The Perfect Honda Element Camper Conversion

[@5Ci0N]

There's so many Elements there, it's like a periodic table

[@dadgarage7966]

This should be pinned.

[@StephenAldaco]

Leave a thumbs up to bring the Element back

[@snicklefritzd3612]

Only with moderate upgrades. 1. More power 2. Make the rear windows in the suicide doors roll down 3. Bigger brakes

[@chansoopark9953]

The most practical and roomiest car i ever owned

[@Growingupinthe80s]

element and an s2000 - that's all you need for a 2 car household! honda's 2023 lineup wants me to shoot myself.

[@theacase8738]

When I got around to thinking this would be a good vehicle, they were no longer in production.

[@jakeva9802]

So disappointed they discontinued it. I was a teenager when they came out and couldn’t afford one, now as an adult I can but they no longer sell.

[@nederlander9321]

This is flat out one of the nicest Element builds I've seen. Well done to the owner!

[@StephenAldaco]

Absolutely inspiration for all us element owners.

[@FrolickerFashions]

Those swivel seat really make a difference.

[@StephenAldaco]

Total game changer find them at Hiros hot rods

[@billyvanpelt597]

I love the custom driver and passenger door blinds!!!!

[@sqd8r]

Honda Element, so misunderstood but what a heck of a vehicle.

[@StephenAldaco]

The ugly duckling will have its day

[@Frandaman84]

That thing is sick, a full build for anyone that appreciates quality. A dream car as far as elements are concerned

[@dquangt]

Thanks

[@dquangt]

Thanks for having on the channel! Awesome time camping, awesome Pacific Northwest Meet up, and awesome video! Thanks again for supporting the meet and I'll see you soon.

[@enumber3]

So awesome! This is one of my top 3 Element builds of all time 😍😍 Also, Dat is a wonderful human 🙏 Thanks for showcasing, Stephen! 🙌

[@StephenAldaco]

I couldn't agree more Dat is a great dude & his build is perfect!

[@dquangt]

Wow thanks for the compliment!

[@impdom3556]

What's the other 2? Let's see them

[@Wartorment]

Super dope build man! The attention to detail really shows and I love the platform you chose. @@dquangt

[@dquangt]

@@Wartorment thanks very much! Still more mods to come and likely a part 2 vid!

[@michaelosmon]

Before yesterday i had no concept of an element camper. Then i saw a video from the fifth element and his designs look cool. Now i see your creation, well done. Fine job sir. Thank you fo sharing your camper for everyone to see

[@StephenAldaco]

Glad you enjoyed the video people are starting to catch on for sure.

[@charcoalelement6276]

👍 I've always wanted an Element. So much so that I go by Charcoal Element for my Stage name when playing live music and people recognize me as Charcoal. But, don't forget Element! Lol!

[@StephenAldaco]

Haha I’m surprised you don’t have one already! I hope you do get one and go tour in your charcoal element.

[@augustpendergast4478]

I recently retired and have been thinking of building a rig. After seeing this build I want it. Stick it in the copy machine and send it over. Great build! 👍😃

[@StephenAldaco]

do it before the prices get to high on elements! Congrats on your retirement

[@Skiridr22]

The tables are amazing I also love the mini fire pit. Great idea on the spear tire swing out.

[@pbodys16]

My best buddy has an ecamper element which we all adore and are envious of. I love see what can be done with these glorious vehicles! Great content guys!

[@tminusnyc2915]

Easily the cleanest/most well built out Element in North America. Thank you for showing us.

[@StephenAldaco]

Absolutely very inspiring! Thanks for hanging / watching

[@dquangt]

thanks a lot

[@andrewwastaken2]

Bro I never go full fanboy over anything or get jealous… until this. Wow.

[@StephenAldaco]

Element prices after this video 💰💰💰💰

[@mjremy2605]

Beautiful! So spacious and Japanese tea room-like inside. Thank you for this delight!

[@dquangt]

Thanks

[@xGRASHOPAx]

Wow that Element was FIRE, super clean

[@dquangt]

Thank you!

[@tjsomethinornothin8094]

Love seeing all the diverse and amazing builds on the Element!

[@StephenAldaco]

I’m happy to hear it! I love sharing peoples builds it’s so fun. Thanks for watching

[@CloroxCowboy]

Wow. All of a sudden I am sold on the element. It's just perfect.

[@StephenAldaco]

In the great words of DJ Khaled “Another One” welcome to the gang

[@dquangt]

​@@StephenAldacoWe got 'em! 😂

[@davidneiner2133]

Just picked up my first element 3 days ago. Gotta thank my good friend Tyler for telling me about em n helping me find one. I like it more everyday. I drove an 86tercel 4wd wagon for years and love those cars. That said ,I believe I've found the coolest vehicle since and am stoked to see all the love these awesome utility vehicles are getting. Btw, it's an 05 ex awd manual silver n blue and really clean

[@StephenAldaco]

@davidneiner2133 nice blue and silver gang!!! We are rare but we are out there congrats on the purchase man welcome to the gang

[@bingbongmcgee]

I wish Honda made old elements still so I could build one out like this straight from the showroom. These are better than most newer models anyway as far as practicality/versatility/general capability

[@mikecroweseedery4350]

Why would you ever buy something brand new... Just to replace everything...? Thats the beauty of building something old and doing a full build... You get upgraded everything.. Exactly how you want it.. For the cost of a regular, shitty, brand new vehicle..

[@bingbongmcgee]

@@mikecroweseedery4350 I would have it built custom from the factory, or have a new one built to be sent to a custom shop to make it exactly how I want it. I don't want to get an old one full of issues from being 20 years old

[@CamillaSharpe]

Holy SHIT!!!That is an inspiring build...Those tables, tho!!!!!What a BEAUTY!!Ler mais. This rig is amazing!! Big inspiration to all of us!.

[@dquangt]

Thanks!

[@saigon1964able]

I wish Dat could provide a parts list for his build. I am in love with this build!!!

[@StephenAldaco]

That’s a great idea! I listed some in the description I may have to work on doing that

[@AnnetteElmer-xs3lo]

Very nice build out. Your attention to detail really shines through. I particularly like your reworking the Yakima swing-a-way rack so it swings left instead of right. Well thought out. Thank you for sharing through Steve's channel.

[@dquangt]

thank you. hope to meet you someday at my meetup, the PNW Element Meetup that I put on each summer.

[@michellelopez496]

@@dquangt

[@motopolak]

Nicest Element build I've ever seen. I'm a big lighting guy so I also rock all Diode Dynamics stuff, it's night and day compared to stock lighting. Props on the engine update also, perfect choice staying with the K-series... reliability basically stays the same but now with all the added weight on the car the HP boost makes it way more drivable.

[@dquangt]

I've been a fan of DD for years now. Best lighting out there.

[@motopolak]

@@dquangt same here, since 2015!

[@taylorgunkel4745]

What a build, hope I can get close

[@TheOne_isGOD]

this honda is SICK. comapre to the couple who had the same honda and didnt do anything. this honda blows them away by 1000 miles

[@dquangt]

Thanks!

[@isabelmendi3973]

Excellent conversion

[@StephenAldaco]

Some may even say perfect

[@LindzHellstrom]

I traveled over 3000 plus miles from home & back home 3000 plus!!!

[@busmemorija]

I get so many ideas how to improve and make more space with turning chair and getting whole front space for sitting... Also I wouldake another room with light tooling system... Also.... Great!

[@loveme77527]

Holy SHIT!!! That is an inspiring build... Those tables, tho!!!!!💯 What a BEAUTY!!🙂

[@StephenAldaco]

My thoughts exactly Dat really made this thing perfect.

[@Rezn8d0utlaw]

Gave Me a whole new perspective on the Element. I had never known there were so many possibilities. The swivel seats are 🔥

[@StephenAldaco]

Glad we can open yours to the possibilities 😉. Swivel seats are a game changer no doubt!

[@Cali_Fornia869]

Dang that’s a nice set up 😊❤

[@stig120212]

incredible build and love the support of small business

[@dquangt]

Thank you!

[@joshsanchezxD]

GREAT build!!

[@gerald4nomads]

This build is beautiful, I hope in the future I can do something with my Branco like yours.

[@dquangt]

Thanks!

[@johnking9754]

This rig is amazing!! Big inspiration to all of us!

[@dquangt]

Thanks!

[@StephenAldaco]

Absolutely so lucky Dat was willing to share with us.

[@jimmaier3613]

Now that is a tricked out rig!!!

[@StephenAldaco]

The engine upgrade does it for me 🥰

[@skwashua]

I just checked my local market, the Element pricing is nuts! Like 10k with 150k miles. I could see them being it back as an EV

[@arcticredpanda4598]

I really regret selling mine for $1500

[@StephenAldaco]

@arcticredpanda4598 ooof no one can predict the future man. Sorry that happened.

[@roughy762004]

Wow! That is awesome!!!!

[@Carlos-ip2ir]

Legend has it hes still backing out the camera shot😅

[@bisket2003]

Absolutely GORGEOUS E. Beautiful build!

[@StephenAldaco]

💯 this is goals big time!

[@dquangt]

Thanks for the compliment!

[@chestercallahan8856]

The A2 will wake that E up!

[@dquangt]

Makes it much more drivable for sure

[@edgarmiranda5270]

Curios - what telescopic ladder is that? Sick build!

[@USMC-1833]

Awesome Build! Great use of space with attention to detail.

[@dquangt]

Thank you!

[@PrplAngl]

Hey just subbed! Im just a watcher no van, no element, just an interest in this lifestyle, if i was younger, I'd probably be a nomad 😉

[@StephenAldaco]

Welcome & thanks for the sub! It’s never too late if your going to try.

[@da87tiger]

Awesome build but is there too much weight on the driver side? Front to back most all the weight is on driver side.

[@dquangt]

Good observation, one thing we didn't show in the vid is my house battery and water is on passenger side as well as a few heavier tools in the spare tire well. Also a storage bin that's also under the table on passenger side. Never had any issues with weight imbalances.

[@OrangeCounty92]

Once I saw the red Type R Honda badge..I knew that he probably built civics in the past. And then he started listing his performance mods.

[@christophed4579]

Very nice and it looks "badass" too, well done.

[@dquangt]

Thanks!

[@michellelopez496]

Traveling nurse, here. Where can I have the engine upgraded to the same as this one? Also, where to get the engine? 😁 Thanks!

[@StephenAldaco]

Where are you located? There are a lot of importers online, but the engine swap is dependent on where you’re located.

[@michellelopez496]

@ I’m working in MI. Heading back to CO mid January. Thanks!

[@StephenAldaco]

That’s tough the closest to you is Nick Stice he’s in Oregon. There’s gotta be something near you I am just not sure who exactly. I’ll keep my ears open.

[@dquangt]

​@@StephenAldaco Nick doesn't do swaps with tuning FYI which is what is required with a swap like mine.

[@LindzHellstrom]

Awesomeness ALL Awesomeness!!!…. Hey can I get an email address on contact to the atomic blue Honda & also for you Steve as I do not do any FACEBOOK or any social media? I met you at the PNW 2023 Tacoma Dome LeMay Car Mueseum… just before the Meet up I went to Hiro’s workshop for both swivel seats.!!! Thanks for all your Video’s !!! :-)

[@campingtips-n-tricks]

Great build!

[@brianthompson9241]

That is CLEAN!

[@StephenAldaco]

🧼

[@roadtriplover.]

I don’t understand the utility of the awning, give that severe angle. Do you have to close the top every time you want to use the awning? Seems that would pose more inconvenience and, probably, lower inclination to deploy the awning, if that’s the case.

[@dquangt]

I have the same thought. It's useable, yes, but not optimal. With that said, I've been fabricating a solution that I'll probably show in a PT. 2 video.

[@MondragonCartel]

So Cool! Where can I learn more about Honda Element campers? I really really want one.

[@StephenAldaco]

Follow our channel of course and check out @elementlifestyle

[@tonydapony69]

Just wanted to see inside the damn camper

[@StephenAldaco]

Check out this video on my channel It will show the e-camper merry Christmas. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bH7Ig6R7hd-ArsUsi=WYgxUUVWgksg08ns

[@paulgardner4931]

That's a sick Honda❤

[@StephenAldaco]

Goals for my element for sure. Thanks for watching!

[@gehringer37]

PLEASE tell me the size of your tires! Thanks Mike

[@brawndothethirstmutilator9848]

235/70r16 (Copied from Dat’s comment above)

[@fwrdr]

EPIC! Excellent build!

[@StephenAldaco]

hands down one of the best element builds

[@dquangt]

Thanks!

[@Steveski70]

How come you never showed how you get to the roof from inside and how it looks inside ?

[@StephenAldaco]

I’ve showed it on a few other builds. This video has been really popular so we are going to do a second video with all the questions people have posted in the comments. I’ll show it then!

[@Zoyx]

Really nice setup! What is the best budget ECamper for the Element? The $7500 for the Ursa Minor top is a bit steep of a price for me.

[@StephenAldaco]

Thats a great video idea I need to investigate. There are so many Roof Top Tents. I've never used one personally but maybe someone will comment about their experience

[@dquangt]

Stephen is right, so many choices. Many knockoffs too. The cheaper alternatives are enticing, but they differ from the originals in details. Those details can add up to a poor camping experience. Just something to think about when shopping.

[@davidparkin9017]

Can you please do a similar conversion for the 1989-1995 MAZDA MPV ??

[@andys242424]

Really informative video, thank you! I didn’t catch the name of the car seats covers?

[@StephenAldaco]

Wet oakle or wet Oakley 🤣

[@dquangt]

Wet Okole

[@awakengangster]

Where did u get the overhead tent and all those add’l gear? 🎉

[@dquangt]

The companies for the stuff pointed out in the video are mentioned in the video. Some stuff is custom made by me.

[@offroadrover]

Awesome rig

[@StephenAldaco]

Absolutely huge inspiration

[@dquangt]

Thanks!

[@regalt1987]

How much invested?

[@Andy-sy1ko]

Incredible build! I need more $$$$ !

[@StephenAldaco]

Get your 💰

[@Rafael-f4c6c]

Is it for sale?

[@StephenAldaco]

Not at the moment but you could always ask the owner Dat on instagram

[@SaycoPworrell]

Man, this guy has some money. Nice E

[@dquangt]

Also know how to work on my own car so lots of labor savings. All worth it for how much I use it!

[@franciscoguzman9802]

What seat covers are those?

[@StephenAldaco]

Wet okole

[@chitza3270]

@Anna Uncharted, have you seen this?

[@StephenAldaco]

I’ve seen her rig! It’s very nice an upgrade from the promaster I think haha

[@mwatercress]

Dat has already done so many of the things I want to do. How did he or will he use the space where the small spare was?

[@dquangt]

Don't know why some of my comments aren't showing up so I'll type this again, but I store tools and recovery gear there.

[@mwatercress]

@@dquangt GREAT BUILD!

[@toddblanchard7765]

Just got my first Element (2008 EX) and I'm looking to mod it a bit. I love this setup, but I'd trying to prioritize this work a bit - I am in OR as well, and would love to support local companies and business, but really don't know where to start. Any suggestions?

[@dquangt]

That's my rig. Start by figuring out what you want to use it for.

[@mangravy2000]

What is your mpg with this setup?

[@dquangt]

19-20 mpg combined driving consistently. I've been tracking my mpg since ownership.

[@oscarverduzcojr.5687]

Beautiful E’

[@StephenAldaco]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@DrMott]

wow

[@StephenAldaco]

my thoughts exactly

[@SainteHoward]

Very nice. Are those 235/70r16? They look larger…

[@dquangt]

You got it! 235/70r16

[@SainteHoward]

@@dquangt thanks!

[@elbogran]

Take notes @honda

[@StephenAldaco]

@honda wen new element? 🥺

[@armandosalgado3390]

Nice setup! 🔥 what was the suspension brand again ?

[@Jay-qq7so]

I wanted to see the upstairs 😢

[@StephenAldaco]

Check out the other tour video with the Orange one and you can

[@taoman7988]

Which seat covers were those?

[@mikepina-j1491]

What company did he say the bottom grill was I need one in my life !! Lol

[@dquangt]

Badcraft Motors. No longer made.

[@ptcast709]

What were the suspensions called?

[@HotRod-wv4vm]

Awesome build ❤

[@StephenAldaco]

One of my favorites so far!

[@ParttimePilgrim]

is all these upgrades under 1000 lbs??? Because thats the biggest payload according to manufacturer…or did you beef up suspension?? Ive gone through a couple sets of rear struts with my build, and i weigh each individual thing i load in my element and include my weight and my dogs weights!

[@StephenAldaco]

This element is upgraded with flat out suspension so it should be able to handle a bit more weight. If Dat sees this comment he will give you more specifics.

[@ParttimePilgrim]

ive never heard of “flat out” suspension, but im no mechanic

[@dquangt]

The stuff added is way under 1000 lbs. The ecamper is only about 130 lbs, the hitch even with the tire and other stuff is about 115, the cabinet is super light, maybe 30 lbs, table is about the same. I don't carry much in my roof storage, just my chairs, and the overland rack is 30 lbs. My gas mileage was not affected by this stuff. Believe me, I was very conscious of the mods I chose based on weight.

[@douglasangelflores6796]

Very nice!

[@StephenAldaco]

Inspiration for sure

[@dquangt]

Thanks!

[@pnw_element9822]

Clean 🧼

[@StephenAldaco]

🧼

[@gbrldz0]

What’s the ceramic shop called?

[@StephenAldaco]

Feather & Flame on Instagram

[@silas_wong]

so awesome!

[@dquangt]

Thanks so much!

[@travisshannon8562]

Rad but it seems like an oversight that the canopy can’t deploy if the top is popped

[@dquangt]

Not an oversight. If I need it at camp I deploy before raising the top. However, that's only a temp solution as I fabricated a bracket that lowers the awning when the top is up. I just didn't have it finished when we filmed.

[@travisshannon8562]

@@dquangt that bracket not existing already seems like the oversight is what I’m saying, it’s not a big deal and glad you got it sorted

[@dquangt]

@@travisshannon8562 I definitely think it was an oversight by Ursa Minor. They should have included a way to mount an awning on the base of the camper top.

[@travisshannon8562]

@@dquangt exactly, that’s all I’m saying. It’s a great rig though and it makes me miss my E, happy camping man.

[@dquangt]

@@travisshannon8562 yup, it's definitely something that has been brought up to them, but they've yet to change the design which is too bad

[@theotheleo6830]

How much did he spend?

[@gabeseaver]

What was the name of the company he got his seat covers from?

[@StephenAldaco]

Wet oakli

[@dquangt]

Wet Okole. A Hawaiian company with a warehouse in Cali also.

[@krishoffer8984]

Amazing build, I was wondering how much $$$ he invested...just morbid curiosity

[@StephenAldaco]

I could ask haha!

[@Byjhbkbhjk]

Let’s bring it back as an electric vehicle!

[@dquangt]

Hybrid. Hybrid is the way for the foreseeable future IMO.

[@StephenAldaco]

Someone will drop a Tesla engine one

[@mwatercress]

Every time I fill up I'm reminded that the Vixen 21 motorhome gets better mileage.

[@dquangt]

@@mwatercress what kind of mileage do you get?

[@mwatercress]

@@dquangt The best I ever got in the Element (5-speed manual 4wd) was 28 MPG on I5 with the cruise control and sheltering among the big rigs. I don't calculate it anymore. The Vixen 21 gets around 30 mpg for a good size motorhome. I think they only made a few hundred. I love the Element but not the mileage.

[@jdlestero]

Just wow.

[@StephenAldaco]

Goals 🎉

[@Вячеслав-ю8ю3о]

Почему наверху, на крыше не показывает никто?

[@Heidi914]

No bed view😕?

[@StephenAldaco]

We might have to do a part 2 of this video to show everything we missed.

[@dquangt]

Next time!

[@RhonVanErman]

Very nice 👍🏻

[@StephenAldaco]

Dat killed it with this build!

[@johnmonk66]

Absolutely no information about the roof tent thing??? That is what I watched for and i still have no idea if it rises the roof inside, or is a roof top tent you enter from outside.

[@StephenAldaco]

Hi sorry we never got to it in this video. Check out my other video with the Orange pop up e-camper we go into full detail on it.

[@michellelopez496]

Ecamper by Ursa Minor, near San Diego.

[@conqueringlion420]

Thx lip smacker💃🏼

[@StephenAldaco]

😘 💋 😚