In previous videos I detailed how I converted my Sienna into a mini-camper. In this video I will show you what the ready to go camping set-up looks like.
We also have a Sienna (2016) and we did the Journey's Off-Road lift too and a "Rhino" basket, it looks awesome! A suggestion, we saw a van build where they took out the center console so that they could get through to the back without getting out of the van, we tried that and really like it. We put a Rubbermaid Deluxe Carry Caddy from Amazon in the center which provides lots of storage for our needs and can easily be picked up and set aside it also only costs $16.00. You can also get back into the front of the van and drive away without getting out of your vehicle... I just finished the Floore today, I went with 3/4 plywood and a sheet of 1/4 inch hard board over the top of that. To level it I had to build up to 5 3/8 of an inch behind the driver and passenger seat to 5/8 of an inch at the rear hatch and now we have a level surface to enjoy... Like you we do not live in our van which really simplifies the approach to the build. We went with the Anker Solix f2000 and Renogy 400-watt panels. We are in Washington State and there is a nice variety of places to visit in the surrounding states and Washington. We also think camping like this is an absolute blast! We really enjoyed your two van build videos. Happy trails!
Thanks for the comment and your suggestion to remove the center console. I will prob make that mod this winter. I’ve never really liked the factory console anyway as I tend to “lose” or forget about things that fall to the bottom. I’m a little jealous of the fact you live in WA. I was stationed at the submarine base near Silverdale in the late 90’s and really miss the natural beauty of your state. I am a soon to be retired teacher and am hoping/planning to take the van back to the Pac NW next year for an extended trip. Thanks again!
Love the setup, especially the low platform and headroom. We are planning a similar build. Where do you put your clothing and food? Is that all in the trunk storage? Or the cargo net? Or backpacks that you move from the bed? Also, we use pine pellets ($8 for 40lbs. from Tractor Supply) rather than kitty litter for our potty...much cheaper, no smell, no mess.
Thanks for watching the video! Our clothing does go in backpacks (We pack very lightly) and you’re right, we just put them in the front seats at night. Food either goes in the fridge or just in walmart style bags that then turn into trash bags.
Journhy's off-road lift kit? Any pros/cons with that? I agree with everything you said about mini-van being the way to go! (Where) Do you carry a spare tire? (I assume its AWD?) Nice!
I did install the Journey’s 3.5” kit. It helped quite a bit driving on roads with small rock ledges and ruts in terms of approach angle. The front fascia used to drag on everything. It did make it a bit top heavy so I had to install rear air bags to stiffen it up a bit. It is AWD and actually does well off-road. Overall I like the kit but prob would feel different if I drove the van everyday. It does not drive as good as it did w/o the lift regardless of what others reviews say (imo.) I used to carry a spare either inside or on the rear rack, now I use TireJect sealant and carry a plug kit and fix a flat. Thanks for the question! I’m actually putting a lift review video together for later this week.
Thanks for the question. I just released a new video detailing the answer. I will invite you to watch the whole video but I specifically cover your question at about the 11:00 minute mark. ua-cam.com/video/5CvNJtzkBTQ/v-deo.htmlsi=5fSLqsXqZM4LwaBW Thanks again!
We also have a Sienna (2016) and we did the Journey's Off-Road lift too and a "Rhino" basket, it looks awesome! A suggestion, we saw a van build where they took out the center console so that they could get through to the back without getting out of the van, we tried that and really like it. We put a Rubbermaid Deluxe Carry Caddy from Amazon in the center which provides lots of storage for our needs and can easily be picked up and set aside it also only costs $16.00. You can also get back into the front of the van and drive away without getting out of your vehicle... I just finished the Floore today, I went with 3/4 plywood and a sheet of 1/4 inch hard board over the top of that. To level it I had to build up to 5 3/8 of an inch behind the driver and passenger seat to 5/8 of an inch at the rear hatch and now we have a level surface to enjoy... Like you we do not live in our van which really simplifies the approach to the build. We went with the Anker Solix f2000 and Renogy 400-watt panels. We are in Washington State and there is a nice variety of places to visit in the surrounding states and Washington. We also think camping like this is an absolute blast! We really enjoyed your two van build videos. Happy trails!
Thanks for the comment and your suggestion to remove the center console. I will prob make that mod this winter. I’ve never really liked the factory console anyway as I tend to “lose” or forget about things that fall to the bottom. I’m a little jealous of the fact you live in WA. I was stationed at the submarine base near Silverdale in the late 90’s and really miss the natural beauty of your state. I am a soon to be retired teacher and am hoping/planning to take the van back to the Pac NW next year for an extended trip. Thanks again!
Great summary, thanks!
Love the setup, especially the low platform and headroom. We are planning a similar build. Where do you put your clothing and food? Is that all in the trunk storage? Or the cargo net? Or backpacks that you move from the bed? Also, we use pine pellets ($8 for 40lbs. from Tractor Supply) rather than kitty litter for our potty...much cheaper, no smell, no mess.
Thanks for watching the video! Our clothing does go in backpacks (We pack very lightly) and you’re right, we just put them in the front seats at night. Food either goes in the fridge or just in walmart style bags that then turn into trash bags.
Journhy's off-road lift kit? Any pros/cons with that? I agree with everything you said about mini-van being the way to go! (Where) Do you carry a spare tire? (I assume its AWD?) Nice!
I did install the Journey’s 3.5” kit. It helped quite a bit driving on roads with small rock ledges and ruts in terms of approach angle. The front fascia used to drag on everything. It did make it a bit top heavy so I had to install rear air bags to stiffen it up a bit. It is AWD and actually does well off-road. Overall I like the kit but prob would feel different if I drove the van everyday. It does not drive as good as it did w/o the lift regardless of what others reviews say (imo.) I used to carry a spare either inside or on the rear rack, now I use TireJect sealant and carry a plug kit and fix a flat. Thanks for the question! I’m actually putting a lift review video together for later this week.
Hi. Would you be able to open the rear hatch door with cooler or storage box on the cargo carrier?
Thanks for the question. I just released a new video detailing the answer. I will invite you to watch the whole video but I specifically cover your question at about the 11:00 minute mark. ua-cam.com/video/5CvNJtzkBTQ/v-deo.htmlsi=5fSLqsXqZM4LwaBW Thanks again!
@@caseman4669 much appreciated!
This man shows off his camper van but doesn't even know what kind of Toyota he got.