VanTour - Update of Simple MiniVan Conversion

[@jaynewarriner7214]

If you turn your shelving unit upside down it will then give each shelf an automatic lip so things won’t slide out either way.😊

[@PioneerGrandma]

Great idea! Not sure why I didn’t think of that… Hmmm… it has little adjustable feet that really made a difference when I was making room for the bin to slide out, since the floor isn’t level… But I can take the shelves off individually and then turn them upside down… What I really like is being able to access some of the shelves from the inside or the outside. But a lip would make it more secure… Thanks!

[@PioneerGrandma]

Hey, @jaynewarriner7214, I did try turning my shelving unit upside down… I put it in my recent video about Planning the new layout for my minivan camper. I tried it upside down and the shelves wouldn’t stay put. So I tried taking the shelves off and turning them upside down. No luck. Great idea, but I haven’t figured out a way to make it work… Thanks so much for thinking about it and leaving me a comment! 😃

[@julieblaha4960]

The shelves are made to slide onto the black shelf holders in one direction only. There is a very subtle widening that holds the shelves in place. I tried turning them upside down years ago in my house. I am going to use them to make my “kitchen” cabinets in my van.

[@PioneerGrandma]

Yes, I found that out the hard way! I should have just looked at the black pieces more carefully instead of taking it apart and trying it… 🤣 Great idea though! I’d love to see how you use them in your build!

[@hmfem3656]

I really enjoyed your presentation specially the tone of you voice which has a professional twist & is very likeable. How could I not Subscribe or like?🍷🍷

[@PioneerGrandma]

How kind of you to say so. 🙂

[@susie9893]

Love your attitude, chic. And you have some amazing workarounds 😍

[@PioneerGrandma]

Hey, Thanks! I appreciate your watching and commenting!

[@shedreams1571]

Love your simple build. Admire your adventurous spirit. Can’t seem to work up the courage to hit the road so I enjoy watching others.

[@PioneerGrandma]

Thank you! It took me a long time to work up the courage actually. Connecting with people through nomadsdowntheroad.com/ really helped! 😃 Watching others is fun too!

[@shedreams1571]

@@PioneerGrandma Thank you for the info. Maybe just what I need to take the plunge.

[@PioneerGrandma]

👍 There are various groups on the website too, come and join the Pioneer Grandma group 😃 and see if your state has a group. Travel Grandma has a group, as do several other KZbin creators. It’s just getting off the ground, but I’ve found it so helpful!

[@terrigibbs8337]

That was fun! Thank you for the tour! Great job

[@PioneerGrandma]

Hey, Thanks! I had fun doing it!

[@vickilindberg6336]

Wonderful tour. Like your voice. Like your set-up & secured items so they don't slide around.

[@PioneerGrandma]

Thanks! How kind of you to watch and comment!

[@minivancampergal1554]

I love your build! So simple and functional.

[@PioneerGrandma]

Thanks!!

[@PioneerGrandma]

@Minivancampergal1554 - Just watched you Bear video - Excellent! It answered so many questions for me!

[@estherthecampervan4777]

Great tour

[@PioneerGrandma]

Thank you! I appreciate you watching and commenting!!! 😀

[@edwizard62]

Very nice Van. Thank you❤

[@PioneerGrandma]

Thanks! And thanks for watching and taking the time to comment!

[@firequeen2194]

For the other windows, I picked up a roll of window screen from Walmart and some industrial strength Velcro. Cut screen to size and attach with Velcro on the inside. Works awesome and with the Velcro, I can still open/close windows easily and it is really stealth.

[@PioneerGrandma]

Very cool! Thanks for watching and sharing your idea!

[@julieblaha4960]

I love that idea! Thank you

[@michaeldean8193]

nice van , nice interior , nice video . 😊

[@PioneerGrandma]

Thanks, and thanks for watching and commenting!

[@Soxandnicole]

Wow, you did goog!

[@PioneerGrandma]

Thanks so much!

[@letsgo1166]

Newbie here, you just appeared on my list. Very nice set up. Beautiful scenery. Great video. Be safe out there, have fun. Debbie

[@PioneerGrandma]

Thanks, Debbie!

[@tonette9532]

Love it! I bought myself a Honda Odyssey last fall specifically to be a grandma mobile/ adventure mobile. I'm a seasoned camper and setting up and taking down a campsite by myself was getting to be too much. I am planning my first adventure in less than 3 weeks and I'm so excited. Your setup is so very close to what I'm hoping to accomplish with mine. 🙂👍

[@PioneerGrandma]

So exciting!!! Keep in touch! Have you checked out Nomads Down the Road, to maybe find some camping buddies?

[@tonette9532]

@PioneerGrandma At some point, I might do something like that, but I really enjoy the solitude of camping alone. This first adventure will be my traditional birthday camping trip to one of my favorite spots in the beautiful Colorado Rockies. My sons usually come up on the weekend, but the rest of the time will be about me. That's how I intend to ring in 58 years living. 😊

[@tonette9532]

@PioneerGrandma This is "Faith". kzbin.info/www/bejne/mIewYpx_paqeecU

[@PioneerGrandma]

Wonderful!

[@PioneerGrandma]

@tonette9532 - so how’d it go? Happy Birthday!

[@user-ld4vt9gz8f]

What a great job young lady safe travels joe from mo

[@PioneerGrandma]

Thanks!

[@kimberlyknight4973]

Very nice set up. Happy travels.

[@PioneerGrandma]

Thank you!

[@aimeeburleson9788]

Love your van and set up

[@PioneerGrandma]

Thank you! And thanks for watching!

[@emiliagarcia6868]

Great setup and organized 😊❤ Beautiful scenery by the river area 😊❤ Stay safe 😊❤

[@PioneerGrandma]

Thank you!!

[@soup.p]

Love ❤how functional it is! Such a great setup you have here! 😊

[@PioneerGrandma]

Thanks!

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Looks like a nice, functional setup! Thanks for sharing!

[@PioneerGrandma]

Thanks for watching!

[@PioneerGrandma]

@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures - since your comment, I’ve been watching your videos and really enjoying them!

[@Blooming_Bee_Yoga]

Thank you thank you thank you!! Totally helped me with my van!! In Gratitude

[@PioneerGrandma]

I’m SO very glad! I’d love to see pictures of your van! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@markrenfrow9873]

Good job Grandma ! All you need to be comfey ! Travel safe, and Enjoy !

[@PioneerGrandma]

Thanks, Mark! I try! Thanks for watching!

[@thierrymunseugandachildren802]

Very nice setup greetings from Africa Uganda God bless you

[@PioneerGrandma]

Thank you!

[@thierrymunseugandachildren802]

@@PioneerGrandma you are so welcome hope you're doing well

[@LittleMo777.]

Nice van! Really like the long rolling bin !

[@PioneerGrandma]

Thanks! And thanks for watching and commenting!

[@MariafromthePhilippineIslands]

So organized and functional. Thank you for sharing

[@PioneerGrandma]

Thank you! And thanks for taking the time to watch and comment!

[@sandyallen1523]

My van has back windows that push out at the bottom about 3". I bought a bunch of material that was like netting and I pieces much bigger than the openings and bunched it up in the open part. Works pretty well, the breeze still can get in through the netting. I gave up on trying to figure out how to attach it so it is permanently in place

[@PioneerGrandma]

Unfortunately, the back windows in my minivan, a Chrysler Pacifica, don’t open, but that’s a great idea! I SO wish that they did… Thanks for watching and commenting! 😀

[@Midlifeanticrisis]

You are my kind of people. Spinning and ham radio in a minivan...so cool! I just bought my 2nd Honda Odyssey to convert. I plan on laying it out almost exactly like yours, switching bed sides this time. (my last one had the bed on the passenger side). Thanks for sharing!

[@PioneerGrandma]

Thank you for watching and commenting! I’d love to see pictures!

[@karenolsen5302]

Nice setup! I am a ham also, K4IRS, and have a 2020 Chrysler Pacifica. I use a vhf/uhf Yeasu with aprs mobile plus a cb radio for emergencies. Both have mag mount antennas.

[@PioneerGrandma]

Very Cool! KK7IWY here. 😃 I’m putting a dualband AnyTone AT-778UV radio in my minivan camper - hopefully this weekend. I’m using a mag mount antenna also. I’d love to see pictures of your install!

[@neon541]

I also Ham radio N2MJZ

[@PioneerGrandma]

Wonderful! What kind of radio do you use?

[@jameshudson5022]

Outstanding

[@PioneerGrandma]

Thanks so much!

[@user-sf8zv4me9l]

Great idea with the ham radio.

[@PioneerGrandma]

Thanks! I appreciate your comments!

[@JT-oz5qd]

Are you a full time car dweller and do you enjoy the life? Love how confident you sound and the look of your beautiful carriage.

[@PioneerGrandma]

I’m not full time. I do really love it when I go, but love going home to my husband even more. 😃

[@cc-camper-lady]

Very nice setup!

[@PioneerGrandma]

Thank you! Thanks for watching!

[@charlenebranca2523]

Thank you ,enjoyed your video!! Very nice van set up. Stay safe💞🙏

[@PioneerGrandma]

Thanks, Charlene!

[@TravelGrandma]

Great van tour. I've run into some snow on my travels lately and have been using my folding chair as an indoor seat. An extra seat, however you can manage to have one available also works great for having a friend over to watch a movie together.

[@PioneerGrandma]

Thanks,Elaine! Snow?! Oh, dear! The high top on your minivan makes SO many things more doable!!

[@phoebevanderhorst7760]

Great layout!❤

[@PioneerGrandma]

Thanks! And thanks for watching and for commenting! I appreciate it!! 😃

[@middleground8388]

I really like this! Great job. I don’t want to do a build, because i want to be able to transport people sometimes. I will utilize your toilet idea as well as that back shelf. Thank you!

[@PioneerGrandma]

Thanks! I still have my seats and can pull everything out in about 15 minutes. I don’t usually have more than 2 passengers and can accommodate them without any issues - even with everything in there. I too, wanted that flexibility. Thanks for watching!!

[@luckywarriorakabonnies.1855]

New to your channel, thank you for sharing your build. Sending vibes of Blessings and Love for your continued adventures on your journey.

[@PioneerGrandma]

Thank you so much!

[@carolynkramarz5841]

Your build is inspiring,smart and very comfortable looking- impressed you got your ham radio license( on my list of things to do). Thanks for listing that web site- I want to join and am trying to convince myself….. look forward to seeing your upgrades😊

[@PioneerGrandma]

Thank you for your kind comments!

[@janetkoball44]

Hi there. I'm also a Ham. I got my Tec licence in 2007. But...I've never had a Ham radio. I also took the course for a General license but I didn't take the test. A little too hard for me. But I still want to at least get a hand held. I'm trying to finish my cargo trailer and take off at least part time. So nice to see your tour. I just subscribed. Hope to hear from you or see you down the road. I'm in Central Oklahoma

[@PioneerGrandma]

I started out with a cheap handheld - a Baofeng from Amazon. That way I can learn more about all of this before spending more money. Baofengs run about $25-$30, then I got a better antenna ($20) and a second, larger battery and a different charging cable. So for less than $100, I’ve had quite a bit of practice. Now I’m checking out more powerful, but still mobile setups to use in my minivan. 😃 I looked on ARRL.org and found local clubs so I could learn more! 👍

[@BionicLesbian]

A great place to call home❤

[@PioneerGrandma]

Thanks, I think so too. 😊

[@Morningdovecamp]

great set up. Enjoy!

[@PioneerGrandma]

Thanks for watching and commenting!!

[@doofusadventures4486]

Nice tour!

[@PioneerGrandma]

Thanks, Katie!

[@ericadavenport2039]

You sound so much like Jonnie Erikson Tada.

[@kayepperson189]

Nice set up! How long and wide is your bd? Everything fits perfectly!

[@PioneerGrandma]

Thanks! 25”x72” I spent a lot of time trying to figure out the best dimensions overall. The toughest part, because the minivan is so much higher in the back, was how long each of the 6 legs needed to be. I needed them tall enough in the front for the taller bins to fit under the bed and tall enough in the back for shallow long bin to roll under the bed in the back. But I still wanted as much head space as possible. It also needed to coordinate with the shelving unit so the long, shallow bin would slide out under both it and the bed, while providing the leverage I needed to use the long bin as a kitchen counter in the back. The shelves needed to be the right distance apart for the bins I wanted to store on them. I hope some of that makes sense. I also made a slide out wooden counter that had to fit over one shelf and under the bed… It all actually worked out!

[@googleuser2226]

Where were you on the Klamath river? I grew up in Crescent City - just north of Klamath.

[@PioneerGrandma]

Oh it’s beautiful there! I was toward the other end of the Klamath River, actually not too far from the town called Klamath River, in Siskiyou County. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@kathleenkline4622]

What? A fellow spinner that does vanlife? I carry an e-wheel....it takes up very little room and runs off a small battery pack. Hopefully we'll meet up some day and play with fiber together!

[@PioneerGrandma]

Wonderful! That would be such fun!

[@PioneerGrandma]

What part of the country do you travel in?

[@kathleenkline4622]

@@PioneerGrandma Mostly the western half of the country...you?

[@PioneerGrandma]

Me too

[@cathyojena8963]

You sound just like Joni Erickson Tada

[@PioneerGrandma]

How sweet of you to say so! She’s amazing! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@cuddlemymicky]

congratulations. on the functional and cosy build. congrats on the ham license. is it your general or tech?

[@PioneerGrandma]

Thanks! Just passed the General actually.

[@PioneerGrandma]

Are you a ham operator?

[@cuddlemymicky]

no, been studying to take the test. haven't been able to find a test location

[@PioneerGrandma]

I did my Technician test online through a club in Alaska

[@PioneerGrandma]

aarg.club/?page_id=14

[@maryrankin9869]

Hi pioneer Grandma, Could you tell me what year and make your van are. I am just doing my research now on vans.

[@PioneerGrandma]

2020 Chrysler Pacifica. I’m putting together a video on the pros and cons. I’m very happy with it!

[@53andME]

So you don't take your tags off your bins like me 😂

[@PioneerGrandma]

I hate the tags! But I hate the sticky residue they many times leave behind even more! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@user-wi8zg2ln2j]

when you cook inside how do you not the inside smelling like food or grease on the ceiling?

[@PioneerGrandma]

Right?! That would be gross! I use the wind screens to keep splatters off the sides and try to be careful with what I cook to keep it off the ceiling. I most usually cook out of the back or on a table outside. I try to only use the inside cooking station with the door open and for heating water or cooking something quickly if rain threatens. When it’s cold in the morning, I might boil water for washing or for making herbal tea or bone broth. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@laurajphillips]

👍

[@PioneerGrandma]

Thanks for watching!

[@savedby_faith]

I like it but I don't see the point in having 3 seats. They take up enormous amount of space. I sit on my bed cross legged or my driver seat.

[@PioneerGrandma]

Different layouts work for different people, right? The seats do take up a lot of space. It’s all trade offs… My bed is too high for me sit up comfortably on for very long. I needed it high enough to fit the bins under. I’m 68 years old and have had back surgery, so I need a comfortable spot to sit, with room enough to eat and to use my computer. For ME, this works. 😃

[@PioneerGrandma]

Thanks for watching and for taking the time to comment! 😃

[@savedby_faith]

@@PioneerGrandma That's great.

[@kimgo4518]

Please help! You say that you can do spinning while sitting indoors using a “spindle” or “spittle”? Please show us what that is!! You did not show the contraption at all.

[@PioneerGrandma]

Yes! It’s a “spindle” - I show it in this video. Start at about 7:30 for the spinning. 😃 Spinning, Down by the River kzbin.info/www/bejne/fH_deqx4Zrtkp5I

[@kimgo4518]

@@PioneerGrandma Thanks so much for this response, that is very cool. I thought you meant a spinning contraption for exercise, I feel so silly! You come across as so appealing, and I love your van set up.

[@PioneerGrandma]

Oh! I should have clarified in the video. I forget that there’s another type of “spinning” - wouldn’t that be a cool device to have?! Thank you so very much for your kind comments!

[@kimgo4518]

@@PioneerGrandma youre welcome. Keep the awesome videos coming. I love your life!

[@kathystevens8163]

What kind of van do you have?

[@PioneerGrandma]

2020 Chrysler Pacifica. Thanks for watching!

[@kathystevens8163]

@Pioneer Grandma I have a 2021 Chrysler Voyager. I have that slanted floor also. Does the slanted floor cause any other issues for you? I was trying to figure out a bed that would be an easy set up. Thanks.

[@PioneerGrandma]

My floor is about 6” higher in the back than in the front. Evidently, most minivans are like that. The bed is the big problem. I used a folding cot for a while and just propped up the low end but it wasn’t very stable. I’ve seen videos where they used a cot with straight legs and used PVC pipe cut at appropriate lengths. That looked like it worked well. Bob Wells at Cheap RV Living demonstrated that. He has lots of simple bed ideas. I just made the legs longer in front than in the back of my plywood and 2x4 bed.

[@kathystevens8163]

@Pioneer Grandma I saw Bob's video on that. I think it was a metal frame they used.. 🤔

[@PioneerGrandma]

Yes, I agree, I believe that it was a metal frame. But using the PVC pieces to adjust the height of the legs seemed an easy fix. My cot didn’t have straight legs so I couldn’t do that. I DID really like the folding cot for times that I needed to put up my tent because the parking area wasn’t even close to level. I’d just take the cot out to the tent. That was convenient. Can’t do that with my plywood & 2x4 bed. I sure like the stability of my current bed though!

[@williammangold5305]

Those vans are junk. They all have transmission problems. It won’t last long.

[@PioneerGrandma]

I’m sorry if that’s been your experience. Hope it not mine. 😃