Practical Sienna Mini-Camper Van (1)
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- čas přidán 19. 12. 2020
- This video shows how we converted our 2020 Toyota Sienna minivan into a mini-camper van. Not fancy, but functional and practical. It works out quite well for us. (The reference I mentioned in the video is from Bruce Parks, who showed how to remove the 3rd row seat and how to anchor the box frame to the van floor with hose clamps.)
More detailed information of the box platform can be seen in Part-2 of this series.
Window covering and front privacy curtain are shown in Part-3 of this series.
Traveling with a portable toilet is shown in Part-4.
Easier access to water through a faucet is shown in Part-5.
Ventilation and window screen are discussed in Part-6.
There are two additional videos discussing a flexible solar panel installation on rooftop and wiring issues.
Front window shades and ventilation using moonroof are shown in a later update.
A number of comments ask for folding mattress information:
We bought the mattress from Amazon:
amzn.to/3PhGiNp
The LED light:
amzn.to/3QlDdMI - Krátké a kreslené filmy
He speaks so gently, clearly and with substance.
Thank you!
And also dignified.
I was thinking the same exact thing.
I'm going to practice being a calm speaker.
Even the bible says that a gentle answer turns away wrath.😍😇
What a simple, clever idea. An inexpensive conversion, created with precision. I must also add this: Mr Shen Ye, you are the most gracious tour host I have seen. Thank you for this lovely film.
Thank you very much for your kind words and encouragement!
Modern day miagi
I've looked at a ton of these types of videos. Yours really stands out for how smart the design is - down to the smallest details - and the excellent craftsmanship. Thanks so much for posting. Would love to know more about how you live and function in it during a typical day.
Hi Charlie, thanks for your kind words and encouragement! We had taken a few trips late last year and made improvements after each one. When weather gets better, we will take on trips again and will post.
What a classy man he is!
what a soft spoken polite man, nice god luck in your travels
I find this very relaxing to watch! The calmest , most gracious tour guide. Also exactly what I was looking for since I am planning to convert a Sienna
Thank you and glad it was helpful!
Oh my gosh! I absolutely love the design! It is so practical and inexpensive. Your quiet, calm voice made the video even better and I very much enjoyed it. Thank you for sharing this with us.
I am glad you like it! Thank you!
Thank you for Sharing your simple yet effective conversion. I appreciate your gentle tone and politeness!
What I love about builds like these is that everything is done manually.
You are absolutely right. Everything had to be custom made.
大叔，您做的真的很用心！一切都很仔细，甚至视频都是有准备了稿子。祝您旅途安全，健康出行哦！ 谢谢您的上传。
谢谢!
He's majestic like a Crane and intelligent like a dolphin, and practical like a Corrolla
Beautiful conversion, job well done and explained
Thank you!
Love how practical and simple this is. It looks like they have a great time on the road with it!
Great, simple conversion. Has everything you need. Such a wonderful job you did. Best of luck in your travels.
Thank you! You too!
Tons of storage under the bed and out of sight of prying eyes. Love your demeanor. Very peaceful, no self promotion, and no hype. Eager to watch how you built it.
Thank you!
Very Nice, if I decide to do something similar, I'll check out your videos! Thanks for sharing and have a wonderful time on the road!
Thank you!
What a great conversion. I'm going to have to check out Bruce's video. I hope you have lots of great memories traveling in this van! Blessings, Helen
Thanks! We do have quite a few plans ahead of us :-)
So many great ideas in this build! I took a Sienna to the Grand Canyon on my first major road trip, this one is much more luxurious.
Thanks for watching!
Good job! Glad more asians are looking into van life... waking up to nature is such an amazing feeling
Agreed.
@@ShenYe01 I did a 10 day trip from Los Angeles to Utah with 3 dogs a few years ago... not a single night in hotel, spent all 10 nights sleeping in state parks in a minivan... best thing I’ve did...
@@VincentS327 👍👍
@@ShenYe01 Be safe!! I would recommend getting a license and carrying a firearm if you’re in the States, take advantage of the 2nd Amendment to protect yourself while travelling out there.
Very well thought out, designed and executed. Simple and excellently crafted. Thank you very much.
You're very welcome! Glad that you liked it!
Thank you so very much for sharing this with us! Your conversion has given me many ideas for my own and I am very grateful for your help. Your presentation was one of the most helpful I've seen on CZcams and I wish you all the very best!!
Thank you!
That was an awesome conversion! I love your ideas and how everything just works well together! Thanks for sharing.
Glad you liked it!
VERY, VERY IMPRESSIVE!
I sincerely loved your video.
The ONLY thing that I did not like was that I was dead set on buying myself a 2022 Ford Transit Connect XLT (approx. $30,000.00) this year to vandwell in, but now after seeing your video, I think that you have changed my mind in buying a 2022 Toyota Sienna Platinum (aprox. $50,000.00) with all the bells and whistles. Anyway keep making those videos because they are a very important tool in my tool box that keeps this wannabe vandweller educated. Thank you again.
Thank you and I am glad that the videos were helpful to you!
Very simplistic and very practical approach. Yet, this design makes it easy to get to your storage areas. Many designs I have seen with under bed storage are very cumbersome to access. And, too high to comfortably sit up or too close to van ceiling, even when laying down. I like your design!
Glad you like it! Thank you!
Thank you for sharing this simple yet functional build.
Very nicely done! It all looks well-designed and sturdily built, and I like all the easily-accessed storage.
Glad you like it!
What a clever transformation of that bed! I love me a clever build and yours is impressive. Thanks for sharing it.
I'm so charmed by him. As well as educated. What a lovely find this was.
Very neat and tidy, and practical. Thank you for this tour of your van conversion. Many great tips. Happy travels
Thanks for watching!
This is awesome! Really well done. Thank you for sharing and safe and happy adventures with your van!
Thanks so much!
Really enjoyed your video, Sir, looking into converting our van into a campervan, as the idea of camping off the grid really appeals to me lately. Thank you again
Glad it was helpful!
Nice design! I have learned while actually living in it; if you have to move your bed to access things, it had become time consuming and bothersome. Safe travel and camping.🙏
Thank you! The "split mattress" design was my 2nd iteration. It makes life much easier :)
What a beautiful build. I think the woodwork very concise and simple! I'll look for Bruce Parks video. Happy travels to you both. 👍 😊
Thank you!
Practical indeed. Thank you for sharing this.
Thank you!
Thank you for sharing your wonderful van conversion. While I don't own a minivan, I will take some of your ideas to my Subaru Crosstrek. Your video was so pleasant to watch.
Thanks and glad the video was helpful!
I love seeing these Sienna mini camper van. Because finally got something that is possible lol. 2018 Sienna, if my parents dont ever want it anymore.
What a brilliant design and beautiful build! Thank you for sharing. We haven't started ours yet and are searching for ideas.
Thank you!
Your voice is so calming, you could be a sensei 🙏🏽. If I’m saying that right.
Thank you for the video, I didn’t search this, but it came up, I like the setup, it’s not for me, but I love the idea. It’s sleek and simple. I love your sienna and your set up, just showing some love! Hope everyone is safe and happy. Enjoy camping and traveling. We are going to do it someday (travel and camping) we are planing to get a sienna as well soon. Thank you so much, stay blessed 🙏🏽
So nice of you. Thank you!
Love your build. Simple, elegant, functional.
This is so excellent. Might do it! So many simple and practical approaches
Thank you, Mr. Ye. I'm going to be converting a Sienna in a few months and you've got some neat ideas here.
Glad it's helpful to you!
I did something similar as your on my 2010 Sienna. It works great.
Thank you Sir for a lovely explanation of a simple effective conversion sometimes people overcomplicate things this proves it does not have to be so.
Thank you!
Nice job! Well thought out! 👍 I have a 2020 Sienna as well. I can't build it out fully because I still need it as a passenger vehicle, but I did use a couple of Bruce's ideas for the solar panel and removing the 40% side seat. In the place of the 40% side I have a storage bin sold by Toyota that fits in that space and built a platform for a 12 volt fridge and power station (Bluetti) which I keep there always for grocery shopping.
Hi Lilian, thanks for your comments! Nicely done for your Sienna to best suit your need. We also use our Sienna as a flat-bed cargo van. Cheers!
What is the Toyota part number for the storage bin?
@@GT705 try PT9240815010
Great video by a humble, polite and intelligent person. Thank you sir. I am using your ideas for my Odyssey. Good job.
Thank you!
Terrific, simple and well executed Sienna conversion! Congrats on a great job!
Thanks so much!
Beautiful job. We love our Sienna. It sounds like you love yours too.
Yes we do. We had a Sienna for 15 years before trading in for this one😊
First of all, that garage is so neat and clean. Kuddos! Great ideas for my van. Thank you!
Glad you liked it!
Your video answered the many questions I had and inspired me with your clever solutions! Thank you, and stay safe!
Glad I could help!
Mr. Ye. What an excellent use of space. I may try this on my Sienna. Thankyou and enjoy.
Thank you!
Ohh I just loved this. What a sweet and genuine man. Thanks for the tips!
You are so welcome!
This is fantastic!
We converted our 2008 sienna and I'm thinking we may have to upgrade after looking at your van!
Thanks! I am glad that you found it helpful!
You are amazing, thank you so much for sharing this. I currently live in a Prius and have been looking at Sienna videos and yours was recommended to me. I hope you have been doing well since you posted this
You are so welcome! We owned a Prius and for its size the interior space is amazing. However, it is still no comparison to the Sienna. So far, we have been enjoying our mini camper.
Thank you for sharing your idea., Mr. Shen Ye. Practical and simple. I hope I could find someone to do what you have done to your van for me . Peace be with you and your family.
This exactly what I'm looking for. Something simple so I can revert back when not camping.
Mr. Shen Ye... you made a great informative video highlighting you ingenious approach to building a simple and efficient camper. Thank you so much. I only wish I had your talents so I can make one also. It has become my dream.
Thank you for your kind words! Everything starts from small. Best wishes!
This is brilliant. Thank you for sharing your creative and practical solution.
You're very welcome!
Now that is a solid, practical conversion. Gave me some great ideas! Thank you very much. ♥
Glad it was helpful!
Great video! my husband is 6'4" and this might actually work for us if we decided to do car camping
Thanks and good luck!
好认真的CZcamsr， 几乎回应了每一个网友， 赞👍！
谢谢🙏
Beautiful simplicity. Thank you for sharing.
Looks very comfortable and functional! Great job!
Thank you!
This is a great conversion. Thank you for sharing. I will use some of your ideas.
Glad it was helpful!
That is an awesome set-up! Very practical and impressive! Thx for sharing.
Glad you liked it!
Very well thought out plan and I love the versatility of bothe the table top
Thank you!
Wow I’m impressed!!! Very well and thought out camper van!
Thank you!
This is a simple and practical Van Conversion. I like the idea of using 2 tripple-fold mattresses rather than a wide one. Also, the removable end part to be used as a table/bench, and the slide-out in the back to use as a cooking or food prepararion/serving surface, are both excellent ideas. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for sharing your great ideas & workmanship. I also appreciate how you credited Bruce Park.
I too, copied some of his ideas. I look forward to watching your future videos.
I learnt lot from Bruce's videos. But his overall design and sophistication are beyond my skill level. I tried to make it simple and more suited to our needs. Thanks for watching and your comments!
@@ShenYe01 Oh, I certainly agree. I could be best called a "handyman.
@@dickspade7045 🤝🤝
simple and more useful. I like this van build
Very nice conversion and an excellent presentation. I learned several good ideas from your video. Thank you!
Thanks! I am glad it was helpful to you!
This is awesome! I have been considering how to make my 2004 Sienna a mini camper. I will be doing something similar with mine, thank you for the great ideas!
Glad it was helpful!
Most tranquil voice on the internet
Thank you!
This was beautiful to watch. Great information and fabulous design.
Thank you! Cheers!
I'm gonna need to convert my minivan very soon. Looking for an idea. This video gave me a great & brilliant idea 💡 👍
Glad it was helpful!
Love it and my older Sienna. Might try and copy this!
Quality conversion and explanation. Thank you.
Very cool! Thank you for sharing your mini camper van.
Our pleasure!
Great job Mr. Shen!! 👏👏👏
love it, so simple yet functional.
Wow what a great setup! Well done! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for watching!
One of the best builds I have seen.
Thank you!
You have a great mini camper. Also your video is nicely presented.
Thank you very much!
It's very neat and I like it very much. I don't have wood working skills so I have a lot to learn. Thank you for sharing your design, Sir!
You are very welcome
Great built, I like how you are able to sit in bed. All the reviews of the 2021 Sienna mentions that you cannot remove middle seat. I haven't seeing one in person but yes it looks like you cannot easily remove seat and put them back for the occasional time you need to. But if you are buying a 2021 Sienna for the purpose of building it, most likely they are bolted down so you should be able to removed them. I like the idea of a hybrid Sienna.
Hi Alex, well made points! We had a 2005 Sienna before our 2020 model. We liked the interior space and flat floor of the 2005 model. We had a very high hope that 2021 hybrid model would be a perfect fit. However, when it made its debut in May last year, we found the non-removable 2nd seat, smaller interior volume and the huge center console. (It was good move for Toyota to reduce the center console back to a more traditional form in final release.) Those were the factors pushed us back to 2020 model. The “boxy” image of 2020 model which 2021 model tries to replace is a plus if we want to use it as a camper van. I am sure that the 2nd row seat of the 2021 model could be taken out. But that’s not something we wanted to do. (We left the 2nd row seat rails of our 2020 model and worked around them.)
Thanks for watching and your comments!
Great video my friend. Your conversion was well done.
Thank you! Cheers!
To keep mold down drill some holes in platform to aerate the pads. Great job looks simple and easy.
Thanks 👍
Thank you very much. There are some great ideas there. Much more sophisticated than my current bed.
Glad it was helpful!
Wow I had no idea you could do this all in a van ..thank u for the video sir very nicely done!
Thank you!
Hi Shen ye thank you you show me I like the way you do very simple easy to do and look clean👍👍👍
You’re welcome 😊
Great set up. Beautiful work.
Thank you!
Nicely done simple but practical.
Really nice craftsmanship. Lovely.
Thank you very much!
Love the van build. Keep it up! Very entertaining!
Thanks, will do!
Cool video and cool build, thanks for sharing!
Thanks for watching!
Nice. Very inspiring. Many useful ideas.👍
It packs in a lot of features in a small area. I should do the same with my van. Thanks.
Glad you liked it!
Thank you for a great video! I don’t have a minivan but this could also be used in an suv,
I am glad that it was helpful!
I feel like I could learn so much from this man. Thank you
Very Nice. Simple & Practical 😊
Thank You Very Much !!
Welcome 😊
I like the simplicity.
Looks great.. Wonderful job!!
Thank you! 😊