Minivan Conversion | Build From Start To Finish |
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- Опубліковано 4 лип 2024
- Thank you so much for being here!
I love getting to know all of you so introduce yourself in the comments. If you're in the Eugene area and currently involved with vanlife, or are wanting to live this lifestyle, please email me Contact@mybasicjourney.com (: I'd love to talk!
I've been wanting to make this video for a while. I have finished my van build and have put the entire 6 months of building into one short and well-loved video. I hope you guys like it. This is the first voice-over video I've ever made. Let me know in the comments if you like this style of video. I had a lot of fun making it.
Thanks again for being here. Subscribe for more (mini) VanLife content, as well as veganism, minimalism, travel and self-love.
xoxo
Check out my website/blog: mybasicjourney.com/
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Music is from the UA-cam Studio library.
I'm a 63 year old widow who has learned that life is all about the journey. Your video has inspired me to be more adventurous in my own life. I've been researching van life for 2 years and the way you presented your build makes me believe that I can do this too. THANK YOU!
dont give up on your dream. Im 73 and think about it all the time.
I am 59 and looking for a van but think I can convert my car into a micro camper
I just got my Van I am 70 and got a Chrysler Town n Country LWB . The seats come out n I will leave the smaller in place. I have a cat that I will be taking along. I just bought a kitty stroller. I bought a narrow twin frame and will use the pads I have already. I have buying supplies as I go. My only issue is I have to have a major surgery so hope to hit the road a month at a time come spring or put off surgery and go now lololo. Got to get back for prescriptions. I have found some camp sights here in Central Oregon so I could go home anytime I want. Will trek down to Quartzite at least once more.
@@minimalist5555life Get a minivan you will find your car can’t store what you need so don’t put money into it. I know some people do it but your a lot younger than me I want comfort that’s why the narrow twin. It is 30” wide n 75 long for me and my 20 lb cat.
Cameron, go for it! I am 72, have ponys, so i have a tiny house with a stable and meadow.
I am so happy living my dream in the fall of my life...
I’m a jack-of-all-trades type of guy and I always have great respect for those whom try do things on their own. Your van looks great. You did an awesome job! Safe travels.
Thank you very much. I really appreciate you.
I am 60 yrs. old, recently purchased a 2011 dodge caravan. I had it inspected by my local mechanic. Need to do the basic maintenance, such as oil change, fluids, and most definitely the air conditioner because I live in Florida. I'm having the interior of van steam cleaned. Your video is priceless, I learned how to remove the seats, how you did the flooring was just what I needed to see. I've watched thousands of van builds, but yours resonated with me instantly. Thank you so much and I'm so grateful I ran across your video. Yes, I subscribed to your channel and saved it for future reference. Thank you a thousands time. Stay healthy, happy, and safe.
I came across you channel June 23, 2020 - The day after I spent 52 years spinning with the earth around the sun. I too have decided to live life on my terms. I just got a car again after being without for 2 years. I would rather have had a van for the same purpose as yours BUT I couldn't find an affordable on to pass state motor vehicle inspection so I am saving to do so in 1 years time and 1 year after that be gone and on the road. I have wanted this for decades but was raising two kids alone and most days work and kids stole all the energy I had. LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE and don't let another human dictate how that should go! I watched your build just today with interest and a few adjustments in my head. My plan is to do a zero cost build, except for a better mattress, using everything I already have but I will spend money on DIY to make window covers, redo the floor, walls and ceilings for better R values and put in a Fan-tastic Fan. Camp hosting is something I planned to do to make some money on the road. I will be watching to see how you are. Thank you for your channel!!
I really like your videos. You are very honest and straightforward and I love it! My husband and I bought a Dodge Grand Caravan also and for the same reason you did. We searched for 3 or 4 years for either an econoline or something similar and literally every van had problems. My daughter kept offering to sell me her van for cheap but I know how many problems it has so I was hesitant. After a lot of looking we realized that every van we had looked at had similar problems as my daughters van only more expensive. So we bought it. Now we have turned it into a camper. We only used materials we had on hand. We had 1 sheet of plywood and made a kitchen and shelves with it. We took an old bed frame and made a bed with it. We used a an old table out of an old camper for a table. The only things I paid for was my mattress and cooler/fridge. As soon as my youngest moves out we are gonna hit the road!
I am 54 and 24/6 caregiver for a parent with Dementia and converting a short-bus. Top on my list was a small van of some type for my self and my two cats, but when this small bus came up for sale I just could not pass it up. I also have zero carpentry, electrical or any build skills except for a basic few our dad taught us as kids, my background is computers. I love the PVC closet! Bugsy is sooo adorable! Your build is awesome. You are doing a much better minimalist setup than I am, I guess the bus is spoiling me, sorry for such a long comment, one more thing. I got my first experience with minimalist living while in the Army and loved it, spent the last few years cleaning out my house and donating lots of stuff. What I have left could fit into a 10x10 storage unit, maybe even smaller!
I'm also at the "overwhelmed" stage, and saw your previous video of the foam spray on the floor. Having pulled up my carpet and gotten down to the metal, I thought 'hell no'....what about rust, what about insulation, what about blah blah blah. But now I've seen THIS upload, you make perfect sense. Get it built cheap, practical (no power tools, kudos), and get it done. I salute you :)
You are the only other mini van build I've seen with that water pump set up. I'm glad I'm not alone!!
You go sista 😍 ❤️ complete freedom, #vanlife. I said when I was twenty, 'i am a gypsy and will travel in a winnebago. 😂
I'm now 50! Raised two free spirit children and now it's time for me. So thank you for being an inspiration to watch. I love your videos, your authentic and gorgeous. Love you and your little baby 😙.
Best Tie Dye!!! Never seen a van with better. Go Hippie!!!
Yes the tie dye is beautiful.
Amazing job and I’m like you...discouraged and afraid to start without the perfect setup. You really knocked it outta the ballpark! Great ideas. Thanks for sharing!
Hey Girl, great job! Look forward to seeing how van life treats you. Safe travels!!
Thanks!! 💖
You are not getting old... getting wise, yes! Old, no! Check out Chrome on #VanLife Cruz and Chrome are awesome... Cruz is his dog! And MiniVanLee... as well...
You are not crazy, you are not old.
Dont care about what people say, that is none of their business.
You enjoy and do what like/love to do. I am learning from you, looking forward for more videos, to learn. Excellent presentation. 👍👍
So much respect for the honesty in this video.
Thank you for reminding me that the build doesn't have to be perfect.
Dragged the seats out of my BIG van today. Watched your video to learn to make a bed. Bought a twin mattress NOW to build a bedframe....THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO!!!! Will be 70. Next week..yup I'm too old for this...oh well!!! Lol
Love the simplicity, low cost, and personal touches... you are living your way!
Gorgeous. I wish, I'd completed my driver's liscence now. However, I keep on showing my 17yr old son how much fun you can have with a driver's liscence and what him n his friends can do. Maybe not living in it full time but very useful for when going to concerts or camping. If you can lay down flooring, I'll attempt doing it as well :)
Been watching for awhile but had not seen this. Good job. I too am a single woman and the at advice I got from this for myself is to not rush the find. I come from family of mechanics and was glad to hear u took EVERY one of the vans u looked at to a mechanic. ty for lots of tips
I’m doing a Toyota Sienna! Great job on the build!
You mentioned at 5:15 that "a lot of people think that I am crazy". Let me tell you something, girl (pls. write it on a big sign and hang it somewhere on a wall, lol): >>If you always think about what other people think about you...you will NEVER be happy
How exciting! I'm 54 and looking forward to maybe getting a mini-SUV when I retire, living the nomad life and exploring the U.S. and Canada. All the best to you and your dog!
What a simple great build! Great closet idea with the PVC pipes. I may steal that idea.👍
You are still young! Great that you are doing this. I am just getting it all started. New tires, new brakes and tint, in this last week. And I am much older... Congratulations on doing it young. I am doing the must haves now... 1 by 1! Looking forward to a short trip after things open up... stay safe
Hello today May 8 2020 great job and how inspiring you are. To all woman at any age. Just so great and Adorablel Joey. My Name is Gloria 60 year's young i live in the USA I am from Wildwood New Jersey By The Sea. Take Care and Be Safe. Gloria.
u got a excellent van. ive got the 01 Voyager they made for that year. i started my van life 3 n half yrs ago i love it. i tried a few ideas for comfortableness and minimalist as possible, best i got for the bed i liked was a camping cot from Walmart for 40 and some sectional cushions. i just cut carpet to the measurement for the floor n put all back together. i bent a curtain rod to shape behind front seats up above head for curtains in mine if u like that idea. good job on the van build!!
I'm rewatching this...you are so wonderful
What a wonderful beginning to your adventures ~~~ and now it’s 2022 and look ! You’re graduating to your dream VAN ! you are a trooper and such a fine example of It can be done !
Congratulations to you !! Inspiration for so many !! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Joey is so darn cute. He's always looking at you.
I've been watching your 2023 videos and I wanted to see how it started for you.
I also have no building skills -- you showed me some things that I didn't know how to overcome... like... making the floor flat!
I'm still not sure that I want a minivan, but if I get one, I will follow your example of how to get it going!
Love the nails on the piano hinges, great stuff. Quite a lady. thumbs up for ingenuity, stay safe, happy camping.
Absolutely! You don't have to live your life according to society's dictates. I love to see young energetic people like you realize their life belongs to them and not to the system.
Peace Out & Keep on Vanning 🚐✌😉
Your dog is cute, your van is cute and you are cute! what a synergy of earthy cuteness! enjoy your new lifestyle!
Wow. I just purchased a 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe for $1,500 and it runs and runs and runs. Of course after changing oil, plugs and wires, and stuff that we need to not ignore. I'm down for doing something just like this for mine. Hey as long as we can buy ice, cook over a Coleman stove, and camp where there are facilities...hey go for it. GOOD FOR YOU!!!!!!
Way to go girl!! 👍 I too want this life so bad but am dirt poor! Thank you so much for showing me a minivan could give me my dream and more within my price range. 🙏Your van is adorable ❤️
GOOD FOR YOU ! Stay safe and have fun. A tip for you : get a couple of cans of wasp spray at Wal Mart, the kind that can shoot 25 ft. Cheap and legal weapon. I keep one in front and in back of car and truck.
Your good friend Vinny in good old Fla.
Thank you so much. That's an awesome tip. I wouldn't have thought of that as a weapon. Lol I will definitely be picking some up!! 😊💖
Awesome easy as that no need to buy the expensive van and expensive conversion, this is just right and simple.
Great ideas. my eldest daughter is 30. Absolutely you don't need all the bells and whistles to make it work and a camp for can be used as the bed too.
Awesome build really simple and efficient
Very inspiring. My Grand Caravan is a 2005, so same thing. Mine has the Stow&Go seats, and I intend to remove the middle and rear seats, leaving me three large underfloor stowage areas. I'm 6'4", so my bed will be longer. Your clothes hanger system is pretty cool!
Love you beautiful adventures, with Joey. He is precious like you.
I loved your video, and I also loved that you kept it so simple and used whatever you had on hand. So happy for you. Enjoy everyday & safe travels.👍🏼🤗
ohmygoddess, i love you, your dog, your van, and this video!!!! thank you so much for sharing this - me and my best girl fiona are beginning my minivanlife journey in 7(ish) days, and this video really helped me out of my "analysis paralysis". thank you again! :)
Omg you look so young!!! I thought you were like 21, 22 in your newer videos I’ve seen! I’ve just turned 25 and been dreaming of van life for 4 years now. Definitely in the same boat. Getting older, time to live my life, and just do it and just hit the road to go West! I’ve finally got the courage to pursue a “no build version” in my SUV. Can’t wait to possibly see you on the road this year as well. Thanks for sharing and stay safe!
Haha thank you. A lot of people think I'm younger than I am. I will happily take the fact that people think im a decade younger than I am as a compliment. ❤ 😂 Hopefully in another decade, I have the same "problem."
I love it plain and simple
Wooo!! Nice retrospective! You and I have a similar style - minimal all the way. So much fun to see everyone’s individual van builds and how it’s a reflection of individual personality and needs.
💖 thank you!!
that bit of mascara makes you shine.
Just Came across your Mini-Van conversion&your comments about keepin it simple! I appreciate you sharing this,I'm 5-0 so you've got Plenty of Playtyme left lol. I have a Grand caravan also. I've been Vanlifing for a Year&some change with a No- Build conversion. Feelz good to see some like-minded Hippis out here. I like how u think. Be safe Young Hippie,Peace&Luv,Blak Hippi OUT!!
Thanks for sharing. I thought the idea of building a small desk directly in and the PVC pipe closet were excellent. Best wishes.
Yessssss!
Great job and hey what?
No way you look 29😮
Enjoy girl!
Haha I'm actually 30 now, that clip was from April 2018. 😊 Thank you!!! 💖💖💖
Gotta say I'm in love with Joey. 💞💞💞🥰🥰🥰💞💞💞🥰🥰🥰
Good for you , gal ! No , your not too old . I have done this earlier in my life after the service , and a lot of years later , I'm gonna do it again ! I still feel like a teenager . Next birthday I will be 65 . No joke ! But life's too short so I gotta get going ! Please be safe out there and take NO chances . I tell all the women campers to get a big can of hornet spray at Wal- Mart . The kind that shoots 25 ft. Great personal weapon and a lot cheeper than bear spray . Take care .
Your good friend Vinny in good old Fla.
It is all about what makes you happy n simply is always better
love the great northwest, I have camped there on the beach you showed some 30 years ago, be safe... now especially
Yes! This is awesome! Thank you to sharing your experience with us! You make this very approachable!
I would suggest a small 12v fridge/freezer/warmer that you can plug into the cig/lighter [$80 @ Camping World] Uou can always put ice in it if you want. and when you get the Jackery charging station, you can plug it into that. If you truly don't want a portable toilet, I would suggest a basic folding one [toilet seat on folding legs] that fits under your seat. If you don't nead it, no big space wasted, but....if you DO, you have it.😊
great job. I love your sweet boy. he looks just like my late Scooter.
I have a minivan build too in VW Routan/Caravan for me and my fur childl, Sooki. Converted in maybe three months total over two versions. Love that you incorporated a closet design in yours. Clothes in plastic bins is not the same. Hope to meet you on the road. Stay safe out there.
Good job on your conversion. Some new ideas, some simple furniture, and you made a cozy home. Enjoy!
I’m subbing , I’m trying to do the exact same thing. Econolines and Sprinter vans are nice , but hard to find and the minivan conversions seem a lot more compact and less noticeable that your living in it lol. BY THE WAY YOUR EYES ARE ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS
Thank you!! 😊❤🙏
AMEN on the eyes
Her dimples are't to shabby either lol
Check my minivan out totall stealth . Looks like an ordinary car outside😉 bed tv. Etc 😁
i think a minivan conversion is the answer for me financially and yours looks great! the only thing i'm really nervous about is cooking. i love cooking, so i at least need a stove, but i don't want to have to deal with electrical stuff
I loved your video. I need to stand as I'm an old lady and my back hurts on occasion. I'm proud of you.
I really like your build I also think simple is more!
I L❤️VE your mini van camper!! It’s super cute!! I’m 60…so your tie dye made my heart jump a beat taking me back to the days when I actually did tie dye. At any rate, I’m really doing a lot of research on this for my Honda Odyssey. Here’s my question for you…at night what do you use to circulate the air, cool it down? I LOVE your bedding. I just love your mini van camper!
You give me hope. Very few people go for it. I look forward to your adventures!
Hey Chantelle! I think your build is great and I am planning on building out my 2001 dodge caravan, exact same as yours- so awesome I found your video :D
I am just itching to get out there too!!
Love it ! ❤🎉.I'm encouraged.. looking now for my van ... obsessed for about 2 years also..lol I'm 58 this year, gonna do a lil travel nursing in my state first then I will be ready!!! Thanks oh and Bugsey is the Bomb diggity 🎉😂
This pretty girl does everything in a very practical way. 👍
Scooter Tramp Scotty is on UA-cam, he pulls into the truck stop back by the big trucks. He gases up and then asks the trucker if they have an extra shower ticket. They give him a shower ticket and he showers up. Try not to pay over 14 dollars for a shower. I get either a one gallon sprayer or a two gallon sprayer and leave the wond off of it. Half cold water then add warm water and spray away. This works for me. They have the propane heated water showers too for around 140 or so. They have a pop up shower and changing stall too. Just trying to be helpful here. And in a pinch, the hillbilly bath is a some water in a bucket and wash on up just with a rag. I like the soft soap. One is not old yet, am over 67 and have the low blood sugar levels that go low and Pual will get sick. I wanted to share some of this with one. One may have abs brakes, and when wanting to slow on down, just pump them some and see if this works. Holding the peddle down may lock them up. And that guy when one had to be towed took advantage of one, by charging one 179 for just looking it over. This is just too much of a fee to me and they like to take advantage of the gals. I like Harry Potter too. And I agree with one about wanting to get some land about two acreas and living off the grid. The composting toliet is just a bucket for the solids covered with potting soil . I like to line the bucket with plastic bags. The wet stuff can be toss on out around trees and in the grass. On a homestead they dig into the soil and line it with limestone. Have fun and I would not mine going along with one yet I may get sick and some time this is not pretty. I walk very slowly with a cane. One knows how to do stuff on the cheap. Enjoy the whole experience. I would like to know more about one eating vegan. i have both cookbooks on Vegan and Veggietairian. I have hith hike across the us and lived in some cities too. Loveland Colorado has a truckstop that has these big ciminion rolls for one dollar. A cup of coffee and one of these and I am good. Lake Loveland is neat too with the mountain views. I go to the 12 step meetings and don't drink or smoke. Paul
Nice simple build. For the toilet you could get a thetford 335 porta potty. It’s small and easy to use and clean. It fits under the bed.
Haha new toilet will be in tomorrow's video! (; Thanks, Rose!
To be what I wanna be 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
New Sub here, we are converting our Grand Caravan into a weekend escape camper! Love watching and getting ideas Thank You for sharing! - Bill :)
Awesome. It's what I needed to start my own project. It's about time I need that independence of rent free and be able to come and go whenever I please. Tyvm. 👍
OH I WANTED TO THANK YOU. THE insultation idea :) I used that on my floor for my mini van cause it was as unlevel as hell as well.
Diggin the closet :)
Your van is so cool... plus we have almost the same one!
Thanks! That's super cool. Did you build it out already?? I'm intrigued to see what the inside looks like. I love seeing minivan conversions!
Thanks for the recap of your journey and build, wow you have done a lot to it!!! It looks great how you just used what you had available. Keeping it simple and inexpensive makes it an option for many. Getting a minivan is the perfect way to start. Joey is just so cute :*
😊😊😊💖 Thank you!!
Good Job. I Love my Toyota Sienna Camper Van. Vans make the best RV.
You are so crafty and adventurous.
I liked your video a lot. You have a nice voice, and you actually explain what you do. In my opinion, that's quality content. Subscribed.
I'm planning my 1992 Caravan conversion, and your videos are actually helpful.
I'm impressed 🖒 & you're right, some builds are extreme. You did a terrific job converting that minivan into a camper. Simple with function. I just subscribed. I'm looking forward to more vids. Again, good job. 😷✌
Girl you are living the dream I've always wanted to convert a van but I never had the chance to when I moved out of my last apartment my lease was up my roommate had a 30 foot RV for sale so I bought that instead I kind of cheated but I just subscribed to your channel I hope to see you traveling and you have a really cool build-out I love how simple it was you just went for basic comfort and stealth it's beautiful so now take it out and go travel with it make some videos for us to watch loved it!❤😁
Hey nice work on Bubsy! I was fortunate enough to finally get a Grand caravan at the beginning of the year to take my two boys on adVantures as well and I am so excited! I have been wanting to do this for many years but it has been a slow process for me as I am disabled and the money is super tight. I have been doing a little at a time and only a little bit into my conversion bc I can't do alot in a day and don't have any help with heavy lifting and to me everything is heavy LOL 😂😁🤣... But I can't wait to get started and it should be very soon out of necessity... however one of my babies just had surgery so I'm waiting for him to heal up. We should be taking our first short term trip in the next few days but hope to be full time in the next few months after that. Maybe me and my doggies will meet you on the road someday! I really liked your closet idea and I may try to do the pcv pipe idea if I can...safe and happy travels, my friend!
Nice job on your conversion, simple and elegant. Easy build as well.
Oh my God you're incredible. It's amazing that you make your dream come true. It's not that fancy at all, you make it easier like you have any dream just pursue it, do it, make it happen, as easy as that. So inspiring, i want it too in my life. As soon as possible. I just want to travel around my country living in van, i hope i can buy a car soon. Greetings from Indonesia ❤
Thank you!🙏💖💖💖
Exactly...keeping it simple is best
Same as my build
So cute. Enjoy listening.
Well done I am 49 & have been watching videos for years, now I am saving for my van, I am doing it. I no longer care or fear, like you said its my life, so live it...
I was wondering about that pipe was in the background of another video. We have similar tastes: I too am thinking about vinyl flooring (I thought maybe I was "missing" something when everyone I saw was doing g wood floor; I have been trying to decide about that pump top on a five gallon I am act pretty used to the single gallons and might just stick with them for now; and I to am simplistic, keeping it as low tech and minimal equipment. One last thought...you are so NOT old! I am FORTY-nine and just getting ready to hit the road next spring.
This is really great! I love that you did this with no skills or knowledge and learned along the way.
Jusy subed to you, greay job, question, where did you get that van life sticker, I want two.
I have that exact same mattress topper in my truck version of a van life build!
Love ❤️ your van. Love ❤️ ur dog 🐕
thank you soooo much. I am retiring in a year and plan to start out by doing 1 to 2 week trips in my suv. Still have a house near Chicago and might always have that for a home base. We will see when retirement comes. Thanks again!
Wow! Simple is it! You did such a good job of making it useful and pretty. I watch several people enjoying the van life. I've looked for actual campers. They are way too expensive, and the ones that aren't, I'm sure there is something really expensive wrong with them. Now, I'm looking for vans. I'm 73, and would like to join the tribe in the western states, as i'm from the northeast United States. There is so much to see! Good luck on your adVantures! I'll keep an eye on you occasionally.
Thanks, April!
Your dog is so cute, he looks happy with the build!
Those headlight lenses are not safe in that dull condition. I used a product called De-Sol-Vit on mine and it helped immensely. It did not require any buffing - only spray on, let sit a couple minutes and wipe off! It costs about $8 a bottle and can be used for many other uses. It is available at many hardware store and is non-toxic. Be careful to keep wiping along the edges of each lens so the solution doesn't seep BEHIND the lenses (t will blow inside the lights while driving and you won't be able to do anything about it unless you take the light assembly apart!). Good luck and God bless!
Good for you! Your van looks awesome! Much luck to you in your adventures. Be safe, be well and God bless!
I have a 2005 Ford Freestar minivan. You are giving me many ideas. Thank you!
i like how simple you did the van. i also live in a minivan. after spending 6 months in the van. im remodeling my van right now. i didn't realize how much time i would spend in the van. i made a bed and kitchen. now im working on making and office space in there also. i will be checking out more of your videos. who knows maybe i will see you on the road.
That's awesome! Thanks Jerry(:
I only just found your channel. I’m in Australia 🇦🇺. I love watching your videos. Thank you 😊