VAN TOUR: Awesome No-Build Makeover - Sienna Minivan Camper

2017 Toyota Sienna minivan no build camper makeover. Colleen took everything out at @Travel Grandma women's camping retreat. She lifted the bed higher for comfort and put it all back in with an efficient new arrangement that worked much better for her. Several campers were there asking questions because everyone wanted to see the final results of the makeover.
#vanlife #vanliving #minivancamper #nobuildminivan

[@lindasue8719]

It doesn't matter how many (hundreds) of videos I've seen almost everyone has at least one idea that I've never seen before: I love, love, love the "double-track" curtain system!!! I'm going to do that! Thanks, Colleen for the tip about the flat bungees!!💗

[@ButterflyTracks]

Thanks, Linda Sue. 😊 So many unique and creative ideas.

[@Stay_tooned]

@linda sue, I agree. Nomads are innovators. So smart!

[@smile83tye]

I learn something new every time❤

[@smile83tye]

Flat Bungee cord. Winner

[@debslifesimplified6406]

Me to. I can get the flat bungies at harbor freight and the totally blackout curtains I use in my bedroom. My reflectix wasn't stealthy and I had a hard time keeping it in the window. I'm going to use velcro dots to secure the fabric to my car.

[@jamiajoyjohnson4818]

One thing I like about these no-build/mostly no-build set ups is, if it doesn't work the way you hoped it would, you can always switch things around, lol 😂 Or if you just want a different feel, or if a setup works better in certain seasons than others, or if you want to bring an extra person along - regardless of the reason, you have that option to take things out and reorganize them. I love it 😁

[@ButterflyTracks]

Yes, options! 😊

[@Hisalone]

Always good to see these tours. We can learn so much from each other

[@ButterflyTracks]

Thanks, Heidi. 🙂

[@believedreams1663]

I'm learning so much from every video I watch. I will one day live the Nomadic Lifestyle.

[@ButterflyTracks]

I know I learned so much from videos too. We're having a meet-up tomorrow so there will be lots of van tours and interviews coming. 😀

[@kathyball554]

So many good ideas. I take notes from each video so when I decide to take the plunge this fall after I retire I can pull in ideas from everyone. Thank you.

[@cherylcalder3402]

Thanks so much for the tour. Very nice set up. I have only been out twice, but as soon as I got home, I made changes. Hope to go out for longer travels as soon as weather cools off. I hope to go to one of your meet ups, too. Take care.

[@ButterflyTracks]

Hi Cheryl. 👋 Everyone makes adjustments. I hope to meet you down the road sometime. 🙂

[@richardpauly1635]

Looks all nice organized have fun ladies stay cool it's hot everywhere

[@patriciabarnhart1886]

Dollar spray water bottles are perfect to spritz for cooling, etc.

[@ButterflyTracks]

That's what I use too, Patricia. 🙂 I'm announcing big changes concerning keeping cool tomorrow in a live chat at 4 pm eastern.

[@clarasmith1873]

Nice job Colleen. Looks super cozy.

[@tammy6992]

Oh that’s great I love that bottle with the bowl but sink set up sink

[@Katiedid1975]

I would like to be one of the first to congratulate you on almost 10,000 subs! By the time I comment, you may have hit the 10k. You're doing awesome. I think you're a natural at this.

[@ButterflyTracks]

Thank you so much , Katiedid. 😊Just a few more to go! My new plan with more time to edit and upload videos should help me get over the top.

[@Katiedid1975]

@@ButterflyTracks don't let it stop you from enjoying the journey!

[@sabracrouse5893]

Looks good to me nice video enjoyed it. Take care stay safe and God bless you and Friends

[@ButterflyTracks]

Thank you, Sabra. 🙂

[@cherannretiredgran68]

Nice tour! I like the curtain and sink systems. And your bed looks comfy. 😴

[@ButterflyTracks]

Thanks, Cheryl. 🙂

[@cherannretiredgran68]

@@ButterflyTracks you're welcome. 🙂

[@Myyt6908]

very nice van build - Good Job!

[@Katiedid1975]

I loved it before the changes! I would need that knee and leg room you had before you changed it. Lots of great ideas, though. Love everything she did with the curtains. And that book shelf is phenomenal, I couldn't leave that behind if I had to choose something from my house, either.

[@ButterflyTracks]

Hi Katiedid. 👋 So many options in such a tiny space, right?

[@Katiedid1975]

@@ButterflyTracks absolutely! Thank you for all the great videos while at the granny get together. I've really enjoyed the series.

[@kjnz2804]

Just an idea, piano hinge your bed platform and store you cube boxes under it.

[@ButterflyTracks]

Nice! 👍 Piano hinges have so many uses in van build.

[@rocknmamma2666]

It's hard to imagine something that works the first time. When we don't have much small space camping experience we need to try it out. Then move things until they're functional for us. Everyone has different needs and likes, particularly visual. So we also need restful along with functional where we can relax. I have a Honda Element that I'm arranging for the umpteenth time and trying to accommodate my basic needs so if weather keeps me inside I can enjoy watching it in comfort. So many others fresh ideas are helping me to solve dilemmas i didn't have solutions for. Love to all of you soul sisters living you dreams.

[@ButterflyTracks]

I know, I'm changing mine around now. 🙂

[@petuniaromania6294]

Nice curtains.

[@petuniaromania6294]

I took my ceramic soup cup, put water and a teabag in, sat it in the front window yesterday and made yummy Earl Grey tea!! I am drinking it now. At some point I may try to make coffee and see how it turns out. Use the Sun...it's a free and great resource and Blessing for us. I may purchase one of those solar sun kettles, but I haven't decided yet.

[@ButterflyTracks]

That's great. 👍 I used to have a big glass jar for making sun tea. It came with instructions to make it.

[@howardlangford8087]

I agree with her about the height of the bed , because I have problems with my hips and with pain it goes down to the knees . So there's a happy medium as far head room and being able to get up and down easy.

[@howardlangford8087]

I absolutely love your channel it's done very well. Thank you keep giving us more mini van builds..... please 🥺

[@dawnlapka3782]

I just received this video after watching Vancity Vanlife! This is pretty cool. Your channel is awesome. It's my fiance's favorite channel. I think that it's very organized in your SUV, and I appreciate how you speak and teach.

[@ButterflyTracks]

Thank you, Dawn. 🙂

[@pC-zd4qj]

You are a very good interviewer 😊

[@ButterflyTracks]

Thank you. 😊

[@CaravanCarolyn]

I LOVE her setup!

[@ButterflyTracks]

Thanks, Carolyn. 🙂 Love your channel. 💗 kzbin.info

[@CaravanCarolyn]

@@ButterflyTracks Thank you! 😊

[@indigodande4345]

I do like the flat bungie idea and the original position of the water. That might work in my mini van O.o

[@ButterflyTracks]

That's right. Take what works for you. 😊

[@clarasmith1873]

I enjoyed watching Colleen again.

[@ButterflyTracks]

Hi Clara! 💙🦋💙

[@darkangelw8472]

What a gorgeous car and I love the shelving set up, very smart indeed :). Now I really wished I completed my driver's licence ( I hated the theory test :( ). To be able to go wherever you like us awesome

[@ButterflyTracks]

🙂👍

[@nancythornton2947]

Get your license. What's holding you back?

[@mooselll]

Thanks for the tour!

[@smile83tye]

Thank you❤

[@ButterflyTracks]

You're welcome 😊

[@barbwire8280]

Your van is great , my bed is a little wider because I am, well, a little wider ! ha ha. Where did you get your blue port o potty cover- I need one

[@ButterflyTracks]

Hi Barb. 👋 Colleen got the ottoman cover on Amazon. They also have a stretchy velvet ottoman cover that I used in my minivan. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rXfcqo2VhbGmlbc

[@winnaheilman622]

So you changed everything out at the Retreat Colleen? A big job. Looks good, but I would miss the leg room too since I get. up and down all night long. Love the curtain setup.

[@donnavickery1255]

Thanks from Jubilee Sunshine

[@ButterflyTracks]

Hey Jubilee Sunshine. 🌞 I really enjoyed meeting you.

[@latebloomer1330]

Pretty color scheme!

[@cmccarver56]

I took all the seats out including the passenger front seat. Needed the room.

[@ButterflyTracks]

Hi Carmen. I bet that's nice for extra room. I wish I could do a tour of your van . 🙂

[@rebeccawhittington1390]

I love it! The simpler the better ?!

[@ButterflyTracks]

👍

[@Veronicaslovelybaldlif63]

It's lovely in your van, aesthetically.

[@ButterflyTracks]

Yes, either way she had it was nice. 🙂

[@debbiehawk-payne8507]

Hi Jan👋Thank You For Sharing! Great Video 🤗👍 Maybe she could use a collapsible walker to get uo by it doesn't take up much room when collapsed! To aid her with her bad knees! She could probably get on cheaper from a second hand store 🤔:✝️🙏♥️✝️Safe travels!

[@ButterflyTracks]

Great idea! 😊👍

[@allonesame6467]

Right! If it's not working, try other arrangements.

[@TransVangal]

I have the same exact bowl !!!!

[@ButterflyTracks]

😎👍

[@emiliagarcia6868]

Great ideas 😊❤

[@ButterflyTracks]

Thank you! 😊

[@nelsonamoreno6841]

When you living in the van is different when you living in the car , the minivan have more space and organized better but in the car sedan is very small for organized anyway is amazing !

[@ButterflyTracks]

Thanks, Nelson. 🙂

[@serenityjewel]

Just fyi, the Toyota sienna rails are bolted underneath the minivan. Anyone that doesn't mind crawling under the van or putting it on a lift can undo the bolts.

[@ButterflyTracks]

Thanks for the tip. 👍

[@YahshuaLovesMe]

train case can kill you in an accident. fly forward and knock you out. when traveling always have VERY SOFT LUGGAGE. Boards should be tightly secured so they don't move in an accident.

[@wiscgaloot]

Nice! I am trying to decide between a Sienna or a Chrysler Pacifica. There are a lot more Sienna's for sale, they seem to be a bit more reliable, but I love that all 4 seats fold into the floor in the Pacifica. Having to take out one or both of the back seats seems like a bit of a pain. I hope to retire soon, then it will be van life for me! Surfing, fishing, camping, on and on and on!

[@ButterflyTracks]

I don't have the stow and go seats since it's a hybrid Pacifica. The second row seats came out super easy without all that awful metal harware sticking up. 👍

[@wiscgaloot]

@@ButterflyTracks There is NO way I can afford a hybrid Pacifica, my budget is for less than $20k. I might have a bigger budget if I wait a year to retire but I do NOT want to wait. Those waves and fish won't catch themselves!

[@ButterflyTracks]

Yes! Don't wait. How about a used nonhybrid?

[@wiscgaloot]

@@ButterflyTracks That's the plan! I just realized yesterday that my 10'3" surfboard *will* fit inside--because many years ago it fit inside my brother's Plymouth Voyager, which was certainly smaller. I'm only waiting to see if my company will give me a retirement package. If they stall more than 2 months I'll just quit and buy the van. But summer is not for traveling, I have to help my sister with the garden.

[@gracecallowayable]

Awesome!!!👠🚌👠

[@ButterflyTracks]

Thank you, Graycee. 🙂

[@OGDreamer]

Sure wish I was with you ladies!

[@ButterflyTracks]

We wish you were too, Dreamer. 🙂

[@FiftiesForward]

Nice setup 👍

[@ButterflyTracks]

Thanks!

[@indigodande4345]

7:21 is the makeover

[@kathryngganderson8636]

Hi love the vid, but I could not hear her most of the time. Really missed a lot. Suggest she wear the mic, and /or you keep it close to her, explain the way it works. So many good suggestions! I am sorry I could not get them all.

[@ButterflyTracks]

Hi Katheryn. 👋 I hope to get a mic sometime. Right now it's just me and my cell phone.

[@Purpleroses]

Love These Videos But I Keep Saying When You Vid3o To Close, You Never Get The Totallity Of The Entire Build. She Really Has A Nice Van

[@davechristian7543]

Just wondering why have the bed frame anyway, like why not just put the mattress on the floor, saves room gives u more height n also less weight ?

[@ButterflyTracks]

Thanks, Dave. 🙂 Some people do put the bed on the floor, however you loose the storage underneath. My bed is 11" high which gives some storage but leaves me plenty of headroom to sit straight. Also, the floor in a minivan isn't level so the bed can correct that.

[@davechristian7543]

@@ButterflyTracks i see 'thankx.

[@Shannon5909]

For sure a better set up for you, but it looks like most things aren't secured. I would worry if you have to slam your brakes on or God forbid, you're in an accident...please be safe and happy travels.

[@ButterflyTracks]

Hi Shannon. You're right. 🙂 It didnt show up in the video but she does have things secured with bungee cords and sticky pads.

[@Jennifer-ys1tx]

I think what you need is a lightweight shelving system to organize your things in one place., on one side of the van. Too many bins n boxes n such creates disorganized chaos. You need easier access.

[@ButterflyTracks]

She said she had changed it several times. She might try that sometime. Good suggestion. 👍

[@wallst4fun1]

Can you ask your guests what the backstory is of why they came to do van life? Thanks

[@henrie.c]

Can you send me information about the Travel Grandma Women’s Retreat for this year please? If it hasn’t passed that is, thank you ☺️

[@ButterflyTracks]

Travel Grandma's is a friend of mine who is on the west coast. Butterfly Tribe meetups are all over the country. We have a Facebook group for women only that is very supportive and full of information. We have women only meetups and caravans. I hope you can join us. 💙🦋💙 Butterfly Tribe Women who Camp: facebook.com/groups/794347871824247/?ref=share

[@henrie.c]

@@ButterflyTracksthank you and yes I’ve seen a few of your videos that have shown the meet ups I just don’t know what it was called, but I will definitely join the group and look out for the meet up dates and locations for the future 😊

[@elainesmith3507]

What do you use for a toilet and where do you get rid of human waste? Thank you

[@ButterflyTracks]

Hi Elaine. I dispose of human waste as you would feminine products, baby or adult diapers. The best place is a city/county park where there are large trash cans or public dumpsters and gas stations. At the end of this video are details about my potty: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rXfcqo2VhbGmlbc

[@angelabraggs7614]

Where did you get your bungee cords from

[@angelabraggs7614]

Question I have a senana too but remove my middle row seat I have the middle console don't remove how did you cover it

[@ButterflyTracks]

Hi Angela, I don't have a Seinna so I can't help you there. 😊

[@BriteImpressions1]

Does everything stay in place when you travel? Since they are not secured on the table, there is a chance of them flying if you hit the brake. Good luck traveling.

[@ButterflyTracks]

Hi Diane. 👋 she uses sticky pads or bungee cords on everything. She said things don't move. 🙂

[@BriteImpressions1]

@@ButterflyTracks thank you so much for your reply. It is much appreciated, best of luck and thanks for the video and great ideas.

[@ekdaufin1485]

What kind of toilet is that and how does she use it in the car?

[@ButterflyTracks]

It's a cassette toilet. They flush with a little chemical tank and a compartment that can be removed and dumped.

[@syedjavedahmad9719]

Yeti keeps ice for more than a week.

[@ButterflyTracks]

🙂👍

[@petuniaromania6294]

Has anyone purchased a twin size futon for sleeping? Which one did you get?

[@danettepennington4756]

I have a question. How do you stay warm in the cold weather? We're getting ready to have near blizzard Conditions. Please help!

[@ButterflyTracks]

Hi Danette. 👋 if you can't travel to warmer weather, finding a way to have electric for a low watt heater or 12v heating blanket or heating pad helps. Solar power station, campground, or friend/family driveway. I don't have much information on on other types of heaters but some reviews say diesel heaters are good. If you get a heater of any kind check the saftey features like automatic shut off and if it has exhaust fumes. I'm leary of anything but electric because of fumes but you need to be careful of electric heaters too. Safety first. Other than that, layer up, hats, gloves, long underwear, socks. snuggle with a pet and have a really good sleeping bag. Stay safe.

[@sandylipscomb7003]

So you are never afraid???

[@ButterflyTracks]

I'm only afraid that age or an injury could end this wonderful adventure. Nothing can happen in another town that couldn't happen driving around the town you live in. Love and peace. 💙🦋💙

[@homecomputingcoach]

I noticed that your window sox are not installed correctly which may be why you are not happy with their function. On the outside the window sock goes over the mirror and then snugs up against the bottom seal of the window. I have a photo of mine and I can't figure out how to add it to this comment.

[@ButterflyTracks]

Thanks for the information. 😊👍

[@elainesmith3507]

Where do you wash shower and use the bathroom?

[@ButterflyTracks]

Hi Elaine. When I am in town I use my membership in Planet Fitness. If you have Silver Sneakers it's about $15 a month. Love's, Pilot and FlyingJ truck stops have very nice showers for $15 when you're on the road. Many campsites have showers included. Finally, if you are boondocking here are some experienced campers talking about good options: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kKObe5yKlL57qLM

[@rowdysgirlalways]

No such thing as too much duct tape!

[@ButterflyTracks]

👍

[@ekdaufin1485]

She said she could stand up where?

[@ButterflyTracks]

Hi E. K. Daufin. 🙂 She can almost stand up in the well where the 3rd row of seats were taken out. At least she isn't bent in half and can get dressed easier.

[@ms.neevaedwards1667]

too congested tho.....

[@MiamiSpaEffects]

I'm not understanding what she did...

[@ButterflyTracks]

She took everything out, partly bedsheets had mouse and liked the new arrow better.

[@susansharp112]

Nope

[@ButterflyTracks]

?

[@Monaz1]

Where do you buy flat bungee cords?

[@ButterflyTracks]

Hi Mona. 👋 You can search Amazon for flat bungee cords. 👍