My Van-Life [Ep. #1]: The Van - 2023 Toyota Sienna Hybrid AWD
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- čas přidán 22. 08. 2024
- JUSTIN A VAN
[Season0, Episode22]:
Beyoncé of the Cold, North Winter
Welcome to my channel: JUSTIN A VAN
Take a tour of my self-converted 2023 Toyota Sienna camper minivan that I live out of while traveling around the country. This is a "no-build" minivan as everything can be taken out of the vehicle at a later time, and nothing has damaged the vehicle in any way.
If you're interested in seeing how I built my van, the associated costs, or the reasons why I believe the Toyota Sienna is the future of Vanlife, subscribe to my channel and stay tuned.
Thanks for watching,
- Justin
____________________________________________
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
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License code: C9LZZDPXDUYNDY4B
Some guys dream of Corvette ZR1's, Ferrari's, etc. But I seriously dream about a Toyota Sienna Hybrid camper conversion ! I have done 5 cross country, car camping trips, and the 6th one coming up in 5 weeks, in my Toyota Prius, and it has worked out great. So I can only imagine how nice it would be in a Sienna camper van :) I have seen some of these on CZcams vids which were "not" Hybrids. And no matter what they have done to them, not being a hybrid is a deal breaker for me. If that's going to be the case, I'd rather stick to my Prius. The importance of Hybrid just cannot be overstated. I'm super envious of your Sienna camper :) Have fun. Be safe.
Toyota needs to sponsor this dude. So he can show them the power of sienna
That would be awesome
I live in a 2000 Sienna
Yeah I'm sure Toyota needs help selling cars they can't even make fast enough , and from a flamer 😊
There's a couple of us. ;) Nice build @Justin.a.Van. I sub'd :)
This was the nicest most practical no build car conversions that also seems most financial reasonable for most people. Glad I found your video.
Thank you I appreciate it
I love it so much. This practical approach is definitely solid gold inspiration for probably at least 90% of people considering this sort of thing. Not too complicated for the average do it yourselfer, and completely reversable for resale. Please build this channel out into videos showing more detail on how you threw together each feature. Some day you'll see a Sienna and say to yourself "hey I bet that's one of my vans". Thanks for posting. Subscribed
I appreciate it. That’s the plan
@@JustinTheVan thank you for replying
Now the question how did you remove the second row of seats that are hooked to the air bag system? 73
Use butane stoves instead of propane they are smaller and butane is available at Sam's club or Walmart. Even flea markets you can find butane.73
NICE! I wish Toyota would realize how many people convert their cars to live in. The one BIG thing that would make it better for this type of conversion is to have a switch that would allow the hybrid battery run down to 20% before triggering the engine to start. I believe it is currently set at 80% which is why it turns on ever 10 minutes. I also wish they offered a lift-kit on the suspension. Otherwise, it's the perfect van for conversion, 1. Hybrid (get gas milage) 2. AWD! 3. Reliable and 4. More space than their 3-row SUV, Highlander!
Exactly
It's interesting what people call 20% and 80%. Batteries last the longest if kept between 20% and 80% plus charging over 80% is much much slower. The original Prius was marketed as starting the engine at 20% and charging till it was 80% which makes perfect sense to engineers as that would be the most efficient charging and the most efficient life cycle for the batteries but the common person without a lot of engineering education didn't really comprehend this so it's now assumed by many of the public as starting the engine at 80% to charge to 100% which doesn't make any engineering sense at all with regards to how batteries charge, especially lithium ion batteries. However, there are new battery technologies such as ones using graphene as an electrode that could make the high end charging closer to the linear behaviour that the public mistakenly believes of battery charging but until then, there is no point in automatically starting the engine to start at 80% to charge to 100% other than to waste most of the electrical energy produced by the engine.
It comes on every 10 minutes? For how long?
I did see a guy a couple months ago who found a company that makes lift kits for the Sienna and a few other minivans
@@girlplaymm
Very “Eric Enjoys Earth” esque and I love your adaptations of his build.
Thank you! I appreciate it
Great innovation, I appreciate the video. I lived in my 2005 Sienna for more than a year and can say honestly that Toyota makes an awesome van for this lifestyle. My bed was smaller so I could fit more essentials like 20 gallons of water. Yes indeed, living in a small space can be done!
I'm currently living in a 2000 Sienna with a twin size bed 🛏️ and a 100 watt solar panel on the roof.
How did you get 20 gallons of water?
What type of containers did you use? Asking for me.
@florindagonzalez5700 I bought 4 - 5 gallon water jugs in Canada. Cheaper up there since these were made in Canada.
Thanks for sharing this! Very innovative! Great tips! Lots of inspiration!
Happy trails, safe travels, and best wishes!!!
Ok MacGyver!! And from Michigan! Love your ingenuity & description.
Thank you I appreciate it lol
watched in the back of my 2015 Toyota Sienna SE = my Home On Wheels 🚐 great channel name 😉 subscribed 👍🏽
Thank you I appreciate it
Good job! I too had just converted my 2023 Toyota Siena XSE to a mini camper with kitchen, refrigerator and a toilet, so my wife and I can take road trips through the states.
Would love to see your setup. I just got a water jug with a filter system but still no kitchen, toilet, or refrigerator
Best conversion I've seen yet for a Sienna hybrid. I'm set up in a similar way in my 2014 Sienna. When I've maxed out the mileage on it I'll get a Sienna hybrid and move everything over to it. My Sienna is also a no build, so I can put all the seats and other stuff I've removed back in and sell it or give it to one of my grandkids.
Great plan
Really great build! 2 suggestions: use the space behind your microwave for your fridge. You may find it a much more convenient location to access food than in the rear floor storage. Perhaps put it on a slide out shelf or drawer slides. With your bed being so low to the floor you would be able to open and a pull stuff from the fridge without issues. (or just leave the space above it open, so you can open the fridge lid) Also, rather than a propane stove, try a single burner butane stove instead. Cheap, really reliable, and perfect pairing with your microwave. You can also use the same small butane cannisters to run a small butane heater like the Covea butane heater in the van. Make sure you buy your butane cans at an Asian food grocery store. Way cheaper than home depot type stores! Subscribed, cheers.
I feel so inept becuz all of these videos show ppl creating their own conversions.
I need to show this video to some handy guys standing in front of Home Depot
to do this for me. Awesome job!
The name alone on thus CZcams title made me log on it ❤
Now I'm watching his built made it even more worth it. And all I have to say is BRILLIANT 🎉
Thank you very much! I appreciate it
Looking forward to the bed build video, I love that entire design!
Excellent video , I have been sleeping ( when I am not at work ofcourse ) in Toyota Prius V for the past 10 years and my next switch will be Sienna Hybrid after my Prius V. You mentioned about propane stove (at 10:40 minutes ) that I used to use in my car , but ,now I switched to Airfryer that I plug into Eco Flow Delta 2. It has been more of convenience now. Thanks of the video , now I know we can actually remove rear seats in Sienna Hybrid without triggering air bags system. I subscribed.
Bless you. I have a 2023 Platinum that I bought just to live in and this is really close to what I want to do with mine. Seriously, thank you. ❤️❤️❤️👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
That’s awesome. I would love the digital backup camera and cooling seats. But I didn’t want to have the dark interior and entertainment system
@@JustinTheVan Understandable. I don't have an entertainment system but I do have the dark interior. I have ceramic tint on my windows and I keep a windshield cover up on my windshield so the dark trim isn't a problem. I came from a Hyundai Santa Fe limited that had all the technical bells and whistles so the platinum was the closest trim to what I already had. Unfortunately it still sucks compared to my Santa Fe but it is what it is.
Simple and smart. Im glad you said your mattress was 80” long thats what i would look for and didn’t know how much space it would take up.
Thank you I appreciate it. Yeah definitely worth the extra length especially if it can fold away easily still
Dude, the bed's awesome! I have a similar seat-to-bed combination, but mine isn't nearly as easy to set up everyday. I'd love to see that bed build video when it drops. Nice work all around!
Thanks I appreciate it. Stay tuned
No wonder you were willing to order and wait for this van! Its features are pretty awesome. So are your no-build ideas!
Fantastic! Now a portable sink, water and an emergency pottie! 🎉
yes, and a small compressor fridge
Yeah they are nice. I bet my large refrigerator would fit in the seat hole. I want my smaller one for the console up front. 73 @@blakepoland227
It’s like you zip a Ford camper van. It’s exactly what I am looking for. Awesome
Thank you I appreciate it
Brilliant! For your folding desk on pipes… what about adding a string tether to you drivers side headrest to help give it a bit more support?
That’s a great idea thanks
Great job with this very well thought out and highly functional no-build conversion. We owned a 2004 Sienna for 10 years and absolutely loved it for family trips and I was always convinced that it would make a very good minivan camper, but that the newer hybrid models would be even better and you proved me correct! Again, great job! 👍
Thank, I appreciate it
Thanks for giving us ideas of what is possible with the Sienna. Personally I'd probably skip the furniture if I some day tried that, but a magnetic bug net sounds like quite a pro tip.
I have a Toyota Sienna and I'm kinda interested in converting it into a camper like this. I really like how you said that your build doesn't permanently damage the vehicle. If you ever needed to, you can convert your van back to the way it was and that's super awesome.
Yep!
Genius no-build build!! I car camp in a Toyota Matrix and a Rav4, but hope one day to get a new Sienna. This was so helpful! thank you!
That’s awesome
This is an awesome build. He built the bed and the shelving unit. If you build something, it's not a no-build.
@@serenityjewelit could be a no build if you build the bed and make it outside the van. I would want to make the van resellable after I'm done with it. My last sienna lasted over 240,000 miles. 73
Wow! This is amazing! Well done! Thank you for sharing! Van life here I come!
Nicely done!
I especially like the sunroof screen.
That adjustable bed design is genius. subscribed. looking forward to watching the build process
Glad to hear that, thank you
I love your YouTubing style! Love your confident personality, and the fact that you show useful things you built. I love that you do not have background music. I love that when you speak, you are confident enough that you don't need to distract the viewer with background music. So many CZcamsrs get the background music thing wrong. I do love your choice of music for the intro: very happy and cool music. I think I am going to love your channel more and more over time. I really look forward to seeing your adventures! The quad fold bed is GENIUS! Love the simple but brilliant peg system. So many things to love in this build.
Best minivan conversion i've seen . looking forward to your DIY video😎
Thank you! I really appreciate it
That is exactly the kind of bed design I've been brainstorming, so thank you for all the details! Your style is clear and concise, and i definitely think ill be implementing some of the ideas youve used into my own van.
It looks fantastic.I love it.well done.Thanks for sharing.
Greetings from Germany👍👋
Oh cool. I appreciate it
What a beautiful, efficient, well-conceived build, and a great, well-explained, concise video! More please! I’d love to see the details!
Thank you I appreciate it
wow! Great build! I may be getting a Sienna soon and this video has some of the best ideas I’ve seen. Looking forward to more videos!
Awesome build. You have got it all covered! Enjoy the road! Thanks for sharing. 👍🌞🚙🏞
What a great set up. Yes, I’m totally interested in how you made the bed. Great table set ups. Well done 👍🏼
Likewise, I'm just waiting to see how you put that bed together. It's quite different from the others I've watched.
Please give us a diy instruction for the bed. Thanks for the inspirational video!
Stay tuned
Watch "Eric enjoys earth"
Nice build, I look forward to more videos of your travels. I am about to go full time in my Chrysler T&C but have not done a tour video yet, You inspire me to do so. And I agree, hybrid is the way to go...maybe in the future for me. Travel safe and be well.
Awesome! Loved your take on a Sienna Camper Conversion. I'm subscribed and looking forward to watching your build detail videos. 😀
Hey…good job here! Simple and efficient. Love it….I wish I had seen your roofing system before I spent the big bucks buying cross bars…which makes my Explorer look like a cop car even more from far away….so I’m looking at vans but before I buy one I have a few things to do first. Looking at sienna and Pacifica and carnival….all good choices. Be safe.
Thank you I appreciate it
This is the best bed build i have seen in van so far. Great job
Oh wow thank you I appreciate it
Bro this so amazing! thank you for taking us on your journey!!!!
I like U R bed & couch combo. Nice and simple.
Thank you I appreciate it
Spectacular build and inspired creativity. All that aside, however, is that there are more socks in that van than all the rest of the state of Michigan 😂😂😂
Wow, You really have some great ideas going on in your van.. I love the easiness of everything. I live in Michigan in the Upper Peninsula and know all about snow. Lol.safe traveling and enjoy🙏🙏🙏
Thank you very much, I’ve been to the UP in the past but not during vanlife. That should be fun
Very cool! The folding bed/chair rocks!
Thank you I appreciate it
Lots of clever ideas! I have the same power station that I use in my Scamp and homebuilt teardrop trailer when I’m camping off grid.
Absolutely love this was thinking about this exact vehicle for van life last year but couldnt find anyone using it for a build
It’s amqzing
excellent choice in vehicle knowing the mileage and the hybrid motor. love the "no build" build!
Hey, I love the Birkenstocks. I’m sure you are saving those for special occasions
A friendly word of advice...MANY times when camping, we encounter mosquitoes or biting flies. Not fun when they get into our van. As to cooking, I suggest a stand-alone, folding table so you can cook outside with the van doors closed. Also, did you keep weight, and weight distribution, in mind with your build?
Yes that’s a very good point. I will be getting a folding table eventually.
For weight, I tried to make my weight as low as I could and most of my build weight is on the passenger side which isn’t great but I sit on the drivers side, sleep on drivers side, and try to put any dead weight (water) on the drivers side so it’s somewhat even. My MPG being 33 with the build I think indicates that I don’t have any weight issues
Wow! You are so talented! Thanks for sharing your amazing van conversion. Down the road, I wld like to have a van just yours!
Thank you! I really appreciate it
bro im so jealous of this. nice van. i got a 2011 sedona and this is INSANE
Thanks I appreciate it
@@JustinTheVan For sure man, I didn't even know they made Sienna hybrids. I wish they came out with these years ago so you could find an affordable used one. Still at the price its a great deal. You can put 200k on that easy I bet
Where's the bed video? I'm in awe with this bed. 😍 i think i have an idea of how it works and how it was put together but would love a video of you have time. Thank you
The 2 way slide bed is genius! 😮
Thank you!
This is fabulous great idea on the bed you should get that patent
Haha thank you
awesome! I made those same upper window airflow things from gutter guards too :)
awesome conversion full of great ideas, and one of the best video tours in terms of how you walk the viewer through your build. Almost built the same as you till I found another review that showed the motor coming on every 10min (as you also say), rather than every 30min for the Prius (Sienna seems to have different mapping that doesnt let the batteries discharge much). That killed it for me. Went full electric instead (Kia Niro EV), which is awesome for climate control but a bit cramped for two. Thanks for sharing!
Would love to see how your setup for that. I was very interested in an EV for the climate control as well but didn’t think a model Y would have enough space. Plus most don’t a high wattage AC inverter based on my research
Hi @@JustinTheVan - see my short video tour of e-NIRO camper here: czcams.com/video/0XsXf83QnJ4/video.htmlsi=DhAq-deA5hQVQvoe
@@JustinTheVan I have a short tour of our build here: czcams.com/video/0XsXf83QnJ4/video.htmlsi=vl7MyqNqH_8rxtoZ
Thank you so much, i have this car, but L.E trim and plan on converting it one day when i dont have to uber my kids around anymore 😂👍.i will. Save this video snd sub.have fun camping
Stay tuned
I love the magnetic bug screen
Thank you I appreciate it. Stay tuned for a video on it
Nice job! Simple, efficient and attractive! Thank for sharing
Thank you!
This is what I like. Love to learn how to build from you.
Stay tuned
This is my dreambuild, an 'eric enjoys earth' style build in a hybrid sienna.. I'm glad to see somebody beat me to it and that it's doable. Well done sir :)
Haha yeah it’s beyond doable. Everyday I think of things I wish I did differently. The hybrid Sienna is the perfect foundation
This is Great 👍❤ I'm looking forward to seeing more videos. Can't wait to see how you made you bed.🙂❤️
It's amazing. Some of you're ideas are well thought out. I love you bed/recliner. Me and the wife have been lookin for a Sienna XLE/XSE awd Sienna for ever but dealers wanting market adjustment. As soon as we can get one, we will put some of your ideas to work. When you get the chance you should show how you did your floor board.
Nice, yeah I’ll make a video on the bed and the floor. I went with an XLE because the XSE only has a black interior and I thought it would feel sad/cramped with such a small space. With XLE you can get light gray
Best build I’ve seen. I so would like to know more about how
Thank you I appreciate it. Stay tuned
Wow, really great bed/chair build. Thanks for sharing
Stay tuned for a video in more detail on it
Wow! This is a really nice build. You made some good design decisions with the vehicle choice, layout and the bed. Thanks for sharing.
What a sweet setup and design!!
Very well done. I'll be borrowing some of your ideas for my own minivan.
Well done. Thanks for sharing. Many good ideas here.
You do a great job. I was always thinking why van build folks don’t build these type of pods. I think it is important feature when a person wants to sell or choose not to want this life anymore. Your site is the closest I have seen on “pod builds”…. I would do what you have done. Great work
Nice! Good use of space and thoughtful design.
Thank you I appreciate it
Love the build and the presentation...just what I needed as I do my research.
LMK if you ever make it out to California. Got a place in San Francisco and you're welcome to the shower and guest bed while passing through.
Great idea and nice van camper!
Thank you I appreciate it
Great ideas! I have a 2009 Sienna that I’m going to do a light build out on this winter. I like seeing how to run the solar to the battery via side door.👍
Yeah it’s worked great for me.
Awesome dude!..yeah more videos!
Stay tuned
I read somewhere that removing the second row seats is somewhat of a hassle. Some people say it's a deal breaker for them to buy it in the first place. Perhaps the battery location makes it impossible to do a stow and go like Chrysler. I like my old 2000 sienna bc both second and third rows can be easily removed.
It took me probably 10 minutes to take all the seats out
It’s worth it for the hybrid AWD system
Excellent build.
How did you get the seats out? Was there any issue with the seatbelt detection or electrical?
Would like a video that gets up close and personal with how you wired your solar panel.
Thanks for showing off your Toyota.
More videos to come explaining things. It was easy to take the seats out and I bought an airbag emulator that this guy on CZcams created for that purpose: czcams.com/video/24cYWBiTUwY/video.htmlsi=5JxmbsZ-GG-Rh_zx
@@JustinTheVanWill this affect the warranty?
@@April0712that I do not know
Interested to learn more about the roof rack and how it fits up to the rails!
Stay tuned
Well done! Nice setup. I would love to see how you built your bed (I like the tilt options) and flooring. I just got my LE a few months ago and want to do the same thing as you for some weekend adventures. Thanks for sharing!
I’ll be making a video specifically on the bed
Why not use drawer slides for your table?
I’d imagine sitting in couch mode would cause back pain due to limited leg extension. You may want to consider a swivel seat for your passenger seat.
It’s great that you have climate control and a screen for your windows and sunroof.
What about front access to stow and go seating area for more storage?
It’s great that you can power a microwave.
Drawer slides is a good idea. My back hasn’t been hurting but I could see myself switching it up in the future
Thanks for sharing. It seems very well thought out. I have been exploring how to convert a Honda Element. I have a butane cooker that is smaller and easier than a propane cooker and very portable. I saw a video where an Instapot was used as a cooker and the pressure cooker that it is has insulation in its design. It may use very little electricity compared to other options. There is also the Gosun Fusion which can cook with sunlight even when snow is on the ground as long as one gets direct sunlight. The design uses vacuum thermos technology and has a back up electric cooking panel that is rated at a mere 150 watts and does not need very much cooking time (15 to 45 minutes max), and can plug into a DC car outlet. I am going to ponder your ideas and see if anything helps.
Hmm yeah I haven’t done much research into a cooking source yet besides my microwave. I think my main want would be to be able to cook chicken breast and other meats so I’m thinking a small propane or butane grill
@@JustinTheVan I have been researching cooking some because I am trying to avoid using gas cooking and see if I can go all electric (the carbon monoxide issue and the need for a monitor makes me want to try). However, I find that a butane cooker is a good back up and feels safe. The main disadvantage of butane is that it is more expensive and the smaller cans of fuel do not last as long. They seem popular among Asians who often use them for family cook outs when they are not cooking with them in their vans. The Insta-Pot does cook chicken well and thoroughly with less electricity. However, unless you use the saute mode, it will not have the crispy outer skin. Good wishes. I will be curious what you come up with as you evolve your build.
It was a great Idea to go for the sienna hybrid, I wish I could copy your build
The hybrid powertrain is amazing. Total game changer
Wow awesome build
Thank you I appreciate it
Looking forward to a movie on how to build your couch bed. Please, please make one!
Will do, stay tuned
Nice! Good roads to you ❤😊✌ van lifer 🇨🇦
I like your layout design.
Clever and practical build.
Great job, you have a lot of good ideas. Looking forward to your next video.
Thank you, I really appreciate it
Fabulous ingenuity!
Wow, very cool!
Well done!
I have been watching van life and can’t decide if I want to get a high top van or just a regular van which I can park in my garage and easy to drive. Your ideas are awesome. Roof screen and partial windows screen setup are great ideas. Bed/sofa system is great too. Also like your share of the mileage as well. Toyota Sienna hybrid seems like a good choice. Thanks a lot
It all depends what you want to do with your van I think. If u want cheap, efficient, everyday use and drive ability then the Sienna is great. If you want a house on wheels that’s super live-able then you need a sprinter/transit/promaster
Nicely done.
Thank you I appreciate it
Genius build! Love it!
Very nice. A thought. If when in 4 seater mode, if you get 4 lap seatbelts, YOU CAN as long as the belts are attached to the van, have 4 passenger's.
I think if I were to rebuild I would put more thought u to making seating possible for driving
WoW, Thanks 4 Sharing!
Nicely done
Thanks I appreciate it