From Panic to Freedom. HIGH TOP MINIVAN (She Built Herself!) Guest Room, Massive Storage, Bike Too!
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- čas přidán 3. 07. 2024
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Perfect for solo, couple or with a guest. This high top minivan camper conversion with a car tent is LUXURIOUS. Travel Grandma’s Solo Van Life VAN TOUR of her tiny house on wheels is full of tips for building a clean, well organized, COMPLETE Van Camper for living in a van. Get plenty of van life tips so you too can say, “Living in my van is great!”.
FOR MORE INFO ABOUT TRAVEL GRANDMA's COMMUNITY: • The Future of Vanlife ...
0:00 Interview
7:04 Van Tour
TENT: bit.ly/42EbUEi
See Travel Grandma on YT @TravelGrandma
Travel Grandma is a solo female traveler who found a way to include her husband when he chooses to come along for the ride. Hear her story too, about empowering herself to live the life she knew was in her. Travel Grandma is also the founder of NomadsDownTheRoad.com, hosts meetup workshops and offers an active Facebook Group for people car camping or living in a van/car.
LEARN MORE ABOUT NOMADS DOWN THE ROAD: • The Future of Vanlife ...
The BLUE WONDER LADY Playlists (See / @bluewonderlady for more)
VAN TOURS: • Van Tours
FULL VANLIFE INTERVIEWS: • SERIES: Vanessa's Vanl...
PLACES TO GO: • Places to Go
VAN BUILD: • Van Build
Van High Top company mentioned in this video:
16 inch FIBERINE HIGH TOP fiberine.com/GVMR/Home.html
VANLIFE PRODUCTS TO MAKE LIFE EASIER
SWIVEL SEAT
Scopema amzn.to/3BG7RLS
TOILET
3.5 Gallon Bucket amzn.to/3uOcb89
Sealing lid amzn.to/3uOcb89
DASHCAM
amzn.to/3W1RFN9
MOLD PREVENTION
Sealant amzn.to/3uSFOVG
SOUND RELATED PRODUCTS
Kilmat amzn.to/3Ar2n79 and Roller amzn.to/3tQiXJG
MINIMALISM / DOWNSIZING
The Minimalists Books amzn.to/3vHl7gz
Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning book amzn.to/3KM8Vzo
WATER RELATED ITEMS
Water filter: amzn.to/3Ll9elY
Portable Jugs: amzn.to/3vi5bBn
Hose with sink adapter: amzn.to/38q8nSg
6 gallon jug: amzn.to/3vIDO2l
Water faucet: amzn.to/3LmiZ38
ROOF ITEMS
8.5ft Aluminum Extendable Ladder: amzn.to/3LmMQsA
Rooftop Carrier: amzn.to/3OxnEkW
CAR JUMP START
Jump Starter Autowit Supercap: amzn.to/3EKYYks
Back up Battery (To charge the jump starter when the car battery has 0% charge): amzn.to/36KqodN
ELECTRIC
Solar Panel: amzn.to/3V4ItpM
Solar extension cable: amzn.to/3UWuH8M
BLUETTI Portable Power Station AC50S 500Wh Solar Generator Lithium Battery Backup with 2x110V/300W AC Outlets Power Generator for Outdoor Camping RV Home Use Emergency amzn.to/3rS70D0
BLUETTI EB55 Portable Power Station 700W 537Wh LiFePO4 Battery Pack Solar Generator with 4 AC Outlets, 100W USB-C, Regulated 12V DC, Emergency Backup Power for Outdoor Camping Home Vanlife amzn.to/38jbdbO
COOKING
Smoothie Protein Meal Powder:amzn.to/3ksAsvj
Diatomaceous Earth (Food Grade):amzn.to/3kcWDoQ
Raw Cacao Powder (Organic):amzn.to/3vHEPHT
Chargeable Blender with Cup: amzn.to/3xSeDgC
Stove (Butane/Propane): amzn.to/3vEhHdr
Butane for Stove: amzn.to/3OBcOu3
One burner stove: amzn.to/3OBxu5b
DRIVING
Tacvisor amzn.to/3veYfoH
Phone holder amzn.to/3kbMQj2
BIKE
Rack - The Model We Use :amzn.to/3KfQ1Ro
A Similar Model: amzn.to/399xkln
FASTENERS
Aluminum Support Trim: amzn.to/3xZamro
Bungee Cords amzn.to/3vIbI7h
Velcro Straps amzn.to/38i4crM
Velcro roll amzn.to/3MrFJPw
STORAGE
Hanging shoe organizer (for anything) amzn.to/3EN3cI8
Hanging portable closet amzn.to/3rRyAA5
FIDGET TOYS
Fidget Balls amzn.to/3MrFRyu
PET TRAVEL
Folding soft dog crate amzn.to/3Mr4MlR
Headrest harness amzn.to/39hhoxC
HOBBY
Puzzle Roll:amzn.to/3MonXN0
WINDOW
Reflectix amzn.to/3vJ4XSB
Insulating reflective duct wrap amzn.to/38opXX2
BATHING
Shower Tent amzn.to/3KfgGxN
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Disclosures
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Blue Wonder Lady is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
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© Blue Wonder Lady, 2023 All Rights Reserved
#Vanlife #vantour #solovanlife #minivancamper #50plus #50+women #empowerment #vandwelling #vanbuild #Solofemaletraveler #Campervan #minivancamperconversion #tinyhouseonwheels #livinginmyvan #Nomad #Snowbird #vanhome - Jak na to + styl
FOR MORE INFO ABOUT TRAVEL GRANDMA's COMMUNITY: czcams.com/video/Dt1fb3kvoeE/video.htmlsi=vR9kt4uaVf68KmdV
I love that she’s minimalist but includes her hobbies. A nice lifestyle!
Wow, what a wonderful space she created! I didn't realize a high top roof could be added to a minivan. This setup would be ideal for me. Thanks for sharing!
It is a game changer! Thanks for watching 😁🎉
Unfortunately, they only do it on newer vans :-( I have a 2003 Honda Odyssey that I really wanted a high top on, but no way.
Thinking I'll contact Ursa Minor, Chula Vista, CA to see if they'll just install the hi top and not full bed aloft. Have you checked with them?
I thought Bob Wells said he did that once and it was a nightmare for him? I can’t remember exactly, but this is super impressive. Good job!
That’s a shame. Hopefully someone will start innovating once they pick up in popularity.
The high top is always better on any minivans!😊👍🏽💯🤗
Agreed!
Travel Grandma always comes up with the best ideas. Her energy in unstoppable. It's great to see you, Ishana. I hope all is well. Thank you for this wonderful tour.
Hi Kamping Katie! It is great to hear from you! Thanks for watching and saying hi. I hope all is well with you too ❤️😁
I'm amazed! This is the best simple, yet extraordinary extravagant. I have seen alot of Nomad Communial videos and I thoroughly enjoyed this one. You look so happy and content. Good job sister!❣️
Great tour! I love Travel Grandma's finishing touches around the top. I know it has to be nice of still having the ease of driving a minivan with the big van interior. Love this!
I really like her design. I don’t think I have seen one this nice!
I came here from Elaine's tour of your minivan. I thoroughly enjoyed your interview and tour of Elaine's new build and all I can say is wow! What a difference! Elaine gave me a ride during KOKO Fest 2021 and this new build is truly outstanding. Learned so much and send lots of thanks to you and Elaine. Oh and I enjoyed this so much I subscribed!
Hi Rebecca, Welcome to the channel! I love hearing how you got here. I totally agree, Elaine’s build is “outstanding”. And, it’s straight forward enough for the DIYer to do. Thanks for watching and for your kind words! ❤️😁
I LOVE this van! I am going to look into a high top 😊. It is the perfect set up (for me) I just can’t say enough about it! Love love love it ❤
Great!
Thoroughly enjoyed this tour. It was fun to learn more about Elaine and how she got started doing this life style. I love the new ideas she had about how to do her roof cut out to add more standing room. Lots of good storage ideas. Safe travels to you both 💕
Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for watching ❤️😁
I’d love to have some visitors at my property in southern Indiana . 17 acres . A gas station & dollar store a few miles away , a county park with camper spots , lake , trails & cabins 6 miles away .
In spring with redbud dogwood & flower bushes etc it’s nice .
That’s great, Sue. If you register for free at NomadsDownTheRoad.com, you can be a Host 😁❤️❤️😁
Love your van, BUT love love love your JACKET....💖👍🏻👏🏻
Looks pretty cozy in there. the high top is a nice touch
As a disabled woman, I had to live vicariously most of my life. Facebook and Internet doesn’t do that for me. I don’t want to live through a screen.
Love how your always upgrading according to your need!
Very nice I love it. You’ve done a lot to your van, but it sure is homey.
What a great woman and well designed van. She has everything! Even wigs 😂
I have land that you can park and hook up water and electric. Jack county Texas right off hwy.281 38 miles south of Wichita Falls,Texas. About 80 miles north of Ft. Worth,Texas.
Hi! Sounds like you could be a host at NomadsDownTheRoad.com 😁❤️
I bought a tent like that but haven’t been healthy enough to leave yet. Bless you and your journey
Hi Joanne, I hope your health improves soon and we see you on the road ❤️❤️
This is the set up I have been dreaming about. I may do a couple of tweaks, but overall is perfect. I do not want too much wood and like to keep my legs from bruising.I bought those shoes storage some time ago for the same reason she did. Nice!
Go for it!
Tim is so kind and handy.
I love all of the storage space. She has a very nice van/rig.👍
Really awesome...i change my mind about buying high top van.. ..
Great! Glad it was helpful. Thanks for watching : ))
Thanks for the tour. I love your van. The simplicity makes it seem open.
Oh I use to live as a kid in California! Lol many moons ago
My my you've got a real car home... its just like a mini house
Traveling Grandma this is awesome
Curious what the cost was to add the raised roof?
Nice colorful coat. Interesting topics to discuss and aspects about life on the road.
Glad you enjoyed the video! Thanks for watching : )
Wow!!! Awesome!!!👠🚌👠
Thank you 🤗
Yep, I have a driveway for "stopover" visit❣
Wonderful. Thank you.
Wonderful
I love this. I think I am gonna do this to my van. Thank you.
Go for it!
Love the build.
I wouldn't feel like a grandma if i was always traveling though
Wonderful build! Thanks for sharing.
Glad you liked it. Thanks so much for watching!
Love your home on wheels and love how you think.
Two beautiful ladies love 💕 this. Thank you 🙏🏼 for sharing 😊
🙏❤️😁
Thank you for sharing! I love your videos!
Thanks for watching!!
Hey travel grandma ❤-Another minimalist 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾😊amazing van 🚐
Nice space!!!!!
Share the Land with a VAN. Come park here. Montana is beautiful in the Summertime.
excellent tour. You both did a great job.
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching and for your encouragement : ))
I would love to have room for my sewing machine! A young guy up in Canada brings along a sewing machine and makes cool stuff for his mini van.
Omg!! I need more details!! Like interior height, width of the counter and bed.. and if your friend would want help/do another one
Awesome interview and video. New subscriber. Thank you for the video. Blessings to you.
Hi Gail, Welcome to the channel! Thank you for watching and your encouraging comment. I am so glad you enjoyed the interview and tour 😁❤️🎉
Awesome! Just joined! I’m only able now to start to get out due to life situations! 💕☮️
Hi FORUIDIG, That is GREAT! Congratulations 🎉🎊🎈
Guest room! Wow I want to do this!!
Go for it, R S!!!!!
Very nice. High top on a mini-van - great! And when you mentioned clouds on the ceiling I was again reminded of the STEAMPUNK rig - (I forget his name but not him nor the van, sorry!) Now that van had personality that showed who the person was and the crafts he did. Have a great day! 🙂
Steven 😁
@@BlueWonderLady Yes, I scrolled back and realised it was Steven! Thank-You!
You are welcome 🤗
I love this video and want to get out there and connect in person. Yes
Great!
Love what you have done on this. I have a mini van and would love to know what it cost to have them make the new top for you. Thank you for sharing.
Check out fiberene in California.
She said in a previous comment it cost $5,200
Great job. Love how you finished the ceiling area. Thanks for sharing, really interesting. I’ll go back and watch some of your other videos!
New sub great insight
Welcome to the Blue Wonder Lady channel, Karmifive! ❤️
Nomad down the road 2:45
Why reinvent the wheel? Boondockers Welcome (part of Harvest Hosts) offers safe places for nomads and RVers to park overnight from 1-5 nights free of charge.
Hi Poppa’s Place, Great question! When exploring the site NomadsDownTheRoad.com, I see a lot more than hosting/offering free parking. The community building is a big part of the site as well. Thanks for asking, and for watching!
As a way grown female i don't feel like i need so many friends .that seems elementary
Wow, what a great video you have made. I love how Elaine remodeled her van with the high top & shelving. I’d like to know about the Ikea shoe furniture she used as tilt out cabinets. I looked in the description but couldn’t find Ikea anywhere. What is the name or a link please?
I actually envisioned using the shoe cabinets over a year ago when I saw them on Wayfair. I haven’t done or bought anything more for fear of buying too much. I’ll wait to do that as I begin to travel hopefully in 6 months.
I’m glad to see the 16” fiberine roof on Elaine’s minivan & how she has finished the shelving with the board & materials but I’m not confident about how to finish it. Since that’ll be further down the road, I’ll explore it later. Safe & happy travels to you both. Cheers, Mo in NJ
That’s a great question, Monna. I’ll add that info once I have it. Congratulations on being so close to getting on the road. Very exciting!
The cabinets under my counter are called Throngs. Most people use them to store their shoes. Mine are made of plastic but are also available in wood. The ones I purchased came in a set of 2 in a store called Ikea, which is a big box store that sells a lot of furniture, kitchen cabinets, and home decor items. The price was about $40 for the set.
I assembled the wood to finish the top shelving around my roofline using L brackets. It was easy to do once I figure out the best solution for covering the gap left between the headliner and original roof. I then stapled fabric around to cover the wood.
You are so good at creating solutions in all your builds. : ))
I want to be a part of this. Yes
Great!
I love the high top I would never have thought of that on a minivan now I will purchase a minivan instead of a cargo van..what are the measurements of the high top? Where did you purchase the high top..I live in Niagara Falls Canada
Worth sharing with the others in my life Suitable for part-timers who has a place to go home to You didn’t say where you showered Or my question is are there places nearby to shower? For the budget friendly person I feel like this was a nice fit-out done yourself How do you plug-in solar? And you can use the front of the van for your mobile solar power mats couldn’t you? Anyway Blue Wonder Lady I loved your time to show me and thank you for being such a great person and all the best regards Amanda 12/3/23
Hi Amanda, Great to hear from you! There are plenty of places to shower nearby, such as truck stops and laundry mats. Agreed, this build gets a lot of bang for the buck. For plugging in solar, there is a part of the video where Travel Grandma talks about attaching the small portable battery to her folding solar panel. Let me know if you have any specific questions about that. I am so glad this was helpful to you : ) Thanks for watching!
I love your channel. I want to know where you got that gorgeous Hoodie jacket?
I love it! I love the high top. Please let me know which company did this for you and the cost. Thank you for sharing 😊
Hello Maria, The company is Fiberine. Their link is in the description. 😁
@@BlueWonderLady thank you so much 👍
You are very welcome : )
Hi....we need a prepper community a.o g the VAnners. Btw harvest home does not allow tents. Yes I can. See missing a. CRaft room
A prepper van community would be great!
I was thinking that because I live in a condominium I have extra visit space lots that we all get for our guest. I think if I was traveling I would stop in condominiums and ask if I could use their extra guest lot😊
I have done that before.
Yep. That can work : ))))
I want to see a sewing setup! Please, Grandma?
Where did she find that 5 gallon container? That would so work for me.
Great video, Ladies! Was great fun getting to know you in Quartzsite!
Yes! It was wonderful to meet you too! ❤️
Great roof idea.
Can you please tell us how much the conversion cost?
And is it insulated?
Could you please let us know if you are asking for the cost of the entire conversion or just the roof? Thanks!
What is the maximum interior height closest to the front seats when standing?
What fridge are you using
What's the height with the new roof. Just wondering if I would be able to stand up in it. I'm 5'5
Hello Carol. Great question. Later in the tour, we show how well we got and say our heights. It depends on where you are standing. I am 5’6 and stood up all the way towards the front.
I'm 5'5". The size of my hightop is 16". There's more headroom in the front but less towards the back where both the floor slopes up and the roofline slopes down. I can, however, stand up perfectly straight throughout, even with shoes on.
Finally measured the interior. It varies from 67" to 63" front to back with a 39" width x 5'' opening, narrowing in width a few inches towards the back where I kept the air vents intact and where the floor slopes. The majority of the opening is 6'6".
@@TravelGrandma oh, that's great. Thank you!
That’s really quite amazing. This is a game changer.
How many inches is from the floor to the ceiling inside?
What color is the white on your van it looks like it matches your high top?
Where have you been?
What's added roof top run how do you get inform I'm 66 in Texas
Hi! The company is Fiberine. They will provide the current cost. Thanks for watching!
What a great tour and conversation. Learned alot. Question 1: What is the name of that emulsifier T.Gma uses? And 2. Everyone asks about how do you go to the bathroom . My question is how do you store "the potty" when there is no place to dispose of it immediately? Great job Girls!
I want to know this too. I will check back for the answer later. Mo in NJ
Any liquid or urine solidifier works. I've used different brands. There are also pads that have the gel forming ability too. I'm interested in trying those too as some I found are cheaper and say they hold up to 35 Oz of liquid.
Double bag it. If you have room, keep bags in a separate container with a lid. I also heard that you can set bags outside on the roof of your car in a sealed container an animal will not be able to open, but I've never had to resort to doing that.
@@TravelGrandma Thank you- I was wondering about the critters. That is good to know. Thank you!
Hi Monna, The answer to your question is here in this thread now 😁
What mpg your van with high top gets?
Is it colder in there with the high top? How does it affect climate control?
How many inches is the high top? Nice.
Great video! What vehicle do you have and do you mind saying what it cost and how long it took. Thank you!
2018 Dodge Grand Caravan. The cost of the High Top was $5k. Once ordered they manufacture the top for you. it can take between 2-6 weeks before it is ready to be installed. The install takes one full day.
@@TravelGrandma thanks very much for the info!
Hi ladies!
I want to be out there so badly but I have a house to sell in Milton Delaware. I am about 3 miles from the bay and 13 miles from the ocean maybe!
It will take me at least a year just to empty 31 years!
I can’t wait!
I believe you said it was a 16 inch raise I’m 5’9”…do you think they could do 20 inch?
Hi 👋 Best to give the dealer a call to get those details. Sounds like a sweet location. I hope it sells fast. Some folks move everything into storage to get the house on the market sooner. It’s easier to let things go too when they are not where we are used to seeing them. Good luck!
What mini
Van?
Looks great! I've been thinking of doing this to my van. What did it cost to have the roof put on, and how did it change your gas mileage?
I have not noticed a difference. It is designed to avoid wind resistance.
The cost can vary depending on some options you have. The cost for my 16" high top was $5,200
With the high top added, would that van still fit in a garage?
Depends on the garage. Garages vary. The van with high top is a bit over 6feet high.
Did she say how tall she was? I need something for someone 5'5.
how much cost for the hight top
Hi. Hi-Tops range in price. The lower cost ones that I have seen have been $5,000.
I didn't watch the whole video yet. Do campgrounds consider this to be an RV? Are there any restrictions that you've encountered because it's a modified minivan and not a "Class B van"?
Also, how did you classify it for insurance?
I'm considering using this idea. I thought I'd need a class B in order to stand up, but I like certain minivan features that I don't see in Class B vans as much.
Hi Curious1 (I love that handle BTW : )), Great questions! I have reached out to Travel Grandma for a reply. Stay tuned. Thanks for watching!
Does high top impact your driving? Any issues on freeways, or curves or turns? Or gas mileage?
That’s a great question. I have not heard anyone mention the driving being very different, but I also am not finding anything about this on the internet. My gut tells me that the low center of gravity of the vehicle helps. Could you call the high top company? Thanks for asking!
I’m 5’ 10 “ , I wonder if the high top can be made higher?
Hi Lisa, That’s a good question. Fiberine is the company.
New to these channels and was wondering why you use paper plates.
I can burn them in a bonfire. Saves water and need to store waste. Just my preference.
Great question!
I don't know if I missed it but how tall is she? How much was the high top?
Hi Lion and the Lamb, We are both about 5’6”, but her exact height is mentioned toward the end of the tour. Fiberine would be the best place to find out costs. Thanks for watching! 😁
❓WHAT BRAND TENT IS THIS❓PLEASE POST LINK FOR TENT, THANK YOU
Great question, Ricky! I am sorry I did not ask. Let’s see what Travel Grandma says : ) Thanks for watching!
Where does someone find the storage? It is awesome. I can't seem to find it in the links.
Hi Sally, I want to get you the information. Could you please help me know what storage you are referring to? If it is the high top, that is fiberine. Thanks!
@@BlueWonderLady I was talking about the little table with the drawer that pulls out and closes by itself
They are called Thongs and I purchased them at Ikea. Approx cost $40 for the pair.
Thanks : )
How much do they charge to put the high-top on?
Hello Tammy, The cost varies. If you contact fiberine, they can give you the current cost. Thanks for watching!
Been hearing problems with mice, this happen often? If jackery old school, what's new?
I don't know about mice, but I hear the Bluetti's are great.
@@jazziered142 👍
What is the price range on the high top?
Hi Terri’s tenacious, I have heard of high tops on minivans costing about $5,000. You can contact Fiberine directly though to get the current prices. Thanks for watching! :))
May I ask how much the high top cost
Hi Sandy, Great question. You can see the answer in the reply to Amy Bates 😁 Thanks for watching! ❤️
Hello, How tall is she for reference? Thank you!
Hi Gatekeeper, She is about 5’6”. Thanks for watching!
How tall you have to be to get the high top?
Hi Angela, in my opinion the high top is great for any height person because it adds storage as well as height. Some people have slider or fixed windows added to their high tops for added light and ventilation as well. That said, squatting for using a potty is a lot easier with a high top for folks over 5 feet tall. I hope that is helpful. Thanks for watching! ❤️😁
@Blue Wonder Lady thank you dear. I'm 5'6 so you answer my question. Have a bless one
You are welcome : )))