I like the lift kit cuz them minivans are so low to ground. I got a Saturn minivan in 2020 wanting to build it out liking it was higher off ground. But it ended up being a lemon! I like how this van is & the awning is cool. I love it! Wish I had enough to buy it! Nice 👍✌️
Well Done Mon Frere. It looks like i'm a little late to the comment game, but nevertheless what you did with this Toyota Sienna Van, seems Just Right for Ginny-girl (australian cattle-dog), & my tiny little life! 🙏🦉 🏞️🎄
Thanks for sharing this! I love seeing what other people have done with their Siennas. I'm going to try to get my video done at some point in the next couple of months. I have a 2022 AWD Hybrid Sienna with the inverter plus a 1500 w Jackery and I lifted mine with the Journey's Offroad 3 inch. Also went with the Falken Wildpeaks and I heard they were good in snow, so it's good to have your confirmation on that. My build was for a solo camper van, so I have a bed, sink, microwave, fridge, Keurig coffee maker, etc. It's 100% reversible, so I kept one of the passenger seats and everything else went into storage. I think someone could change it back in a matter of hours. With the new Siennas, they stopped making spare tires, so I have a full sized spare on the roof and everything else goes in the Cargo Carrier behind the van. I hope your van finds a good home! Those Toyotas will just keep on going. My Prius is currently at 250K and still going strong, and the FJ has 150k. Toyotas FTW! 🙂
I like the van build man!! Nice job thinking through the design!! Couple of safety thoughts: 1. Maybe consider relocating the red wire at 5:45…or put some heavy duty protective tubing around it. 2. I use two CO detectors in my van. They are cheap and could save your life. Diesel heaters can malfunction emitting CO, especially if you modify combustion settings.
Thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts! I responded in more detail to another comment about that particular wire, it's a great observation and something I keep an eye on when I access that area of the van. I completely agree, and I think everyone should have a CO detector. I had one and I'm actually not sure where it went, I'll probably get a new one for my next build. Thanks again and cheers!!
I really like this van. You have done a wonderful job. It is well thought out and looks very comfortable. I would like do a bed like this, only half the width. I currently just use a cot. It would be nice to have more room during the day. Thank you for sharing . I would love to see how you made the bed. 😊
This is the best camper build I have every seen .! You did a great job .i plan on getting a van in the next year and I will be using alot if not all of your ideas .thankyou from N.C.
I love this. I would probably want to swap the fridge being lower since it’s top access with the microwave. Even just as this is, it’s very comfortable looking and practical. Excellent job.
Thank you for watching! For usability of the appliances I totally agree with you! In case you or anyone else reading is curious about the way it's set up I'll elaborate; to maximize the small space, the corner of the bed actually ends up under the fridge and the sliding face of it comes right up to the microwave. It all sort of fits together like Tetris. It took a long time of positioning things in different ways to find the solution with a bed that was long enough, and low enough in couch mode since I'm 6' tall. Thanks again and hope you have a great day!
Your build is now one of my top three out of dozens I've seen. Simple , but really dialed in.Love the layout you chose w access from drivers seat,microwave on the bottom, deep drawer,then fridge w counter above that. Similar thoughts on no sink.Wondering if your front facing sofa is comfortable unlike you said the back position wasn't. Easy set up and break down of bed is great too. Tucking the sheets behind backrest keeps it quick n easy. Thanks for sharing. Lmk if you've sold it already.
Thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts! The sofa is definitely comfortable, that was a must in the design process. I have not sold it yet, it's still posted on craigslist in the Portland area.
Very nice Bill, I wish I knew enough to put in a diesel heater. I prefer winter camping and usually use a Mr. buddy with a 1 gallon propane. Not the best solution, but I am careful and have appropriate alarms. You’ve made it very roomy.
@@FranklyFilms-g5w I'm going to look for your video about bed... would love one about diesel heater if you don't have one yet! Such a great build, looks like inspired by Eric Loves Earth. Having those bed supports shorter a great mod which I want to do. I got a 1998 Sienna this summer, camped "no build" in Sept but definitely building it this winter. My coonhound and I are both always chilled after we get wet (live on Vancouver Island rainforest, haha) so I really want a safe heating option and it seems the diesel heater is the best way to achieve it. Thanks for putting out these videos!
@@wendyanderson8169 Thank you for the lovely comment!! I'm glad to hear you are doing a build out, funny enough I am actually exploring Vancouver Island as I write this, and will be heading home back to Oregon in a week or so. I do have a video with more detail of the bed, its the third video I uploaded to RUclips. I also now have a video with part of the installation of a diesel heater on my new van, but it's really just about mounting the unit on the floor. Best of luck in your build and cheers! :)
Couple comments on your nice build: - looks like you have a few inches above your head when sitting on bed, suggest you make bed legs a little taller - after doing above, suggest getting plastic containers for storage that slide under bed, great storage space. - perhaps the best mod for a minivan camper would be a front pass seat that swivels rearward, to bad there are no swivels for minivans ;-((.
LOVED YOUR VIDEO. Food for Thought. If you ever created a comprehensive list with all the detailed information of the equipment & gear you used to create this build, you can probably sell a PDF file of it online or just give it away as free knowledge. It is a truly impressive build. You could just list the brand names/models and where you purchased them. Others would then be able to formulate a means of how to install them. Figuring out spacing is everything when it comes to these builds and you've already did the hard work in that regards. Even if you added that information into a comment and pinned it to the top, it would be beneficial to many others. Another thought would be to recreate the build method and sell that as a HOW TO video or something. Anyhow, thanks for this information and it was inspiring!
Good work! I like the drawer-style fridge. How long is your bed? Two good small appliances for non-propane setups are a 700w air fryer and a 200w rice cooker, the smallest I could find and worth the space they take up.
Thank you!! I think the bed is just over 6'. I may do another video deconstructing the build and specifying the dimensions since it's been requested. Those are good ideas for cooking too!
Thank you! The van came with the spare tire when I bought it, it's the full factory tire size on a matching alloy wheel. I think the previous owner picked it up from a scrap yard or something, definitely used. It turns out the AWD vans from gen 2 have a slight detent in the rear cargo area on the drivers side specifically for this purpose, the tire fits super snug there and takes a little shoe-horning to get it in. When designing the bed frame I just made sure I could still get the tire in and out, and I can!
Hi! Certainly, although I didn't take great scientific data. At one point I took the box and awning off and I gained a pretty consistant 1-2 MPG. I never noticed any wind noise, though I will note that the Thule crossbars were pretty key for the load. I had the roof box on the stock roof crossbars at first, and I would watch it move up and down through my sunroof, it was not ideal. The bigger gas suck is the larger tires, I would seriously consider sticking with these tires in a stock size next time because the drivetrain and gearing is very well engineered for that. The larger tires caused constant downshifting out of overdrive on the highway for slight hills and light passing. The setup as filmed was always about 16-17 mpg, city or highway or mixed.
Thank you! Most of the bed is 76" long. It does slide right up to the microwave, and the fridge overhangs the left side of the bed so that corner is just a bit shorter
Hey, I know you sold the Sienna but do you have any tips for installing the diesel heater? ie. placement, drilling exhaust holes, orientation etc. Pictures of the underside and how you mounted through the floor would be great. Thanks!
Hey!! Totally, it was not too bad. I have some other detailed videos for this sienna build, they may not completely answer your questions but you get a better look at it under the bed. I also have a more recent video where I mount one in my new van on an uneven floor. I hope to build another Sienna in the future and will be sure to detail the diesel heater better because it's pretty commonly asked. Thanks for watching and contributing!
Thank you! I haven't weighed it on a scale but since I lifted everything into the van, I would guess the added weight is approximately equivalent to all the seats I removed plus one or two adult passengers. It's definitely well under the GVWR and it drives and handles great!
Excellent work and great job on video explaining. Can you provide instructions on bed and cabinet with dimensions, I’m will to pay for it. I have a 2013 Sienna.
Hi! Thanks for your feedback! I built this about a year ago, and unfortunately I didn't use any plans or document any of it. I did a lot of imperial measurement, compare this wood to that wood, trial and error, measure once - cut twice type of building. The one thing I remember is that the bed is 47" wide and I use "full" size bedding. It is good to hear that there is a want out there for this system, I will consider deconstructing it and measuring/photographing the structures if I can find the time. Thanks again and cheers!
Thank you so much and yes I see thousands of videos about the conversion and majority are for Sienna and I think 2011-2020 have same inside dimensions. I currently working on step 1 window heat shield/stealth then step 2 will start on flooring which will half between driver/passenger seat about middle way. If you do decide to take it apart bed/cabinets and take dimensions with photos would be great and if you can provide me email ID thank you
I need it this video I have similar van and I’m thinking on doing the he same bed I know I won’t be able to do the rest like heaters cables I’ll have to get an expert ❤
Nice!! Keep an eye out because I filmed a video with a lot more details on how to build the bed and other parts of this van, I'm just editing it and should be ready soon!
Thanks for watching!! There's no bathroom but if I felt the need I would probably get one of those folding portable solutions on the market and store it under the sofa. I haven't measured the length but it's no longer than a normal minivan. The current asking price can be found on craigslist in the Portland area, until it sells!
Man that is very nice man . I am thinking about making me one for kayak 🛶 camping 🏕 . I really like how you have the inside of the van set up especially the bed man. This is Exactly what I need & it has everything i need too. I really like your flip flops 🩴 man . I am a huge huge huge flip-flops 🩴 guy. That's all i wear all year around even in 30° Degrees Temperatures . I have 6 boys & they are just like me we hate shoes & socks . We are barefooted 👣 or wearing flip-flops 🩴 & that's it . Are they Rainbow flip-flops 🩴? Good video buddy thanks you for sharing this video buddy.
@FranklyFilms-g5w Thanks you yes I am a very very good dad . I am very very close with my boys & they are very very close to me too . I am a Truck 🚛 driver & they want to talk to me every night when I am on the road & my wife too . My boys got me a pair of rainbow Leather flip flops 🩴for Father's day because they knew that I was looking for a pair . I am a huge huge huge flip-flops 🩴 guys . That's all I wear all year around even in 30° Degrees Temperatures outside I am wearing my flip flops 🩴. My 6 boys are the same way as me too . We both hate wearing shoes , socks , & boots which I can't fit into Neither one because of how extremely wide my feet 🦶 are . They don't make a shoes for toes that are Evenly straight across that is 6 1/2 inches wide. I saw your Crocs on the floor of the van in between the seat . I like crocs but they will fit me at all . They crush & hurt my 4/5 toes because the toes box area is not wide enough for my toes being Evenly straight across . The flip flops 🩴 are not wide enough too because my toes hang off the footbed of my flip flops 🦶 my because of how my toes are Evenly straight across . I never Thought that having box toes would be so much of a problem growing up .
Nice build, I would be worried about that red wire coming from your starter battery (5 min, 36 seconds), seems over time that piece of aluminum is going to cut through the insulation and give you trouble when it shorts to ground. But overall a really nice setup. How big is your inverter?
Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts! It's hard to see but that wire is actually "touching" wood on the underside of the subfloor, that aluminum trim just covers the face of the wood. I chose to run it through that gap because there was plenty of room under the suspended wood, and there's no flex at that spot to put any pressure the wire. Additionally I'm comfortable with it because that section is fuse-protected, and the aluminum is actually not attached to the chassis (ground). It's definitely something to keep an eye on though! My inverter is 2k watts, pure sine. It runs the microwave or induction cooktop no problem, but not both at the same time. Thanks again Rob!
The ONLY thing I would add: some sort of bug net around the side door. If i had this set up i would love sitting with the door open but would hate the little bugs that inevitably would come in lol
Thank you for watching! That's a great idea and would be perfect for summer camping! I actually van camp almost exclusively in the winter, in summer I'm usually building things at home or backpacking.
Thanks for watching! My awning is made by OVS, but if I were to do it again I'd spend the extra money on a 23zero awning like my friend has. Reach out to Pacific Upfitters if you're in the PNW and they can get you sorted, and they offer install if needed too.
Thanks for watching! Unfortunately there wasn't time to cover more details in this video, but I am currently in the process of making more in-depth videos, and the ventilation system will be included!
Thank you so much! I ordered the fridge from Amazon. The brand is CIGREEN and I got the 24qt model. I just checked and It looks a bit pricey, I think I got it on sale and it might be worth watching it for a while and seeing if the price drops. Cheers!
Thanks for watching! The Redarc BCDC1250 does everything automatically for me. It charges while I drive, then when I stop the engine the car battery is disconnected from the camping system, so even if I were to drain the Java battery, the car would start right up.
I did use plywood with some nice vinyl flooring on top, underneath I used thinner strips of wood to level and support it in low spots because I wanted it to be as low as possible to maximize the vertical space. I think the plywood is flat on the carpet at the rear and raised maybe an inch or so at the front. I also didn't do flooring the whole length because it would have to raise up even further, the flooring stops just under the sofa.
If you haven’t sold your van yet, will you please share the mileage, year and what you are selling it for? Perhaps you said and I missed, sorry if that’s the case. I miss my Sienna so much. She finally gave in after 16 years.
Thank you for watching! It's a 2005 Sienna with about 203k miles. The current asking price and a TON more details can be found on craigslist in the Portland area! 🙂
Hey! Its the OVS 180 awning, should be available most places. I would also look at the 23zero version, a little more expensive but a big jump up in quality as well.
The spare is the same size as the stock tires, but the oversized tires I upgraded to would not fit there, it's pretty tight with the stock size. It's definitely not great to run mismatch so I was planning to go the absolute minimum distance if I ever needed to use it. Cheers and good luck with the build!
Great question! In short, I don't know exactly because I did it at the same time as fitting the larger tires. My gut says the lift had almost 0 impact, and the larger tires were a big gas suck. I averaged 16-17 as shown, and I don't really remember what it was before, because I barely used the van before doing those upgrades.
Thanks for watching, and great question! For the actual combustion of fuel, the heater has a fresh air intake and exhaust on the exterior of the vehicle. The intake is near the left rear wheel, and the exhaust is near the pre-existing engine exhaust, shown in the video at the 1:50 mark.
The bed is 76" long and 47" wide, the L section of the worktop and the drawer fridge overhangs the one side of the bed a bit, making that side a little shorter. I haven't actually measured how much. I'm 6' so I sleep on the full length side as the shorter side is just a bit too short for me.
![The Ultimate Stealth Minivan Camper? Toyota Sienna Camper Conversion [Build #24]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/_0_uc0f6E4g/mqdefault.jpg)
Another example of..
The wisdom of simplicity.
The luxury of efficiency.
Love it!
I like the lift kit cuz them minivans are so low to ground. I got a Saturn minivan in 2020 wanting to build it out liking it was higher off ground. But it ended up being a lemon! I like how this van is & the awning is cool. I love it! Wish I had enough to buy it! Nice 👍✌️
Impressive set up. I like the fact that the van looks stock from outside even though it has a lift and decent size tires.
Thank you!!
I like the way this guy articulate himself very detailed and easy to understand
Thank you!
Well Done
Mon Frere. It looks like i'm a little late to the comment game, but nevertheless what you did with this Toyota Sienna Van, seems Just Right for Ginny-girl
(australian
cattle-dog), & my tiny little life!
🙏🦉
🏞️🎄
Wow! Best van build design I've seen in a long time. Amazing job on this build❤❤❤
Thank you!!
Great build. I really like the fridge.
Thank you!
Really nice. Hope it sold quickly.
Thank you!! It did sell. I like your dog!
That little fridge is awesome!
Amazingly well laid out build!
Love it!!!
Safe travels
Thanks so much!
Really nice! So much thought and attention to detail! Love the battery set-up.
Thank you!
The bed was my favorite part! Nice work 👍
Awesome! Thank you!
First video on yt being this successful is a great sign. Good video. Good build out. Congrats 🔥
Thank you so much! Probably will be a one hit wonder haha 😂
@@FranklyFilms-g5w think only in abundance 💕
Thanks for sharing this! I love seeing what other people have done with their Siennas. I'm going to try to get my video done at some point in the next couple of months. I have a 2022 AWD Hybrid Sienna with the inverter plus a 1500 w Jackery and I lifted mine with the Journey's Offroad 3 inch. Also went with the Falken Wildpeaks and I heard they were good in snow, so it's good to have your confirmation on that. My build was for a solo camper van, so I have a bed, sink, microwave, fridge, Keurig coffee maker, etc. It's 100% reversible, so I kept one of the passenger seats and everything else went into storage. I think someone could change it back in a matter of hours. With the new Siennas, they stopped making spare tires, so I have a full sized spare on the roof and everything else goes in the Cargo Carrier behind the van. I hope your van finds a good home! Those Toyotas will just keep on going. My Prius is currently at 250K and still going strong, and the FJ has 150k. Toyotas FTW! 🙂
Wow that's awesome, thanks for sharing those details! I'd love to watch your tour video once you complete it! Cheers and safe travels!
I like the van build man!! Nice job thinking through the design!!
Couple of safety thoughts:
1. Maybe consider relocating the red wire at 5:45…or put some heavy duty protective tubing around it.
2. I use two CO detectors in my van. They are cheap and could save your life. Diesel heaters can malfunction emitting CO, especially if you modify combustion settings.
Thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts! I responded in more detail to another comment about that particular wire, it's a great observation and something I keep an eye on when I access that area of the van.
I completely agree, and I think everyone should have a CO detector. I had one and I'm actually not sure where it went, I'll probably get a new one for my next build.
Thanks again and cheers!!
Traxda - THANK YOU for that! I've been searching for a lift kit for my older minivan and they make one!
Hope you like it!
Thank you for sharing - love the build - functional & simplicity!
Glad you like it!
We always love seeing what others do in the vans! Happy travels! Thanks for sharing! & Shannon WOY
Thanks for watching!
Excellent job!
Thank you!
I really like this van. You have done a wonderful job. It is well thought out and looks very comfortable. I would like do a bed like this, only half the width. I currently just use a cot. It would be nice to have more room during the day. Thank you for sharing . I would love to see how you made the bed. 😊
Thank you!! I actually just published a video with more details on the bed ☺️
very cool build, super well designed! I see a lot of builds in all types of cars and people just dont take advantage of their space at all
Thank you kindly!
Great build! I love this van.
Thank you!
Awesome build. Good luck with the sale.
Thank you!
This is cool. I enjoyed your van and seeing all the work you put into it!
Thanks so much!
This is the best camper build I have every seen .! You did a great job .i plan on getting a van in the next year and I will be using alot if not all of your ideas .thankyou from N.C.
Thank you so much for the kind words!! I wish the best for your build!!
NICE conversion for comfortable Mobile Travel. Great Job👍👍⬆️
Thank you!
Sure wish I saw this before we bought a van to build out!!!
Thank you!!
I love this. I would probably want to swap the fridge being lower since it’s top access with the microwave. Even just as this is, it’s very comfortable looking and practical. Excellent job.
Thank you for watching! For usability of the appliances I totally agree with you!
In case you or anyone else reading is curious about the way it's set up I'll elaborate; to maximize the small space, the corner of the bed actually ends up under the fridge and the sliding face of it comes right up to the microwave. It all sort of fits together like Tetris. It took a long time of positioning things in different ways to find the solution with a bed that was long enough, and low enough in couch mode since I'm 6' tall.
Thanks again and hope you have a great day!
Nice simple build. Good job .good luck w the sale
Thank you!
Great job,I am going to build my caravan the same,thanks
@@AnthonyKirkham-e6j Thank you! I hope your build goes smoothly!
You did great work on that Sienna. I want to put a lift on mine and build my own rooftop tent.
@@forwimp thank you!! I hope your build goes well!
Really impressed with his build
Thank you!! :)
Very nice build dude.
Awesome and well built van👍👍 exactly what we would like... Awesome awning. I dunno why more ppl use that kind of awning... Thanks for sharing👍
Thank you!
Nice build. I hope you continue to make videos
Thank you!!
Congrats dud nice job, very well laid out, you are also very humble in your delivery. Great job
I appreciate that!
Simple but very effective great job, I’ll be saving this video for future reference thanks bud
Thank you!!
Excellent job! Thanks for sharing your amazing build!
Thank you kindly!
Very nice set up.Love it👍♥️well done.
Greetings from Germany☘️
Thank you! Cheers!
Fantastic build
Thank you!
Your build is now one of my top three out of dozens I've seen. Simple , but really dialed in.Love the layout you chose w access from drivers seat,microwave on the bottom, deep drawer,then fridge w counter above that. Similar thoughts on no sink.Wondering if your front facing sofa is comfortable unlike you said the back position wasn't. Easy set up and break down of bed is great too. Tucking the sheets behind backrest keeps it quick n easy. Thanks for sharing. Lmk if you've sold it already.
Thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts! The sofa is definitely comfortable, that was a must in the design process. I have not sold it yet, it's still posted on craigslist in the Portland area.
Very good job on the build Sir. Cheyenne. Part time van lifer.
Thank you!
Very nice build. Very cozy.
Thank you! 😊
That's a good build sir.
Thank you!
Great van build
Thank you!
Great video. Be sure to do more. 🙂
Thank you so much! We'll see if I can find anything else worth sharing!
Fantastic van build one of the best I've seen , very stylish.do you do van conversion for a living ? You should .
Thank you! I don't, but I would consider it.
Freaking awesome and inspiring
Thank you!
Very nice Bill, I wish I knew enough to put in a diesel heater. I prefer winter camping and usually use a Mr. buddy with a 1 gallon propane. Not the best solution, but I am careful and have appropriate alarms. You’ve made it very roomy.
@@jessys9868 thank you!!
@@FranklyFilms-g5w I'm going to look for your video about bed... would love one about diesel heater if you don't have one yet! Such a great build, looks like inspired by Eric Loves Earth. Having those bed supports shorter a great mod which I want to do. I got a 1998 Sienna this summer, camped "no build" in Sept but definitely building it this winter. My coonhound and I are both always chilled after we get wet (live on Vancouver Island rainforest, haha) so I really want a safe heating option and it seems the diesel heater is the best way to achieve it. Thanks for putting out these videos!
@@wendyanderson8169 Thank you for the lovely comment!! I'm glad to hear you are doing a build out, funny enough I am actually exploring Vancouver Island as I write this, and will be heading home back to Oregon in a week or so. I do have a video with more detail of the bed, its the third video I uploaded to RUclips. I also now have a video with part of the installation of a diesel heater on my new van, but it's really just about mounting the unit on the floor. Best of luck in your build and cheers! :)
Couple comments on your nice build:
- looks like you have a few inches above your head when sitting on bed, suggest you make bed legs a little taller
- after doing above, suggest getting plastic containers for storage that slide under bed, great storage space.
- perhaps the best mod for a minivan camper would be a front pass seat that swivels rearward, to bad there are no swivels for minivans ;-((.
Thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts!! Alas, I've searched far and wide for a swivel, it would really be a game changer.
Love it!! Looks comfy ❤
Thank you!
LOVED YOUR VIDEO. Food for Thought.
If you ever created a comprehensive list with all the detailed information of the equipment & gear you used to create this build, you can probably sell a PDF file of it online or just give it away as free knowledge.
It is a truly impressive build.
You could just list the brand names/models and where you purchased them.
Others would then be able to formulate a means of how to install them.
Figuring out spacing is everything when it comes to these builds and you've already did the hard work in that regards.
Even if you added that information into a comment and pinned it to the top, it would be beneficial to many others.
Another thought would be to recreate the build method and sell that as a HOW TO video or something.
Anyhow, thanks for this information and it was inspiring!
Woah thank you so much for this thoughtful comment, and great ideas!
This is nice af
Thank you!!
Very nice set up😊
Glad you like it!
beautiful work.
Thank you! Cheers!
Good work! I like the drawer-style fridge. How long is your bed? Two good small appliances for non-propane setups are a 700w air fryer and a 200w rice cooker, the smallest I could find and worth the space they take up.
Thank you!! I think the bed is just over 6'. I may do another video deconstructing the build and specifying the dimensions since it's been requested.
Those are good ideas for cooking too!
This is what I want! Perfection! I am a bit cramp in my Prius 😆
@@julietathenomadartist Thank you for the praise!! There's more details on Craigslist in the Portland area ☺️
Awesome Setup
Thank you!
Awesome design! Can you make sketches of your layout and sell as a digital download?
Thank you for your feedback, I will definitely consider it!
Great build! Just curious how you fitted the spare tire to the trunk? What is your spare tire sizes? Thanks ❤
Thank you! The van came with the spare tire when I bought it, it's the full factory tire size on a matching alloy wheel. I think the previous owner picked it up from a scrap yard or something, definitely used. It turns out the AWD vans from gen 2 have a slight detent in the rear cargo area on the drivers side specifically for this purpose, the tire fits super snug there and takes a little shoe-horning to get it in. When designing the bed frame I just made sure I could still get the tire in and out, and I can!
Sweet nice ❤ thank you 🙏 for sharing.
Thank you!
Sweeeettttt set up 🤙🏼
Thank you!!
Great Build
Thank you!
Can you share the impact on fuel economy from the cargo box and awning? Also, do you get wind noise from the awning.
Hi! Certainly, although I didn't take great scientific data. At one point I took the box and awning off and I gained a pretty consistant 1-2 MPG. I never noticed any wind noise, though I will note that the Thule crossbars were pretty key for the load. I had the roof box on the stock roof crossbars at first, and I would watch it move up and down through my sunroof, it was not ideal.
The bigger gas suck is the larger tires, I would seriously consider sticking with these tires in a stock size next time because the drivetrain and gearing is very well engineered for that. The larger tires caused constant downshifting out of overdrive on the highway for slight hills and light passing. The setup as filmed was always about 16-17 mpg, city or highway or mixed.
Amazing design! How long is your bed. It's seems like your microwave & the stack on top of it would lessen the length quite a bit!
Thank you! Most of the bed is 76" long. It does slide right up to the microwave, and the fridge overhangs the left side of the bed so that corner is just a bit shorter
nice set up👍
Thank you!
Hey, I know you sold the Sienna but do you have any tips for installing the diesel heater? ie. placement, drilling exhaust holes, orientation etc. Pictures of the underside and how you mounted through the floor would be great.
Thanks!
Hey!! Totally, it was not too bad. I have some other detailed videos for this sienna build, they may not completely answer your questions but you get a better look at it under the bed. I also have a more recent video where I mount one in my new van on an uneven floor. I hope to build another Sienna in the future and will be sure to detail the diesel heater better because it's pretty commonly asked. Thanks for watching and contributing!
Great job bro
Thank you so much 😀
Nice build! Just curious, what’s your cargo weight running with the build?
Thank you! I haven't weighed it on a scale but since I lifted everything into the van, I would guess the added weight is approximately equivalent to all the seats I removed plus one or two adult passengers.
It's definitely well under the GVWR and it drives and handles great!
Excellent work and great job on video explaining. Can you provide instructions on bed and cabinet with dimensions, I’m will to pay for it. I have a 2013 Sienna.
Hi! Thanks for your feedback! I built this about a year ago, and unfortunately I didn't use any plans or document any of it. I did a lot of imperial measurement, compare this wood to that wood, trial and error, measure once - cut twice type of building. The one thing I remember is that the bed is 47" wide and I use "full" size bedding.
It is good to hear that there is a want out there for this system, I will consider deconstructing it and measuring/photographing the structures if I can find the time.
Thanks again and cheers!
Thank you so much and yes I see thousands of videos about the conversion and majority are for Sienna and I think 2011-2020 have same inside dimensions. I currently working on step 1 window heat shield/stealth then step 2 will start on flooring which will half between driver/passenger seat about middle way. If you do decide to take it apart bed/cabinets and take dimensions with photos would be great and if you can provide me email ID thank you
Great design. Very minimal but everything a camper needs.
What brand is Heater and fridge?
I need it this video I have similar van and I’m thinking on doing the he same bed I know I won’t be able to do the rest like heaters cables I’ll have to get an expert ❤
Nice!! Keep an eye out because I filmed a video with a lot more details on how to build the bed and other parts of this van, I'm just editing it and should be ready soon!
Love it.thanks 😊
Thank you!
Nice video and layout. Not sure if u said it or not but how much r u asking, how long is van, and any bathroom?
Thanks for watching!! There's no bathroom but if I felt the need I would probably get one of those folding portable solutions on the market and store it under the sofa. I haven't measured the length but it's no longer than a normal minivan. The current asking price can be found on craigslist in the Portland area, until it sells!
Man that is very nice man . I am thinking about making me one for kayak 🛶 camping 🏕 . I really like how you have the inside of the van set up especially the bed man. This is Exactly what I need & it has everything i need too. I really like your flip flops 🩴 man . I am a huge huge huge flip-flops 🩴 guy. That's all i wear all year around even in 30° Degrees Temperatures . I have 6 boys & they are just like me we hate shoes & socks . We are barefooted 👣 or wearing flip-flops 🩴 & that's it . Are they Rainbow flip-flops 🩴? Good video buddy thanks you for sharing this video buddy.
Thank you! That's awesome and you seem like a great dad. Yes they are Rainbows! But when it's cold I switch to Crocs with socks 😊
@FranklyFilms-g5w Thanks you yes I am a very very good dad . I am very very close with my boys & they are very very close to me too . I am a Truck 🚛 driver & they want to talk to me every night when I am on the road & my wife too . My boys got me a pair of rainbow Leather flip flops 🩴for Father's day because they knew that I was looking for a pair . I am a huge huge huge flip-flops 🩴 guys . That's all I wear all year around even in 30° Degrees Temperatures outside I am wearing my flip flops 🩴. My 6 boys are the same way as me too . We both hate wearing shoes , socks , & boots which I can't fit into Neither one because of how extremely wide my feet 🦶 are . They don't make a shoes for toes that are Evenly straight across that is 6 1/2 inches wide. I saw your Crocs on the floor of the van in between the seat . I like crocs but they will fit me at all . They crush & hurt my 4/5 toes because the toes box area is not wide enough for my toes being Evenly straight across . The flip flops 🩴 are not wide enough too because my toes hang off the footbed of my flip flops 🦶 my because of how my toes are Evenly straight across . I never Thought that having box toes would be so much of a problem growing up .
Nice build, I would be worried about that red wire coming from your starter battery (5 min, 36 seconds), seems over time that piece of aluminum is going to cut through the insulation and give you trouble when it shorts to ground. But overall a really nice setup. How big is your inverter?
Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts! It's hard to see but that wire is actually "touching" wood on the underside of the subfloor, that aluminum trim just covers the face of the wood. I chose to run it through that gap because there was plenty of room under the suspended wood, and there's no flex at that spot to put any pressure the wire. Additionally I'm comfortable with it because that section is fuse-protected, and the aluminum is actually not attached to the chassis (ground). It's definitely something to keep an eye on though!
My inverter is 2k watts, pure sine. It runs the microwave or induction cooktop no problem, but not both at the same time. Thanks again Rob!
Do you custom build for living...nice job
Thank you for the compliment!!
It's not a full time job and I've only ever built my own campers, but I would be down to take requests.
The ONLY thing I would add: some sort of bug net around the side door. If i had this set up i would love sitting with the door open but would hate the little bugs that inevitably would come in lol
Thank you for watching!
That's a great idea and would be perfect for summer camping! I actually van camp almost exclusively in the winter, in summer I'm usually building things at home or backpacking.
Did you mention the awning brand? I have never seen one like this?
Thanks for watching! My awning is made by OVS, but if I were to do it again I'd spend the extra money on a 23zero awning like my friend has. Reach out to Pacific Upfitters if you're in the PNW and they can get you sorted, and they offer install if needed too.
Ventilation design, I missed that. How does it work?
Thanks for watching! Unfortunately there wasn't time to cover more details in this video, but I am currently in the process of making more in-depth videos, and the ventilation system will be included!
Nice build. I’m interested in the fridge source. I looked thru the listing as well as comments- can you say what type it is? Thanks.
Thank you so much! I ordered the fridge from Amazon. The brand is CIGREEN and I got the 24qt model. I just checked and It looks a bit pricey, I think I got it on sale and it might be worth watching it for a while and seeing if the price drops.
Cheers!
Thank you. 🙏🇺🇸
Thank you!
When you stop your van engine. Then you start using power from Java energy and car battery? Or do you have car battery disconnect switch?
Thanks for watching! The Redarc BCDC1250 does everything automatically for me. It charges while I drive, then when I stop the engine the car battery is disconnected from the camping system, so even if I were to drain the Java battery, the car would start right up.
Did you use 2x4’s in the floor to level then plywood and vinyl on top?
I did use plywood with some nice vinyl flooring on top, underneath I used thinner strips of wood to level and support it in low spots because I wanted it to be as low as possible to maximize the vertical space. I think the plywood is flat on the carpet at the rear and raised maybe an inch or so at the front. I also didn't do flooring the whole length because it would have to raise up even further, the flooring stops just under the sofa.
Please do a on your bed build. ❤
Thank you I will consider it!
@@FranklyFilms-g5wI would have loved to see the interior building process. Especially the way you constructed the bed.
If you haven’t sold your van yet, will you please share the mileage, year and what you are selling it for? Perhaps you said and I missed, sorry if that’s the case. I miss my Sienna so much. She finally gave in after 16 years.
Thank you for watching! It's a 2005 Sienna with about 203k miles. The current asking price and a TON more details can be found on craigslist in the Portland area! 🙂
@@FranklyFilms-g5w - Thank you!
Nice build! How much did that cost?
Thank you!! Unfortunately I didn't really document any costs, but as a ballpark I'd say more than $2k and less than $7k. Cheers!!
What's the name of the awning you have there. I'm interested to know
Hey! Its the OVS 180 awning, should be available most places. I would also look at the 23zero version, a little more expensive but a big jump up in quality as well.
so is that spare tire the same size as the van tires? i have an awd trying to figure out a spare for it.
The spare is the same size as the stock tires, but the oversized tires I upgraded to would not fit there, it's pretty tight with the stock size. It's definitely not great to run mismatch so I was planning to go the absolute minimum distance if I ever needed to use it. Cheers and good luck with the build!
Very nice. What year is it?
Thank you! It's a 2005
Where did you get the electric cooler?
Thanks for commenting! I purchased it on Amazon when it was on a steep discount sale
Not gonna lie the microwave on the floor is weird lol. However the rest looks incredible and so practical!
Thank you for watching! I totally agree haha but there's no where else for it so oh well 🙃
Looked on Marketplace and couldn’t find van for sale
Thanks for watching! It's currently listed only on Craigslist in the Portland area.
Nice
Thank you!
What is the awning?
Its the OVS 180 awning, I love it!
how much did the lift impact fuel mileage?
Great question! In short, I don't know exactly because I did it at the same time as fitting the larger tires. My gut says the lift had almost 0 impact, and the larger tires were a big gas suck. I averaged 16-17 as shown, and I don't really remember what it was before, because I barely used the van before doing those upgrades.
Are you upgrading to a different vehicle?
Thanks for watching! Yes, I decided I really want to travel with my motorcycle on a hitch rack so I'll be building out a Chevy Express AWD.
Is this available for sale ?
@@janetli6700 thanks for watching!! Yes, it is back up for sale on Craigslist in the Portland area.
I like to see that’s available for sale
It's sold now, but thank you!
@@FranklyFilms-g5w you’re welcome if I ever convert my van I’ll like to do it like yours 💕
where to release waste gas of diesel heater?
Thanks for watching, and great question! For the actual combustion of fuel, the heater has a fresh air intake and exhaust on the exterior of the vehicle. The intake is near the left rear wheel, and the exhaust is near the pre-existing engine exhaust, shown in the video at the 1:50 mark.
@@FranklyFilms-g5w thanks your explanation, like this little heater.
What are the dimensions for the bed?
Great question! It's 47" wide and 76" long. The cushions are 4" thick.
Thank you!
what's the dimensions on the mattress?
The bed is 76" long and 47" wide, the L section of the worktop and the drawer fridge overhangs the one side of the bed a bit, making that side a little shorter. I haven't actually measured how much. I'm 6' so I sleep on the full length side as the shorter side is just a bit too short for me.