Van Build Vlog: Using TRUNK SPACE in my Toyota Sienna!

Doing a Toyota Sienna conversion and want to use the trunk space with the sunken floor where the third row seats fold down? Just looking for a fun van build series? Look no further! In this video, come with me through the day I bought the van to finishing my first project, a stained, perfectly-fitting floor with two trapdoors! 🚌
🍻 What is Beer in Beautiful Places? 🍻
Hi, I'm Maddie! Celebrating an outdoor adventure with a beer has been a long-time tradition for me, and I wanted to create a platform for like-minded folks to come together. In my videos, I cover all types of adventures and review beer! Topics include day hiking, kayaking, travel, thru-hiking, and life on the road. In short, if you would describe yourself as an outdoorist, outdoorsman, outdoorswoman, hiker trash, nomad, or dirtbag, come on along, this is the channel for you! Welcome and cheers!
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[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Looking for a detailed, step - by - step guide instead of a personal vlog? Watch this! kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4PLoISqmrOcfq8

[@mimiseeyou]

Evan had the best intro ever 🤣 y’all are funny

[@TravelingGamer_]

O man, that lawn chair is a blast from the past 😂

[@PowerWidow]

This made me smile.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Aww that’s great! Glad you liked it!

[@offairhead]

Congratulations on your new van. Older brother Evan is very handsome!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

He gets it from his younger sister! I think that’s the way genetics work anyway…

[@laurelaugustine6189]

It's gorgeous!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thanks so much! I’m really glad everything turned out!

[@paulmfti]

You are so fun to watch….awesome sense of humor….

[@paulmfti]

Be careful out there…

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Oh thank you! I try!

[@MellowNomadicAdventures]

Hey Maddie! It’s looking so great on video! Well done on the storytelling! Thank you for allowing me an opportunity to be a part of your journey while also becoming a part of mine as my first van build client! I’ve had several people reach out to me already since I revealed it on my Live stream! Looking forward to your travels and the rest of your build! -Marshall ☀️

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Oh yay! That’s so exciting!! Congrats on that, hopefully this is just the beginning of your business beginning to pick up steam! You definitely have a knack for these things!

[@aylwardnow]

Great job! And thank you for sharing. I have wondered how to get a level floor in my minivan and now I have a better idea of how to go about it. I look forward to seeing the rest of your build. Way to go!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Oh that’s great! Glad I could help! Getting that floor level can be a real puzzle

[@jayboyee452]

what i love is she keeps using the WE when Dad and brother did all the work. at least thats the impression i got out of the vide. thats funny

[@MarisolsAdventures]

Love the stain color. Your family is so handy!! cant wait to see how the rest goes

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thanks!! And yes, I’m forever grateful for everyone that’s been helping me out!

[@saypop]

@@BeerinBeautifulPlaces 😂😂brilliant

[@missionaries7575]

You and your family seem so nice, you are blessed.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thank you! I really am ☺️

[@lisachennault575]

Love the card board house! Great 👍🏼 idea! Love it 😊

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thank you!!

[@stephenharper6638]

Adorable!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thank you!! 😊

[@MoBangFoYoBucks]

Love the vlog and your bubbly personality! Looking forward to your next one.👍

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Oh yay! I’m so glad you enjoy it, sharing these videos makes it ten times more fun!

[@mariad4183]

LOVING this! tyfs my dear!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Yay! Glad you liked!!!

[@gracecallowayable]

Beautiful!!!👠🚌👠

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thanks so much!! ☺️

[@FlipMacz]

Me too...tracks won't come out either.... all automotive shops and collision shops declined to even try. Argh.... Sooo...I'll just have to work around! Great vid ty🌿

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

I’m surprised the mechanics won’t work on it! I thought the tracks would come out if you remove the floor. Maybe that’s too much for them.🤷🏼 Anyway, if you haven’t happened to see it, here’s a better video I made on this topic, if you’re interested-kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4PLoISqmrOcfq8

[@tonyabrowninghikes]

Looks like a great foundation to work on. Cant wait to see it done!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thank you! If all goes according to plan, it should be done in just a few weeks!

[@livableincome]

Wonderful. And I like how your whole family helped. 😊👍

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Yes! I am so thankful for my family! 💕😊

[@NisaCookbook]

That was really interesting.tfs stay connected

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Will do! It’s not about the build, but if you’re interested in my travel plans with the van, i just posted a video explaining those. My next build video should be in two weeks, and if all goes according to plan, it’ll be about van electricity!

[@botero29love]

That was funny with the siren going on in the back.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Yeah! I was like, of all the times for an ambulance to drive by, it has to be when I’m filming!

[@GoneFeralWithSquidly]

That was really interesting. Can’t wait to see the whole build.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thanks! I’m trying to set out on my road trip in May so hopefully it’ll be all done in the next couple weeks!

[@bambihargrove6499]

Sooo cute

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thanks!! 😊

[@kerannasommers7324]

LoL 😅 cute! You and your brother are a good team 👍

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thanks! We used to be worst enemies when we were kids, so I’m very surprised but thankful we ended up really getting along in our late 20s!

[@joanprout9619]

My 2007 Sienna is amazing. Comfortable for me 5'4" and my 6' husband. So much space. Haven't tricked it out to live in Yet. Never had a minivan before. Pre-COvid we spent a decade traveling as pet sitters,bartering hose,& pet care for the roof over our head. We removed the back seats and have left the 2 way back seats folded down for now. I use magnetic door signs I get from Vistaprint.it's advertising and I made up matching business cards. Designed online by me with No talent.I had door magnets on my car when I sold real estate. They cost under $50/pair,peel off easily if you want to go stealth or go through a carwash. The best part is when in place, I can find my car (usually) in a parking lot.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Cool! Sounds like you have it down to a science!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Please check out Marshall and his minivan over at Mellow Nomadic Adventures! ➡️ kzbin.info ***PLEASE NOTE*** when I wrote “space saving bed idea?” on the thumbnail, that was just a joke because I don’t think anyone would sleep in that small space underneath my floor! I don’t want to mislead anyone, this is a video about getting my build started and how I built my floor!

[@DSPRAT]

Nice job! You even managed to make a safe room 😂👍

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Haha yeah! I just have to take all the stuff that’s in there now out first!

[@traviskoh999]

love your watch

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thank you, I think it’s from target

[@Kimbopolo]

Fabulous!!!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thank you! I tried!

[@spellerlittlewing]

Way too cool

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thank you!!! 😎

[@OffGridAdventure]

Yep, you're nuts. Lol! Cool build.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

When I made this video, I was expecting it to get 100-200 views, so I leaned into the interesting-to-watch, non-boring side of my personality. Now it’s gotten so many views and I’m really regretting that! 🥴🙈😅Oh well, at least it’s more traffic to my channel I guess

[@OffGridAdventure]

@@BeerinBeautifulPlaces it’s a great video. Thanks for sharing it with us.

[@amigo_overland]

Great idea ❤️👍🏼

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thanks!! And thanks for watching 😊

[@bob9lives]

Nice opening!

[@stacyhackney6100]

Nice.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thanks!!

[@otterishly777]

That was fun--I loved the starting and ending with you in the storage space! :-)

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thanks! I was going for the full-circle effect! ☺️

[@danielportilloarevalo6228]

Te quedó precioso.... felicidades.... además eres muy bonita.... saludos desde Chihuahua México

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

😄

[@michelle7352]

These floor issues were the reason I didnt buy a Sienna. Went went with easy grand caravan. It's just me, geezer lady w/o help, so I went with easy no-build build. I enjoyed your vlog and picked up an idea or two. Thanks.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

It’s great to meet you, thanks so much for watching! I’m glad I could share my ideas!

[@samsonite8400]

Oh my gosh your brother's face is so cute. You should film him more

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Haha I was not expecting that reaction! But okay yeah, maybe next time I’m back in my hometown I can have him on as a guest star!

[@samsonite8400]

@@BeerinBeautifulPlaces Yes you should. That face took me by surprise. He is cute.

[@AdventureDeNorthVlogs]

Awesome care

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thank ya ☺️☺️☺️

[@AdventureDeNorthVlogs]

@@BeerinBeautifulPlaces you welcome

[@michelle7352]

Great floor. I just have a rug over the carpet. Maybe redo next yesr.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

It seemed like a crazy idea when I came up with it, but I’m soooo glad it worked out!

[@davidemm829]

You are cool ,!!! Great jod ,!!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thank you! 😎😎😎

[@yackelberry1422]

This is really neat! Keen to see the end result

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Oh thank you! ☺️ I’m excited for it to be done too, just a few more weeks now!

[@ivettecolon7458]

So cute love the wood flooring ....so funny u! Thanks for sharing...

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thanks! The floor is my favorite part!!

[@DesGreene]

Looking great so far! Top marks to you (and your helpers!) All the best👍

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thank you! I’m actually a little worried that this turned out so well, everything else will look shabby in comparison 😂

[@pointofviewgr]

Nice 👍

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

thank u ☺️

[@beckhykes7733]

I enjoyed part 1! It was enjoyable seeing the transformation over the back part of the van! It's looking pretty good! Excited to see more!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thanks Beck!! It took a lot of work, but I couldn’t be happier with the end result!

[@rickeydenler2385]

As a 40 plus year woodworker antique and piano restorer you need to put the same amount of finish not stain but finison both sides of your floorh so your floor dont cup are bow whatever you want to call it I have seen tops of grand pianos warp over night from just stripping the finish off just one side of the large top boards. When I would strip the finish of a grand piano the boards went straight into a low humidity room and that's with both sides stripped anyway bad idea to just finish one side I just thought I'd pass that tidbit on to anybody building one of these

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

It's a little too late for me, but thank you for sharing your knowledge!! Glad to have the help for anyone who may see this!

[@LivingCoast2Coast]

Y'all did a great job. Marshall sent us over to you. Looking forward to your adventures.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

It was big project, and I seriously couldn’t have done it without Marshall! I’ll be uploading more of my build soon, but I think the floor is by far the coolest part. And thank you for tuning in for my adventures! 😊

[@62WILDCAT]

Beautiful finish on your floor ,soft sanded edges are nice.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thank you!! I love it!

[@briancurran1140]

Very good best I’ll seen so far I’m going do same

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Nice! Glad I could help!!

[@joseville]

8:14 I love the color of the floor. Minwax Stain & Poly - Pecan Satin.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thank you!! It didn’t turn out super even, but no one can tell brut me!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

I mean BUT me!!

[@angeladawn805]

The tracks are a right cow to deal with. I blitzed mine (with a socket set) - they must weigh a couple of kg a piece. I also decided to ditch the middle console, (again weighty). Once we're out of lock down, I'll give the floor a coat of metal paint, to deter future condensation issues....

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

That’s sounds like such a good plan! I never thought about metal paint. I’ve already had mice living under my floor and that would probably help deter them

[@angeladawn805]

@@BeerinBeautifulPlaces oh no, not mice!!! The little buggers get into everything :/ I've heard that peppermint oil deters them.... (I used that in my sticks & Bricks) as I didn't want to use ratbait) :)

[@FinMeg]

Great vid 👍🏼

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thank ya, thank ya 😎

[@havefunbesafe]

you guys are awesome!!! Build time!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thank you!! Good luck, I bet you’re going to rock it!

[@kerem2008]

You did a great job. you and your family are amazing. And you're so sweet, be safe. Greetings from Turkey

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thank you, I will be safe!

[@wagontheroad]

Buen video amigo Saludos desde España Esta muy chulo el canal

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

¡Hola! ¡Muchas gracias! Yo viajo a España en enero 2020. Gracias por viendo mi video 🙏

[@wagontheroad]

@@BeerinBeautifulPlaces tendrás que volver 🌅🚌

[@bradsmith6019]

Your voice reminds me of June Carter

[@TheVTX88]

$105 for 2 sheets of plywood?! That’s fucking crazy!!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

For real! It was pretty thick and pretty nice-looking but that was way more than I expected

[@PlastaSin]

Great! You have a panic room in your truck.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Yep! Or a great hiding spot if I ever play a game of van hide and go seek!

[@ShanLiuGBM]

I waited to see how you got into the sub floor space, and I had to watch to the end for it, LOL

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Haha yes!! My evil plan worked!

[@whatsaguygottado2669]

Kinda scary... I like it

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Alright, I’ll take it!

[@raylenetatum8185]

Could you be any cuter Maddie!! I have subscribed so I can follow your adventures. Wishing you all the best.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Aww! Thank you! ☺️☺️☺️ And glad to have you along as a subscriber! Welcome to the club!

[@offairhead]

A hidden hatch big enough to hide a body. Convenient.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Hahaha I think I made the same joke to my mom as we filmed this!

[@JasonOutdoors]

Building materials are getting crazy expensive. That's looking pretty good so far. The stain on the floor is a nice touch.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thank you! Ive been wondering about the cost of materials going up. My theory is it’s because people are doing lots of DIY projects because they’re at home so much and the retailers are trying to cash in on that

[@Michael-fq4wl]

Wow you guys look like twins

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Me and my brother? No one’s said that before, but now that you mention it, we kind of do!

[@3941101]

That be a good place for bathroom and shower

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Yeah, I wish! That would be so handy!

[@offairhead]

You can use a small grinder wheel and cut the track out.

[@offairhead]

Oh never mind. Just saw your dad had a solution. Good job dad!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Oh yeah! He’s the best!

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

Wow, you are doing great!! Super smart design! We just inherited a shuttle bus and we plan to build it for adventure. We need a few kids to fly the nest before we can go full time but watching your adventures will help us stay motivated!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Oh that’s so cool! Shuttle buses have so much space! Is it the kind you can stand up in?

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

@@BeerinBeautifulPlaces yes. It's like a short school bus.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

That’s awesome! If you put it on youtube, I can’t wait to see it!!

[@BackpackingwithBuckley]

@@BeerinBeautifulPlaces i will be the grunt. Whitney is the brains. I did tell her that I insist she document it though!!

[@megalou6567]

Super cute! And informative. Can you tell us why you didn’t insulate though? Just curious

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Oh I was just because I thought since it was built to carry people instead of cargo, it probably already had good enough insulation. I have had uncomfortably hot and cold nights so far but I can get through it with a fan and windows cracked or warm clothes and my good sleeping bag!

[@megalou6567]

Good on ya love! We learn as we go!!!

[@ThePyleDriver]

Love your videos! :)

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Thank you so much!!

[@marionsutcliffe1119]

Maybe consider removing the rear lower side interior trim panels to use the wasted space behind it ... You can also remove the heater/AC from the right rear - get a garage to close off the coolant and refrigerant lines.

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

You mean the plastic "walls", so to speak, that are around where the wheels are? With the floor already cut to fit around those, removing them would mean my floor not fitting (being too narrow) and I don't think that would be worth the extra space. But that would definitely look a lot cooler if I did that from the beginning! Maybe next build, if I'm lucky!

[@nickwilkins2527]

Hello. I have the exact same van and use it for vacations and camping. I'd suggest you remove the center console (at least try it). I finally took mine out (it's easy) and really like the open space and the ability to get around easier. You can always put it back in. Good luck with your travels!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

That’s a really neat idea! I don’t know if I’ll have time to fiddle with it before I leave but I’ll have to look into it once I’m on the road for a little bit. I can already imagine how much easier it would be to move around without it there!!

[@nickwilkins2527]

@@BeerinBeautifulPlaces kzbin.info/www/bejne/noe0eGh7jqyqb80 this should help. Have fun!

[@GEAUXFRUGAL]

I would have taken the plastic out around the wheels see how much space was there?

[@simplyrise5217]

0:02😳 I thought you have a basement 😂😂😂

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Hahah yeah it’s almost like that!

[@kyulee1648]

1:50 best part of the video

[@62WILDCAT]

Did you insulate the floor under the plywood ?

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

No, I use the space for books and flat things. I thought about it, but didn’t think it would make that much of a difference since heat and coldness mostly comes through the windows!

[@courtneywillemin2171]

how did you end up leveling the floor in the front?

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Did I meet you on TikTok today? If so, sorry I just sent ya this extra same video!! Basically, we got the metal ring off with a tool that could cut through metal, slid the black metal thing off, then just put the plywood on top of that. It would still rock a little went I moved, so we put blocks of wood underneath to support it even more. Does that explain it all? Let me know if I can help more, I’m really excited for you!! It’s gonna be a lot of work, but so, so worth it!!

[@kennethfeist5504]

Just hinge the middle piece on one side instead of removing it?

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

That was my first thought, but it’s actually easier to grab it out then fold it all the way back!

[@Steve_travels]

Where do you get those big pieces of cardboard from?

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

I was working in a dishwasher factory at the time!

[@hikewithmeSD]

I neeed the measurements for this floor 😆

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

I’ll go find a tape measure and get back to you!

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Because there's stuff like a bed and storage in the way now, these aren't exact, but I measured 7'6" lengthwise from behind the front seat to where the lip of the trunk starts. Right behind the seats, going side to side, was 5' even. Where the cup holders are was 4'4", and the end of the floor next to the trunk was 4'2".

[@kookietherapy9398]

So, what did you do w all those seats in the end? Did you sell them?

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

I told the dealership they could have them, trying to build a good relationship to get a few dollars off, but that didn’t work, haha! My dad said we should have trying to sell them, but I’ve heard of a lot of people not being able to sell theirs

[@kookietherapy9398]

@@BeerinBeautifulPlaces Thanks for responding. It's always a sense of waste or storage, and ... What IF you need back later to resell, however many would be happy to take as is...and Thankful. I will probably chuck if I cannot sell swiftly. Enjoy!!!

[@MSWcryptoworker]

I hope u tell us how much and how many miles ur Toyota sienna has. Please

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

I don’t remember. I think it was under 200,000 when I bought it

[@andrewe.7907]

"That thing in the way," I assume is the technical term???

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Oh yes, only the finest terminology on this channel!

[@ghostofreagan3181]

You Can hide a body in that thing. I'm hoping that's not an important feature in this build. Although, I do hear sirens in the background, so.....

[@jayboyee452]

I love girls that drink beer. this is why i went to bars to meet chick's, instead of going to the club.

[@starvingrtist8714]

Omg you can hide a dead body in that trunk...

[@himanshgarg9194]

Make it lifted for off-road….

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

I wish! That’s something I’m looking into when I have more money!

[@zenithshim635]

약 먹었니... 둘다

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Same 💕

[@Sean2002FU]

SMH..........

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

Not sure why you’re shaking your head but if you wanted a step-by-step informational video, and you’re disappointed that this is a personal vlog, here is my informational video on the same subject: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4PLoISqmrOcfq8

[@GEAUXFRUGAL]

I would have taken the plastic out around the wheels see how much space was there?

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

I would’ve loved to, but I’ve never tinkered around with the inside of a car like that, and I didn’t wanna risk messing it up. It would’ve definitely been nice to, though!