ULTIMATE Minivan Camper Bed Setup & IT’S CHEAP! (Under $200)

[@originalsixx]

I have a similar bed. I bought a 1/4” piece of plywood to sit on top of the slats. I drilled holes in the plywood around the edge and zip tied it to the outside of the frame.

[@AdventureGearTV]

1/4” is the perfect thickness for support without adding too much weight.

[@xmarksthespot8216]

Pooppp

[@freedawatermelon]

Oh, so there ya go. Exactly what I was thinking/planning. Maybe I'll buy the bed after all.

[@neurodivergentlily]

It's been a year but I'm starting to feel like traveling again despite how much it took out of me last time! 😅 so glad I can watch your videos instead - much more cost efficient and always a good time to watch my friend talk about things he cares about! :) happy holidays!

[@AdventureGearTV]

@@neurodivergentlily I still recommend going the campground route so you’re comfortable and feel safe. It won’t hurt to try and enjoy yourself out there.

[@byerenny]

I have a similar frame; you can store totes under it. I have a couple of the cheap Commander totes from Lowe's, 27 gallon, I believe. I would consider a rooftop cargo and removing that seat next to the bed. More floor space and can access totes under bedframe easier. My frame does look to stand taller so measure before buying any totes for best fit. For a chair in place of the Van seat just use a collapsible camp chair like a Coleman or similar. That way you can just sit on the bed and put the chair away (under bed or in rooftop cargo) if more space is needed for a time. Plus you can't take the van's seat outside to chill out and take in the scenery.

[@AdventureGearTV]

Excellent tips. Thanks for sharing. I’ve considered taking that chair out quite a bit. It would actually give more room for a kitchenette setup on that side.

[@lesliehunter1823]

I bought a similar bed and its too tall to be able to sit on. I would figure out how to cut it down to 12".

[@twinkles2150]

@@AdventureGearTVgreat for 1 but what about 2 person ?

[@virginialowry4443]

A question; how far back does the passenger seat go? Could it be used as a "bedframe" with a mattress on top? I sleep with my head elevated anyway. It would just save space.

[@anitasimmons3599]

Thank you for taking us along on your new build adventure. I have the same minivan and build 3.0 is middle row out and in homebase, third row up. 20" by 70" Pier On display shelf on top of two 2" x 2" rectangles. A self inflating REI Camp Bed Matrice 3 1/2" thick. I use the seat rails to lock in my cooler and power station as well as to tie things down. I just use a rug over the exposed floor that is left. I am verticality challenged, so this setup works perfectly for me. My kitchen is in the well behind the 3rd row seats and in a Chuck Box Camp Kitchen, Roto Cast, made in the USA, but cook outside if I am using flames. I would just use museum puddy to hold the slattes in, the electrical tape is going to get gooie in the heat. Thank you again for another informative and entertaining video. Blessings.

[@AdventureGearTV]

You seem to have the perfect setup for situation. It’s certainly a good idea to tie things down, especially those heavier items. In a minivan, being a little shorter is an advantage. Thanks for sharing your experience with version 3.0 of your build.

[@hildyhogate8385]

Good insight about the electrical tape in the heat. Museum putty sounds like a great idea.

[@anitasimmons3599]

@@hildyhogate8385 it's not like I have experienced that... well maybe I did, because I got a little crazy with electrical tape in my younger years. 🤣

[@lowermichiganadventures]

3:21 I do like 👍 you switching it up with a little humor keep pressing forward. I will continue to watch your build and get ideas.

[@AdventureGearTV]

I appreciate that! I’m more or less done asking folks to subscribe. Unless I ever get close to 1M subscribers. Which isn’t likely at all. So, a thumbs up is the best way to go.

[@petercadieux783]

I do a similar thing with my Sienna but use a Coleman cot instead; easier to put away. This also leaves me room for storage underneath. I do not use a mattress, just an old summer sleeping bag for a little more comfort under the bag I sleep in. The mattress is going to take up a lot of space once inflated to full size. Everything is easy to pack up and store in the garage.

[@AdventureGearTV]

I had used a cot a few years ago when I first tried it, but these memory foam beds seemed the most comfortable for me. It sounds like you enjoy your setup and that is what’s most important.

[@RLeeVanCamps]

@@AdventureGearTVi zip tied plywood to my cot frame. The wood has a split in the middle so i can still fold up the cot. 4 inch upholstery foam for my mattress. Cozy!

[@freedawatermelon]

I've been surprised at how comfortable Coleman cots actually are.

[@carmenmartinez2882]

I don’t have a van yet although I tent camp a lot for long periods, I have a Coleman cot 69” that’s the only one that fits inside my Gazelle T3 and other tents without rubbing the walls, I sleep so good on it, 2 camping mats on top and a good sleeping bag gives me cushion and keeps me warm in below freezing temps. I heard Coleman discontinued the 69” one, what size is yours? I’m trying to get a van soon and was thinking of just using this Coleman cot, I’m 5’4” side sleeper thus this is plenty of length for me. What are your thoughts? I’m a very experienced tent camper a newbie when it comes to vans.

[@TalkingWithMyselfAgain]

I have a similar metal frame. I used small square hog wire and wrapped over the slats. I did it for each side so it could still be folded. It adds to the stability and I never stick my hand through the gap trying to move over.

[@SmokyMountainBlessed]

I like the bed frame and mattress set up comfort is key

[@AdventureGearTV]

@@SmokyMountainBlessed so true! Absolutely key!

[@charlesknight3204]

What a practical and well thought out solution for car camping in relative security and bed like comfort!!! I can’t wait to see it in action in the field and in the future!!! Excellent video. Also can’t wait to see your solutions to the other general issues that come up with car camping either stealth or in the woods. Based on the strength of this video, I am a new subscriber. Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!!! God bless!!! Chuck Knight from Atascocita (Houston), Texas. ✝️🎣👨‍🌾🦃🦌🙏

[@AdventureGearTV]

Thanks! I had planned to film another camping video this weekend but felt a little too cluttered. So, I need to work on some space management to keep it clean inside.

[@yolandapadres5911]

Today Is the FIRST time I see you. Suscribed and Like 👍 Enjoy your Van🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@AdventureGearTV]

It’s been quite a journey. Welcome! Thanks for stopping in!

[@DaPickle-l4w]

American flags like the one on your hat should NEVER be desecrated like that. shame on you.

[@thefarsifal]

When you put the mattress on I heard the “clang” and thought “I’ll bet that’s one of those slats falling” and sure enough 😂. Anyway, this is a really cool build. Thanks for taking us along for the “ride”.

[@DottieStanley]

That bed looks great! Very comfortable looking for sure! I really do not care for some of the builds that use huge, bulky, pieces of wood to make a bed frame.

[@AdventureGearTV]

I’ve always loved these easy solutions. I’d also like to eventually make a “real” build, but I’d rather spend moe time camping now.

[@jazziered142]

The metal frame is probably a lot lighter than a wood frame too. Weight is always a factor.

[@AdventureGearTV]

Weight is absolutely a factor. On my last “no build” Sienna, all of my gear came out to weigh just about equal to the OEM seat setup. So, luckily they’re not too heavy. But, I’m about to put a bigger power system in here. That’ll add some weight.

[@PlannerMemaw]

Regarding the bed slats, we had a similar issue with my kids bunk beds so we put a piece of wood over top to keep the slats from falling through

[@AdventureGearTV]

Sounds like an excellent solution for your kid’s beds. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@UPTownKeyshaBrown504]

YESSSSSSSSSS I'M IN LOVE 🥰

[@AdventureGearTV]

@@UPTownKeyshaBrown504 nice! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@crimson25543]

I've seen people use a Coleman ComfortSmart cot for their frame & it works out really well. 25" wide, 72" long. They do have a deluxe version for larger folks, 30" wide, 80" long. It comes with a pad and a 3 to 4 inch foam slab works great on top of it. I'd consider that. The other innovative no-build "platform" for a bed Is heavy-duty plastic shelving zip-tied together to form a platform that measures 24" - 30" wide depending on width wanted, and 72" - 76" in length. Each separate shelf can hold 50 to 100 lbs, so putting like 4 together makes for a robust bed. The height can be variable, I'd probably cut the legs to be 6 to 8 inches off the floor. You can see how this would work by doing a search here for: My Son's Mother and watch her do it. Her vid is: Transform Your Minivan Into A Cozy Mobile Bedroom With This Easy Diy Bed Setup

[@AdventureGearTV]

Nice! I’ve actually tried both of these bed styles here on the channel and they both have their benefits. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@joanndavis4843]

As far as having your bed up to the back of the drivers seat. It's best to leave the back area clear so that the seat can be pushed back to its full length in case of an emergency while exiting the vehicle, according to automobile safety experts. And I can relate how important a good bed set-up is to sleep in your car, or anywhere for that matter. I must be like the princess and the pea because I can feel if there is any little thing under my mattress. Though I don't have a frame, my suv bed has a three inch gel memory foam on top of a folded in half thick down comforter on top of a very thick zipped up sleeping bag. The whole thing must be almost six inches high! But now it's so comfortable it's like almost sleeping at home 😴 . Just the way I like it👌.

[@AdventureGearTV]

Interesting thought about the exit. You probably just enjoy sleeping more in a comfortable bed. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@DanielHernandez-yb6dc]

Yes. Remove everything, and insulate the floor and /or heating elements over the plywood decking. Obviously, this means the single seat will not be going back in. Instead of duct tapping the rails, screw down or rivet in place. Just not easily removed.

[@sharimctiver8952]

You could try a little ball of mover's putty on each end of each slat. That should hold them down without rattling during your drive & keep them in place when bumped from below.

[@ggsmith48906]

Thank you for your videos, I enjoy them greatly! My immediate concern here is the "memory foam". I currently have a memory foam mattress and within a year it developed permanent flat spots right about the hip area, resulting in uncomfortable sleeping. People on various minivan channels report the same complaint, and recommend other mattresses that are not made of memory foam. My next mattress will not be memory foam!

[@AdventureGearTV]

I haven’t heard about the flat spot problem before, but i occasionally felt the slats when I was in different positions. It’s hard to come by a high quality true mattress this size, but I am sure there is something out there. Thanks for sharing your experience with your bed.

[@patriciaannetripp4844]

@@AdventureGearTV Ulhostery foam -- available in different densities -- great for sleeping on and available in various widths.

[@Gwen3344]

@@patriciaannetripp4844Do you buy your upholstery foam locally or online? If locally, what type of store? An upholstery shop? I'm looking for something with better density than what I have found in JoAnn's Fabrics. Thanks.

[@nhanha7433]

Good heater and air condition important. Cooking outside or just the small electric cooker or propane. The less the better.

[@denezevezeau7725]

i love comfort too..

[@nubiasilva2449]

Excellent thank you ❤❤❤❤

[@RLeeVanCamps]

Why did you go back to minivan? I luv mine. No set up upon arrival. I use a folding camp chair to sit up inside. Easy take down to have more room inside. Also dual purpose outside.

[@AdventureGearTV]

@@RLeeVanCamps that’s the #1 thing for me. No setup upon arrival. I couldn’t use the jeep as much as I hoped, because it was not stealth at all with the tent on it.

[@HorseSaddleRider]

Great choice but in my experience slatted mattress bases strain the back and can ultimately cause discomfort and pain. Cover the slats for better back support.

[@AdventureGearTV]

Luckily I have not really experienced this with my bed yet. But this is a 5” instead of my old 6”. So, it’s possible that it’ll happen eventually.

[@CraigG21]

I find the Hest Foamy camp mattresses to be VERY comfy to sleep on.

[@MrMoneyHelper]

The best bed for a car or van is the passenger front seat. Recline it. Put a box or your clothing bag in the foot well to keep your feet elevated. Put a pillow on the hinge of the seat. The pillow helps to make the sleeping area from head to toe a flatter surface. Put a sleeping bag or sheets over the seat. It will not be parallel to the ground but the incline isn't very much. Use a small pillow for your head if you need one. Depending on the vehicle, the farther you slide the front seat to the rear, the less of an angle you have for reclining the seat. The Honda Fit front seats can recline to merge with the rear seats to form a bed if you remove the headrests.

[@Primalxbeast]

That's ok for taking a trip and spending a few nights in your car, but you really need something better to sleep on if you're doing it full-time, especially as you get older. I've spent 13 years sleeping in the front seat of cars, and my back is so messed up that I need a mobility cart to get around the grocery store. The cushioning in the seat also breaks down over time if you're sleeping on it for years. I'm living in a small car right now. I'm hoping to eventually get a mini van so that I can have something closer to an actual bed to sleep on.

[@MrMoneyHelper]

​@@Primalxbeast Sorry you have back problems. Most come from weak muscles. Proper strength training keeps the core muscles strong. Which keep the back properly aligned. My front seat sleeping was done for months. It was very comfortable due to the way I placed pillows and my clothing bag in the footwell. I could sleep on my back or side. I turned over during the night, as we naturally do, and slept through all of it. Though I would prefer living in a van, now that I know how to arrange a front seat to sleep comfortably, I could live in a car or SUV if I decided to live on the road again.

[@karenhansen388]

HI! first time seeing you.. Love your work. I have a teardrop trailer with 25 inch wide mattress, 6 inch thick. I found COT sized sheets on amazon that fit it perfectly Just an FYI incase ;your twin bed sheets don't fit.

[@patriciaannetripp4844]

He has Amazon affiliate link above ... for cot sized sheets; guess you overlooked that.

[@originalsixx]

What are the measurements of that block of wood that you are using? I have the same van as you, 2015 sienna AWD. I did not do a wood floor. A small modification that I did make since I commented last was I cut the 1/4” plywood that I have sitting on the bed rails in to 3 pieces. I drilled a couple holes in each piece and have it “hinged” to the outside bed rail with zip ties. This allows easier access to my storage under the bed. For example, the tote nearest the trunk area, I have cooking and other outdoor stuff in there so I have that one “hinged” to lift upwards so I can access it when standing at the outside rear of the van. The middle piece is hinged to the rail along the driver side wall so I can sit in my 3rd row seat and lift it up from the seated position. The last one which is closest to my driver seat, I have it hinged so it lifts at the end of the bed. I keep my clothes in that tote. It was bothering me that the plywood was making accessing my storage underneath the bed a pain so this will help. I’ve seen people do this using piano hinges but strategically placed zip ties work just as well imo.

[@AdventureGearTV]

Hi, I don’t recall the exact size, but that block of wood in the back has about a 2.5”x2.5” cross section. I like your idea for the bed. I might even try it myself. I haven’t modified the bed at all and the slats are just a minor issue right now.

[@thelaserdoc1]

You could also get monetary dividends for advertising a small pocket knife to open packaging.

[@RVRebelGirl]

nice bed 😊

[@AdventureGearTV]

@@RVRebelGirl thank you!

[@ElleDee883]

Have you considered replacing the bed slats with a piece of plywood? I did a partial floor myself, mostly because I have a dog and I can easily sweep it!

[@AdventureGearTV]

@@ElleDee883 I was just imagining what it would be like to use a thin sheet of plywood with hinges so that I could raise it from one side if needed to access some of the stuff underneath. Sweeping would definitely be easier like that. Enjoy with your pup.

[@socom2173]

Dam it! I just ordered the tri fold and bed frame in your previous video.

[@AdventureGearTV]

Ouch. I’ll go in over the next few days and try to update the link to this better version. Hopefully you can swap/return the old style.

[@socom2173]

@@AdventureGearTV Did you have any problems with the tri fold, why did you switch?

[@foxfox9845]

❤ Brooklyn NY

[@DingChavez86]

It sounds like the Sienna has an uneven floor like the Grand Caravan. Is that thin plank of wood used to keep the bed level?

[@freedawatermelon]

LOL. I actually heard the slat fall out when you put the mattress on AND because I was thisclose to purchasing the EXACT same frame for MY van, I'm now reconsidering. I don't want to deal with checking the slats... I'm wondering, tho, if placing plywood OVER the slats wouldn't provide more stability.

[@AdventureGearTV]

@@freedawatermelon they don’t fall that often. Just once in a while if I’m digging around under the bed and bump it.

[@RA-rf4nz]

I've seen so many Sienna camper builds and I find each one has a different approach that suits the individual owner. I'm sure everybody customizes theirs in their own way with the level of building skills, tool resources, and money available. My questions are: Is the the same Sienna you had before or a different one? What year model is it?

[@AdventureGearTV]

This is a 2015 LE AWD. My previous Sienna was a 2014 LE FWD. very similar, but with the AWD making it a little more off road capable.

[@RA-rf4nz]

@@AdventureGearTV I see. So you will have the spare tire issue to contend with? Will you be installing the Bluetti Charger 1 in this rig as well? Anyway, thanks for the videos. Looking forward to how your new rig turns out.

[@kacotr27]

Why do didnt you assemble outside the load from the hatch

[@angelabraggs7614]

Where you get your matress from

[@AdventureGearTV]

Hi, I posted the Amazon link in the description. It’s like $70 right now, which isn’t bad.

[@okmmauh]

I use a camp mattress on the floor.

[@AdventureGearTV]

Perfect for a weekend getaway!

[@lisat776]

How wide is the bed frame in inches? and length? The link did not include that information.

[@AdventureGearTV]

@@lisat776 hi, it’s 75” x 30”

[@lisat776]

@ Perfect! my memory foam mattress is 30 inches wide

[@jenniferpeters6298]

My daughter and I go camping a lot. I recently was lifted a mini van. Can you recommend a set up that can sleep 2 separately?

[@AdventureGearTV]

@@jenniferpeters6298 so, I haven’t tried the double decker cots, but I’ve seen them in other videos in similar minivans. It’s a little tight, but perfect for a night or two.

[@kimswansonlinner6889]

I had my minivan bed behind the passenger side, so I could go out the door behind driver seat directly in to driver seat...safer not to go around van to get in to drive.

[@AdventureGearTV]

@@kimswansonlinner6889 that’s a good way to do it. I used to do a lot of stealth camping in the city, and preferred the opening on the passenger side so I could have a little more time to move around on the curb side.

[@verabuyhouse]

I bought my bed frame from Walmart called ( Mainstays)...an it didn't come with an tools to put it together nor did it come with the middle bed slats ( so the bed frame doesn't have any support to hold the mattress in place 😢

[@AdventureGearTV]

Ouch. I wonder if it came with everything that it was supposed to. I hope you got it setup comfortably in the end.

[@verabuyhouse]

@@AdventureGearTV ...nope, But I need to buy some wood to put the mattress on ( since I didn't come with bed slats) ...Also, if we move the bed around it comes apart. The Walmart frame cost about $55.00... I'm thinking to trim it to 25' W then weld the frame... I don't want the bed to be wide... my mattress is 25' How wide is your bed frame?

[@sblaising1]

Just use some Velcro to hold the slats

[@Mimiw28]

With the solid front and back frame it will not sit level as the seat rails are in the way.

[@AdventureGearTV]

@@Mimiw28 hi, I moved my seat rails out of the way and it hasn’t been an issue.

[@bethelteshuwah9824]

I tried a folding metal frame with a trifold mattress it was horrible didn't sleep much also couldn't get my bed level.

[@AdventureGearTV]

It’s not for everyone. The hardest thing to level most of the time is the van.

[@madamrockford]

The mattress looks too short, how long is it?

[@AdventureGearTV]

@@madamrockford 74” x 31” just a little shorter than the frame.

[@madamrockford]

​@@AdventureGearTV Sounds perfect. Thank you.😊

[@frankpettinato2324]

Put the bed behind the passenger seat so it does not act as a battering ram on you if you get an accident.

[@AdventureGearTV]

@@frankpettinato2324 that’s still where I have it, but now I’m trying to figure out what to do with the trunk space.

[@kevyndignum4636]

Nice job but what are the measurements, please.

[@AdventureGearTV]

75” x 30” it’s a standard cot/ narrow twin bed frame and mattress size.

[@deegilles]

Why don’t you have a pocket knife in your glove box as standard equipment?

[@danielszydlowski3082]

why not use a good cot

[@carpediemwithLesli]

Why are you keeping that extra seat in the back?

[@AdventureGearTV]

@@carpediemwithLesli it’s the most comfortable place to sit upright while I’m in the back with all of the shades closed. Sometimes I’ll sit and read, or work on my computer.

[@kellyprobst3533]

I do the same , it’s nice to have a comfy place to chill

[@suddenlysolo2170]

While I like the idea of creating storage space, I find that a bed frame takes up too much headroom and makes my SUV feel too cramped.

[@nhanha7433]

If the van tiny space. We must adapt the Japanese people style living. House hold items cannot fit in the less space. Assets of household must reduce maximum 99%. Few clothing and no furniture that the best

[@AdventureGearTV]

@@nhanha7433 excellent perspective. Keep it simple. That’s the cleanest way to do it.

[@rwLincoln]

do not put a wall to wall floor in that mini van ---if you do, you loose head space ---in fact i would cut all the legs down by 3 inches (plus or minus to actually level it) ---and get a 6 inch thick mattress

[@AdventureGearTV]

The weather has been wet and cold here, and the carpet seems to soak up all of the grit. I might make a finished segment for the portion that my feet actually touch to keep it cleaner.

[@lucyalderman422]

Camping without a knife doesn’t seem right

[@tashashouse]

Your shoulders look wider than the bed. Will you still be comfortable?

[@lucyalderman422]

Retracted re the knife coment

[@AdventureGearTV]

I usually have true cooking utensils in there, but I’m still getting everything figured out with this one.

[@BuffetBadger]

Why didn’t you go with a trifold again?

[@AdventureGearTV]

I didn’t like the creases. They weren’t a huge problem, one side was easy to slip into if I wasn’t careful.

[@lowermichiganadventures]

Are you testing people to see if they are pay attention or could this possibly be just a Jimmy boy blooper 3:00

[@AdventureGearTV]

I’m not sure what you mean. A blooper? I must’ve missed it.

[@DorisCherry-v4z]

$200 that's too much!

[@AdventureGearTV]

@@DorisCherry-v4z for some folks it could be, but for me simple, convenient, and comfortable wins.

[@hauk3839]

Less it's more. Keep it simple. I have a bunch of junk in van i never use and need to donate. I have unique build from others ideas. I can sleep 2 adults and two teenagers with extra 5 minutes to make happen

[@AdventureGearTV]

I agree completely. The best part about starting over is I don’t have much in there yet. So, it’ll be easier to keep my clutter down.

[@CajunStarr]

I’d like to see how that many fit in your van to sleep.

[@susansharp112]

Just buy a cot

[@carolmaplesden916]

Do you have a cot you sleep on every night

[@AdventureGearTV]

@@susansharp112 cots are good for one or two nights, but get annoying after a while.

[@msblizz11]

Where did wife go? I need room for two people?

[@cissynez7614]

That metal bed doesn't look comfortable with the metal crossing your bed... nah!

[@Not_Sure_]

Why even bother with a bedframe ?

[@hmongusa664]

What a hassle ☹️.....

[@AdventureGearTV]

The easiest thing to do is lay the seat low and nap that way. My neck gets a little stiff after a while though. So, for me, a dedicated bed is the winner. 🥇

[@hettiesimpson]

Comfort is king!​@@AdventureGearTV