I love seeing your van! And you are from Seattle. I’m from SE WA and converted my dodge Grand Caravan into a camper with a suspension lift, Goodrich ko2 tires and a 200 watt solar on the roof. Also shore power plug on the side of the van. I spend a month every year in Death Valley. And travel SW US for 2 months too. Love love love it!
A 245/60 r17 or 18 fits the odyssey just fine and is slightly bigger I just installed toyo tires open country a/t3 o my 2020, and soon gonna be installing the traxda kit as well. I plan on installing the 2020 ridgelibe brushguard minor fabrication will be required but shouldn't be too hard as well give the opportunity to reinforce and add a winch for better fire road off reading on a front 2wd
In Death Valley I boondock everywhere. There's very few areas where it's posted no overnight camping but for the most part if I get tired I'll pull off and sleep.
And how are your CVJ axles as any lifting creates more wear on the front cvj's .?? Aside from that nasty problem I would gladly lift my van to avoid scraping through small ditches.
Toby, thanks for another terrific video! I've been following you for a long time and this video topic is perfect as I already have the minivan. I've gone on many photo excursions, but limited myself to mostly campgrounds. I feel like your videos on your minivan conversion to a boondocking/drycamping minivan photography RV was made just for me. HaHa. Keep it up as well as the photo critiques you and your associates publish.
Bruce - thanks so much! I love no longer being limited to campgrounds, it really opens up so many possibilities to put yourself comfortably in a gorgeous photo spot at the best light. Appreciate you as a long time subscriber and watcher!
@@photorectoby Thanks for taking the time to respond. I know you're busy. I'm sure we'll meet in person during one of your workshops. I've got about 2 years to go before one works into my schedule.
@@Outta12 The kit was about $300 and my local garage did it for $400. Most people in the forums do it themselves but I just am not that comfortable under a car :)
Sorry it was so delayed. I missed your comment. I know that I called a local lift truck shop and they quoted closer to $1000. So I called my local garage and they did it for much cheaper.
@@Outta12 it's about 3" and I have not noticed any difference in the handling and even the MPG remains similar. It just means on forest roads I don't have to worry if there are small rocks in the center.
I really like your van! Having a minivan sounds amazing, it would be so much easier doing vanlife in the Netherlands because you're not allowed to sleep in many places and my van is quite big and noticeable. But because I live in it fulltime I also like having some space to move and being able to stand, especially when the weather is bad and i have to stay inside, which happens a lot in the Netherlands :p btw it's so nice of you that you want to help and let people send you emails with questions! You helped me a lot years ago when I wanted to choose my first camera and I'm still happy with my canon T5i, paired with two sigma art series lenses :)
Anne in a van! I am excited for your full time van lifing! Yes, if I was full time the minivan would be tight. People do it but camera gear alone takes up so much space. Glad I could help you all those years ago. It makes me happy :)
Hi Eric, I suspected that I would see a little decrease in MPG but it doesn't seem to have impacted it in any significant way. The kit is just spacers really so suspension stays the same and I can't tell any difference in ride comfort or handling - so pretty minor :)
@@photorectoby That sounds amazing actually. Do you have by any chance any recommendations about specific kits or ways of lifting? Which specifically you went for :) ?
Enjoyed your video very much,have no idea why you don't have more subscribers,but just found your channel. I have purchased a minivan and started to build it out, but of course you plan God laughs and I have wound up with a heart problem and though mask up Everytime I leave the house and am totally vaccinated and boosted,so to say delayed is being kind to myself, but get to work on my photography which use to be into big time sort of had to take a long break, now digital photo graphy and things done on computer programs have my learning curve, your channel looks like it could be of help although I'm mostly stuck to shooting in the house which was not the idea of the minivan either way itt looks like I might enjoy your channel so I'll give it a shot. Thank you
Well thanks so much for watching and taking the time to leave a comment. Feel free to reach out if I can help you get back into photography inside or outside of your house!
Journeys 3.5" lift cost around $800. Anticipate $400-600 for labor. In the front, your mechanic will have to remove the windshield wiper assembly and a few plastic pieces. In the rear, it's a pretty tight fit... so that can be tricky. Good luck!
I have a 2008 Odyssey that I would like to put those tires on, along with the lift kit. But, my current tires are 235/65R16. Your Amazon link is 225/60R17. Should I get bigger wheels?
Hi Billy - I had our local Road and Rack Co install a custom mount that they attached Yakima aero bars too. My van did not come with any rack installed.
I do hope to do an update later this year. I am busy with lots of workshops and international travel so I can't complain but I would love to get back on the road in my minivan.
@@photorectoby you're the man! I just had the same lift kit delivered to me a few days ago. Came with sway links and instructions. I added 1inch spring mounts to the rear
The Toyota Sienna and Chrysler Pacifica have 4wd. Not sure a fwd minivan is the best off road vehicle for your needs. I’m a big big “car guy” btw so I’m not just saying it to say it. Mechanically they aren’t built for it and your gonna be replacing parts MUCH sooner than normal.
@@EzzaLeo well first off minivans have long wheel bases and are low to the ground with suspension geometry to accommodate that setup. This gives them just about the worst breakover angle possible. Raising it like he did will obviously help and so will larger tires. However geometry comes into play in that tolerances regarding strength and reliability are meant to be optimal with the initial setup in mind. When you raise and change tire size it affects that geometry and puts more stress on parts like ball joints and other suspension parts that weren’t meant to be used at these different angles. Combine the constant vibration and impacts of the rough road with the fact the minivan was designed to carry passengers in comfort and not to handle off road use As far as fwd, suppose you come on some road that isn’t hard all of the sudden so you stop, but now your front wheels are in it and that’s the only grip you have. Same with rwd only, if you encounter road that has no grip, it’s likely at least 2 of your tires will be in it. Front or back. And I already know what people are going to say, he’s not doing real off roading or anything serious like that and I get it, but as soon as you leave the paved roads that are monitored and receive constant upkeep, you have no idea what you can encounter when on unpaved roads. I’ve driven my humvee in the army in nearly every terrain possible and I can tell you from experience that sometimes the most mundane looking road often turned out to be the ones with the most surprises.
@@yourmommashouse Thank you, that makes a lot of sense. Can you compensate for the geometry changes adequately? I ask because my personal thought is to lift (either a lift kit or coilovers) a regular AWD sedan for this kind of use case (minus the camping bit). I was thinking 2 inches plus maybe slightly larger tyres.
Hi Reebs - out of the 30,000 ish miles I would estimate less than 500 was off road and I don't see that number changing greatly. This is mostly about not worrying about clearance when a few rocks are sitting in the middle of a gentle forest road. I also did not change the tire size - just better tires for gravel roads. Appreciate the warning and maybe I will still run into issues but for the price I paid and the comfort I get in this minivan I think the value is still there. Thanks!
@@photorectoby oh for sure, definitely. The cost of ball joints and installation isn’t going to break the bank. I myself however would be worried about getting back home reliably. I have thought about the same thing btw, that’s how I know what vans have 4wd. I want to use it to get me “off road” but not real off road so I totally get what you mean. I also want to use it as a vehicle to film cars in from out the back of the van and the sides. I’ve been mocking up a rig and everything lol I don’t even have the van yet
I love seeing your van! And you are from Seattle. I’m from SE WA and converted my dodge Grand Caravan into a camper with a suspension lift, Goodrich ko2 tires and a 200 watt solar on the roof. Also shore power plug on the side of the van. I spend a month every year in Death Valley. And travel SW US for 2 months too. Love love love it!
A 245/60 r17 or 18 fits the odyssey just fine and is slightly bigger I just installed toyo tires open country a/t3 o my 2020, and soon gonna be installing the traxda kit as well. I plan on installing the 2020 ridgelibe brushguard minor fabrication will be required but shouldn't be too hard as well give the opportunity to reinforce and add a winch for better fire road off reading on a front 2wd
The song definitely reminded me of Pumped Up Kicks
I put 195/80r15 on my VW Caddy. They fit without a fift. I got the tires for free off my cousins Jimny
In Death Valley I boondock everywhere. There's very few areas where it's posted no overnight camping but for the most part if I get tired I'll pull off and sleep.
And how are your CVJ axles as any lifting creates more wear on the front cvj's .?? Aside from that nasty problem I would gladly lift my van to avoid scraping through small ditches.
Toby, thanks for another terrific video! I've been following you for a long time and this video topic is perfect as I already have the minivan. I've gone on many photo excursions, but limited myself to mostly campgrounds. I feel like your videos on your minivan conversion to a boondocking/drycamping minivan photography RV was made just for me. HaHa. Keep it up as well as the photo critiques you and your associates publish.
Bruce - thanks so much! I love no longer being limited to campgrounds, it really opens up so many possibilities to put yourself comfortably in a gorgeous photo spot at the best light. Appreciate you as a long time subscriber and watcher!
@@photorectoby Thanks for taking the time to respond. I know you're busy. I'm sure we'll meet in person during one of your workshops. I've got about 2 years to go before one works into my schedule.
@@photorectoby 👋 Hello. How much did it cost to lift the van?
@@Outta12 The kit was about $300 and my local garage did it for $400. Most people in the forums do it themselves but I just am not that comfortable under a car :)
@@photorectoby Same here ! But $700 is doable tho!
Have you considered getting a hybrid minivan instead to offset the fuel cost of your travels? What has kept you from going that route?
How much did it cost to lift the van?
About $600 including the kit.
@@photorectoby thanks for the reply!
Sorry it was so delayed. I missed your comment. I know that I called a local lift truck shop and they quoted closer to $1000. So I called my local garage and they did it for much cheaper.
@@photorectobylast questions: By how much did you lift it? Do you feel a difference in the ride or handling while driving in the road.
@@Outta12 it's about 3" and I have not noticed any difference in the handling and even the MPG remains similar. It just means on forest roads I don't have to worry if there are small rocks in the center.
25 MPG that’s huge for a rig!
I am pretty happy with it!
impressive! honda makes awesome reliable cars!
Cool 😎
This was great
So..... Are the Wilpeaks good in the rain? Thanks for all the GREAT info! Happy Travels
I haven't had ANY issues.
Spent last May traveling the West in my Sienna (lifted 2.5") with a fresh set of Wildpeaks. Excellent tires!@@photorectoby
I really like your van! Having a minivan sounds amazing, it would be so much easier doing vanlife in the Netherlands because you're not allowed to sleep in many places and my van is quite big and noticeable. But because I live in it fulltime I also like having some space to move and being able to stand, especially when the weather is bad and i have to stay inside, which happens a lot in the Netherlands :p btw it's so nice of you that you want to help and let people send you emails with questions! You helped me a lot years ago when I wanted to choose my first camera and I'm still happy with my canon T5i, paired with two sigma art series lenses :)
Anne in a van! I am excited for your full time van lifing! Yes, if I was full time the minivan would be tight. People do it but camera gear alone takes up so much space. Glad I could help you all those years ago. It makes me happy :)
I really like your van! Can you share more information about the Lifted information, like how many inches? and Lifted Kits, thanks !
traxda odyssey lift kit - Gave me about 3 more inches. it is enough :)
@@photorectoby Any side effect after raised ? Thanks!
@@billyyong4711 None except maybe a 1/2 gallon less MPG.
This is a great and helpful update. What considerations and compromises were made in lifting the vehicle? Are they significant or ultimately minor?
Hi Eric, I suspected that I would see a little decrease in MPG but it doesn't seem to have impacted it in any significant way. The kit is just spacers really so suspension stays the same and I can't tell any difference in ride comfort or handling - so pretty minor :)
@@photorectoby That's great to hear, thank you for the reply 😊
@@photorectoby That sounds amazing actually. Do you have by any chance any recommendations about specific kits or ways of lifting? Which specifically you went for :) ?
@@ignacyslusarczyk1705 I bought the 2011-2017 Odyssey (2” Front/2” Rear) kit from Traxda
@@photorectoby This is the one I was looking at ^^ Thanks for confirming and sharing the video. Pretty useful :)
Awesome!!!👠🚌👠
Enjoyed your video very much,have no idea why you don't have more subscribers,but just found your channel.
I have purchased a minivan and started to build it out, but of course you plan God laughs and I have wound up with a heart problem and though mask up Everytime I leave the house and am totally vaccinated and boosted,so to say delayed is being kind to myself, but get to work on my photography which use to be into big time sort of had to take a long break, now digital photo graphy and things done on computer programs have my learning curve, your channel looks like it could be of help although I'm mostly stuck to shooting in the house which was not the idea of the minivan either way itt looks like I might enjoy your channel so I'll give it a shot. Thank you
Well thanks so much for watching and taking the time to leave a comment. Feel free to reach out if I can help you get back into photography inside or outside of your house!
Nice I have the same van! How many miles on yours?
Can you please share how much the Lift cost at you? I have a bunch of estimates and not sure what a honest quote is fair.
Journeys 3.5" lift cost around $800. Anticipate $400-600 for labor. In the front, your mechanic will have to remove the windshield wiper assembly and a few plastic pieces. In the rear, it's a pretty tight fit... so that can be tricky. Good luck!
So helpful! Thanks
Hello, what's the tire size..? This is awesome...! Thanks..!
245/65/17 Falken Wildpeak trail all terrains
I have a 2008 Odyssey that I would like to put those tires on, along with the lift kit. But, my current tires are 235/65R16. Your Amazon link is 225/60R17. Should I get bigger wheels?
Also your Thule roof rack + Rails looks difference from OEM, kindly share information, cause I have the same van, thanks!
Hi Billy - I had our local Road and Rack Co install a custom mount that they attached Yakima aero bars too. My van did not come with any rack installed.
Get a ebike to hang off the back of that van you won’t regret it charge it up as ur going down the road
Its a great idea and we are considering it for sure. Thanks!
Brandon Gross UA-cam channel has done what you mention. He has a really nice electric bike on the rear.
can we have an update video please
I do hope to do an update later this year. I am busy with lots of workshops and international travel so I can't complain but I would love to get back on the road in my minivan.
Please tell me what lift Ryle you used
How was it lifted?
Have you found any suspension lifts? I don't just want the pucks.
I have not - I didn't really spend time looking because those were most likely out of my price range.
Hi,I seen your video on the upgrade you did on your van. My question is was that the 202020 lift kit that you installed on your van?
Thanks in advance
I installed the traxda odyssey lift kit
Sorry but what kind of van is it
How did you lift your minivan? I have heard of Journeys offroad kits....
Traxda lift kit - linked below the video. Thanks!
Can I ask if you’ve ever had issues with alignment since your lift?
I have not.
What brand and size of refrigerator is that please
This one -Alpicool Fridge - amzn.to/37S8VxD
What size are the wheels and tires for this setup?
235/65R17 104H
Did you do the traxda install yourself?
I did not. My local garage did it for me. Based on my research it really isn't that difficult but I am not handy when it comes to car stuff :)
@@photorectoby do you mind naming the garage in Seattle?
@@spodee55 Not at all - just a little local shop called Delridge Auto Repair.
What lift kit did u get and what tires?
Falken WILDPEAK A/T TRAIL All- Terrain Radial Tire - amzn.to/3rLaqro
traxda lift kit traxdaliftkits.com/product/kit-202028-2011-2017-honda-odyssey-2-front-rear/
3:13 - Thats what she said
:)
No links or info on the lift?
Sorry. I added that now. And here's the link traxdaliftkits.com/product/kit-202028-2011-2017-honda-odyssey-2-front-rear/
@@photorectoby you're the man! I just had the same lift kit delivered to me a few days ago. Came with sway links and instructions. I added 1inch spring mounts to the rear
No proper introduction about the van.👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎
Sorry - did you watch the first video I link below?
The Toyota Sienna and Chrysler Pacifica have 4wd. Not sure a fwd minivan is the best off road vehicle for your needs. I’m a big big “car guy” btw so I’m not just saying it to say it. Mechanically they aren’t built for it and your gonna be replacing parts MUCH sooner than normal.
Is it stress on the drive train from being FWD only that leads to part failure? Or a relative lack of ground clearance? Or both?
@@EzzaLeo well first off minivans have long wheel bases and are low to the ground with suspension geometry to accommodate that setup. This gives them just about the worst breakover angle possible. Raising it like he did will obviously help and so will larger tires. However geometry comes into play in that tolerances regarding strength and reliability are meant to be optimal with the initial setup in mind. When you raise and change tire size it affects that geometry and puts more stress on parts like ball joints and other suspension parts that weren’t meant to be used at these different angles. Combine the constant vibration and impacts of the rough road with the fact the minivan was designed to carry passengers in comfort and not to handle off road use
As far as fwd, suppose you come on some road that isn’t hard all of the sudden so you stop, but now your front wheels are in it and that’s the only grip you have. Same with rwd only, if you encounter road that has no grip, it’s likely at least 2 of your tires will be in it. Front or back. And I already know what people are going to say, he’s not doing real off roading or anything serious like that and I get it, but as soon as you leave the paved roads that are monitored and receive constant upkeep, you have no idea what you can encounter when on unpaved roads. I’ve driven my humvee in the army in nearly every terrain possible and I can tell you from experience that sometimes the most mundane looking road often turned out to be the ones with the most surprises.
@@yourmommashouse Thank you, that makes a lot of sense. Can you compensate for the geometry changes adequately? I ask because my personal thought is to lift (either a lift kit or coilovers) a regular AWD sedan for this kind of use case (minus the camping bit). I was thinking 2 inches plus maybe slightly larger tyres.
Hi Reebs - out of the 30,000 ish miles I would estimate less than 500 was off road and I don't see that number changing greatly. This is mostly about not worrying about clearance when a few rocks are sitting in the middle of a gentle forest road. I also did not change the tire size - just better tires for gravel roads. Appreciate the warning and maybe I will still run into issues but for the price I paid and the comfort I get in this minivan I think the value is still there. Thanks!
@@photorectoby oh for sure, definitely. The cost of ball joints and installation isn’t going to break the bank. I myself however would be worried about getting back home reliably. I have thought about the same thing btw, that’s how I know what vans have 4wd. I want to use it to get me “off road” but not real off road so I totally get what you mean. I also want to use it as a vehicle to film cars in from out the back of the van and the sides. I’ve been mocking up a rig and everything lol I don’t even have the van yet