Minivan Camper Tour | No-build Convertible Sofa-Bed, Two Modes, Bike & Gear Tips | Full-time 3+yrs
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- Опубликовано: 2 окт 2024
- Today I take you on a tour of my 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan Camper Conversion. I've lived in the van for over three years now but only built it out one year ago (winter 2020-21). I kept everything as simple as I could to keep cost down and because I lived in the van while building it out! I'm a photographer/videographer and prioritized a workstation for editing and using what I already had, namely my climbing crash-pad as the sofa-bed.
I'd love to hear from you! Feel free to leave any questions or feedback in the comments below. Take care!
-Kodak
*Gear Used*
Vacuum: amzn.to/3ru4C43
Drill: amzn.to/3ruJF9p
Bed: amzn.to/33ILVSj
Mattress: amzn.to/3IgQL8m
Battery: amzn.to/34PoKWM
Backup Battery: amzn.to/3Kixk0C
Solar Panel: amzn.to/3I86fLA
*Camera Gear Used*
Camera: amzn.to/2WddQWz
Wide Lens: amzn.to/3B60uKK
Telephoto Lens: amzn.to/2W86Drn
Microphone: amzn.to/3AZvMDh
Tripod: amzn.to/2Wizucr
Peak Designs Clip: amzn.to/3y9vLef
DISCLAIMER: Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you! Thank you for supporting my channel so I can continue to provide you with free content each week!
#Vanlife
Here's a word of advice, if you know what area you're going to go to for your parking go to Harbor Freight and get a big round magnet and attach it to the end of a mop handle or a stick or whatever. Then walk your area before you pull your van in and that magnet will pick up every nail screw or metal that's there.
That is an incredible idea, thanks for sharing.
I will add that one to my list, thanks
Thanks, that is so helpful.
Yes we did that all the time growing up. Some farmers hang a bar magnet on the rear bumper of the pickup truck to pick up nails on the go... Real pain in the butt, all my flat tires usually from a nail or screw...
@@alanschaller5869 We have always done this! Getting a flat on a livestock trailer full of moo cows on a 100° day is an experience to be avoided.
OMG!!! This was like watching the small clown car at the circus when like 40 clowns just keep coming out of the little car! 🤣. I am not trying to be mean - I was just completely amazed at all the stuff you have squirreled in there. You seem to have everything you need and are really enjoying your life! Kudos! Thank you for giving us a tour. I really like your no build build👍🏻👍🏻 Enjoy! 👍🏻🌞🚙🏞
Hahahaha that’s exactly the feel i was going for 🤣 and what my life feels like sometimes!
Thanks for this video Ryan. I am a senior trying to live on $883 a month. I sold my stuff and have been looking for a proper vehicle to go camping in. I have been reluctant to get a Caravan. But your experience has sparked my interest in them again. 😊
No problem. Caravans are a great option. The transmissions in them aren't the best so have that looked at, but otherwise great value for the money and still a lot of room to work with. Good luck!
I have one and I wouldn’t trade it for the world because the more you have the more stress that can go along with it! Happy van living
I have a 2012. Love it. Do check your transmission prior to purchase. I’ve never had an issue. I do use full synthetic oil.
Me toooo! Almost word for word. ❤ it seems a bit scary for me with so little income and trying to figure out how I'm even going to find a van but also excited to try this life and meet other senior friends.
I'm suspecting that plugin hybrids and EV's could be an option, about 76% of publicly accessible charging stations are free level 2 EVSE's at hotels, restaurants, and department store parking lots such as Walmart. Being plugged in means the DC to DC charge system that recharged your 12v from the high voltage batteries would basically be running of the charger power and should not deplete and also the vehicles heating or AC could just effectively run off the plug power. Besides no one can blame you for being parked a long time at a level 2 charging station. I did see some new EVSE's at shopping center parking lots with card RFID readers so it looks like the property management are now outsourcing the EVSE's to third parties so the free power situation might not last much longer but even paying for an overnight stay at a paid parking lot with level 2 EVSE's that have no billing mechanism might be worth it and as those paid parking lots with level 2 EVSE's are often heated downtown parking lots, staying overnight at one while plugged in, might be a good choice if the temperatures hit minus 30 Celsius overnight. Somehow, I think the high roof cargo vans might have a problem getting into these heated garages especially if solar panels were installed but the usual cross over SUV or Prius should be good.
Hi Ryan the best thing for the toilet is pine pellets you can get them at any pet store and they don’t smell at all I mean smells like pine like you are in the woods. It’s lighter than cat litter. It was a great tip from this other van lady. Great videos ! Thank you 🙏
Thanks for the tip! ✌️
Better than a hole in the ground?
Save this for my reference , I am going to purchase a minivan and build up on it for camping. To be a snowbird, I live in British Columbia from April to November and travel down south like Southern California for winter. Thank u for sharing
That’s awesome. It’s such a good way to travel and escape winter especially. I’d recommend Arizona as well. It’s a great place to be this time of year.
His girlfriends moving in! I love it! The greedy landlord can kick rocks!
That's right! 😉
I have the same van. The wife and I camped in the N.C. mountains. We used a select comfort full size mattress. it stows easily. We had a great time. Thanks for the vids.
Thanks for sharing!
Enjoy Belgium. One of our exchange children( he is a young adult now) is from there. Love your build. We ended up purchasing a 1995 full sized camper van. My husband really needs to be able to stand up. We are older though, and can afford the gas. Thank you for another great video.
That’s awesome. My mom hosted exchange students as well, most of them were from the Middle East. Enjoy the camper van and safe travels! ✌️
That is a genius idea to keep the cat litter in the bottom of the bucket, I'd figured I would store the roll of bags there but it had never occurred to me to keep the cat litter there too!
Hey kodak, looks like you're still doing good and living the dream! Have fun in Belgium! Take care.
Belgium was awesome and it was great seeing my brother who lives in Germany as well. Thanks Buddy!!!!
This is a fantastic video! Very comprehensive. Can't wait to see more from you. I bought a Town and Country last fall and this spring I will be doing a "no boild" so me and my two pugs can go camping around our province. I love how you have a place for everything. Very nicely organized.
Thanks! That’s awesome, I wish you and the Pugs the best out there!
@@RyanKodakBrown thanks, you as well Ryan, safe travels.
Great video, I have a caravan also and love it, Soo much room, stay safe my friend!
Thanks, you too!
New sub from the other side of the globe. I love the set up, it is less costly. 👍👍
Great job with space. Looks comfy.
Thank you! It feels comfy too
Wow, great video, so much content in just a few minutes. Thanks for sharing.
You have a lot going in the van. Great job. I enjoyed watching.
Ryan new subscriber. I must say out of all the van lifer videos i have watched, you are my new favorite. I don't want the expensive build and you nail everything in this video. Outstanding!!!
Thank you! I’m glad you’re enjoying the videos! 😊
Loved the tour…lots of great ideas!
Thank you! Glad you got something from my rambling 😊
I think you were able to put huge amount of stuff in your van 👍. May you and your girlfriend have many of wonderful memories together.
Have you ever tried any of the caned meats. I keep a can of corn beef hash on hand when i want something more than beans and rice to eat.
I have and used to eat a lot of canned chicken and fish like tuna and salmon. I stopped eating canned fish because I worry about heavy metals (I was eating a packet of tuna a day on trails) and the meats just scare me now 😅. I avoid processed foods as much as possible. Gotta say though, corn beef hash is SOO good! 🤤
like ur setup kool👍 safe travels ✌️
Thank you! ✌️
Kodak, what STATE is that where you filmed this. I loved the night sky with so many stars!
I'm pretty much done with my SUV.
Just a few more purchases. Took out the back seats.
The cool thing is, I REALLY like sleeping and camping in it. I share your thinking of living free. You are Extremely Inspiring!!!
Thanks man! That's awesome! Good luck out there and safe travels.
That was Arizona with the Superstition Mountains in the background.
How much stuff? HotLogic mini for cooking. 12 volt heated blanket for comfort. Camp mat on the floor with black soft blanket hides everything
I love this van... you need such a great job..and very cute too... your girlfriend is lucky
Saw ur video a year ago and was impressed with bikes in the van. Now, again, impressed. Subscribed.
Awesome, thank you!
I’m so inspired💙🛐🙏👆🏻thank you.
I can see that you put a lot of thought into your minivan and made it work for you. I bet it’s a great feeling. One thing tho, I kinda cringed when i saw you make the reflectic coverings bc that’s exactly what I did. It might work now, but it’s going to deteriorate and sticky when the adhesive start to melt under hot sunlight in the summer. Having a insulating and VERY well fitting cover is just better in the long run imho.
I found this vid and it’s what I plan on doing in the future when i get a new minivan ruclips.net/video/NUvz1XcEe20/видео.html
It really is a good feeling. Suprisingly, they’ve held up great even baking in the sun for over a year now. There was a “break-in” period with some “off-gassing” that required some ventialtion for a week or so but, otherwise, are the same as the day I made them. I wonder if it’s because I used Gorilla Tape?
Very cool and personalized set up! I enjoyed watching it come along over the last year or so! Let me know if you are ever out in the Yosemite CA area! 🤙 Keep em' rollin!
Thanks man! Will do!
I am watching your video and following in your footsteps! You are doing exactly what I want to do and in the works of making it happen! I've almost got everything in my apartment sold and ready to hit the road! You have been a great inspiration!!! Thank you
That’s amazing and I’m so excited for you! I wish you the best of luck and happy trails!
I appreciate the kind words, thank you 😊
I'm glad I found your channel. I have been considering living in my van for a while now. I like the build you have. My question is, where do you store the seats you removed? I'd want to have them available in case I needed to sell the van at some point.
Hey! I hear you. I stored them in a friend's shed for the same reason. Although, a built camper van may sell for more... Good luck with the build and happy trails!
@@RyanKodakBrown That's a good point! Unless I can directly transfer the build to a new van, I will consider that option!
Nice set up! I’m living in a Prius… it’s about 2 weeks now full time living in this car. I’m still getting the hang of living in a vehicle but I’m still glad I moved into my Prius. 👍
That’s awesome. Best of luck out there!!!
@@RyanKodakBrown thanks Ryan! 😊
It tough when you lived in a van,cause prepared food not normal what you eat of course when you hungry all taste good,summer hot and winter cold unless you have lot of money and buy a fancy RV otherwise straggling for lifestyle.
I luv this video. Ive never seen this much items packed in a van before. Thank you for your time. Just keep on keepin on. Enjoy your travels. Please do more videos. Im kinda a minimalist. I love the van life a nomadic lifestyle. Im a namad wannabe. C ant afford it. No computer experience. The pandemic took all the savings we had. Not all that much tho. Cant even go on a picnic. Cant camp out or sleep in the car at this apt. We live at. Sept. 1st. This yr. If the rent goes up. We are homeless. We have a subcompact car. It has a 3 cyl. Engine and 4 drs. It gets us around town. A 2019 mitsubishi g.4. We need to get in a caravan group. Cant get out of town. Not traveled. The biggest problem is my husband. He doesnt want to do anything i want do. Its his way or not at all. I dont know what to say to him anymore. Im lost for words. I told him. Better start practicing for a nomadic lifestyle. We cant pay anymore higher rent. We eat out of can goods. We go and eat whataburgers for fresh meat. Chicken and beef. Plus its a good meal to. Groceries is going up. Resturants is at least 3.00 more now. 2. 21.22. I luv to cook on the grill. We are on med. Low income. But the rent is already half my check. My husband is a apt. Painter. Maint. Absolutely nobody is hiring here in town. Contracted or hourly. Im retired. We are 75 yrs. Old. Good health. He hasnt worked in 3 yrs. Now. Thank you for your time. Keep those videos running.
Hi Jan. Thank you for sharing and I wish you the best of luck with everything. I’m working on the next series of videos now 👍. What kind are your favorite to watch?
@@RyanKodakBrown hi ryan. Thank you for your reply. I like everything. They have such a special meaning. I guess one would be interviewing travelers and showing there arrangements as you just did. Im a nomad wannabe. Im in the same boat as a lot of people are in. The nomad life is so wonderful. Meeting good people. Also the freedom and peace of mind. Being our own boss. Camping.picnic. cruzing around sight seeing. Work on the road. How fantastic. We all face challenges periodically anyway. Car troubles to. The best part is wherever we go. We have our home with us. Have a flat. Our home is with us. No motels or taxi cabs to call. Expensive. And can save money to. We might be homeless but not houseless. How wonderful is that. Staying on a budget is important. I love these videos. I feel so good watching them. And how people realize the nomad is a wonderful different kind of life. Also a new life for happiness and joy. It might not be for some people. But at least try it out part time. Sleep in the vehicle in the driveway. Practice. Picnic at a nice park. All this before you decide not to do it or actually do it. Pack up the kids and just do it. Talk about camping. Get good ideas. Take a vacation. Or do it on weekends. With kids wait until school is out. On weekends if you have a house picnic in the back yard as if you was traveling. Enjoy the freedom and happiness. Love you all. Jan from texas. Oh. My problem is. My husband is hardheaded and dont want to do anything i want to. He has been out of work 6 mo. Before the pandrmic. My soc.sec. ckeck is medium small. Gotta pay some bills. Bad credit from the pandemic. Thank you all. And ryan to.
Can’t believe you have soooo much stuff jammed in your Van Ryan. You are worse than a woman and will have to cull a bit to fit your girlfriend in! 🤣 Loved your very detailed video and loved your cooking too. 👍🏼 Thanks for sharing.
Culled a few things and added a roof box. It's still small for two, but we make it work. Thanks for watching ✌️
Great video! Do you have a video on what you take with backpacking? For example food and products. Many blessings🌸
thanks! not yet but I’ll publish one sometime soon. we’re out backpacking the Great Divide right now. ✌️🥾
Saguaro NP? 💜I used to travel in my SUV, totally stealth, but now I live in a van #vandoodle, which is covered in doodles💜nice to see how you roll, nice rig, I dig
Very close to Saguaro, little further north near Superstitions! That's awesome, thanks!
I loved your video! I have a 2012 Town and Country minivan and I was wondering what size and brand of tires you put on yours I am interested in getting as big a tire as I can fit without modifications?
I'm not sure and I'm en route to Europe. I just asked them at Discount Tire. Just beware they don't put too heavy a tire or it will eat your gas milage! The first person I talked to didn't know what they were doing and recommended a truck tire 🤷♂️. Maybe get a second opinion from someone!
"Block ice is the way to go". Yes I agree, but unfortunately its hard to find anymore, at least where I live in the Northeast.
Yeah, it's not all that easy to find anywhere, unfortunately.
You’re a cool dude muh bro. See you on the open road.
I have a Toyota & I find that just turning the heat on for a few min at nite In the The winter works if I have a good down bag & some fleece blankets, very warm & toasty to sleep. Then make coffee w the windows cracked in the morning & wala! I'm warm.
Yeah, that's probably the best for small campers like minivans. Even just burning the stove for a bit before bed, making tea or something!
Love your energy and your setup is genius! I like your shade sail, please post a link to it, and if not available, what is the size of it?
Thank you! I used this one for a while but it's not the most durable: alnk.to/28NK7RH Great coverage though and lots of tie-outs for versatility.
I think it's about 12'x12' . My green tarp is an old equinox, I think? Found it at a thrift store.
See you had a Exped mat before your current bed. Curious why you switched?
The Exped is SUPER comfy but I wanted something that could convert into a couch and the crash pad works really well for this.
I am new to your channel. Loved this video. Thanks for sharing your life experiences. My first thought was "holy moly, he has so much packed in to this van"! We were full time RVers for several years. We were ultra careful about how much packed weight we had and we were in a 37' Class A. You are having a wonderful life adventure and I am so happy for you. Now that we are more knowledgeable about being on the road full time my philosophy is DO IT WHILE YOU ARE YOUNG!!! We are now 71, decided to go back to a stick house but still have an RV (5th wheel). Seeing our great country, from the road, makes us happy. I wish you safe travels and happy times.
That's amazing and thank you! "Do it while you're young" is the best advice ever. Wish I had started even sooner!
I think I compensated for years of backpacking and Bikepacking (ultra-minimalism there) with the van! Hahaha, finally a little space of my own and I filled it to the brim 😂 I'm happy for you guys, too, and that you've found a beautiful balance with travel and the comfort of a home. Take care and happy trails!
Very nice, gave me few ideas
What is your laptop table called? Trying to find one like that.
Its a TV tray from walmart
Yep to all of it. I am def leaning towards a semi no build or a partial build. Your space back there looks huge bro. How is that a twin mattress? I have an Ikea twin memory foam mattress and it leave maybe 10 inches space on one side. I also have the roof bike rack by Thule and its a real chore getting it up there, But I could be comfortable leaving it up there. Thanks for the thorough walk through and safe travels!
Hahaha, it does feel surprisingly roomy in there and I’d say there is about ten inches of room with the mattress. I usually keep it centered.
Thank you and good luck with the build!
Cool setup. Stay away from the hard core druggies and you will do well.
U carry a lot n ur van. Thats great-well organized.
Hey now! It’s not that much stuff! I mean, it’s everything I own and a only just a little more than I truly need but very few possessions comparatively!!! Hahaha, jk. I’ve acquired a lot in the last two years. All my stuff used to fit in bike panniers before I got the van 🤷🏼♂️
You might find the Camco Wave 3 a more efficient heat source.
I think im bailing this winter but ill look into it just in case. Thanks dor the tip ✌️
omg i thought i over pack on supplies you have beaten me love it!!!
4 years of accumulation....
get a cordless impact wrench and get a impact socket fits your lugnuts
just incase you can get one at pawn shop i really love your videos
Thank you ✌️
*I think I would make a 'one-time' investment in A PISTOL rather than become 'road detritus'*
( *My obsession with bicycles ended when was around 11 or so...then it became females* )
Actually, I do own firearms. I grew up shooting, was even a nationally ranked archer (olympic recurve). I don’t travel with them though and haven’t even seen ‘em for years. My dad stores them for me in his safe. (Thanks dad!) As for becoming road detritus!!!!, I rarely ride pavement these days. I stick to single-track and forest service roads. ✌️
@@RyanKodakBrown *I don't need to see at all for my intended target...with the barrel in my MOUTH it would be exceedingly difficult to miss!*
____________
*That is far better than 'driving to see more dirt than I saw the previous mile'*
( *It has been my experience in a life of close to 68-yrs. that it is not possible to escape from 'yourself' by any mechanism including bicycles* )
____________
*I assume 'Sarcasm' is not your 'strong suit' from your reply...i.e. I would rather 'check-out' than simply 'roll down roads' in the same manner as 'wind-blown detritus' of my own volition...I spent 2-years+ living on the street and have NO desire to leave my house to 'sleep in a car' at Walmart*
*To me this means one of 3-things*
*'Running away' from being a grown-up...being homeless...or simply 'giving-up'*
Do you have links for the bed set up????
Hey.
Here's the crash pad: bit.ly/3uBoAeR
I don't have a link to the mattress but it's a 3" Memory foam by Tempur-Pedic. I found it on sale for around $100 (Bed, Bath, Beyond price matched it for me) but I can't find it now for under $300!
I would look for something similar to this: amzn.to/3DlyXaP
You could compare weights for an idea of the density, how supportive it would be.
Your build is really awesome. I do have a question, do you leave your window shades in all the time? I would like to have mine on full time in my sienna build but I am a little concerned about visibility on the freeway and backing up. And what insurance would say if something happened. But I like how you have it set up it's really cozy looking.
Thanks man! I leave the rear one in all the time, even use a thin metal rod to help hold it in place, but almost always remove the side shades for the reasons you mention. It reduces visibility way too much to feel safe. I’m okay with the rear one though, drove enough dump trucks and whatnot that the side mirrors are enough for me. It would be nice though!
@@RyanKodakBrown Thank you!! That's good to know. Good luck with your travels!
No problem! Good luck with yours as well!!!
I know I'm a year behind in chiming in, but for what it's worth: I find that the small windows in the back of minivans and SUVs are so small you can't really see out of them from the front because of the angle. I've covered my back windows permanently.
If you wanted to do the side windows, I'm not really sure how insurance companies could balk at that... One of the reasons I've been hesitant to get a mini cargo van is because most of them have no windows at all in the back. They don't even bother installing rear view mirrors because there's nothing to see lol
For myself, I plan to cover up the window behind the driver's seat because there's very little I can see out of it when I do a shoulder check anyway. I plan to leave the rear passenger side and the back window clear, though.
This video is saved and greatly appreciated. I’m rewatching how you constructed the floor. Awesome content.
Glad it was helpful!
dude.. amazing video! loveee it!
Thank you!
Love your dodge man! I bet that stow and go storage underneath the floor would come in so handy. I have a 2001 Ford Windstar that I mostly have just taken out on the weekends. I'm telling you taking out your passenger seat will change your life. Lol there is so much more room. I noticed a lot of people don't do it. They may want to keep that extra passenger there just in case you ever need it. But I definitely took mine out. I thought all that extra space was so worth it. Do you like to go on any hikes or do mountain climbing? If you're ever in the Utah area you should let me know. I would love to meet up with some more van people!
Thanks man! My dad had an extended Aerostar growing up. Damn did I love that thing! I tried finding one but they were all so old… oh well.
If I removed the passenger seat my life would change, my gf would have nowhere to sit and wouldn’t be very happy! 😉
I love hiking and climbing mountains and definitely plan to spend more time in Utah. It’s such a playground for people like us!!!
“Your mileage may vary, maybe I’ll cut that part out.” Nice! LOL…
Ive got a 2019 Dodge Caravan. I removed all my rear seats & in the very back with seats removed is where I'm installing a diesel heater & 3,000 watt 40 pound propane electric start Honda generator which will fit nicely in the recessed floor. An upright pedestal-portable style a/c unit 8,000 btu is what I'll have running off the generator. Both the exhaust runs from generator & heater will be ran from the back to front door left side at 12 feet so that any exhaust noise will be street side because I mostly park Intercity next to sidewalk / curside. Other than that I'm not gonna alter the inside vehicle. Don't want a solar panel either.
Well done, I can't believe how much you can for in a minivan. Happy travelling
😀👍🌺🌻🦋🍀🍁 it's amazing how much you have in the Van!!!! Safe Happy Trails.
Hahaha, amazing and perhaps a little embarrassing 😅🙈. Happy trails!!! ✌️
Note that the chemicals used as electro chemical detectors in carbon monoxide detectors are permanently damaged by below freezing temperatures so you don't want to leave it overnight in a cold vehicle during the winter.
You probably won't get a warning, it just won't work very well.
Nice setup, Great video thanks
Awesome video! Gotta love Bob Wells! He actually shook my hand during his RTR live video! 😊 Thanks for sharing..new sub here!
Be safe!
Oh, that's awesome. I hope I cross paths with him someday. Safe travels to you as well!
I cannot believe how much stuff you got in there. I am a disabled senior that recently bought a 2010 wheelchair accessible Dodge Grand Caravan my challenge is I need to keep the third row seats for the grandchildren second row seats are already gone to accommodate my power chair. The floor is sealed with carpet but I am wondering if the driver side stow and go area is still there. Unfortunately the motor blew up last month and it is in the garage waiting for a used motor because we could not find a remanufactured motor for it. I have nine large bins of stuff from my old 1992 Ford E150 high top conversion I have no idea where I'm going to put it all in this little space. But it will be fun finding out. I love how you have utilize all the space in the back that is fantastic! It gives me hope that all my junk can fit in my minivan. Like you I need two setups one for travel which is what I mostly do as I travel for suicide awareness and another setup for when I am "camping"
Oh wow, that’s amazing work and I’m grateful for folks like you. If you can put a cargo box on the roof, especially on if the big ones, you can REALLY haul a lot in things. Good luck with it all, especially that new motor.
I know how intensive making this video was but I wish you could make a list of everything lol! I’m saving this to rewatch over and over to get specific product info. Thank you
Thank you! Don't get too caught up gear, though! You'll figure out what works best for you ✌️
Fifty years ago when I was your age my biggest concern was when was the next time I was going to get laid. Do Van lifers ever have this concern?
Cool build to maximize a small space
Thanks man!
Put some airbags in your rear springs… it’ll level your van and give a better ride. Easy to install and cheap
That's a great idea. Thanks for the suggestion
Awww totally lived in Flag and I have a caravan that I converted for camping too ❤
Chains can also get you out of mud. Just harder to clean up.
Put a few bags in your pottie all at once. put one inside another. then you always have a clean one when you pulla bag.
I love your build! I'm traveling with my Hubby in a 2012 dodge grand caravan. I'm wondering about the crash pad a foam mattress. What's the best size for two people??
Nice!!! It’s the Metolious Magnum, I believe it’s called… the biggest trifold they make and it fits perfectly in here, like it’s made for it. Safe travels!
@@RyanKodakBrown We did a no-build and we like your bed situation out of so many we've seen because they are mostly all solo builds. When you mentioned that you were going to be traveling with your gf a light bulb went off...Hubby and I are so stoked thanks so much!
Was that a Porcupine?? they don’t care you’re there - they just expect you’ll get out of their way…
awesome. We're in early stages of planning a year-long drive around China. This video is useful. Subscribed and gonna check out your other vids :)
Around China?! Sounds like one hell of an adventure! Best of luck with everything and safe travels 🤙
Just concerned about all that weight you have packed in there. You might want to upgrade your suspension and it might give you a higher clearance if you do one. Over time your suspension might fail and you'd be stuck dragging your rear end on the ground. So I'd look into that. I learned the hard way. I didn't listen to those telling me that in the beginning.. I used to help people move their belongings in my van and myself too. One day I started dragging and it was not a cheap fix.
Another suggestion is to use your extra backpacks for your individual items you have stored in the backend. Watching you pull out each thing you could have stored in a backpack.
You make me smile tho. You're quite the tetris master. Lol. And you're living the dream. So happy to see young folks living life to the fullest. And doing all their traveling while you're young. Making tons of memories. To being to your class reunion. Making others envious . I sure wish I had done that. Enjoy a few miles for me. Travel safe and stay safe out there.
The suspension was replaced a couple years ago, but it’s a very good suggestion! Had I the money, I’d even use a spacer kit to raise it an extra inch or two. The van is, a little, more organized these days 😅, even added a roof box.
Thank you! Maybe you still can!?
I'm the same way, need the morning cup of coffee
Excellent video with many wonderful hacks! You went into full detail that was awesome 👍
Thank you! I was afraid I might have gone into too much detail… Glad you enjoyed it! 👋✌️✌️
@@RyanKodakBrown It was perfect!
I like your honesty & simplicity, I just live in a way that works for me in my van when I'm on raveling & its always evolving & changing. 👍☀️
That it is, just like life! 😊
Safe travels and happy trails ✌️
I've been thinking about taking over my parents' old minivan, but I'm a little worried about finance. How do you make money while you're out and about?
There's a ton of ways. For years it was work and save, I'd work a few months then travel the rest of the year. Now, I make money with my camera, RUclips and Photo/video work, plus some DoorDash for extra funds.
Where do you find places to use a dumpster now a days. It seems like it is getting harder to find a place to appropriately place a small amount of garbage-
Even grocery stores are not allowing people to use restrooms and have those restrictive tops on.
I am also finding many parks making garbage disposal difficult.
If I’m in town a lot and only have small grocery bags worth, they easily fit in cans at Gas stations, supermarkets, and walmart parking lots. Many have them near the cart returns. If I have more garbage, I find dumpsters behind supermarkets and buildings or even resiidential apartment complexes. It isn’t always easy though and I call it the “walk of shame” using dumpseters, lol. It’s not exaclty legal and I’m waiting for the day I get cited for using a dumpster. What a world!
I have a Subaru Outback. Eventually, I may get a small teardrop to pull. After looking at your mini-van life, I may consider getting a mini van. As far as laundry, I'd get a Wonder Wash, a small hand crank washing machine.
I've thought real hard about getting a small trailer. Something bigger than a teardrop though, scampi or something with a bed at one end and a table at the other with a small kitchen in between! Next time, I'm getting something I can stand in that always has a table at the ready! Interesting about the Wonder Wash! Never heard of it. I pop into towns every week or so anyway so I don't mind the laundromats. It's a good time to get other chores / work done and one less thing to carry. ✌️
Excelleny vid!👏🏼👍🏼 LOL, watching you pull all the crap from underneath the platform I was like, there’s no way he’s gonna pull one more thing out Up there,and then at least five more things come out😂😂 Really enjoyed this video super informative, Nice coverage of everything!,,, And oh holy shit the cherry on top was the tea kettle attached to the headrest😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
Hahaha, I could have kept going too! There was still a lot in there 🤪😂🤷♂️
@@RyanKodakBrown would love if you did another video in a few months!
I was watching a no build on a Sienna and the guy put some kind of airbags into the front springs under the van. Just stuck them into the coil the released a value and they filled up. He also had a tube that he could refill with air when they got low. DIY
That sounds really cool. I've given some thought to lifting it but doubt I ever would 😂
Thanks for posting the video 💯✌🏽
Thanks for watching! 👋✌️
Nice set up friend. I wish you safe and happy travels.
Thank you! I wish you all the best in your endeavor’s ✌️
You are a hoot! You are so "real" and so is your van -- thanks for destroying your home and sharing it "all" with us -- WOW, you have a ton of stuff in there!
Hahaha, thanks! I downsized a little but now my gf has added a few things so we have even more now! And a roof box to help carry it all 😂 ✌️
Your garage is like Mary Poppins bag. How do you fit so much stuff there lol?
Hahah, that’s hilarious and not far from the truth! The answer is very carefully, of course! 😂
Hi. How wide is your mattress? Also, just folding in 2 is high enough to sit and work?
It’s 70x47x4” and the memory foam is 3” thick and twin sized. It’s roughly the same height as the van seats and, if it were any higher, I’d hit my head on the ceiling! It’s no executive suit, but it does the job! 😜
Here’s a link to the crash pad: bit.ly/3LP7q59
Thanks
Such a pleasure to watch!
Brilliant. So much useful I formation. Great set up. Thanks
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it
i'm a new sub. from usa 641. I'm in process of looking for a minivan. I thought of the Caravan but concerned about reliability. Has yours's been reliable? I'm mainly looking for the right Sienna AWD but getting very spendy with the demand. There is a company on line making lifts for all three main minivans, front and back kits for about $390 USD. Always thumbs up from the 641.
Hello. Well, the transmission did go out around 130,000 miles. It's a common issue with that specific transmission. Had wiring issue with the electronic sliding door that stopped working but never bothered to fix it. Otherwise, nothing but oil changes and basic maintenance for 60,000 miles. Not sure the price difference in vans these days but if it's significant you could always hold the difference in emergency savings. Even with the trans going out, I'd still buy another one. Good luck finding a van!
I have caught the outdoor bug. I love watching people like you. You have inspired to began my journey in which I am currently documenting on my channel. Thanks❤
That is awesome!
@@RyanKodakBrown 😊😊
Looks like a really cool place where is that??
It’s in Arizona though I can’t say further on here. Geotagging and all that…
I always learn something new. Have a great time in Belgium and say hi to Ilsa for me :)
Thanks man! Will do ✌️
What is the brand of propane stove you use. I like the small footprint. Thanks.
It’s this one made by Texsport: amzn.to/3KfMMd7
This one by Stansport is the same and it’s cheaper: amzn.to/35GotG7
Don't cut it out. I love Bob! Great set up! Thanks for sharing!
Hahaha, he is awesome and an inspiration!
A lot of great info! Thank you :) The coyotes are cool. Have a great time in Belgium!
Thank you! The coyotes here are crazy, never seen so many in my life. ✌️
I’m sorry if this is a dumb question, but what kind of crash pad do you have? I’m assuming it’s for climbing, which I know nothing about lol what size is it ?
Love this video and build. New follower here!
Thanks! It is for climbing and its pretty big, 70”x47”
amzn.to/3AxvmXg
Loved this! You looked like you were in Camp Verde Arizona. I used to live there and it looked very familiar. Also, you should get a carbon monoxide sensor just to be on the safe side, since you have that big propane tank in there. Looking forward to watching more of your videos! 😊
Thank you! I really love Arizona, at least in the cooler months! 😅
Not quite Camp Verde! The video was filmed closer to the Superstitions. I do have a carbon monoxide dector in the van! I really should have mentioned that in the video because it is important. ✌️
Hanging shoe rack bag works great to hold a lot of things.