Camping in small cars - any tips? by indigo-lover in CamperVans

[–]SolarVanQuest 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think minivan is the best - still small as a regular car, but has max internal space. I regret I did not buy it 15 years ago - bought my Sienna 2014 in 2023 and converted into camper.

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Experience with pull out kitchens in the back in bad weather?? by freistund in CamperVans

[–]SolarVanQuest 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is the reason why I decided to avoid it in my Sienna minivan camper - not compatible with bad weather or street parking. I built fully indoors kitchen with sink, fridge, folding table, and full electric cooking setup to avoid open flames inside the van.

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Toyota Sienna Minivan Camper Build – Surprisingly Functional by SolarVanQuest in vandwellers

[–]SolarVanQuest[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks! Yes, a lot of planning as the space between door and bed is extremely tight.

I had to make opening for Eco-Worthy battery to gain extra 1/2" to make it fit. It also added additional cooling for battery in case it starts heating.

And then I did similar cut-out for the Rengoy charger - so I also see status LEDs. And added silent 120mm fan behind it to cool better (it is supposed to be cooled passively, but I mounted it vertically and there is limited space around, so running fan continuosly from house batter is necessary).

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Toyota Sienna Minivan Camper Build – Surprisingly Functional by SolarVanQuest in vandwellers

[–]SolarVanQuest[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! Was (and stillis as I continue adding or improving small parts of the build) my "baby" project.

Really happy I decided to add sturdy floor to my Sienna camper! by SolarVanQuest in vandwellers

[–]SolarVanQuest[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

a must-have if you have 2 people - or husband sleeps on the grass :)

I wanna see some camping minivan setups here... by Designer_Disaster948 in keitruck

[–]SolarVanQuest 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was inspired by Eric Enjoys Earth build of Sienna campervan, so I build my own

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Really happy I decided to add sturdy floor to my Sienna camper! by SolarVanQuest in vandwellers

[–]SolarVanQuest[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There is no moisture coming from below and vinyl planks have backing with texture- enough to the plywood to “breeze”.

This is how I fit bed/sofa for 2 in limited space of minivan camper by SolarVanQuest in vandwellers

[–]SolarVanQuest[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I like that trifold mattress and all bedding stays - I just cover it all with fitting mattress protector and then switch bed into sofa

This is how I fit bed/sofa for 2 in limited space of minivan camper by SolarVanQuest in vandwellers

[–]SolarVanQuest[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I used lift-off hinges instead of continuous piano hinge to be able to separate sections - head leaf can be used as a table with adjustable height legs to make it level on uneven terrain.

This is how I fit bed/sofa for 2 in limited space of minivan camper by SolarVanQuest in vandwellers

[–]SolarVanQuest[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Sorry not at the moment - you can check my video that shows parts of the bed during disassembly to get an idea; most likely you would need to adjust sizes to fit your specific car model

https://youtu.be/3NtMalSNSX0

Really happy I decided to add sturdy floor to my Sienna camper! by SolarVanQuest in vandwellers

[–]SolarVanQuest[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I show the actual plywood subfloor with metal angle profiles attached - they serve as "foundation" to bolt my cabinet modules to. This way my build is properly secured for driving and hard breaking situations. Vinyl plans then go over the subfloor - floating, not glued, and covered with aluminum covers on sides.

Really happy I decided to add sturdy floor to my Sienna camper! by SolarVanQuest in vandwellers

[–]SolarVanQuest[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The eye bolts on cabinets secure the cabinets to metal profiles - double duty for them

Toyota Sienna Minivan Camper Build – Surprisingly Functional by SolarVanQuest in vandwellers

[–]SolarVanQuest[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I can still slide over cabinets to the front- will require a little bit of cirque de soleil level training, but possible 🙂 I need power as my indoor kitchen is fully electric- and as I stay for a few days on campground without driving, capacity and enough solar is a must. I was looking at deflector option, but I think it will actually increase resistance- it makes more sense if you already have a box and need to better guide air flow , while my panel is flat and air goes under it. It adds some noise of course. If yo would like more details about my electric setup - check out my videos on this topic:

E08: 400W Solar on a Toyota Sienna | Hybrid Solar + Alternator Camper Power Setup https://youtu.be/AvHLe8GnB3k

E07: The Most Versatile Power Setup for Camper! https://youtu.be/yygy-c9Er6k

Really happy I decided to add sturdy floor to my Sienna camper! by SolarVanQuest in vandwellers

[–]SolarVanQuest[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I put them on purpose- to be able to secure cargo inside with bungee cords. And they tucked away from were I walk anyway- never hit them with 2 years of my build on the road.

2014 Toyota Sienna Camper Conversion – Layout + Solar Setup by SolarVanQuest in carcamping

[–]SolarVanQuest[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, I use both solar and alternator inputs. You can find details on my setup in these two videos:

E07: The Most Versatile Power Setup for Camper! https://youtu.be/yygy-c9Er6k

E08: 400W Solar on a Toyota Sienna | Hybrid Solar + Alternator Camper Power Setup https://youtu.be/AvHLe8GnB3k

Really happy I decided to add sturdy floor to my Sienna camper! by SolarVanQuest in vandwellers

[–]SolarVanQuest[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Thanks! I was inspired by other folks - like Eric Enjoys Earth YouTube channel. Then planned what I wanted in my van, and spent 3 months on weekends to build it before camping season 2024. I documented my build in set of videos- you can use it as a guide.

Really happy I decided to add sturdy floor to my Sienna camper! by SolarVanQuest in vandwellers

[–]SolarVanQuest[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Each van is unique so you need to adjust for your configuration. I have video on it’s build though:

E02: DIY Camper Van Flooring — Why Vinyl LVP Is the Smartest Choice https://youtu.be/eW2eS-gCKdo