3 Unique Minivan Sink and Grey Water Ideas to Make Van Life and Camping More Enjoyable!
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- Опубліковано 23 бер 2023
- If you want to see everything I use in my van, click here: www.minivancampergal.com
Learn from my mistakes and trials as I show you 3 of my successful sink attempts. Having a minivan sink for van life and minivan camping can make ALL the difference. All three sinks have small grey water tanks attached. I consider all 3 ideas to be cheap van sinks as well! I also have a USB faucet that pumps water.
USB Water Pump: amzn.to/3mzTZ0P
Water tubing: amzn.to/3Jgb211
Tubing braided cover 1/4":amzn.to/3L3iVbw
Welcome to Minivan Camper Gal! I'm Kelly and I camp and travel in a Chrysler Pacifica Minivan, doing part-time van life, and minivan life. Here you will find van build videos, tips on the digital nomad lifestyle, general travel vlog videos, and more. I'm into minimalism, and I eat a mostly plant-based vegan diet. I'm still learning how to do vegan vanlife well! I have some great vegan camping recipes to share with you, but would love some suggestions, too! Sometimes I stealth camp in the city, but mostly I like to boondock. Join me and my camper van as we embark on all the car camping adventures!
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To see everything I use in my van, go to www.minivancampergal.com!
Thanks for your video, it helped me work through some design modifications to make a camp sink for my large camp group
I love the simplicity and function! Thanks for sharing ❤
People who don't do car camping or living can't really understand that amazing feeling of finding your perspective solution of a small detail requirement after several trials and errors.
Haha, yes it’s so satisfying! I’m glad I have a community that can appreciate it!
I don't do car camping but I relate very well I understand I think you don't understand😅
I actually just use bottles of water to wash my hair anymore..i just do it out in the open wherever i am in nature/sumtimes public parks, at camping sites they sumtimes have water pumps/hose hookups that u can bend over to wash ur hair underneath i like this since i dnt have to do so much ...and for the rest of ur body... wash cloth baths are necessary 💯 and essential 💯, 💯.
And car living u just gotta find a private place to do all this or do it behind closed doors [literally] gotta love tinted backseats ...along with 'ho baths' which is washing ur private parts while u use the bathroom in a toilet... which I also use a water bottle to do so....its really the same thing as washing ur private parts in the shower, also I adopted this method from my college roommate who was Muslim, and would always have a pitcher of water drawn over by the toilet.
...and after using the bathroom, especially this way, wash ur hands very, very well with soap as to not be a nasty/ indecent fn person
Lol
This is what has worked for me.
I do appreciate your new sink! I may have to make sumthing similar, but I want to have a pump instead of having to rely on electricity
Looks great! I use a 3 gallon bucket with holes in it. It fits inside the five gallon bucket. It’s deeper so you can wash bigger items even clothes. Not as classy or drainy as the stainless bowl but pretty functional.
WOAH, that’s a great idea John! I love it.
Great idea 😮
Great idea
In theory, you could use a heat gun to warm up the plastic on the bottom and then shove a mixing bowl or basket ball to bend it into more of a bowl/sink shape. Haven't tested it, but seems like it would work.
Thank you !
I love that you smile when you talk.
Thank you!
I hope this isn’t redundant, but I didn’t go through all 258 comments to be sure. Here goes. Perhaps instead of the wooden platform for the pump, you can hang a cup holder? Can cut a slot to allow for the hose. Any way, I’m doing a camper van build and I definitely appreciate all your wonderful ideas and trials.
Ooh, thanks! That’s a unique idea! I’ll look into it!
That's a great idea. Thank you. You just solved my problem. I want a USB tap for my pull out sink this will work perfectly. ❤
Could do it super cheap with just a round plastic container that would fit the tap. Cut a line and hole for the water tube and just glue it on to the side of the bucket. You could even just hot glue some magnets on the side and the you could mount it anywhere you have metal.
That would be easy enought to heat up and mold as needed, too!
Your videos provide very practical, simple, cute, clean and logical approach!👍😊 Excellent job!🫶 God bless and stay safe, dear! 🌷
I bought that same USB faucet -- it just seemed like the simplest/best solution. I haven't built out my sink area yet but I like the idea of magnets holding it in place. Great job on your many versions!
Thank you! Glad you like your faucet too. Thanks for watching, and good luck on your sink!
Clever Ideas! And let me add my solution for a sink. Auto supply stores carry several types of inexpensive PORTABLE OIL DRAIN PANS that hold 5 to 12 quarts. The top has a shallow depression with a twist plug that drains into an enclosed cavity below that is emptied by a side twist plug. The shallow depression works for light needs. Add a bowl when you need a deeper catchment, and pour the waste water into the shallow depression. Disposal is super easy with no splashing by twisting the plugs closed to carry the pan outside.
Yes,my thought also. Easy to carry with the built in handle. And cheap if you get one of the black ones. Gray water contained so little odor.
Hmm. Yes. But might that not be a bit harder to sanitize though, after a while?
@@mfb6310 The oil change receptacle I use holds about 2 gallons. I empty and clean it after every use, usually with vinegar or OxiClean.
I am in awe of your mechanical skills. Well done!
How about getting a 2nd ikea bowl to hold water , then pour it into the one with holes when you are done with that water. Like a stopper-only another bowl. I really love your idea 😊
WOAH! That’s a really cool idea! I’ll definitely think about this. Thank you!
I like it! That USB powered faucet is a game changer - IMO.
I love the realistic feeling of the process of making something from what you got to what you need. I identify a lot with this process of thinking (simple and efficient) and inspires me to go back to building stuff for our car. Thanks for sharing and keep it coming!
I’ve gone through a series of sink myself and most didn’t work out well. Mainly because of the amount of water that spills or that smells. In a small space, I found it better to dispose of gray water as soon as possible. and And to help minimize spills, gray water needs to be kept in an enclosed container.
Just my experience! Good Luck 🍀
Yeah, I agree! My bucket sink works the best because the water I use doesn't come close to 5 gallons, so the level stays pretty low. And the sink with the rubber bungee seals it up pretty well. What's the saying - Don't ask me how I know? Haha.
You could just pull the bowl out and add a Menards bucket lid to the top. I think I'd dump it right away and store everything in the bucket with the lid when not in use. Still clever all the same though!
This is awesome. I camped with a small trailer that was a box on wheels for 10 years. I never really figured out the sink part. I would use CleanWaste bags that took water and congealed it so I could throw it away at the next trash can. Now I know how to do the sink for my next camper. Although I think I will use the larger CleanWaste bags for the bucket to keep the bucket clean.
I like how the bucket style lowers the center of gravity which has to be more stable than your previous attempts. Thank you for sharing this concept as I'm currently working through my plans
Thank you! Yes, it continues to work quite well. Good luck on your build!
This is greatl. Glad I came across your video today. I am planning to build one this week for my truck bed camper. Thanks!
Your ingenuity and resourcefulness is very inspiring! So glad to have found your channel! Thanks for the great content
Good stuff gal.
I like watching you troubleshoot problems. You are very creative.
I have been looking at many ideas for a sink and so far this one wins! I've been binge watching your videos and liked and subscribed! This was a pretty awesome idra. Thanks for sharing!
Try a hole saw the size of the pump to make a groove for it to set in. That might firm it up more
I look for different ways to make life easier in my van. I love your easy ways!
Thank you for showing us how life is not that difficult, just adapt! 😊😊
That helped me thanks. Have a fun Summer 😊
Outstanding. I think I'm going to try this
Thank you for this!!!! A lot of great ideas!
Rite on, glad ya got it figured out, thanks
All the sinks I thought were fabulous!!! You are a genius. Good job!!!!!!
you are really ingenious! Much respect! Thanks for this. I'm looking into van life full-time for a while and you really opened my mind to thinking about it differently.
*Great sink idea! Thx for sharing.*
Clever sink solution! I struggled a bit with mine as I didn’t want to cut a hole in the cabinet for the sink, had to come up with a solution to raise it to allow for drain. I love how you just drilled holes in the bowl and made that the drain directly into a bucket! The use of the rubber bungie for a snug fit, all of it. It reminds me of me and my “ridiculous contraptions” that I seem to always be forced to come up with. Good job! Love it when something works perfectly for the situation.
it's always the little things that bring satisfaction
Enjoyed watching. Solutions that work.
Awesome! I'm doing this! Thank you! 👌
Great sink ideas. The bucket is great!
Love your creativity and ingenuity.😊
I do have exactly that USB-pump. I love it.
Brilliant. I like the small hole drain design for exactly the reasons you indicated. I have a flexible drain cover that would work to temporarily hold water in the sink when needed for soaking items and to help contain the dirty water smells.
Great video...well done
Excellent video!
This is a freaking brilliant and simplistic space saving idea! I just bought a whole vanity with a sink and was going to modify it to be smaller however the bucket in between the seats is just so great
Glad she’s so resourceful. Great ideas. Would a simple home water hose and adjustable sprayer handle attachment like the ones used to water a garden or hose down a driveway work - that way she can pull it out the door as well for washing her hair and hang it on a hook near a 5 gallon container for indoor use. The water pressure on a sprayer is adjustable. The bowl doesn’t seem deep enough for hair washing or washing dishes and the faucet isn’t tall enough. But if the hose is removable from a sprayer by simply screwing it off and also the the rear water supply she can also screw the hose to a campground water supply to refill and for other water needs such as rinsing off shoes outdoors - that way she doesn’t use up her 15 gallon water supply.
I’d also recommend a small solar panel for the rear water supply to keep the water warm - if even just a window pane above the storage tank. .
Hey Bonnie! Thanks for the suggestions! I have a video coming out soon about a new way to shower in the van! I do have a hose that I use to refill my water jugs. Most of the time I camp in the wilderness without water hookups.
Thank you that was the best idea I’ve seen for my van I appreciate that😊
Thank you for sharing your field tests! I am in the process of researching and acquiring the items I will need for the no-build conversion of my Sienna, and this really helps. I like your super speedy wood working montages, too! :). Fun to watch.
Hey Kelly! Ah yes, I researched so much when I was first building mine out! I tried and failed at quite a few builds too. It's so fun creating something that is absolutely perfect for you. (Well, once you get it right!) I hope you enjoy you van once you get into it, and thanks for watching!
I have yet to come up with a running water or sink idea that works for my situation in my minivan.
Great ideas!!! I have a GMC high top conversion van and I intend to use the last bucket idea. Thanks for sharing!
Hey Phil! Oh great, I'm glad it was helpful!
Thanks for showing us this pump. Thanks for sharing your inventions. I believe you have helped many avoid issues with your “smart sink”.
Thank you!
That may well be the best design I've seen. Thanks for sharing. Blessings!
Wow, thank you!
You are very smart....
Thank you for sharing.
Nice idea, using the bucket. They are very useful for many different things. Thanks for sharing your ideas and results.
Hey Lynne! Thanks for watching and commenting, it’s nice to get feedback! 🌸
Ingenious! Thanks for sharing all your experiments that are very useful!
Thank you!
I love your energy and straight forward solutions! I was thinking about this for a few weeks and here you are! God bless!
Hey Janice! Oh good, I’m so glad it was helpful to you. Thanks for watching, and thanks for the comment!
Excellent idea! And thank you so much for adding the Amazon links, this seriously helps. New sub. from the 641..Always thumbs up!!!
Thank you
Great,innovative,cheap & practical!
AMAZING! SUPERB content! Thanks a lot!
Awesome idea thanks for sharing ❤
You are awesome, thank you for the IKEA sink idea…just ordered mine!
Hello Kelly .I enjoyed watching your video. You have good ideas which are useful. Wish you the best.
stumbled across your video, i'm so impressed with your out of the box thinking & creativity....nice work & now I'm going to binge watch the rest of your videos. Cheers from Texas :)
Hey Mister! Aw thank you. Thanks for watching!
absolutely love the bucket idea.. Can i suggest a black bucket, black pvc piping with a diameter that allows for the tap pump to sit in snug and metal strap to keep the pvc plumbing down the side of the black bucket to stay in tack.. it will look solid and you could possibly run a drain off the bucket with a side tap that runs tubing to under your car for water to be drained too..
Ooh, thanks for the idea! Yes, a drain tube would be very handy.
Very ingenious, thanks
Amazing! Thank you for sharing!
Love seeing the process!
Success! Well done!
I think it’s brilliant and the added idea that Jodi mentioned is game changer . At least it would be for me. I will be putting one if these together to use when I go camping 👍⛺️
Hi Sue! I’m glad it was helpful! I hope you enjoy it when you camp.
Thanks for this nicely-edited, well-explained, and clear exploration and how-to video.
Subscribed.
Awesome, thank you!
Maybe you could find the right size diameter jar lid that can be used to stabilize the the water pump. Adhere that to your wood shelf after cutting out same U shape you had to do on the wood for the hose. Not sure if I explained that so it can be understood. Great videos, campervan and love the way you are always thinking outside the box. Enjoy ur travels and be safe.
Ooh, nice tip! Thanks! Yeah, I still need to find a better solution.
I like this kind of innovation- so creative and thrifty! Never saw that faucet before ! I could use it with a black bucket which would warm the water for a shower as it looks light enough to suspend in my shower cabana
Hi Susan! Thanks! Ooh yeah, it would work for shower!
Creative! Subscribed thumbs up notification! Thanks for this.
I love your creativity & willingness to design and redesign until you got what worked best for you. I also put a pump similar to yours in my Pacifica so I have running water in my van. I think it's fun to create and work out the little bugs that make minivan life more comfortable. Thank you for sharing.
Hey Jacqueline! Thank you! Yes, there’s nothing quite like the thrill. We’re Pacifica sisters! Thanks for watching.
Great final sink!
That's a great idea and not too expensive either. I'm willing to try something like That.
I really like the mixing bowel in the bucket!
Thanks for the ideas
That is a really smart idea! You found a brilliant solution to an age old problem, and this is a very low profile, cheap, compact and elegant solution to the problem. I love these bowls from IKEA. I have several. Bucket and bowl sink, very clever. The rubber ring to hold it in place, perfect.
I love that couch in the back with the turquoise colors. Nice color splash. Subscribed.
Glad I found your channel. I am a solo female part-time car camper. Thanks for tips and ideas 🇬🇧 when your trying to perfect and make your set up better, loss of money is involved. What works for others and your own ideas doesn't always pan out. I have been lucky, passed on things to others. Not to many failings but a few money wise. Stay blessed and safe on your travels. I have a basic sink set up. New item coming to hopefully use with it but if not can be for another two functions as a alternative.
Hey Happy! Thanks for stopping by. Good luck on your travels too!
Perfect for outside
Yes, you could totally take it right outside.
This is great that all your ideas is helping me more than you know. I just started van life and I am trying to too figure out some convenient ways to survive daily before work without having to go too the gym everyday. ❤❤❤❤
Hey Chi Chi, Aw, I’m so happy my videos are helpful. Good luck to you!
You are amazing, best idea that suits me as well thanks
Really great idea. My first sink in my van was a bowl just like that! I liked and subscribed.
Excellent ideas. Just what I was looking for.
Great video! Thanks for sharing. YT recommended, so I’m going to watch some more of your videos, liked & subscribed.
Awesome! Thank you!
Thank you!
excellent! Thanks for sharing.
excellent!!
The bucket and the stainless bowl is pretty good idea 👍.
Nicely done. I think I would strap the pump directly to the bucket with an adjustable metal strap instead of the shelf. For me, the fewer parts, the better.
Really Awesome love the bucket idea great job Im converting a bus wanting to keep it simple this give me ideas
Hey Gypsy! Ooh, a converted bus, sounds awesome. I think simple is best! Good luck with it!
Thank you. Good to know for future
Hey Michelle! Glad it’s helpful!
Thanks. Will try this first.
Good luck!
Excellent idea with the bucket: but have you thought about a plug? when you want to just wash your hands, or perhaps a small item of clothing, a plug of some sort would be a good idea. Even a circle of thick'ish silicon sheet cut to size would probably work. good job though.
Great solution! Like the tubing cover also. Thank you for sharing your creative ideas.
Thank you for showing both your ideas and your construction process-I just happened across this post, and I can see that I need to check out your previous videos for ideas. New subscriber, and I will be full time on the road in a Honda Odyssey come June.
Thank you! Thanks for watching!
Girl you just made my dayyy. Thank you for the ideas
Awesome! Thanks for the comment!
Really very smart!
Yep a bucket, a staimless steel bowl with a hole cut in the center is cheaper than buying a sink, and battery powered water pump placed into a ring ( the kind used to hold a water bottle to a rabbit/hamster cage) which is attached to the bucket.
Hey Julia. I’ll have to try the hamster thing. Thanks!
Great idea!
Very resourceful. Good job.
Hey Melinda! Thank you!
I love this too I'm going to use your ideas tks I'm glad I saw your video
Hi Olivia! Oh great, I hope it’s helpful to you. Thanks for watching!
Brilliant
Excellent video, Just found this channel and already ordered that little Tap "! watched the one with the little shower also. If I had a small Van I would definitely get one of those ! . you post really great content . well done you ! you have the think outside the box outlook as we say in the UK ! very creative.
Hey David, thanks for watching!
Great idea,Cheap and easy way.
Glad you like it!