Fantastic video, I'm saving this in my playlist as a reference before i go on vacation. This is one of the cleanest and best van builds I've seen on RUclips, not only functional but everything looks great too. Everything very well thought out and you're very skilled to put it all together and make it look that good. I'd like to see a walkaround video of your van with all the mods and changes you've done to it. A+
Glad you enjoyed it! I’m planning on putting together a fresh walkaround video this year. It’s been a while since the last one and there’ve been a bunch of changes since, and more coming. I appreciate your comment, thanks.
I feel I must be doing something right. I bring many of the same things you do. 😆 That's a nice case for the trifold. I'll have to see if they make one for the 6".
Dude your dialed in, I love your organization. I’m preparing for 2 months in New Mexico for a grocery store remodel, I have to hit the road day after thanksgiving and be there by Sunday night and just watching videos to re dial myself in. I’ll be using a butane stove this trip to save on space and this is the first time I saw the wind block you showed, I’ll be picking one of those up asap.
Yeah, a lot of the stuff is in the category of "just in case" but the wind block has been invaluable for outdoor cooking. Highly recommended. I'm glad you found the video useful. Best wishes to you in NM, and have a happy Thanksgiving.
I’m late to the party, but my added creature comforts are: Slumberjack Roadhouse tarp (kept us sane on a trip when it rained a lot), REI Campwell picnic table bench covers (got them on sale), small AstroTurf doormats, pop-up privacy tent as dressing room, loo room, and bathhouse (study the RUclips videos to learn the re-fold skill).
LOVE LOVE LOVE all your videos! I've watched some more than once or twice! ;-) Trying to decide on minivan right now to do what you did. Sadly, I don't have your skills!
Super useful! We're heading out camping this weekend. We've been camping for many years, but you still gave me a few good ideas. Can wait to build out my AWD Sienna for some van adventures too (we currently tent camp with 2 kids). I love your setup and will definitely take notes!
I can't imagine what you might be missing, but I am sure you'll find out sometime soon! Thanks for sharing and making me feel just a little bit less over-prepared! 😄
Camping on Vancouver Island, we take two cans of bear spray. one for each mountain bike, I pack a hunting knife on my belt in case we get stalked by a cougar which are plentiful here. We have a Deet candle for bugs and fine mesh screens for the slider door windows for no see ums. Costco lantern, reflectics for the front window, and a flex bar with a proper socket for the wheel nuts, Than there is the bike rack with security cable and heavy duty lock. Two Costco folding chairs, tumbler ridge with the side ledge, small plastic table and two tony Bahama beach chairs that are like a back pack and two tony Bahama umbrella that we tie to the end of picnic table at bc provincial campgrounds and the older one for the beach. At night we store a lot of our stuff under that, in case it rains. Of course two massive golfing umbrellas. And a new addition this year, a pop up Songnics change tent or I call it the pee tent for at night. It folds like something you had in your video with a twist but just bigger. We get a lot of comments on the tent thing . Cheers
@@BruceParks lol. Well I do not have to go far, because we had one big mama bear sneak up to the bbq an hour after we cooked a fresh piece of sockeye and a younger bear playing with my compost tumbler. two weeks later. I just ran after them screaming like a mad man and I have never seen them since. In the bush, I do not have a open door to run back into whence they turn around and come back at me.. Had that happen to me and had to call a CO and he came out and shot a 600 lb boar. Had a cougar once in the yard too. A young one had chased a deer that had hid in my garden beside the house and he popped out the bush onto the back lawn. That was two years ago. The bears that i chased was this last July. The one that got shot was about 8 years ago. I always have my head up going outside. They have been around because I think it has been a late berry season and they are hungry. The apples are out now beside the old abandon e and n railway line from the trees that grew from people throwing out their eaten cores a hundred years ago . They hang out there now and then will go to the river for salmon later on.
Hi Bruce. Did you consider perforating the bed platform for both load lightening and ventilation for the mattress? Would that be a good idea for long-term van living?
Excellent question. I've thought about it and may still do it. The weight savings wouldn't be much (but better than zero). We've never had any problems with moisture in the mattress but if we did, having airflow underneath would be a great benefit. So, other than the time needed to drill the holes and sharpen the drill bits, there's no real drawback to doing so.
only one lighter? ya need 3 :) one to lose. another because the gas WILL run out. i mean a 2 burner campstove AND small bbq are absolute requirements for my gf n i. replace all your tire and tool stuff with a triple a card. and why is all your bedding packed away? don't you just make the bed and leave it be? but, you know, you do you - these are just my preferences. I've got a nissan nv200 tho - about the same space as you.
LOL, yeah, I should get more lighters. BTW, the reason I pack up the van stuff is we really only do one big road trip each year and the rest of the time, the van isn't used much other than as a regular vehicle around town. The roadtrips are usually cross-country, many weeks and miles (9,000 miles this summer). It feels good to yank stuff out after a long trip and sort it out.
@@BruceParks cool! 9000 miles, eh? Dang :) I live in a Seattle suburb and we've gone to Yellowstone. And down the Oregen coast. But we've averaged 2 week long trips a year. Yellowstone was 2 weeks. Probably more when we retire. But probably pick somethin bigger than my nv200 then.
Hi, Bruce. I'm hunting for a used SIenna. What are your thoughts re sunroof? I've never had one before. Do they tend to leak? Are they good for air circulation? (Sleeping on hot nights - a lot this summer!) Would a sunroof be in the way for other parts of your current arrangement? Thanks for any guidance. Faith
Hi Faith, excellent questions. I’m of the opinion that there are two kinds of sunroofs, those that leak and those that are going to leak 🙂. But seriously, most are okay as long as the drain holes and lines are kept clear. I feel like they might be somewhat helpful for ventilation but they’re up front so the benefit for the rear area where you’re sleeping is not that great. 12v fans are almost essential for moving air into the back, regardless of sunroof or not. I expect a sunroof might make things a little hotter during the daytime. If it’s open, it’ll let some hot air out but also let in direct sunlight which can heat things up quickly. I don’t feel like the camper build is impacted negatively either way, you just build around whatever is there. If you’re adding solar panel(s), there would be some spatial limitations. Those are some thoughts that come to mind right away. Don’t hesitate to ask more Q’s if you have any.
@@BruceParks Thanks, Bruce. You are wonderfully generous with your guidance to those of us who want to learn from you. Decision: No sunroof. I've asked for a 12V fan for my birthday next month. I've been asking for car-camper related gifts for 2 years now. Chuckle. They're my commitment to myself re actually doing car camping.
For the fan, get a USB clip fan with integrated rechargeable battery like the one I link to in the description of this video. You can run it and charge it from a USB port (or a 12v port with a USB adapter inserted into it) and it will run on its own when its battery is charged.
Yeah, that's the thing, I'm using regular tires and there's no spare in the AWD Sienna's. That's why I have so many flat repair options (including an upgraded AAA membership).
The thing you blow on to start a fire, I’ve seen someone else with it. Unfortunately, I don’t know the name of it to look it up and I can’t find a link in your description either. Is it there?
Fantastic video, I'm saving this in my playlist as a reference before i go on vacation. This is one of the cleanest and best van builds I've seen on RUclips, not only functional but everything looks great too. Everything very well thought out and you're very skilled to put it all together and make it look that good. I'd like to see a walkaround video of your van with all the mods and changes you've done to it. A+
Glad you enjoyed it! I’m planning on putting together a fresh walkaround video this year. It’s been a while since the last one and there’ve been a bunch of changes since, and more coming. I appreciate your comment, thanks.
I feel I must be doing something right. I bring many of the same things you do. 😆
That's a nice case for the trifold. I'll have to see if they make one for the 6".
I hope you can find a case for your 6". The 4" one isn't available anymore (I bought ours 4 years ago).
Dude your dialed in, I love your organization. I’m preparing for 2 months in New Mexico for a grocery store remodel, I have to hit the road day after thanksgiving and be there by Sunday night and just watching videos to re dial myself in. I’ll be using a butane stove this trip to save on space and this is the first time I saw the wind block you showed, I’ll be picking one of those up asap.
Yeah, a lot of the stuff is in the category of "just in case" but the wind block has been invaluable for outdoor cooking. Highly recommended. I'm glad you found the video useful. Best wishes to you in NM, and have a happy Thanksgiving.
I’m late to the party, but my added creature comforts are: Slumberjack Roadhouse tarp (kept us sane on a trip when it rained a lot), REI Campwell picnic table bench covers (got them on sale), small AstroTurf doormats, pop-up privacy tent as dressing room, loo room, and bathhouse (study the RUclips videos to learn the re-fold skill).
Great adds. Almost sounds luxurious!
Appreciate you sharing this! Safe and happy travels to y'all!
Thank you! Much appreciated.
Such a cool setup and so much handy-stuff. Very useful vid! Happy travels Bruce.
Thanks, you too! I'm glad you found this useful. That's my goal with these videos.
LOVE LOVE LOVE all your videos! I've watched some more than once or twice! ;-) Trying to decide on minivan right now to do what you did. Sadly, I don't have your skills!
Thanks for the nice comment, Mika. I wish you good luck in your minivan search. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.
У меня есть вопрос
Super useful! We're heading out camping this weekend. We've been camping for many years, but you still gave me a few good ideas. Can wait to build out my AWD Sienna for some van adventures too (we currently tent camp with 2 kids). I love your setup and will definitely take notes!
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for taking the time to write, much appreciated.
Thanks. I think you're more prepared when on the road than many folks are at home. 😊🆗🆒✅🏆
I guess I just really don't like the idea of becoming stranded somewhere. Does it show?
I can't imagine what you might be missing, but I am sure you'll find out sometime soon! Thanks for sharing and making me feel just a little bit less over-prepared! 😄
LOL, I'm often accused of overthinking things. Of course, they are wrong because they are underthinking things 😆
@@BruceParks I totally understand and agree with where yer head's at on that one!
This is an amazing use of space and storage!!!
Thanks, George. Comment much appreciated!
Thanks for another excellent video and all the links!
You bet! Thanks for watching and commenting, much appreciated!
Funnel,short hose, outdoor footmat, tarps, rope, pegs, whisk, Windex, cleaning rags and brushes
Splitting axe, folding saw, shower curtain, picnic table cover
Good tips, Marion. Thanks!
What is the short hose for?
@@BruceParks filling water from a bathroom sink tap if needed
Camping on Vancouver Island, we take two cans of bear spray. one for each mountain bike, I pack a hunting knife on my belt in case we get stalked by a cougar which are plentiful here. We have a Deet candle for bugs and fine mesh screens for the slider door windows for no see ums. Costco lantern, reflectics for the front window, and a flex bar with a proper socket for the wheel nuts, Than there is the bike rack with security cable and heavy duty lock. Two Costco folding chairs, tumbler ridge with the side ledge, small plastic table and two tony Bahama beach chairs that are like a back pack and two tony Bahama umbrella that we tie to the end of picnic table at bc provincial campgrounds and the older one for the beach. At night we store a lot of our stuff under that, in case it rains. Of course two massive golfing umbrellas. And a new addition this year, a pop up Songnics change tent or I call it the pee tent for at night. It folds like something you had in your video with a twist but just bigger. We get a lot of comments on the tent thing . Cheers
Excellent info. I think there are some tidbits in there I might want to use though we spend little time in areas that have that much predatory danger.
@@BruceParks lol. Well I do not have to go far, because we had one big mama bear sneak up to the bbq an hour after we cooked a fresh piece of sockeye and a younger bear playing with my compost tumbler. two weeks later. I just ran after them screaming like a mad man and I have never seen them since. In the bush, I do not have a open door to run back into whence they turn around and come back at me.. Had that happen to me and had to call a CO and he came out and shot a 600 lb boar. Had a cougar once in the yard too. A young one had chased a deer that had hid in my garden beside the house and he popped out the bush onto the back lawn. That was two years ago. The bears that i chased was this last July. The one that got shot was about 8 years ago. I always have my head up going outside. They have been around because I think it has been a late berry season and they are hungry. The apples are out now beside the old abandon e and n railway line from the trees that grew from people throwing out their eaten cores a hundred years ago . They hang out there now and then will go to the river for salmon later on.
Sure sounds like they have delicious food to choose from, not including humans 🙂
Hi Bruce. Did you consider perforating the bed platform for both load lightening and ventilation for the mattress? Would that be a good idea for long-term van living?
Excellent question. I've thought about it and may still do it. The weight savings wouldn't be much (but better than zero). We've never had any problems with moisture in the mattress but if we did, having airflow underneath would be a great benefit. So, other than the time needed to drill the holes and sharpen the drill bits, there's no real drawback to doing so.
only one lighter? ya need 3 :) one to lose. another because the gas WILL run out. i mean a 2 burner campstove AND small bbq are absolute requirements for my gf n i. replace all your tire and tool stuff with a triple a card. and why is all your bedding packed away? don't you just make the bed and leave it be? but, you know, you do you - these are just my preferences. I've got a nissan nv200 tho - about the same space as you.
LOL, yeah, I should get more lighters. BTW, the reason I pack up the van stuff is we really only do one big road trip each year and the rest of the time, the van isn't used much other than as a regular vehicle around town. The roadtrips are usually cross-country, many weeks and miles (9,000 miles this summer). It feels good to yank stuff out after a long trip and sort it out.
@@BruceParks cool! 9000 miles, eh? Dang :) I live in a Seattle suburb and we've gone to Yellowstone. And down the Oregen coast. But we've averaged 2 week long trips a year. Yellowstone was 2 weeks. Probably more when we retire. But probably pick somethin bigger than my nv200 then.
Hi, Bruce. I'm hunting for a used SIenna. What are your thoughts re sunroof? I've never had one before. Do they tend to leak? Are they good for air circulation? (Sleeping on hot nights - a lot this summer!) Would a sunroof be in the way for other parts of your current arrangement? Thanks for any guidance. Faith
Hi Faith, excellent questions. I’m of the opinion that there are two kinds of sunroofs, those that leak and those that are going to leak 🙂. But seriously, most are okay as long as the drain holes and lines are kept clear. I feel like they might be somewhat helpful for ventilation but they’re up front so the benefit for the rear area where you’re sleeping is not that great. 12v fans are almost essential for moving air into the back, regardless of sunroof or not. I expect a sunroof might make things a little hotter during the daytime. If it’s open, it’ll let some hot air out but also let in direct sunlight which can heat things up quickly. I don’t feel like the camper build is impacted negatively either way, you just build around whatever is there. If you’re adding solar panel(s), there would be some spatial limitations. Those are some thoughts that come to mind right away. Don’t hesitate to ask more Q’s if you have any.
@@BruceParks Thanks, Bruce. You are wonderfully generous with your guidance to those of us who want to learn from you. Decision: No sunroof. I've asked for a 12V fan for my birthday next month. I've been asking for car-camper related gifts for 2 years now. Chuckle. They're my commitment to myself re actually doing car camping.
For the fan, get a USB clip fan with integrated rechargeable battery like the one I link to in the description of this video. You can run it and charge it from a USB port (or a 12v port with a USB adapter inserted into it) and it will run on its own when its battery is charged.
Do you have run flat tires on your sienna? If not, do you carry a spare or just the repair kit?
Yeah, that's the thing, I'm using regular tires and there's no spare in the AWD Sienna's. That's why I have so many flat repair options (including an upgraded AAA membership).
The thing you blow on to start a fire, I’ve seen someone else with it. Unfortunately, I don’t know the name of it to look it up and I can’t find a link in your description either. Is it there?
Yes, it's the Campfire Blowpipe in the Road Trip Grab Box section.
Campfire Blowpipe - amzn.to/3plaQmc
Yeah, I've never seen anything like this. Just ordered one from Ch for $1,5 :)
Do you stop somewhere to do laundry?
Sure do. About every 10 days.
@@BruceParks Yeah that's a tough one to do in the van :)
Why no fridge or power supply to recharge your electronics ?
I have other videos covering my electrical system for powering the fridge and chargers
Duct tape
Of course! Good tip.