VAN TOUR: VanLife in a DIY 2023 Toyota Sienna Hybrid

[@diaperdood1]

Toyota needs to sponsor this dude. So he can show them the power of sienna

[@JustinTheVan]

That would be awesome

[@Network126]

I live in a 2000 Sienna

[@cards-vs7hv]

Yeah I'm sure Toyota needs help selling cars they can't even make fast enough , and from a flamer 😊

[@siennavanlife9502]

There's a couple of us. ;) Nice build @Justin.a.Van. I sub'd :)

[@Chris_Wolfgram]

Some guys dream of Corvette ZR1's, Ferrari's, etc. But I seriously dream about a Toyota Sienna Hybrid camper conversion ! I have done 5 cross country, car camping trips, and the 6th one coming up in 5 weeks, in my Toyota Prius, and it has worked out great. So I can only imagine how nice it would be in a Sienna camper van :) I have seen some of these on KZbin vids which were "not" Hybrids. And no matter what they have done to them, not being a hybrid is a deal breaker for me. If that's going to be the case, I'd rather stick to my Prius. The importance of Hybrid just cannot be overstated. I'm super envious of your Sienna camper :) Have fun. Be safe.

[@000concac000]

I am totally with you on the Hybrid. I bought a used 2006 Sienna Limited AWD. I went car camping with it on a few trips and the 16MPG is constantly reminding me, I'm spending too much money on gas, especially in CA. I just got my 2024 Sienna LE and can't wait to take a a weekend road trip with the Coleman cot in it.

[@Chris_Wolfgram]

@@000concac000 and even if the 16 mpg is not a deal breaker, for myself, no all night climate control totally is ! BTW, since I posted this 9 months ago, I did actually do the 30 day cross country trip I talked about in my Prius, and it was glorious :) I absolutely had the time of my life :) I'd SO love to do this again :) Granted, I'd feel like a King, if I could do it in a Sienna Hybrid camper van :)

[@chadperling2766]

NICE! I wish Toyota would realize how many people convert their cars to live in. The one BIG thing that would make it better for this type of conversion is to have a switch that would allow the hybrid battery run down to 20% before triggering the engine to start. I believe it is currently set at 80% which is why it turns on ever 10 minutes. I also wish they offered a lift-kit on the suspension. Otherwise, it's the perfect van for conversion, 1. Hybrid (get gas milage) 2. AWD! 3. Reliable and 4. More space than their 3-row SUV, Highlander!

[@JustinTheVan]

Exactly

[@johnwang9914]

It's interesting what people call 20% and 80%. Batteries last the longest if kept between 20% and 80% plus charging over 80% is much much slower. The original Prius was marketed as starting the engine at 20% and charging till it was 80% which makes perfect sense to engineers as that would be the most efficient charging and the most efficient life cycle for the batteries but the common person without a lot of engineering education didn't really comprehend this so it's now assumed by many of the public as starting the engine at 80% to charge to 100% which doesn't make any engineering sense at all with regards to how batteries charge, especially lithium ion batteries. However, there are new battery technologies such as ones using graphene as an electrode that could make the high end charging closer to the linear behaviour that the public mistakenly believes of battery charging but until then, there is no point in automatically starting the engine to start at 80% to charge to 100% other than to waste most of the electrical energy produced by the engine.

[@diaperdood1]

It comes on every 10 minutes? For how long?

[@girlplaymm]

I did see a guy a couple months ago who found a company that makes lift kits for the Sienna and a few other minivans

[@chadperling2766]

​@@girlplaymm

[@930rgia]

This was the nicest most practical no build car conversions that also seems most financial reasonable for most people. Glad I found your video.

[@JustinTheVan]

Thank you I appreciate it

[@oliverschumacher4606]

Very “Eric Enjoys Earth” esque and I love your adaptations of his build.

[@JustinTheVan]

Thank you! I appreciate it

[@WilliamusTrades]

I love it so much. This practical approach is definitely solid gold inspiration for probably at least 90% of people considering this sort of thing. Not too complicated for the average do it yourselfer, and completely reversable for resale. Please build this channel out into videos showing more detail on how you threw together each feature. Some day you'll see a Sienna and say to yourself "hey I bet that's one of my vans". Thanks for posting. Subscribed

[@JustinTheVan]

I appreciate it. That’s the plan

[@stephenfiore9960]

@@JustinTheVan thank you for replying

[@ronb6182]

Now the question how did you remove the second row of seats that are hooked to the air bag system? 73

[@ronb6182]

Use butane stoves instead of propane they are smaller and butane is available at Sam's club or Walmart. Even flea markets you can find butane.73

[@SamuelJMartinIII]

watched in the back of my 2015 Toyota Sienna SE = my Home On Wheels 🚐 great channel name 😉 subscribed 👍🏽

[@JustinTheVan]

Thank you I appreciate it

[@dansmith6508]

Really great build! 2 suggestions: use the space behind your microwave for your fridge. You may find it a much more convenient location to access food than in the rear floor storage. Perhaps put it on a slide out shelf or drawer slides. With your bed being so low to the floor you would be able to open and a pull stuff from the fridge without issues. (or just leave the space above it open, so you can open the fridge lid) Also, rather than a propane stove, try a single burner butane stove instead. Cheap, really reliable, and perfect pairing with your microwave. You can also use the same small butane cannisters to run a small butane heater like the Covea butane heater in the van. Make sure you buy your butane cans at an Asian food grocery store. Way cheaper than home depot type stores! Subscribed, cheers.

[@YingAndJou]

Good job! I too had just converted my 2023 Toyota Siena XSE to a mini camper with kitchen, refrigerator and a toilet, so my wife and I can take road trips through the states.

[@JustinTheVan]

Would love to see your setup. I just got a water jug with a filter system but still no kitchen, toilet, or refrigerator

[@hettiesimpson]

I love the magnetic bug screen

[@JustinTheVan]

Thank you I appreciate it. Stay tuned for a video on it

[@sarahottinger5429]

Hey this is Sarah, the girl sitting next to you upfront at the comedy show. I hope you got lots of followers that night, the comedian was great advertising! Safe travels! ✌️

[@FromHeretoEnlightenment]

Aww, you gotta crush on him 💕

[@ekdaufin1485]

Fantastic! Now a portable sink, water and an emergency pottie! 🎉

[@blakepoland227]

yes, and a small compressor fridge

[@ronb6182]

Yeah they are nice. I bet my large refrigerator would fit in the seat hole. I want my smaller one for the console up front. 73 ​@@blakepoland227

[@n-xplorer]

Great innovation, I appreciate the video. I lived in my 2005 Sienna for more than a year and can say honestly that Toyota makes an awesome van for this lifestyle. My bed was smaller so I could fit more essentials like 20 gallons of water. Yes indeed, living in a small space can be done!

[@Network126]

I'm currently living in a 2000 Sienna with a twin size bed 🛏️ and a 100 watt solar panel on the roof.

[@florindagonzalez5700]

How did you get 20 gallons of water? What type of containers did you use? Asking for me.

[@n-xplorer]

@florindagonzalez5700 I bought 4 - 5 gallon water jugs in Canada. Cheaper up there since these were made in Canada.

[@name.terrie]

Thanks for sharing this! Very innovative! Great tips! Lots of inspiration! Happy trails, safe travels, and best wishes!!!

[@miketee8415]

Looking forward to the bed build video, I love that entire design!

[@serenityjewel]

Bless you. I have a 2023 Platinum that I bought just to live in and this is really close to what I want to do with mine. Seriously, thank you. ❤️❤️❤️👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@JustinTheVan]

That’s awesome. I would love the digital backup camera and cooling seats. But I didn’t want to have the dark interior and entertainment system

[@serenityjewel]

@@JustinTheVan Understandable. I don't have an entertainment system but I do have the dark interior. I have ceramic tint on my windows and I keep a windshield cover up on my windshield so the dark trim isn't a problem. I came from a Hyundai Santa Fe limited that had all the technical bells and whistles so the platinum was the closest trim to what I already had. Unfortunately it still sucks compared to my Santa Fe but it is what it is.

[@ElwoodAndersonNV]

Best conversion I've seen yet for a Sienna hybrid. I'm set up in a similar way in my 2014 Sienna. When I've maxed out the mileage on it I'll get a Sienna hybrid and move everything over to it. My Sienna is also a no build, so I can put all the seats and other stuff I've removed back in and sell it or give it to one of my grandkids.

[@JustinTheVan]

Great plan

[@dmwi1549]

Nicely done! I especially like the sunroof screen.

[@mard5984]

Ok MacGyver!! And from Michigan! Love your ingenuity & description.

[@JustinTheVan]

Thank you I appreciate it lol

[@ewakraft5770]

Please give us a diy instruction for the bed. Thanks for the inspirational video!

[@JustinTheVan]

Stay tuned

[@katieshealinggarden]

Watch "Eric enjoys earth"

[@stigcc]

@@katieshealinggardenIt is not the same as Erics, though

[@markervine5439]

Best minivan conversion i've seen . looking forward to your DIY video😎

[@JustinTheVan]

Thank you! I really appreciate it

[@mars-cs4uk]

I like U R bed & couch combo. Nice and simple.

[@JustinTheVan]

Thank you I appreciate it

[@jeffsauer2198]

Brilliant! For your folding desk on pipes… what about adding a string tether to you drivers side headrest to help give it a bit more support?

[@JustinTheVan]

That’s a great idea thanks

[@ohizkimmie]

The 2 way slide bed is genius! 😮

[@JustinTheVan]

Thank you!

[@mychildrencvb8652]

Thank you so much, i have this car, but L.E trim and plan on converting it one day when i dont have to uber my kids around anymore 😂👍.i will. Save this video snd sub.have fun camping

[@JustinTheVan]

Stay tuned

[@jondrew55]

You need a Starlink mini. You could mount it in your roof cargo carrier. The mini can receive thru the plastic so no one would see it.

[@MiniMaxandMe]

Dude, the bed's awesome! I have a similar seat-to-bed combination, but mine isn't nearly as easy to set up everyday. I'd love to see that bed build video when it drops. Nice work all around!

[@JustinTheVan]

Thanks I appreciate it. Stay tuned

[@vjohnsonbarrett]

No wonder you were willing to order and wait for this van! Its features are pretty awesome. So are your no-build ideas!

[@Camman100100]

Very impressive engineering! Extremely functional with basic off the shelf parts

[@story1234]

It’s like you zip a Ford camper van. It’s exactly what I am looking for. Awesome

[@JustinTheVan]

Thank you I appreciate it

[@nichill7474]

Simple and smart. Im glad you said your mattress was 80” long thats what i would look for and didn’t know how much space it would take up.

[@JustinTheVan]

Thank you I appreciate it. Yeah definitely worth the extra length especially if it can fold away easily still

[@Dixiered03]

Best build I’ve seen. I so would like to know more about how

[@JustinTheVan]

Thank you I appreciate it. Stay tuned

[@GUTOMOFFICIAL]

Very cool! The folding bed/chair rocks!

[@JustinTheVan]

Thank you I appreciate it

[@lulehmberg601]

It looks fantastic.I love it.well done.Thanks for sharing. Greetings from Germany👍👋

[@JustinTheVan]

Oh cool. I appreciate it

[@jerrry6868]

Wow awesome build

[@JustinTheVan]

Thank you I appreciate it

[@Trial-Time-Tammy]

Wow! This is amazing! Well done! Thank you for sharing! Van life here I come!

[@000concac000]

Very nice, simple and practical design. I waited 6 months for my 2024 Sienna LE too and in the process of figuring out what makes the most sense in terms of simple set up. Right now I have Coleman cot for one person but also like to have a second sleeping area for when my comes along for the trip. I removed the 60 split seat in the rear, keeping on only the 40 as a lounging area and a 3 person van so my option and design will be a work-around that small 3rd seat in the back as I like to have up permanently due to storage in the rear cargo. Will incorporate some of your design ideas into mine. Simple and practical - love it!!

[@Texasprepper]

Awesome dude!..yeah more videos!

[@JustinTheVan]

Stay tuned

[@-COMMON-MAN]

Well done!

[@capaddler]

What a great set up. Yes, I’m totally interested in how you made the bed. Great table set ups. Well done 👍🏼

[@ckarabush]

Likewise, I'm just waiting to see how you put that bed together. It's quite different from the others I've watched.

[@thecarolvanpod]

Nice! Good use of space and thoughtful design.

[@JustinTheVan]

Thank you I appreciate it

[@danielberg7644]

I like your layout design.

[@InsEngineered]

This is the best bed build i have seen in van so far. Great job

[@JustinTheVan]

Oh wow thank you I appreciate it

[@blackdaffy01]

Nicely done

[@JustinTheVan]

Thanks I appreciate it

[@joyb2840]

The name alone on thus KZbin title made me log on it ❤ Now I'm watching his built made it even more worth it. And all I have to say is BRILLIANT 🎉

[@JustinTheVan]

Thank you very much! I appreciate it

[@soilliam]

you went crazy

[@ridgehilljillie9429]

Nicely done.

[@JustinTheVan]

Thank you I appreciate it

[@diaperdood1]

Bro this so amazing! thank you for taking us on your journey!!!!

[@hadhramyusa]

Great idea and nice van camper!

[@JustinTheVan]

Thank you I appreciate it

[@highdesertbiker]

bro im so jealous of this. nice van. i got a 2011 sedona and this is INSANE

[@JustinTheVan]

Thanks I appreciate it

[@highdesertbiker]

@@JustinTheVan For sure man, I didn't even know they made Sienna hybrids. I wish they came out with these years ago so you could find an affordable used one. Still at the price its a great deal. You can put 200k on that easy I bet

[@dfros1957]

This is Great 👍❤ I'm looking forward to seeing more videos. Can't wait to see how you made you bed.🙂❤️

[@HoneyandMe]

Genius no-build build!! I car camp in a Toyota Matrix and a Rav4, but hope one day to get a new Sienna. This was so helpful! thank you!

[@JustinTheVan]

That’s awesome

[@serenityjewel]

This is an awesome build. He built the bed and the shelving unit. If you build something, it's not a no-build.

[@ronb6182]

​@@serenityjewelit could be a no build if you build the bed and make it outside the van. I would want to make the van resellable after I'm done with it. My last sienna lasted over 240,000 miles. 73

[@theinnerdreamer7043]

Pretty sweet setup.

[@3jhe]

I love your YouTubing style! Love your confident personality, and the fact that you show useful things you built. I love that you do not have background music. I love that when you speak, you are confident enough that you don't need to distract the viewer with background music. So many KZbinrs get the background music thing wrong. I do love your choice of music for the intro: very happy and cool music. I think I am going to love your channel more and more over time. I really look forward to seeing your adventures! The quad fold bed is GENIUS! Love the simple but brilliant peg system. So many things to love in this build.

[@24Alisonall]

Well done. Thanks for sharing. Many good ideas here.

[@mrjay4000]

Fabulous ingenuity!

[@jacobqiu]

Hey, I love the Birkenstocks. I’m sure you are saving those for special occasions

[@andelbee]

What a beautiful, efficient, well-conceived build, and a great, well-explained, concise video! More please! I’d love to see the details!

[@JustinTheVan]

Thank you I appreciate it

[@pamelafitch3478]

Good set up

[@TheManTheMyth943]

Wow, very cool!

[@wingsiu7231]

This is what I like. Love to learn how to build from you.

[@JustinTheVan]

Stay tuned

[@duvessa2003]

Great build!

[@MisterrJmark]

I like the fact that it has a 1500w inverter built in . Do you also use the built in inverter to keep your EcoFlow topped off?

[@damiami6519]

Spectacular build and inspired creativity. All that aside, however, is that there are more socks in that van than all the rest of the state of Michigan 😂😂😂

[@davidglad]

Thanks for giving us ideas of what is possible with the Sienna. Personally I'd probably skip the furniture if I some day tried that, but a magnetic bug net sounds like quite a pro tip.

[@brtecson]

This is my dreambuild, an 'eric enjoys earth' style build in a hybrid sienna.. I'm glad to see somebody beat me to it and that it's doable. Well done sir :)

[@JustinTheVan]

Haha yeah it’s beyond doable. Everyday I think of things I wish I did differently. The hybrid Sienna is the perfect foundation

[@j85carl]

wow! Great build! I may be getting a Sienna soon and this video has some of the best ideas I’ve seen. Looking forward to more videos!

[@davidvelasquez6965]

Interested to learn more about the roof rack and how it fits up to the rails!

[@JustinTheVan]

Stay tuned

[@ghiagoo]

Clever lightweight design. Did you buy the plugs for the airbags someone was selling? Or did you have your own solution to keep airbags working with the second row seats removed?

[@JustinTheVan]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aGXGiop4nrmIrbssi=J0FnbYNm7SIDtOfv I used the ones this guy makes. Worked perfectly

[@RobertCarrizal]

that's pretty good for your Hybrid Sienna!

[@FlowJunkie65]

Great job with this very well thought out and highly functional no-build conversion. We owned a 2004 Sienna for 10 years and absolutely loved it for family trips and I was always convinced that it would make a very good minivan camper, but that the newer hybrid models would be even better and you proved me correct! Again, great job! 👍

[@JustinTheVan]

Thank, I appreciate it

[@jaybickford512]

Awesome! Loved your take on a Sienna Camper Conversion. I'm subscribed and looking forward to watching your build detail videos. 😀

[@stephenfiore9960]

1x(10/12/23)…..10:00…done thank you. Excellent. How do you not care about having a spare tire, or do you have one underneath the van??

[@JustinTheVan]

I do not have one. I may mount one on the roof but I haven’t felt to worried not having one. My plan would be to call AAA

[@Morningdovecamp]

Awesome build. You have got it all covered! Enjoy the road! Thanks for sharing. 👍🌞🚙🏞

[@jackdawadventures182]

Nice build, I look forward to more videos of your travels. I am about to go full time in my Chrysler T&C but have not done a tour video yet, You inspire me to do so. And I agree, hybrid is the way to go...maybe in the future for me. Travel safe and be well.

[@yamchayaku]

I have a Toyota Sienna and I'm kinda interested in converting it into a camper like this. I really like how you said that your build doesn't permanently damage the vehicle. If you ever needed to, you can convert your van back to the way it was and that's super awesome.

[@JustinTheVan]

Yep!

[@susanmay3914]

awesome! I made those same upper window airflow things from gutter guards too :)

[@p.treyben5567]

So awesome sir! Great job!! Inspiring…

[@JustinTheVan]

Thank you I appreciate it

[@kathyred3310]

Nice job! Simple, efficient and attractive! Thank for sharing

[@JustinTheVan]

Thank you!

[@l.n.6132]

Wow, really great bed/chair build. Thanks for sharing

[@JustinTheVan]

Stay tuned for a video in more detail on it

[@janeukraine]

Looking forward to a movie on how to build your couch bed. Please, please make one!

[@JustinTheVan]

Will do, stay tuned

[@write2nick]

Love your work. Hybrid is the way to go for camping.

[@JustinTheVan]

Thanks I appreciate it. Definitely

[@PaliAha808]

I feel so inept becuz all of these videos show ppl creating their own conversions. I need to show this video to some handy guys standing in front of Home Depot to do this for me. Awesome job!

[@phillypiper8788]

Nice

[@HolbrookCrossing]

That is exactly the kind of bed design I've been brainstorming, so thank you for all the details! Your style is clear and concise, and i definitely think ill be implementing some of the ideas youve used into my own van.

[@smoreadventures]

A friendly word of advice...MANY times when camping, we encounter mosquitoes or biting flies. Not fun when they get into our van. As to cooking, I suggest a stand-alone, folding table so you can cook outside with the van doors closed. Also, did you keep weight, and weight distribution, in mind with your build?

[@JustinTheVan]

Yes that’s a very good point. I will be getting a folding table eventually. For weight, I tried to make my weight as low as I could and most of my build weight is on the passenger side which isn’t great but I sit on the drivers side, sleep on drivers side, and try to put any dead weight (water) on the drivers side so it’s somewhat even. My MPG being 33 with the build I think indicates that I don’t have any weight issues

[@robinmerrill1176]

That adjustable bed design is genius. subscribed. looking forward to watching the build process

[@JustinTheVan]

Glad to hear that, thank you

[@georgemoore4712]

WoW, Thanks 4 Sharing!

[@romonasafree3151]

Clever and practical build.

[@woohoozzi]

Hello, and thank you for all the great information and ideas across your videos! I have a hybrid Sienna and I'm wondering about my power setup -- do you find the solar panel to be vital, or can you charge your EcoFlow Delta 2 from the Sienna's AC port just fine? Would you ever consider the EcoFlow 800W alternator charger over the built-in AC plug? I hope your adventures are going wonderfully!

[@thexxit]

excellent choice in vehicle knowing the mileage and the hybrid motor. love the "no build" build!

[@MaryOKC]

Hey…good job here! Simple and efficient. Love it….I wish I had seen your roofing system before I spent the big bucks buying cross bars…which makes my Explorer look like a cop car even more from far away….so I’m looking at vans but before I buy one I have a few things to do first. Looking at sienna and Pacifica and carnival….all good choices. Be safe.

[@JustinTheVan]

Thank you I appreciate it

[@forwimp]

I like your bed/reclining chair design. For 2 of us, I bought an Amazon long twin folding bed frame. It goes in the back of the Sienna, then a full double size mattress goes on the frame. It over hangs a few inches on one side. There's 12" of space under the bed frame where we can slide in storage bins. To sleep, I just pull out the bins on my side and let the mattress overhang droop onto the bins for support. It worked great for a 2 week trip.

[@3jhe]

Genius build! Love it!

[@mcspin50]

Lots of clever ideas! I have the same power station that I use in my Scamp and homebuilt teardrop trailer when I’m camping off grid.

[@christhejeepguy]

Love the build and the presentation...just what I needed as I do my research. LMK if you ever make it out to California. Got a place in San Francisco and you're welcome to the shower and guest bed while passing through.

[@-theslatemasons7428]

Awesome- changing lifestyle

[@garyabc]

Wow! This is a really nice build. You made some good design decisions with the vehicle choice, layout and the bed. Thanks for sharing.

[@Californiagent]

Genius

[@bio80]

Absolutely love this was thinking about this exact vehicle for van life last year but couldnt find anyone using it for a build

[@JustinTheVan]

It’s amqzing

[@patrickrobertson7290]

Great setup and shout out to Toyota. As someone said, sponsor this channel. And Justin this is a great setup for a solo mini camper van. Excellent ingenuity and thought went into it. Thnx for sharing bro.

[@andykumar4103]

Excellent video , I have been sleeping ( when I am not at work ofcourse ) in Toyota Prius V for the past 10 years and my next switch will be Sienna Hybrid after my Prius V. You mentioned about propane stove (at 10:40 minutes ) that I used to use in my car , but ,now I switched to Airfryer that I plug into Eco Flow Delta 2. It has been more of convenience now. Thanks of the video , now I know we can actually remove rear seats in Sienna Hybrid without triggering air bags system. I subscribed.