This was my first version without body microphone. I did remake as 3 part series with body microphone to increase viewer experience. Please check those out to hear my walktrough better. Hope that increases your viewer experience, which was my goaol.
Hi Kay, good to see you posting here again. I also am a solo senior woman camper and have the Van Packer kit, in part because of your previous videos. I am really enjoying it. I camp with my dog (64 lbs) so I took out the right side box so she has a place to sleep. I had a very comfortable custom sized cot mattress already so I use that instead of the supplied cushions. I keep the unit in the van all of the time so when I am not camping and the van is in daily use the mattress comes out and I put the single bottom (supplied) cushion down and then my dog has a place to ride, it is the only cushion from the original configuration that I use, the others are in my attic. As for a toileting solution, well, I keep it really simple. I only need this for the night time use. I had a bed pan from when my husband was ill so I put it in a plastic bag and put a bedpan liner in it then when the liquids make contact the liner absorbs it like a diaper does. I just take the bag off and tie it all up and dispose of in the morning. I only camp at campgrounds, usually Forest Service, so there is always a dumpster near by. It takes up very little space and suits my needs. If you haven't already, check out the FB group, "Butterfly Tribe" Women Who Camp. you may find a meet up somewhere near where you live. Keep on posting, I always enjoy your content.
Glad you didn't sell off your camper. I know I will likely face a similar situation down the road too due to the other half's health issues. Hang in there, Kay.
I just got my Vanpackers kit for my Pacifica. They now make the front cushions separate and no more hydraulic lift assist, there is a wooden brace like the back unit has. I also just ordered the new window storage units. I am a camper, not full or part time. I live in western NC so have lots of options for camping and not very far from home. I really appreciate your videos as someone who is using this set up in real life. Thank you for all of the info you have provided, it has been very helpful in making my decision to purchase the Vanpacker conversion kit.
Link for curtain hooks: 8PCS Upgraded No Drill Curtain Rod Brackets No Drilling Curtain Rod Holders Self Adhesive Curtain Rod Hooks Nail Free Adjustable Curtain Hangers Suitable for Poles of 0.78~1.57 Inch(Transparent) a.co/d/5hZx8F9
Thanks agajn for this. How much power does ur alpicool fridge require? when in camp, do u only rely from ur energizer battery pack? how long does it last? do u use ur solar panel? Been wanting to add fridge to our converted mini van but a bit worried how we can power it. I have a 1000w anker batt pack but it seems not enough to power our fridge.
We have no regrets. It is a well thought out layout. We did add additions to the setup that worked best for us and have a few new things we are looking at for our second year of use. Would buy again.
Hi, Thank you for walking us through your mini van camper set up. The external features such as the awning, etc. shares what is essential to the overall quality and comfort of the overall campsite. I very much like the sleeping arrangements, sleeping on the ground is a no-no for us! You went more than the extra mile sharing your knowledge with us, much appreciated. A screened enclosure for the back of the van would be helpful in the event of rain. Ideas? Wish you well as you enjoy spending time in nature.
Thank you for your kind words. We did a lot of research on a screen tent for the tailgate last year but did not find anything that fit our needs. I did new search yesterday and found exactly what we were looking for. It pops up, has a floor, attachment to van will keep out bugs eliminating need for screen at back behind kitchen, will easily disconnect from van and will sit as free standing tent when we take van off campsite. Ordered yesterday and will provide video when spring rolls around. Here is the link: EighteenTek SUV Car Tent Pop Up Camping Outdoor Travel Screen House Room Shelter Mesh Walls Attachment Not Waterproof 7’x7’x7.2’H a.co/d/a4KFo24
The sofa in front of the kitchen, how comfortable is it? Do you find the pillow along the back of that sofa is it comfortable for your back? Thank you.
Hi Zeke, Apologize for delay in response. We find that the bench seat is comfortable. One thing to take into consideration is height of folks using camper van. We ordered the 4 inch depth for extra padding for sleeping. This does decrease head clearance for sitting by 1 inch over the standard 3 inch cushions that come with the conversion kit. Kay
From one Harrington to another, thank you Kay. I appreciate your presentation on your Vanpackers camper conversion. We have the Chrysler Pacifica. They also make a version for that model. I too like the two bench ‘living room’ setup that this conversion offers. It seems to be well thought out. And, I have looked at others. I also liked seeing accessories you added. Thanks again. And Happy Camping. Ted Harrington
I love your set up Kay, do you happen to have the link to you lights, the two light bulb ones you have with the on off switch and the link for the thing you plug them into that plugs into you car? I went to your Google doc page but it wasn’t on there. I love the Vanpackers kit and am thinking about getting one. Thank you, I am a new subscriber.
Hi Julia, Thanks for your comments. Here is the link to our list of products used for our setup docs.google.com/document/d/1e3chtu4h785mI9gyQKf6NKRJBFulWlUm/edit?usp=drivesdk&ouid=115311573973258865585&rtpof=true&sd=true
Hi, Here is link to list of products we used for our setup docs.google.com/document/d/1e3chtu4h785mI9gyQKf6NKRJBFulWlUm/edit?usp=drivesdk&ouid=115311573973258865585&rtpof=true&sd=true
I'm loving your videos. I want to order some of the same items in the videos but it says I need permission. How do I get a list of the items discussed? Thanks!
Hello Kay! So nice to meet fellow RU-vidrs/explorers! Love the Let's Disappear sign - so cute!! LOL May I ask where you got your birch tree bedspread - never saw one like that... Very nice tour!! 💙Terry and Terri
Hi Terry and Terri, Thank you for kind comments. Here is link to the blanket: Kelty Biggie 2-Person... www.amazon.com/dp/B08MHY3SHN?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Very informative video. My bf and I are researching conversion kits. How comfortable are the mattresses? Do you find that they move apart while sleeping?
We find the 4 inch mattress to be very comfortable. Because we have the front bench section cushion attached by velcro to bench we have experienced no issue with cushions coming apart.
I've been watching all your videos to get ideas. I had lived for three years in a cargo camper van which had much more room than a mini van. For various reasons I had to sell it. I miss being on the road and am seriously thinking of getting a mini van. I love all your ideas, especially the walker in the "bathroom" tent. I'm an older woman so falling is a big fear. Thanks for all the tips!
Thanks for this; it was very informative. I also had one of the pop-up privacy tents and never could get it folded back correctly. I actually left it in Florida because I couldn't fold it up; total waste of money. I'm going to check out the Lightspeed which looks like a great option. I did a lot of boondocking so having a tent like that for quick showers will be great for when I get back on the road. I also like the awning attached to the top of the car; never even knew those existed. I was looking into Vanpackers which is how I found your video. Thanks again for the info.
Wow, Kay! The updated version is very professional and sound quality is A1. Oddly enough, I got my DGC R/T and VanPacker’s Kit before I even found you but it is so fun to watch how you do everything in comparison to me! I watched a guy that did a 3 month out critique on the same conversion and it was interesting. Would you consider revisiting yours after a time to report your opinions and what you consider pluses and minuses? I have no interest in doing it as a RU-vidr but you two are pros! Cheers and thank you !
I was about to ask if you added another awning just before you mentioned it. Yeah, if you've got the extra weight to spare why not save yourselves the extra effort, right?
Hi Kay, thank you and your husband for these videos. What year and trim level is you DGC? Is it flex fuel? I am about to pull the trigger on a 2015 DGC RT. I am in AZ, where are you guys?
For what it's worth, we're rocking a 2010 Chrysler Town and Country, but it's the same chassis. It's been our daily driver for almost a decade now. We have the "Touring Edition" with twin DVD players and a screen for each row of the back seats - It was great when the kids were younger, but now that we're camping in it it's way too easy for me to bump my head on housing for the screens in the middle of the ceiling. So you'll probably want to avoid the touring edition if there is such a thing for the Grand Caravan.
