I find using a small rice cooker save so much power over using an electrical stove. The Black & Decker 6 cup is only pulling around 270 watt and the 3 cup @ 170 wall. I've used to fry eggs, chicken breast, boil water and cook a variety of things.
Enjoyed the tour. You have some great ideas. I like the simplicity of your solar system. I really enjoyed meeting you last weekend. Safe travels, hope to see you down the road👍
@@vanwander Re Alaska: I was worried about some UA-camrs saying you needed a firearm but I saw no problems at all with crime. We stayed out of down-towns of big cities. And we didn't camp outside so no bear concerns - we had bear spray. We visited at the end of the tourist season just as things were thinking of closing and this meant no bugs or heat or crowds. We just had to have rain gear ready, but I think we accidentally got the timing perfect. Also: I wish we we met, you had mentioned you asked about water filtering, as I could have whipped out my kit and shown it to you in person. Next time we are filtering water, I will do a detailed run through video.
I never get tired of mini campervan videos! I have a 2005 Sienna so it looks very familiar. I'm just starting to put everything together in it so that can travel in it. Your build is original and quite functional. Happy Travels!
Great set up Todd! I think one of the best I have watched in 5 years and I liked all the explanations. :) maybe thank people for watching, ask people to like your video and subscribe right at the end too. Good stuff! :)
A minivan seems to be the way to go. I am in a Honda CRV which is enough when I am alone, but I would love something larger. I love your under floor storage - brilliant. I also use the same mat to cover the floor. It’s easier on these old bones!
If it is above 40 overnights, I simply use an electric blanket to preheat under my down blankets and down comforter. I may turn that on again in the early am. If it is freezing, I do the same but preheat the entire van with a propane buddy heater at night (door ajar). Then when I muster the courage, turn the buddy heater on in the morning again. Maybe I will do a video on this. Thanks for asking.
Yes. As @dee6816 mentions, it is mostly to prevent water coming in. But also, since I open the hatch a lot, it prevents continual slamming on the cable (and damage to the van's weather stripping).
It is based on a Bluetti AC200L battery system. My 4 solar panels are in series and combined put out around 80v. The only 12v is my fridge which is plugged into the 12v adapter socket of the Bluetti. Otherwise, everything is either USB or 120 AC from the Bluetti.
I find using a small rice cooker save so much power over using an electrical stove.
The Black & Decker 6 cup is only pulling around 270 watt and the 3 cup @ 170 wall.
I've used to fry eggs, chicken breast, boil water and cook a variety of things.
Enjoyed the tour. You have some great ideas. I like the simplicity of your solar system. I really enjoyed meeting you last weekend. Safe travels, hope to see you down the road👍
Very cool! Enjoyed meeting you at Amanda's meetup!
Thanks! It was great meeting you too!
Great setup! You've given me some ideas for my 2012 Sienna. Thanks and safe travels.
I'm glad you found it helpful!
Really good Setup Becareful And Enjoy.
It was great running into you! What a pleasant surprise to have you recognize us and our van.
Thanks! It was a real pleasure meeting you guys as well! You three have given me courage to tackle Alaska this summer.
@@vanwander Re Alaska: I was worried about some UA-camrs saying you needed a firearm but I saw no problems at all with crime. We stayed out of down-towns of big cities. And we didn't camp outside so no bear concerns - we had bear spray. We visited at the end of the tourist season just as things were thinking of closing and this meant no bugs or heat or crowds. We just had to have rain gear ready, but I think we accidentally got the timing perfect.
Also: I wish we we met, you had mentioned you asked about water filtering, as I could have whipped out my kit and shown it to you in person. Next time we are filtering water, I will do a detailed run through video.
Thanks for your kindness!
This man has an apartment there ,i love this set up
I never get tired of mini campervan videos! I have a 2005 Sienna so it looks very familiar. I'm just starting to put everything together in it so that can travel in it. Your build is original and quite functional. Happy Travels!
I’m glad you’re finding the build helpful. Best of luck on your own camper conversion!
Nice setup! I like the floor storage.
Thanks! I like having most of my gear out of sight.
Hi, Cleo here, good luck with your channel.
작은 호텔이네요. 도요타 시에나가 이렇게 멋질 줄이야. 저는 한국의 밴캠퍼인데 이런 방식의 캠핑도 좋은것 같아요. 배우고 갑니다😊
Like a capsule hotel, maybe?
Great set up Todd! I think one of the best I have watched in 5 years and I liked all the explanations. :) maybe thank people for watching, ask people to like your video and subscribe right at the end too. Good stuff! :)
I really appreciate your feedback!
You are a very organized person. I enjoyed watching your video.
Thank you for watching!
A minivan seems to be the way to go. I am in a Honda CRV which is enough when I am alone, but I would love something larger. I love your under floor storage - brilliant. I also use the same mat to cover the floor. It’s easier on these old bones!
Glad you like the underfloor storage! I'm with you on the older bones, that flooring makes a big difference.
What a well thought out design you have! ❤
I really appreciate your support!
Very nice set up.
Glad you liked it!
Very nice!
Love the functionality!
Nice set-up, good video!
Nice setup ! How do you keep the inside comfortable temperature ?
Yes. I have same question.
If it is above 40 overnights, I simply use an electric blanket to preheat under my down blankets and down comforter. I may turn that on again in the early am. If it is freezing, I do the same but preheat the entire van with a propane buddy heater at night (door ajar). Then when I muster the courage, turn the buddy heater on in the morning again. Maybe I will do a video on this. Thanks for asking.
What about when it’s sweltering hot ?
@valerieann2751 I avoid sweltering heat. I either move to a coastal region or higher altitude.
Brilliant setup! You've thought of everything!
Pros and cons of having 400w of panels versus 200W panel? Limitations were there when you had 200w?
That's a great question! I'll be sure to address that in a future video.
Why couldn’t the solar cords come straight into the van from the top of hatch vs running down the side into the taillight?
Prevents Water leaking into van
Yes. As @dee6816 mentions, it is mostly to prevent water coming in. But also, since I open the hatch a lot, it prevents continual slamming on the cable (and damage to the van's weather stripping).
So, your solar panels plug directly into your Bluetti?
They are wired in series and that directly goes into my AC200L Bluetti.
So you're running a 48v system in a car ?
It is based on a Bluetti AC200L battery system. My 4 solar panels are in series and combined put out around 80v. The only 12v is my fridge which is plugged into the 12v adapter socket of the Bluetti. Otherwise, everything is either USB or 120 AC from the Bluetti.
@@vanwander Parallel, not series .
@@leeinwis they are definitely in series so I could increase the voltage to 80 to let the AC200L work at full capability.
I need things organized and unseen. I can't be cluttered like this.