The fact that you felt the need to be fully transparent about help from your step Dad earned you a subscription from me. You could have never mentioned it and no one would have known. I like honest people.
Both you and Nikki are building/fitting out your own vehicles -- cousin vibes' energy at work! Your cardboard cutout and books templates for width & length and height remind me of "measure twice, cut once" advice.
Note: Many travel channels are sponsored by BetterHelp. But I looked through their website for pricing, which you can't get to without completing their entire questionnaire. A google search says it is $65 - $90 per week. So I'm not sure who could afford BetterHelp :( Mental health for the Well Off, in which case I'm sure the Well Off already have great insurance.
You and your Mom (and Dad behind the scenes) did a great job building your platform. I'm sure you'll find it so much better while car camping with the extra storage space. Thanks for sharing your car camping revision. Jenny
Good idea. I have seen a few vanlifers who had to redo their bed platforms because they had not drilled holes. You need the airflow because the body creates heat and moisture.
You should probably make some breading holes in the platform so your matress doesn't get moldy. Also, if yo added hinges in the right places of the platform, probably the only thing you have to take out if you need to be is the boxes
The main concern I have is, your platform is modular, but only gravity holds it down. Should, God forbid, an accident happen, it will become a projectile. Or, a bumpy road, it will bounce around a LOT. I'm not sure if your Rav4 has any sort of tie down spots, but, if it does, ratchet straps would be a good idea to hold it down, and in to place so it won't move around. Probably, taking the seat bottoms out of the back seats would have given you a more flat surface as the seat backs would lay down more, making more flat of a surface, and possibly more storage since the platform could be taller in that area. Plus, the seat bottom area could have places to connect those ratchet straps I mentioned to hold the platform down. Nice setup, though, as it is. Maybe in the future, though finding a way to hold it all down and in to place so it won't move around would be good to look into. Just another bit of advice from someone who did it and found out what can happen...don't use the palms of your hands as hammers as this leads to carpal tunnel. Been there, bought that book, and have the surgery scars to show. Other than all that, looks like you are set. Mods ideas will show up along the way, and you can always do minor additions here and there as you need them from here. As always, TAKE CARE and be careful out there. Love to follow you and Nikki and your adventures as I cannot go to the places you two go anymore, so I enjoy the views and the stories behind the places you guys go. Cheers.
You can put a ton of tools and car related stuff down by your spare tire. I crammed all sorts of things down there in our Rav4. Jumper cables, flashers, motion chargeable lights, all the usual hand tools etc. The only thing I did not see that should always be readily accessible. Where was your fire extinguisher and first aid kit? Both things you want where you can grab and go with them. Nice step forward.
Thanks for sharing the conversion build for your RAV4. I love watching folks do conversions in vans, and it’s interesting to see what you did in a much smaller vehicle to make it work for you on your travels. I’ve enjoyed watching your journey so far, and I’m glad to see it’s gone well and that you will be continuing your adventure. I wish I had taken the time to do something like that when I was your age.
Hi Sarah, I would recommend one change. Attach the 4 x 4 legs to the front section. As you now have it the front section will fall to the floor when you remove the rear. Then you will have to raise the front section to install the rear section. That may be difficult by yourself. With the legs attached to the front you only have to set the rear section on top. And you can leave gear on top of the front section when you remove the rear. I am a woodworker and am about to start truck bed drawers for my F-150. Take Care.
I like what you did to make your RAV4 more organized, so that you have more room to stretch out in. Thank you Sarah for sharing. I look forward to seeing the next adventure. 😅
You & your mom did such an awsome job, wow!! I can't believe how much your mom looks like Nikki's mom!! Are they twins?? Can't wait to see in your next video how comfy your back seat is now, stay safe, love you. 🥰🙂
09:45 what a squad 💪 (+ stepdad behind the scenes). So lovely to have kind and generous people helping you out where needed (and having a live audience for the tour 😂 you conducted a symphony, Sarah!). Amazing what you've managed to achieve in just a few days. Did you take any cues or inspiration from other Rav4 platform builds or did you just wing it? Excited to see how this improves your day to day quality of life while living in the Rav4 😊
Building out your Rav4 now that you have been on the road a while makes sense. You have a much better idea what you need and how you are using your space. Making the platform in two pieces not only makes it a bit lighter to move, but easier to keep level. Not cutting into your vehicle or removing the seats keep it stock and more versatile if you change your setup. Will be so much better and more comfortable for your new adventures. It's fun to watch the progression of your rig and quality of your videos. We have traveled for years. My first camping vehicle was a Mustang. Now we have a 4Runner for Overlanding and tow a small travel trailer for longer stays. Enjoy!
Nice work! Big improvement! One thing I’d suggest though. Up front on the passenger seat. Route a strap under the seat and use it to secure the refrigerator, and another for your generator. God forbid your caught up in an accident. These things will come loose and hurt you. Hope you see this! 👍👍
I know it seems daunting but when i took my rear seats out of my Mazda I had wayyy more storage and way more head space. I just put them back in yesterday to sell my car and it wasn’t too hard! Just wanted to let you know if you ever think about removing them in the future :) just record the whole process so you remember where everything goes lol
Very nice set up! I love how we learn as we go along. After seeing your mother inside your mattress cover, it’s confirmed your whole family is crazy lol! Safe and joyful blessings! 💞🌷💞
Looks great! Thanks for sharing the measurements, too. I have a 2017 RAV4 with the same body style and am thinking about building something like you have. Safe travels!
I love this and you, from a fellow nomader, I do think you might miss the head room though eventually your neck might get sore and you have so little stuff it was almost unnecessary. A cargo box for on top wouldn't hurt though. I used to have a little mattress topper too but then I got a legit twin size foam mattress from Walmart or Target and it's been 100% more comfortable for only about $200. Worth it if you ever decide to buy it. Mucho love, happy travels!
Brilliant video Sarah!! Really enjoyed everything about it :) If possible in the future, could you do a video revving up your car? So we can hear how it sounds!! ❤
I did the same in a honda fit/nissan rogue. I would stick with the side tote idea for max headroom. I took out the second row seats and was able to get 4'x2' storage under the bed. The seats removed easy.
Hey Sarah, been a while since you had a meet up with cousin Nikki and the boys. Please consider a meet up vlog, we miss you two and your cold 🥶 plunges 😅. AUSTRALIAN SUBSCRIBER LOUISE.
Wow, Sarah, now you have a whole new level for storage and a nice comfy bed! i cant get over that glued mattress topper, you must get resourcefulness from your mom! Thanks for this! I might try it on my suv, with help from someone who knows what theyre doing lol, u make it look so easy. Enjoy your break from the road with yoyr family & friends!
Sarah This week NJ Transit is free , bus and train.. You can go to Atlantic City or Cape May and do a video there. Or go to Philly. Or NYC. Or you can look for prehistoric shark's teeth not far from you.
The fact that you felt the need to be fully transparent about help from your step Dad earned you a subscription from me. You could have never mentioned it and no one would have known. I like honest people.
Hi Mom! 👋 Thank you for raising such an adventurous woman. She's a nice escape from the stress of everyday life in America.
Both you and Nikki are building/fitting out your own vehicles -- cousin vibes' energy at work! Your cardboard cutout and books templates for width & length and height remind me of "measure twice, cut once" advice.
Love your mom!! She is amazing for supporting and helping you out in your build!
Incredibly gorgeous home property. How fortunate to grow up in a place like that and have that lovely family base to come home to.
Note: Many travel channels are sponsored by BetterHelp. But I looked through their website for pricing, which you can't get to without completing their entire questionnaire. A google search says it is $65 - $90 per week. So I'm not sure who could afford BetterHelp :( Mental health for the Well Off, in which case I'm sure the Well Off already have great insurance.
Sarah thank you for letting us meet your Mom🥰
Happy for you that you have a supportive mom. ❤
I am so lucky
"New day, same outfit" 🤣 Another great vid Sarah!
You and your Mom (and Dad behind the scenes) did a great job building your platform. I'm sure you'll find it so much better while car camping with the extra storage space. Thanks for sharing your car camping revision. Jenny
MOM your kids is a super person I have enjoyed watching her travels
Sarah, it's a good idea to have big holes on your beds platform so that you don't get mold!
What lmao
Good idea. I have seen a few vanlifers who had to redo their bed platforms because they had not drilled holes. You need the airflow because the body creates heat and moisture.
or use polyurethane wood finish to "water proof" it. not sure how you'd do it with the carpet on there now lol
❤ You definitely are the best editing. Definitely learning a lot. Thank you for your channel.
Sarah is as cute as a button. Women like Sarah who loves the simple things in life is hard to find these days. You are one of a kind Sarah. 🙌
You should probably make some breading holes in the platform so your matress doesn't get moldy. Also, if yo added hinges in the right places of the platform, probably the only thing you have to take out if you need to be is the boxes
The main concern I have is, your platform is modular, but only gravity holds it down. Should, God forbid, an accident happen, it will become a projectile. Or, a bumpy road, it will bounce around a LOT. I'm not sure if your Rav4 has any sort of tie down spots, but, if it does, ratchet straps would be a good idea to hold it down, and in to place so it won't move around. Probably, taking the seat bottoms out of the back seats would have given you a more flat surface as the seat backs would lay down more, making more flat of a surface, and possibly more storage since the platform could be taller in that area. Plus, the seat bottom area could have places to connect those ratchet straps I mentioned to hold the platform down. Nice setup, though, as it is. Maybe in the future, though finding a way to hold it all down and in to place so it won't move around would be good to look into. Just another bit of advice from someone who did it and found out what can happen...don't use the palms of your hands as hammers as this leads to carpal tunnel. Been there, bought that book, and have the surgery scars to show. Other than all that, looks like you are set. Mods ideas will show up along the way, and you can always do minor additions here and there as you need them from here. As always, TAKE CARE and be careful out there. Love to follow you and Nikki and your adventures as I cannot go to the places you two go anymore, so I enjoy the views and the stories behind the places you guys go. Cheers.
You can put a ton of tools and car related stuff down by your spare tire. I crammed all sorts of things down there in our Rav4. Jumper cables, flashers, motion chargeable lights, all the usual hand tools etc. The only thing I did not see that should always be readily accessible. Where was your fire extinguisher and first aid kit? Both things you want where you can grab and go with them. Nice step forward.
Thanks for sharing the conversion build for your RAV4. I love watching folks do conversions in vans, and it’s interesting to see what you did in a much smaller vehicle to make it work for you on your travels. I’ve enjoyed watching your journey so far, and I’m glad to see it’s gone well and that you will be continuing your adventure. I wish I had taken the time to do something like that when I was your age.
Hi Sarah, I would recommend one change. Attach the 4 x 4 legs to the front section. As you now have it the front section will fall to the floor when you remove the rear. Then you will have to raise the front section to install the rear section. That may be difficult by yourself. With the legs attached to the front you only have to set the rear section on top. And you can leave gear on top of the front section when you remove the rear. I am a woodworker and am about to start truck bed drawers for my F-150. Take Care.
Your mom is adorable. Great memories with your mom ❤
I just love the changes you have made, how exciting!!!! :)
Great job, Sarah. Off to your next adventure!
Thanks for sharing your Rav makeover. Looks good. Happy trails. 👏🏻👨🏼🚒
hello mom + team , great to see ur supporting sarah !
I like what you did to make your RAV4 more organized, so that you have more room to stretch out in. Thank you Sarah for sharing. I look forward to seeing the next adventure. 😅
Way to go mom! Pretty smart ideas
Great update Sarah! Way more organised and cosy, Nikki is going to want to come with you on a trip for sure ;)
Love, love, love your new build! Great job!!
You & your mom did such an awsome job, wow!! I can't believe how much your mom looks like Nikki's mom!! Are they twins?? Can't wait to see in your next video how comfy your back seat is now, stay safe, love you. 🥰🙂
09:45 what a squad 💪 (+ stepdad behind the scenes). So lovely to have kind and generous people helping you out where needed (and having a live audience for the tour 😂 you conducted a symphony, Sarah!). Amazing what you've managed to achieve in just a few days.
Did you take any cues or inspiration from other Rav4 platform builds or did you just wing it?
Excited to see how this improves your day to day quality of life while living in the Rav4 😊
Good job! Simple but effective build! I look forward to see where you go next!
Hiiii, mom Berkowitz❤❤❤
Very cool. The only thing I’d add would be wide feet based so they don’t dig into the seats and wear out holes in the material
They make back of seat covers that would probably be helpful here, because yeah those posts will mess up the back of her seats for sure.
There is a mat on the floor and one in the trunk that the legs are on, so the seats will be ok!
Building out your Rav4 now that you have been on the road a while makes sense. You have a much better idea what you need and how you are using your space. Making the platform in two pieces not only makes it a bit lighter to move, but easier to keep level. Not cutting into your vehicle or removing the seats keep it stock and more versatile if you change your setup. Will be so much better and more comfortable for your new adventures. It's fun to watch the progression of your rig and quality of your videos. We have traveled for years. My first camping vehicle was a Mustang. Now we have a 4Runner for Overlanding and tow a small travel trailer for longer stays. Enjoy!
Absolutely LOVE your positive energy and sense of adventure. Keep up the great channel!
Nice work!
Big improvement!
One thing I’d suggest though.
Up front on the passenger seat.
Route a strap under the seat and use it to secure the refrigerator, and another for your generator.
God forbid your caught up in an accident. These things will come loose and hurt you.
Hope you see this!
👍👍
Congrats on the upgrades!
Wow love the way everything is in its place and so organized ; Your organization skills are top notch!😄👍👍👍✌
I know it seems daunting but when i took my rear seats out of my Mazda I had wayyy more storage and way more head space. I just put them back in yesterday to sell my car and it wasn’t too hard! Just wanted to let you know if you ever think about removing them in the future :) just record the whole process so you remember where everything goes lol
I agree with one of the comments i read. Take the back seats completely out. And that area is good storage space.
Sarah, glad to see you enjoying your youth & health, now is the time to live your best life...
Sara you have grown up. Enjoy being you
We put a select comfort mattress in our van with a memory foam on top of that. It is better than our bed at home.
Very nice set up! I love how we learn as we go along.
After seeing your mother inside your mattress cover, it’s confirmed your whole family is crazy lol!
Safe and joyful blessings!
💞🌷💞
Good morning Sara, thanks for sharing, nice weekend 🤗🤗👍👍
Great upgrades to your car lots more room for you and storage 🙂
Your very special person. Take care of your self.😊
Your home is gorgeous property!
I love your confidence. It makes you shine!
very nice upgrades! you and Nikki inspire me
Good work Sarah and Mom! Nice organizing! ❤
Looks great! Thanks for sharing the measurements, too. I have a 2017 RAV4 with the same body style and am thinking about building something like you have. Safe travels!
Great job Sarah, Mom, and friends!!
I love this and you, from a fellow nomader, I do think you might miss the head room though eventually your neck might get sore and you have so little stuff it was almost unnecessary. A cargo box for on top wouldn't hurt though. I used to have a little mattress topper too but then I got a legit twin size foam mattress from Walmart or Target and it's been 100% more comfortable for only about $200. Worth it if you ever decide to buy it. Mucho love, happy travels!
Brilliant video Sarah!! Really enjoyed everything about it :) If possible in the future, could you do a video revving up your car? So we can hear how it sounds!! ❤
Sarah Berkowitz Such A Awesome Video Today!!🔥🐐🐐💎
Nice revamp. Simple, yet effective. Prefect for temporary vehicle living. Easy to convert back in the future. Good job
Hello Sarah thanks for the video always a pleasure keep up the good work
Nice work on the upgrades. Comfort & storage is the key. ✌️
Love your mom! Very supportive 🎉
looking great Sarah..... home sweet home!
Loved the audience in the background. ❤
My first time with a live audience haha
Good Job Sarah & Mom"
👸🧭🗺🚙🎬🎥👏👏👏😍👌❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Looks like a great build. Looking forward to your upcoming adventures! 😀
Awesome Sarah i like that you can change things on your car 🚗 ❤❤ good job👍🤙👍👍😁
Great job 👍 two sided tape was a great idea
I also recommend a hitchgate solo so you can always have your spare outside.
I did the same in a honda fit/nissan rogue. I would stick with the side tote idea for max headroom. I took out the second row seats and was able to get 4'x2' storage under the bed. The seats removed easy.
Well Done Sarah and Mom ! the only thing is , I dont see any crossbeams to prevent the plywood from sagging over time.
Hey Sarah, been a while since you had a meet up with cousin Nikki and the boys. Please consider a meet up vlog, we miss you two and your cold 🥶 plunges 😅. AUSTRALIAN SUBSCRIBER LOUISE.
Shout out to your mom and stepdad. A really nice, simple job. Well done.
Awesome! Looking forward to your future uploads!
It looks great Sarah good job so glad your mom was there to help you
Looks good !
Love this! Happy Adventures!!
Good morning from Hawaii nice bed platform build well done on this video
Such a sweet & supportive mom. 🥰❤️👋
Fantastic. Thanks for including us. Hi mom. That’s for helping her. :-)
Glad your doing well stay safe 💓 😊
Wow, Sarah, now you have a whole new level for storage and a nice comfy bed! i cant get over that glued mattress topper, you must get resourcefulness from your mom! Thanks for this! I might try it on my suv, with help from someone who knows what theyre doing lol, u make it look so easy. Enjoy your break from the road with yoyr family & friends!
I didn't see a reason in buying a new mattress when this one worked perfectly fine! It definitely helped having assistance. Thank you :)
Nice job--well organized, Sarah B. !!!
Nicely done, well thought out and executed! Followed basic rule, measure twice , cut once.
car looks great 🚗
Great job in the build.
Great upgrade.
This simple upgrade will make a big difference. Storage underneath instead of upfront [as much] when you have visitors.
Glad to see you home and mom helping.
Sarah
This week NJ Transit is free , bus and train.. You can go to Atlantic City or Cape May and do a video there. Or go to Philly. Or NYC.
Or you can look for prehistoric shark's teeth not far from you.
Your yard is beautiful 😍 I miss living back east!
You did a great Job Sarah! Nice assist by Mom😇😇
Hi cousin sarah, looks like youll be a little more comfortable. Im sure that will help. Cant wait for your future adventures! Be careful!❤
I love it you go practice your tennis serve. Keep up your videos. It s fun to watch. 😊
Nice job Sarah! 👏
Neat setup! Thanks for sharing!
Very impressive! I think it’s going to be a game changer! Looking forward to what’s to come…
I hope you will start your next journey to Canada especially the Rocky Mountains in western Canada. It’s extremely beautiful there
East Coast is beautiful as well...IE: Cabot Trail
Love your videos 🍻🍻
Thanks for showing us how to build it!
That's a pretty good design Sarah. Will be waiting to see how it works for you.
Awesome job
Nice upgrades Sarah