I have a Town and Country and I hate to admit how many tutorials I’ve researched for this type of set up. I want a couch mode and bed mode. YOU have designed one of the most functional ones I’ve seen yet. I start my built in about a month, so I thank you for your generous share.
@@heli400 I have looked for 3 weeks trying to find a van conversion contractor for my Dodge Caravan, and no success. 🚐 I need the build done by November 5th. Ugh.
Lol...When he opened that rear trunk and I saw the amount of storage, I literally sat straight up and said, "Damn!" :) Outstanding conversion, m'dear - truly!
I’m impressed young man you’ve put a lot of thought to your design and still have plenty of breathing room,job well done! Safe and happy travels to you!
You're right. It feels open and yet everything is in there. He could take a 30 second shower in a pinch with the sprayer. Soap yourself up and just rinse off.
Nice job!!! Very efficient...😊😊😊 My son bought a Honda Odyssey... I mentioned converting it...as opposed to just throwing a mattress inside. (LoL) It developed a "no start" issue...and his gf developed a "no patience" issue...thus it was abandoned next to my barn... I hated to have the salvage yard come for it...so I went about tinkering with it... after about 3 hours...(undoing their A+work...lol) it's now operating just fine... and I intend on converting it in the next 6 weeks.... your video was very helpful...a nice conversion...😊😊😊
Amazing, many university students in California especially can adopt this fabulous idea because the home & apartment rents have gone through the roof, most students have to sleep in their cars and this idea of yours is revolutionary.
I really like how the back of your couch flips over and down for the bed. Never have seen that before. Very nice. I really like ever detail of your home. The sink and water faucet with sprayer. Youve done a very nice job on all of it. Thank you for sharing stay safe, be well, and God bless
I really appreciate you taking the time to make this video and sharing your brilliant plans! It is very generous of you. After watching this (and MANY other vids) we actually went out and bought a Dodge Grand Caravan just because of your video! (We call it our G.O.O.D Van = Get Out Of Dodge Van) We are almost done with the build. Pretty much copied everything you did! (we also call it our "Nick Knock-off Patty Wagon!" lol) I'll post a video in a couple of weeks before we head out across the country! Thanks again!
3 роки тому+3
Hahaha thats amazing! I'm super excited to see it!
I love the quick and easy setup of your bed. I think it is the quickest setup I have come across so far. I love the rest of your setup too. It's simple but everything you need. Well done.
i have just bought a 02 dodge grand carvan im planning on building out and have watched TONS of videos . I travel for filming a LOT and the bed couch design was totally UNEXPECTED . Thankd for sharing your blueprints! Im going to use them and i will give the credit in one of my videos i do in the next few weeks. I show the van ( not in the greatest shape at the moment ), on Hunted Ghost Productions and Gen X Travels . Great video , enjoyed the set up !
I can’t get over how much storage space is in there!! Really neat set up. I dig that bench sofa/bed mural he painted. Thought of everything. Happy travels! ❤️💜💚
I've seen so many van campers over the past year - yours is the best so far. I especially love your bed and the overall layout. Thank you for sharing your work.
I would love to see an in-depth vid on how you made your window coverings - interior close-ups of the material, where you purchased it, jig template methods, etc.
@@bina_two This was brilliant! So much better than curtains... WAY more stealth! I personally made a template out of paper and then transferred that to cardboard, and once I had it trimmed just right, traced it on to the corrugated plastic. I could mail you my paper cut outs if you want them.
Awesome build! So smart going with the dodge caravan for extra storage in the stow n go compartments. Love how simple this is yet has many creature comforts (freezer, solar, running water, etc). I’d definitely consider this van if i was building out a stealth camper. Thanks for sharing, very inspiring! PS, thanks for posting this on r/urbancarliving! Upvoted!
I love it bro. Ive been traveling for work now for the past 9months. I have an 06 caravan and I tell u it sucked ass for a while until I watched videos and just put a lil thought to it and now its my camper van. Ive saved so much money doing this. Congrats to u as well!!🎉
I am 75 & want to travel with my 2 small dogs. I love how your mind thinks & how you explain things!! I think I can do most of what you show, but if you will ever get near Northern California, I’d love to hire you to help me. I’m not wealthy but I can pay you some $.
His build is very nice His toughest features would be his plumbing and electronics think of gravity fed water using a 5 gallon coleman jug with spigot by having it raised it pours easily into a bowl. Use a camping battery instead of second battery so that eliminates the battery wiring you can plug a portable solar unit into it when parked and not mount it on the roof. so the rest is building his ingenious bed and making drawers and shelves. I have a simpler video of a tailgate kitchen with these features combining his and my design might be easier for you.
Wow. This is by far one on my favorite van builds. I love the simplicity and functionality of it especially the bed. I would love to see how you made that one piece that just swings back and fold down to convert it into a couch. Plus that was such a complete tour. You really did a fantastic job.
Now...I have seen alot of minivan builds and no build videos. So...I think yours is the most bang for your buck. I plan on getting a van with stow and go seats...for all the storage when the seats are out. I love your build. It just is all one really needs.
Your battery appears to be the kind that can off gas. Suggest you enclose it and vent to the exterior or get a different type of battery. Unique build. Thanks for sharing.
I have travelled all over the US from Key West to Alaska, California to Maine when I had a Ford E-150. I now have a 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan and have been trying to figure out how to make it into a camper van. Your plan is nearly perfect for me. I might change to a small bed because I always go alone. But there are the dogs, so maybe the double bed would work after all. The rest, however, is ingenious. You still have room to move and breathe in there. Thank you so much for the detailed tour! I also watched your video on how to removed the seats, which was also clear and well done. Happy travels!
3 роки тому
Thank you! Yeah the double bed is sweet even when im alone, I like the space.
Great Build! Love it ! Question about the bed. Is the bed anchored down to the van at any point? If it is in bed mode, and you sit on the end to get in, does it tip forward? I assume it doesnt and you have it anchored somewhere. Ah one more question... the passenger seat position. is it set to all the way forward or back to keep your work area, sink in place? Im hoping to have the passenger seat movable when needed, Again awesome build!
4 роки тому+9
The bed is tied down so that it doesn't slide forward or get lifted up when sitting at the end. The passenger seat isn't quite all the way forward, but it is in a specific spot that helps brace the kitchen
Thanks for sharing. That info about the altitude and pressure in the port-pot was interesting. It made me wonder about other storage units inside the vans & other homes-on-wheels and altitude issues.
I'm moving to do this in the next few months...and my brain is fried...BUT this is the best simplest version Ive seen and has everything I want! Thanks!!
Hey! Thanks for the awesome video, the whole design is super well thought and gave me a lot of ideas for my own future conversion! I have a question regarding your clean water tank, it looks stuck under your kitchen cabinet, how do you fill it up? Do you have to remove everything to reach it, or do you have another smart system for this? Thanks again!
WathierFilms can you send a link to the mattress you ordered? I search but I’m not finding it. Btw, I used your bed plan and built my own. I only modified it slightly to anchor it to the floor. It’s awesome thank you.
4 роки тому
@@gregmackay4369 I believe it was this one (sorry its amazon.ca). I simply cut it to shape then upholstered it with comfortable flannel. That's awesome! Do you have photos or videos? www.amazon.ca/LINENSPA-Inch-Memory-Foam-Mattress/dp/B01M6Z033T/ref=asc_df_B01MF93DAX/?tag=googlemobshop-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=292927923273&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=501567137690196167&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1002657&hvtargid=pla-386501979505&psc=1&th=1
Here are the pic's. Sorry to be a bug.. Just another question, about the mattress. I see that from the Amazon pics it comes as a mattress with in a material case. I'm guessing that since you cut yours to fit. you had to discard it, to get at the inner foam, for your cuts? Pics: facebook.com/100022074783275/posts/806330643446088/?extid=0luTt374wvp3yyHl&d=n
Brilliant! Simple! Love it! You can also get van/suv tents that fit perfectly to the back of the van when door is open that can give you another “ room” to sleep, stand up in ( use for a bathroom,/ change room, store wet clothes and towels to dry ) or just hang out and comes with an attached dining tent with bug screen...better than an awning.....packs up to a decent size to tuck In The back storage. Have fun!
I love that your kitchen drawers open two directions! Over all, this is a great build. If you don't mind a few suggestions...... Fresh Water: Many products out-gas, so you may want to keep laundry detergent, cleaning products, etc., far from your fresh water tank instead of in the same compartment. The plastic tank/bottle is porous so the water gets contaminated fairly quickly, even if a foot away. I belief the van getting hot from the sun will speed up this contamination. Should the water be run through a filter right before use ?? (Since chlorine doesn't last in water, and bacteria multiply faster in water that isn't chilled.) Grey Water: Maybe I'm missing something, but I didn't see a P-trap to keep the stink from the grey water from entering your van. Better yet, vanlifers/RV people are using a waterless one called Hepvo valve. Here is one of many vids on them: "RV HEPVO Valve DIY Upgrade: Replace your p-traps with a hepvo valve to eliminate under sink stink." Computer Desk: The spot where your mouse goes seems very high relative to, say, your elbow. Great if that works for you, but safer to follow ergonomics to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome or similar pain/inflammation. Curious to know: Do you check the bottom of your mattress often for mold? A number of vanlifers had a lot of mold growth there, because the heat of their bodies meets the cooler air underneath, causing condensation. Using slats of wood and getting some air flow under the bed prevents this, they say. So good of you to share your build which will help others. Best wishes and happy travels!
3 роки тому+1
We rarely drink from the freshwater tank anyways, its mainly for washing dishes amd such. We've never had problems with the smell of the grey water. The shape of drain tube we have basically creates a p trap. We don't spend a whole lot of time at the desk, so never really had an issue. Yeah we check the mattress whenever we take the cover off for laundry. Haven't found any mold yet! Thanks for the tips!
Wow, you did an amazing job. I really appreciate the bed plans. A lot of us van dwellers don't have your engineering experience and these will make a huge difference for storage and comfort. Thank you for sharing!
Super nice conversion with a great use of space. Thank you for explaining everything and sharing your couch/bed plans. Even better is you have used your vehicle to travel already! Cheers.
Well, you went and did it! We're living in parallel universes. I have the same blue van (I think mine's a little newer), but I like to travel a bit in it and as of yet haven't taken out all the seats. The 'stow-and-go' feature is really great. Bottom line, I've got to keep track of your build here... as I think I'll have pretty much the same layout when mine's done. 'Really great work! Congrats on all you've accomplished.
3 роки тому+1
Thank you! Did you see the link to the bed/couch plans in the video description?
I would add one thing. The battery in the back should be in a RV battery box or a similar container. It will protect the battery and wiring and it will reduce the chance of causing a fire. Also it will help protect every thing around the battery.
3 роки тому
Yeah others mentioned that as well. I bought a battery box since then :)
Very simple yet clever design! I like how you can utilize the stow and go areas for additional storage. Be a neat little van to travel across the country with. Couch/bed design is simply genius!
What an awesome job. I have owned nothing but the Chrysler made minivans through out my life and wanted to do this to one of them, looks awesome and such preciseness.
I like your set up. It looks relatively simple to do. You have some space that helps when you have to spend time indoors and it looks comfortable. Thanks for sharing.
Unless I missed it. I DID NOT HEAR WHAT YEAR YOUR DODGE MINI VAN IS, AND WOULD BE INTERESTED TO KNOW. THIS IN MY OPINION IS A GREAT CONVERSION. WELL DONE!
I was thinking that the sink sprayer just took out more space, till you showed its use from outside, when the door was open!!!! Loved it!!! So great that you can access the drawers from outside too! Great video, enjoy your trips and be safe please.
Wow. To build my sleeping platform in my Dodge Caravan, I used two milk crates in front turned on their sides. In back, I placed two milk crates simply upside down in back. On top of the 4 milk crates, I attached two 73 inch long steel L-bars. The floor is deeper in front in most minivans, so two milk crates placed on their sides in front help level out the bed from front to back. On top of L-bars, I placed a sheet of plywood that matches the width of my single mattress. Of course, milk crates also make great floor drawers. I can remove my bed in two minutes when I get home from camping. I don't have stow'n'go so I take out the back seats, but leave in the middle seats in the floor.
I have a Town and Country and I hate to admit how many tutorials I’ve researched for this type of set up. I want a couch mode and bed mode. YOU have designed one of the most functional ones I’ve seen yet. I start my built in about a month, so I thank you for your generous share.
Same, LOL.
Ditto. It was super nice of him to attach the blueprint to his bed design at the top of this chat awesome.
@@serenas8144 Missed that. Will go back and look. Thank you for making note of that.
ua-cam.com/video/gEpq8TeuiNU/v-deo.html
just to give you more ideas....
@@heli400 I have looked for 3 weeks trying to find a van conversion contractor for my Dodge Caravan, and no success. 🚐 I need the build done by November 5th. Ugh.
This is my favorite minivan build so far
I couldn't agree more:))
Lol...When he opened that rear trunk and I saw the amount of storage, I literally sat straight up and said, "Damn!" :)
Outstanding conversion, m'dear - truly!
I felt the same way!!! 👀❤️
I've seen a lot of van bed designs and can't say I've seen one like this.. it's brilliant with that fold down backrest converting into bed support!
I’m impressed young man you’ve put a lot of thought to your design and still have plenty of breathing room,job well done! Safe and happy travels to you!
You're right. It feels open and yet everything is in there. He could take a 30 second shower in a pinch with the sprayer. Soap yourself up and just rinse off.
Nice job!!! Very efficient...😊😊😊
My son bought a Honda Odyssey... I mentioned converting it...as opposed to just throwing a mattress inside. (LoL)
It developed a "no start" issue...and his gf developed a "no patience" issue...thus it was abandoned next to my barn... I hated to have the salvage yard come for it...so I went about tinkering with it... after about 3 hours...(undoing their A+work...lol) it's now operating just fine... and I intend on converting it in the next 6 weeks.... your video was very helpful...a nice conversion...😊😊😊
I love that you have the water/sink inside & don’t have to go to the trunk to use it! Fabulous bed layout as well!
Thanks so much! 😊
I liked how you set it up with the kitchen accessible from outside, great for stand up cooking and even a quick shower.
Amazing, many university students in California especially can adopt this fabulous idea because the home & apartment rents have gone through the roof, most students have to sleep in their cars and this idea of yours is revolutionary.
1:42 The bed design is pure genius.
Dude. This is so great! You’ve traveled a great distance in this van and made it into a home for the road. THIS is innovation at its FINEST!
I really like how the back of your couch flips over and down for the bed. Never have seen that before. Very nice. I really like ever detail of your home. The sink and water faucet with sprayer. Youve done a very nice job on all of it. Thank you for sharing stay safe, be well, and God bless
I love that bed/couch - it's the best I've seen so far. I also like how the solar panel is placed. Actually, I like much of what you've done.
This wins the Van Conversion of it all.
Wow thank you!!
Great build!! One of the best Caravan builds I've seen!
The best conversion I have ever seen in a Dodge!!!
I really appreciate you taking the time to make this video and sharing your brilliant plans! It is very generous of you. After watching this (and MANY other vids) we actually went out and bought a Dodge Grand Caravan just because of your video! (We call it our G.O.O.D Van = Get Out Of Dodge Van) We are almost done with the build. Pretty much copied everything you did! (we also call it our "Nick Knock-off Patty Wagon!" lol) I'll post a video in a couple of weeks before we head out across the country! Thanks again!
Hahaha thats amazing! I'm super excited to see it!
I like the way you used different colored window covers. It gives you more to see from the inside.
I love the quick and easy setup of your bed. I think it is the quickest setup I have come across so far. I love the rest of your setup too. It's simple but everything you need. Well done.
i have just bought a 02 dodge grand carvan im planning on building out and have watched TONS of videos . I travel for filming a LOT and the bed couch design was totally UNEXPECTED . Thankd for sharing your blueprints! Im going to use them and i will give the credit in one of my videos i do in the next few weeks. I show the van ( not in the greatest shape at the moment ), on Hunted Ghost Productions and Gen X Travels . Great video , enjoyed the set up !
I can’t get over how much storage space is in there!! Really neat set up. I dig that bench sofa/bed mural he painted. Thought of everything. Happy travels!
❤️💜💚
Your conversion of the couch to a bed is brilliant and the simplicity of your whole design is just amazing. Safe travels. )))
I have a Dodge Caravan, you did a good job man. I like the ease of your bed couch.
I've seen so many van campers over the past year - yours is the best so far. I especially love your bed and the overall layout. Thank you for sharing your work.
Thank you! Glad you like it
Thank you for sharing this. Especially your couch and bed plan, it's like a treasure for me.
Love the couch that's a bed, looks very comfortable. And the rest of your camper van is pretty nice too. Safe journey.
Los luna's New Mexico
My
I’ve been looking for the build that will suit the needs of a 150 lb dog and me.
Love the bed!!
I am super excited to build your couch bed design. Thanks
@@cindyjames6053 150lbs ! Definitely found the perfect bed plan 😁. God Bless you guys ❤️
Man it pays to be this intelligent. Love love love your glasses, sir!
I would love to see an in-depth vid on how you made your window coverings - interior close-ups of the material, where you purchased it, jig template methods, etc.
5he material is corrugated plastic. Looks like cardboard from a box but much more durable! Can be bought at Lowe's/ Home Depot I believe
@@wendyshepard2080 thanks! Would still love to see an in-depth video about how these were made.
@@bina_two This was brilliant! So much better than curtains... WAY more stealth! I personally made a template out of paper and then transferred that to cardboard, and once I had it trimmed just right, traced it on to the corrugated plastic. I could mail you my paper cut outs if you want them.
Having difficulty downloading your plans for the bed. .... fantastic bed plan...love it
Thank you very much for your video. You just gave a great idea to convert a mini van into a hybrid of a camper and work van.
Thanks! Glad I could help
that couch/bed is a perfect design
Awesome build! So smart going with the dodge caravan for extra storage in the stow n go compartments. Love how simple this is yet has many creature comforts (freezer, solar, running water, etc). I’d definitely consider this van if i was building out a stealth camper. Thanks for sharing, very inspiring! PS, thanks for posting this on r/urbancarliving! Upvoted!
Love how he used the plastic! I owned a Dodge grand caravan stow and go. I never could have imagined someone could live in there!!!
Really like your window coverings, very clever. And your couch/bed is a great design! Awesome
What are they made of? How do they work with heat and zero degrees? Thanks
I love it bro. Ive been traveling for work now for the past 9months. I have an 06 caravan and I tell u it sucked ass for a while until I watched videos and just put a lil thought to it and now its my camper van. Ive saved so much money doing this. Congrats to u as well!!🎉
I am 75 & want to travel with my 2 small dogs. I love how your mind thinks & how you explain things!! I think I can do most of what you show, but if you will ever get near Northern California, I’d love to hire you to help me. I’m not wealthy but I can pay you some $.
His build is very nice His toughest features would be his plumbing and electronics think of gravity fed water using a 5 gallon coleman jug with spigot by having it raised it pours easily into a bowl. Use a camping battery instead of second battery so that eliminates the battery wiring you can plug a portable solar unit into it when parked and not mount it on the roof. so the rest is building his ingenious bed and making drawers and shelves. I have a simpler video of a tailgate kitchen with these features combining his and my design might be easier for you.
Wow. This is by far one on my favorite van builds. I love the simplicity and functionality of it especially the bed. I would love to see how you made that one piece that just swings back and fold down to convert it into a couch. Plus that was such a complete tour. You really did a fantastic job.
Bro. This is perfection.
Love the bed/couch. Genius! Thanks for sharing it! You rock! Heaps of best wishes!!!
Bro thats dope. Super professional
The perfect level of minimalism. Thanks for sharing!
Excellent van build. Everything is easy to access and is very maneuverable. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
This is awesome! I’ve been in my Infiniti for a while and never imagined other people out there building homes in their cars so easily 😱😍👏🏼👏🏼
Thank you for sharing this and your bed plan! I have a 2013 transit connect xlt. This will work great! Happy Travels!
Sick lights dude. Love the look and it looks really cozy in there.
Great tour! Really enjoyed watching. You seem to have thought of everything.
Now...I have seen alot of minivan builds and no build videos. So...I think yours is the most bang for your buck. I plan on getting a van with stow and go seats...for all the storage when the seats are out. I love your build. It just is all one really needs.
Thanks! Yeah Stow n Go is amazing
Can u do a tutorial on how you made the bed couch. That looks amazing.
I just added a download link to the plans for it in the video description! Let me know if you have any questions
Yes Please Show How to make that bed
Sorry didn’t see this
I’ll try to find it
AMAZING BUILD
I like your window coverings.....Im going to Home Depot today to try out....I’m excited 😆!
@ plz share
Boy you are sure are a handyman ! You really thought it through. What a good job!
Very nice conversion and you did a great job on the video! I subscribed and I’m looking forward to more videos.
This build is what I have been looking for. Thank you you for uploading...
Our pleasure!
Amazing!! Good build, i wish i could do all that :)
Your battery appears to be the kind that can off gas. Suggest you enclose it and vent to the exterior or get a different type of battery. Unique build. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for the tip!
So many great ideas in one tour...Thank you
So nice to see a tour of your converted space. Superb job on it.
love it bro i live out of my 2002 sienna when I'm on the road
Love it! Thank you for the video and the link to engineer quality plans!
I didn't see any tools? Pretty slick for a Caravan. Don't leave that girlfriend alone too long. Or she'll be gone Bud.
Maybe he is gay..
I have travelled all over the US from Key West to Alaska, California to Maine when I had a Ford E-150. I now have a 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan and have been trying to figure out how to make it into a camper van. Your plan is nearly perfect for me. I might change to a small bed because I always go alone. But there are the dogs, so maybe the double bed would work after all. The rest, however, is ingenious. You still have room to move and breathe in there. Thank you so much for the detailed tour! I also watched your video on how to removed the seats, which was also clear and well done. Happy travels!
Thank you! Yeah the double bed is sweet even when im alone, I like the space.
Great Build! Love it ! Question about the bed. Is the bed anchored down to the van at any point? If it is in bed mode, and you sit on the end to get in, does it tip forward? I assume it doesnt and you have it anchored somewhere.
Ah one more question... the passenger seat position. is it set to all the way forward or back to keep your work area, sink in place? Im hoping to have the passenger seat movable when needed,
Again awesome build!
The bed is tied down so that it doesn't slide forward or get lifted up when sitting at the end.
The passenger seat isn't quite all the way forward, but it is in a specific spot that helps brace the kitchen
Thanks for sharing. That info about the altitude and pressure in the port-pot was interesting. It made me wonder about other storage units inside the vans & other homes-on-wheels and altitude issues.
Hope u don't mind if I borrow most of ur ideas. This van is really a great design.
Only if you share photos/videos! I'd love to see other people use my ideas and put their own twists on it
@
I will when I get my van. Thanks for the ideas.
ua-cam.com/video/gEpq8TeuiNU/v-deo.html
just to give you more ideas....
I'm moving to do this in the next few months...and my brain is fried...BUT this is the best simplest version Ive seen and has everything I want! Thanks!!
Hey! Thanks for the awesome video, the whole design is super well thought and gave me a lot of ideas for my own future conversion!
I have a question regarding your clean water tank, it looks stuck under your kitchen cabinet, how do you fill it up? Do you have to remove everything to reach it, or do you have another smart system for this?
Thanks again!
I came looking for an answer to this same question. Found the reply and explanation further down in the comments
Really good use of interior space and especially the stow n go storage areas.
Could you do a youtube on how to build the bed.
Awesome build!!! Great ideas for my future Dodge Grand Caravan 2013-2016. Thanks!
This came out really well, so simple but perfectly comfortable. btw where did you get you mattress?
I ordered a foam mattress off amazon. It was 75"x54"x5", and then i just cut it to the shapes i needed
WathierFilms can you send a link to the mattress you ordered? I search but I’m not finding it.
Btw, I used your bed plan and built my own. I only modified it slightly to anchor it to the floor. It’s awesome thank you.
@@gregmackay4369 I believe it was this one (sorry its amazon.ca). I simply cut it to shape then upholstered it with comfortable flannel.
That's awesome! Do you have photos or videos? www.amazon.ca/LINENSPA-Inch-Memory-Foam-Mattress/dp/B01M6Z033T/ref=asc_df_B01MF93DAX/?tag=googlemobshop-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=292927923273&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=501567137690196167&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1002657&hvtargid=pla-386501979505&psc=1&th=1
WathierFilms Thanks! No worries, I’m in Canada (Nova Scotia). I ordered it!!!
Thanks again !
Here are the pic's. Sorry to be a bug.. Just another question, about the mattress. I see that from the Amazon pics it comes as a mattress with in a material case. I'm guessing that since you cut yours to fit. you had to discard it, to get at the inner foam, for your cuts?
Pics: facebook.com/100022074783275/posts/806330643446088/?extid=0luTt374wvp3yyHl&d=n
THAT COUCH BED IS GENIUS!!!
FAST CONVERSION. Love it!!!
Brilliant! Simple! Love it! You can also get van/suv tents that fit perfectly to the back of the van when door is open that can give you another “ room” to sleep, stand up in ( use for a bathroom,/ change room, store wet clothes and towels to dry ) or just hang out and comes with an attached dining tent with bug screen...better than an awning.....packs up to a decent size to tuck In The back storage. Have fun!
Nice setup. The mixing bowl as a sink was genius
Nice build! Love the couch/bed. Question: How do you fill the water tank that is under the floor?
That's my question as well. It's the only thing he didn't address.
I love that your kitchen drawers open two directions! Over all, this is a great build.
If you don't mind a few suggestions......
Fresh Water:
Many products out-gas, so you may want to keep laundry detergent, cleaning products, etc., far from your fresh water tank instead of in the same compartment. The plastic tank/bottle is porous so the water gets contaminated fairly quickly, even if a foot away.
I belief the van getting hot from the sun will speed up this contamination.
Should the water be run through a filter right before use ?? (Since chlorine doesn't last in water, and bacteria multiply faster in water that isn't chilled.)
Grey Water:
Maybe I'm missing something, but I didn't see a P-trap to keep the stink from the grey water from entering your van. Better yet, vanlifers/RV people are using a waterless one called Hepvo valve. Here is one of many vids on them:
"RV HEPVO Valve DIY Upgrade: Replace your p-traps with a hepvo valve to eliminate under sink stink."
Computer Desk:
The spot where your mouse goes seems very high relative to, say, your elbow. Great if that works for you, but safer to follow ergonomics to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome or similar pain/inflammation.
Curious to know:
Do you check the bottom of your mattress often for mold?
A number of vanlifers had a lot of mold growth there, because the heat of their bodies meets the cooler air underneath, causing condensation. Using slats of wood and getting some air flow under the bed prevents this, they say.
So good of you to share your build which will help others.
Best wishes and happy travels!
We rarely drink from the freshwater tank anyways, its mainly for washing dishes amd such.
We've never had problems with the smell of the grey water. The shape of drain tube we have basically creates a p trap.
We don't spend a whole lot of time at the desk, so never really had an issue.
Yeah we check the mattress whenever we take the cover off for laundry. Haven't found any mold yet!
Thanks for the tips!
This is exactly what i needed, I'm just starting to convert and i just have an air mattress and camping stuff all loose everywhere
Well done! Your build is simple and super efficient. The stow and go option really provides some out of the way storage.
Wow, you did an amazing job. I really appreciate the bed plans. A lot of us van dwellers don't have your engineering experience and these will make a huge difference for storage and comfort. Thank you for sharing!
My pleasure!
A very nice design layout. I have a 2005 Grand Caravan, and have been thinking on how to do something similar. You've given me some great ideas.
I like that you don,t need t get out for cooking or bed making once you,re in. Real stealth . Lots of headroom and well equipped
Woah im bursting with inspiration! thanks mate! Buying a 2012 DGC tomorrow :)
Nice! Good luck :)
Love your set up and your mural.
Super nice conversion with a great use of space. Thank you for explaining everything and sharing your couch/bed plans. Even better is you have used your vehicle to travel already! Cheers.
It is so kind of you to publish the plans for the bed/couch, which is beautifully designed. I intend to build one, and I thank you!
My pleasure! I'd love to see photos or videos if you do end up building it :)
@ That's a deal! :-)
Well, you went and did it! We're living in parallel universes. I have the same blue van (I think mine's a little newer), but I like to travel a bit in it and as of yet haven't taken out all the seats. The 'stow-and-go' feature is really great. Bottom line, I've got to keep track of your build here... as I think I'll have pretty much the same layout when mine's done. 'Really great work! Congrats on all you've accomplished.
Thank you! Did you see the link to the bed/couch plans in the video description?
I would add one thing. The battery in the back should be in a RV battery box or a similar container. It will protect the battery and wiring and it will reduce the chance of causing a fire. Also it will help protect every thing around the battery.
Yeah others mentioned that as well. I bought a battery box since then :)
Great Van build & use of space..The bed & Kitchen are SO nice 😊
I researched MANY ways to have a couch/bed work and this by far has to be one of the best, thanks!
Wow, thanks!
Very simple yet clever design! I like how you can utilize the stow and go areas for additional storage. Be a neat little van to travel across the country with. Couch/bed design is simply genius!
Thank you Stew!
What an awesome job. I have owned nothing but the Chrysler made minivans through out my life and wanted to do this to one of them, looks awesome and such preciseness.
Well done. I just bought one today!
I like your set up. It looks relatively simple to do. You have some space that helps when you have to spend time indoors and it looks comfortable. Thanks for sharing.
That is the best couch/bd design I’ve ever seen. Thanks for sharing the plans.
Thanks! My pleasure :)
First van build I liked. Smart !
Glad you like it!
Unless I missed it. I DID NOT HEAR WHAT YEAR YOUR DODGE MINI VAN IS, AND WOULD BE INTERESTED TO KNOW. THIS IN MY OPINION IS A GREAT CONVERSION. WELL DONE!
The best setup yet
How would you put a bed up front in the driver area?
I agree with earlier comments, best build I've seen.
Thanks Jack!
I was thinking that the sink sprayer just took out more space, till you showed its use from outside, when the door was open!!!! Loved it!!! So great that you can access the drawers from outside too! Great video, enjoy your trips and be safe please.
I love how this design isn’t cluttered with stuff everywhere.
Thanks very good ideas, I will use them when I do mine.
Cutest build ever!!!
I think you made yourself an amazing camper van. You have everything you need. Very impressive. 🙂
Wow.
To build my sleeping platform in my Dodge Caravan, I used two milk crates in front turned on their sides. In back, I placed two milk crates simply upside down in back. On top of the 4 milk crates, I attached two 73 inch long steel L-bars.
The floor is deeper in front in most minivans, so two milk crates placed on their sides in front help level out the bed from front to back.
On top of L-bars, I placed a sheet of plywood that matches the width of my single mattress.
Of course, milk crates also make great floor drawers.
I can remove my bed in two minutes when I get home from camping. I don't have stow'n'go so I take out the back seats, but leave in the middle seats in the floor.