In this ultimate no build van tour, I am mixing it up a bit and instead of focusing on the minivan camper and layout or floorplan itself, I'm showing you every single item I bring with me on my car camping trips, and where I store/organize it all inside my tiny space!! (And perfect timing, since Amazon Prime Days are this week with some amazing deals!) Whether I'm heading out for a quick 24 hour getaway, or a few weeks of extended travel, these are alllll the things I regularly use/need/want to be ready for all of my adventures as a part time vanlifer! I will try and include links for everything I go over below, but im sure I will miss a few, so if you are curious about anything not mentioned, I'll be happy to provide any details or links I may have for it Thanks so much for watching! I hope you found this information useful, and I'll see you all on the next adVANture!! ==== You can see the actual transformation from 7 passenger minivan to cozy microcamper here: ua-cam.com/video/a8IVXQvionw/v-deo.html The official van tour for this specific floorplan: ua-cam.com/video/txFwrDcHg90/v-deo.html How I set up camp at my site: ua-cam.com/video/qqTN0GbpeK0/v-deo.html My shower bag video: ua-cam.com/video/S0-5Wa7nNpc/v-deo.html ==== My setup details **As an Amazon Associate, I do earn a small commission for any qualifying purchases made using the links below, but this is at no additional cost to you, and I only recommend the items I personally use and love. Using these links is a great way to support my channel and ensure that I can continue to deliver quality future content, so thank you in advance for your support - I truly appreciate it! Product Links for Indoor & Outdoor Setup/Items Used: Jackery 240 Power Station: amzn.to/3wIiHgX Jackery 1000 Power Station: amzn.to/3lzmMyP Bluetti EB70S Power Station (800W inverter with 716Wh): amzn.to/3nhu0ft Shower bag: amzn.to/39LSDtM collapsible tea kettle (700W): amzn.to/3XG5Rvd "C" table over bed: amzn.to/3Ki06AQ cup holder phone stand for watching TV: amzn.to/3Kk6veY disposable female urinals (Travel Jane): amzn.to/3EGHebl urinal/reusable no spill bottle: amzn.to/3Z3lWMM portable DVD player: amzn.to/3lLyZ70 string lights: amzn.to/3IxI3oW Luci Light inflatable solar lantern: amzn.to/3YXvJ6U set of mini cooking utensils: amzn.to/3IdBlTD Lunatec pressurized water bottle: amzn.to/3KBgXyX macrame fruit hammock/bag: amzn.to/3lOlwLT Koonie 8" blades rechargeable USB fan with clamp: amzn.to/3lHxBCl cup holder inverter: amzn.to/41bpluz USB mini fan with reading light: amzn.to/3EhsDCE bamboo breakfast tray: amzn.to/3GiXM8Q Hot Logic Mini: amzn.to/3YD1YbV glass Pyrex container: amzn.to/40MXfog Dash Mini Maker Electric Griddle: amzn.to/413y6qF low wattage (300W) BalBali electric kettle: amzn.to/3YD96EV Aeropress coffee maker: amzn.to/3lLFKG5 handheld battery powered milk frother: amzn.to/3kat7DV mesh window screens: amzn.to/3GiXSxe magnetic window curtains: amzn.to/3G8TqAW Alpicool C20 12V car fridge: amzn.to/3MHL9X1 metal utility shelf: amzn.to/3wF2tXp trunk storage unit: amzn.to/3wBFNXY Insulated cooler bag: amzn.to/38FK6IG ergonomic gel memory foam seat cushion: amzn.to/3wBLNjg boot scraper: amzn.to/3z1eaJc side slot cup holders: amzn.to/3wC6IS0 hands free phone cup holder stand: amzn.to/3sTLHS1 hands free phone dash mount: amzn.to/3G8Uvsu LED flameless chargeable lantern: amzn.to/3lE8EVf USB LED light bulb: amzn.to/3yVudZc stained glass "rainbow" decals: - phases of the moon: amzn.to/3WBaxm9 - mandalas: amzn.to/3hJXlfF magic mesh screen doors: amzn.to/41OXq3x mosquito netting: amzn.to/44aPhrU Outdoor rug: amzn.to/3yuV5Pv Folding camp table (aluminum): amzn.to/37GGGF2 Coleman Camp Chair: amzn.to/3L52sQg CLAM Quickset Traveler 6x6ft screen shelter: amzn.to/3G48ql8 privacy panels for screen shelter: amzn.to/3FALXus solar weatherproof outdoor lanterns: amzn.to/3CH8cOC pee cloth: amzn.to/3XkQKJh picnic table and bench covers in bag: amzn.to/3p7CC9z macrame storage bag holder: amzn.to/469besp dehumidifier bags: amzn.to/3JoGslu Thermacell: amzn.to/3pJh3fJ collapsible sink: amzn.to/3re0Uz8 headlamp: amzn.to/3rmsoCU tire gauge: amzn.to/44CKwqw jump starter: amzn.to/3D7u4To tire inflator: amzn.to/43ndBFc disposable toothbrushes: amzn.to/3rokOrp lighted travel mirror: amzn.to/46Gj50I mini broom & dustpan: amzn.to/46JSpfM USB rechargeable sink pump: amzn.to/46EuApr pet hair remover amzn.to/3rpNKz6
looks like you have all the gear you could need for camping. don't know why I find it is so satisfying to see what folks bring along on their adventures...
For a truly bougie camping experience, you should get an ice cube maker. I have one and love it. It makes 9 cubes every six minutes so you would not have to plug it in for very long. Now I can have margaritas.
That was an awesome video! You have A LOT of stuff, but everything seems to have it's place. Everything is so organized that your van doesn't seem cluttered. Kudos to you! 😊
Thank you, I appreciate it! Sometimes I feel silly bringing so much on my shorter trips, but I find packing the exact same every time eliminates me forgetting things or having to plan too much!
Lot of great information - we went with a NO BUILD in our van and couldn't be happier! We too have a lot of gear that goes along with us on our adventures for hiking/kayaking, etc - and we have a place for EVERYTHING to keep it all nice and organized. We use the walls and even the ceiling of the van at times for storage. Happy travels! Keep making memories & adventure on! ~Karen & Shannon WOY
No builds are definitely a quick, easy, and affordable way to get out there! And it's nice to have the option to switch things up or tryout new layouts! Thank you!!
It’s FL… Absolutely no way to avoid sand in the vehicle! It’s best to be prepared like you are. With as much humidity as we have had recently (along with some record breaking temperatures), it’s no wonder your dehumidifier is struggling. Thanks for all the info!
So true!! I am testing the other rechargeable bags you microwave now to see if they will make a difference in how often I have to recharge the other one as well - that may stretch it a bit further 🤞🤞 Thanks for watching!
Heather, I just want to say thank you for taking time to show all that. Not only was it entertaining, but very informative. I'm impressed with all the things you have packed into such a small space and kept it very well organized. Kudos to you. Oh, and thx for taking it into the garage from the wind. It's so frustrating when YTer's keep talking into the wind as if you can hear them! see you soon!
Thank you so much! I try to be aware of when the wind pucks up b/c I know how distracting it can be.. Of course it wasn't windy all day until I started filming lol!
Also, have you considered security film for your windows? I watched Sno and Curt (full time Orlando people currently traveling north from Patagonia) and they had someone try to break in while they were in van. The film completely kept the window in place when guy was banging away. (Town in So. America)
I was actually thinking about that the other day! But more in the context of if a branch fell on/through a window at camp, etc... I think it's definitely worth looking into some more!!
Another grrreeat video. I will order today on a few things that I don't have like the Logic. Hey, I want to mention if any of you guys travel with Ur pets, please don't use defusers!! Please read about the affects on their brain. When U can't figure out why Ur pets are feeling sick or lethargic could be from Ur essential oil defusers. Sorry, I had to mention. Animal Rescuer. ❤
Don't apologize for mentioning, it's something a lot of people don't realize or think about! I obly recently learned about certain essential oils being toxic to pets, so it's valuable info!!
Have you had problems with your third row window coverings going through the opening when the windows have been opened up? The suction cups sometimes come loose and on suction themselves and even with that little 1 inch opening they can work their way out of there or if I don’t pull them in when I drive, and I usually don’t remember I’ve lost one of them to the road. And then of course when you rebuy them you have to buy two and they’re quite expensive as you know, so what have you done about that and have you have problems and if so what is your remedy? My second question is about your bed are you sleeping the width and if you are how tall are you? I am 51 and just last night I raised the mattress, so it is even with the windows allowing me to have a couple more inches on each side. I am unable to set up now, but I find I need that room to be comfortable. Also, the fact that you were doing this with the third row seat up is some thing I want to see. In addition, I have a 60 pound dog who wants to sleep with me lol I’ve never seen anybody carry so many power banks, and especially to large ones. Is it because you’re not using solar and if you’re not why aren’t you?
Thankfully I haven't, but I'm actually paranoid about that happening to me, so I just never crack the back windows at all, so that I dont have to trust myself to remember closing them before hitting the road, and then I just vent my other side windows a couple inches at least instead. Great reminder though! 💚
I found cracking them adds significantly to ventilation when I’m camping at freezing ironically, having that little bit open, keeps the van from having too much condensation and actually keeps you warmer. I just wear a stocking hat. Also, I find in the heat it allows me to dry the cool air through the van and out so I get better airflow. Also, of course you can draw the other direction as well.
What is the "shade tent" in the blue circular bag on the far right side of your trunk? I know it's not the clam shelter or the hatch tent. I don't think I have seen it in any of your videos.
Good question! It is an instant pop up tent (only takes 30 seconds to put up, but it's much trickier to fold until you watch a video on how - ask me how I know that!! LOL) I mainly use it on the beach for shade, or for things like... or if I was to possibly need a tent at a campsite, etc... amzn.to/3O4PZRt
Oh shoot, I knew I would forget to show something LOL! The collapsible kettle was actually sitting right beneath the Hot Logic, although to be honest I don't use it much anymore unless I need to boil more than a cup or two of water at once now. I still recommend it, but it draws almost twice the power as my smaller one, so I usually save it for when I need larger amts of water
If you're referring to the sand on the floor, it is a bit tricky to camp constantly in the middle of the woods in Florida without tracking sand/dirt in and out (especially when you're a hiker) but I do address the sand in my video if you missed that part. And luckily for you, I did just post a nice deep cleaning and organizing/transformation video last week. You should check it out! 🙂
I just saw you on Out on a Limb and you mentioned your DGC back seat reclines! I NEED to know how! 😂 Ive been trying to do that for 3 years! HELP! 😂
Disregard. Just found your video explaining it. Thank you. 😊
I just saw this, and was about to send you the link, lol! Sorry about the delayed response!
In this ultimate no build van tour, I am mixing it up a bit and instead of focusing on the minivan camper and layout or floorplan itself, I'm showing you every single item I bring with me on my car camping trips, and where I store/organize it all inside my tiny space!! (And perfect timing, since Amazon Prime Days are this week with some amazing deals!)
Whether I'm heading out for a quick 24 hour getaway, or a few weeks of extended travel, these are alllll the things I regularly use/need/want to be ready for all of my adventures as a part time vanlifer!
I will try and include links for everything I go over below, but im sure I will miss a few, so if you are curious about anything not mentioned, I'll be happy to provide any details or links I may have for it
Thanks so much for watching! I hope you found this information useful, and I'll see you all on the next adVANture!!
====
You can see the actual transformation from 7 passenger minivan to cozy microcamper here:
ua-cam.com/video/a8IVXQvionw/v-deo.html
The official van tour for this specific floorplan:
ua-cam.com/video/txFwrDcHg90/v-deo.html
How I set up camp at my site:
ua-cam.com/video/qqTN0GbpeK0/v-deo.html
My shower bag video:
ua-cam.com/video/S0-5Wa7nNpc/v-deo.html
====
My setup details
**As an Amazon Associate, I do earn a small commission for any qualifying purchases made using the links below, but this is at no additional cost to you, and I only recommend the items I personally use and love. Using these links is a great way to support my channel and ensure that I can continue to deliver quality future content, so thank you in advance for your support - I truly appreciate it!
Product Links for Indoor & Outdoor Setup/Items Used:
Jackery 240 Power Station:
amzn.to/3wIiHgX
Jackery 1000 Power Station:
amzn.to/3lzmMyP
Bluetti EB70S Power Station
(800W inverter with 716Wh):
amzn.to/3nhu0ft
Shower bag:
amzn.to/39LSDtM
collapsible tea kettle (700W):
amzn.to/3XG5Rvd
"C" table over bed:
amzn.to/3Ki06AQ
cup holder phone stand for watching TV:
amzn.to/3Kk6veY
disposable female urinals (Travel Jane):
amzn.to/3EGHebl
urinal/reusable no spill bottle:
amzn.to/3Z3lWMM
portable DVD player:
amzn.to/3lLyZ70
string lights:
amzn.to/3IxI3oW
Luci Light inflatable solar lantern:
amzn.to/3YXvJ6U
set of mini cooking utensils:
amzn.to/3IdBlTD
Lunatec pressurized water bottle:
amzn.to/3KBgXyX
macrame fruit hammock/bag:
amzn.to/3lOlwLT
Koonie 8" blades rechargeable USB fan with clamp:
amzn.to/3lHxBCl
cup holder inverter:
amzn.to/41bpluz
USB mini fan with reading light:
amzn.to/3EhsDCE
bamboo breakfast tray:
amzn.to/3GiXM8Q
Hot Logic Mini:
amzn.to/3YD1YbV
glass Pyrex container:
amzn.to/40MXfog
Dash Mini Maker Electric Griddle:
amzn.to/413y6qF
low wattage (300W) BalBali electric kettle:
amzn.to/3YD96EV
Aeropress coffee maker:
amzn.to/3lLFKG5
handheld battery powered milk frother:
amzn.to/3kat7DV
mesh window screens:
amzn.to/3GiXSxe
magnetic window curtains:
amzn.to/3G8TqAW
Alpicool C20 12V car fridge:
amzn.to/3MHL9X1
metal utility shelf:
amzn.to/3wF2tXp
trunk storage unit:
amzn.to/3wBFNXY
Insulated cooler bag:
amzn.to/38FK6IG
ergonomic gel memory foam seat cushion:
amzn.to/3wBLNjg
boot scraper:
amzn.to/3z1eaJc
side slot cup holders:
amzn.to/3wC6IS0
hands free phone cup holder stand:
amzn.to/3sTLHS1
hands free phone dash mount:
amzn.to/3G8Uvsu
LED flameless chargeable lantern:
amzn.to/3lE8EVf
USB LED light bulb:
amzn.to/3yVudZc
stained glass "rainbow" decals:
- phases of the moon:
amzn.to/3WBaxm9
- mandalas:
amzn.to/3hJXlfF
magic mesh screen doors:
amzn.to/41OXq3x
mosquito netting:
amzn.to/44aPhrU
Outdoor rug:
amzn.to/3yuV5Pv
Folding camp table (aluminum):
amzn.to/37GGGF2
Coleman Camp Chair:
amzn.to/3L52sQg
CLAM Quickset Traveler 6x6ft screen
shelter:
amzn.to/3G48ql8
privacy panels for screen shelter:
amzn.to/3FALXus
solar weatherproof outdoor lanterns:
amzn.to/3CH8cOC
pee cloth:
amzn.to/3XkQKJh
picnic table and bench covers in bag:
amzn.to/3p7CC9z
macrame storage bag holder:
amzn.to/469besp
dehumidifier bags:
amzn.to/3JoGslu
Thermacell:
amzn.to/3pJh3fJ
collapsible sink:
amzn.to/3re0Uz8
headlamp:
amzn.to/3rmsoCU
tire gauge:
amzn.to/44CKwqw
jump starter:
amzn.to/3D7u4To
tire inflator:
amzn.to/43ndBFc
disposable toothbrushes:
amzn.to/3rokOrp
lighted travel mirror:
amzn.to/46Gj50I
mini broom & dustpan:
amzn.to/46JSpfM
USB rechargeable sink pump:
amzn.to/46EuApr
pet hair remover
amzn.to/3rpNKz6
looks like you have all the gear you could need for camping. don't know why I find it is so satisfying to see what folks bring along on their adventures...
I feel the same way!! I so enjoy watching other people discuss their stuff, I can't resist doing the same every so often!! 💚 thanks for watching!
For a truly bougie camping experience, you should get an ice cube maker. I have one and love it. It makes 9 cubes every six minutes so you would not have to plug it in for very long. Now I can have margaritas.
Omg I have actually considered that... would be soooo luxurious in this heat!!
That was an awesome video! You have A LOT of stuff, but everything seems to have it's place. Everything is so organized that your van doesn't seem cluttered. Kudos to you! 😊
Thank you, I appreciate it! Sometimes I feel silly bringing so much on my shorter trips, but I find packing the exact same every time eliminates me forgetting things or having to plan too much!
Rinse free bath sponges, we love ❤ these.
They are great!!
Love your videos. I have to play them at 3/4 speed, but I love the content.
Thank you! (I do talk fast, I've tried slowing myself down, but fail miserably lol!)
Thanks! I really appreciate your fun and informative videos!
Thank you so much for your generosity, you just made my day! You are officially my first Super Thanks I have received - what a nice surprise! 💚
@@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures you are very welcome! You deserve it!!!
I love your movie choice!
Thank you!!
Great organization. You have a lot of stuff and it fits great in such a small space. Thank you for sharing.💓
Thank you!! 💚
Lot of great information - we went with a NO BUILD in our van and couldn't be happier! We too have a lot of gear that goes along with us on our adventures for hiking/kayaking, etc - and we have a place for EVERYTHING to keep it all nice and organized. We use the walls and even the ceiling of the van at times for storage.
Happy travels!
Keep making memories & adventure on! ~Karen & Shannon WOY
No builds are definitely a quick, easy, and affordable way to get out there! And it's nice to have the option to switch things up or tryout new layouts! Thank you!!
It’s FL… Absolutely no way to avoid sand in the vehicle! It’s best to be prepared like you are. With as much humidity as we have had recently (along with some record breaking temperatures), it’s no wonder your dehumidifier is struggling. Thanks for all the info!
So true!! I am testing the other rechargeable bags you microwave now to see if they will make a difference in how often I have to recharge the other one as well - that may stretch it a bit further 🤞🤞
Thanks for watching!
Awesome Sauce all great Ideas Thanks for sharing
Thank you!!
Fantastic video! Thanks for all the detailed information. I ordered a couple things thru your link. Happy travels 💛
Thank you so much, I appreciate the support!! 💚
@@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures I would have ordered more, but I already have a bunch of the same stuff! Lol 😀
Heather, I just want to say thank you for taking time to show all that. Not only was it entertaining, but very informative. I'm impressed with all the things you have packed into such a small space and kept it very well organized. Kudos to you. Oh, and thx for taking it into the garage from the wind. It's so frustrating when YTer's keep talking into the wind as if you can hear them! see you soon!
Thank you so much! I try to be aware of when the wind pucks up b/c I know how distracting it can be..
Of course it wasn't windy all day until I started filming lol!
Thanks!
Thank you!!
I love Fred the plant 😂 I need one!!!
He's a bit of an attention hog sometimes, but I love him LOL!
we use coin tissue that you can make big with just water for toilet paper or paper towels.
Oh great tip, thanks!
Liked and subbed!!❤❤ thanks for making this video!
Thanks so much, and welcome!! 💚
Also, have you considered security film for your windows? I watched Sno and Curt (full time Orlando people currently traveling north from Patagonia) and they had someone try to break in while they were in van. The film completely kept the window in place when guy was banging away. (Town in So. America)
I was actually thinking about that the other day! But more in the context of if a branch fell on/through a window at camp, etc... I think it's definitely worth looking into some more!!
@@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures i was thinking about a storm event as well.
Another grrreeat video. I will order today on a few things that I don't have like the Logic. Hey, I want to mention if any of you guys travel with Ur pets, please don't use defusers!! Please read about the affects on their brain. When U can't figure out why Ur pets are feeling sick or lethargic could be from Ur essential oil defusers. Sorry, I had to mention. Animal Rescuer. ❤
Don't apologize for mentioning, it's something a lot of people don't realize or think about! I obly recently learned about certain essential oils being toxic to pets, so it's valuable info!!
You will love the Hot Logic!!
Have you had problems with your third row window coverings going through the opening when the windows have been opened up? The suction cups sometimes come loose and on suction themselves and even with that little 1 inch opening they can work their way out of there or if I don’t pull them in when I drive, and I usually don’t remember I’ve lost one of them to the road. And then of course when you rebuy them you have to buy two and they’re quite expensive as you know, so what have you done about that and have you have problems and if so what is your remedy? My second question is about your bed are you sleeping the width and if you are how tall are you? I am 51 and just last night I raised the mattress, so it is even with the windows allowing me to have a couple more inches on each side. I am unable to set up now, but I find I need that room to be comfortable. Also, the fact that you were doing this with the third row seat up is some thing I want to see. In addition, I have a 60 pound dog who wants to sleep with me lol I’ve never seen anybody carry so many power banks, and especially to large ones. Is it because you’re not using solar and if you’re not why aren’t you?
Thankfully I haven't, but I'm actually paranoid about that happening to me, so I just never crack the back windows at all, so that I dont have to trust myself to remember closing them before hitting the road, and then I just vent my other side windows a couple inches at least instead. Great reminder though! 💚
I found cracking them adds significantly to ventilation when I’m camping at freezing ironically, having that little bit open, keeps the van from having too much condensation and actually keeps you warmer. I just wear a stocking hat. Also, I find in the heat it allows me to dry the cool air through the van and out so I get better airflow. Also, of course you can draw the other direction as well.
What is the "shade tent" in the blue circular bag on the far right side of your trunk? I know it's not the clam shelter or the hatch tent. I don't think I have seen it in any of your videos.
Good question! It is an instant pop up tent (only takes 30 seconds to put up, but it's much trickier to fold until you watch a video on how - ask me how I know that!! LOL) I mainly use it on the beach for shade, or for things like... or if I was to possibly need a tent at a campsite, etc...
amzn.to/3O4PZRt
Do you have a link for the small battery bank that you plug your USB light bulb into?
Yes! I've had it forever, but I was able to find the old link!
amzn.to/3D843U4
@@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures thanks!
I need to replace my kettle and wondering why you switched from your collapsible kettle to the new pretty blue kettle?
Oh shoot, I knew I would forget to show something LOL! The collapsible kettle was actually sitting right beneath the Hot Logic, although to be honest I don't use it much anymore unless I need to boil more than a cup or two of water at once now. I still recommend it, but it draws almost twice the power as my smaller one, so I usually save it for when I need larger amts of water
@@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures Huge deal. Thank you.
It's a bit dirty 😢it could be nice with a good deep clean 🫧
If you're referring to the sand on the floor, it is a bit tricky to camp constantly in the middle of the woods in Florida without tracking sand/dirt in and out (especially when you're a hiker) but I do address the sand in my video if you missed that part. And luckily for you, I did just post a nice deep cleaning and organizing/transformation video last week. You should check it out! 🙂