Why am I doing this!? Humid, hot summer camping in the minivan.
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- Опубликовано: 16 авг 2021
- I DIY'ed the whole build. If I can do it, YOU can do it!
If you'd like to buy me a coffee, THANKS! Hit this link: ko-fi.com/lesliekalk
#vanlife #minivan #camper #conversion
Here's some of the stuff I used to make the van a camper. As an Amazon Associate I may earn a small commission at no cost to you:
Square perforated tubing for roof crossbars:
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Roof basket:
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Tarp poles:
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Sewing machine:
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Roof rails:
Get the OEM - Original Equipment Manufactured - roof rails:
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Roof cross bars:
flex-craft.com/
Motion activated light:
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Collapsible crate:
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Telescoping table leg:
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Table Support Channel and Slide:
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Rechargeable fan:
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Igloo cooler:
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3-drawer unit in pantry:
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Collapsible bucket:
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Disposable "toilet" bags:
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Mattress:
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Mattress fabric (Looks like the design I ordered was discontinued. But I LOVE this one):
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Zippers for mattress covers:
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Lantern that's crushable, USB chargeable and SOLAR chargeable:
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Toiletry travel bag (Hubby loves this!):
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Quick Dry towel (Another of Hubby's faves):
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Watch Next! >> FULL TOUR of my Minivan Camper: ruclips.net/video/FsCz8USgvJg/видео.html and What I ELIMINATED after living full time in the Minivan: ruclips.net/video/in8H_ilCQPw/видео.html
I own several of those "swamp coolers", which is basically what you are talking about. They don't work in places where humidity is high because they work by adding water into the air to cool it down. If there is already too much water in the air (aka humidity), then they actually make you hotter because of the heat they generate adding to the hot, humid air.
What if you took a 12 volt compressor fridge/freezer, froze bottles of water in the freezer, and cut a hole in the lid of the freezer just big enough to put a fan blowing outwards. The freezer would attempt to keep the interior contents frozen and would certainly use a lot of electricity; but if you are camping and have power then that may not matter. The condenser fridge/freezers are relatively quiet to operate. It may not cool much, but it might be something. It would be a lot cheaper than trying to buy an expensive ac. It wouldn't last you very long though because of how much strain it would put on it to run nearly constantly all night.
This is the reason I've been looking at a Sienna Hybrid. They say the temperature control really works for sleeping.
We just came back from a short camping trip in our truck camper. It was hot and humid and extremely uncomfortable for sleeping. No AC. I agree; just avoid that kind of weather when at all possible.
Hey Leslie; Thanks for the check-in. August would not be my favorite time to camp, I hate to sweat. I would go so far as to say I am allergic to my own sweat. In regards to your attempt to stay cool you are gonna try please share whether it works or not. If it fails it is good to know that as much as if it works. It would save us the time to not need to try it. So sorry you had to do this for us, but appreciate that you did. Hugs.
We have our minivan build done but it been raining in the upper 80's and humid in Ohio so haven't left for camping yet. I want to go but understand your pain. Fall is just around the corner.
My sister and I feel the same way, in our sixties we want to feel comfortable. If I ever get out there my biggest concern is keeping cool. Sick easier to warm up then cool down good luck
Evaporative coolers are the last thing in the world youd want in that humidity. I have a portable AC in my 07 odyssey ex-l, its a 6k btu GE unit I converted to dual hose operation with the hoses out a plywood filler in the drivers side sliding door. The problem with it isnt just the bulk its giving it the power it requires so I rarely use it for sleeping. My ex-l has the power sunroof so I keep it half open and have door/window visors so all 4 windows are open about an inch but bugs dont fly in. Walmart sells a mini air circulator for $15 (its a high speed fan) that runs off an inverter and my auxiliary battery its adequate for most of the summer.
That dark grey is similar to the nimbus grey of my 07, might as well be black its so hot. Just got a '16 TE in pearl white, its a little cooler but I may get the windows tinted with solar rejecting film. A little tip.... Run the rear AC on its coldest setting for a little while before you shut off the van to ensure there is no hot engine coolant in the rear heater core. Odysseys have this deal where the heat exchange box remembers its last setting when you shut it off so lets say the morning of the day before you used the front defroster to clear the windshield.... After you turn it off even though the blower is off it still has hot coolant flowing through the heater core, both in front AND in the rear if its set to sync and rear control is locked.
Sounds complicated but put your hand on the passenger side interior panel youll feel significant heat coming off it if the coolant was flowing back there.
I understand well, I live in port Arthur, tx on the Gulf Coast. It is so humid and hot. Bright side no hurricanes
Hi Lady Bug, Fellow Gulf Coaster!
My last base was Keesler AFB, Biloxi, MS. I have a very good idea of what you speak. My solution for extreme heat is less effective in humid climes. I look forward to a video on your idea-even if it fails, it’s still valuable info. Sorry for your discomfort and I hope the reunion was a happy event. 🌿
Hi Hope! Yes, the reunion was crazy and fabulous. We stayed in Biloxi on this trip and I loved it!! How long were you there?
@@TheVanThatGotAway Bought a house in Ocean Springs 1/2 mile from the Gulf. Most of the homes in my neighborhood had backyards with bayou access that would take you to Biloxi Bay. Moved there after Katrina, left in ‘08. It was an adventure of sorts; I don’t know how you do Florida. I’m a native Californian and the humidity, especially near the Gulf is oppressive.🤯 You’re a trooper.🌿
@@Swimdeep Ocean Springs is bomb. Great little town.
We lived in Biloxi 2 yrs was used to the heat because we are from Louisiana. We were young too . Last house we lived in had an ac in th window oh what heaven if we could afford the electric bill. Being in the Air Force in 69 they paid us 325 dollars a month. Always broke even though I worked too. The rent was higher there even for a dump but we loved every minute hot humid and all.
@@NoRegrets. we were at Keesler in '78 - Our first daughter was born there ... OMGosh!! I'd left a farm in rural central Virginia and was 20 years old at the time.. Pregnant and completely naive - Talk about Climate Shock!! (we were in Gulfport off of Pass Road ... )
I'm old school - sleep wrapped in a cold, wet sheet!
Hi Ruby! That actually sounds really good. 😀
Fans. Lots of fans. Highest they’ll go
Always a good investment. Thanks, Jay. We added at least one more to our shopping list. How are ya?
I agree only thing that helps is lots of air moving across you. When in that situation again buy bigger fans from walmart if you are plugged in then donate after you leave . If you are going to keep your van for camping maybe adding a roof fan might be called for . I am sure you could sell it as a camper for more than you would get for it as just a van anyway. I bought an exhaust fan that the lovers open when turned on just haven”t worked on a way to put it in a window yet. It is plastic and about 5 inches square. I got it at an amazon return store.it pulls air pretty hard so should act like an attic fan if i can make a frame to set in widow but close up the rest of the window
Also, those small cooling units don't work well in humid conditions...
That's exactly what I thought. Thanks, Linda. Have you tried 'em?
There's no cheap/easy/practical solution, which is why the RV industry exists. My solution is avoidance. This time of year I head up to WV mountains for some nice weather. If I have to stay somewhere hotter, find a campground with a clubhouse that has AC so you can get a break. Or, find one with a pool.
I'm trying zero breeze with bed jet attachment to go in my sheets. It was 100 degrees out and needs to be directed. Auto start with 15 min shut off made it bareable.
Hey John, That sounds like space-age stuff. How'd it work for you?
Yes I live in Cape Coral, FL and unless you have experienced this humidity and unrelenting heat you hdve no idea!
Hey Sandra! I know, right? I warn visitors ("yeah, yeah, okay, it's humid, so what") but once they get here they realize the new unfathomable depths of humidity! LOL!!
I guess it also depends on what your tolerance to the noise level is. When I had a class B van the AC unit was about 18" above my head and there was simply no sleep for me. On those really hot nights which was usually on a travel day, when I was getting into someplace late I would just do the hotel thing. I got a good nights sleep and a really long shower in the morning with breakfast included and I was in a really great frame of mind to get on with my travels. It's not cheating, it's just smart.
I agree. Go for the comfort!!
This might be a crazy thought, but has anyone ever rigged up a maxair fan to fit in a van window? And have it be removable?
A spray bottle with water and a fan. Spray yourself with the tand sit in front of the fan. I saw it on another YT channel so I thought I'd give it a try. I work outdoors and do this when I come inside for a break. It feels like A/C and is cheaper than a swamp cooler.
Hi JJ, Good idea. Now if only I had an assistant to spritz me while I sleep, LOL!! Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts.
I agree. If you can make your skin wetter than the air, you can achieve cooling. But, there is a point where you would probably have to be spritzing non stop. I grew up in Florida and found it helpful to place moist cloths on my neck, ankles, and other pulse points.
I live in Texas and cannot believe anyone camps here during the summer... it is beyond horrible. At least you are surviving... sorta.
LOL, Linda!! I don't know what we were thinking. Years ago we tent camped in Big Bend and we were fine. Have you been there?
Save your $40 as those little units won't meet your needs. Instead, put that $40 toward a portable AC which if you watch your sales, you can find one for about $300 or less. Yes, that may be more than you want to spend, but if you're staying in a campground where there is electric, it would be worth it. And, if you ever need an extra AC at home should your central air break down, you would always have the portable AC as a backup. No, I wouldn't buy a big camper just for air, not unless that is what you really want. The cost of that would be so astronomical compared to $300 or less for a small portable AC which could be run from your passenger seat area & window. You won't need one that has 12,000 watts..... just one which will do the smallest room size, & that won't be expensive. You may even get one for $199 that size if you catch a sale. I felt so badly just looking at you on this video. I could feel the heat and humidity! Not good! Take care, and thanks for sharing! You're always fun to watch!
Hi Pat! Thanks for the info. I'll keep an eye out. You know I'm all about the sales😀🤣
2nd this. Just pretty damned miserable down here without AC.
Do not waste your money on those small "air conditioners" ... it is a fan, that doesn't even blow very good and you add water but that does not work in places with humidity. Texas girl here, I did try one myself, paid about $40 for it... it was a joke... I took it to the thrift store!
Hey Brandi, I KNEW it! I can't believe that would even work... LOL!
Since the purpose of the trip is to get to Texas, can one assume you spend your days driving and not camping? By any chance is it an option to stay at motels nights so you can get proper sleep?
Hey Catherine! Yep, we've done the hotel stay when we really needed to. We're definitely not above it. But it always feels like cheating, somehow, know what I mean? LOL!!
@@TheVanThatGotAway I get it - totally. But you don’t normally camp this time of year and the purpose is to get to point B so I’m stretching justification, lol!!!
Hi Leslie- I love your channel! Watch Lady bug out vanlife/ 10 tips for staying cool in a van. At the end of tip 4 may help. But 10- that could be a game changer. If you don't want to purchase one there is a couple d.i.y. ones on y.t..
As a Colorado girl (the land of no humidity), I still won't camp out in any weather over 85 degrees. It just takes a lot of effort to keep the van under 100 degrees in that heat (and my fridge). If I have to stay someplace over 85, I book an AirBnB. Bob Wells has great tips for staying cool: ruclips.net/video/4Mh8VApfwbA/видео.html
Hey April! I like your 85 degree policy. It makes soooo much sense! Thanks for checking in and saying hi.
I wonder is a dehumidifier would help? Something to pull the moisture out of the air might help with sleeping. Hope you solve this 😀
Yes ma'am, it WILL be addressed! LOL!😀 A dehumidifier is a good idea. Thanks for checking in, Paula!
I'm doing my van build in arizona...its monsoon..90% humidity. 95 degrees..I work 1 hr and go into my friends house..collapse..for 2 hrs and go out again..repeat. so the desert isn't always dry heat...
My fantasy has been blown to bits! Oh no!! I'm sorry you have to battle those conditions, Skyefire. How's the build coming along?
@@TheVanThatGotAway LOL.. I am staying with friends but that time will be up at the end of september.. So Im working as hard and fast as I can. I just built my bed frame using no power tools... hammer, nails and handsaw. It;s almost done..
Good for you! Once the bed frame's done, it'll feel like a camper. 😁 Keep up the good work and let me know how it's going, okay?
@@TheVanThatGotAway Thank you for the encouragement! Hope to see you out there!!
solar A/C?
Hey James! Yes, ANY a/c at all is welcome, LOL 🤣
What was the humidity level?
Hi Romona! It was like a ba-jillion.🤣 If it were one more percent, it would have been raining, I'm sure, LOL!! Good to "see" you. Are you battling humidity, too?
@@TheVanThatGotAway The humidity is fine here. I leave for my second Solo van camping trip next week, so I plan to be mindful about humidity levels. I appreciate the reminder of how miserable one can be if the temps and humidity are high.
Omg, have a blast!
What would I do? Get a hotel 😉
You know that's right, Kate!😆 We almost did but insanity took hold and we stuck it out instead, LOL!