Sienna MiniCamperVan - World's Fastest Build!

[@mopar6873]

Regardless of what your income is . You would be helping out many viewers as well as the Sienna camper van community by putting out plans/drawings and even kits. I myself would pay for this .

[@scotttgoldschmidt]

I second this notion! PLEASE consider doing this. Specifically the cabinets in the back :)

[@susanpremo8068]

@@scotttgoldschmidt they're cool, aren't they? Very skilled man.

[@BruceParks]

I'd love to offer plans. If I can make it happen, I'll announce it on my channel. No promises, though, but thanks for the interest!

[@raytan8086]

Yes, please share the plans 🙏

[@chezraul64]

Would like to buy it also!!!

[@muumarlin1731]

Oh, man - I'm in love with this build. As they say, "Take My Money!" Templates, plans, anything would be a huge gift to us all.

[@mpz375]

I’m a carpenter and I travel for work, currently have the back seat of my Tacoma set up with a very simple build and I just want you to know that after years and years of watching car camping builds on KZbin this is by far the most respectable I’ve ever seen. You absolutely killed it 🎉🍻👍

[@BruceParks]

Your comment made my day. It's really nice to hear from someone who works with wood and has a sense for what's involved in making things like this. Thank you, much appreciated.

[@judyhardesty5070]

I would love to have my smaller back seat left up with a bed like this on the other side. Seats out in the middle/back larger left.

[@ronb6182]

There is an issue no one wants to address is the airbags and the tracks in the floor. My 2004 sienna did not have. When you take out the seats the tracks come out with it. If I remember right you can leave the seats in the fold down position and could make a bed on top. My idea was to leave the rear seats and use them as part of the bed and put a galley in the rear and use the well for refrigerator and power unit, battery etc. T😢he 2004 got the best mpgs out of all the mini van years with a 6 cylinder. I don't want a 4 kicker in my van. 73

[@corbeilyves5489]

I agree with other viewers, you should seriously think about selling, do it your self plan so people who dont necessarily have your knowledge and talent can try do replicate what you did and enjoy the freedom of being free to travel for cheap. Bruce, thank you for all the video and enjoy your retreat, you have a nice plan for it.

[@BruceParks]

Thanks for commenting. It would take quite a bit of effort and time to develop plans. I always think about it but higher priorities prevail, at least for now.

[@Mary-tj5qx]

I’d buy it. This is exactly what I’m looking for.

[@NoRegrets.]

I would buy plans or kit

[@gordsturm9731]

What vision in design. People like you will help others live out their traveling dreams. Thanks for sharing...

[@BoltRM]

💪 Thanks! Love how the solar panel is practically invisible on top blending in with the railings.

[@BruceParks]

👍🏼No need to call attention to the van, after all.

[@necils]

Bruce I've seen all of your Sienna videos over and over again while trying to find inspiration to upgrade my own van. I've finally decided to commit to fully building out my sienna that 've had since 2017. I've seen so many sienna builds out there but nothing that comes close to the space efficiency you have but most importantly to the cost and DIY feasibility wich is key to accesibility. I noticed you just posted a video 2 days ago wich made me really happy to know you are well and enjoying your travels. I am in the architectural profession and would be more than happy to document your build and help you make plans to provide to the community you have inspired through your videos. I know a few have inquired and not sure if there is any of this in the works. I know it will take time and effort to get these plans done but it is totally possible if you are open to it. Blessings and may you continue to inspire everywhere you go!!!!

[@BruceParks]

Hi, sorry for the delayed response. Your offer is quite interesting though I suspect it would take quite a bit more work than it seems at first. Please contact me via the email in my profile and we can discuss further.

[@moreclips805]

I've seen thousands of these videos. This is a nice mix of a "no build" camper, with the traditional permanent build style. Makes me reconsider my upcoming build. Thanks for sharing.

[@BruceParks]

I've considered my build as a fully reversible camper design (i.e. I can remove it and leave no trace). I like the way you put it. Thanks for the comment.

[@stevenlake6293]

Favorite way to watch this video...Set playback speed to 0.25. Quick taps on Space bar to quickly start/stop playback. Beautiful hi-res snippets of your modular systems and your attention to detail. Can't catch every nuance in detail, but gives a little more in-site to your planning, design and build techniques. I catch myself grinning throughout the video when I see how elegantly you come up with solutions to connection issues, your thought processes and carpentry skills that go into seeing your concepts become reality. Thanks again Bruce. Very inspirational on many different levels.

[@BruceParks]

Wow, such a beautiful comment. Thank you for sharing your moments of absorption and clarity. You made my day!

[@LoraPetrie-og6gd]

😊Thank you for your video on assembling your camper components into your van. It was efficiently done and fun to watch. I hope to make my odyssey in my Odyssey in the spring of ‘26 when I retire, so I believe that leaves me ample time to outfit it and take many local trips.

[@BruceParks]

Glad you enjoyed it! I hope you enjoy the building process next year in your Odyssey. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

[@peterlansdale1793]

This is so awesome I'm geeking out HARD. Building my sienna out atm.

[@BruceParks]

Love your comment! Good luck with your build.

[@wandarogers5769]

i know I'm late to the party but this is the most fantastic build that i have ever seen! Amazing!

[@BruceParks]

Thanks for the nice comment, always appreciated!

[@anusornvivathanachai434]

Bruce, thank you very much for your videos. I watched them over and over until I gained enough confidence to start the project which I finished two months ago. We went camping in Death Valley last month, everything worked great! We are so lucky to have someone like you! Noi

[@BruceParks]

I'm glad to have helped! I'd love to see your build. Did you enjoy Death Valley? Hopefully it wasn't too hot.

[@bigfoot8085]

Best removable builds that I have seen so far.

[@LorenHenriksen]

Awesome video Bruce . Your videos are becoming more refined, Fancy! Lol. Thanks from Canada

[@BruceParks]

Thanks for the nice comment. Fancy, indeed!

[@stevengatewood2725]

Bruce is a very smart guy. Love the build.

[@mixflip]

I have an awd sienna 2013. I'd love to do this to mine.

[@BruceParks]

👍 That’s why I’m sharing ideas, to help others get going

[@bicyclerider8218]

You're quite the craftsman, thanks for sharing you awesome conversion.

[@BruceParks]

You're welcome! I'm glad you liked it, and thanks for commenting.

[@a.w.thompson4001]

Great to see this! Lots to study re. your techniques. Congratulations on resuming travel. Have a wonderful time!!

[@BruceParks]

Thanks!

[@autumndawn5531]

Thank you very much for sharing new angles of your incredible van setup Bruce! Your foresight in the use of various different fasteners intrigues me as I prepare for my own van--build later this month. I think it is an often overlooked or misunderstood part of most van-builds despite its importance in the sustainability and mobility of the various units over the long run. Any chance you can explain your choice of fasteners (including t-nuts, inserts, bolts, screws, washers, etc.) to the fastener-newbies like me? Why and where you chose to use each type? , etc. Safe travels! Thanks Bruce

[@BruceParks]

Fastener talk: I basically used t-nuts where they weren’t going to be very visible and threaded inserts otherwise. My order of preference for screw head drive is torx, allen, square. I hate phillips head and have eliminated slotted head hardware altogether. I use construction screws in parts that are rarely taken apart. Plenty more to say on the topic but I’ll leave it there for now unless you have any specific questions.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

This is awesome! I have the same van but with a permanent build for full-time living!

[@BruceParks]

Good choice! Siennas are awesome.

[@henrytowne7463]

ooooh, that looks like a dl650 there... and another bike in the shadows! Thank you for the ROM show of your components and their assembly. I will not work with the fixed bed as I prefer the Zerograv for flexibility. I will resort to a high open shelf with elastic side bands on the passenger side as I like the full look at the upcoming vehicles passing on my right. I'm using a cut-down garage shelf system for my privative kitchen to date; no plumbing yet! -working- Thanks!

[@BruceParks]

Actually an R1200GS, plus a dozen bicycles (most are hanging from the ceiling). Good eye, Henry.

[@MellowNomadicAdventures]

Nice job Bruce! This is exactly what I want to aim for on my next build! Excited for the next videos, your uprights were a huge inspiration for my own design. Safe travels! -Marshall 😊

[@BruceParks]

Glad to have helped!

[@Scoutfbk]

Wow. This is so amazing! Thanks for providing all this info and encouragement for us! A man of many talents!

[@BruceParks]

You're very welcome. Thanks for the nice comment!

[@carbonjimfitzgerald]

Bruce, thanks for the videos. I used some of your ideas and another KZbinr's ideas and my van is finished. The overhead cubbies are perfect for the packing cubes and my bed folds up into a seat. All of my camera gear fits in the area where the third row seats were installed. I'm a woodworker and I just needed to "see" what you did and I was able to figure it out. Not as refined as yours but it is sweet! Thanks again.

[@BruceParks]

Glad to have helped with ideas. Would love to see yours.

[@Ironman3521]

This is the coolest van conversion I have seen for a minivan. It would be awesome if you put out a build manual for mini vans that would bee awesome.

[@BruceParks]

Great idea, Shawn. It would be a bit of work. No promises, but I'll give it some thought.

[@ejohnsizzle]

You are a regular renaissance man. Would love to meet you and check out your van someday!

[@BruceParks]

We've met many interesting people during our roadtrips. Perhaps we can meet you on an upcoming one. Where are you? We're planning to drive to Tucson via eastern seaboard and southern border in mid-October, and returning to NY through the middle of the country in November. Let me know! Thanks for the kind comment.

[@paulnipp323]

Would you ever think about creating and selling templates of your build? I love it, but I'm not as good at figuring out this kind of stuff from scratch as I would like to be and I don't know a single person who could help. I know there's a lot of people in the same position. Selling a good template could make this much more doable for a lot of people. Thanks for making the videos.

[@BruceParks]

I'd love to offer templates and plans. If I can make it happen, I'll announce it on my channel. No promises, though, but thanks for the interest!

[@jeeping32810]

I am hoping to eventually develop something similar... in a very modular format... like yours. But maybe 1 solid piece that can be placed in the van, bolted down, and done... You are an inspiration... great work.

[@BruceParks]

Thanks for taking the time to write a comment, I appreciate it! The design process can take a while because there are so many options. Even after you build something and use it, don't be surprised if you discover issues, changes, upgrades that you want. That's how it's been for our build. Enjoy the journey.

[@robinburkey2466]

WOW extremely well thought out! Thankyou for sharing.

[@BruceParks]

Hi Robin, glad you enjoyed it! I appreciate you for spending the time to leave a nice comment.

[@MathewTip]

You are such a clever clever man .. 👍🏻

[@BruceParks]

Thanks for the nice comment. I appreciate it!

[@russ_vee_jr4199]

This is a great concept. I'll have to put some thought into possibly implementing it in my upcoming build.

[@molliedoodleable]

Now I can follow your build and tricks Bruce. Thank you so much for sharing

[@BruceParks]

You are very welcome

[@maggierivera5510]

Your a genius, I would totally buy your kit.

[@BruceParks]

So noted. This build is too complicated to be made available in kit form but if I sell this build and build another, it will be simpler to make into a kit.

[@masamune0099]

Very inventive. I have never been seen before.

[@BruceParks]

Thank you!

[@antoinettejwilliams1496]

WOW, Thanks a lot, I love it so encouraging 😀

[@JCinLapel]

I had never seen a van that size using uppers like that very interesting

[@BruceParks]

We've found it makes a big difference in keeping things organized in such a small van and it seemed like underutilized space. Thanks for commenting!

[@fleabiker5877]

Amazing! I would definitely buy a set of plans. Thank you for sharing :-)

[@BruceParks]

I'd love to offer plans. If I can make it happen, I'll announce it on my channel. No promises, though, but thanks for the interest!

[@TrangNguyen-ek6jv]

@@BruceParks good morning, I am interested to buy one too. May I ask is it work for Honda Odyssey 2011?

[@SpiralBJJ]

If you built this to be a one person set up with half the bed space, what would you consider adding or changing around? Do you think you could further expand one of the side cabinets to the cup holders for more storage? Seriously man, I’ve been nerding out over camper vans for like 10 years and this is the best minivan build I’ve ever seen. Your set up is more well thought out than a lot of professional van building companies.

[@BruceParks]

Oh man, your question about a one person build opens so many possibilities. My build was focused on maximizing sleeping space for two people and many compromises were made to limit impacts on that goal. If I were to design for one person, I'd probably make the driver-side cabinetry full height and much deeper, and eliminate the passenger-side upper cabinet. But so much depends on your specific objectives, like full-time vs occasional use, stealth or not, permanent or removable, water and waste needs, etc. If I were doing a one person build, I'd have to reboot my brain and think about it for a while. Great question!

[@haley5501]

OMG! This is sooo impressive

[@BruceParks]

Thank you! Your comment made my day!

[@edmiranda6528]

Thank you very much for sharing Bruce. I will soon start to work on our Sienna 2013 LE. I wonder if I can request for the bed dimension, techniques and type of bolt and nuts used. Hope to hear from you soon. Thanks Ed

[@BruceParks]

Hi Ed, I’m on the road with the van right now. Where are you located? If you’re on my flight path between Denver and Rochester, NY maybe I can swing by for measurements. Otherwise, a start might be looking at this video for some of the info you’ve requested. kzbin.info/www/bejne/j4O0hXykaZ52a9k

[@ComradeQuestion42069]

That looks like a really great build! You could sell that as a kit.

[@ComradeQuestion42069]

What do you put over the other set of rails from the 2nd row of seats.

[@BruceParks]

I leave the seat "trolleys" in place. When the bed platform is fully in place, the trolleys are underneath it and out of the way. I plan to built covers out of thin plywood someday but it really hasn't been a priority. If this was a full-time camper, I'd remove the trolleys but I occasionally remove the camper components and put the seats back in.

[@jmb989]

Great inspiration and editing Bruce -- really appreciate your content as it has helped develop my own setup. Should your travels ever take you through Denver area -- first beer on me.

[@BruceParks]

Sounds good. I'm actually heading to Arizona via A-Basin. Might be able to make time for a beer :-)

[@duathlete827]

If that's your design, you're one smart fella!

[@BruceParks]

Yup, my very own. Thanks for the kind words!

[@susanstrickland6774]

Really nice job. Like how you store it when not in use. 😊👍

[@BruceParks]

Thank you, glad you liked it! ☺️

[@GeoffreyMays]

Amazing, very practical build in a box! Plans & dimensions would be super helpful. I just bought a Sienna.

[@BruceParks]

I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for taking the time to comment!

[@meadowshine]

As you know, I agree, Plans Please!!! my van is waiting... thank you, Kristen

[@pebbles6231]

I was excited! I thought he was selling these boxes for us Sienna owners. I was ready to buy. 😅

[@stephenkeedy7288]

What a great design. Thanks for all the good ideas. I liked that you stayed true to your credo of "No Holes Drilled in Van"

[@BruceParks]

Thanks for the kind words, much appreciated!

[@brucehardy1640]

I absolutely love you hose clamp trick. Do you ever have any issues with them loosening up?

[@BruceParks]

Nope. I’m using ten total (four on the solar panel, four on the bed frame, and two on the vanity cabinet) and after 40K miles of mostly cross country road trips, I’ve never found them to have loosened. Thanks for asking!

[@NoRegrets.]

Amazing what a talent. I hope you do consider publishing a template to build for sale. Your design is magnificent. With your blueprints we could do minimal or the max depending on skill and money. I am good with tools but not so much figuring out dimensions. Give me a general guide to follow and i can usually figure it out.

[@BruceParks]

Thanks so much! If I can make templates or plans available, I'll let you know. Thanks for the interest.

[@cnc75adventures49]

Really impressive

[@susanpremo8068]

Another great video. Have a great trip. My brother is in Prescott. May have to go there someday. 🤔

[@winniewinnie4927]

Hi Bruce, you are clever and talented. I am a 65 year old woman who will be living in her van for months at a time. I realize the commitment of time you have under your belt with your build. I was wondering if there were a way I could get a material list for the bed frame along with some instructions. I would be more than happy to pay for your time. Would that be possible? I won't be leaving my home until March. Thank you in advance

[@BruceParks]

I think of my design as much more complicated than necessary for most people. From what I've read and seen, a lot of people aren't interested or able to build the upper cabinets, vanity sink cabinet, stowable bed sections, or even a full width bed (many are solo travelers) and are more focused on having a practical sleeping platform suited to their specific needs. I haven't gotten around to developing plans for what I've built, mainly because it's pretty complex. Certainly, if I had something to offer, I would love to. But if you are looking for just a bed frame, there are so many other ideas out there that would be easier and cheaper to build than what I've done. Sorry if this is disappointing but I'm trying to be honest and upfront about it.

[@sydnieleehoughton3935]

Thanks Bruce! Question: I’ve got rain deflectors over side windows. Do you have and suggestions for screening them?😅

[@BruceParks]

There's several ways to go. In the beginning, I just used a piece of insect screen from Home Depot and secured it around the window (with the deflectors in place) with strong magnets. Cheap and quick. But then I made some internal screens that are always in place and it made my life a lot easier - here's my vid kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpKzoqt9qs6ZpqM. Another approach is window socks and people seem to like them.

[@blessed37]

Yes, take my money. I don't even have a van but this was amazing.

[@BruceParks]

Thanks for watching. Your comment made my day!

[@SojuGoFirst]

Hello, do you have a more in depth video on how you build the arch?

[@BruceParks]

Hi, good question. I don't have a video on the actual method of construction of the arch (I'm assuming you are referring to the header with all of the hooks behind the front seats). I've tried to describe the process when answering others in the comments section. It's pretty straightforward - I spent some time first making a template out of cardboard. I just kept cutting away cardboard until it matched the contour of the ceiling. Then I traced the shape onto plywood and cut it out using a jigsaw. Then just some sanding and finishing with a couple of coats of polyurethane. The main thing was taking time and not rushing the template. Hope this helps.

[@fredjames7680]

That's a really slick conversion. I was hoping you didn't waste so much space and had a dresser in there. I recently did a conversion on mine was a dresser a refrigerator and freezer and a couple of hundred watt solar panels on the roof mppt charge controller. I was thinking if I got rid of the side panel on the left there's a lot of space to be gained there. Unfortunately I have to keep all my windows open according to the rules to be used as a pilot escort vehicle

[@BruceParks]

Hi Fred, thanks for commenting. I'm curious, what's a pilot escort vehicle?

[@fredjames7680]

@@BruceParks it's a vehicle used for escorting oversized loads. Things that are tall, wide, long or heavy. Exceeding the normal Transportation specifications of 13 ft 6 in height, 8 ft 6 in wide, 70 ft long with a gross weight of 80,000 lb

[@tonoy1956]

Great! You and your build out is amazing ❤❤❤

[@BruceParks]

Thanks, I love your comment!

[@Ten-ol7nc]

In which aisle & bins I can find those parts in IKEA? Thanks 🤪

[@BruceParks]

Haha 😁

[@MicheleODonnell-]

I have watched 100’s of Sienna Camper builds and I wish I could somehow get this built in my Sienna. It’s so frustrating because I have no tools or knowledge to do anything like this. So frustrating! Anyway, you made an absolutely amazing build..👍 the best by far. Thank you for sharing 🤗

[@BruceParks]

You're very welcome, Michele. Your comment made my day! Thanks so much for taking the time to watch and comment. I'm happy to share ideas with the camper community.

[@MicheleODonnell-]

@@BruceParks I noticed this video is from over a year ago? I was reading in the comments that you were asked about making plans of your builds to sell? Have you decided? 🤞I would buy the plans and hire someone to build it. Thanks

[@greggorystevens2637]

I love it. You’re awesome.

[@BruceParks]

Well thank you sir! Glad you liked it!

[@sydneysmead6058]

This is the best build I have seen! I just bought a Sienna with the goal of cross country road trips. How much does your set up weigh?

[@BruceParks]

That's how we use our Sienna, mostly, for cross country road trips. The net additional weight is 216 lbs. I weighed everything I put in (426 lbs, including a full water tank, 50 lbs, and the AGM battery, 68 lbs) and subtracted the seat weight I removed (210 lbs). It’s like adding one person and some bags of groceries.

[@RobertVinet]

Long time follower. You have incorporated some ingenious ideas. I'd love to know how much it all weighs and how long it takes you to put it in?

[@karenclausen6724]

Less weight is ideal. I'd pay for a set of blueprints or plans with quantities and measurements.

[@BruceParks]

The net additional weight is 216 lbs. I weighed everything I put in (426 lbs) and subtracted the seat weight I removed (210 lbs). It’s like adding one adult and a few bags of groceries.

[@BruceParks]

@Robert Vinet It usually takes ~3 hours to reinstall the components.

[@odiesclips7621]

Very cool setup!!

[@BruceParks]

Thank you!

[@debbieschumacher1083]

If you come to the Phoenix area on your trip I would love to meet up and see your build in person.

[@BruceParks]

I might be able to make that happen (I'll be in Scottsdale later this month). Maybe a group meetup as I know there's at least one other person here that has made that request too. Send me your contact info (my email is viewable from a PC on my About page)

[@BruceParks]

@Debbie Schumacher Please email me (see my about page) if you want to attend a meetup this weekend in Scottsdale. Probably a morning meetup.

[@tybrady4598]

Beautiful build! Unfortunately the side shelves shouldn’t be done on the newer Sienna’s because there’s a side airbag that comes out of the ceiling and runs the full length of both sides.

[@BruceParks]

I appreciate your comment but II'm not sure what your concern is - the side air curtains can still deploy. In the 3rd row, the upper cabinets are backless so the air curtains can push the contents (clothing mostly) out. In the 2nd row, the ventilation plenum along the top of the driver's side window is made of very thin plywood so it can easily break free; the passenger side window is unobstructed. In the first row, the curtains are free to deploy. Overall, there are only a few spots of rigid obstruction but I reasoned this isn't much different than if one had loaded up the inside of the van with stuff (boxes, furniture, etc) that could partially obstruct the curtains.

[@tybrady4598]

@@BruceParks My concern is that airbags deploy at 200 mph with force, it could send items on the shelf and the shelf flying where those items could hit a passenger and injure them. Love your build though, I just wouldn’t recommend it for the newer Sienna minivans with side airbags that run the length of the van.

[@danwhiteman2529]

Bruce, if you sold build plans. I would definitely buy them.

[@BruceParks]

Thanks, Dan, good to know. If plans become available, I'll announce it on my channel.

[@gimmeagig]

you are the Stradivarius of the van converters, LOL.

[@BruceParks]

Ha, your comment is Magnifico! Thanks!

[@kaiatopolaris3414]

Currently building a camper in a SUV and this is a lifesaver. Thank you for the video!

[@BruceParks]

You’re very welcome! Have fun with your build. Thanks for taking the time to comment.

[@cassandrazyss7701]

Impressive!

[@Ilene-forward]

When you make the plans available, would you consider 2-3 plans? I personally would care for a kitchen.

[@BruceParks]

While this build is too complicated to be made available in kit form, I continue to modify it and add features. I'm designing a kitchen module for fabrication later this fall. I'm mainly trying to get the ideas out there to inspire others.

[@jingm6749]

I will study this seriously. Thank you

[@BruceParks]

You are very welcome

[@TZinCanada123]

How to get refresh air when sleeping in this Van? If lower down the side window, the rain would go in. Thanks

[@BruceParks]

I can pull in fresh air with the system I show in the video below. The window only needs to be lowered 2" and is protected by the rain deflectors so when it's raining, water does not come in.kzbin.info/www/bejne/pYCVXmV7gNl9gsU

[@fishjoy3216]

What did you do about side curtain airbags behind cabinets

[@BruceParks]

I didn't do anything with them. With the open backed cabinets, the air curtains can still deploy.

[@Daviid-2009]

1:00 what are those strap things called, the thin bracket things you loop around the wood and screw clamp tight?

[@BruceParks]

Hose Clamps

[@denicedogan5687]

Fantastic What year sienna does this fit into?

[@BruceParks]

I've got a 2011 Sienna, which is a 3rd generation model (2011-2020). All gen3 Sienna's are pretty much the same shape inside.

[@MaryOKC]

How much does this weigh when assembled and what is the difference with the seats in (originally), seats out, and this installed?

[@BruceParks]

Great question. The 2nd and 3rd row seats weigh a total of 210 lbs. The camper components weigh a total of 428 lbs (incl. water (50 lbs), fridge (35 lbs), battery (68 lbs), electrics (70 lbs), and wood/hardware (205 lbs)). So, the net additional weight is 218 lbs (428 lbs added minus 210 lbs removed).

[@MaryOKC]

@@BruceParks thank you. I am looking at building something very similar and beefing up the minivan as well as lifting it up a few more inches. I sure appreciate the work you’ve done on your rig … thank you again … be safe.

[@shannonmurphy9790]

Just curious, I have airbags in the rear of my car. Did you have any warning lights go off or issues when you removed your rear seats?

[@BruceParks]

No issues in mine, but mine is a gen3 (2011-2020) and the 2nd row seats don’t have air bags and are easily removed. Gen4 (2021+) have the bolted in, airbag equipped seats. If that’s what you have, there is a simple hack to trick the system into thinking the seats are still there. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eXe2c4eOa6uSqdk

[@wellnessotr]

I wish I could figure out how to make some cubbies for storage in my back windows.

[@theresalorusso8806]

Following for plans or a.kit

[@ziptie2104]

Super sienna conversion. But there are so many parts, putting it together would be a nightmare for most people. instruction manual needed?

[@BruceParks]

Thanks for the comment. Yes, I agree, if this were available in kit form, an instruction manual would be very useful.

[@franciscoamaya2945]

Very nice I would like to know step by step how to do it

[@BruceParks]

Thank you. I would like to know too :-)

[@rochelle90272]

Bruce, what kind of plywood did you use and did you edge band it?

[@BruceParks]

I used Baltic Birch ply in different thicknesses, depending on the strength required. I didn't edge band any of it, just rounded for the most part. Then satin poly'ed.

[@rochelle90272]

@@BruceParks my hero

[@michaelsmith9308]

Mr bruce, first nice layout, second what PRICE would it take for me to BUY your actual van with the interior from you...? This way you could start a new build.....? Im totally open to a interior price of your build or with the van..?

[@BruceParks]

Excellent question. I'm not quite ready to sell my build or van, though I've given it a lot of thought lately. Ballpark figures are $15K for the van (2011 LE AWD 93K miles) and $5K for the build, just based on recent economics and anticipated auction results on sites like bringatrailer or ebay.

[@sannyd]

Awesome!

[@stevewyche5232]

Can you tell us how long in real time it took you to put everything together? Also, can you throw in the approximate cost of everything you are using in your list plus materials? Obviously just looking for a ballpark number

[@BruceParks]

Hi Steve, the actual install time is close to 3 hours if I take my time. Rough estimate on materials and components is $1000 electrical major components (battery, chargers, solar panel, inverter), $400 electrical minor comps (wiring, junction/fuse/ckt broker blocks, lighting, switches, ports, etc), $500 fridge, $500 accys (mattress, fans, water sys, window covers, etc), $500 wood and hardware.

[@tennnis498]

I’m a bit hesitant to get a Sienna. I have the most trust in the Sienna, but I’m thinking of a Dodge Ram C/V. I just feel like the headroom will be less constrained. I suppose the Ford Transit 250 with the high-top is one of the taller ones, along with the Sprinter. Does anyone know if I’ll gain by getting a cargo van for headspace, over the minivans?

[@solo-dt5zv]

I really like this set up! Any chance you can share the blueprint for this? Thanks!

[@BruceParks]

Wish I could but blueprints don’t exist (yet). It’s a complicated build. I’d like to simplify it one of these days.

[@DonOmarRamiro]

How much does it weight? How much did you take out when taking out the seats?

[@BruceParks]

Removed 210 lbs of seats. Added 426 lbs of camper stuff (incl. about 50lbs of fresh water and a 70 lb battery). Net add = 216 lbs.

[@DonOmarRamiro]

@@BruceParks Oh, that blue battery is 70 pounds? I want to build something with solar and a battery that would allow me to have a little fridge and maybe a microwave for 2 or 3 minutes 2 times a day to heat up food, and get energy from solar and from vehicle when need it. I still need the van tho hahah. It'd either be a AWD Sienna o a Odyssey.

[@BruceParks]

@@DonOmarRamiro Lithium batteries weighs a bit less than the AGM battery I have and you should be fine with something rated at 50 AHr or so. Mine is 105 AHr and since it’s not lithium, I try to never let it discharge below 50% of full charge. You can let lithium discharge much more without issues.

[@averysmallcampervan]

So how long does it actually take to set up? I hope it is less that 30 min ;-)

[@BruceParks]

Good question! The wood components take around 30 minutes. It's the electrical connections and water system that can take more time, maybe an hour.

[@liveaboard1]

Thank you for the quick reply . . . I purchased a Toyota 2016 Sienna. I am trying to figure out how to work around the Mid seat rails . . . would you know how to remove them or work around their location?? Thanks . . . /Tom

[@BruceParks]

There's not much in the way of videos on 2nd row "trolley" removal. The best tutorial I've found was on Siennachat (www.siennachat.com/threads/2nd-row-seat-track-removal.18525/#post-84623). Somewhere else I read this description for Gen3 AWD models: The two outer rails can be removed from above. The passenger side inner rail has (4) T50 bolts you can get to from underneath. The driver side inner requires dropping the gas tank to remove the bolts. I was able to slide the trolley off the back of the rail and just leave the rail in the floor.

[@chris-topher]

Video on how to remove seat rails... kzbin.info/www/bejne/gnvYhp1jpM6jbdU

[@roxxigirl1320]

It’s really nice, but I’m just wondering about the weight of all the wood used. Does it affect your gas mileage?

[@BruceParks]

Considering the weight of the seats that came out, the added weight of the wood amounts to the weight of one person. The wood (plus 60 lb battery, 50 lbs water, 30 lb fridge, etc) came to 426 lbs. I removed 210 lbs of seats. The net added weight is 216 lbs, about the same as one hefty guy. No measurable change in gas mileage.

[@misspugluver]

Thank you for your videos. I know your a wood worker. I was wondering being so tall how comfortable are you being in a lower van when raining? On long trips?

[@BruceParks]

We haven't spent much time in the van when it's raining. Being a minivan, with two people, it can start to feel small if we're doing anything beyond laying in bed. I have a long torso so sitting in back for a while is not the most comfy. We tend to use the vehicle as a road trip beast which means lots of driving and sleeping. Very little hanging out inside it. If its going to be rainy, we'd rather be somewhere like a museum, cafe, library or store than in the van.

[@paulwilliams-akanunavuttai6789]

I'm with all the rest, if the plans can be done, I'd part with the cash, yessindeedy!!

[@nvr6859]

Wow, nice job!

[@BruceParks]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@afshirinzadeh5682]

We need to get the plans.

[@10buk2]

Well thought out. how long did take you to prefab the whole idea?

[@BruceParks]

This build is the result of a couple of years of fiddling around (I’ve got lots of prior videos up that show closer details of different parts of the build). Total design and build, and rebuild, and change, etc is probably over 300 hrs. It’s just for fun.

[@brucecggallagher1949]

What kind of bike do you drive Bruce? Have you ever thought of marketing your design for Toyota van owners?

[@BruceParks]

The bike in the background? It's a BMW R1200GS. I should say it "was" since I sold it recently - just wasn't riding it much at all. Anyway, I've considered the idea of offering my camper design in the form of plans, kits, parts etc for a long time but in order to do it the way I'd want, I'd need to redesign some very complicated parts to make them simpler and easier for others to be able to assemble without cursing at me too much. Besides, I've been retired for quite a while and the idea of building a small business hasn't appealed to me yet. Hey, I appreciate the question though!

[@TheJosesantiago123]

Just wow.