Great video, but I didn't hear you mention a few aspects of minivans that set them apart: Price, Reliability, and Availability. My 2000 Toyota Sienna cost around $3K, has 235,000 miles on the odometer, and, in the last 2 years, has made 4 round-trips across the country with zero problems. If I needed to replace it with another Sienna, used minivans in great well=maintained condition are all over Craigslist as families age out of them. Not so with full-size vans which are harder to find plus most have been used commercially and tend to be more beat up than family-owned and maintained mini-vans..
Check, check, and check. All great points. I have been tempted to swap to an AWD, but have not had any issues with my FWD, and don't want to change it because of the reliability. Also, you got your money's worth out of your Sienna.
@@AdventureGearTV dont relly need awd unless you live in a area where it snows alot. now i am saving for a 2022 and i will check that option becouse you lose only like 1 mpg having it.
2004 Sienna with 195,000 miles. Absolutely bullet proof! Doesn't burn or lose oil, still looks like honey after 5,000 miles. Will end up being the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned.
You explain the case for minivan camping well. The way I look at it, instead of how most people see a minivan as "limited" compared to larger vans or RV's, I go the other way - I compare it to tent camping and think of all the extra you get from it when compared to tent camping. You get more space than any tent, you also have a weatherproof shelter that requires much less or even no setup. I think another key, which you mention, is that the ultimate goal is to be someplace where you are camping and you can spread out with additional tents or awning or screen house plus chairs, tables, etc. that you can set up. Good videos, thank you!
Exactly my thoughts as well. It's all a matter of perspective. An $80K even simple build high top long van would be limiting financially and I couldn't daily drive it. Plus in many respect, you need to get the expensive passenger van configuration to have comfortable seating for anyone else other than the front two people. I tent camp, but have had to cancel a few trips because I am exhausted from work and am not looking forward to either setting up wet or packing down a soaking campsite for a two night trip on a work weekend. I do like the hybrid sienna to have HVAC onboard for cool AC at night in the summer.
Late last summer I did a minimalist 6000 mile trip living in the back of my regular old SUV that I'd normally take to work. My bedroom, my kitchen, my closet, all fit with a little creativity, with room left over for souvenirs for my family and nothing blocking my rearview window. It was one of the best experiences I've ever had. I consider it a first dry run for post-retirement.
Same here the California real estate market during covid forced me into homelessness. Anyways it changed my perspective. I wouldnt want to live out of my minivan full time again, however i can see myself building out a sprinter van and working enough to get by after my sons grown
You put it perfectly when you said think about it as a bedroom instead of a home. That's my mentality when it comes to camping. Albeit I'm not "living" in my minivan. I just enjoy getting away from everything for a day or two and don't want to spend money on hotel rooms or camping grounds. I have to admit I also just get a kick out of stealth camping in general.
FINALLY ‼️A channel that gets down to the business of minivan camping or stealth camping without wasting a subscribers time! Thank you very much for the details without all the fluff. Your videos are perfect ‼️
Back in the late 80's I was living out of a 1973 Ford Econoline. I loved it. Small engine, three on the tree. I put in a cot in the back. Had a few acoustic guitars with me along with the usual camping gear. I had a small camp size grill that I always had with me. Had a blast in it. I sold it later and got me a Dodge Ram conversion van. I kept that as I got into trucking for a living. And with that industry, the companies I drove for were out of state from where I lived. So I would drive to where they were and then drive home on my time off. And with trucking, especially back in the 80's-90's, it was like camping more than it is now. I have always been a minimalist. The only thing I ever took that was non camping equipment were my guitars. The one thing I latched onto from driving long haul was a Burton one burner stove that ran in butane. Back then the only place I found them was at the T/A truck stop. Now they are all over. I still have a few for my camping trips. Great video man. Keep it up.
We been minivan camping/traveling for years. Saved thousands. Walmart parking lots for the night and truck stops for showers. It been a fun way to travel. Btw Dodge vans offer far more space than other models.
Which bed/cot do you use the most? I see the steel bed and thick mattress look the most comfortable. But does it leave much room for other necessities? I see there are two different Coleman cots. What's the advantage /disadvantage between the two in your opinion? Thank you for the video. Blessings to you.
This is a good quick overview video! The advantages far outweigh the disadvantages for me. And there are disadvantages for sure. Still, I've been living, working, and traveling full-time in my minivan since 2019, by choice. After having a house full of all kinds of stuff I didn't need, the minimalist lifestyle is incredibly liberating. Nothing beats the freedom of moving around North America as I please.
Low ground clearance on mini vans for trailheads and climbing small hills with some dips and ruts. My four wheel drive Ford Escape is much safer in the snow and over dirt trails. When is someone going to maker a tougher mini van with a decent ground clearance?!
Exactly, Toyota is coming out with an "outdoor" edition next year. It's only a half inch higher though. The new Sienna is already lower than mine, so it's still lower even with the "lift."
Journeys Off Road in Prescott, AZ has a 3.5" lift kit for Siennas and Caravans. I think they have a lift kit for Mini Coopers as well. Add a slightly higher than factory aspect ratio all terrain tire and you should have around 9-10" of clearance. My 2010 Highlander is around 9" I think and never had any problems on forest service roads. A lifted Sienna would be awesome!
My favorite place to camp is the beach in my minivan. I have some great gadgets, accessories, etc; these make the trips self-sufficient and leave me more time for outdoor adventure.
Two years ago we did a road trip around Southern Ontario in our minivan and we just loved it. We mostly flitted from one provincial park to another; visited a few friends along the way. During covid, we slept in it while visiting when we couldn't go into friends' homes. (Fortunately, a bathroom just inside the back door of the house!). I'm getting ready to go to a festival the end of next week, and I'm going to camp in the van. We have a little vintage trailer that we love, but sometimes it's just simpler and easier not to haul anything. It doesn't sound like fun, but it is. I can't explain it.
Good ideas on making a camper van out of a minivan. I am 79 and am limited physically because of arthritis. A minivan sounds better for me than a full-size van (which I really can't afford on my small Social Security Check.). I had thought about using an older SUV for a camper, but the gas mileage isn't near as good as the minivan. Do you feel safe when staying in your minivan? I have subscribed and hit the like button. Hope to get new ideas from you. Thank you so much for the video.
@@AdventureGearTV Because of inflation, I had considered going full time. I am worried that I can no longer afford to live in my home. House insurance and property taxes are getting totally out of hand. The main thing that worries me is my age. I am worried about the safety of traveling at this age.
I can absolutely relate! I’m 55 and living off disability and didn’t realize my property taxes and insurance would increase SO much each year! Fixed income and disabled so worried about driving . And I have a huge dog 🤦🏻♀️ 💙
@@KeatShadows hi, I know a local man who has lived in his older GMC conversion van for over 20 years. He retired from the military 30 years ago and his pension covers all of his expenses. His biggest advice is to stay in mild weather climates. Especially, avoid the heat of the summer. These vehicles can get to over 140f in the sun and there are no good options for cooling.
@@K9_NINA it’s crazy how property taxes in some places are higher than basic rent in others. I understand supply, but to me it makes no sense to pour money away like that. I prefer to go somewhere with a more reasonable cost of living.
That's so cool! I'm a fellow vanlifing youtuber that is living out of my Toyota Sienna as well! It's always so fun to see how others set up their van spaces 😊 yours looks very nice! I also completely agree with you in terms of stealth, I made sure to not put a ton of stickers or make a scene when parking - respecting the areas we go to, and quietly sleeping and leaving allowed me to not get knocks on the door 😊 I'm so excited to follow your journey - you definitely have a new subscriber! Who knows? Maybe we'll cross paths someday!
Awesome, I'll check out your channel. I make other content as well. Each new video off of the topic initially loses some subs, but gains in the long run. My goal is to make good content on topics I like. Good Luck!
@@AdventureGearTV I noticed that too with my channel, and I definitely agree with you! As annoying as it is, in the long run, it's better to do it for ourselves and make videos on things we truly love, otherwise we will just burn out eventually 💙💚❤️ so great to meet you virtually - I'll be sure to check your other content out too!
Been living in my Dodge Grand Minivan for 2 years and no one suspects someone is living in it. I have a no build cot, 3 plastic drawer dresser sold at Walmart. I have a dog and the 3 days I work 9 hours he goes to doggie daycare. The other 4 days he comes to work with me. In the summer I use fans USB and a swamp cooler. Also use 18 hour ice packs to keep us cool. When it gets colder I use a heater USB and the packets they use to keep your hands and feet warm. I put 2 under his blankets. I will use a USB heating pad also. I got my minivan because it is stealthy.
My husband and I have worked hard to pay off all debts but mortgage. So we’ve been talking about saving up for a full size work van build out. Problem is we also need a new day to day vehicle soon and we want to pay cash for that too. It seemed like we would be saving forever. All of it sudden it hit us.. MINIVAN. It can be our daily driver and for our camping and hiking adventures. We just thought of this last night and we are so excited. Maybe we will upgrade to a big build out when we retire. But for now this is the perfect idea for our adventures. We are so excited !
Minivan camping never used to occur to anyone. The stealth factor was a big part of what made it so advantageous. Then came the You Tube videos. Now everybody is checking our vans out when they see them in a parking lot.
I wish I thought of it in my 20s. I had an old Toyota “van” and all of the seats came out. I put a motorcycle in it and rebuilt the engine when I had free time. Putting a bed in it back then would have opened up a whole new world. Safe travels!
A person could always build an aerodynamic cargo box about 18 inches high and mount the solar panel on it. There are ways to disguise it and you would almost double the amount of storage.
Thanks for the knowledge man, I'm currently looking at getting my first vehicle to live in/drive so this was video was insightful. I love this community, everyone helps everyone. All the best!
Since I have been watching mini van conversions I constantly think what a great camper or home and I look for solar panels and/or fans some are hard to spot I also look for black out curtains or curtains period! I love it and intend to be out there 1 day soon! Thank you so very much! I appreciate your video with all the tips! Have a merry Christmas and a happy new year!
Good video. I've lived in many different vehicles (usually a pickup with a shell). For me, one of the biggest problems with a regular family-type minivan is that I can see no way to install a roof vent, and a roof vent makes a big difference if you camp in hot weather.
Seems like someone should invent a vehicle window fan that can be easily inserted after winding down the window. 2 of those would create a nice breeze.
I think the mistake a lot of people make is insisting on putting a whole house in a van!! They have to have a bathroom/shower! They have to have a cooker & fridge/freezer! They have to have solar panels! They have to have air conditioning/heaters! They have to have a TV! They have to have tons of 'storage'! They have to have full sized beds! Well, actually, they don't! If you want everything your house has, stay home!!
My sister took my Dodge Magnum to the South West a couple of years ago and stealth camped just fine. The only problem was folks leaving business cards on it wanting to buy it. lol
We love our 05 Magnum! Haven’t camped out of it, but we did pack it full for a week long primitive cabin stay in the Rocky Mtns last year. I’d love to have a minivan, am trying to talk the hubs into it (they’re not cool, according to him 😆)
@@olebloom1641 you’ll have to quit burning rubber at every intersection, lol. But, it is fun to squeal them occasionally. Hubs says we are never getting rid of it (RT model).
Great video! Subscribed. After 5 years preplanning to go full-time nomad, considering all options, push came to shove 6/2021. Purchased a 2003 Kia Sedona 181,000 miles. 6,200 miles now sitting above Sedona Red Rock Country, Arizona in the most isolated, breathtakingly beautiful 360° view! I've made a habit of off road exploring/camping the whole time. I'm 63 this month, travel alone & have converted my home on wheels to my needs & desires, wouldn't change a thing! 4 flat tires even in inconvenient places still going strong! Don't trust AAA anymore tho😉. These days minivan's are strong, reliable options & I'm living the life!
Yeah, AAA is a scam. You can save the cash and just call for a tow. Come to think, I've NEVER needed a tow. 2 bikes, 5 cars. GM, Honda, Dodge, Harley...even the Harley, we pushed it into a UHaul and waited for the shop to open.
your comment about considering whether the goal is a house vs bedroom put things into perspective even more. we don't plan to live in the thing, and if my husband had his way we would always tent camp. i like the idea of having a "bedroom" with solid walls and, should he wish to, he can always sleep in the tent outside the van - haha. but in all seriousness, this is making more and sense to me the older we get. i am a traveler who prefers a bit of comforts vs a hardcore camper and this the best of both worlds.
😅 soy migrante, estoy solo en el pais y trabajo como transportista... hice de mi truck my home... no hago nada con pagar renta una casa o departamento cuando paso entre 21 y 26 dias en la carretera... en los dias de mantenimiento rento un Airbmb para esa semana 😅😅😅
You can get a Firebox, a bit more money but it folds away, this one doesn’t, Firebox supports a Trangia (alcohol), twigs on the forest, or there’s a little burner that can go inside for using a canister, in case of a fire ban you can’t use twigs or alcohol but you can still use a canister. They fold up bigger size than an envelope but almost as thin and they’re built to last. In my opinion the one here takes precious space and use only one kind of fuel.
Similar to camping, I would like a mini van 'sitting room'. I don't plan to have to sleep in it but I would like to sit in it where the bench seats were facing each other. This would be good for eating and conversation.
@@hopefulgal if you don’t want to make anything homemade, check out my video here. The company makes preshaped covers. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-jeEE7ZjTSr0.html
Mini vans are the best. Been all over this country in 1st, '81 VW van; 2nd, '87 VW Syncro van; and 3rd, '93 Toyota Previa All-trac van. Kept it simple and just took along the same stuff I would take tent camping.
I loved camping in my mini van with my dogs lol had a blast and we were cozy and didn't get soaked in the rain like we would have been in a tent. I literally just threw some blankets into the back of my van and put dog beds in the middle seats. Put some camping and pet gear in the under storage and drove off. I slept in back with 1 dog for warmth and the other dog slept in the middle seat because she can't lay still for too long and wants to shift. It was definitely one of the most comfortable camping experiences I've ever had.
@@AdventureGearTV they really loved it! Got to be off leash, roll around, get a little dirty, we went on a few hikes and we even did a little mushing haha dogs, friend and I pulled some trees we fell and they thought that was a blast haha we came he a stronger "pack" and that was the original goal. Love camping and the van was soooo much easier than a tent ❤️
Good advice thanks for sharing a fresh backyard every couple days love it I'm 60 and done with property taxes mowing and a list of things that are a headache. I've a 2005 dodge and I smelling the coffee in a new front yard as well with my Bible or a western novel is living life, anyway didn't mean to bore you Mike from Oklahoma
I just moved from Texas to California so I have been living in my car for a week now. There is plenty of places to park and being stealth is not an issue because thousands upon thousands of people that are homeless.
My brother is having to resort to Van life but I can't seem to convince him to do a minivan and he going to spend $50,000 (that he doesn't have) on a giant white work van.
Hi, I guess the heart wants what the heart wants. I frequently think about going full size, but I truly believe I’m better off in the minivan. I don’t do full time in the minivan though.
50k he can get the top end awd 2022 sienna hybred. with todays gas prices that big work van will murder him. but if he must buy a full size i say go with the nissan nv2500
Hey can you possibly make a video of the cheapest and most reliable mini van's? Unless you have video like that already let me know. Not gonna I'm tempted on buying a Toyota Sienna but I've seen them for absurd prices even with high mileage.
@@AdventureGearTV Love your videos. I am considering a Sienna. So simple. Great for camping traveling. And an emergency back up plan. Once I get the rest of my weight off it should be doable. Was 620, now 410. Goal is 220.
Mini Vans are fine. The Chrysler and Dodge ones from the 80's 90's will flip a switch on their crankshaft position sensors and prevent running if the cam chain stretch is beyond spec's. No warning, no running a bit strange for awhile no, just switched shut internally until you do a major repair job . The techier the things get the more prone they are to refusing to run at all with no warning. And so the '60's thru '90's full-size V-8's are the go if you don't want to be stuck like that. Plus, putting big 31x10.5 r15's on 'em provides for semi-overlander performance. They are tough vans. The mini-vans seem to have an internal timer that dings when you're up for a thousands of dollars fix, and then after that, the rest of the little dingers start to go off.
Luckily, I haven’t had any issues yet in the Sienna. I hope it lasts me at least another five years. Things start to get brittle and that’s when the big problems can start.
Found My 2001 Toyota Sienna after it was backed into and the ins co totaled it! Bought for $300.00 storage fees, $850.00 for front grill, bumper cover and installation! 156,000 miles, new breaks, fuses, belts, tune-up and oil change, removed the seats, futon, storage cabinet, power station and at 70+yrs, widowed, and I’m off! Could never afford Motor Home, or commercial travel fares. $60.00 for tank of gas and I can GO!
That’s funny you are mentioning Parking garages in your video, the other day when we went to Vanderbilt children’s hospital, to pickup a little foster kid, my Chevy express van was hitting all the signs in the ceiling, I was pretty nervous about messing it up or getting stuck! We left with a few scratches on the roof, we where just a couple inches of the height limit, we did hit the yellow pipe that hangs over the entrance to the parking garage!
I love Toyota....and your valuable videos. But wtf are they 🤔 thinking. They have multitudes of Trim Levels. Why don't they listen to the campers Out Here??????? We love Toyotas Dependability Why can't think give us.an Empty Flat Cargo Van No Seats, No.Console AND EXTEND THE ROOF It seems like it would be a much easier and cheaper build. Just one more Trim Level A Camp Model Forgive me I feel there Giving us the.middle finger By forcing us to Choose NONSENSE...CRAP WE DONT NEED OR WANT.
#1) Back in 2015 for 4 months I lived out of my 2010 Prius.... Super tight, however, the Freedom I had of never being noticed sleeping out of Walmart and 24-Fitness Parking lots from 2am-8am was wonderful..... I would go 6 days living out of parking lots then every Monday get myself a $64 motel..... I was working at the time as a contract delivery driver logging in my iPhone when I was available. #2) A Mini van would be my #1 pick for Stealth purposes.... And of course 23-MPG which other vans would be getting 15-MPG.... That adds up
I have a 2020 Honda Odyssey and I don’t even need to remove any seat if I do stealth camping. I just push one of the middle seat toward the front and fold two rear two seats down to the trunk and there will be enough space to sleep. I only need to put a piece of plywood (about 30”x60”) and it is a flat bed, easy set up like 5 minutes
I like your suggestion of staying off the radar with not " advertising " you are staying in your van....no stickers, t shirts etc...blasting it out. I have the same mindset.
exactly, I cant believe all these van life people on YT, as soon as they stop, they are blasting their location, how great it is , if its free etc...keep that shit on the down low
Hi, since making this video I have upgraded to a larger panel. You can see my installation process here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-UmLnN66xdZs.html
@@AdventureGearTV for sure they just fell out of style unfortunately because it’s seen as a soccer mom vehicle but I think with this big overlanding frenzy it could make them more popular.
I recently figured out I'm a minimalist. All I own is what's strapped to my motorcycle. I've been called a nomad but recently someone said minimalist and stopped me in my tracks, and I thought yeah, guess I am a minimalist?
I travel for work and have lived in a simply built (expandable bed, sink, and storage but no solar) express van the last couple years. Had a blast and saved money (except for the mechanic crooks smh) and as nice as it is having the space I'm ready to move on to a minivan to save on gas and let go of the stress of dealing with a larger vehicle (I'll miss being able to see over all the traffic tho lol). I also realized with more space i tend to just fill it. I think it'll be weirder tho when people pass while I'm laying down and they're above me instead of me being above but I'm sure I'll get over that lol
My Town and Country is awesome, but I would like more room. I’m planning on maybe getting a regular cargo van either black or red color, not white. That’ll allow me to even have a shower inside. But you’re right, I don’t really need a sink, just bottled water.
Mini Vans get bad gas mileage & no one talks about the weight issues of these builds.they take a toll on suspension parts & if it's a Honda Odyssey/Dodge Caravan u gotta worry about transmission issues.I lived in a Odyssey for 2 years full time & yes I had no issues wt Stealth.Lotsa suspension wear & tear.eventually Trans went.my advice is gut it out & remove weight as u add weight.Sienna is the way to go for sure as nothing is more reliable.
I just purchased a 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan. I am hoping to get my hands on some design files (ideally I can open in TinkerCAD format .stl, .obj or .svg, or any drawings/diagrams/measurements of bed/cabinet/kitchen alternate setups etc) that I can take inspiration from modify to my personal liking to get the best result possible. I thought I might ask if you would be so kind as to forward any design files that you have that may help me, also if you are aware currently of any useful/necessary items for vanlife selling at a really good price/value I would very much appreciate any help/advice you can provide. Thanks and safe travels!
I watched this video and keep wondering why I’m drawn to subscribing 🤔 All I know is my set up wouldn’t be complete without having the same licence plates that all those cars do
Over 20 years with a Chevy Astro (sadly, it did not survive Covid). Inflatable mattress, and a homemade kitchen set that fits in a plastic storage tub (which doubles as a wash basin).
While I don't recommend staying in one spot too long, I have been able to stay over two weeks in the exact same location, in plain sight. No cops knocking, no nosy people coming to snoop. Minivans are so common that people just ignore them.
My only reservation is that many mini vans sit so low, I'd be constantly worrying about the undercarriage. Like the Odyssey, not enough room to maneuver semi rough terrain in order to access off major road camping sites.
