Minivan Camper Build Chapter 2: 7,000 mile review

Рет қаралды 174,994

2 жыл бұрын

This is the second video about converting a Honda Odyssey minivan into a camper, with emphasis on the convertible couch/bed, and the water system.
Check out the first video of my van build series at: • Simple, Sturdy Minivan...
and the 35,000 update at: • Minivan Camper Chapter...
Supplies links:
Sink pump: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...
Tubing: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08...
Sink: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08...
Faucet: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...
Drain: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
Water jugs: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
Pump battery box: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
Locking hinge: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08...
Piano hinge: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...
Table edge support: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
Table leg: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...
Mattress: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08...
Fan: www.amazon.com/10000mAh-Batte...
Battery: ecoflow.com/products/ecoflow-...

Пікірлер: 497

@tranhai599 2 ай бұрын

Wow, Wow, Wow! The absolute best minivan camper conversion video I have seen yet! Fanstatic explainations too!

@rudyceja36 10 күн бұрын

Nice to see everyone took there take on Eric's van build the OG.

@tonymai1844 2 жыл бұрын

That is all i really needed to sleep in mini van. I got the toyota mini van. I may just do the same simple like your option. Go to work, sleep in the van to save money I pay for the room. For traveling and for camping this van more enough for one person to sleep and travel. Good looking conversion sir.

@mjremy2605 9 ай бұрын

The window mounted fan was very clever, right into the Coroplast! I love the bed. Superb functionality. Don't forget to make holes in the wood, so that the mattress does not get moldy.

@vp_alternative_living5672 Жыл бұрын

This the first person to show how to build a water pump 😊. I’m getting ready to go full time in my van (out of necessity) and the biggest concerns for me is staying cool and getting warm when needed. This will be a long term thing for me. Maybe not permanent but long term. I have been watching countless mini van builds getting ideas and it has taught me that there is no one way to be in your van.

@piggy310 Жыл бұрын

Biden economy..😢

@cavemanvi 11 ай бұрын

@@piggy310 Biden does suck. But literally every president before him just as much

@piggy310 11 ай бұрын

@@cavemanvi Seriously, more generalities and platitudes.

@marifrancesschaffrath6409 2 жыл бұрын

I have beeb watching a lot of videos on van builds and this is by far my favorite. Very well explained. Thank you for sharing. As a solo female I feel I can definitely do this on my own.

@travelswithrob4970 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your comments, good luck on your project!

@Ontheroad13 Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for putting this together! I have been using Eric's videos as a template for a majority of my build but this breakdown of the bed is exactly what I was looking for!

@travelswithrob4970 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for your comments, good luck with your project!

@vento3232 Жыл бұрын

@@travelswithrob4970 you are the MAN!

@jettereq272 11 ай бұрын

me too. the sticking part of the bed when in sofa bed makes me think 2x. i would def be banging my legs and knees everytime i go in n out of the van

@KattEyl 2 ай бұрын

What’s so nice about your bed is that when put away it allows you to have a seat facing forward and one facing back. Great idea.

@maryo.5335 2 жыл бұрын

Wow, Wow, Wow! The absolute best minivan camper conversion video I have seen yet! Fanstatic explainations too! Thank you for listing all of the links to buy the Amazon products in your other video!

@travelswithrob4970 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, glad you liked it!

@nunyabizness3890 Жыл бұрын

As soon as I saw your van design, I thought "Eric." It's great that you gave him a shout out, and also that you adapted his designs to suit your needs and preferences. Nice conversion. I like it.

@travelswithrob4970 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for your comments!

@dvfreelancer 2 жыл бұрын

Love this build and like seeing how tall people fit in a minivan. I recognized the Eric Enjoys Earth layout and appreciate the modifications. Really nicely done.

@adamjones9600 Жыл бұрын

Really appreciate the detailed show of the bed. I've seen Eric's videos but they weren't as close up on some of those specifics 👍

@jessiferri2922 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent van build- immediately accessible functionality, nice carpentry work on the fold out bed, very smart build. Thanks for sharing.

@travelswithrob4970 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@ScottKilleen Жыл бұрын

Thank you, thank you, thank you! I appreciate your time and effort in sharing your van build. Exactly what I needed to know.

@debslifesimplified6406 2 жыл бұрын

Im happy to see another conversion similar to Eric's. I enjoy his video very knowledgeable. Your was as well, thank you for sharing your build

@sarabetz 2 жыл бұрын

Would like to see Eric's video. Would you please post a link for it? Thanks

@denisee8048 2 жыл бұрын

@@sarabetz You may just type in 'Eric enjoys earth' in KZfaq

@lesliebooth2833 Ай бұрын

This was terrific!!! So well thought out!! I am ever so impressed!! On another channel I saw where the couple does freezer meals ahead of time so they put one in their cooler in the morning so that by the evening it’s thawed and they can just heat it up! Would work well for you if you’re only gone for a week or so!

@jparsit 2 жыл бұрын

A smart man with class. It is a beautiful life.

@travelswithrob4970 2 жыл бұрын

Yes it is!

@suchon3674 2 жыл бұрын

Wow I wish I have van like your so jealous

@Scott-hr7bn 2 жыл бұрын

Scott in Wisconsin here, I wish you or Eric would do a video on how to get the floor figured out as it is the very foundation of the bed/cabinet/sink build. The folding legs on the bed is an awesome innovation to this concept, very nicely done!

@travelswithrob4970 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your comments. The installed floor was a bit of a struggle, mostly because the van floor is not flat or level. The design I ended up with was trial-and-error, but it has worked well and is completely stable. Unfortunately, every van model will have different floor details presenting unique problems, so each van model will have a somewhat different floor design. I was just recently in Wisconsin, I drove north from Milwaukee up around the UP, then down the Michigan shoreline - beautiful! Camping in the van along the shores of Lake Superior was a great experience.

@Scott-hr7bn 2 жыл бұрын

@@travelswithrob4970 nice time of the year to discover the area Getting back to the floor, it appears that the floor is pretty much in just the middle areas of the van, right?

@travelswithrob4970 2 жыл бұрын

Yes, the floor I installed only covers about half of the van floor, as shown at about 0:45 of my first video. The floor does not cover the area immediately behind the driver's seat because the spare tire is in a compartment under the floor, and because that's where the cooler is placed. And the wood floor stops under the couch panel because extending it further wouldn't serve much purpose, it would just make it heavier. The Honda van floor has a very uneven and sloped shape, so making the installed floor any larger would also make it more difficult to lay down flat and be well supported

@Scott-hr7bn 2 жыл бұрын

@Travels with Rob I had a nice conversation yesterday with a representative from Traxda. They make lift kits for Odysseys. I am considering lifting my 2006 EX up 2" and getting some 17" 5 spoke 2008 Touring wheels and wrapping them with 245/65/17 Falken Wildpeak tires and I was warned to not to overbuild my camper van. My plan inside is to able to get to the locking floor carousel storage just in front of the middle row seats and directly behind the folding tray between the front seats. I am going to remove that folding tray so that I can move to the driver's seat easier without getting out of the van. I must take out all the seats and start masking off areas on the floor. My plan is to have an ICECO VL 45 Dual Zone Fridge/Freezer behind the passenger seat. It is 31x19x18 and I think the 19 wide might be enough to also open the floor storage cover too. We shall see...

@Stephan5150 2 жыл бұрын

Scott, great news, Eric released his floor video just over a week ago and it's as good as you were hoping it would be!

@Debrajoy 2 жыл бұрын

I have a friend who could do all of this for me in no time! I'm so excited to be able to show him a van that's been converted that's exactly the same van I have! Thank you so much and I am so happy I found this video! De b from Oceanside California!

@travelswithrob4970 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your comments, good luck with your van! A good improvement suggested in the comments is that if the bed frame side rails are longer in the front by 2-3 inches, the two rear legs for the front bed panel can be eliminated. This makes converting into bed mode even easier, which would be especially useful for shorter people, because reaching the rear leg by the shelf unit is a bit of a stretch.

@marizee5615 Жыл бұрын

What a great, thorough video of your van build! Thank you!

@shelton126 2 жыл бұрын

Nice workmanship and very nicely done…practical.

@StephenFasseroMusic Жыл бұрын

heck yeah! great conversion. all the best on your adventures!

@caravandanadventures 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome job! Searching for my Dodge Grand Caravan on Craigslist, while watching this video. Thank you for this video!!

@esotericist 7 ай бұрын

for my dream build (a solo in a Renault Grand Espace) - your excellent videos are the Holy Grail !! Thank you.

@gothman2001 Жыл бұрын

At this point, I think my most toxic trait is believing that I can do this without any prior woodworking experience. Should probably start a bit smaller. :( This is an amazing build though! Definitely want to do something like this to my 08 oddy.

@travelswithrob4970 Жыл бұрын

Good luck with your project; I couldn’t have done this van build without the help of the KZfaq community - so many great ideas to use and to build upon. I think that whatever one’s skills are, there are useable ideas to take you to the next level. Start simple, then make improvements based on what you discover that you like, then learn those construction skills - that’s what I did. Happy travels!

@hihoney1122 16 күн бұрын

Awesome battery pump system tutorial, I really like this idea very smart !

@callieduval3000 Жыл бұрын

Technically past my understanding but I do love the way you built the bed. This van is awesome. You thought this through mathematically too

@Danielily1 Жыл бұрын

Wow! That was excellent! You are a great teacher! It was detailed, easy to understand and great build ideas!

@LehighAcres33936 2 жыл бұрын

Impressive. You provide very clear detail. I think you should build the platform bed and sell it online. You can make money from it.

@kathyhatch8982 8 ай бұрын

Love the simplicity of the plumbing set up! Thanks for sharing your build and giving such detailed instruction.

@ceciliabryane5894 Ай бұрын

Great Idea! An awesome design. I look forward to the next video. Happy travels.

@francjogi 2 жыл бұрын

After your first video, i did my bed frame with the moving legs like you did, it’s a great solution to maximise space !

@travelswithrob4970 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your comment, I'm glad it worked out for you!

@lifeisatrip8993 Жыл бұрын

Love your set up. I will use yours and Eriks bed as a great inspiration. Thanks for the creativity.

@gtrs8037 2 жыл бұрын

Great explanations, demonstrations & Van build..Thanks for sharing 😊

@hiker750 4 ай бұрын

Thank you for this detailed look at the bed/sofa! So helpful:)

@rose8662 Жыл бұрын

1,000👍🏻❣ Awesome build and clear, concise explanation. Love your setup!

@misscdog 16 күн бұрын

Love that you are so concise.

@ElderSwamp 7 ай бұрын

Most cool, nice and ingenious mini-van i have ever seen. All so perfectly thinked at a millimetrical rate... 😮👏👏👏💪 WOW. You must be really proud.. and you are right! 👏👏👏 If only was a 4×4 car would be the top of the top.

@OrchidIslander Жыл бұрын

Thank you, thank you, thank you! So many of my questions answered. The explanation for your bed build was especially appreciated, as I plan to copy it. Your water system as well. Mahalo!

@eonh7203 2 жыл бұрын

The bed frame is so beautiful with no extra! I have been watching it more than 10 times. I must say thanks to you Rob for sharing your nice idea!

@travelswithrob4970 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your comments!

@gisellegonzalez2628 Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for reaaaally breaking this down, I’m in the process of my buildout and you can get blown away with some videos. Thanks again. Safe travels 🙏🏽

@johnjohnson3447 Жыл бұрын

That’s a good design well executed. Great explanation of design considerations. Well spoken too sir!

@travelswithrob4970 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for your comments!

@leilal8053 2 жыл бұрын

Clever convertible 🛌. 😊 So nice you don't have one of those stupid/impractical HAND Pumps 4a change.👌 The ONE thing you don't have and is the FIRST thing of importance 4me is a Cassette Toilet....everything else is icing on the cake! 😁😉

@travelswithrob4970 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your comments. Yes, I'm amazed that even some commercial van customizing companies still use those pathetic hand pumps, when a powered water system is so easy and inexpensive to put together. Regarding the toilet, I have a system for that, but I decided not to get into those details in the video. However, since you mentioned it, I have a bottle and a lined bucket system that work great!

@felipegarciatn Жыл бұрын

I like the open shelves concept. I am turning my Odyssey into a weekend getaways van and don't want to spend too much time or money building. I just want to get on the road and enjoy the weekends.

@travelswithrob4970 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for your comment, good luck with your project!

@fredpatterson6186 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the bed frame size measurements. I was a bit confused from Eric channel. I like your modification without the wood bed frame sticking out on the entrance side as well. I was wondering if this would effect the adjustment for couch mode as Eric shows on his bed set-up. Thanks for some great ideas. Also could you detail some shelving measurement, I like the openness look as well. Thank you.

@abyssalsoul6216 2 жыл бұрын

Like your bed design

@Drmikekuna 2 жыл бұрын

Very nice build. I'm especially impressed with your bed setup.

@travelswithrob4970 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@rickhiggins6521 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent presentation! Better design with the extra legs to get rid of the frame sticking out. Everything just right for this size camper.

@breccamerie1 2 жыл бұрын

Contract archaeologist that does a lot of travel. I am looking to retrofit an Odyssey for 'vanlife'. KZfaq suggested this video and I'm glad they did. #goals Thanks for sharing your build, which is inspiring me to build better for my own van.

@travelswithrob4970 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your comments, good luck with your project!

@mrs.onyango6504 Жыл бұрын

Nice camper 😊

@tinyspaceroadie Жыл бұрын

I'm here for that Coroplast fan install😍. Out of the hundreds of vanlife videos I've watched, I've never seen such a genius idea. Hope you let us know how it worked out.

@travelswithrob4970 Жыл бұрын

I've found that the rear window fan is very useful for a gentle, quiet breeze to extract heat and bring in fresh air. It also makes the window bug-proof when the fan is on and the rear window is open. It's obviously not going to produce the air volume of a bigger fan, but it's a definite improvement at very low cost. Also useful when parked in the sun - I crack open the front windows, and the rear fan helps keep the van from getting too hot.

@o4thesox 2 жыл бұрын

Just came across your channel, it is great. Not overly complicated and you explain everything in great detail. Definitely going to be tuning in again. Thank you

@travelswithrob4970 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your comments!

@tinagratton9608 Жыл бұрын

Love, love, love this build! Thank you for sharing.

@kris99596 Жыл бұрын

Love the modification of the legs on the bed, and the little computer fan for extra ventilation is genius. Well done! I'm just now starting research, looking to make a camper of my Pacifica (which does -not- have pop-out windows in the back, alas). You've done a great job, and I'll be stealing some of your ideas.

@travelswithrob4970 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for your comments, good luck with your project!

@glenchua3315 2 жыл бұрын

Brilliant idea, Rob, having bags instead of drawers and carboard doors. Great design. Very well thought up. Many thumb-ups.

@24Alisonall 10 ай бұрын

Love your build. I would definitly use the bed design as well as the kitchen design you have in your Odyssey. I'm thinking about using a Honda Pilot as my camper vehicle and I think with slight modification this would work. Thank you very much!!!

@creaturecore13 2 жыл бұрын

Great build. This is essentially an affordable simpler version of what Recon Campers did to their nv200 micro campers. The 3 fold seat with the kitchen and storage on the drivers side. Its just a smart set up.

@travelswithrob4970 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@Darrick.DamitaJoBoy 2 жыл бұрын

I love your whole build, but your water system is impeccable! Excellent job!

@peppabracey5701 2 жыл бұрын

I have enjoyed watching your conversion. For someone who love organization, this is my dream vehicle. Thank you for sharing everything with us. 💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜

@travelswithrob4970 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@DdDd-pk4pu Ай бұрын

AWESOME🥰 Bed Frame and Van build You should Build the Bed Frames and sell them‼️👏🏼🥰

@reginaayat5390 6 ай бұрын

I found that using solid plywood can allow mold to grow under your mattress because there's no way for the trapped moisture to escape. In various van builds I've used slats or just drilled a series of holes throughout the plywood. Thus reducing some weight and adding some airflow. After about a half dozen different builds, I try to use as little wood as possible. Been experimenting with netting instead of wood shelves. Again, more airflow less weight and a easier to take in and out if needed

@a.w.thompson4001 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the update, Rob! The detailed information, especially measurements, about the most complicated parts of the build will be very helpful to copy your design. I love that your bed can be used in your next vehicle when the time comes, simply by changing its legs and building a new attachment bar if need be!

@travelswithrob4970 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your comments!

@michaelrodriguez3182 2 жыл бұрын

This is one of the better mini van conversions iv seen

@jessejames586 Жыл бұрын

Great job. Thanks for explaining in detail.

@kerstingoldsmith 2 жыл бұрын

Really lovely design and implementation. Only thing I would want to add might be some drawers under the back of the bed for easier access to all that space under there - also drawers provide the ability to have a propane double burner stove that can be used at the back of the van with the hatch open (à la Roadloft). The sink and shelving unit are perfect, however. Love the ingenuity and simplicity. Thank you so much for sharing and for sharing in such detail. 🙏🏽

@travelswithrob4970 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your comments, good ideas!

@dwayne4582 11 ай бұрын

Wow! I am so glad I came across this video. I am one year away from being forced to live out of my Ford transit connect xl mini van. This design will be absolutely perfect for my needs. Thank you thank you thank you for showing us the details. It will go along way to getting me to my goal. I turn 62 and must retire due to horrible arthritis so working is no longer an option. And the tiny amount of money I will get from social security ( 700 ) a month will dictate on only option/ living in my van. Not complaining, just trying to make due with my plot in life. Your video are very inspiring.

@darrbest 4 ай бұрын

another great video , simply and right to the point.

@architennis 2 жыл бұрын

I love your folding legs on the bed extension. And your super clean and organized storage. Nice work!

@salr1686 Жыл бұрын

Outstanding build and video. Thanks so much for your generosity with measurements and such. The bed is precisely what I've been pondering. Many thanks and happy trails

@isabellalucia7820 9 ай бұрын

Not just an awesome build but also someone who acknowledges their sources! Now to figure out how to apply it to my tiny car…

@minhhop3208 Жыл бұрын

The best minivan camp builder

@danthemansmail 2 жыл бұрын

I love that bed/seat, it's simple, effective and looks great. Great job Rob R.

@KinkyHeadMonkey 2 жыл бұрын

If I had a van like that, I would live in it full time. I will just get a gym membership for access to restroom and shower.

@DannyHustle Жыл бұрын

This is my favorite build based on Eric’s design. The straightforward approach and simplicity make it very elegant and super useful. Great job! I'm really impressed with this. I'm building a 2004 Sienna and have been looking for a simpler solution to the front legs on the couch/bed. This really opens it up. 👍

@leeeverett8109 2 жыл бұрын

Time for a camping video!! Woot! Woot!!😀

@PaulaRenea Жыл бұрын

Thank you so very much for the very detailed description. Awesome build

@jo-annel.wright2975 5 ай бұрын

Re: hot nights in our iMax campervan. We have two fans, window guards on both front windows and a tailgate latch. We cracked open all six windows and use the tailgate latch to get airflow from all directions. It works a treat.

@travelswithrob4970 5 ай бұрын

That’s great you have so much ventilation. My van middle windows don’t open, and I prefer not to leave the tailgate open, so my airflow is limited. I need to work on that

@VEWNZ 2 жыл бұрын

I am SO IMPRESSED with the beautiful sunray trellis work on your verandah AND the diagonal tongue and groove decking AND the beautiful scallop shaped wood fencing. 1000s of hrs of work but the look is worth it ... oh and the van is amazing. Great videos

@travelswithrob4970 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Unfortunately I can’t take full credit for the back deck - I designed it, but I had a very talented carpenter build it.

@420BLUNTLEY 2 жыл бұрын

It’s just like how the VW camper vans were made! Ya know they had some gooddesigns.

@sadeeressa5784 5 ай бұрын

this is the most reliable and wonderful conversion i ever seen . thanks for sharing and thanks for this amazing details and everything . this is what i am looking for . if you ever visit Vancouver canada great to meet you :) and welcome

@JaneDoe-gl8ko Жыл бұрын

lot of electrical I just didnt wanna mess with haha. This video is the definition of cutting corners lol

@dickspade7045 2 жыл бұрын

Great designs, inventivness, & workmanship, thanks for sharing. I also noticed the woodworking on your deck, nice.

@travelswithrob4970 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your comments!

@deborahwesner3000 Жыл бұрын

This is super helpful. Love your explanation… to the point! 🤗

@maryanne9993 Жыл бұрын

nice video, clearly explained, and a tidy build which is exactly what I've been looking for thank you very much. keep up the good work

@peterlaw2880 26 күн бұрын

Very neat build Mate. Happy travels.

@name.terrie 28 күн бұрын

Thanks soooooo much!!! This was sooooooooooooo helpful!!! Also, thanks for the product links!

@judith9047 2 жыл бұрын

Beautiful build

@travelswithrob4970 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@luke195888 Жыл бұрын

this is correct way to get things easy and do not need too many weight and things for simple trip or tour just for few day activity outside , i like it ,

@JCruzify1 2 жыл бұрын

Perfect set up. I will use this build on a my Ford transit connect but with lighter material. 2x4 is over kill.

@travelswithrob4970 2 жыл бұрын

I agree that it's not necessary to use 2x4 for the bed frame; I chose this because on the day I was at Home Depot, the 2x3s were in terrible shape, all twisted and warped. The 2x4s were straight and true, and good lumber saves problems later. However, the bed frame is the lightest part of the build, probably less than 15 pounds. The heaviest items are the floor and the bed platform, which together are well over 100 pounds. The best place to save weight is in the bed platform, because it's the only piece that I have to constantly move from one position to another. I still like the maple even though it's heavy

@beemrdon52 6 ай бұрын

Nice. Thanks for taking the time to get into details.

@itsgoingtobeok-justbreathe4808 Жыл бұрын

thanks for explaining the bed construction in detail. I'm going to attempt this model soon!

@travelswithrob4970 Жыл бұрын

Good luck with your project! If you haven’t already, have a look at the Chapter 3 video, I made a few more modifications.

@studio1954thereflections 2 жыл бұрын

Nice build! Liked and subscribed. best wishes from Ontario Canada🇨🇦❤️🇨🇦

@travelswithrob4970 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks and welcome!

@studio1954thereflections 2 жыл бұрын

@@travelswithrob4970 I will subscribe as well on my site..... Susie's Swell Van Dwell. ...😊

@jettereq272 11 ай бұрын

wish i saw this earlier b4 husband started building a bed for the van today

@markweis3483 Жыл бұрын

This is the best mini van build I’ve seen. I love how simple and clean it looks

@starrmcnally3032 2 жыл бұрын

Wow, for not living full time in your van, you are fully equiped that you could.

@Adrian-dn4nh 2 жыл бұрын

Amazing that's what I can say only.. best of best camper minivan set up. Thank you for sharing!

@travelswithrob4970 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@degraham9198 Жыл бұрын

Clean, clever build. The wood looks great!

@ladytrader688 2 жыл бұрын

This was great! you are so generous with knowledge! Thank you!

@canadiandreamer9066 Жыл бұрын

Really nice build!! Thanks for sharing!