You are most welcome. We had a lot of fun getting our minivan camper set up. Learned so much after taking out for first adventure and knew what additional items we wanted after that experience. Wishing you happy travels. 😊
I’m ordering the Vanpacker conversion kit as soon as I sell my condo. Planning to live in it full time. I can’t wait. Video was extremely helpful. Keep posting. Thanks!
Thank you for doing this great video! You are absolutely right, we love what we do, and we do it with love :)! And I am sure you can feel it too ahah! ! Have some great road-trips and we can't wait to see more of your road-trip stories!
Thank you. We have created new and improved videos using an exterior microphone and additional tips. Also did as an Introduction and 2 part series instead of one longer video. Part 1 focuses on Vanpackers minivan camper conversion kit and our setup. Part 2 on exterior and surrounding campsite setup. Part 2 shares how we use your tables.
Thank you Christopher. Our intention when making this video was to share the knowledge we learned when setting up our minivan camper. The Vanpackers conversion kit is amazing and we wanted to build on that core product.
Thank you for creating this video. I would have loved to be able to purchase this kit 8 years ago... I don't think I have ever owed a vehicle that was never slept in... my husband and I built very simple conversations for some minivans that we have owned and had some great trips in them. You just can't beat the ride, drivability and gas economy of a minivan for two or more. Thank you for the tour. Maybe I will see you out there on the road. Safe travels.
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
Very informative, great video. I’m still saving up for a Vanpackers kit for my dodge caravan. I have been for a while now. Every dollar I save counts! One day I’ll be able to get one for sure. It takes some time. Patience! Lol. Did you pick up your kit in Montreal or have it delivered? Maybe in a video you can share what that experience was like?
Hang in there, it'll be worth it when it happens! We just pulled the trigger on ordering one today. We'd been saving up to build out a Sprinter or Promaster for several years, but in all of the builds we've looked at the bed was just too high for the other half's mobility issues. We already own a Town and Country, so once we saw this and the height of the bed we figured it's worth a shot and would save tens of thousands of dollars on a new/different van. Not sure if you've gone through the motions on the site to see it or not, but delivery in the (contiguous) US is absolutely free.
We had the kit delivered to our home. Everything about the process from order to delivery went quickly and smoothly. The Vanpackers team were great to work with. They care about their business, product and customers.
@Bridand231 . We were in same situation as you. We started off with the thought of purchasing a cargo van and converting to camper. The cost of purchasing the cargo van and set up, plus the extra space to store in garage, cost of gas and larger vehicle to drive and park, caused us to rethink that decision. In my research I found a number of min8van conversion kits and we knew that was the way to go. Vanpackers definitely stood out amongst its competitors in their set up. Congrats on your purchase.
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
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.
Had my first summer with this kit and have to say it has been a real pleasure ! The only down fall I would have to say is that the kitchen has to be removed in order to place the propane tank in the bottom which is definitely not practical for me.
Hi Lynn, We do not use a 5 pound propane tank and, therefore, have not faced this problem. I went out and studied the camp kitchen and figured out how to accomplish this task without removing kitchen. Step 1: Remove water container and wood storage container box Step 2: Remove both sliding shelves by pushing down on white plastic lever on metal guide on one side and up on the other side. The sliding shelves come out very easily and putting back in place is just as easy. Step 3: Remove large wood panel door to access space beneath kitchen. Step 4: Place tank in space and slide over beneath camp stove section. Hope this helps. I have photos but was unable to insert in this response. Maybe another video will be coming showing how to do this!!! Kay
I tested my method out and, unfortunately, it did not work. It is easy to get the size of container in on sink side of kitchen but not enough room to stand up on stove side to stand up. The only way you could get to stand up would be to remove refrigerator cooler and lift up base of kitchen a couple inches to maneuver in. This would require unscrewing back of kitchen unit from back bench. Not a quick process but would eliminate taking out kitchen unit entirely. Wish I could help more with a video but not feasible for me to do at this time. One additional thing to keep in mind when traveling with propane tank in your van. Read up on how heat affects the tank and make sure you are not keeping in hot vehicle as this can cause tank to expand and explode. Plus, if you were in an accident the impact could cause an explosion. Always best to travel with your propane tanks outside of your vehicle.
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.
I have purchased a wireless microphone for future recordings. I might just redo this original recording to include further updates I have made to our setup.
Hi Bonnie, Appreciate your feedback. Made new updated, improved and expanded recording this past weekend using external microphone. Am in the process of editing. That is almost completed and will be posting later this week as 2 part series with additional introductory video. I hope you experience an improved viewer experience should you choose to watch the new videos.
Thanks so much for going out of your way to post this . We just bought the kit for a 2020 Toyota Sienna. We are going to install this coming weekend.
You are most welcome. We had a lot of fun getting our minivan camper set up. Learned so much after taking out for first adventure and knew what additional items we wanted after that experience. Wishing you happy travels. 😊
How long was the lead time for shipping? I’m order a kit shortly.
We ordered on 3/24/2023; shipped on 3/30/2023; arrived on 4/5/2023.
Very thorough - makes me want to head out into the wilderness!!
The wilderness is calling and I must go.
It was quite helpful to see this. Thanks for your tips and suggestions!
Happy trails and safe travels to you folks!
I’m ordering the Vanpacker conversion kit as soon as I sell my condo. Planning to live in it full time. I can’t wait. Video was extremely helpful. Keep posting. Thanks!
I am glad you found it helpful. There will be more videos to come as we learn and tweak our setup.
Looks pretty easym thanks for the demo
It was!
Thank you for the video, we learned a lot and were entertained.
Happy to hear that we educated and entertained
Thank you for this video you are so good at this. I kept thinking this woman must be a teacher.
Thank you for doing this great video! You are absolutely right, we love what we do, and we do it with love :)! And I am sure you can feel it too ahah! ! Have some great road-trips and we can't wait to see more of your road-trip stories!
Thank you. We have created new and improved videos using an exterior microphone and additional tips. Also did as an Introduction and 2 part series instead of one longer video. Part 1 focuses on Vanpackers minivan camper conversion kit and our setup. Part 2 on exterior and surrounding campsite setup. Part 2 shares how we use your tables.
Great video, thanks very much for posting.
Thank you Christopher. Our intention when making this video was to share the knowledge we learned when setting up our minivan camper. The Vanpackers conversion kit is amazing and we wanted to build on that core product.
Thank you for creating this video. I would have loved to be able to purchase this kit 8 years ago... I don't think I have ever owed a vehicle that was never slept in... my husband and I built very simple conversations for some minivans that we have owned and had some great trips in them. You just can't beat the ride, drivability and gas economy of a minivan for two or more. Thank you for the tour. Maybe I will see you out there on the road. Safe travels.
Geez I’ll,just camp there in your side yard. Birds chirping lots of greenery. Peaceful setting ❤
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
Thanks for the video. I want to get that for my 2020 dodge grand caravan.
Glad to hear you appreciated the video. We learn something new every time we take ours out camping.
I couldn’t get the link to work for the Amazon link for the drawers can you send it to me
Here you go. Let me know if it does not work.
Western Pine Boxes with hand holes, 16x12x6 Inches Outside Dimensions (Qty.2) a.co/d/ck2oeAS
Very informative, great video. I’m still saving up for a Vanpackers kit for my dodge caravan. I have been for a while now. Every dollar I save counts! One day I’ll be able to get one for sure. It takes some time. Patience! Lol. Did you pick up your kit in Montreal or have it delivered? Maybe in a video you can share what that experience was like?
Hang in there, it'll be worth it when it happens! We just pulled the trigger on ordering one today. We'd been saving up to build out a Sprinter or Promaster for several years, but in all of the builds we've looked at the bed was just too high for the other half's mobility issues. We already own a Town and Country, so once we saw this and the height of the bed we figured it's worth a shot and would save tens of thousands of dollars on a new/different van. Not sure if you've gone through the motions on the site to see it or not, but delivery in the (contiguous) US is absolutely free.
We had the kit delivered to our home. Everything about the process from order to delivery went quickly and smoothly. The Vanpackers team were great to work with. They care about their business, product and customers.
@Bridand231 . We were in same situation as you. We started off with the thought of purchasing a cargo van and converting to camper. The cost of purchasing the cargo van and set up, plus the extra space to store in garage, cost of gas and larger vehicle to drive and park, caused us to rethink that decision. In my research I found a number of min8van conversion kits and we knew that was the way to go. Vanpackers definitely stood out amongst its competitors in their set up. Congrats on your purchase.
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
Can’t hear you. You need a microphone
We have made new 2 part video series of our set up using an external microphone. Completing final review and will post by this weekend.
I have uploaded updated, improved and expanded Intro, Part 1/Interior and Part 2/Exterior that was created with external microphone.
Very nice !!
Good morning
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.
@@KayHarrington-ed3brThank you. We're visiting Vanpackers on Saturday to check out the kit
Very exciting.
NICE VIDEO! Thanks for sharing!
You are most welcome. We are enjoying our Danchel awning. It is a great product.
Had my first summer with this kit and have to say it has been a real pleasure ! The only down fall I would have to say is that the kitchen has to be removed in order to place the propane tank in the bottom which is definitely not practical for me.
Hi Lynn,
We do not use a 5 pound propane tank and, therefore, have not faced this problem. I went out and studied the camp kitchen and figured out how to accomplish this task without removing kitchen.
Step 1: Remove water container and wood storage container box
Step 2: Remove both sliding shelves by pushing down on white plastic lever on metal guide on one side and up on the other side. The sliding shelves come out very easily and putting back in place is just as easy.
Step 3: Remove large wood panel door to access space beneath kitchen.
Step 4: Place tank in space and slide over beneath camp stove section.
Hope this helps. I have photos but was unable to insert in this response. Maybe another video will be coming showing how to do this!!!
Kay
@@KayHarrington-ed3br I sure would like to see the video
When I have time to record, I will do so. Stay tuned.
I tested my method out and, unfortunately, it did not work. It is easy to get the size of container in on sink side of kitchen but not enough room to stand up on stove side to stand up. The only way you could get to stand up would be to remove refrigerator cooler and lift up base of kitchen a couple inches to maneuver in. This would require unscrewing back of kitchen unit from back bench. Not a quick process but would eliminate taking out kitchen unit entirely. Wish I could help more with a video but not feasible for me to do at this time.
One additional thing to keep in mind when traveling with propane tank in your van. Read up on how heat affects the tank and make sure you are not keeping in hot vehicle as this can cause tank to expand and explode. Plus, if you were in an accident the impact could cause an explosion. Always best to travel with your propane tanks outside of your vehicle.
Great video, thanks for sharing...
Thanks for watching!
Turn up the volume on the mike !!! Please.
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.
Volume up or better mic, please!
This video was redone with an external mike and broken into 2 parts - interior and exterior. Please check those out for better viewer experience.
Sorry, can't hear you. maybe you want to edit again with voiceover
Thank you for your feedback. I am trying to learn how to do that and it will be a bit of work to accomplish. 🙂
I have purchased a wireless microphone for future recordings. I might just redo this original recording to include further updates I have made to our setup.
@@KayHarrington-ed3br I also could not hear about 75% of it but at least I could see it.
Hi Bonnie, Appreciate your feedback. Made new updated, improved and expanded recording this past weekend using external microphone. Am in the process of editing. That is almost completed and will be posting later this week as 2 part series with additional introductory video. I hope you experience an improved viewer experience should you choose to watch the new videos.
I have uploaded updated, improved and expanded Intro, Part 1/Interior and Part 2/Exterior that was created with external microphone.
That price covers a year's rent in a one bedroom apartment. Sheesh.