Paper Mache SUV Camper, the First Attempt + New Stove!

I'm attempting to build my Hyundai Santa Fe Camper conversion with paper mache!
Here's my new stove: amzn.to/3Xnt2wl
Amazing glue brush: amzn.to/3B5CGft
If you'd like to see everything I use in my van, click here: www.minivancam...
Welcome to Minivan Camper Gal! I'm Kelly, and I used to camp and travel in a Chrysler Pacifica, but it started having problems. Now I have a Hyundai Santa Fe, and I'm building it out to be a camper car! Here, you will find van build / car camping videos, tips on the digital nomad lifestyle, general travel vlog videos, and more. I'm into minimalism, and I eat a mostly plant-based vegan diet. I'm still learning how to do vegan van life well! I have some great vegan camping recipes to share with you, but would love some suggestions, too! Sometimes I stealth camp in the city, but mostly I like to boondock. Join me and my camper van as we embark on all the car camping adventures!
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[@vanwander]

It's refreshing to find someone experimenting, reworking, improving, making mistakes, but still making new ground. You are a van build pioneer!

[@Laurie-hn4ng]

Maybe you could get a remnant piece of linoleum that they sell from a roll by the yard fit your floor. At least it’s a solid piece without seams

[@BeckyInCa]

Great idea!

[@OWK000]

Linoleum is considerably more spendy than vinyl but you wouldn't have that problem with gassing off which is really an issue in a small space and you wouldn't need that much. I don't know if they do it in really big sheets like vinyl though. Still, you might find a big enough piece.

[@lynnef3297]

Well, it is a learning situation. I'm quite impressed with the strength of the paper mache. 😃👍

[@alisinwanderland]

When I first started watching this episode I thought, "This is nuts and will never work." But, now that I see what you are attempting to do, I think you have opened up a new realm of light-build possibilities. If you are able to keep a good portion of your "castle" square, you can probably use some of those peel-and-stick tiles to pretty up the solid flat portions and give it a more decorated interior feel. I can't wait to see where you are going to take this. Thank you for sharing your ideas, including the learning opportunities.

[@jaytitus902]

If you haven't, look at "Tiny Camper". His concept of bed on one side and cabinet on the other and built so that your feet fit between. He also has done a cardboard build in his Sienna. Not as good as yours but GREAT ideas.He also built a Honda Element and will be building a Mini Cooper. He has GREAT ideas.

[@wardrobelion]

I totally agree that paper maché is awesome 👍. It is definitely much smaller than the van in terms of not only width but vans have so much more height. I enjoy watching you create. Thanks for sharing with us 😊

[@danielsteiner7180]

I love your honest trial and error approach!

[@Gordie1450]

Im on Sienna 5.1 and I slept in the mountains last night. It was very quiet and this week I’ll work on 5.2

[@user-qz5gi4uh6x]

This is impressive! I love that you test and try out stuff for yourself. You are indeed a pioneer. Good luck with all your endeavours. Looking forward to the rest. Much love to the Queen of the Castle!

[@ChrisRobins-c6f]

I’m impressed by your methodical thinking, you will succeed, of that I’m sure.

[@pd8505]

Watching with baited breath for an awesome build!

[@offbeatscratcher]

I’m liking this choice more and more. It’s almost the same space as your minivan.

[@PulpParadise]

The trick to making strong paper mache is to paste each strip in a different direction. From what I saw, it looked like you were pasting pretty much in the same direction (my apologies if I'm wrong as I took that from what I could see of the dried version). More but slightly smaller pieces are also useful. The more pieces glued in more directions creates a stronger structure. You can also glue additional pieces of cardboard onto your raw cardboard structure, but again you want to glue cross grain. In other words, if the main piece has corrugated rows vertically, you want to attach an additional piece with horizontal rows. Perhaps north-south and east-west make that easier to understand, but I think you get the idea. The result will be a much stronger piece. To save money, I just use Dollar Tree foam brushes for things like this, BTW. They come in multi-packs, are as good as a much more expensive alternatives, and can still be washed and reused as well. For safety's sake, I would highly recommend going on Amazon and finding a welding blanket in an appropriate size and attach it around your cooking area, just in case. They come in multiple sizes and can also be cut to fit and are designed to withstand up to 1800 degrees, far more than your cooking is likely to ever reach. ;-) I would NOT recommend cooking on cardboard without this precaution in place. A fire blanket would be good to have on hand as well, but I think those are fiberglass so you wouldn't want to use it if you didn't have to. Fire extinguishers make a HUGE mess and will essentially ruin your rig, or at least until you can take every. single. thing. out and clean it thoroughly. You also need to be able to reach it and virtually every rig I see with a fire extinguisher has it located someplace extremely hard to reach (if they even can). Kudos to you if you are an exception to that rule, but I still vote for an emergency fire blanket instead.

[@robertonorcini614]

This is the first time I've seen a minivan built with papier-mâché, its hardness is incredible. Brilliant!

[@lesleywall4186]

You are a 'messer' like me. I never lose my patience with projects and can start from the beginning again even when I am not far from the finishing line if I am not satisfied. I have subscribed.

[@LuvStLCards]

So cool!!!

[@shanec.7105]

I like the idea.

[@forwimp]

So informative to watch you do the paper mâché. I learned some good ideas. I like the way you think.

[@musicalmarion]

No sound in the 2nd half Kel, so I put captions on. I was so impressed when you lifted it back into the car - great bespoke innovation ! ♥

[@angelinasouren]

Sound worked fine for me, but it happens to me too that I sometimes lose sound on YT videos. Reloading the page sometimes helps and on other occasions, sound has gone to zero because I unplugged headphones or something similar.

[@musicalmarion]

@@angelinasouren Argggh my fault then... i'll try that thank you Angel

[@angelinasouren]

@@musicalmarion Not necessarily your fault.

[@kathleenjasa3125]

Whew! 😵‍💫on to Chapter two!👏🏻

[@crimson-crimson]

Just curious if you've looked at other Santa Fe camper builds to get some ideas? I know there must be lots of people using their Santa Fe SUVs for camping or even full-time living. There may be solutions where something is pre-built for your model SUV and you won't have to build it from scratch. It would be great if you kept all or at least most of the windows unblocked, as well. Thank you for recording and sharing your process.

[@viveviveka2651]

Very interesting. My kind of project. Coroplast can be useful. It's made in a thinner version that I like much better than the usual stuff, but it is much less common. Thin or very thin plywood is another option. Plus polyurethane to coat and secure it. Some hobbies utilize interesting construction techniques. Scale model building. Dollhouses. Model RR landscapes. Others. Also, Golden Artist Colors has a fabric stiffener. Up to a certain size, it can probably be useful.

[@mythicalnomadadventure969]

I know you'll get that interior dialed in. It's a great method as I see it. Hang tough and ... 👍 Rock on 🙂.

[@MJCarter-MnknLady]

Love the ingenuity! Love your willingness to start all over and change things up! It’s a frugal building option too!! Can’t wait to see what you do next! Add a roof top box (or did you throw a solar panel on this build too?) and put that tent up there. Tristan shows how to add a solar panel to a rooftop box btw. Maybe a soft top bag on top for now! I loved that you found a 500 w induction too. Looking forward to…the rest of the story.

[@morphergaming0531]

Agree that applying the maché while it's in the car would probably create a better fit, just a plastic dropcloth to protect your carpet would suffice. Kudos on restarting to get exactly what you want

[@jonvolkmar3349]

I’m so excited

[@josephmorgan3715]

I still hope you can utilize the concept, it is a great idea! 👏👏👏

[@toniaoppel]

Just found your video that popped up and I'm into camping so I watched and I'm definitely subscribed now! Love your calmness, the stove vs stove- I was hoping you'd compare....AND YOU DID!!!! Thank u for doing that btw. Also love your trial and error, your talking everything out (I do that even with OUT a camera...lol) but what really kept my attention, believe it or not, was the word WONKY!!!! I use it all the time too!!! Loved this video!!

[@markmcla]

I'm sure you'll figure out a nice solution. Thanks for sharing your thought process! -I think you would really appreciate a cargo box on the roof.

[@mrsjohnson1743]

It's tempting to want everything “built-in” but it's hard to anticipate how it will work in real a camping situation. If you build it out temporarily modular first, you can camp in it and make changes and adjustments with real experience. I had to do a few iterations to find a good working set up before making it permanent. As it turned out, I ended up with doing very little actual build. I found that it made it very flexible for different situations of space needs. The smaller the space, the more flexibility you'll need.

[@vanwander]

you can test your pans with a magnet to see if they will work with the induction hob. 500w is a small hob which is probably a good idea for most van cooking. For boiling water, higher wattages are nice to have, but 6 minutes isn't that bad. I have one that gets to 1600 watts and it boils water extremely fast. But for most other cooking, you don't want that kind of heat. Especially indoors.

[@user70331]

What for? Instant pot mini will take more space but much better for van life, pressure cooking takes less time and hugely energy-efficient. Also it have saute and slow cook options

[@vanwander]

@@user70331 I like a steak seared in my cast iron pan. I know an instant pot has rudimentary searing capability, but it's not really the same. But if you prefer the instant pot mini, I'm happy for you.

[@onesannabackpackingandsnor2714]

Hi from Barcelona, I made my mini camper furniture by cardboard, In my experience strongness is not a problem, my problem is the finishing, the areas that I use the most are peeling. Also there is the problem of measuring I made square furniture and I always had at least 1 cm of change of size after the glue, when it dries it changes a little the size as it happened to you. Good luck!

[@HomeGrownCountryGirl]

Yay!

[@debbiebarnard2922]

I wonder if using foamcore instead of cardboard, would work as well? Also, I believe you can get metal peel & stick tiles to use in your stove area. Cool idea!

[@Pantsyrev]

It's flat bottom that works with induction burners. Steel or cast iron - magnets should stick to the bottom. Then it's fine. No aluminum though.

[@MaryOKC]

I think you are on to something with the papermache for sure. It’s light and that’s important.

[@OWK000]

Just get a remant of some sheet vinyl flooring and cut it to fit. Those contour gauges might help cut it right. The only problem with vinyl, is, it is pretty stinky while new and still gassing off. It can't be good for you. Especially in a hot car, you are really going to notice. By the time it finishes gassing off, it will get stiffer. Just a sheet of plywood, even 1/4" might be enough. Throw some kind of finish on there if you want. Paper mache' is genius: it is so light. With all the car curves you just have to do the paper mache' right in the vehicle. Just put down a painter's drop cloth of some kind and do it in the SUV

[@roger3786]

... I like the idea , have you tried building with rigid foam board insulation ? easy to cut [hot knife] - good luck and safe travels ...

[@questtowander]

You could try using chicken wire to help hold the form... It would be painful to get right but could stop the warping.

[@BeckyInCa]

I'm enjoying watching the process. I have doubt that you will create something that works for you 😊

[@lauramorris2663]

The paper mache project inside the vehicle is a new concept for me. Wouldn't condensation affect it eventually?

[@adriankung1625]

I couldn't believe the title of your video, but I must say -- kinda ingenius! I've been trying to figure out a simple build for my 2012 Kia Sorento, preferably without tearing anything out -- except the useless 3rd row seating. For your floor, have you considered the pvc (frp?) "fibre-board" like what they use for lawn signs -- it's like cardboard in form, but it's thin pvc. You could attach sheets of it together with gorilla tape on both sides and put your peel-and-stick tiles on that. Alternatively, some indoor/outdoor carpeting might also cover that well. Wondering what plans, if any, you have for insulation? Finally, to boil water efficiently with electricity, you're best bet would be an immersion heater, although it wouldn't much help with your skillet. There are also electric skillets that may get a little hotter outside than your mini-induction. They probably use too much power -- maybe just a Ninja foodie Air-fryer? And a power-station...$$$ yah, I know... Cheers!...from North Vancouver

[@pennyh3101]

Linoleum would prolly be better for flooring.. also think you need cast iron or metal pots for induction burner.. keep investigating till you find right fit for you.. great job

[@wendycamp307]

Good morning 😊 I too am going though the planing stage with my Honda element. I just fished it yesterday and think it will work so far. I have the same set up space and I have the area for my feet. Your doing good and you will put it up and Tare it down a few times ugh lol

[@shampoovta]

Here is what I am thinking. If your cardboard set up dose not last go to a Home Improvement store get pink insolating foam and build your thing out of that. To cut it just get a cheap hand held hot wire cutter. I used the pink foam for building tons of stuff for art like buildings for Dungeons and Dragons and a mosaic in my yard. I I used wooden dowels to attach the layers of foam and glued burlap over it all and then did a tile mosaic over the entire foam piece. The thing is like a rock wall now but light as a feather. The foam will snap in half but it doesn't compress down. This guy uses it too. I spent 300 HOURS making this kzbin.info/www/bejne/e4XHZpyweK-An80 You could build your cabinet out of it. There is also white board pieces at the improvement store you could ad for durable surfaces. That stuff is cheap. The pink board can be found in small size or huge. It's not really to expensive. Automotive stores or hardware stores like Harbor Freight will have things like Car wrap (sort of shelf paper for your car), foam and carpet for tool box lining. Anyway think about it. Love your idea! Oh I found this Foam Bones Van Build kzbin.info/www/bejne/aWmnfottqJ5gjpo

[@markmcla]

I agree that pink foam + wood glue + window screen is a good approach. As mentioned in one of those videos, the foam is strong in compression, and the screen is strong in tension. So together, you have a nice combination! I'm remaking the bed platform on my minivan camper using this technique. The foam is light and pretty strong (but not as strong as wood). I plan on using velcro to attach the foam panels to the bed frame.

[@MJCarter-MnknLady]

I love foam bones!!! I’m planning on using that in my build!

[@MrSmieglitz]

You mentioned that the paper mâché structure shrunk a bit in the sink area. Perhaps that is also the problem in the window well area - the stuff is contracting/bending in 3D as it dries kinda like clay does when working in ceramics. I know potters have to compensate in their designs for shrinkage. Perhaps the same holds true for paper mâché and you need to make it larger initially.

[@marilynmaat3076]

Love it..!!!!!

[@LeeY-luna]

Induction works by creating a magnetic field so cast iron, enameled cast iron, and many types of stainless steel cookware are all induction-compatible. There are exceptions, though. For instance, aluminum and some stainless steel, are not induction-compatible. Think magnetic metals. Your monkey pan might be aluminum. I sure like the paper mache idea.

[@shannonfisher6415]

What about a foam floor?

[@Lisa-16]

That was a fun one! 😊 I use a thin yoga mat on the floor of my minivan to protect the carpet and I can mop up any water and take it out to clean it thoroughly. Also, if you DO end up using paper mache, can you use some kind of thin metal as a heat shield for your stove?

[@floppyflipflop4605]

Definitely been sniffing glue, completely bonkers

[@tucsontom7244]

Induction stove needs a ferrous pan.

[@Shassys_Walkabout]

Love watching you and I learn a lot! Will it be fire retardant?

[@MyShyCats]

That construction is very cool! induction burners only work with pans that a magnet will stick to … ridgemonkey. Not so much. Keep going!!!

[@dangeroustoman]

You can buy a metal plate so you can use other pans.

[@JesseGreenwood-h1o]

From my experience tinkering with tape/paper/glue, the tape will eventually lift up underneath the papier mache, thus weakening it. You might want to glue your cardboard pieces instead--and laminate layers of them too, for strength, then mache them. Oh, and NEVER be tempted to papier mache with brown-paper bags--they wrinkle like hell!! (and I have the horrible-looking custom dress-maker's mannequin to prove it, lol).

[@artsteadman2230]

@JesseGrernwood-h1o paper bags make an incredible floor covering over wood! Lots KZbin posters in that regard

[@dewayneavery5097]

Didn’t I read where an experience paper mache person said u need to cover the cardboard with masking tape for it to work ?

[@nisagomez4366]

What if you made a frame with stiff twisted wire then paper mache over that?

[@BonesAndButtons]

👍👍👍

[@watching-and-judging-you]

Are you planning to live in this or just short camp? Also, what are your expectations with the cardboard/mache performing when camping in continuously humid conditions?

[@WimpyWorkouts]

Why are you complicating camping.. interesting though 😃

[@ChristieKane-c3z]

No sound throughout most of this. I've noticed this before with your videos.

[@artsteadman2230]

better w/o music

[@rebeccamaceyre2073]

Lee Anthony Perez Gary Johnson Anna

[@lukeellis882]

oh god this is hard to watch

[@angelinasouren]

Then go back and watch ALL her videos so you know where she is coming from and you may find yourself reconsidering. But maybe I am misinterpreting your comment?

[@sophiemarcaurele]

Papier mâché is actually a really good idea for a small space mockup! 🫡😌

[@artsteadman2230]

@spophiemarcaurele It's s not a mockup. It's going to be her permanent install