I am one of those "more advanced woodworkers". I was wondering why you used all that 1X3 for the slats instead of a panel. Until you slid it apart, that is. I actually said "that is genius" out loud. Excellent design! If you don't mind, I will copy this..... :-)
Nice set up! I have an 04 sienna AWD I've used to tour the country. This is how i did mine... 7 low wide clear plastic boxes from Target underneath. 6 inch high, 2.5 feet long 4x8 plywood sheet .5 inch 5 inch custom cut foam bed. Queen wide, Cal King long. Bike lives on top with me, wheel off, lays down when driving. Its light, robust, has suspension from box flexing, huge storage, 2 boxes slide out each rear door, wayback is for deep storage like a basement, cooler sits on top of bed and at night sits on folded passenger seat, reflectix window covers double thick with one side black felt covered for stealth camping. I promise this works. Give it a shot. If you want less storage, just lay the plywood down on the floor with 2 inches of wood near the head. Its an easily modified or removed system, and costs nearly nothing. Be safe, have fun!
We got a 2019 Dodge Caravan for $18k from Hertz before Covid. With the Stow n Go seats it fits two recumbent trikes without removing anything, With some woodwork we can stack the trikes and have a sleeping area. Plus a roof top carrier which adds a lot of storage. Minivans are great.
Russ, get a Kreg pocket hole jig. They are great for simple projects like this. Solid and clean joints without having to use so much reinforcement. I’m no woodworker and build with pocket holes all the time, mainly quick projects like this out of inexpensive pine lumber. I think it would be right up your alley!
Being able to car camp opens up so many doors. I love it. We got a 4” folding memory foam mattress for the back of our CX5. For the price of one night at a hotel, it has already pair itself off x10.
Your sliding bed frame is good if you need bed space for 2 people, but if it's just 1 person, there is a very simple and cheap solution that I haven't seen used on any "van build" videos. I have a 2000 Toyota Sienna and tried various iterations of foam pads, futons, etc., but found sleep to be less than satisfactory during the few times I tried it out. I figured out what I needed was a "real bed". I simply stuck a old twin bed, metal frame and all, minus the box spring, into the back, using a piece of plywood in place of the box spring to hold up the mattress. Without the extra height of the box spring, there is plenty of head room to sit up and good storage space under the metal frame. Plus, there's a good chunk of storage space in the back of the van for extra stuff and more than enough room on the side to store the bicycle. We had the twin bed lying around from when the kids were young, but if you don't have a twin bed handy, it's very easy to find people basically giving them away on Craigslist or NextDoor.
Pretty cool setup. Two things I love, riding and van camping. BUT, I usually leave the bikes when I’m camping because of the space and don’t like to have a bike hanging off the back to prevent theft. This is a great setup.
Minivans are a grossly overlooked market for camper vehicles. My family rented a Pacifica for a trip. That sucker got 30 MPG with 5 adults in it and stuff for 5 days. Also very smooth drive and very easy to get in and out. They’re also much cheaper for what they are compared to big SUVs and trucks. If you don’t need to tow much or go on rough terrain, minivans are the way to go.
A Jackery 1000 is a lot of juice. Consider getting a 800W travel kettle and a corded sauce pan (I got a Dezin 650W/150W) for quick hot water and a pan to cook with. Dezin does ramen, eggs, burgers, steaks and rice - plenty if you're roughing it. I don't know the draw on your refrigerator, but these "under 1000W" appliances can bypass the need to fire up a stove for a quick meal.
As a professional furniture maker and designer, your craftsmanship is as you reported. Yet, your slider mechanism is refreshingly ingenious. Well done.
I have a similar setup in my Sienna. I use the heavy duty bendable gear ties to loop around the handle bars and brake lever to the "oh sh!t" handles. Keeps the bike upright, cheap, and secure. I use this system to carry 2 bikes easily
The non-industrial size Ford Transit Connect also works well and the bed of the van is flat. Ours is the type with no side or rear windows; more privacy for sleeping and better security. Great video!
This getting better and better, party pacing riding and camper builds! Give us more! I think your wood working skills are good enough, it’s the enjoyment of creating things yourself!
Big up on the choice of wood dimensions. I'm angling to use 2x2 and will always work at going light weight. You design and brace it right and you'll have no problems. Sure would be nice to know what the dimensions of sleeping area is. Don't worry NO ONE ever states this!
Still prefer my old Plymouth Duster 340. A full frame roadbike with a removed front wheel. And with the " space Duster " setup you are golden. The only real issue ( if you could call it that) is the thirsty, but powerful 340 ci engine.
Very nice. I have a similar minivan. I didn't build a bed. I just bought a cot and inflatable mattress from REI. If there is a second person with me they have to sleep on the floor :P . The cot/mattress gives me the option to break down the cot and have room for a ton of bikes inside, or just to use it to go to the hardware store. Enjoy the road trips.
I'm using a similar set up for the bike in the back of my Sienna. If you turn the bike mounting bracke on the mounting board, about 20 or so degrees, it will allow you to remove the through axle. Just a thought.
pumped to see a Sienna build on here. I'm hoping to pick up a mid-2000s AWD version and do something similar. They're like a dime a dozen too. I know there's a lot more "cool" vans out there.... but this is just too practical.
Russ,we have a Sienna and I like your setup. Remember when in Ventura, just know we have a guest room available, just say the word.Also a tandem you can ride, Ventura to Ojai.
Nice build. I am working on a similar thing to escape the coming winter too. But I had never seen a rotomolded cooler that has a cooling feature built in. That is pretty neat. I am using a thermoelectric one that is smaller, but should get the job done.
Cool design on the bed frame Russ. For version X, whenever it happens, you could do it as a convertible futon that is usable in a car camping tent or for a guest bed at home.
Did you think about adding some sort of fabric Insulation? Insul-Brite along with expanding foam. Im installing Insul-Brite along with Reflectix in a Burley Tail Wagon which was a Christmas gift to my puppy who doesn't like to be cold.
Minivans. Only the “cool” people don’t get them, LOL. Love my 2014 Sienna and am looking forward to some bike based roadtrips. Nice start on your set up.
Nice build out. "Quick and easy" so you can actually travel and use it. I'm still figuring out where I want everything in my truck and what to build it out of. Right now, 2x4 and some chip board made for a nice bed platform. Sleeping one makes it a bit easier. :)
Russ, have you thought about those crazy hatch mounted tents that were heavily marketed with the Honda Element? It is supported by the lift gate and extends to the ground making a nice area to kick off shoes and with a proper bug net would give more ventilation while staying dry. Honestly I'm not even sure they make them anymore...
Eureka makes a tarp setup that is similar to this idea two poles on the outside and otherwise supported by tailgate. A bit niche but where camping is welcome it could extend living space and otherwise tuck away for more stealth camping activities. ( Though I immediately realize a hatch mounted bike rack would make this more of a pain...)
In Australia we take a swag in the car and jus kicked out and sleep in it saving room for the esky full of beer. I love your more organised sleeping system though. A great video ps I own a Suzuki jimny so there is no room to sleep to begin with
The Ford Transit Connect van would be a better van. It has a 6 foot long space and taller roof for sitting up and you could get a 14 inch wide set of shelves along one side to hold lots of luggage, food and supplies.
I love that bed but I was thinking of maybe just using two pieces of 3/4" plywood hinged in the middle so it would fold in or out depending on use. Anyways hope Laura is doing well and hope you get to really extend your riding season!
I'm curious how long you're able to run the cooler on that Jackery 1000, or any other info on what you plug into that power supply and how long it lasts? Interested in doing something similar. Thanks for sharing the build!
The only Sienna I've looked at had a non-stowing seat behind the front passenger seat. Did you remove it from your van, and how easy was that? Or perhaps you have a different model Sienna in which all the rear seats stow? Nice bed design. For storage, consider a rooftop container, if you're not carrying bikes up there. Thanks.
Nice job. An effective yet economic build. Seems to be better than the silly instagram-ready $150,000 Sprinter build that is ubiquitous in RUclips. How do people afford those anyways?
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I am one of those "more advanced woodworkers". I was wondering why you used all that 1X3 for the slats instead of a panel. Until you slid it apart, that is. I actually said "that is genius" out loud. Excellent design! If you don't mind, I will copy this..... :-)
Nice set up!
I have an 04 sienna AWD I've used to tour the country. This is how i did mine...
7 low wide clear plastic boxes from Target underneath. 6 inch high, 2.5 feet long
4x8 plywood sheet .5 inch
5 inch custom cut foam bed. Queen wide, Cal King long.
Bike lives on top with me, wheel off, lays down when driving.
Its light, robust, has suspension from box flexing, huge storage, 2 boxes slide out each rear door, wayback is for deep storage like a basement, cooler sits on top of bed and at night sits on folded passenger seat, reflectix window covers double thick with one side black felt covered for stealth camping.
I promise this works. Give it a shot. If you want less storage, just lay the plywood down on the floor with 2 inches of wood near the head. Its an easily modified or removed system, and costs nearly nothing.
Be safe, have fun!
We got a 2019 Dodge Caravan for $18k from Hertz before Covid. With the Stow n Go seats it fits two recumbent trikes without removing anything, With some woodwork we can stack the trikes and have a sleeping area. Plus a roof top carrier which adds a lot of storage. Minivans are great.
Indeed, minivans are great. We have a '05 Sienna and it is still going strong and with 195,000 kilometers it's barely broken-in :)
Russ, get a Kreg pocket hole jig. They are great for simple projects like this. Solid and clean joints without having to use so much reinforcement. I’m no woodworker and build with pocket holes all the time, mainly quick projects like this out of inexpensive pine lumber. I think it would be right up your alley!
I have one and considered using it. 2x2s are a little narrow to get 2 pocket holes in though.
Being able to car camp opens up so many doors. I love it. We got a 4” folding memory foam mattress for the back of our CX5. For the price of one night at a hotel, it has already pair itself off x10.
Can you link to the mattress you got???
@@corichesnutt3522 I found it on Amazon. Just a standard queen.
Your sliding bed frame is good if you need bed space for 2 people, but if it's just 1 person, there is a very simple and cheap solution that I haven't seen used on any "van build" videos. I have a 2000 Toyota Sienna and tried various iterations of foam pads, futons, etc., but found sleep to be less than satisfactory during the few times I tried it out. I figured out what I needed was a "real bed". I simply stuck a old twin bed, metal frame and all, minus the box spring, into the back, using a piece of plywood in place of the box spring to hold up the mattress. Without the extra height of the box spring, there is plenty of head room to sit up and good storage space under the metal frame. Plus, there's a good chunk of storage space in the back of the van for extra stuff and more than enough room on the side to store the bicycle. We had the twin bed lying around from when the kids were young, but if you don't have a twin bed handy, it's very easy to find people basically giving them away on Craigslist or NextDoor.
Pretty cool setup. Two things I love, riding and van camping. BUT, I usually leave the bikes when I’m camping because of the space and don’t like to have a bike hanging off the back to prevent theft. This is a great setup.
Awesome, that’s exactly how I carry my Salsa in my semi truck for almost 2 million miles now with no issues. Nice to see you guys doing well.
I also carried a jar of salsa for several thousand miles in a van with no issues. It can be done!
Minivans are a grossly overlooked market for camper vehicles. My family rented a Pacifica for a trip. That sucker got 30 MPG with 5 adults in it and stuff for 5 days. Also very smooth drive and very easy to get in and out. They’re also much cheaper for what they are compared to big SUVs and trucks. If you don’t need to tow much or go on rough terrain, minivans are the way to go.
A Jackery 1000 is a lot of juice. Consider getting a 800W travel kettle and a corded sauce pan (I got a Dezin 650W/150W) for quick hot water and a pan to cook with. Dezin does ramen, eggs, burgers, steaks and rice - plenty if you're roughing it. I don't know the draw on your refrigerator, but these "under 1000W" appliances can bypass the need to fire up a stove for a quick meal.
As a professional furniture maker and designer, your craftsmanship is as you reported. Yet, your slider mechanism is refreshingly ingenious. Well done.
I have a similar setup in my Sienna. I use the heavy duty bendable gear ties to loop around the handle bars and brake lever to the "oh sh!t" handles. Keeps the bike upright, cheap, and secure. I use this system to carry 2 bikes easily
The non-industrial size Ford Transit Connect also works well and the bed of the van is flat. Ours is the type with no side or rear windows; more privacy for sleeping and better security. Great video!
This getting better and better, party pacing riding and camper builds! Give us more! I think your wood working skills are good enough, it’s the enjoyment of creating things yourself!
Well done, Russ. Very cool. A set of roof rack cross-bars and an aero-storage box and you'd have room to spare.
I'm liking the "crapsman" logo on the bed
I like how you figured that out! I have a 2004 Sienna but I'm not sure I want to change the ability to carry others to the trail head. You ROCK!
Big up on the choice of wood dimensions. I'm angling to use 2x2 and will always work at going light weight. You design and brace it right and you'll have no problems. Sure would be nice to know what the dimensions of sleeping area is. Don't worry NO ONE ever states this!
Looks awesome I’ve driven to some gravel events & ive been dead afterwards & wished I had a good napping setup for my van 🚐 if needed for recovery
Still prefer my old Plymouth Duster 340. A full frame roadbike with a removed front wheel. And with the " space Duster " setup you are golden. The only real issue ( if you could call it that) is the thirsty, but powerful 340 ci engine.
Very nice. I have a similar minivan. I didn't build a bed. I just bought a cot and inflatable mattress from REI. If there is a second person with me they have to sleep on the floor :P . The cot/mattress gives me the option to break down the cot and have room for a ton of bikes inside, or just to use it to go to the hardware store. Enjoy the road trips.
Very innovative and nicely done! I'm in Phoenix so I'll look for you this winter lol. Drive safe!
Me too
Maybe we all can have a party pace ride if they ever are in town! Brown's Ranch area would be nice.
I'm using a similar set up for the bike in the back of my Sienna. If you turn the bike mounting bracke on the mounting board, about 20 or so degrees, it will allow you to remove the through axle. Just a thought.
That sliding bed is super cool! Can’t wait to see all the adventures you have in it!
pumped to see a Sienna build on here. I'm hoping to pick up a mid-2000s AWD version and do something similar. They're like a dime a dozen too. I know there's a lot more "cool" vans out there.... but this is just too practical.
Great job on the expandable bed!
Cool. Love basic van builds!
Excellent idea and some good cheap ways to make a bed 😁
Russ,we have a Sienna and I like your setup. Remember when in Ventura, just know we have a guest room available, just say the word.Also a tandem you can ride, Ventura to Ojai.
I really like that single to double bed converting slat design - awesome - never seen one like that before !
Hi Russ, got my stickers today. Thanks for sending them so quick! They are radical!
Love the “Crapsman” sticker 🤣😂😅
Nice build. I am working on a similar thing to escape the coming winter too. But I had never seen a rotomolded cooler that has a cooling feature built in. That is pretty neat. I am using a thermoelectric one that is smaller, but should get the job done.
Love it! I have been planning to make a half platform in my Honda Pilot so that my bike can stay in my SUV when I'm on the road and out and about :)
I love that pocket ratchet wrench set!
Never thought I’d want a van, now I’m considering one myself for bikes.
Foresty Forest would be proud!
Cool design on the bed frame Russ. For version X, whenever it happens, you could do it as a convertible futon that is usable in a car camping tent or for a guest bed at home.
Nice job Russ! A great start. Hope it gets you to Arizona in style!
Awesome!!! perfect for a 2/3 or more ,day bike camp adventure
Really dig the bed. Awesome use of space.
looks like a nice, simple, yet functional build. Well done.
Super cool build! But is it possible to convert the Toyota Sienna to a fixed gear drivetrain? I don't want to look like a sellout.
Did you think about adding some sort of fabric Insulation? Insul-Brite along with expanding foam. Im installing Insul-Brite along with Reflectix in a Burley Tail Wagon which was a Christmas gift to my puppy who doesn't like to be cold.
I couldn’t wait to get rid of my and now i regret it after watching this. I should have kept it for the ultimate low key bike travel van.
Minivans. Only the “cool” people don’t get them, LOL. Love my 2014 Sienna and am looking forward to some bike based roadtrips. Nice start on your set up.
Nice build out. "Quick and easy" so you can actually travel and use it. I'm still figuring out where I want everything in my truck and what to build it out of. Right now, 2x4 and some chip board made for a nice bed platform. Sleeping one makes it a bit easier. :)
Really cool project Russ:)! Hope you and Laura have loads of good times with it!
Russ, have you thought about those crazy hatch mounted tents that were heavily marketed with the Honda Element? It is supported by the lift gate and extends to the ground making a nice area to kick off shoes and with a proper bug net would give more ventilation while staying dry.
Honestly I'm not even sure they make them anymore...
Eureka makes a tarp setup that is similar to this idea two poles on the outside and otherwise supported by tailgate. A bit niche but where camping is welcome it could extend living space and otherwise tuck away for more stealth camping activities. ( Though I immediately realize a hatch mounted bike rack would make this more of a pain...)
@@MrDAFK it would help keep all the bikes dry, including the one that rides inside when driving
I got the brand wrong... Kelty waypoint tarp!
Very nice construction! Great inspiration for how I would build a bed too!
I love that build. Simple and easy.
Pacifica is the best since the 2nd row seats also fold into the ground
In Australia we take a swag in the car and jus kicked out and sleep in it saving room for the esky full of beer. I love your more organised sleeping system though. A great video ps I own a Suzuki jimny so there is no room to sleep to begin with
That bed is so nice!
The Ford Transit Connect van would be a better van. It has a 6 foot long space and taller roof for sitting up and you could get a 14 inch wide set of shelves along one side to hold lots of luggage, food and supplies.
This is the van we got.
I love that bed but I was thinking of maybe just using two pieces of 3/4" plywood hinged in the middle so it would fold in or out depending on use. Anyways hope Laura is doing well and hope you get to really extend your riding season!
3/4” ? Are you 350 lbs?
@@danah358 maybe I am. Do you have something against people building their van beds accordingly?
That’s brilliant. It Gives me lots of ideas for my futur cycling van
Nice , I feel the creativity working out O/O°
I'm curious how long you're able to run the cooler on that Jackery 1000, or any other info on what you plug into that power supply and how long it lasts? Interested in doing something similar. Thanks for sharing the build!
Nice man 🙂 I already liked the gravel biking 🚲 now you van lifing 😛 even better
Where do you keep the bike when sleeping?
I have similar setup in my Honda Element via Amy makes stuff. Very detailed plans she has made. Find her right on RUclips. Nice work!!!
That is some great ingenuity.
Nice build! Great video, thanks.
Thanks. Really enjoyed the video, which was unique and informative.
Nice setup 👍
great innovation! good build and video.
Cool 🤙🏻 Simplistic and realistic!
Good job Russ!
Hi Russ, would you consider selling the stem caps by color? A silvery one would probably look best on a titanium bike ;-)
The only Sienna I've looked at had a non-stowing seat behind the front passenger seat. Did you remove it from your van, and how easy was that? Or perhaps you have a different model Sienna in which all the rear seats stow? Nice bed design. For storage, consider a rooftop container, if you're not carrying bikes up there. Thanks.
Removed 2nd row seats. 3rd row seats fold under the floor.
Well done!
Very well done
Can you turn the frame to couch during the day, using one side as back rest.
Nice job. An effective yet economic build. Seems to be better than the silly instagram-ready $150,000 Sprinter build that is ubiquitous in RUclips. How do people afford those anyways?
I like it. When you sleep where does the ebike go?
Outside under a tarp.
Where do you store the electric bike when you are sleeping
Great setup well done
Great simple build-out! Curious if this model Sienna had the second row seat trolleys. This things look like a big pain to have to build around.
No. Has a flatter bottom than modern ones.
Nice to see a realistic van build! Love it and I was hoping you two would travel some ASAP! ✌🏻
Great work. Can you tell us where you got those interior lamps?
2:22. Crapsman? =D.
Was curious why you didn’t build a sofa/bed. Can you make this a sofa?
Because I didn’t want to.
Did you consider a roof top tent?
nice one. thanks !
What do you do with the electric bike when you are sleeping??
Outside, locked and under a tarp. Usually staying in campgrounds so not an issue.
you could put it in the front seat
@@9thlevel527 I don’t think you have a good sense of scale.
Wonderful!! Sounds like you thought it thru. Have fun adventures!!
Did you leave the third row in?
Great vid
Hi is there enough space to store the bike without removing the tires inside the vehicle ?
Yes.
perfect timing, I just got a 07 sienna and am wanting to travel for cyclocross this winter.
What size rug did you put down in the back?
Bought an office rug and just cut it up with scissors. Forgot the uncut size.
Just curious, where does the ebike live when you have the bed open?
Under a tarp.
What do you do with the ebike at night?
Locked and under a tarp.
I'm surprised that none of the overlanding companies have offered an adventure van.
We are small potatoes :)
Nice....but....Nissan NV200 for the win. ;)
Nice one 👍
Where are you planning on going?
Just Arizona?
What minivan do you have?
'06 Sienna.
@@PathLessPedaledTV Oh gosh, did I totally miss the actual video title?!? Am I that blind? Sorry about that. :)
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I miss my van :(
Nice work. Ya done good!