Two minute minivan camper conversion one year later

[@yongbaekim0012]

I made a Two minute minivan camper conversion same as you which is the best convenent comfort and useful in KZbin , Thank you Chuck and Terri, I love you.

[@ToBeCreated]

Blush ☺️

[@Gocamp7]

Nice to meet you. I happened to visit you. I am a camp in Korea.You did the hard work yourself.It's possible only when you have knowledge in automobiles. Good job. I hope you continue to enjoy car camping.^^

[@vanmcgee5]

I just bought a 2004 Toyota Sienna on offer up for 1900 and it has 218,000 miles on it and I’m loving it 😆 especially if it’s an emergency it’s a great backup van that’s the most reliable

[@meninomichael]

You two rock!! Great video! Happy Trails, and maybe I'll see you down the road.

[@markmcla]

I really like your tablet holder. And I also liked how you stored your house battery under the hood of your minivan. Thanks for sharing!

[@jeremyking3986]

Just bought an 05 today, have big plans for the summer, thank you for the tips.

[@melrichardson2392]

You guys are very cool people God bless both of you happy trails.

[@garydfox]

I have an 05 sienna. You have done what I really want to do myself. ...Great job!

[@ToBeCreated]

Best wishes.

[@lisachennault575]

Awesome information thank you 🙏🏼

[@ToBeCreated]

Glad it was helpful!

[@dianebassett1930]

Love you guys. Thanks for being so generous with your knowledge.

[@gildardo]

Loud musics mishap happens often, even mainstream channels make that mistake too. Sound levels were perfect on this video. Great van video.

[@myogart]

great video. Ive been thinking the same thing. Started out contemplating a bus, box truck. but for just myself, a reclusive minimalist. as long as I have room for a coffee pot, I'm good. I like the extra room in the Siennas. Thank you for your inspiring video.

[@mercibeaucoup2486]

The iPad holder is epic

[@danielkerr5599]

Something you might want to consider is getting another wiper fluid bottle preferably a new one and installing it under the hood and getting some tubing from the fish tank and a little pump again from an aquarium store and install it underneath the hood and the engine compartment this will give you warm to hot water when the engine is running now this is something that I did years ago when I was doing construction and it's worked out very well because my guys actually had like a little cleanup station but the fact that you can have warm water or hot water depending on how long you run the engine for is always a good thing as we all know I water comes in very handy

[@ToBeCreated]

Thanks for the suggestion

[@LisaBeatsCancer]

Amazing! I'm headed to get my 2006 Sienna tomorrow and can't wait to get started!

[@ToBeCreated]

Awesome. We have great memories in ours. Best wishes.

[@wandacraig8286]

Great to see you both again. I still like your build and will for sure make it my 1st choice if the time comes that I can do this for my van. Thanks and safe and happy winter!

[@oscarzepeda1558]

OMG !!!! I really love your construction mini-van hacks !!!!! welding, sawing, drilling, the iPad holder deal is pure genius !!!! Just drill it to the van !!!! Love it !!! Definitely glad I crossed paths with you.... I have a 2005 Dodge Caravan with just me, I would definitely get a larger bed if I had that "Special Someone" !!!! So glad to see a loving couple who's on the same page who both love the V-Life !! and the V-Adventure !!!

[@tortangtalong1]

The new sienna is fully hybrid. It can run idle and quiet while giving heat in the middle of a cold night.

[@ToBeCreated]

Sounds amazing

[@theworth123]

You heard a shot,,, it's America, no surprise there!!!. Great vids bytheway..

[@yeshappynomad7510]

Omgsh! What a joy to watch and so helpful as I design my own lil digs. Thanks 👍

[@simonewilliams7224]

So glad I found your video. I’ve got an ‘04 T-Sienna 225k and would love to convert it to camp. I know what I want but have no expertise or tools to do it myself. I’m in Louisiana. If anyone other than yourselves sees this just add a comment and I’ll be checking. I need a moxie person to help with my thoughts of an off grid conversion. Sorry, I don’t mean to offend you by imposing on your site. God bless you in your travels and continued good health. Thanks

[@ToBeCreated]

No imposition. Thanks for watching

[@oscarzepeda1558]

Wow !!! 10 years ago !!! I think you may be one of the first ones to do the V-Thang with a minivan !!!! I think I may be the 2nd in 2012, where I did the V-Thang with a Dodge Caravan just for survival purposes, I knew my income was going to drop considerably in about 4 months, so, I was just brainstorming... hey, I learned to sleep just about anywhere when I was in the Marine Corps (Infantry), on cement and on dirt and rocks... I know I could sleep in a gutted out mini-van.... that's I started the V-Life.... Just putting this out there for you and for others, it's best that you get a "Floor Jack" not a scissor jack, why ??? With a scissor jack (the one you have now) it only works when you're on a flat level pavement, if you get a flat on any kind of incline or dip or a slight decline of the shoulder or if you're on dirt or sand or rocks the car will start to lean and the scissor jack will topple over and the vehicle will crash on top of the scissor jack. This is your life we're talking about, I got the 2-3 ton floor jack and I have 2 spare tires (I go to some very secluded places) just in case if something happens in the middle of nowhere.... Those are my 2 cents, hopefully this will be useful..... Keep on Truckin (Vannin) !!! I just love being the only one on the road with a 360 degree view of the horizon !!!!

[@CleonaPattersoneFluentEnglish]

Thanks for sharing and inspiring.🙂

[@Cill441]

Ty for some simple tips I can do myself with a little KZbin tutorial lol. Love my new old van. Been 4 years since having a van, sure have missed it. But did do a build for my Kia Rio that worked beautiful for long weekends. Ty

[@olesea409]

Thank you for sharing! God bless!

[@josephgeorgeejr7039]

I may have tried go with bsskets wire storage bins as opposed to wooden box u cant see through, still glad see u guys out enjoying nature!

[@nhtuxie]

You guys are awesome. Learning so much!

[@meganannebutz4603]

You guys rock! I love your music choices 🎶🎸

[@ToBeCreated]

Thx Megan

[@ltemple1962]

We’ve been living out of bars for three years we have a mettis Minivan ring love it

[@Gunapatifamily]

Love it!! I can't wait to convert a minivan. I just have to figure out a way to configure the bed, so we can have a 3rd seat in the back for our toddler.

[@ToBeCreated]

Should be doable. Our design allows for use of the 2nd row seating when the front of the bed is folded back. What model can do you have?

[@Gunapatifamily]

@@ToBeCreated Model is TBD. We have to get through a pandemic home remodel first. Almost there, got the finish work left after 7 months of gutting, repairs and creating a 3rd floor. I know for sure, we'll get a Sienna, just not sure what year. I'm hoping we'll find something reasonably priced around April, so I have enough time to rig up a bed before hitting the road in the summer.

[@questioner1596]

A Grand Caravan/Town & Country 2006 and newer (with captain's chairs) has second-row stow 'n go, so you can completely hide the seat when not in use. It folds into the floor, which works as a storage compartment when the seats are set up.

[@AllSwartzOfAdventure]

Looking at converting a dodge caravan. Thanks so much for the ideas! -N

[@jimhatch1726]

I like reflex it on all my back windows and curtians for privacy. Power is nice for fans and I jut ran extention chords .

[@ToBeCreated]

Thx for sharing Jim.

[@JohnJohn-fx4ps]

Very nice, thank you for sharing.

[@izitmoi3036]

Most inspiring 🌻

[@gailjohnson6670]

Thank you for the video. Good info. Have a blessed day.

[@artravision]

Great vid! Here is an idea for remedying how the back section knocks into the charger when folded up: How about notching out a small area off the side of the wood flap, just enough to make it past the charger? In any case, I wish you many more happy travels!

[@ToBeCreated]

Will have to try. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@adelinacravalho7305]

Thanks 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽🌸❤️🌸

[@mixflip]

I love the "super natural" window covers! lol Seriously though, great video guys. I have an AWD sienna and might camp in mine soon to save money on hotels when on long distance work trips.

[@ToBeCreated]

Supernatural right. It was one of those things when your saying it, that you think “I gotta edit that out” ☺️

[@purposelydriven6566]

love the van journey it amazing

[@minicouples]

Wow, great one year sum up👍

[@nathanielbaker2556]

Awesome awesome awesome job, thanks, happy trails 💯

[@petercadieux783]

I have the same van. Re. the Reflectix window coverings: I sprayed mine with glue and put black cloth on the covering instead of painting. Works great and no flaking off. Plus, you can choose the silver side out or black side out, depending on temperature.

[@ToBeCreated]

Love it

[@cawspaws2]

Great review! We are going to get started on our build in the next couple of months, can't wait! Thanks so much for all your videos!

[@ecoslast1556]

I m sure the bears and muggers love the open tent airflow too. Try a hybrid!! Ever thought of 1$ Store black foam boards??????!!!!!! (Painting silver stuff black? Where have you been?)

[@DarleneFulton]

awesome! You could also build a shelf/table with thin legs to fit into the ipad holder (when empty) shelf could easily be stashed away.

[@bruceforster3709]

I see where you put your Solar Charge Controller. Isn't that where the JBL Subwoofer is supposed to go? I have a 2004 Sienna.

[@ToBeCreated]

Yes - I plugged the subwoofer, it did not change the sound quality much if any. If you watch our other video on the van, you will see more detail on the solar

[@robertchang1932]

Excelente, very good job

[@ToBeCreated]

Thank you very much!

[@johncahill1985]

Toyotas are the best cars on the road will run forever

[@jamesgunter7699]

Great job. 👍

[@blancoschmidt1]

Hi Chuck and Terri... minute 9:25, What kind of screws you did you use to screw the wood plate to the van's acrylic? Thanks!

[@ToBeCreated]

search this “Starting Metal to Wood siding Screws. EPDM Washer. Colored Head Metal Roofing Screws 10 x 1" Found at many hardware stores.

[@StaceyBillsAdventures]

LOVE all the stuff you guys have done and absolutely cannot wait to get our van build done and hit the road :)

[@MoBangFoYoBucks]

Very good "after one year" review!💯👍

[@jennycraigadventures3314]

At 3:50 I laughed when you said “What’s really important is the ability to screw in the bed.” Yes, I’m immature 😁

[@ToBeCreated]

Damn - I missed that 😂

[@wrylife57]

Great detailed video! Regarding adding storage boxes (ipad/cell phone holders), you said you screwed them into the wall of the van. Can you explain this? Do you use anchors or some other method to keep the screws from cracking the plastic and/or falling out?

[@ToBeCreated]

Barn siding screws are perfect for this and hold very strongly. We used 1” long if I recall.

[@schnellerfuchs13]

Very nice! Thank you!

[@kentmarble1180]

I'm not finding the link that shows all the dimensions for the 2X4 frame. . . . to support the plywood beneath the mattress.

[@ToBeCreated]

Plans: drive.google.com/file/d/1BlvZu7ZnWJszXVXKyM7uZX7eMM5FdzZ5/view?usp=sharing

[@stevepowsinger733]

Really great. You did a lot in “two minutes”.

[@HangingwithJoe]

just bought an 04 sienna, thanks for inspirations

[@piggy310]

How's it going??

[@marianbrittain4153]

Thanks so much for your clear & detailed sharing of your van and changes you made. I'm hoping to get a Toyota minivan in the next year. Oh and I just subscribed.

[@ToBeCreated]

Thanks Marian

[@NeighborhoodChamber]

Did you silicon caulk only around edges of solor? Please explain exactly the coverage of silicon you put on back. Please be specific about the application you used. Your result was amazing - we would like to match. Did you put silicon caulk on Sienna and press solor panel down or put Silicon on panel and press down? What brand caulk? Do you think application would work on a full roof size solor panel? Thank you! -also Have you noticed your technique working on ..say camper shells (topper) than are made out of a soft covered material and have trays formed in them from front to back (lord knows why). My topper looks great, store bought, but the top where the solor panels would need to go isn't flat - it has several trays of about five inches wide anf 4.5 feet long running ontop of camper shell. I wonder if aero dynamics would allow glued on solor to stay on despite indentation. Vaguely worried about trapped water soaking solor panel apart.. have you seen anyone successful with this type of surface.. cauling down?) Thank you

[@ToBeCreated]

Don’t recall the brand of caulk. Clear silicone should be fine. I applied the caulk to the high ridges of the van and then pressed the panels down firmly. I then left weights on top to keep the pressure down. Put a bead of caulk along the front edge of the panel as that is where the wind could catch the panel. I left the underside low spots without caulk so that air could pass under the panels to keep them cool. I have not tried this with other surfaces. We just bought a Promaster and we will be gluing about 800 watts of panels to the roof. I am not a fan of ridged panels on a vehicle. I have those on my house and I see no reason to have them on a vehicle as they create drag etc.

[@MissAllyson707]

Hi Chuck and Terri, I would like to add hard flooring over the floor in the middle area to make it easier to keep the floor clean. I was wondering if you were able to pull out the rollers that glide on the tracks for the middle row seats. Can you, or anyone else, tell me how you removed them? 😊

[@ToBeCreated]

Hi Allyson. What is your van model and year. Ours did not have rollers in the middle area.

[@MissAllyson707]

I have 2013 Sienna. It looks like I might have to end up building around them. This has been my most frustrating part of my build, but I’m going to have to figure it out. I’d like to start my part time van life in February. I’m pretty excited about exploring the United States. Thanks for getting back to me, and maybe we’ll meet up some time. 🌸

[@MrRamyourcar]

Good stuff

[@BetterDays_Now]

I wouldn't have even realized I was drilling into the gas tank. 😮😮😮

[@craigramos6441]

I have a van just like yours what the measurements on the bed fram. Please

[@ToBeCreated]

Check out our bed build video. It has all of that. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bWqqY4WQbs6ApdU

[@peggypatton9170]

New sub love channel much love from Minneapolis I just got me another van I was lost without my old one

[@ToBeCreated]

Glad we could help. Best wishes.

[@barbaramoor6996]

What is kind of ice chest do you use?

[@ToBeCreated]

This should answer your questions. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qWKrgp-orsuShMU

[@nykatewinslowable]

Why don't you put the top piece of wood blocking access to jack on a hinge that would allow you to flip it up when needed?

[@ToBeCreated]

Sounds like a good idea. One of the reasons we like building our own is that we can continuously improve.

[@SnowboardSecretsTV]

Thanks for showing how you made your camper van! Very cool! #TwiftiesSharingWhatWorks!

[@brucermarino]

Could you use a male-male plug to get AC without altering the cable? Thanks!

[@ToBeCreated]

I have never seen such an adapter. If you do, post a link

[@WORLD-OF-MERLIN]

Do you have a link to the hanging light bulb?

[@ToBeCreated]

We don’t. We purchased at a National park and we have not found it online.

[@ukelilly]

Hi. Water doesn't travel down the wire of the solar panels and into the rear light or batteries on a rainy day ( around minute 6:40) ? Thx. Well thought build.

[@ToBeCreated]

We do not get water traveling along that wire to the inside of the cabin. Not sure why because I can’t see your point.

[@mistabone3899]

Thanks Terri and Chuck! You don't happen to have the flat floor dimensions before the bed is added do you? Might have to look at a Sienna :) -Bone

[@ToBeCreated]

Hey Bone. Long time no chat. Our Sienna fits a 4x8 sheet of plywood perfectly. Actually a little bit more. We fit 10 sheets of drywall too in some recent work. If you want more exact measurements, I can.

[@mistabone3899]

@@ToBeCreated Big enough for me. The Durango only has about 86" interior length. Was fine for Pikes Peak except for the uneven floor and my back.

[@pianomom1108]

Just got 2004 Sienna and exciting to be a car camper soon! May I know how did you leveled your floor behind first row seats to third row? Thanks!

[@ToBeCreated]

As I understand your question. The floor of a 2004 Sienna curves. It is not flat. I hated that the first time we laid a mattress on the floor, so I cut out the carpet on e back half of the van, cut plywood to fit the space, and then screwed into the steel. I picked spots that would not harm anything like the fuel tanks. We then created a trunk door to access the area where the third row seat fit

[@pianomom1108]

@@ToBeCreated Thank you so much for your sharing! Another question about Napier trunk tent. There are two sizes: 61000 and 61500. I have a gift card from Bass Pro shop, but they only carry 61000. Will it work for my sienna? Thanks!

[@ToBeCreated]

Ohh. No idea. 🤷 Sorry

[@katestoker3773]

Very cool! Which trifold bed did you get?

[@ToBeCreated]

I believe we have a link in the description

[@gordonlam2757]

Have you thought of getting a larger van camper and modifying it ?

[@ToBeCreated]

Yes. We have ordered a Ram Promaster. Should be here in April. ☺️

[@sekarreddy6712]

I am planning to convert 2008 Odyssey with 110K miles, has no maintenance record when I brought it. I have no idea if timing belt has changed or not. How can I tell if it was or not. Did you change it?.

[@ToBeCreated]

We changed our timing belt when we bought the van at 95k miles.

[@notmycupotea]

Thanks for sharing, what do you to protect from getting injured by flying derby in a crash?

[@questioner1596]

Something I like to do is use the seat anchors to tie things to - they're designed for restraining hundreds of pounds of seat and occupant in a crash. Many hooked ratchet straps work in them.

[@joyful9984]

Thanks for all the tips, I have a Sienna also. When you turn the lights off in the van using the switch, how do you stop the little open door blinker on the dash, while the trunk is open with the tent attached? Thanks

[@ToBeCreated]

Never noticed. Will have to check. It does not blink we are certain. My wife would have covered it up with tape at night 😂

[@joyful9984]

@@ToBeCreated Lol. Well I wonder 🤔 why mine does. I have a 2006. Ok Thanks!

[@questioner1596]

My 04 doesn't blink, it just stays lit. The light is red, so it's not too bright and the driver's seat back blocks it anyway when I'm in the bed.

[@totallyawsomeh]

With all the widows covered doesn’t it get humid? What about air circulation?

[@ToBeCreated]

Watch our other video “The two minute minivan conversation”. We have a ventilation fan.

[@bavideomaker29]

I’m dropping out after 2 minutes...I still don’t know what make and model this van is...I guess I’ll never know

[@HJKelley47]

It is a 2005 Toyota Sienna. The information can easily be found in the drop down-"Show More".

[@suzanneethier1450]

thanks

[@laurashea6336]

Am looking at the Napier sportz tent. Have you ever considered that?

[@ToBeCreated]

We have not. We typically are very mobile when we travel. We like to set up and tear down quickly. And we rarely stay the same place two nights in a row.

[@sandylee1717]

When screwing into vanilla walls what type screw

[@ToBeCreated]

Assuming you are asking about vinyl not vanilla 😂. Use metal roofing screws. They come in many lengths and colors

[@happydays2741]

Had to be spell check. Gets me every time! Lololo

[@hillaryedwards1246]

North Carolina and like rock and roll! I live in the triad area (Greensboro High Point) and looking to convert a van with your bed and kitchen idea. If you are near the triad, come see my band “Rockit Science”. We play all around the area. Really enjoy your videos! 😎👍

[@ToBeCreated]

Thanks Hillary. We travel to the Rockingham area regularly. I checked out your band videos. Nice! Will stop in to see you guys if in that area.

[@utphi8775]

Hi ,, Where can i buy the single light ? thank you

[@ToBeCreated]

We got it at the Badlands giftshop. If we find it online, we will post a link.

[@cathycoryell2351]

Similar is on Amazon

[@STARTFLEETTACTICALOPS]

Why cut both ends of your cord, when you can basically unreel it completely and re reel it the other way.

[@susananderson9619]

I'm 64 and still live rock but I love progressive even more screw the age

[@mycharmedunicorn8715]

I bought a 2012 Toyota sienna off the used car lot from a Toyota dealership when it was a year old. I felt really good about this vehicle because they told me the owner of the dealerships wife had driven it for a year. However now looking back on this I think the vehicle had been wrecked and fixed and never been put on the report that shows you if a car has had a major repair. So looking back on this it makes me think that I probably got ripped off. And for the age of the vehicle when I looked at it on the used car lot you know how they make everything look shiny inside and like new well within a few days it seem like the shininess started disappearing and I could see a ton of scratches on the console and dash that weren’t visible before. So I really think this lady being the dealerships wife I really think she didn’t take care for the van. I feel that she probably knew she was gonna get another new car in a year and just abused it really bad. And that report that it didn’t show any kind of accident on I think it’s called a Carfax.

[@amyblack9251]

30 watts of solar is all you need?

[@ToBeCreated]

Yes. To run the vent, light and charging station.

[@susananderson9619]

That's what I want ,a Toyota Sienna ,used, but I think I can't afford one

[@MellowNomadicAdventures]

Congratulations on reaching 1,000 Subscribers!!! 🤘 You said you screwed directly into the vinyl of the interior? I have a Dodge Grand Caravan so loving your layout to inspire mine! Are you all aiming to go full-time in the van?

[@ToBeCreated]

We have screwed a lot of things directly into the vinyl. Our favorite screw for this Are barn siding screws. They really grip hard and you can get them in varying lengths and colors. Sold at many hardware stores. www.amazon.com/Metal-Roofing-Screws-Starting-Screws/dp/B07ZWKQ8B5/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=barn%2Bsiding%2Bscrews&qid=1605581086&sr=8-6&th=1&psc=1 No. We love adventure but we still like our house.

[@ExploringCanadaInfo]

So many good ideas in this conversion!

[@Vera-dc7my]

Would you be willing to help a single mom who lost everything and help her convert her 2008 Toyota Sienna like yours? That would be amazing.

[@ToBeCreated]

Not sure. Your location?

[@susananderson9619]

Simply glue black material ,matte

[@bowrudder899]

Instead of cutting both ends of the cord off, why not simply turn it around?

[@ToBeCreated]

Thanks for the reply bowrudder. The challenge comes from the end the pulls out of the enclosed coil. If you turn it around the enclosed coil would need to be removed from the vehicle and attached to the shore power.

[@bowrudder899]

Thanks. That makes sense.

[@questioner1596]

I can confirm that the 2003 and older Siennas have the spare tire carrier in a different spot; since the third row doesn't fold into the floor, the tire is stored at the rear. The AWD Siennas also don't have a spare; they just have a tire patch kit.

[@wendynicklin7693]

Interesting

[@EKEACRES]

I have a 2006 Toyota Sienna & I have converted mine into a RV. I also am a Teardrop Camper builder. Please check it out if you'd like:) Great job on your build. Best wishes to you both. ~Kevin

[@ToBeCreated]

Would love to see it.

[@tonyhickq]

The good old cars, there is no way you can fit a battery in the front of any new car. In my old Mercedes I could fit in a case of beer, in my new car I would have a hard time to fit in 2 bottles.

[@ToBeCreated]

tonyhickq they can cram a lot of stuff under the hood of the new cars, leaving no space for mods.

[@jeff824]

LOL, I would only go camping in your driveway.

[@ToBeCreated]

It’s a looooooong driveway

[@E-BikingAdventures]

I don't believe it took you two minutes to build that bed frame, and make all those mods to your van.

[@ToBeCreated]

You are correct. It took about a full weekend. But the fun here is that we can convert back and forth to a regular van in 2 minutes.