Van conversion COSTS and STEPS (DIY) 

Still the most logical and elegant van build ive seen. Thanks.

Hi Eric! :-)😀 Of all the van conversions I’ve seen on RU-vid, yours is by far the best, in my humble opinion. 🤩 Not only is it practical, it is streamlined, functional, and aesthetically pleasing.😍 Right now I’m just dreaming of how I’d like to modify a van. Because of your ingenuity, generosity,, and excellent videography, editing, carpentry, and teaching skills, I know exactly what I need to do, to realize my dream. Thank you so very much, Eric. ❤I hope you stay inspired to keep sharing with us your travels and any upgrades you do. 😃Wishing you all the best in living your dream.

Hi Eric! I want to commend you on your van conversion and all of the great information on the videos you have shared with us...Bravo!!! I have a good start on converting my 2014 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT, 62,500 miles on it. I just completed a 3,344 mile trip, through 10 states in the US. I got 28.5 mpg highway and 18.5 city/scenic. I have both second and third row stow-n-go seats, which I removed. I created a basement area where the second row seats were, by building a sub-floor with 3 door openings. I had to make supports under it for structure and support. I built a floor similar to yours and cut out doors for each of the openings. I have an Iceco VL45 cooler and placed it as you did...awesome! The next thing I built was the bed platform, like yours. I used 18.5" for the depth of each of the four sections. I cut 4" off depth for the back section (14.5" for trunk area, and 4" for area to be secured to base). This worked well for me. My caravan is 48" wide in back. I made the bed's base 42" wide; the bed's platform 43" wide; and the cushions 44" x 18.5" x 5". Total length was 74". This was so comfortable, both as a couch and bed. I had to get creative for the cushion covers. I used a king sized quilt by BHG from Walmart and 2 pillow shams. I cut the quilt into quarters and the shams into 4 strips each. The quilt quarters made a wrap around the cushions, and the strips were for the end coverings. I sewed them together, leaving a long edge as the opening. Still to be done, but I think I will use heavy duty snaps for the closure. It held together nice and all 4 cushions are interchangeable, both top and bottom. Thank you for your tip! I made a temporary cabinet to hold my fresh and gray water, and used a collapsible sink for now. I also had a porta potty under the sink area, so needed to see how it all worked together. Worked well with bed fully extended. Still considering the cabinets. May make two, opposing upper cabinets. Will make a sink cabinet similar to yours. I still need to outfit the top of my caravan. I used my Jackery 240 and 500 alternately off a pure sine wave power inverter to power my fridge, lights, rechargeable fan, and rechargeable water pump. Worked well to get me started. I made a temporary table to attach to the back bed frame for tail-gate style cooking. I do have a question... is the wood you used for your table bamboo, if so, where did you get it? I have been unsuccessful in finding any usable woods for a light-weight table. I really enjoyed designing and building my van. I look forward to continuing the build. My best tip to anyone wanting to build similar to your build is to watch all of your videos carefully, pay very close attention, take many, many screen shots-(most valuable). Plan well and don't be afraid to adapt as you go. One step at a time and it all comes together. Thanks so very much for sharing Eric. You helped me make my dream come true. Did I tell you I'm a 61 year old Gramma of 5, from eastern Pennsylvania by the Delaware River, and I did all of this totally on my own? What a rewarding accomplishment! My best to you as you travel and enjoy this beautiful land God has given to us. God bless you!

Awesome! I own a shop building vans, overlanders, and campers. Really love your design approach. Made me rethink my own ideas.

Stopping by to drop a LIKE!

1.8k likes to just 7 dislikes, this shows the high quality of work being done here. Kudos sir, amazing.

Eric, I found your window covering video first! I have now spent my Saturday backtracking thru ALL your videos. I love that you break it all down into logical, manageable chunks. I cannot wait to see your screen window solution.

"The smaller the van, the more outside you will be." Nicely said! Great to see you back.

I agree that people are unrealistic about the prices, but you can get some of these things used or second hand pretty easily. For example, I bought my roof box for 100 off FB marketplace. Great videos man! Keep it up! I'm from Colorado

Eric: I like the way you describe everything in plain simple, easy-to-understand format, encouraging even those with monetary constraints to get started. Yours is one of the most reasonable and practical conversions on the net. Ever thought of putting all together in booklet form?

Thank you for sharing your wisdom and for putting so much time and thought into your videos. You have inspired confidence in me that as a single woman, I too can convert a minivan into my “get away car” and explore the beautiful Pacific Northwest. I am currently visiting family in Germany and met a random young woman here from Romania. We started talking about traveling and camper vans. I mentioned you and she excitedly told me that she already follows your channel. You are an international star! Do you have plans for a video on your solar panel/ electrical set up and kitchen/sink set up? I will literally be following all your recommendations step by step. You are my hero for making me see that my dream is attainable! Please know what a valuable resource you are to so many thousands of people around the world!

Eric.. I commented over the past two weeks. We started our conversion. This video in particular was super helpful. Because once I bought the material for Just the bed it seemed SUPER expensive.. Because you see all these videos that people post saying conversion for $300 or something like that.. I realize now that this is just going to cost us more. and its ok . We made the platform and we are working on the cabinets now. and we will make the frame and assemble everything once cabinets are done... or at least the cabinets that are next to the bed are done.

Hi Eric, Stephen from Sydney, Australia here. I am leaning towards a similar set up in a Toyota troop carrier. I appreciate the design principles and philosophy you provide. I particularly like the capability of low impact stealth camping, and the flexability of easy removal of the camper set up. I like your gentle disposition too. Thanks Eric.

I really appreciate how you breakdown the specific costs! So many van builders are so general and vague. I also appreciate that you were clear on what the main priorities are to get started in phases, if we're unable to complete the build all at once. That's great - can go ahead and hit the road while still putting it together as you go. Thanks so much for sharing this helpful information!

This is one of the better DIY conversion videos I’ve seen. Thank you for posting!

Thank you, Eric! I have a 5'x8' enclosed aluminum trailer I use for nomad living, towed behind my mid-sized pickup truck. I'm currently in Yuma, AZ visiting family for several weeks. After watching ALL of your videos, I have a checklist of things to upgrade, especially the bed. It will take my rig from "gets the job done" to "stylish comfort!"

Loved Step 8 - the rooftop box "Now you can bring everything". LOL - That might have to be my Step 1! This was great! I liked how you broke things down and included the costs. You're making it difficult for me to continue saying no to trying van life. Thank you for this video! 😃

I love watching your videos Eric! I’m from Northern California, USA. I’ll be taking my first road trip later this week, going up through Oregon, and then taking a right over to Boise. On my way back, I’ll be heading down the coast of Oregon and California. Starting out with a twin memory foam mattress folded in half, with two pillows on the side to hold my elbows up. I’m just using a good cooler to start with, a potty pail, and my mini trampoline that I’ll roll out the back every few hours to loosen up my body (I’m 56 yrs. old). I’ll be taking my dog along with me for protection, lol, she loves going for rides. Super excited to see how this all turns out, and if I enjoy the experience, I’ll be working on adding some of your wonderful ideas to venture out and explore during my time off during the months of June and July. Take Care!

Your approach is the best way to think about this! I started van traveling 30 years ago while single and windsurfing . Now the kids are grown and I have been doing a minimalist van thing while kiteboarding but am inspired to use your wisdom and follow the path you have taken.

I've watched sooo many van videos. After watching several of your videos I've concluded we think exactly alike! I'm about to replicate your build in my van. Thank you for doing videos.

We lived in our Sienna for 6 weeks, 10,000 miles, and never stayed in a motel. We drove from El Paso TX up the Rockies thru Canada & the Yukon to Alaska & back home thru British Columbia & the canyon lands. It was awesome.

Thank you, Eric, from Jack in Florida. And one additional thought about costs: Your total conversion cost ($5,000) can be found by simply buying a car 2 or 3 years older. A new or 'newish' van isn't needed, just a well maintained van that has been a cared-for family member.

Finally somebody did it right. Back in the 60's/70's I had a few VW Camper vans, best lay out ever, very efficient use of space. Leave it to the Germans for practical and efficient. Only problem they were under powered and a mechanical nightmare. In my desire to replace the VW camperand have the same feel I bought a 2015 Toyota Sienna AWD, now you've given me the plan to copy. (Are you for hire?) Do you make your cabinet patterns avaiable? Also haven't yet seen video on how you did the floor. I'm going to install a 3.5" lift kit, new shocks for better performance off road and a hidden trailer hitch for bike rack. Glad I found your channel. Van Gogh Northern Idaho

You are a genius I thank you for sharing, you have changed my life, you are in my prayers. Thank you does not express what I feel for you or your skills.

Good job Eric. I'm in the process of purchasing a 2022 Sienna xse AWD with technology package. In time I'm planning of doing everything in your videos. We'll, almost everything.

Thanks again from California Eric. I’ve really been enjoying your videos the last few years. As others have said, I think your design is the best around. I really appreciate the cost breakdown as I get ready to dive into my own conversion. Safe travels my friend.

Hello! I've been researching how to convert a Chrysler Town and Country. Years ago, I had a VW van and loved the bed that converted to a bench seat. Most other bed ideas I see for van conversions convert to a couch that faces the side of the van rather than the front, so I was glad to find your design. I think that's a lot more sensible. I have a few questions: What kind of refrigerator is that? How did you secure the LED lights without getting sticky residue on the van headliner? How did you build your solid floor and does it extend under the bed, or does it just cover the floor exposed when you convert the bed to a couch? How do you ventilate the van so that it doesn't get all steamed up during the night? Do you have curtains between the front seats and the rest of the van? If so, how did you hang those? Thank you!

Thanks for your sharing! your design and insight is really inspiring to me !!! I also noticed that whenever you posted the food you cooked in the van, it's always for 2 ppl. It must be really romatic and private in such a small space.

Hi there Eric, i am (taking my time a bit) in the process of building out my Dodge Grand Caravan, and this video was helpful for me to see that for the most part, I am on track with the order of operations for importance of things to do. It is also nice to see the itemized cost for build for your van to compare if I have overspent in any areas. Coming from Orlando, Florida, I am struggling with a way to ensure good air flow in the cabin, while still keeping the mosquitos and gnats out, and also ensuring my safety when stealth camping. You mentioned screens in this video, and I was hoping you might in the future do a video on how you made your screens and how you promote good airflow if you are parked in a location where you are trying to maintain stealth? As always, thank you for sharing your experience and your journey, and safe travels to you. - Alis

Love your videos! I have a 00 Honda Odyssey and love camping.. my dream is to live traveling.. i was a flight attendant in my 20s and miss traveling daily. Thank you for your informative videos! Love from Joshua Tree, California 😊

Great video! You did a good job on the van. Cost for everything is not bad and i was surprised you fit it all in a Toyota Sienna. 👍👌👏

Very nice! I'm in a small Peugeot van for weekend camps with my dog. I barely fit length wise and you are right: it's very annoying not to be able to stretch out properly! But I already had the van and it will do for now 😊 Always room for improvements though. I will go through all your conversion vids now and see if I can borrow some of your ideas. Thank you!

Thank you again, Eric for this all important video! 😊 We will take your advice and use your well thought out steps to work on our Toyota. Sienna conversion :-) I am from Canada, although originally from the Netherlands, and my husband is an American. I want to see all of the US and I’d like to show him all of Canada, so we could be busy for years to come! You are an excellent educator, and I so appreciate your very professional, well, edited, and narrated videos that are jampacked full of many helpful tips! 😊 I’m binge watching your videos today but would love to see this one pinned near the beginning of your channel so that people could see it early on in their planning stages.

Your van conversion videos are the best, bar none! Thank you my friend. Hope to meet you out there someday. Green Bay Wisconsin.

I just found your videos a week ago and i love your techniques and build. My autistic son is at the point where we can travel safely. Your set-up is exactly what i need! Thank you for sharing the information.

Carol from Calgary , Alberta. I ❤️❤️❤️ your videos, although I rarely comment on videos I completely absorb your common sense assessments. You are brilliant Eric and soooo my kind of people.

Eric, great build and thank you for including your costs. I have borrowed your ideas but modified things for my little SUV. The functionality is what is important and your ideas helped. Cheers.

Thanks for the work you put into this video. I'm in Baja California, Mexico, disabled but active. We lived in a $2500 1970 motorhome for a few years before my work accident. It was too heavy and had too much wasted space. 10 mpg always! Keep up the good work.

Very handy tips! I have been considering this for years but have finally found a vehicle to convert. I'm taking on board your learnings and advice. Many thanks from Wellington, New Zealand.

This is the video I was waiting for: costs of your project. I really like the minimalist approach to your conversion. I totally agree when you say that the cost of the van should not keep you from using it. I'm looking into sztarting a project like yours. However, we have two dogs with us, so this will have to be taken into account. Thanks again for all the precious info.

Solid info here. Helped me decide between building one myself and buying one already done.

Eric, I appreciate this look at Steps. It cuts an otherwise overwhelming process. I hope to create a rolling day camper, kind of an office on wheels. But where I can also nap!

Your english sounds like mine... You must be from Quebec! Merci pour tous ces vidéos. J'apprécie chacun d'entre eux. Je m'intéresse à la van life depuis plusieurs années et j'ai un faible pour les minivans et le minimalisme. Tu es une inspiration pour mon projet. Bonne continuité!

I've seen a few folk posting about their conversions as I want to do my own (in the UK). A lot can be variable in quality of information. Obviously, costings are different here, but you give a good idea. Your videos are, by far, the best in overall content. Thank you.

So glad I found your channel! I started my vanlife adventure in an unconverted Nissan NV200 and am excited to convert it overtime. It's really helpful to see someone working with a smaller footprint van like mine. I'm based in San Francisco, CA when I'm not vanlifing. See you on the road!

Missed you Eric! My suggestion would be on window coverings and interior/exterior lighting. Can you see in or out and how bright is to bright inside when dark outside. Be well! -San Diego, CA

Very helpful breakdown! Thank you for taking the time to inform our community!

I've been shopping for vans lately. A Sienna, top of the line model, AWD, tops out around $41K for a newer model with low mileage. A high-top cargo van, used, is $56K for a newer one with low mileage. That's a bare, unfinished cargo van that gets crappy gas mileage and has few features. The difference is being able to stand up. Right now I'm leaning toward an AWD Sienna. If you notice, the people who have lived in vans the longest, mostly go with inexpensive minivans.

Eric, I was so happy to see this new video! I will be buying a mini van in the spring and using your videos to help me do the build out (going to buy a jigsaw!) I love the design and the way you explain everything. I love knowing the steps and i will be breaking the build into different parts as i have the money.I have a lot of appreciation for you. I live in southern Maine and plan to travel through the States and Canada. Looking forward to more videos as you make them!

Thank you so much, Eric. I hope you and Bruce Parks meet up some day, you both inspire me. I greatly enjoy your photos. They remind us of what is possible, the adventures awaiting us! I hope to meet the people on RU-vid someday to thank them in person for not only their ideas, but for their encouragement and positive attitudes. Happy traveling, be safe.

Hi Erick! What a pleasant surprise to see you again. I enjoyed watching this video immensely even though it's not a build video. Finances and options of design and building are important considerations that not a lot of other channels have covered so it was good to see your views on this. I'm in the process of building out a 2006 Honda Odyssey and will be making a slightly narrower version of your bed for it. I haven't seen a better design anywhere. Keep safe, and I'll keep my eyes open for your next video.

Thanks for your great ideas. First van I've bought that isn't already partially/fully set up and I wanted to do it in a practical, more useful manner. Most of your ideas if not all will be used. Thanks Eric, from Qld 🇦🇺 Australia.

Thank you, Eric. It's great to see your usual valuable information presented in a most approachable way. You have a gift for making this possible for others.

Hey Eric, really digging your videos! I love the simplicity and clarity. My car broke down and I was bummed to see the prices of cargo vans so high. Your videos helped me decide that a minivan will allow me to accomplish my goals with a fraction of the cost. I just picked up a caravan and I'm excited start converting it! You got my sub! -Adam

This is the best video I have ever seen.Thank you for sharing the information.Very practical exactly what I need.I can’t help but share it with my friends from Taiwan’s Van Travel Facebook Club

Welcome back and thank you for another great video.

Love your channel. It’s the best. One can hear your long experience. It’s all very logical and good sense. Your car is awesome. Unfortunately this model are not imported in my country. Restrictions and taxes are huge here, so vanlife is almost not existing. Even though the trend is rising here too Thanks a lot from Denmark Jeppe Th

Glad to see you alive and well! Greating from safety harbor Florida. You should consider selling build instructions with templates to cut out the panels. Nice simple and Westphalia like. Blessings

Bonjour Eric! Your my inspiration. I started converting my Grand Caravan following your ideas with some modifications. Of all the conversions I saw yours is the best for me. On vas peut être ce voir sur la route cette été!

Hello Eric, Greetings from Melbourne, Australia. Really enjoying your videos. love your very honest, straght to the point presentation. All the best and enjoy your travels. ..

Bonjour Eric! Vos vidéos sont super, les meilleurs sur le sujet. Merci beaucoup 👍🏻 Une suggestion pour les prochaines: L'électricité, le chargeur, le convertisseur, la batterie etc..

Hi we converted a VW Transporter Van to travel and sleep our family of 4. I also spent about $5000 on electrics, kids and adult beds. We have done 2 trips and now I am redesigning. I don't mind the 'wasted' rebuild cost as the aluminium I use is pretty inexpensive, and no matter how much I designed on paper, nothing beats the wisdom of actually using it. Really appreciate you putting your knowledge in video so I can learn from your years of experience!

WOW there will be many more Siennas on the road in autonomy - we will never know unless we stop and find each other. AMAZING!!! Many thanks to you Eric!

Greetings from Washington DC! Thank you for sharing your wisdom. I really appreciate your suggestions on which order to do things. Would you share how you did the flooring please?

I have seen some of your videos, planing is my secret too....as a retired architect, I have 4 years preparing for my Boon-docking. I have found items in the street that lower the costs, I have purchased many items from other peoples video ideas. Most of them from the web. I will post my video when ready. Thank you for your practical ideas, it is helping me more than what I have seen before.....Regards.....

Thank you for another great video. I would love a video on how you researched and installed your floor if you have time. Thanks again.

Just bought a 2014 Sienna and man, your conversion is exactly what I’m wanting to do !!!! Can’t wait to watch all your videos!!!! Thank You!!!

Perfect form, fit, function, and aesthetic! I am from Warsaw Poland to Brooklyn NY, to San Francisco California. I am inspired to follow your build suggestions with my new Mercedes 2500 144” standard height Sprinter van 2020 4WD Diesel. Thank you for your high quality documentation.

Thank you so much for sharing tour thinking and ideas. You are amazing. Jen from Washington state.

Hi, Eric! I have been watching your video's for a couple years now. I got my minivan and have not done a build out. After two big trips i can see i really do need to do a build. I'm going to watch and start planning building out my van. Thank you for your post!

SOOO MUCH BETTER than any hotel. Thank you for everything you share. Very nice van build! I am currently living in Washington state. Stay safe on the road and enjoy the journey.

Brilliant suggestions. Not a warehouse or a messy shed.

Thank you again Eric for all your videos. I ripped the seats out of my Durango yesterday. No turning back now. Lol. Could you make a video of electric in your conversion? Battery, fan, solar, etc.?

Great video, Eric! Due to a limited income, I am doing my conversion in steps - but I am determined to see it through. Thank you for all of your help!

Really like your video and your conversion philosophy Eric! Drive safe, from southern California!

As always, an excellent video! Many thanks, Eric!!

Hi Eric. I'm from New Zealand and am watching your videos with great interest. Thank you

I love your videos! I’ve been living out of my Prius since September, but would love a little more space. Especially when it comes to being able to cook inside or sit somewhere besides my driver’s seat!! A friend recommended your channel and said he especially liked how you break down and explain your thoughts processes, why you make the choices you do. I’m looking forward to going through your videos! The cabinets that don’t require drilling holes while still having a kitchen setup looks beautiful! Thank you!

Awesome set up. Well planned. Is there a plan or video showing how to build it?

I've watched literally thousands of various build videos but I somehow missed your channel. So glad I finally found you! The absolute best, no-nonsense advice and how-to info out there. Liked, subscribed, and notified, baby! Good on ya from Alabama.

Thanks for the video and the brakedown of the steps to do such a great job on your van. You have given me a good template for fixing my van to travel.

I’m loving your tips and conversion techniques! Thanks Eric!

Awesome stuff. I’d love to see the details of all the stuff that was calculated. Useful stuff etc. each actual item to look for. You could do a more detailed video for each section. Thank you.

Nice. I miss our SIENNA (She was 16 years old when we sold her). Perhaps it's time for a new one. Thanks for the video. Houston, TX.

Hi Eric. I am from St. Thomas U.S Virgin Islands. I have a 2008 Toyota Sienna and my desire is to turn it into stealth living mode. I have watched a lot of videos on converting a van to camper, but yours makes the most sense, especially highlighting the errors and mistakes of doing so. Thank you

Really debating with myself about bed style. Sometimes traveling solo to visit friends, sometimes traveling with hubby and dog. Considering bed similar to your design or one that runs down side of van to either pull out or flip down from single to double width. Ah- but now I recall in a video noticing how easy it is to add and remove linens on your bed at start and end of each day and that is a BIG plus. I don't want to fuss around with making up my bed each night before I can use it. Just open out the base and pull the covers over the top and I'm ready to sleep, then in the morning undo the top covers and push it all to the back before putting frame into couch mode. That seems so easy and quick. I can't think up a quick way to do things if I do a bed from the side, so I think that makes the debate over. And hello from East Coast US - Virginia:) I like to plan in terms essentials and upgrades, so I really appreciate this video. Subscribed and going through your videos - watching some Eric enjoys Earth videos each morning is a super nice way to get my morning started.

Hi Eric - stumbled upon your videos today - been binge watching them. I love how practical, simple yet pleasing on the eye your van design is. Am getting ready to built my own for fulltime living in New Zealand.

I agree - $5000 is really NOT that much to invest in so much freedom and so many soul-enriching adventures. I've always wanted to travel, but traveling conventionally has always been out of my budget, so I couldn't afford it. At this price though, how can one afford NOT to?!

Hi Eric! Thanks so much for sharing all of your videos. I am in the process of converting my minivan using your videos for inspiration. I have built the bed frame and platform so far. I am wondering if you have any videos / info on how you made and installed the flooring in your van?

Yours videos are really well thinking ! You do a great job, I cannot wait to learn more from yours tricks and tips in your nexts videos (especially about the one on the mosquito net eheh) ... I impressed about how well you manage the inner and mainly the roof of you van ahah. I do surf / windsurf and kitesurf in France but after fitting a rooftop, I cannot fit anything more on the roof. I know that the size of the car are not exactly the same between Europe and North-America ;) and I have however a type "long break" car. One curiosity: have you never had any problems or concerns with your surf on the roof about steal ? Do you use any special security, padlock slings ? The only point I could see with your setup for me, it is the absence of a bike ... So convenient for sightseeing in Europe and moving around without the car once in the perfect spot, but for sure it is less "stealth" ... Merci Eric !

It's good to see you back on YT. Looking forward to more videos! (from Long Island, NY)

Un gros merçi Éric! Cette dernière vidéo est excellent ... comme les autres! Je m’attends à convertir ma Dodge Caravan 2016 pour commencer à voyager l’été prochain s’il n y a pas de restrictions. J’attends voir comment tu trouve les meilleurs endroits pour dormir.

Hi Eric. This van conversion is the most practical i have seen. i will use most of your ideas in my build, will send you some photos when finished,all the best and stay safe from New Zealand.

Big fan from West Palm Beach, FL! I would love a video on electrics. Thanks Eric for your videos. Getting ready to build out my 2007 Sienna in your style.

Thank you, merci, Eric. Linda and Ivan, Montreal and Vancouver Island.

Thanks so much Eric! I echo other’s comments that this is the best configuration by far I’ve seen online and it’s awesome that you’ve offered your reasoning behind steps in the build. I’m looking to mirror most of this configuration for me and my girlfriend to do an extended trip. Do you think two will work on the bed width? It would be great to get even more detailed plans on the electrical setup. Thanks again! Bob

I just watched through all of your videos. You have a gift for explaining things clearly and concisely. I shared your channel with my son who is in the process of buying a van to build out. Thanks for the great videos, keep them coming!

Hello, really enjoy your videos. I am currently shopping around to a Toyota Sienna XLE Limited, to build out. You have the best ideas. I built the same solar shower and they work good. I plan to travel over most of the Western USA and then possibly the NE. Also Snow bird the far South over winters. Always thumbs up from the USA 641...

Excellent advice Eric and it definitely will save money in the long run. Glad to see you made it to my hometown. Great view of the falls. Nate

Excellent job on the van and great video.