Convert ANY MINIVAN into a CAMPER in 15 MINUTES?! (No Build)
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- Опубликовано: 8 июн 2024
- You can convert almost ANY minivan from an everyday driver into a comfortable NO BUILD minivan CAMPER in less than 15 minutes. I timed myself to prove it! I show you from start to finish how I create my 100% “no build” minivan camper conversion.
In this video I convert my 2023 Honda Odyssey but as long as your minivan has removable 2nd row seats and foldable 3rd row seats you should be able to do a similar conversion in your minivan. And with my three MUST-HAVE items, you'll have a luxurious bed and more storage than you even need.
***** Get $75 OFF on a TrunkMate Sleeping Platform by using Promo Code JUSTINHIKES at checkout or by using this link directly: trunk-mate.com/ref/6/
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➤ Gear I'm using in my MINIVAN CAMPER
- TrunkMate Sleeping Platform: trunk-mate.com/ref/6/ (Use THIS link for $75 off your order)
- Thule Motion XT Rooftop Cargo Carrier: amzn.to/3tJmbCd
- Trailer Hitch Cargo Carrier: amzn.to/3skmWkP
- Memory Foam Camping Sleeping Pad: amzn.to/46Z7w4b
- Car Seat Organizer: amzn.to/3MB2XW7
- Magnetic Car Sunroof Sun Shade Breathable Mesh: amzn.to/47296Co
- Tailgate Mesh Net: amzn.to/45CxCsA
- Breathable Mesh Window Covers: amzn.to/3yjixky
- WeatherTech Side Window Deflectors (Honda Odyssey): amzn.to/4dKOind
- Rechargeable 8-Inch Battery Operated Clip on Fan: amzn.to/408a25S
- Tie Downs Straps: amzn.to/3uatjHN
Disclaimer: Some of these links are affiliate links where I'll earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. This helps support the channel. Thank you!
Buy me a coffee: ko-fi.com/justin_hikes
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Find me on social media:
- Instagram: / justin_hikes
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- Twitter: / justin_hikes
1) Get $75 off on a Trunk-Mate Sleeping Platform by using coupon code JUSTINHIKES at checkout or by using this link directly: trunk-mate.com/ref/6/
2) Here's a link to my other video where I provide detail on the DOUBLE (2-person) Sleeper setup: ruclips.net/video/ILP-y7Hrqrs/видео.html
3.) See the video Description for links to all of the products I'm using in my minivan camper build.
Thanks for all the positive feedback. It's really appreciated. If this video delivered any value to you, please consider LIKING and SUBSCRIBING for more minivan camper and hiking adventures.
unwieldLy or unwieldy ? @ 1:06
The coupon code is not working
It should work. Can you give Trunk Mate a call? They can get you sorted out.
Thanks for not spending 3 hours to tell us how to build in 15 minutes!
As a Honda Odyssey minivan owner as you, your channel is the ONLY ONE so far I can find on RUclips that turn minivan into camper no-build perfectly. Not mention you also give us even more how to turn into DOUBLE BED no-build when traveling with partner. Excellent video and thank you !❤
Thanks so much for the kind words. I’m thrilled some folks find these vids helpful.
Nice
You forgot 200 hours of the process, to daydream and decide where to go on your road trip. 😂
Haha. I'm currently in the "daydream and decide" phase of my next trip. That's definitely part of the fun. 😀
You could just put your music on and simply start driving and find out where you end up. That would be a true adventure
@@lisadefries6718100%
Love it, as an older female, a portapottie will be essential.😅
Bedside commode works great, wrap the bucket in a plastic bag for easy disposal, the commode is adjustable to store it away. Or camp at Planet Fitness lol they’re open 24hrs
Get a Luggable-Loo! Smaller.
There are a lot of options. The easiest/cheapest would be to get a 5 gallon bucket and a toilet seat lid that fits on it from Walmart out the of camping section. The seat is about $15. You can line the bucket with 13gal kitchen trash bags and dispose of them in a trash can. You can use the bucket for storage of some items.
I know a guy who bought a brand new wrecked minivan (front end damaged and totalled). He sold the seats, engine, parts and everything he could on the inside on fb marketplace and eBay. Bought an old v style trailer and cut the trailer. Cut the damaged front end off of the van and welded the trailer to the frame of the van. It was the coolest thing I've ever seen and it cost him like $500 after everything was sold to help pay for it.
Thanks for sharing this Flint. I love to see the creative solutions folks come up with. Cheers!
That extra 2 mins is to get your 5 gal bucket and trash bags 🤣. Good job. I'm planning a nobuild. I just purchased a used Sienna last week but been too🥵 hot already to work on it. I just turned 75 and ready to find some cooler weather.
Safe travels 🙏
Best of luck with your Sienna and your nobuild. I hope you have a summer filled with grand adventures and cool weather.
@@Justin_Hikes 𝑇ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑘 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑠𝑜 𝑚𝑢𝑐ℎ. 🙏 𝐻𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑎 𝑔𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑡 𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑘𝑒𝑛𝑑.
One thing I really like here is that you've already done this before, gone out on trips, adjusted stuff and got to know it very well.
SOOOO. It's valid and trustable. People with other vehicles can adapt....
Good on you sir !
Right on! Thanks for the kind words. I’m thrilled some folks find this video helpful and hopefully a little entertaining too.
Consideration of the cost of these items makes me appreciate my diy skills.
Much respect to folks like you who build their own. I really enjoy watching the diverse and creative camper builds skilled craftsman create. In my case I don't have the tools or skills to build my own. That's why I set aside a budget to buy off-the-shelf items. For me it was money well spent and I've been really happy with them. Cheers!
@@Justin_Hikes Good point. Thanks for the video with good ideas.
Depending on whether or you're a brand person, a Dodge Caravan have the ability to fold the seats right in the floor and its pretty easy. Saves 'old back pain' and the floor is pretty even. Makes it a breeze to set up a bed, a shelf and storage !
Right on Eugene! I love my Honda but I'm always a little envious when I see the Stow 'n Go seats. Cheers!
This is great!! I'm a young 77 yrs. I have been waiting for something just like this!! Thank you!❤
Right on! I'm thrilled some folks find this video helpful and hopefully a little entertaining too. Cheers!
I have stow and go seats. I drop the 2 middle seats and one of the back seats. My Coleman cot fits in that back space. I have storage underneath the length of the cot. It all works great for me, no camp set up and i can pull in and sleep anywhere, most recently a rest area.
I love to hear it Sue. Thanks for commenting describing your setup. There are so many great options out there. From inexpensive to incredible feats of craftsmanship and engineering that make my jaw drop. I love watching vids of all the versions. Cheers!
yeah rei co-op cot $70 bucks, then stows away to nearly nothing
What van do you have and year?
I have a Ford Escape! It’s tiny in comparison to this but I’ve made it work! I’ve traveled all over the country as a solo camper and love it. I uploaded a tour on my channel. It’s not nearly as good as your video, but I’m pretty proud of it! :-D
Thank you!
My Escape is not running.
I may as well furnish it.
Neat bed idea. A regular camping cot can do the same function for under $60. I had ours for 25 years. Used on many boyscout trips. I add an air camping mat and foam mattress. Two can fit nicely in a van.
Thanks Eagle Arrow. One of the fun things I like about camper conversions is the wide array of solutions folks come up with. I've spent decades sleeping in tents while camping and backpacking. So I totally get it when you go with the inexpensive camping cot. Or even throwing a mattress down and calling it good. When I bought this van I set aside a budget to buy some off-the-shelf items like the bed and the two cargo carriers. For me it was a good investment in comfort but like I said, I totally get where you are coming from too. Cheers!
May be an fishermen lounge with height-adjustable feet could be an opportunity, too? Greetings from Germany.
I have a small car and I probably won't get a van anytime soon, but I really enjoyed watching the video and sat through the entire thing... You seem like a really pleasant person and I bet it's really fun to go camping with you.
Thanks so much for the kind words. Cheers!
May I ask what kind of car you have? because I also have a pretty small car that I converted into a mini camper.
@@Leon_mauricee It was a Ford Fiesta, but now I'm in the process of buying a Toyota Camry because Ford's PowerShift Transmission destroyed my clutch over 10 years.
@@futurevegan8617 Thanks for your answer, I converted a Fiat Grande Punto and it works great!
This looked pretty easy, for even a 5ft, 74 year old female to do, until you got to that overhead carrier. I do have stow and go, for all my seats, so I wouldn't have to lift any seats out. I would just do with less cargo, and forgo the overhead carrier. Thanks for the good information!!
Charlotte, thanks for your comment. My back gets a little jealous every time I see stow-and-go seats. Haha! Best of luck with your build. Cheers!
I don’t camp and don’t really plan to but I find everything interesting and this popped up in my recommended. Your setup looks so cool and convenient and this is a great video. I’m into linguistics so I also gotta say I love your accent! You seem very friendly
Thanks for the kind words. I'm originally from the northeast and occasionally that accent slips through. Haha!
This man is fantastic, a joy to watch and listen to.
Thanks so much for the kind words. I'm thrilled some folks are finding this not only helpful but a little entertaining too. I had a lot of fun making the video even though I was a little sore afterwards. Haha!
huge thanks and gratitude from me and my dad. We're soon planning to go camping and I am a huge tent enthusiast while my father wants a camping van setup for himself. Your tips and setup will prove to be valuable for us!
Thanks for the kind words. Best of luck to you and your father on your upcoming camping adventures!
I like the idea of leaving the seat up, nice comfy spot.
Thanks Jessy! Iv'e been really happy with the seat setup. People laugh when I call it my "Living Room." I've hung out in that seat on rainy nights when I can't sit out by the campfire. I'm always happy to have it! Cheers!
I just put a fold out Coleman cot from Walmart in my Odyssey, left the single rear seat too. I put my refrigerator in the front passenger seat, and Lifepo4 batteries in passenger front floor board. I use a kayak up top for my storage pod, and keep cooking stuff and extra fuel in basket on back.
Right on! Always cool when fellow Odyssey folks comment. Cheers!
WHOA! That adjustable Trunkmate bed platform is a game changer! I'm going to check it out! Thanks for the great vid.
Right on! I've been happy with the Trunk-Mate and my other purchases for the minivan camper. Cheers and thanks for the kind words.
First time viewer. Awesome video idea. I love your attention to detail for lashing the bed. However in any sort of head-on collision at 60mph, even a few pounds of weight can turn into ballistic missiles. Check out the safety tests by folks like Gunnar Kennels. That bed will likely snap and try to exit through your front window. I’d go with 100x beefier tie down straps like FrontRunner ratchet straps or something. Other than that, great video.
Thanks so much for the kind words and your thoughtful suggestions. I will check out the vids you suggested. Cheers!
I did the same thing w/ my Hybrid 23 Sienna, except I purchased a cot, & ziptied all but the end down so I had room for my dogs while traveling. I just pushed the second row seats up as far as they could go & it works just fine. I use the small 3rd row seat just like you have set up. I use some foam & carpets to smooth out the seat runners…so far, I haven’t added the extra storage, but that sounds like a good idea, too!
Rose, thanks for sharing how you've setup your Sienna minivan camper. I used to own a Sienna back in the day and loved it. When I purchased my '23 Odyssey I seriously considered getting another Sienna. As a tall guy, I didn't like that I couldn't remove the Sienna's 2nd row seats (without MAJOR effort). There was also a long wait list for new Sienna's where I live. It's possible I could have managed with folding up the Sienna's seats but with the lack of available vehicles I decided to go with the Odyssey. The Sienna still holds a special place in my heart though. Cheers!
Can you fold down/stow the 3rd row seats in the hybrid Siennas? Have fun camping!
@@Justin_Hikes Sienna really messed up with not being able to remove 2nd row seats.
I just put a 3 " serta matt covered across my folded doen seats for my bed, works perfect!!
Glad to hear it! Enjoy
Minivans are one the best inventions ever. I have had mine since 1998 and would not trade it for any car. Has a bit of rust but who cares I have saved thousands of dollars with my baby. I'm now 77 and 5 feet tall so no need for extentions.
Right on Carmen! Minivans are underrated indeed. Great every day driver and great camper if you have the right mind set. Cheers!
I saw a decal on the back of a minivan recently: It was a picture of a minivan and it said "Never say never." Hahaha! And it's true! Now that I own a minivan, I'll never go back to a regular car! Minivans are the best! 😃
@@jessicawoodard-lv9yy Good for you, my minivan is by far the best vehicle, that I ever had.
I love that you secure everything. This is a great lesson for everyone to remember to do.
I enjoy watching minivan camper videos and I noticed some forget to mention the importance of securing items. So I made a point of mentioning it. Thanks for noticing. Cheers!
Great video, my 2017 Toyota Sienna has 2nd row seating that is slightly heavier and the carts on the track that are left are a pain also. Being verticality challenged the rooftop carrier is a no go for me but the bumper rack is great. I was given one with a diamond plate truck box already mounted on it so I gave away my bumper rack and old rubber made box. Having a backpacking background the minivan is a palace... it is 2x the size of the Jeep Patriot and actually has headroom so I can setup on my simple bed build... yep, 20 minutes for me to go from daily driver to camping mode. Thank you for taking the time to create this video. ❤😊
Thanks for the kind words and for sharing your story. Us backpackers sure do appreciate the minivan camper. It's definitely spacious compared to my ultra-light tent. Cheer!
WOW! I have been looking for something like the Trunk bed! Going to look it up. Blessings to you!
Thanks! Best of luck to you. Cheers!
Nice job, very helpful because no-one wants to go thru the time and expense of a permanent built in conversion.
Thanks! I've seen a lot of minivan camper conversion videos. Some folks are incredible craftsman and construct really cool setups. Although I like watching those vids and respect their skills, I'm not a craftsman so I prefer off-the-shelf items and quick install/removal. I think there's a lot of folks who feel the same way. Cheers!
Thanks, @Justin_Hikes ! I appreciate that you emphasized securing items in the cabin, in the event of accidents 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
Thanks Gaia!
@JustinHikes
While my hiking days look like they're over, my camping days are not. ❤Thank you❤ for your clear, concise information, those all-important links, and your sense of humor! You made it look easy! Happy and safe trails to you, to paraphrase Roy Rogers.
Thanks! I'm thrilled some folks have found this video helpful and a little entertaining as well. That was my goal!
This video is awesome and very informative for camp lovers... you're appreciated, thank you 💯
Thanks so much for the kind words. I'm thrilled some folks find this video helpful and hopefully a little entertaining as well. Cheers!
Very nice produced, entertaining and interesting video. The positive attitude makes it fun to watch and also made me think over my van built to go maybe a more non permanent and flexible way. Thank you for this 11 minutes absolute well spent time to watch, specially when you compare it to the avarage click bait stuff on RUclips.
Thanks so much for the kind words. It means a lot that some folks are finding this video helpful and entertaining. That was my goal.
Nice set up! I love seeing how people do no builds. Good job!
Thanks so much for the kind words Linda. I'm thrilled some folks find this video helpful and hopefully a little entertaining as well. Cheers!
Such an efficient, organized "camping" set-up. Enjoy all your camping trips, hikes; Such an awesome set-up
Ann, thanks so much for the kind words. I'm thrilled some folks find this video helpful. And hopefully a few folks will give my hiking videos a watch too! 😀
I love that trunk bed! Yes! Those yoga mats are amazing. I already have throw rugs that line the inside of my tent and last year added a 12mm yoga mat and put it between the rug and sleeping mat. What a difference! Definitely checking out that bed...
Thanks! I'm laughing thinking about when I was in my 20's and could sleep comfortably on a thin closed-cell foam backpacking sleeping mat. Now I'm in my 50's and I've got a yoga mat, pilates mat and a three inch memory foam mattress. Times have changed! Cheers!
Enjoyed watching, thx, Justin! I got similar set up for my town&country (like Sue above) : the second row is stoved, an elevated sleeping home-made bed is on the left, the right 3rd row bench is used for sitting & working and 'living', and still having 4 legal seats when needed. Your set up reconfirmed mine - thx! As far as the beds, h/m one wants to pay for it, it is all personal preferences and capabilities! Thx and happy camping!
Right on! Sounds like your setup is dialed in perfectly. Thanks for the kind words. Cheers!
Alright Justin! Thanks for the demo. Very helpful. You’ve got yourself a new subscriber 😊
Thanks! I’m thrilled some folks find this video helpful.
Awesome work, and great Narration. Good attitude, thanks.
Thanks for the kind words.
I camp, with small dog, in a 2018 Ford escape. Back seas permently removed. Bed is on a slab of plywood propped on a block with storage underneath. This year I will be putting a twin sized memory foam mattress that my niece was no longer using. I bet it will be real comfy, better than the blow up air mattress that would lose air too often. My front seat holds the cooler and misc. I have a behind the seat hanger for misc. items. I would like a longer roomier vehicle but I am 83 and this is my last one.
Judy, thanks so much for commenting with your camping setup. I hope you enjoy your new foam mattress and have very pleasant travels ahead. Cheers!
Way to go! Enjoy your new relationship!
This was very encouraging 😊
Thanks for the kind words. Cheers!
Brilliant! Thank you!
Wow, converting a minivan into a camper in just 15 minutes sounds amazing! We sent you an email, take a look.
I've been building sleeping platforms for my Caravans and Town&Countries for decades. Store the baggage and other stuff under the platform, set queen size air mattress on top. My platform legs are against the inside edge of the van so space under is clear side to side. Rear ones bolt into rear seat belt mounts to secure the whole thing safely. If you need more storage space you can the remove the rear seat and have its storage space as well. Or if you're really stretched you can also pull the middle seats and use those storage wells.
Top and hitch carriers can either hurt aero drag and handling because of higher center of gravity or too much weight hung out the rear.
I love this! What a great idea!
Thank you! I’m thrilled some folks find this video helpful.
Thank youuuu. You really put this video together in such a nice way 👍 ❤
Thanks for the kind words. I'm thrilled some folks find this video helpful and hopefully a little entertaining too. Cheers!
This guy loves his storage
Sir, I will take that as a complement. Cheers!
That was awesome 👏🏻, thanks 🙏🏼.
Thanks! I'm thrilled some folks find this vid informative and hopefully a little entertaining too. Cheers!
Thanks for the effort!
We need to know as much as possible!
Thanks for the kind words. I'm thrilled some folks are finding my videos helpful. Cheers!
That was great! Thank you for sharing!
Thanks so much for the kind words Lydia. I'm thrilled some folks find this video helpful and hopefully a little entertaining too.
This is really smart if you might need to bug-out fast. That is, if you have to get out of town for any number of foreign reasons.
It's always good to have options! 🤪
Or domestic.
Great set up!
Thanks! I'm thrilled some folks find this video helpful and hopefully a little entertaining as well.
Thanks for posting!
Right on! I'm thrilled some folks enjoy this video.
❤I LOVE THIS SET UP IT’S BRILLIANT
Thanks so much Edith! I'm thrilled some folks are finding this video helpful. Cheers!
Great detail and narration.
Thanks so much! I’m thrilled some folks find this video helpful.
Thank you for the video. Blessings to you.
Thanks! I'm thrilled some folks find this vid informative and hopefully a little entertaining too. Cheers!
Love this. Good job from George, Scotland.
Thanks Geo! Cheers from Colorado, USA!
Huge views! Congrats!
Thanks! I'm thrilled some folks find this vid informative and hopefully a little entertaining too. Cheers!
Excellent videography.
Thanks! I'm thrilled some folks find this vid informative and hopefully a little entertaining too. Cheers!
I’ve been in my Sienna seven years. I used a camping cot. Just upgraded to a pure wool mattress, so comfortable. I recommend it if you can.
Thanks for sharing info about your minivan camper build. I used to own a Sienna. Although I love the Honda Odyssey, I would love another Sienna someday too.
This is awesome! Thank you.
Thanks for the kind words. I'm thrilled some folks find this video helpful and hopefully a little entertaining too. Cheers!
I have a very similar setup. I left the middle seat up but had been considering leaving the back one up instead. I could use the floor space, and I think i like the idea of storage in the back rather than the middle seat compartment.
Right on! I find so many great camper ideas on RUclips. I’m glad my video helped you consider a new approach for your build. Cheers!
Pretty slick. Handier than sleeves in a vest!
Thanks John!
Nice video
This is a great video!
Thanks so much. I’m thrilled some folks find it helpful.
Great video. Thanks 🙏
Thanks! I’m thrilled some folks find it helpful.
Great job!
Thanks!
Exactly how I set up my odyssey !
Awesome! Great minds think alike! 😀
Thanks for sharing big like for your good work.Looks great ..
Thanks so much for the kind words. I'm thrilled some folks find this video helpful and hopefully a little entertaining as well. Cheers!
I could do exactly this to my large SUV too. Thanks.
For sure you could Marian! SUV can be a great camper too. Cheers!
Great video and thank you for all of the links! That bed setup is awesome. I have looked at "camp cot" solution but I have the budget for this and think it is a better solution for me. I am downsizing from a 33 foot class A 2 slides all mod cons :) ... wish me luck!! I WILL be adding some sort of toilet as one of my "must haves" ... bucket with seat or gosh, there are lots of simplified options that can double as a seat.
Right on! I do wish you the best of luck in your upcoming adventures. Cheers!
Thinking outside the box, I like it. And with little effort you transform it back to full seating. Or leave the 2nd row seats out, put both 3rd row seats in down position, for maximum space when hauling whatever you need too. My vehicle is a little bigger, 34ft shuttle bus. But like you I didn't make a total permanent conversion. Using the channel struts in the walls and floor that are meant to hold the seats in place, to lock my modular living essentials securely in place when set up for camping. Each section is a free standing light weight unit, can easily be installed/remove. Remove them and the bus becomes a spacious fancy looking enclosed truck. Which I use for hauling anything that fits through the back door, including 20ft lumber and roofing panels, all protected from weather and theft. Be it helping friends move or hauling material for construction and remodel projects, I use this bus for everything, getting maximum use/return on my investment. looking good while doing so.
Thanks so much for describing your shuttle bus build. It sounds pretty awesome! And you right, easy conversion from every day driver to camper and back again is really important for me.
awesome and great presentation!
Thanks so much for the kind words. I enjoyed making this video and I'm thrilled some folks are finding it helpful.
I wish my old Odyssey had a split rear seat instead of a bench. Yours looks so cool.
Thanks! Any idea when they switched from bench to split rear seats?
@@Justin_Hikes i don't. My whole bench either removes, or flips to view out the back of the van (odd feature), or sinks into the well for space.
Use a quilt, it’s much more comfy
Interesting 👍 have a wonderful day 😊
Thanks for the kind words. Cheers!
Beautiful
Thanks Bashir! Cheers!
Thanks very much for the nice and informative video. I was wondering how you haave figured out the cooking stove situation? Thanks again
Thanks Gabriele! For cooking I bring my small backpacking one-burner stove. I usually camp in campgrounds which almost always have a picnic table at the campsite. I put the stove and my cooking gear on the picnic table where I prepare my meal. I'm pretty happy with that minimal setup. If the weather is bad, then I sometimes have to eat a cold dinner. 😀 Cheers!
I use stow and go caravans but i prefer putting the bed on the passenger side because i slide the P side front seat all the way forward and then dress the seat up with a old coat and hat turning the head rest into a fake head … the back bench becomes the end of the bed on the right side, with the left side has a dog bed for my dog (a small shep terrier mix) while driving he likes ro go back and forth between front and back seats to look out and rest. Right behind the front passenger seat I keep a FULL size spare tire that is also the base for my bed.
Hi Steven, thanks for sharing your setup. The stow n go seats are really cool. Happy camping to you and your pup! Cheers!
this was interesting as I'm not a camper but full of great ideas !
Thanks so much for the kind words. I'm thrilled when folks find it helpful and hopefully a little entertaining as well. Cheers!
Awesome, Love the blanket
Thanks so much. That blanket is so soft too. 😀
Where did you buy the blanket?
@@heathersutton8194 the brand is Pendleton and I think we bought it at Costco. Cheers
I live in Sydney Australia and Honda have an exceptionally good reputation here. I will move forward and buy an Odessy now.
I’ve had great luck with Honda’s over the years. Cheers!
I love me an Odyssey! You're a funny guy.
Odyssey owners unite! Cheers!
I thought the trunk-mate was going to be my solution until I saw the price... $700+ !!! Nope. great job though man.
Thanks Dana. I totally understand your sentiment on the price. In my case, I lack the tools and skills to build my own solution. So when I bought the van I set aside a budget to purchase off-the-shelf items for my camper conversion. For me it was worth the investment and I've been satisfied with all three of my big purchases (bed, rooftop cargo, trailer hitch cargo carrier). Cheers!
You can buy a cot with a thin mattress that turns into a chaise longue or a chair for $100. Does need extra padding for sleeping. I got some foam and then decided I should have used my thicker air mattress because that's easier to stow when using the chair setup inside van.
Pretty cool!
Thanks!
The cooler is great to sit on! I
I have a Transit Connect, (no removeable seats) I have a cot with a 4" foldable memory foam mattress that doubles as a chair. (I wanted a super lightweight no build) using bungee cords to secure things.
Might add a cargo carrier later, if I get an E-bike. ❤
Great video! I haven't done my build yet, but it should be very similar! ❤❤❤
I do have a solar generator for power, I have to find room for, and what I call an "easy bake oven" type cook center.
(Makes coffee, fries eggs and will bake a few cookies)
I have a hammock I hope to hang kitty corner if need be for a friend or grandchild to tag along!
Best lightweight build Ive seen! Thank you! ❤
Good thing I have a cot, no Trunk Mate for a Transit...
But my cot was on clearance for under $50 too. All good! Will get my build done later this month. Have to help daughter haul something first. 😊
Best of luck on your build. Cheers!
Well done.
Thanks so much! I'm thrilled some folks find this video helpful and hopefully a little entertaining too.
That was interesting. Never heard of that Trunk-Mate Sleeping Platform.
I decided to go with an adjustable chaise lounge chair, which is a lot like a cot, but has an adjustable back and foot section so you can go from laying flat to sitting up. Still need to get a mattress for mine as the webbing is too stiff for me to sleep on it. Thinking of getting a tri-fold mattress for it. But I'm in no rush.
One issue I take with this is on your 3rd must have. Most mini-vans won't have a tow hitch, and adding one may be doable for many folks, but not for all folks, you also lose ground clearance by adding one and have to cut into your bumper. So that's not an option I'm willing to take. Otherwise, I enjoyed watching, and I learned something. Thank you.
Thanks RoofDogBlues! I appreciate when folks comment with their own creative solutions. As for the trailer hitch, I definitely see your point. It has some drawbacks. It also makes parking in urban areas more difficult when the trailer hitch cargo carrier is on. I've been happy with the trailer hitch on my Odyssey and a Toyota Sienna before that. As mentioned in the vid, when I'm traveling solo I don't always bring the trailer cargo carrier. But when it's both my wife and I and I've got TWO beds setup inside the minivan, then I am thankful for the additional storage on the hitch. Cheers!
Awesome.
Thanks Cherie! I'm thrilled some folks find this video interesting and hopefully a little entertaining too. Cheers!
INGENIOUS! 👍 👍 Two Thumbs Up! 👍 👍
Thanks for the kind words. I'm thrilled some folks are finding this video helpful. Cheers!
This is awesome, and just what I'm looking for. I must buy a van now.
Thanks so much! Minivans are great because they are a great family vehicle AND a great camper. It definitely requires a certain mindset for camping but if you've spend as many years camping in tents like I have, the minivan camper is a big step up. Cheers!
BRILLIANT JUSTIN! 💪👍🌍South Africa🥳
Thanks Annie!
You can easily make a bed with the TrunkMate Sleeping Platform, but if you are a handyperson, you can also make an inexpensive platform with plastic storage shelves and a few tie wraps that you can find in any big box hardware. If your floor is uneven like in the Honda Odyssey, you will simply need to cut some columns/legs. You can also use the underbed space as storage. I have seen it in another RUclips video.
Right on! I enjoy watching vids and seeing all the DIY solutions folks use. In my case, I’m not particularly handy. So when I bought my minivan I set aside a budget to buy off the shelf items for my camper conversion. For me it was a good investment and I’m happy with it. Cheers!
BACK-OF-SEAT ORGANIZER:
They make a Molle panel (plastic or soft) that you can customize with different attachments, etc if you are more gear-oriented.
I keep one with a med kit, everyday tools, and then have 3 spots left for things like vitamin bottles, dry snacks, quick access to power cells etc.
The Molle organizer is cheap and very customizable if you have a desire for something equally as fast to add/remove
Genius!!! Thanks for sharing. Good on ya.
Thanks for the kind words. I’m thrilled some folks find this vid helpful.
I have that same blanket
Right on! Cheers John!
I love your blanket! Have the same one.
Thanks! It’s so soft.
Where did you buy the blanket?
I’m pretty sure we got it from Costco. It’s a Pendleton brand blanket.