Sienna MiniCamperVan Gets Messy at the Beach

We hit the road during Covid October. This video comes to you from Hyannis, Cape Cod. A bunch of people have asked me to share a video of what our conversion is like when traveling. This is a quick, one take video of a view into our messy space.
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Here are links to products I used in this project. Check my KZbin channel to see other videos covering different aspects of this Sienna MiniCamperVan build. I have not received any of these products as promotional items for review. I have merely purchased and used them myself. Please note, I can earn commissions on purchases made through these links.
MAJOR COMPONENTS
Rich Solar 100W Solar Panel amzn.to/2BaKryv
Epever MPPT 20 Amp Solar Charge Controller amzn.to/35wtA7g
FullRiver Deep Cycle 12 Volt 105 Amp-hour AGM Battery amzn.to/33vVjDb
ICECO JP40 Portable Refrigerator amzn.to/2pncGqY
NOCO G26000 Battery Charger amzn.to/2IStPjj
AIMS Power 1500W/3000W Pure Sine Wave Inverter amzn.to/2VLuV5B
AIMS Power Inverter Remote Switch amzn.to/35BNUE8
LIGHTING
LED Strip Lights amzn.to/2oyfjXc
LED Strip Lighting Channels amzn.to/2VOw5NW
Recessed LED Downlights amzn.to/2oxHdmd
LED Dimmable Puck Light amzn.to/35BMIAE
WIRING
Solar Power Cable (10 gauge) amzn.to/33AABSR
Welding Cable (2 gauge, 10' each, red & black) amzn.to/2Mj9ki1
Electrical Wire (10 gauge, 50' each, red & black) amzn.to/32iuaUe
Electrical Wire (14 gauge, 100' each, red & black) amzn.to/32kdDiG
WIRE TERMINATIONS (CONNECTORS, LUGS, HEAT SHRINK)
Terminal Lugs for Welding Cable amzn.to/2ISaNJR
Wire Connectors (House battery cable disconnect) amzn.to/33G3v47
Wire Connectors (General purpose, uninsulated) amzn.to/32o7kL2
Wire Connectors (Harness disconnects) amzn.to/2MHxTE3
Wire Connectors (XT-60 style) amzn.to/2Mdpfye
Wire Connectors (Butt, uninsulated) amzn.to/32hw1IF
Heat Shrink Tubing for large gauge wire amzn.to/2oHLcfU
Heat Shrink Tubing for medium gauge wire amzn.to/2nPzejW
NOCO Shore Power Surface Mount Receptacle amzn.to/32gqgLp
WIRE MANAGEMENT
iExcell Wire Bundle Saddles amzn.to/2phsxHR
Wire Bundle Clamps amzn.to/2qga9Q3
FUSE & JUNCTION BLOCKS
Fuse Block (Battery and inverter cables) amzn.to/35Ccsgf
Fuse Block (Lighting, fans, fridge circuits) amzn.to/2pjkIRW
Fuse Block (Solar controller circuits) amzn.to/31e3m6i
Wire Terminal Block amzn.to/33zJ7S7
Junction Block (Battery and inverter cables) amzn.to/33wNHQT
SWITCHES
Main Power Disconnect Switch amzn.to/33tpV8o
Blue Glow Light Switches amzn.to/2oxGTnv
USB and Power Port with Mounting Plate amzn.to/35BP56w
Dimmer Switches amzn.to/2pmNZuK
Toggle Switch DPDT amzn.to/35CMt8w
Variable Speed Controller amzn.to/3linAqI
ELECTRICAL TOOLS
Wire Crimpers amzn.to/2qg0s46
Lug Crimping Tool amzn.to/35vxKw5
Heat Gun (for heat shrinking) amzn.to/35CBa0j
ACCESSORIES
Milliard Foam Mattress Full-Size Tri-Fold amzn.to/2IR9ydS
Milliard Foam Mattress Carry Case amzn.to/2MEINdT
Weather Station amzn.to/2VMXpfl
Back of Seat Organizers amzn.to/2MdW2mQ
Portable Clip Fan amzn.to/2MeR9cZ
Ventilation System Fans amzn.to/2QtTAtv
Sink amzn.to/31c1Hhn
Sink Faucet amzn.to/31cqthy
Coleman Butane Stove amzn.to/2XO97I5
WeatherTech Window Shades amzn.to/2ITT2Kb
Mobile Solar Power Made Easy book by Will Prowse amzn.to/2Mfivjr
(I purchased a copy of Will's book and found it useful. I have not contacted him about listing it here)
HARDWARE
Sugru Moldable Glue amzn.to/2MvFEOz
Connector Bolts amzn.to/2C9NxDh
EZ-Lok Threaded Inserts amzn.to/2OOYoKu
T-Nuts amzn.to/2nLMh5X
Folding Table Legs amzn.to/2MgnXSZ
Toggle Latches amzn.to/2MHKGX3
Black Hooks (single) amzn.to/35BxGuP
Black Hooks (double) amzn.to/2pmeRev
Piano Hinge (48") amzn.to/2MfOYGm
Black Wood Screws amzn.to/31in7JI
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Disclaimer:
I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

[@nomadicana]

I love the curtain rod! Using a tent pole is a great idea - strong, light, flexible, and I imagine fabric slides across it very easily. I plan to try something similar in my van, though I’m hoping not to need a center support if possible.

[@BruceParks]

We learned a lot about the tent pole curtain rod during our first road trip with it. It was without the center support. When the curtains were pulled to the sides, the rod was free to vibrate and it would rattle against the wood. I added some small felt pads in a few spots that quieted things down but the vibration was annoying so at that point, I decided to try a center support. The rod vibration then became minimal (not really noticeable unless you stared at it) so we kept the support.

[@nomadicana]

@@BruceParks Makes sense - I was thinking the support was to hold the weight with the curtain closed.

[@julieince6869]

This is one of the best minivan camper set-ups I've ever seen, very functional and pretty. Awesome job!!

[@davidliu4436]

Nice to see you posting Bruce!

[@AnchorOnLandLisa]

I bought a 2018 Sienna - wow - am I glad I did - and watching your videos solidified my purchase. This journey is going to be special working out what all I want to do! Thank you, Mr & Mrs Parks!

[@BruceParks]

Welcome aboard! We're glad to have been inspirational for you. Have fun with the design process, anything goes, it's only limited by your imagination (and maybe budget). Enjoy the journey!

[@trhuyanh1996]

Happy Travelling Mr. Parks. We are doing the same on our Sienna in the Pacific North West.

[@Ray-sz6ks]

The best build I have seen on KZbin.

[@BruceParks]

Thanks, I’m humbled by your comment.

[@sammic974]

Very neat arrangement in the garage area. A modest conversion but so thoughtfully done. Enjoy yr travels. What a lovely beach and such a clear day!

[@BruceParks]

Thanks for taking the time to comment, much appreciated!

[@heatherwood2449]

If you ever put plans together, I would purchase for sure!

[@toddtaylor2191]

Great to see your van build again.

[@sheld2229]

Wonderful happy camper curtain!

[@BruceParks]

Thanks, I agree!

[@LorenHenriksen]

Good to see you again. Thank you from Toronto Canada.

[@a.w.thompson4001]

Enjoyed this. More videos about your fabulous build asap, please! ;)

[@BruceParks]

Glad you enjoyed this. You can see more about the build on my KZbin channel.

[@cmccarver56]

I just bought a 2015, love it.

[@RecoveryTidbits]

Thanks Bruce. Great tour. Enjoy the journey

[@hysee581]

Great to see you again!

[@tinabeane]

Enjoy, very nice there. Thanks for the view inside, have a great trip!!!

[@rickhiggins6521]

Looks very practical even when "messy". Was hoping to see this in use. Thanks

[@afshirinzadeh5682]

I’ve got to learn how to do this to our 2008 sienna. Great job!

[@afshirinzadeh5682]

If you need some suggestions of what to do in Philadelphia or almost anywhere along the east coast let me know. I’m so impressed with your van. Happy and safe travels. Great change of colors of leaves in the valley in VA Roanoke/new river valley in the fall. VA is nice along with Carolina beaches.

[@BruceParks]

Thanks. We’re looking forward to a colorful drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive.

[@huyked]

Have a wonderful trip! Glad to see a video.

[@cmgdurr8379]

Welcome back...missed ya!

[@franciscomoises82]

Be safe and enjoy your trip. I started to conver my 04 sienna and took alot of note on you built.... awesome job!

[@Gunapatifamily]

Enjoy the Cape!

[@susanpremo8068]

Nice to see you be careful out there.

[@jowood419]

Beautiful!

[@mysticalmisfit1332]

Beautiful beach!! Love your camper van🙌🏽🙌🏽 Great job on the build.😊I thought Harvest Host did not allow minivans or at least that’s what I thought I saw when I was researching. Safe travels!

[@lynnef3297]

I would still like to know more about how you built and attached the structure that holds the curtain and coat hooks. It's one of the nicest looking ways I've seen to deal with privacy from the front of the car. Your whole set-up is one of the best I've seen. Thanks for sharing. Enjoy your travels, looks like you are off to a very nice start.

[@BruceParks]

I’ll plan to do a video on the crossbar header and support uprights. There’s quite a bit of detail involved.

[@SingleFileCooks]

I second that! 😀

[@BruceParks]

Check out my video on the crossbar and uprights: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hp7OloSKab18pLM

[@esbliss]

YAY new videos!!

[@thormatt2963]

Hi Bruce...it would be great if u made a video on how you got the cabinets and the wood piece that holds the curtain rod fit so well to the interior. Thanks

[@ShortyG724]

Love it! Ever thought of maybe sewing some magnets into the front curtains so they just magnetize together instead of the clip? Awesome work!

[@BruceParks]

Yup, just haven’t had time to finish the curtains. I’ll get around to it soon.

[@atstancioff]

Nice build. Did a similar job to my 2012 AWD Sienna. In this video are your front seats pulled all the way forward? I have two cabinets attached to front seat backs, and that's only possible by moving seats all the way forward whilst in camping mode. Also a mini porta potties sits between the 2 cabinets. I plan on adding the up high storage bins and ventilation that you've done. Thanks for the ideas.

[@BruceParks]

We keep the front seats in their normal operating positions. One of the things we learned a few years back is we wanted to be able park and jump into bed without any extra steps. No converting sofa-mode to bed-mode, no clearing stuff off the bed or moving stuff to the front seats, no moving the front seats, etc.

[@MellowNomadicAdventures]

Glad to see you making new videos again! Curious how and where you attached your sensor for your weather station?

[@BruceParks]

Good question! I hang it on a side mirror. If we’re stealth boondocking, I don’t bother with it.

[@michaelcox2800]

Can you give me some more information on your side window curtains and how you hang them in place? You have put so much thought into all of your van design, I know they will be easy to put up and down too. I like that they are not up all of the time. We are about to start another trip in our sienna van and I need to make some curtains so we can have privacy at night with the windows down and screens in place (thank you for that design!) Thank you for your help!

[@BruceParks]

Each side curtain is a piece of black felt hanging (stapled) from a small (1x2) piece of wood spanning the top of the window. The wood has two loops that hook onto the hooks at the top of the window that are originally used for securing the roll up sunshades in the up position. It’s hard to describe but simple in execution. I may have to shoot a video on this.

[@michaelcox2800]

@@BruceParks Thank you for your quick reply! This is a plan that I can adapt to the materials that I have on hand. I appreciate the information; I should be able to make the curtains tonight since I do not have to start from scratch thinking of a design. Thank you very much!

[@swahilijs]

Thanks Bruce. What kind of shore power cord do I need. I take it that you can’t just use any one of those orange extension cords. Also what do you use for the curve back window? Thanks for getting back to me so quick.

[@BruceParks]

In fact, I do use a regular orange 3-prong extension cord. I've noticed many campsites with hookups offer 15/20A (regular 3-prong), 30A , and 50A receptacles. For the back window, I use a Weathertech shade (part of the full window set). I presses into place in seconds.

[@ajmur9103]

Nice!

[@BruceParks]

Thanks!

[@milomilano7679]

That is a nice handknit hat under there.

[@BruceParks]

My wife loves to knit during our road trips. I've got sweaters, scarves, and hats to show for it 😄

[@TheJoyfulEye]

Your camper conversion is so cool! My husband is 6'4" and I am just wondering what dimensions your bed is.

[@BruceParks]

Hi, thanks for commenting. My bed is 48" x 72". The mattress is 52" x 73".

[@TheJoyfulEye]

@@BruceParks thank you! that helps a lot

[@vannebago]

Bruce...I will be starting my mini-van conversion project which I will be modelling after your build. What thickness baltic birch plywood did you use and for which applications ?

[@BruceParks]

I used ¾” where strength was required (bed frame, upright supports, upper cabinet bases and gussets, sink base cabinet), ½” on upper cabinet front faces, crossbars between upper cabinets, some minor lower cabinet features, and ¼” on upper cabinet back walls, some lower cabinet features, and most of the duct work.

[@vannebago]

@@BruceParks awesome thanks !

[@mfmccann1942]

How did you remove the "trolley's" from the floor of your van? I'd like to do that to mine. Sienna 2012 (I think same gen as yours).

[@BruceParks]

I've left my trolleys in place for now but if I change my mind, the best tutorial I've found was on Siennachat (www.siennachat.com/threads/2nd-row-seat-track-removal.18525/#post-84623).

[@mfmccann1942]

@@BruceParks your link was very helpful.

[@kirstenmc68]

Could you show your kitchen set up?

[@BruceParks]

There's not much to show. We prefer to cook outside, like on a picnic table. I pull out the stove (single burner butane) and plastic bins that contain cooking and eating stuff and set up on a table. I'm thinking about building a slide out kitchen next year and if I do, I'll produce a video on it.

[@xinzhongwei8739]

You call that messy? Must be a very neat person!

[@afshirinzadeh5682]

Very nice! What did you video with? iPhone version?

[@BruceParks]

I used an iPhone XR

[@jowood419]

Did you do your own build?

[@BruceParks]

Yes, it’s been a fun build.

[@jowood419]

Bruce Parks I would LOVE to get my hands on your plans

[@amccauley]

First