The fact that you felt the need to be fully transparent about help from your step Dad earned you a subscription from me. You could have never mentioned it and no one would have known. I like honest people.
Note: Many travel channels are sponsored by BetterHelp. But I looked through their website for pricing, which you can't get to without completing their entire questionnaire. A google search says it is $65 - $90 per week. So I'm not sure who could afford BetterHelp :( Mental health for the Well Off, in which case I'm sure the Well Off already have great insurance.
Both you and Nikki are building/fitting out your own vehicles -- cousin vibes' energy at work! Your cardboard cutout and books templates for width & length and height remind me of "measure twice, cut once" advice.
You and your Mom (and Dad behind the scenes) did a great job building your platform. I'm sure you'll find it so much better while car camping with the extra storage space. Thanks for sharing your car camping revision. Jenny
Good idea. I have seen a few vanlifers who had to redo their bed platforms because they had not drilled holes. You need the airflow because the body creates heat and moisture.
You can put a ton of tools and car related stuff down by your spare tire. I crammed all sorts of things down there in our Rav4. Jumper cables, flashers, motion chargeable lights, all the usual hand tools etc. The only thing I did not see that should always be readily accessible. Where was your fire extinguisher and first aid kit? Both things you want where you can grab and go with them. Nice step forward.
You should probably make some breading holes in the platform so your matress doesn't get moldy. Also, if yo added hinges in the right places of the platform, probably the only thing you have to take out if you need to be is the boxes
Hi Sarah, I would recommend one change. Attach the 4 x 4 legs to the front section. As you now have it the front section will fall to the floor when you remove the rear. Then you will have to raise the front section to install the rear section. That may be difficult by yourself. With the legs attached to the front you only have to set the rear section on top. And you can leave gear on top of the front section when you remove the rear. I am a woodworker and am about to start truck bed drawers for my F-150. Take Care.
The main concern I have is, your platform is modular, but only gravity holds it down. Should, God forbid, an accident happen, it will become a projectile. Or, a bumpy road, it will bounce around a LOT. I'm not sure if your Rav4 has any sort of tie down spots, but, if it does, ratchet straps would be a good idea to hold it down, and in to place so it won't move around. Probably, taking the seat bottoms out of the back seats would have given you a more flat surface as the seat backs would lay down more, making more flat of a surface, and possibly more storage since the platform could be taller in that area. Plus, the seat bottom area could have places to connect those ratchet straps I mentioned to hold the platform down. Nice setup, though, as it is. Maybe in the future, though finding a way to hold it all down and in to place so it won't move around would be good to look into. Just another bit of advice from someone who did it and found out what can happen...don't use the palms of your hands as hammers as this leads to carpal tunnel. Been there, bought that book, and have the surgery scars to show. Other than all that, looks like you are set. Mods ideas will show up along the way, and you can always do minor additions here and there as you need them from here. As always, TAKE CARE and be careful out there. Love to follow you and Nikki and your adventures as I cannot go to the places you two go anymore, so I enjoy the views and the stories behind the places you guys go. Cheers.
Thanks for sharing the conversion build for your RAV4. I love watching folks do conversions in vans, and it’s interesting to see what you did in a much smaller vehicle to make it work for you on your travels. I’ve enjoyed watching your journey so far, and I’m glad to see it’s gone well and that you will be continuing your adventure. I wish I had taken the time to do something like that when I was your age.
I like what you did to make your RAV4 more organized, so that you have more room to stretch out in. Thank you Sarah for sharing. I look forward to seeing the next adventure. 😅
Building out your Rav4 now that you have been on the road a while makes sense. You have a much better idea what you need and how you are using your space. Making the platform in two pieces not only makes it a bit lighter to move, but easier to keep level. Not cutting into your vehicle or removing the seats keep it stock and more versatile if you change your setup. Will be so much better and more comfortable for your new adventures. It's fun to watch the progression of your rig and quality of your videos. We have traveled for years. My first camping vehicle was a Mustang. Now we have a 4Runner for Overlanding and tow a small travel trailer for longer stays. Enjoy!
09:45 what a squad 💪 (+ stepdad behind the scenes). So lovely to have kind and generous people helping you out where needed (and having a live audience for the tour 😂 you conducted a symphony, Sarah!). Amazing what you've managed to achieve in just a few days. Did you take any cues or inspiration from other Rav4 platform builds or did you just wing it? Excited to see how this improves your day to day quality of life while living in the Rav4 😊
Nice work! Big improvement! One thing I’d suggest though. Up front on the passenger seat. Route a strap under the seat and use it to secure the refrigerator, and another for your generator. God forbid your caught up in an accident. These things will come loose and hurt you. Hope you see this! 👍👍
Looks great! Thanks for sharing the measurements, too. I have a 2017 RAV4 with the same body style and am thinking about building something like you have. Safe travels!
You & your mom did such an awsome job, wow!! I can't believe how much your mom looks like Nikki's mom!! Are they twins?? Can't wait to see in your next video how comfy your back seat is now, stay safe, love you. 🥰🙂
I did the same in a honda fit/nissan rogue. I would stick with the side tote idea for max headroom. I took out the second row seats and was able to get 4'x2' storage under the bed. The seats removed easy.
Brilliant video Sarah!! Really enjoyed everything about it :) If possible in the future, could you do a video revving up your car? So we can hear how it sounds!! ❤
Wow, Sarah, now you have a whole new level for storage and a nice comfy bed! i cant get over that glued mattress topper, you must get resourcefulness from your mom! Thanks for this! I might try it on my suv, with help from someone who knows what theyre doing lol, u make it look so easy. Enjoy your break from the road with yoyr family & friends!
Very nice set up! I love how we learn as we go along. After seeing your mother inside your mattress cover, it’s confirmed your whole family is crazy lol! Safe and joyful blessings! 💞🌷💞
I know it seems daunting but when i took my rear seats out of my Mazda I had wayyy more storage and way more head space. I just put them back in yesterday to sell my car and it wasn’t too hard! Just wanted to let you know if you ever think about removing them in the future :) just record the whole process so you remember where everything goes lol
I love this and you, from a fellow nomader, I do think you might miss the head room though eventually your neck might get sore and you have so little stuff it was almost unnecessary. A cargo box for on top wouldn't hurt though. I used to have a little mattress topper too but then I got a legit twin size foam mattress from Walmart or Target and it's been 100% more comfortable for only about $200. Worth it if you ever decide to buy it. Mucho love, happy travels!
The fact that you felt the need to be fully transparent about help from your step Dad earned you a subscription from me. You could have never mentioned it and no one would have known. I like honest people.
Incredibly gorgeous home property. How fortunate to grow up in a place like that and have that lovely family base to come home to.
Note: Many travel channels are sponsored by BetterHelp. But I looked through their website for pricing, which you can't get to without completing their entire questionnaire. A google search says it is $65 - $90 per week. So I'm not sure who could afford BetterHelp :( Mental health for the Well Off, in which case I'm sure the Well Off already have great insurance.
Hi Mom! 👋 Thank you for raising such an adventurous woman. She's a nice escape from the stress of everyday life in America.
Love your mom!! She is amazing for supporting and helping you out in your build!
Both you and Nikki are building/fitting out your own vehicles -- cousin vibes' energy at work! Your cardboard cutout and books templates for width & length and height remind me of "measure twice, cut once" advice.
"New day, same outfit" 🤣 Another great vid Sarah!
Happy for you that you have a supportive mom. ❤
I am so lucky
Sarah thank you for letting us meet your Mom🥰
MOM your kids is a super person I have enjoyed watching her travels
You and your Mom (and Dad behind the scenes) did a great job building your platform. I'm sure you'll find it so much better while car camping with the extra storage space. Thanks for sharing your car camping revision. Jenny
❤ You definitely are the best editing. Definitely learning a lot. Thank you for your channel.
Your mom is adorable. Great memories with your mom ❤
Sarah, it's a good idea to have big holes on your beds platform so that you don't get mold!
What lmao
Good idea. I have seen a few vanlifers who had to redo their bed platforms because they had not drilled holes. You need the airflow because the body creates heat and moisture.
or use polyurethane wood finish to "water proof" it. not sure how you'd do it with the carpet on there now lol
You can put a ton of tools and car related stuff down by your spare tire. I crammed all sorts of things down there in our Rav4. Jumper cables, flashers, motion chargeable lights, all the usual hand tools etc. The only thing I did not see that should always be readily accessible. Where was your fire extinguisher and first aid kit? Both things you want where you can grab and go with them. Nice step forward.
You should probably make some breading holes in the platform so your matress doesn't get moldy. Also, if yo added hinges in the right places of the platform, probably the only thing you have to take out if you need to be is the boxes
Hi Sarah, I would recommend one change. Attach the 4 x 4 legs to the front section. As you now have it the front section will fall to the floor when you remove the rear. Then you will have to raise the front section to install the rear section. That may be difficult by yourself. With the legs attached to the front you only have to set the rear section on top. And you can leave gear on top of the front section when you remove the rear. I am a woodworker and am about to start truck bed drawers for my F-150. Take Care.
The main concern I have is, your platform is modular, but only gravity holds it down. Should, God forbid, an accident happen, it will become a projectile. Or, a bumpy road, it will bounce around a LOT. I'm not sure if your Rav4 has any sort of tie down spots, but, if it does, ratchet straps would be a good idea to hold it down, and in to place so it won't move around. Probably, taking the seat bottoms out of the back seats would have given you a more flat surface as the seat backs would lay down more, making more flat of a surface, and possibly more storage since the platform could be taller in that area. Plus, the seat bottom area could have places to connect those ratchet straps I mentioned to hold the platform down. Nice setup, though, as it is. Maybe in the future, though finding a way to hold it all down and in to place so it won't move around would be good to look into. Just another bit of advice from someone who did it and found out what can happen...don't use the palms of your hands as hammers as this leads to carpal tunnel. Been there, bought that book, and have the surgery scars to show. Other than all that, looks like you are set. Mods ideas will show up along the way, and you can always do minor additions here and there as you need them from here. As always, TAKE CARE and be careful out there. Love to follow you and Nikki and your adventures as I cannot go to the places you two go anymore, so I enjoy the views and the stories behind the places you guys go. Cheers.
Thanks for sharing the conversion build for your RAV4. I love watching folks do conversions in vans, and it’s interesting to see what you did in a much smaller vehicle to make it work for you on your travels. I’ve enjoyed watching your journey so far, and I’m glad to see it’s gone well and that you will be continuing your adventure. I wish I had taken the time to do something like that when I was your age.
hello mom + team , great to see ur supporting sarah !
Way to go mom! Pretty smart ideas
Great job, Sarah. Off to your next adventure!
Good job! Simple but effective build! I look forward to see where you go next!
I am a huge fan of RAV4’s. Your new setup looks very comfy, well organized and simple. So nice to meet your mom
I like what you did to make your RAV4 more organized, so that you have more room to stretch out in. Thank you Sarah for sharing. I look forward to seeing the next adventure. 😅
Love, love, love your new build! Great job!!
Hiiii, mom Berkowitz❤❤❤
Congrats on the upgrades!
Sarah is as cute as a button. Women like Sarah who loves the simple things in life is hard to find these days. You are one of a kind Sarah. 🙌
I agree with one of the comments i read. Take the back seats completely out. And that area is good storage space.
Your home is gorgeous property!
I love your confidence. It makes you shine!
Your very special person. Take care of your self.😊
Good work Sarah and Mom! Nice organizing! ❤
Shout out to your mom and stepdad. A really nice, simple job. Well done.
Love your mom! Very supportive 🎉
Great job Sarah, Mom, and friends!!
Building out your Rav4 now that you have been on the road a while makes sense. You have a much better idea what you need and how you are using your space. Making the platform in two pieces not only makes it a bit lighter to move, but easier to keep level. Not cutting into your vehicle or removing the seats keep it stock and more versatile if you change your setup. Will be so much better and more comfortable for your new adventures. It's fun to watch the progression of your rig and quality of your videos. We have traveled for years. My first camping vehicle was a Mustang. Now we have a 4Runner for Overlanding and tow a small travel trailer for longer stays. Enjoy!
very nice upgrades! you and Nikki inspire me
09:45 what a squad 💪 (+ stepdad behind the scenes). So lovely to have kind and generous people helping you out where needed (and having a live audience for the tour 😂 you conducted a symphony, Sarah!). Amazing what you've managed to achieve in just a few days.
Did you take any cues or inspiration from other Rav4 platform builds or did you just wing it?
Excited to see how this improves your day to day quality of life while living in the Rav4 😊
looking great Sarah..... home sweet home!
Nice work on the upgrades. Comfort & storage is the key. ✌️
Very cool. The only thing I’d add would be wide feet based so they don’t dig into the seats and wear out holes in the material
They make back of seat covers that would probably be helpful here, because yeah those posts will mess up the back of her seats for sure.
There is a mat on the floor and one in the trunk that the legs are on, so the seats will be ok!
Great update Sarah! Way more organised and cosy, Nikki is going to want to come with you on a trip for sure ;)
We put a select comfort mattress in our van with a memory foam on top of that. It is better than our bed at home.
Nice work!
Big improvement!
One thing I’d suggest though.
Up front on the passenger seat.
Route a strap under the seat and use it to secure the refrigerator, and another for your generator.
God forbid your caught up in an accident. These things will come loose and hurt you.
Hope you see this!
👍👍
Looks great! Thanks for sharing the measurements, too. I have a 2017 RAV4 with the same body style and am thinking about building something like you have. Safe travels!
You & your mom did such an awsome job, wow!! I can't believe how much your mom looks like Nikki's mom!! Are they twins?? Can't wait to see in your next video how comfy your back seat is now, stay safe, love you. 🥰🙂
Great upgrades to your car lots more room for you and storage 🙂
I just love the changes you have made, how exciting!!!! :)
Nice job--well organized, Sarah B. !!!
Such a sweet & supportive mom. 🥰❤️👋
Absolutely LOVE your positive energy and sense of adventure. Keep up the great channel!
Good morning Sara, thanks for sharing, nice weekend 🤗🤗👍👍
Glad to see you home and mom helping.
Sarah, glad to see you enjoying your youth & health, now is the time to live your best life...
I did the same in a honda fit/nissan rogue. I would stick with the side tote idea for max headroom. I took out the second row seats and was able to get 4'x2' storage under the bed. The seats removed easy.
Thanks for sharing your Rav makeover. Looks good. Happy trails. 👏🏻👨🏼🚒
Sara you have grown up. Enjoy being you
Great upgrade.
You did a great Job Sarah! Nice assist by Mom😇😇
I also recommend a hitchgate solo so you can always have your spare outside.
Brilliant video Sarah!! Really enjoyed everything about it :) If possible in the future, could you do a video revving up your car? So we can hear how it sounds!! ❤
Thanks for showing us how to build it!
Hello Sarah thanks for the video always a pleasure keep up the good work
Wow, Sarah, now you have a whole new level for storage and a nice comfy bed! i cant get over that glued mattress topper, you must get resourcefulness from your mom! Thanks for this! I might try it on my suv, with help from someone who knows what theyre doing lol, u make it look so easy. Enjoy your break from the road with yoyr family & friends!
I didn't see a reason in buying a new mattress when this one worked perfectly fine! It definitely helped having assistance. Thank you :)
This simple upgrade will make a big difference. Storage underneath instead of upfront [as much] when you have visitors.
Loved the audience in the background. ❤
My first time with a live audience haha
Very nice set up! I love how we learn as we go along.
After seeing your mother inside your mattress cover, it’s confirmed your whole family is crazy lol!
Safe and joyful blessings!
💞🌷💞
Well Done Sarah and Mom ! the only thing is , I dont see any crossbeams to prevent the plywood from sagging over time.
Nicely done, well thought out and executed! Followed basic rule, measure twice , cut once.
Great job 👍 two sided tape was a great idea
Hola...Sara...me hace feliz...que todo este saliendo bien...felicidades por el nuevo equipamiento...
Great revamp of your car. Safe travels, have lots of fun.
Wow love the way everything is in its place and so organized ; Your organization skills are top notch!😄👍👍👍✌
Looks like a great build. Looking forward to your upcoming adventures! 😀
Great job in the build.
I know it seems daunting but when i took my rear seats out of my Mazda I had wayyy more storage and way more head space. I just put them back in yesterday to sell my car and it wasn’t too hard! Just wanted to let you know if you ever think about removing them in the future :) just record the whole process so you remember where everything goes lol
I love this and you, from a fellow nomader, I do think you might miss the head room though eventually your neck might get sore and you have so little stuff it was almost unnecessary. A cargo box for on top wouldn't hurt though. I used to have a little mattress topper too but then I got a legit twin size foam mattress from Walmart or Target and it's been 100% more comfortable for only about $200. Worth it if you ever decide to buy it. Mucho love, happy travels!
Great job young lady. Mom helping out is priceless. Keep up the good work. Cheyenne. Part time van lifer...
Good job Sarah and mom! Have an great and awesome time with this update, Sarah! With love from the Netherlands ❤
Your yard is beautiful 😍 I miss living back east!
Love this! Happy Adventures!!
car looks great 🚗
Neat setup! Thanks for sharing!
Looks good !
Well done, Sarah and Mom.
Awesome job
Good morning from Hawaii nice bed platform build well done on this video
That's a pretty good design Sarah. Will be waiting to see how it works for you.
It looks great Sarah good job so glad your mom was there to help you
Glad your doing well stay safe 💓 😊
As a beach boy farmer with bamboo, steep,
Madina, life says, get hybrid sienna, the California VW,
Madina MFC is what i suggest
Awesome Sarah i like that you can change things on your car 🚗 ❤❤ good job👍🤙👍👍😁
Fantastic. Thanks for including us. Hi mom. That’s for helping her. :-)
Nice job Sarah! 👏
Nice upgrades Sarah
I hope you will start your next journey to Canada especially the Rocky Mountains in western Canada. It’s extremely beautiful there
East Coast is beautiful as well...IE: Cabot Trail
I love it you go practice your tennis serve. Keep up your videos. It s fun to watch. 😊
Awesome! Looking forward to your future uploads!
Good Job Sarah & Mom"
👸🧭🗺🚙🎬🎥👏👏👏😍👌❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️