Thank you for this! I only have two weeks and a very limited budget to finish up my van and figuring out how to level out the floors without a lot of technical tools and without dismantling it completely has been stumping me. I’ve had everything else laid out for months but it all rests on an even floor. Every video I’ve come across has involved bolt cutters or something super destructive to the integrity of the van and hundreds of dollars of supplies, not to mention all the tools I don’t have! . I loved seeing your thriftier, much more realistic approach. Best of luck to you! Cheers!
Hi Dani , I too had the same issues with my 2010 Sienna. I used cardboard to even it out at the front then a layer of reflectix. Then used a sheet of 11/32 plywood and a carpet on top . Mostly I was going for the floor to be even and soft for my knees because I had knee surgery in 2020. It’s probably a over kill but my knees like it . I’m sure you love your Sienna ! We are a Toyota family. I just sold my Previa after having her for 30 years . This Sienna got 239 miles and she a keeper ! Love all the features this van got .
Wow, I just bought some of the black foam puzzle pieces last week to even out the floor my minivan! I have seen some use pool noodles to go over the metal hooks. I have some pipe insulation that I will use instead. I bought a square piece of plastic that is made to go under desks to protect your floor. I will use that instead of a carpet - except for throw rugs perhaps. So many options! Probably won’t happen until spring though as I live in eastern Canada and we are heading into colder days :). I will be watching to see how yours holds up. Thank you for sharing the information.
Interesting Dani. I hope you video putting your bed/etc back in then a follow up on how well this holds up. Also you will be camping in cooler weather & I would be interested in how well this insulates the floor. Thanks again
Hi there 3G. It’s always great to see what has worked with other people. I had thought about using those foam tiles and then throwing a Capet over them as well. I didn’t know those little metal bars in the floor as so pronounced. Still on the van hunt … prices are just so unreasonable. Two weeks later I’m still getting calls from the dealership where I made an offer. Why call me when you haven’t accepted my offer?
Late to this party, but I'm in the "contemplative" phase of moving to living in a van, and your journey resonates with me a lot! I already have a Sienna so I know exactly what you're talking about with the floor. RUclips of course can read my mind, so this was the first video in my queue today. Thanks so much for sharing! ❤
Nice figuring things out, Dani! I had a similar process with leveling out the floor in our Toyota Sienna. I put down a large sheet of linoleum for easy clean up. And like you stuck foam in the low spots covered with gorilla tape. So far so good.
I just ran across your channel sweetie and I had to comment before I even started watching! I am so excited to see this I am in the parking lot at Lowe's trying to figure out what am I going to do for a floor in my Honda Odyssey! I have that same big dip behind the passenger and driver seat and I have that big dip in the back which I want to make accessible because I want to put a tub back there! Anyway thank you thank you thank you and now I'm going to watch the video!
I wish we were closer, I would love to swap conversion ideas with you. I'll get a picture of what mine looks like and send it to you. I have really enjoyed your journey. The picture were fabulous.
I like that you really tried to get to the lowest level vs padding up the floor an inch to easily level. I removed my carpet in Honda 07 because I own dogs... Our last floor was ruined between the three of us with water spills. I mean it was RUINED. Trying to come up with floor solutions for the rear AC right now...
OMG why are you apologizing for the video formatting LOL Stop! We are not following you and judging your videos! Thank you for sharing your flooring fix! Be safe out there!
Nice job. Those foam boards work wonders. I bought mine at Harbor Freight for a very reasonable price. I also use a piece of it as a cat scratch pad and for some reason it holds up really well to quite a lot of scratching...just fyi for the cat owners out there who hate the chunks of cardboard that come off most cat scratch pads out there.
Thank you for this vlog … currently I am planning the space in a Citroen Picasso 7 seater and the floor is an issue … I’ve always had camper vans and sold my ‘ Vera’ (VW) a few years ago with the plan to get a LHD van … I had left Ireland when my sons became independent and moved into a Spanish cortijo … and lived comfortably for a period ‘van less’ However the travel bug hit me again and I converted my Hyundai Santa Fe into a camper (no build) … but ‘Hector’ is old now and so while saving for a bigger van … I bought the Citroen … and hoping to do a quick no-build on this so I can travel around Portugal and continue my nomadic life in this beautiful country . Someday I would like to reach the US of A ! 😀 … to meet with all you solo female nomads … solo female nomads in Europe are harder to find, in my experience, although there are many out there I am sure ? I’m Irish so I have the gift of the gab (talking or in this case writing !) so I’ll shut up now 😂😅🤣 and thank you for this informative vlog … I’ll sure use your tips … 🙏☘️😘
Oh my goodness! Let me tell you my Odyssey is a hot mess with the uneven situation, so frustrating lol I even have air vents in the third row floor... working on the video currently. Should be out in a day or two. Such a pain but that's a wonderful idea I may steal lol
Hi! Recently new sub here. I just wanted to say Good video. TY 💗 I haven't named my van either. Being silver I pondering masculine vs feminine. Leaning towards feminine. Or something that can be either, both. 🤔 I figure like naming a pet, it will come with time. Great job figuring out the flooring! Kudos! God bless you and your son Thomas for helping. It's so nice to have help w larger projects.💖
I love your van build because it's so neat and organized. So I'm trying to copy it. Did you cut a hole into the carpet and foam to secure the bed legs to the van? Is that what's keeping the bed from moving around while you drive or did you put something else there to secure it. I can't quite tell from the video, even though I watched it several times.
The bed never moves. It is just sitting on top of the carpeting. BUT, it’s heavy, and I’m heavy, so I’m sure it makes it’s own indents. Also, the back legs are down in the well where the back seats used to be and they are against that metal. They aren’t tied or bolted in, but it’s super secure.
I'm working on the very same dilemma right now. I just got my second van and I'm trying to utilize the space and I removed the seats. A piece of plywood is not cutting it it's so uneven. I would love to see you put everything back in and give me some more ideas. Thank you for sharing
I know what you mean about those metal seat latch bars. I have tried many things to soften them. I still have my seats in so my space is limited. I may try those rubber mats and cover the whole floor.
I thought of that, too, or possibly a sheet of the pink rigid foam insulation that is made to put under concrete pours. It may not be as great for smaller pointy things poking in, though. It is great for overall not compressing. I put it in my bus before the plywood subfloor. Keep up posted.
No, but the carpet gets pulled up from the side and back from time to time and I’m very careful, if I spill anything I pull it up and throw my fans at it until it dries out completely. Plus I only took one trip to PNW, otherwise I tend to prefer to be in dry climates. Hope this helps!
Good question. A few reasons. No place or tools to cut plywood once I got it. It wasn't really an option. Plus it's hard. I wanted something a little softer and cushier for when I'm on my knees in the van. Plus, I was worried about those metal pieces that stick up making the floor still a little uneven, foam mat and carpeting are both forgiving and flexible.
Thank you for this! I only have two weeks and a very limited budget to finish up my van and figuring out how to level out the floors without a lot of technical tools and without dismantling it completely has been stumping me. I’ve had everything else laid out for months but it all rests on an even floor. Every video I’ve come across has involved bolt cutters or something super destructive to the integrity of the van and hundreds of dollars of supplies, not to mention all the tools I don’t have! . I loved seeing your thriftier, much more realistic approach. Best of luck to you! Cheers!
I’m so glad you found it useful!!! 💖
Hi Dani , I too had the same issues with my 2010 Sienna. I used cardboard to even it out at the front then a layer of reflectix. Then used a sheet of 11/32 plywood and a carpet on top . Mostly I was going for the floor to be even and soft for my knees because I had knee surgery in 2020. It’s probably a over kill but my knees like it . I’m sure you love your Sienna ! We are a Toyota family. I just sold my Previa after having her for 30 years . This Sienna got 239 miles and she a keeper ! Love all the features this van got .
Yesss! My daughter and I both have Camrys. My son has a Corolla. LOL
Your floor sounds delightful!!! 😊😊😊
Wow, I just bought some of the black foam puzzle pieces last week to even out the floor my minivan! I have seen some use pool noodles to go over the metal hooks. I have some pipe insulation that I will use instead. I bought a square piece of plastic that is made to go under desks to protect your floor. I will use that instead of a carpet - except for throw rugs perhaps. So many options! Probably won’t happen until spring though as I live in eastern Canada and we are heading into colder days :). I will be watching to see how yours holds up. Thank you for sharing the information.
Thanks so much for watching and for sharing! I'll keep you posted!
Thank you so much for sharing. I am in the process of laying my floors now and documenting the journey on my channel. ❤
💖💖💖
Interesting Dani. I hope you video putting your bed/etc back in then a follow up on how well this holds up. Also you will be camping in cooler weather & I would be interested in how well this insulates the floor. Thanks again
Hi there 3G. It’s always great to see what has worked with other people. I had thought about using those foam tiles and then throwing a Capet over them as well. I didn’t know those little metal bars in the floor as so pronounced. Still on the van hunt … prices are just so unreasonable. Two weeks later I’m still getting calls from the dealership where I made an offer. Why call me when you haven’t accepted my offer?
Will do!💕💕💕
Late to this party, but I'm in the "contemplative" phase of moving to living in a van, and your journey resonates with me a lot! I already have a Sienna so I know exactly what you're talking about with the floor. RUclips of course can read my mind, so this was the first video in my queue today. Thanks so much for sharing! ❤
Welcome aboard! Thanks so much for being here! 😊
Nice to have you drop by.👍
😊
Nice figuring things out, Dani! I had a similar process with leveling out the floor in our Toyota Sienna. I put down a large sheet of linoleum for easy clean up. And like you stuck foam in the low spots covered with gorilla tape. So far so good.
That’s cool. The carpet is good for now. I like the idea of linoleum just for cleanup - it’s easier and more sanitary.
@@YouAndMeLivingFree I put the linoleum right over the original carpet in the van.
I just ran across your channel sweetie and I had to comment before I even started watching! I am so excited to see this I am in the parking lot at Lowe's trying to figure out what am I going to do for a floor in my Honda Odyssey! I have that same big dip behind the passenger and driver seat and I have that big dip in the back which I want to make accessible because I want to put a tub back there! Anyway thank you thank you thank you and now I'm going to watch the video!
Yay! Welcome! So happy to have you here!
Wow I have Odyssey too and the floor situation is a pain lol
I wish we were closer, I would love to swap conversion ideas with you. I'll get a picture of what mine looks like and send it to you. I have really enjoyed your journey. The picture were fabulous.
Thanks for being here. Keep me posted, I'd love to see!
I like that you really tried to get to the lowest level vs padding up the floor an inch to easily level. I removed my carpet in Honda 07 because I own dogs... Our last floor was ruined between the three of us with water spills. I mean it was RUINED. Trying to come up with floor solutions for the rear AC right now...
😊
It's a process, and trying out things, that cost not much until it works for u is a good thing❣Wish u a great time🥰
Thank you so much! You too!
I would love a video where it all goes back in and if you rethink some of the things you previously took with you etc.
I've been thinking of doing something like - things I thought I had to have, but didn't really need for the van. Hindsight is 20/20. Thank you!
OMG why are you apologizing for the video formatting LOL Stop! We are not following you and judging your videos! Thank you for sharing your flooring fix! Be safe out there!
Welcome back! You are so kind! Thanks for being here!
Nice job. Those foam boards work wonders. I bought mine at Harbor Freight for a very reasonable price. I also use a piece of it as a cat scratch pad and for some reason it holds up really well to quite a lot of scratching...just fyi for the cat owners out there who hate the chunks of cardboard that come off most cat scratch pads out there.
Thank you for watching, and for sharing!
Thank you for this vlog … currently I am planning the space in a Citroen Picasso 7 seater and the floor is an issue …
I’ve always had camper vans and sold my ‘ Vera’ (VW) a few years ago with the plan to get a LHD van … I had left Ireland when my sons became independent and moved into a Spanish cortijo … and lived comfortably for a period ‘van less’
However the travel bug hit me again and I converted my Hyundai Santa Fe into a camper (no build) … but ‘Hector’ is old now and so while saving for a bigger van … I bought the Citroen … and hoping to do a quick no-build on this so I can travel around Portugal and continue my nomadic life in this beautiful country .
Someday I would like to reach the US of A ! 😀 … to meet with all you solo female nomads … solo female nomads in Europe are harder to find, in my experience, although there are many out there I am sure ?
I’m Irish so I have the gift of the gab (talking or in this case writing !) so I’ll shut up now 😂😅🤣 and thank you for this informative vlog … I’ll sure use your tips … 🙏☘️😘
Thank you so much for being here! Thanks for watching and for sharing part of your story too!!! 💖
Oh my goodness! Let me tell you my Odyssey is a hot mess with the uneven situation, so frustrating lol I even have air vents in the third row floor... working on the video currently. Should be out in a day or two. Such a pain but that's a wonderful idea I may steal lol
I’m so glad you found it helpful! 😊
Hi! Recently new sub here. I just wanted to say Good video. TY 💗 I haven't named my van either. Being silver I pondering masculine vs feminine. Leaning towards feminine. Or something that can be either, both. 🤔 I figure like naming a pet, it will come with time. Great job figuring out the flooring! Kudos! God bless you and your son Thomas for helping. It's so nice to have help w larger projects.💖
I’m happy to have you here, Cheryl! 😊😊😊
VANessa!!! Perfect name for your wheels!!
Nice!!! Thank you!
Good video. Thank you for the good information 👍.
Thanks for watching!
I love your van build because it's so neat and organized. So I'm trying to copy it. Did you cut a hole into the carpet and foam to secure the bed legs to the van? Is that what's keeping the bed from moving around while you drive or did you put something else there to secure it. I can't quite tell from the video, even though I watched it several times.
The bed never moves. It is just sitting on top of the carpeting. BUT, it’s heavy, and I’m heavy, so I’m sure it makes it’s own indents. Also, the back legs are down in the well where the back seats used to be and they are against that metal. They aren’t tied or bolted in, but it’s super secure.
I'm working on the very same dilemma right now. I just got my second van and I'm trying to utilize the space and I removed the seats. A piece of plywood is not cutting it it's so uneven. I would love to see you put everything back in and give me some more ideas. Thank you for sharing
Thanks for watching and for the suggestion. I do keep changing things. LOL.
I know what you mean about those metal seat latch bars. I have tried many things to soften them. I still have my seats in so my space is limited. I may try those rubber mats and cover the whole floor.
💕💕💕
I believe they unbolt from under the van. Less complicated than you think.
I have seen people cutting them off, but that's a bit much.
Awsome vedio dear friend !!!!
Thank you! 💖
@@YouAndMeLivingFree welcome dear friend
Buy wood slat bamboo rug, 4x6
brilliant!
😊
How is your floor been holding up? I have a 2013 sienna with big seat tracks I need to go over. I do not want to remove anything permanently.
It lasted great!
Thankyou
😊😊😊
If a 4x8 sheet of foam will fit a 4x8 sheet of plywood will fit. I have a Dodge van a sheet will fit in it.
Thanks!
I thought of that, too, or possibly a sheet of the pink rigid foam insulation that is made to put under concrete pours. It may not be as great for smaller pointy things poking in, though. It is great for overall not compressing. I put it in my bus before the plywood subfloor. Keep up posted.
Thanks Dani!
How is it holding up 6 months later?
Yep, it’s doing great!
Have you had any problems with mold since you left the carpet in?
No, but the carpet gets pulled up from the side and back from time to time and I’m very careful, if I spill anything I pull it up and throw my fans at it until it dries out completely. Plus I only took one trip to PNW, otherwise I tend to prefer to be in dry climates. Hope this helps!
Thanks for the info
Soundz lika plan .... 🙋☕🚐🏞️✝️🇺🇲
Woot!
Why not a piece of plywood?
Good question. A few reasons. No place or tools to cut plywood once I got it. It wasn't really an option. Plus it's hard. I wanted something a little softer and cushier for when I'm on my knees in the van. Plus, I was worried about those metal pieces that stick up making the floor still a little uneven, foam mat and carpeting are both forgiving and flexible.