera front and rear possibly. Exterior vehicle cameras Interior vehicle cameras *Flashlights or pluggin spotlights *Portable spotlights and lanterns Keep a few whistles around your vehicle possibly in your vehicle’s center console *A set of long range 2 way radios, walkie talkies, with others during trips, some have 100 mile radius keep for emergencies. Use your own discretion regarding the use of any weapons. Don’t forget to bring Bear Spray Pepper spray Where is allowed Although, I just noticed your KZbin channel, and other similar channels. You seem Very Aware of your surroundings and Alert, and you may be aware of many of these suggestions, however, I Don’t know, so I just posted this anyway to help anyone who may benefit from these suggestions. Keep up with the latest Weather Updates, beware and prepare for unexpected Weather events and conditions. Keep your vehicle gas filled Don’t chance your Safety by running your vehicle too close to Empty. Fill it up anyway, it will save you alot of time and headache later on. Keep Enjoying Yourself, Keep Enjoying the outdoors and Nature Just..Please continue Be Positive, Safe, and Alert.. Wishing Success, Well-being and Happiness You All. God Bless You, and everyone Traveling, or living in their vehicles. Be Safe... Author Advocate for Humanity, Safety Advocate Jason Sandifer, Michigan 10/01/2022, 10/02/2022

[@patriciapuleski900]

Please add life straw for emergencies, small enough for the glove box.

[@Shae_3]

Great info! What's a life straw?

[@jasonsandifer3250]

Thank you for your reply, I really appreciate, in the other comment, a life straw was mentioned to me to include in my Safety suggestions, and it was a Good addition to suggest. A Life straw is a wayer filtering bottle that can be taken when camping to filter out impurities of water in remote areas etc. However, do your research for the best type of bottle or system that will work, some are intended for fresh water purification. Others are intended for various types of water being filtered or purification. Some of These were intended for Survival, in camping, hiking, situations, again I recommend that you conduct your research regarding what would best work for you.

[@Shae_3]

@@jasonsandifer3250 Thank you!!! I would not have guessed it was about filtered water so glad I asked because o do plan on hitting the road and water is something I don’t like to compromise on.

[@tomandkarenontheroad6095]

@@jasonsandifer3250 We need to get one ourselves! I'd heard of them, but we don't have one.

[@zevonwilliams8624]

You guys did great!!! 😮 yes kitchen is only accessible from the outside but that’s fine, you did great with the space you have an what is living if everything is perfect? Again nice work 🎉

[@tomandkarenontheroad6095]

Thank you!! 😊

[@kbeautician]

This is good.

[@chantallachance4905]

It look like a road loft pattern

[@tomandkarenontheroad6095]

Yup - that's exactly what it is!

[@lesvoyagesdelouis6574]

Cool !

[@dflow7630]

Great design ideas!

[@darrellfort1668]

vanlife4ever

[@caren-mi4ys]

Lovely Blessings

[@callieduval3000]

Nice set up and professional build

[@tomandkarenontheroad6095]

Thanks, but we can’t take credit for it. It’s a kit from RoadLoft. We love it!

[@ZumbieJusus]

So many opportunities for rattles. My question is how noisy is it on unsealed roads especially with corrugations.

[@tomandkarenontheroad6095]

Not as bad as you might think. We initially had rattles from the Coleman stove in the back drawer. By putting a dishtowel inside, that stopped the rattle. Ditto for the sink basin, which we use to store spices. You just have to adjust as you go.

[@ZumbieJusus]

@@tomandkarenontheroad6095we’re looking at doing the big Australian circumnavigation and are researching whether a minivan conversion suits us more than a van conversion. As you can imagine we have plenty of unsealed roads so reducing rattles is important no matter which approach we take which is why feedback like you gave is most welcome. Thanks for vid.

[@Msgirl23]

Is there any place for a toilet?

[@tomandkarenontheroad6095]

We put a small lugaloo type toilet behind the front passenger seat. When we set up for the night, we put the front seats as far forward as they go and also as upright as they go in order to make room for the small toilet. We only use it to pee at night. I use two small plastic bags (in case one leaks!) and dump the urine in a bathroom in the morning. Works for us!

[@homeontheroad018]

Nice set up

[@ChristineMcClendon]

Curious, how much space (how many inches) is between the seat cushion and the ceiling when sitting at the table? And, also, the space between the bed cushion and the ceiling when in bed mode?

[@missroxanne7123]

Where did you get your van kit? Very cool 😎

[@tomandkarenontheroad6095]

We ordered it from RoadLoft.com - a Canadian company. Very well made and fits our van perfectly.

[@missroxanne7123]

@@tomandkarenontheroad6095 thank you 😊

[@suzymiller4482]

I love it. I have an Oasis Kit for my sienna and I absolutely love it. I scored it on Marketplace for 300

[@amyfawkes6153]

Do you happen to have the dimensions of the fridge that you have in the back? Wondering if our dometic would fit. This looks like a great solution for those travelling and staying in a mix of hotels and campgrounds. My husband and I did a few trips with our outback and they were a few of our best vacations. I enjoy this type of travel. The minivan setup with road loft would allow for our camp kitchen to have a permanent space in the vehicle that you don't need to move around every time you want to prepare food or go to bed for the night.

[@tomandkarenontheroad6095]

It's an Alpicool C40 and the dimensions (according to Amazon, where we bought it) are 14.4"D x 22.6"W x 13.8"H.

[@khamisptrany9393]

احب سيارة تويوتا سيينا ولقد اقتنتها اكثر من مرة والان لدي واحدة منها

[@jordanlozada4195]

Can a 6’0” tall person comfortably sit up right at the bench to eat and work?

[@tomandkarenontheroad6095]

Sorry for being so long in answering. Tom is 5'10" and can sit upright pretty comfortably. Not a lot of headroom, though, so I'm not sure.

[@onemoreday1550]

I don’t want my kitchen in the back. I want it where I can use it while I’m in the van. Not a good set up

[@tomandkarenontheroad6095]

There are times, for sure, when it would be nice to have the kitchen inside - like when it's raining! But for the most part, it works for us to have it in the back.

[@Desperado3248]

With the the inflated prices of factory b vans can see why these are popular, but they are all pretty primitive, and limited by can size

[@tomandkarenontheroad6095]

Yup, no denying that. The size dictates what you can put inside. We appreciated the stealth factor (people never seemed to realize it was an RV), the good gas mileage, and the ease of driving and parking. Cozy, for sure, but we thought it was worth it. Thanks for your comment!

[@asdadasdasd4594]

@@tomandkarenontheroad6095 stealth until you start cooking out the back 3 times a day. Nope.

[@toastybeer]

just found your channel and was curious, have you guys driven to Alaska in that van before, if so was it hard/bumpy/pot holes?

[@tomandkarenontheroad6095]

We’re on the road right now - in Homer, AK. The roads were mostly pretty good, although there was quite a bit of construction and a few fairly rough spots. No problem for the minivan, though. We just took it slow!

[@toastybeer]

@@tomandkarenontheroad6095 awesome, i'm looking to make the trip to Alaska myself next year.

[@tomandkarenontheroad6095]

I think you'll love it!

[@Monaz1]

The camera person needed to get closer could hardly hear her and they should of got closer for the video also

[@Sarahdrybones]

Where do you buy these kits?

[@tomandkarenontheroad6095]

From RoadLoft.com - a Canadian company. They shipped it to us in the U.S.

[@lalimom]

I’ve been looking at Roadloft. the mattress hovering above the kitchen area is a negative to me.

[@stephenhill2404]

I wouldn't put all that scratchy wood in the back of my car!

[@tomandkarenontheroad6095]

It’s actually very smooth with a good finish. It’s a kit from RoadLoft. Not rough at all.

[@artsteadman2230]

Stephen Hill to each their own

[@asdadasdasd4594]

Kitchen only accessible from the outside is an instant fail. Good luck when it rains, when its cold, when its dark, when the mosquitoes show up, when you are not stealth.

[@serenityjewel]

You don't need stealth if you're parking in places you're allowed to be. While I'm guessing they do regular weekend camping, a lot of full-time vanlifers have kitchens they can only access from the back so it works for some people. We're not all the same so take what you can use and leave the rest.

[@asdadasdasd4594]

@@serenityjewel Negative. Most full=timers learned from that mistake and are able to access the "kitchen" from the inside. Most people claiming that an outdoor kitchen is working out, are folks who haven't been doing this for longer periods, let alone full timers. The only proper reason to squeeze everything into a minivan is the advantage to be stealth so you don't have to find parks and possibly having to pay for it. Reality is, that this kit is a bad design because you can very well create a system that allows full access of a proper 40 l compressor fridge, induction cook-top, counter-top with sink and a fresh water tank. Ask me how I know.

[@serenityjewel]

@@asdadasdasd4594 A great reason to have a minivan is because you already own the minivan and don't want to spend $40-$50,000 on a new vehicle or trade in your reliable vehicle for a bigger, less reliable vehicle. Another good reason is you don't want to drive a bigger vehicle. Another good reason is your happy with a minivan. Again, your way is right for you. It may or may not be the best way for the best person. I was full-time for 5 years, 2 of those years with my boyfriend, and part-time for 11 years. The setup they have is common for people who primarily boondock. For two people in a minivan, this set up is practical. There is no way to have two people live in a minivan full-time and be able to access all the things you just stated from the inside. Ask me how I know.

[@asdadasdasd4594]

@@serenityjewel Negative. I built a minivan camper conversion in a 2011 grand caravan. 280 Amp / h Lithium battery, 465 watt commercial grade solar panel on the roof, Victron 120 V charger, Victron Solar charger, Victron 12 v alternator charger, 1200 watt Victron sine wave inverter, 9 x 120 V outlets, 9 x 12 V outlets, all LED lighting, full size / full height custom toilet with divider and active exhaust to the outside - in the rear stow-n-go section, black water tank with remote release valve, 24" TV, 21" computer monitor, gaming console, soundbar with subwoofer, fordable desk, kitchen accessible from inside with 14x14" bar sink, full size fauccet, induction cooktop installed in a drawer, 40 l trucker / drawer compressor fridge, butcher block food prep surface, 13 gal fresh water tank, outdoor shower, passive AC, 3 large drawers for food / clothes / dishes, rear compartment for tools, chairs, fordable table, beach umbrella, pull-out bed 85 inches long, 40 inches wide. All these wooden kits are over-priced solution with no proper design nor research done. People buy them because they too have no clue what is possible and what really makes sense. You have never build a true camper, I can tell you that!

[@tomandkarenontheroad6095]

We're very happy with our RoadLoft kit. We went with a minivan because, as Serenity Jewel mentioned, we like the gas mileage, the ease of driving/parking, and the knowledge that we had a reliable vehicle - and also because it cost a lot less than a Transit or Sprinter. We also liked that it was "stealth" when were driving around and parking in parking lots during the day - it didn't scream. "RV". The RoadLoft design worked out great for our 2 1/2 month trip to Alaska. We were fine with the kitchen in the back. I'm sure it could work inside (I've seen videos where it does), but we like being able to stand up outside behind the van. If it's pouring down the rain, we basically don't cook - we either eat out or make do with sandwiches (again, we're not full-timers). No set-up is perfect, and I'm sure there are other designs that may be as good or better, but we are all different. This one works well for us and our needs. Thanks for commenting.

[@chrisftp1312]

Love it!!!