Turning a RENTED MINIVAN into a Cozy NO-BUILD CAMPER VAN! | Miranda in the Wild

[@thedivabetic]

Miranda, you always give me wanderlust! You make things so accessible, that I end up telling myself "what are you sitting around for? Get outside!"

[@GSR978]

For ventilation, I have a pair of windows screen door covers. They allow me to have the windows open which allow air to flow, but keep bugs out.

[@wanderingplunketts]

We camp in our SUV and ours has a switch to prevent lights from automatically turning on! Totally useful. 😁

[@lynnej.9357]

Our Dodge Grand Caravan also has that setting.

[@rebeccametcalf4448]

When I was test driving new vehicles last year before I bought I made sure to fold flat the rear seats and make sure I could lay straight out comfortably 👍 got a couple nights use out of it last summer with a pad and sleeping bag when tenting wasn't an option

[@jfunderburk1989]

I would love more videos like this. My wife and I have been trying to figure out the best way to dip our toes into van camping and I think this is the answer. I can’t believe we never thought to do this!

[@kellydehlin7962]

This is the van we have for camping!! We love it and love to see others using it too!

[@MirandaGoesOutside]

That's so cool! Great choice for a van 🥰

[@shoshanafox727]

What kind of van is it?

[@kellydehlin7962]

@@shoshanafox727 Dodge Grand Caravan!

[@CoffeeMugTwentyFive]

Thank you for reminding me how beautiful this world is. You're the best, Miranda!

[@maxl.3301]

I second that

[@livingvicariously5108]

Thank you making this video. Living in a van isn’t feasible for me because my illness but having a good weekend, I could totally do something like this. So thank you again. Can’t wait to try this.

[@DasLulu97]

Last year I spent almost 2 months backpacking through Namibia and 2 weeks of that I've rented a Toyota Hilux double cab pickup truck with a camper shell that I've been living in for that time traveling around almost all of Namibia. Because I was on my own it was super easy, I just put a sleeping pad, sleeping bag etc on the loading platform and the box I had for cutlery was in there too functioning as my nightstand. I kept the cooler box and my backpack in the front. It was super simple and maybe not the best idea if you're a very tall person but it worked perfectly for me!

[@suzwittman]

There should be a switch or button that turns off the inside lights when you open the door. I turn mine off when I camp.

[@danaylchan]

I would love to see something like this for a smaller vehicle like a Prius! I am uncomfortable driving a bigger vehicle. Great content!!!

[@rei]

Thank you for watching! We will definitely keep that noted for future content! Thanks Dana!

[@emilybyrd5293]

I have been wanting to use my SUV to go on a long road trip while using it as my home base. I didn’t want to have to make any permanent changes and this has given me many ideas. More content like this would be great!

[@jacksharmonoquinn572]

Absolutely love this, never a dull moment with Miranda

[@crescentcontrol]

I went on my first minivan road trip with my cousin back in 2018 and it was a game changer. Such a fun, convenient, and cheap way to travel!

[@rei]

Fun had and memories made! Can't beat it.🙌

[@MikeNoble]

Great ideas to dress out my Outback. Thanks for the tips.

[@SkipperJane]

I found a dude on Etsy who makes an outback camping “trunk” that expands into a sleeping platform with a pullout tailgate kitchen/drawer set that looks amazing and now I want one. 😂

[@melissarobinson9618]

Okay, now I have researched my local trails and I will be taking my snowshoes on a sunrise hike thanks to you Miranda! And the van conversion is great; sometimes all it takes a little ingenuity and vision to achieve a kick a$$ camping mobile!!

[@Caseyfuriouslyknits]

REI's often rent coolers too, so you can get a rental cooler for your rental van!

[@TonyHookedonVanlife]

I live full-time in a self(non)built 2003 Chrysler Town & Country minivan. Once the back 2 rows of seats are removed, the available floorspace between the rear wheel wells is 4'x8'... the EXACT same size as a sheet of plywood. Instant sub-floor score!! Laid it down & stapled down a $20 area rug. I HAD these plastic 3-drawer bins from Walmart that began to fall apart after about 6 months on the road, so I kept the drawers themselves & chucked the framing part of it. I built a bed from 2x4s & plywood to fit my twin memory foam mattress and made the legs 2" taller than the drawers, so now I not only got my mattress off the cold floor, I also have the entire underneath for storage! I added a piano hinge to the upper 1/3 of the plywood bed, so the head of the bed(which is closest to the back hatch) can lift up, giving me easy access to my foodstuffs & other storage which is contained in those plastic drawers I've had from the beginning. All that being said, NOTHING is permanently attached nor has altered the van, except the seats being removed. And one could simply pop new seats back in. One semi-permanent change I will be making in April is to mount my tv on a swivel base & attach it to the wall. This is easily reversible, just unscrew the swivel mount. So while I did lay(literally) a subfloor AND build a bed, the build ITSELF is a "no-build".

[@arlenesolis024]

Omg. You are slowly corrupting my mind with these wonderful ideas 💡. I LOVE IT ! I have a Hyundai Elantra hatchback and I had slept in before but now I’m going to go full on camper car 🚗 ⛺️.

[@kristeniszler]

Your cozy for your drink is so cute, it's a tiny jacket!! I have made a camper out of my rav 4 before. My dog and I were super comfortable and had a lot of fun!

[@bobnery]

Miranda, so glad you're back!

[@josephsmith6694]

Miranda as always you are a joy to watch and you lift my spirit evertime.Yes please do more no or minimal build camper vans. PS have you thought about using interlocking fitness floor pad from 5 below for the floor of the to cover seating lock points

[@candacetoms4927]

I love your adorable sunflower beanie! I did my first sunrise hike last fall and it was my favorite hike I’ve ever done.

[@Rebecca_DC0]

I found your videos last fall when I started getting into hiking and you've been such an inspiration to live my best outdoorsy life! I started doing some research on no-build adventure-mobiles about a month ago, so this is amazing timing. My Ford Escape isn't nearly this roomy, but it should be just big enough for starting out. I'm excited to start getting things for it soon, and to test it out at my local state park once spring rolls around. Thank you and your team so much for all of your inspiring content! ❤

[@martykong3592]

Well done! Thanks for sharing! I have a similar van, and if you turn down dimmer on dashlights all the way, no interior lights :) All the BEST and Cheers! :)

[@schulzbrianr]

What a great idea for a video!

[@davidshirley6850]

So glad your videos are back!

[@simplykatesmith]

Miranda! I was doing a sunrise hike up Stone Mountain YESTERDAY and thought of you. I had a feeling you’d think it was a cool experience. OMG! I hope you enjoyed your time in my home state.

[@johnh9637]

Thanks. Much more helpful, realistic approach than another KZbinr who needed to bring along at least $3000 worth of equipment (including her hair dryer).

[@mhyntea]

Awww! I love it Miranda! Thank you for sharing your build! It reminds me of when my husband lived in our van with a simple set up like yours in the Angeles National Forest for 4 months. So much ease, simplicity, and comfort. 😊 Happy times!

[@juliebuchsbaum]

Aww Atlanta! I live in Seattle now but grew up in Atlanta and have done that hike many times (once three times in one day while training for a longer hike!). Brought back some really nice memories. Glad you enjoyed it! The van looked AWESOME.

[@markkelly4716]

If you like sunrise hikes you should do Cadillac mountain in Acadia. First place in the US to see sunlight and super beautiful.

[@MarkethColeman]

i love this ; being from Valdosta I didn't know about all the cool stuff there was in GA.

[@rei]

Thanks for watching, we are glad you enjoyed the video!!

[@i2harry]

Miranda ❤ You are so absolutely inspiring. I am stuck in the city right now. Thank you for the great view

[@TheJosephReyes]

love this! many of us are dreaming of having vans of our own and this is a great way to test the waters. cost is one of the most limiting factors. To expand on this, maybe you can make a video (or series) of a minimal budget van build out to let us see how inexpensive it can be.

[@PCL73314]

Yeaaaah, I've been doing this for years except in a Forester and Jeep Wrangler! (We are short) I still need my car as a daily driver and didn't want to make any major changes or take platforms in and out. Nice job!

[@joanhall3718]

Loved this video. If you’re traveling a rental “no building” camper is just the thing.

[@AdventureGearTV]

The DGC is a perfect no build camper platform. Now, if only the rental price for minivans wasn’t so expensive it would be great to rent one and travel around.

[@kaitlinrichters6663]

I'd love to see all kinds of van, camper-van, teardrop trailer etc. camping videos from you!

[@jasonk7578]

Wow Miranda, I’m actually working on buying a minivan and converting it into a camper! I was thinking about checking out your videos today for camping inspiration and I found this!!! Thanks so much Miranda, you’re hella awesome! 😎🔥

[@jackdaw7751]

What kind of van are you looking for? I have a Honda and I drove about everything else before I bought it. I've taken it camping a few times now, still trying to dial in my set up for maximum flexibility and stealth.

[@jasonk7578]

I’m looking for a Dodge Grand Caravan, probably around 10 years old. A friend told me I should get one that has less than 80k miles. I love how the back seats fold into the car’s body and it’s a camper I can park in my neighborhood without the HOA coming after me lol!

[@jackdaw7751]

@@jasonk7578 the HOA is a good point. You might check out the new Chrysler Pacifica, it's a plug in electric and in my state at least has a massive incentive so that the payments are super low. It has the same patented stow and go seating in the back. There's less headroom, especially with the batteries but it's a really good deal last I checked.

[@elliewolf5038]

WELCOME TO ATLANTA!!! I live in Atlanta and have been checking off hikes all over GA. Love that y'all did Stone Mountain!

[@josh9243]

So happy to see you back!

[@Suzanne1999]

I could never start my morning without a strong cup of coffee first! ☕☕☕ It looks beautiful. Great video, Amanda. Love the van!

[@Mollydogdesigns]

So happy you have your own channel 👏❤️👍😄😄

[@fefesassy]

It's kinda cool to see something so familiar (Stone Mountain) through someone else's eyes. Thanks for sharing!

[@masonstruckadventure9368]

Sleeping bag cooler BOOM done. Let the adventures begin

[@adamkarcz8644]

Ah, you were in my stomping grounds; hope you enjoyed your visit to Atlanta. Aside from Stone Mountain, there are a ton of trails around and in the city of Atlanta like Cochran Shoals, Sope Creek, and East Palisades to name a few.

[@Marina_G.]

this was so awesome ! wait wait wait where is that can holder from with the arms !!! Lol i need that lol

[@bertkelly7650]

It's your van, gosh darn! ; - )

[@schulzbrianr]

Consecutive Miranda Videos without a burp: 0

[@Runingncircles]

Thanks for sharing this adventure! AND your hat is amazingly cute!

[@jonathanwtea]

Great hack! Thanks for sharing!

[@HannahBMann]

Rental vans are so underrated. Excellent job!

[@kmannewyork]

Great Very cool never thought of that. I would like to see more like this. 👍👍video

[@laurahagedoorn1947]

That beanie is so cute!

[@scottplumer3668]

In 2000 I slept in my Ford Windstar for a week on Phish tour. It was great because so many of the campgrounds near the concert venues were full, so I had nowhere to pitch a tent. Plus, a major thunderstorm hit Columbus, OH, near the end of my trip and might have flooded my tent, so having the van was great plus. Not exactly the most macho vehicle to drive, but It was great for sleeping in.

[@ExpeditionNomadicAdventures]

Great self build Miranda! PS: A rented rooftop carrier would have allowed for more comfort items.

[@MirandaGoesOutside]

That's so true! Great tip ☺

[@ActivateTrueHealth]

Please make more videos on vanlife + backpacking! Sometimes I find it hard to figure out where to park or where to store all my gear in my van, like how down sleeping bags can't be compressed in storage

[@L0WZER0]

More vids like this would be awesome! DIY camper builds, maybe even meeting up with folks that have done cool builds and touring their campers/going on trips. Any examples of solo females also greatly appreciated (and their reflections on their experiences, strategies for safety, etc.)

[@Stayfocused1984]

I’m nit having that envy but I’m glad you enjoy it!

[@MamaHaggis87]

Cheap yoga mats are great for covering the attachment points. They are also super helpful for watching parades with kids, no more complaining of cold butts 😂

[@totoroben]

What a fun idea!

[@russelljackman1413]

Great video, Miranda! Whatever the subject matter you decide to choose is okay by me--You always brighten my day! Thanks for that! Happy Trails!❤🌲

[@bikingal4283]

next time you go to Atlanta, there is a bike trail near the MLK museum that goes thru some neighborhoods out to Stone Mountain... it's about 13-14 miles one way and is a hilly fun ride....and when you look back at Atlanta from the top of the mountain like you did in this video, you will feel so accomplished and proud...but be warned, all those "hills" can cause quite the sore buns

[@breadpirateoverhere]

Ummmm I know there's some cool stuff here but the little coat for the can?? That's incredibly adorable

[@stevendavis4508]

Nice conversion to camp in. Nice to see my old stomping grounds. Glad the park police didn't stop you from camping there overnight.

[@Onewholovesrock]

Spin the dial for the lights to off. Bingo. No more lights when you open the doors. I believe all vehicles probably do this.

[@enoshthecat]

Love the excitement..

[@dankingsbury9971]

Suggestion for update: also show your personal camper van, as a contrast. Also, it would be nice to have a 'kitchen' vestibule attached to the back, but where do you stow the kitchen gear (stove, dishes, etc.) at night?

[@pamlavallee9051]

I am the least morning person in the world but this makes me wanna do a sunrise hike!

[@k8_heier]

This is so great. I love the mini van set up and I'm so excited to see you were in my city. I'm just a little bummed that I didn't accidentally run in to you and your crew. I love living vicariously through you. I'm learning so much and trying new things. You make me feel young.

[@PuffyTacos]

Be cautious of alcohol in the car, consider state laws on open bottles. Great idea, love this video!

[@salty8752]

A great idea! It saves you from making a huge purchase and possibly getting buyer remorse. Thanks for the great idea and video.

[@jonashamilton8445]

This is brilliant and really fun to watch!!

[@Charsept]

I've been hoping for a video like this Also I live 35 minutes from Stone Mountain so it's really cool to see a familiar scene on here 😊

[@jerrywang8945]

What model is the van? How do you look for vans that have flat fold seats?

[@Allofthemonkeys]

Loved the whiskey coverup

[@angelag5708]

Love easily converted van life

[@AdventureTimeLoui]

You really don’t need much to get out and have an AMAZING time!! Loved this! 😍

[@J.5.M.]

Would love videos on *base-camp set up* for backcountry trips with day-hikes! Van vids are good too!

[@carypeaden4147]

Good video. Very versatile vehicle. I wish more vans were available with 4WD or All Wheel Drive.

[@annad5221]

Love the van! Can you please do more hammock camping videos Miranda?!

[@hli1787]

I just love her! Perfect video!

[@UltiGaR]

How do you ventilate at night and prevent the entire vehicle from fogging up while sleeping? Keeping a window cracked open doesn't feel as safe and let's bugs get in.

[@michelleurban8537]

I camp like this in my suv and use window socks($20)!! Keeps the bugs out and helps prevent condensation.

[@matthewjohnson7350]

Great idea. Next time start with a water proof barrier at the bottom to protect the rental van from spills n stains. That would kinda ruin things getting a $500 plus bill from the rental com0any after your trip. Awesome video 👍😁

[@SterlingSigurdsen]

i did this with my Volvo XC70. Wagon life for life. lol

[@hotarutomoe4697]

Love this idea so much! Inside the van looks to cozy!

[@nicolemarieh83]

i think this is the exact van that james and i had used for our trip to chattanooga a few years ago - same color and everything! in fact, wait, was that my capri sun?! ;)

[@vc5213]

Yay!!! Another video 🎉

[@kristashilvock7574]

Liked this video based solely on the title. Watched the whole thing based on Miranda vibes.

[@MirandaGoesOutside]

:D thank you Krista!!

[@sarahkano7672]

Love this video and would love more content like this! Thanks for the great ideas for adventures for me and my husband!

[@briandoolittle3422]

I trailhead camp in my SUV frequently. I have switches that let me turn off the 'all inside lights turn on when you open a door' function.

[@DanEngell]

Okay... Maybe I missed it. What make/model/year is that thing? Or do ALL minivans have seats that fold flat like that? I had 3 SAABs (hatchbacks: a 99 and two 900 Turbos) in my life and all of them folded out flat like that. My 1978 Datsun B-210 also had that feature! I'd love to rent a mini van to go camping with.

[@gabepilo]

Cool. This seemed much more on stride to the great things of Miranda in the Wild vids...

[@keiajinfilms]

Excellent van set-up, excellent beanie (I love Parks Project!), and as always excellent Miranda and crew! - and in the spirit of deep respect I have for you guys, I gotta ask - Stone Mountain? I’m not from the south so maybe I am missing that there are like multiple Stone Mountains and this isn’t *that* one. Buuut I am pretty sure this is that one. So I get 100% that’s it’s probably just a local attraction and no one thinks much about it besides for being a hike with a cool view. But on the flip side, I also 100% wouldn’t be comfortable hiking it or even visiting myself. It’s a privilege to be able to just walk past the sculpture and the flags and not think about what they mean. And I don’t buy the crud that you can contextualize it all as ancient history, because the meaning really isn’t history. In the northeast, we have plenty of people who use those same flags to send a message that let’s just say isn’t very nice. :( Tell you what - next time you’re up north, tour the extremely excellent hiking trails of the John Brown farm in the Adirondacks, and we’ll call it even. :D I can literally introduce you to the folks that run the excellent interpretive display there. Would be a fantastic video. Seriously, be in touch if you’re interested in this idea :D

[@annaminman]

There is one Stone Mountain and yes this is it. It has the carving but it’s also a unique tall random granite mountain in the Atlanta area. There is more to Stone Mountain than the carving.

[@peggyconway2900]

Awesome video. I love the minivan no build!

[@thanielxj11]

This is super cool

[@robopecha]

great idea!! definitely want more of this!

[@centraleaves]

Just a comment I tried that some rental companies won't let you do that they they don't want you to take the seats out so thay bolt down the seats so you can't do that.so before you rent ask if has fold down flat seats I was so disappoint when Thay were locked.

[@AmandaSoaresMusic]

What is the sleeping pad shown here? I don’t see it in your gear list? Need to know!