Vanlife essentials for the Non-Hip.
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- Опубликовано: 18 окт 2024
- Smoothie maker? Sushi roll mat? NOPE! Here's my list of needs for my DIY Minivan Camper Conversion.
If you'd like to buy me a coffee, THANKS!! Hit this link: ko-fi.com/lesl...
Thanks to @ericenjoysearth for the table design.
Here's the stuff I used to make the van a camper. As an Amazon Associate I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no cost to you:
Roof rails:
Get the OEM - Original Equipment Manufactured - roof rails:
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Roof cross bars:
flex-craft.com/
Roof basket:
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Motion activated light:
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Collapsible crate:
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Telescoping table leg:
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Table Support Channel and Slide:
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Rechargeable fan:
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Igloo cooler:
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3-drawer unit in pantry:
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Collapsible bucket:
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Disposable "toilet" bags:
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Mattress:
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Mattress fabric (Looks like the design I ordered was discontinued. But I LOVE this one):
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Zippers for mattress covers:
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Lantern that's crushable, USB chargeable and SOLAR chargeable:
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Toiletry travel bag (Hubby loves this!):
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Quick Dry towel (Another of Hubby's faves):
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![GEEK TIMË [OFFICIAL AUDIO]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/ry-6RvkH880/mqdefault.jpg)
Watch Next! >> FULL TOUR of my Minivan Camper: ruclips.net/video/FsCz8USgvJg/видео.html and
The famous TOILET video: ruclips.net/video/61V3hTasCdw/видео.html
I hardly ever find others' "necessities" interesting. This time you got my attention!
Love your design and videos. They are so helpful. I really want to make your bug screen window covers. So nice.
Thank you so much for your tips Leslie! 💕👍
Things I can't live without!
1. Roof rack
2. Rain guards for airflow
3. Usb Fan (Charge when driving)
4. Crush light by "gozero" w/Solar panel
5. Pee bag
6. Collapsible bucket (Toilet/Sink/Supplies etc. . .)
7. Pac towel
8. Table (Foldable) w/hinge attaching to two locations
9. Tools to repair things
10. USB Charging tables.
I love your humour at the end and I absolutely agree with you. Less is better unles you have a motorhome and can carry the coffee grinder, electrical kettle, electric griddle and so on.
Hey there Henri! Yep, everyone has their own comfort level. I wasn't sure exactly what I would need, so I'm a big advocate for starting simply and adding stuff if you need to.
Thanks Leslie for your down to earth charming manner! And you give very practical information. You are so refreshing to watch! Just keep these videos coming!
Well hi Forest! Thanks for your kind sentiments. "Practical" is actually my middle name, LOL!!
You’re my new favorite channel!
So glad I bumped into your channel. I purchased my minivan last week and am trying to do as much research as I can.
I think your list is excellent and helps me further my understanding. At the same time, what we find important enough to not live without is personal. I’m downsizing while I build, and my Vitamix is on my must-have list to manage my golden-green smoothie cost.
Hi VanCodeSwitch! I'm so glad to have you here 😃 I'm thrilled to be a part of your research obsession. What kind of van did you get?
@@TheVanThatGotAway Pacifica Hybrid Limited. It's my first minivan and hybrid, so I'm getting used to its size. Driving it for a week has already validated my decision not to purchase the Sprinter. I have a greater chance of being stealthy in a minivan.
100% yes! Also easier driving, parking, better gas mileage, easier build... I could go on! Oh wait, I just did 🤣🤣🤣 Congrats on your purchase. Keep me in the loop on how the build is going, okay?
Leslie, I'm about to move into a minivan full time - your channel has been a blessing. Thank you for high quality, unpretentious content!
Hi Yasar, Thanks so much for the kind words. What kind of van are you working with?
@@TheVanThatGotAway I recently got a 2006 Toyota Sienna.
Hi Leslie! Enjoyed your video. That collapsable light is awesome!! And of course the wee bags are wonderful. Too many people don’t want to talk about going to the bathroom which is crazy because we all do it!! Enjoyed your video my dear.
❤️💜💚
Oh thanks, Paige. Yep, I will go there!🤣
I think the tools are the most important! Great video.
Hi Julie, That's what I keep telling my hubby! Thanks for watching.
😂 Yeah, this is a sensible "can't live without" list.
Leslie, these helpful hints are invaluable. Like you, I watch similar videos. Thanks!
Oh, thanks Young! Yep, it's hard not not to watch every single van video, right? LOL!
I think you are just lovely 🥰 and so talented. Thanks for your videos! 👍🏻🥰☮️🙏🏼.
Oh, Yolie, you're making me blush 😊 Thanks for the kind words and thanks for watching!
Thanks and good job. Screens are next for me. Can't wait to see how you made yours....
Hi S! And I can't wait to see how I'm going to explain it so it makes sense 🤣🤣🤣 Thanks for watching.
I LOVE,LOVE LOVE my little Jackery 240 with the 100 watt solar panel.
Thanks for that, Susie. I was looking at those. Is there any time you're saying to yourself "Geez, I wish I had a little more power"?
@@TheVanThatGotAway from one Floridian minivan camper to another, buy the jackery 1000 and a 240. It may sound like overkill, but we use the 1000 for everything in our Grand caravan and the 240 for mobility around camp for fans and outdoor lights and tablet/laptop tech stuff. Leslie your awesome. Much appreciated Lee
Hi Leslie, I'm so glad you are so "real" to the camera. It is refreshing to feel you connect with us. Your channel will grow fast becuz of your personality & approach. As it does, please don't fall prey to the antics the pros suggest = bold yellow text, posed thumbnail pix, professional intro & outgo music, cliff-hanger titles, etc. I've seen it too often & there are plenty of conformed sell-outs. Too many have lost the personal touch. Just be YOU. That's why they named it RUclips.
Great ideas, too. The very 1st vid I watched of yours you credited Eric Loves Earth and the fact that u were honest made me immediately subscribe. Love it!
I too am a DIY builder. I designed & built a Cottage Camper (my icon), then built & live in my 20ft tiny house (Take-Me-Home). Talented & gifted women like us need to stick together. Recently I started my minivan build also based on Eric's design. I too am eager to see your screen video. .
Keep up the good wotk & keep it simple.
Great job!
Hi Tiny, Thanks for the many kind words! I'm so impressed and humbled by your abilities. I'm sure your van build will be off-the-hook. How's it going so far?
@@TheVanThatGotAway So far, so good, Thanks for asking. The floor, roof rails & "furniture" (bed/bench, side cabinet, countertop & storage boxes) are all installed, custom shades & curtains too. I even showed it at the Jacksonville Tiny House Show last month where I was a speaker about DIY tiny house builds and showed the Cottage Camper I built too. I believe I have a sawdust addiction! LOL. Keep up the good work, Lady!
I love your videos, you’ve given me a few ideas. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Manon, That's my greatest wish - that I can give you ideas! Thanks bunches for watching and taking the time to chat.
I have 2 of the jackeries and I love them both
HI Leese, I think I'll find the right one for us, then. Thanks!
@@TheVanThatGotAway hi! Love your site! I have a Jackery 240 that is great for my every- now- and -then camp travels.. I believe for your fulltime situation you should start with a 500,( or 1000 if you think you might get a fridge) ..love your window screens! My next project! Thanks for the great ideas! Hope to see you out there!
Keep the videos coming Leslie. Waiting to see your side door screen video. I have the pull over screen nets for the front doors there work really well.
Hi Laura, I love those pull over screens. That was my backup plan if the others wound up in a gluey, meshy mess. It was a close call🤣🤣🤣
You are like a breath of fresh air!
🌸🙏🏻☮️
Aw, thanks AJ! Thanks for watching.
Thank you for another great video. Yep, everyone of those items or something similar is essential. I love your build. I lucked out and my Tule roof rack mounts and cross bars work on the minivan. I have been trying to decide on what size basket to get for the rack. Thank you so much for taking the time to create your videos. Safe travels.
Thanks, Anita! That's good luck with your rack. Who needs to buy another Thule if they don't have to, right? Maybe that's my inner miser coming out... but I do hate to spend unnecessarily. How's everything going?
Is there a concern in people stealing stuff in the roof basket?
@@janiswilliams2766 the roof rack and basket are pretty high up. I carry a long thick cable with a lock that I can secure things with but really most thieves are too lazy to climb up there. The 11lb propane canister is the only thing for value up there and we do lock it. I did have a plastic bucket that was full of poo stolen from an exspensive camp grounds once, but usually we are the low end camp any where we camp.
Hi there, thanks for the info. I have the same van as you do, and I'm turning it into a camper also. I'd like to see the video on the making of the interior of the van.(if there's one) I have a one person bed and a 3 shelf dresser on the opposite side. I'm wired for solar, and have a 100 w battery. It took me awhile to get things done, but I'm still looking for ways to improve upon my van.
Thank you for the info.
Hey Michael, Congrats on your build! It sounds sweet. Yep, there are plenty of other videos for you about the interior. And more to come🙂 Stay tuned and thanks for checking in.
Now I need to watch all your videos!
Hey MJ, I won't try to stop you 🤣
Love you videos! Something tells me you were in theater at one time?? Thank you for all the helpful tips! ✌💕
Hi Carrie Jo! It's my pleasure to be of help if I can. 😃 Not the theater, but the Restaurant & Hospitality business. Oh, wait. Same thing, kind of. 🤣
@@TheVanThatGotAway 🤣😂
I have the same roof rack and i’ve been looking for the rain guards for a 95 chevy van. Great video, thanks for the tips 😊
Hi TFD, Regarding rain guards: my advice is to get GOOD ones. I went cheap and one of 'em came loose on the highway in Oklahoma. LOL!! Thanks for checking in.😊
I forsee screens being super important for me, for bug protection and air removal. Thanks for another fun one!
Hi Steve, Thanks for watching. Yep, there are soooo many awesome solutions out there for screening your windows. Have fun with 'em! How's your build doin?
@@TheVanThatGotAway my van arrives in June! I'll be doing so much video rewatching. Also love the toilet and fan tips, ventilation is so important
That'll be like Christmas in June😆😃 And I agree, ventilation is key. Especially if you're talking about more than one person in the camper.
Thank you! I really appreciate the good information...and really enjoyed your video!🤗
Hey Debi, Thanks for the kind words! And thanks for being here, watching my shenanigans. 😃
Just got the Bluetti EB70, great deal and fantastic charging station! Hook up a solar panel and you are good!
Thanks for that info. I should probably start to think in that direction. Are you using yours with a solar panel?
@@TheVanThatGotAway yes, the Renogy foldable, I got the 100 watt.
Once again thanks for info, useful
Hi Topi, I'm glad to be of help. 🙂
Great tips
Aw, thanks Marilyn! 😃
Just found your channel.❤❤❤❤
Hey Wendy, We've been wondering where you were! LOL!! Welcome, it's so great to have you here 😃
Very interested in the window screens. Have you already put out the video on how you made them?
Not yet, Dawn. That one wll be a bear! But hang tight, I got you. Thanks for asking 🙂
I am really looking forward to your video on screens! I'm about to make screens for my Toyota Sienna and I'm curious about the material you used for the edging on your screens. Some other versions I've seen are either too loosey goosey or too complicated for my needs. Great build, by the way!
Aw thanks, Willa! Believe me, the first version of my screens was all loosey goosey and a big hot mess. But I'll spare you all that and just explain what works. Hang tight for the screen video! And thanks for taking the time to chat.
@@TheVanThatGotAway Thanks, Leslie! FYI, I live in Iowa, the snow is gone and the bugs are out. No pressure.
@@willacampbell9939 Haha!! Yes ma'am!
I have a crush lite,too
Leslie, you are so freaking adorable, I love your build, and we have the same van so I have saved most of your videos, and I order stuff little by little, I’m about to order the roof rack and the fan. I hope these are affiliate links do you get a little commission from Amazon for promoting their products! You sold out the little piddle bags lol 😂
Peetie! You're a genius!! I'm off to look into that immediately... Thanks 😊
Love your vids! Subbed!
Oh thanks, VP! Good to have you here 😃
Hi Leslie,
Really enjoyed this video and your other ones as well! Sorry if I misses it, but where do you explain about the window screens you've made?
I'm looking for that video as well. Can you please attach the link?
Hey Jenniffer and Katya, Thanks for asking. That video is on the way for you. Hang tight! And thanks for checking in.
@@TheVanThatGotAway thank you! All of your videos are amazing! I have a Toyota Sienna that I'm going to be using to get out in and explore with. I have the opolar fan, Jackery 240 and I just ordered the smash lantern! My only remaining issue was keeping the bugs out! Keep up the great videos! They are great and you are a true gem!
Aw shucks, thanks Jenniffer.☺️
Fab video and Fab lady!
Well thanks, lishana! And thanks for checking in. 😃
I got a luci light, but now like the softer light of yours. By the way, I AM going to copy your CUBBYHOLE cupboard. 🤗👍
Woo hoo! Karen, that's awesome about the cubbyholes. I just looked up Luci lights... Inflatable?!! Whoa. Do you like yours?
@@TheVanThatGotAway yes I like the luci lights but it Inflated clear plastic, bright LEDs,. I should of gotten the warmer lights, not white. I got some 1/4 inch pretty plywood from work, its has knots in it, came with some electronic parts in boxes. Heat treated, 4 x 4 that I'm using for those CUBBYHOLE cupboards. Are those wee bags sturdy enough, wouldn't want a unknown leak! Also your eyes tell half your story. Wonderful narration.
@@TheVanThatGotAway I realy like my Luci light, I toss it on my dash while driving and it can last for hours and hours ( I have always called it a night and turned it off before it rans out of power) the only thing that I don't like is that I can't find the place to push to turn it on in the dark so I put a piece of Velcro over the turn on button and can quickly find it in the dark.
Hi Nota! That Velcro idea is super smart, can I steal it?? 🤣 I'm pretty sure there will come a time when I need a clever solution for something ☺️
@@TheVanThatGotAway feel free to use the Idea, no need to steal it. I will be using some of your ideas as I replace things in my van. I like your screens in the windows. I built screens into my curtains but I like yours better but mine still are working and I can't see investing in new screens until these wear out but when they do... I'll be "stealing" your idea LOL.
Leslie where did u get the bug screens for ur odyssey let me know
Leslie I have to tell you I assume you travel with your spouse but from what I understand is you did most if not all the work,well I have to tell you I enjoy your videos and I like your thoughts on the design of your minivan.
Why you don't mention them as such I'm a big proponent of safety both driving and design. For instance you don't block your windows except for the only one that can be blocked without seeing out it,the driver's side rear.
And thank you so much for not calling you rear door area the kitchen, it's the most foolish thing in the world. I mean we all know it never rains or snows when we have to cook,and if you cook after dark there are no bugs that will annoy the you know what out of you. Also you do something really radical you leave the rear window where you could see out of it,what a concept.
Do people not understand that the minivan is the vehicle the most important vehicle to not block your view and the line of site. They are all important though.
Whether you know it or not(I personally believe you do) you have made a beautiful minivan to live in, that's safe.
I have driven professionally for years and taught people how to drive and I can't believe how people block there line of vision, and they are putting on almost the same mileage as a professional driver, and they would rather have a cute interior or a cabinetry system that blocks every one of there windows. Your minivan is proof you can have a beautiful van and still be safe. Thank you.
Two things,one you have to do a video on how to do Airbnb Two :How many times have you seen someone driving a 40 to 45 ft. long moter home or fifth wheel towing another vehicle,meanwhile they never drove anything bigger than a Lincoln. No special license is needed for this, it's criminal.
Hi X, I didn't know that about the big motor homes, that's NUTS! Thanks for the kind words, I certainly appreciate you. Yes, I'm here to testify that your van can be cute AND safe at the same time. And you're right, I did every bit of the build myself. The hubby isn't wired that way, so I don't even try to get him involved in the build, LOL!! He LOVES the traveling part, though. 😀 Thanks again for taking the time to say hi!
@@TheVanThatGotAway yeah isn't that nuts as long as it's under 26,000 pounds or carries less than 16 people you don't need a CDL license most are well under that requirement,or there is a non CDL license for people who are not driving as a job. Fifth wheels are at 10,000 pounds, and that's because almost no vehicle would be able to tow it,and even then it's only 7states that require those license. Seven that means chances are very good when your next to a big rig r.v. which almost none are over 26,000 pounds that driver can have almost no experience or training driving it.
Doesn't the collapsible bucket collapse when you sit on it when used for "toilet situation"?
Hey Kathleen, Nope. Look for the Toilet video I made to see how it works. Thanks for checking in!😃
I have the crush lite,too and it turns on ,I love it but then it shuts off 😢
Where did I miss screens. Think saw all videos, which did I miss
Hey Topi! It's on the way. Don't worry, you didn't miss out. 😆 Thanks for asking, I'll get it out to ya.
Just need to look away from the camera and look to the side of it so you are looking at us lol
I am building out my 2017 Chrysler Pacifica and going to take a 2 month run. I am hoping to meet some safe people to connect with. Any recommendations?
Hi Julianne, Congrats on your build! I'll do a video for you on that very subject, how's that sound?
Is there a link for the wee.bags :) 😀 THANK YOU
You bet there is! It's in the Toilet video description. Thanks for asking.
Lol "for the non-hip"!!
Hey Karen, Yep, I started thinking about all those vans with the heated floors, microwaves, and milk foamers. And I realized just how non-hip we are, LOL!
I can't see where a folding bucket would work if you needed to sit on it?
Hey 6! It's one part of my "toilet" system. I show the whole set up in my Toilet video. Thanks for asking!🙂
I'm confused with the title. There is nothing here that is "hip" or "non hip", just useful tools for being on the road.
I hope it's helpful. Thanks for watching!
Us females, have that mom's purse has everything but kitchen sink gene
LOL, Susan!!🤣🤣🤣
Love to see how window screens were done! Please.
You got it! Hang tight 🙂
Useful info, but PLEASE get a tripod.
LOL, Nicole, I just got one! 🤣 Just in time for the next video...
You keep saying we ...Is it your husband You don't say how big he is of his weight
Not to be nosey ,But when you were at the table setup it looked like you took up most of the sitting space .So where does he sit when your setting . Can you show both sitting at the table .
Well hey, Linda! The hubby is just a few inches taller than I am. We both fit on the bench comfortably. When we put the table in place, it's long enough for abot 1 1/2 people, LOL! One person has to turn a little bit to use it. I only made the table as long as the storage space I had for it, but you could make it any length you want. I'll get a picture of us at the table when we're on the road. Thanks for asking!
For we we and 💩 💩 fellow the 🐻
why not just eat in front
Hey Noah, I just need a break from the front seat once in a while, kwim?