Van Tour: DIY conversion with a stealth van (FAST and INEXPENSIVE)

Van Tour: DIY conversion with a stealth van (FAST and INEXPENSIVE)

This video is a van tour of a do it yourself (DIY) van conversion of a minivan into a camper. The video will give good ideas how to convert any van into a camper. With this example, you’ll see that you can do a great DIY conversion even with a minivan!

It shows that anybody can do a great conversion and a great camper without spending too much money!

You’ll see that you can do a van conversion without modifying the van, so you won’t deteriorate the salvage value when you’ll sell it. Foremost, you’ll be able to transfer every pieces of van conversion that you will have built into a similar new van! You’ll save a lot of time and money with such a transferable design.

Also, this example will show you that you can do a great van conversion with just a few tools!

The objective of the video is to encourage and stimulate you to realize your dream of van conversion and go live in the great outdoors!

This video is the first of a series that will explain how to proceed to convert a van by doing it yourself (DIY).

Sorry for the accent, English is my second language.

50 Comments

  1. Paolo Sulprizio on July 19, 2022 at 1:38 am

    Thank you for sharing your design solutions, ideas and processes, Erik! The final result looks similar to this https://youtu.be/EMiYqvGzvkI but yours wins for reversibility and "tinyness". And, as said above, you explain processes and reasons for the design choices.

  2. Marc on July 19, 2022 at 1:41 am

    Bill Myers wrote a Kindle book about doing a no-build conversion of a Toyota Sienna. I bought that and gave it a try. It’s ok, but not great for anything longer than a weekend. So I’m considering a more thorough build-out, and this one seems like a fantastic option! And I love the idea of being able to easily remove it and move it to another van. (Mine has almost 200k miles on it, so not sure how much longer it will last!)

  3. Karyn Chabot on July 19, 2022 at 1:42 am

    J’adore le modèle intérieur et le fait que ce soit amovible pour une autre vanette. Est ce que votre modèle ferait dans une kia 2012?

  4. Sue Mitchell on July 19, 2022 at 1:42 am

    As in comments below I appreciate your concept of a removable build. I look forward to seeing more of your videos thankyou😎

  5. Ignacio Perez on July 19, 2022 at 1:43 am

    Bon Jour. Accent merveilleux..Did you make the bed yourself or bought? also do you have a list of materials…Merci Bien and Good Travels…very ingenious

  6. Jenny Sutton on July 19, 2022 at 1:44 am

    Thank you Eric! An inspiring, functional build that has really sparked my interest. You make it seem as though I could tackle it myself. So far, it’s the best setup I’ve seen with conversions. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge and experience. Happy travels from Australia

  7. Wiley67 on July 19, 2022 at 1:46 am

    Awesome sauce, your good at this. 💯🧡

  8. Next72Hours on July 19, 2022 at 1:46 am

    Great Video..im about to embark on this adventure in life. We didnt get the Sienna here in New Zealand that I know.off.so I looking for what would be similar.. great videos

  9. Lauren Sampson on July 19, 2022 at 1:46 am

    Eric what size fridge to you recommend for one person? I am thinking between 25L and 35L

  10. MC on July 19, 2022 at 1:48 am

    Very nice. Thank you

  11. Kamar Bazarek on July 19, 2022 at 1:48 am

    New subscriber….Fantastique!!! I’ve a 2009 Sante Fe….I’m gonna give it a shot…come July when my lease is up!!! Au bientot…

  12. Darma on July 19, 2022 at 1:49 am

    Erik — You do an impeccable job explaining how you achieved each aspect of your van conversion. I have enjoyed all of your videos. I didn’t know that a minivan could work so well as a comfortable & stealth camper. Do you know if it possible to put a swivel mechanism on the passenger seat in a Sienna? I know your frig would not make that useful for you but I thought you might know the answer. Thank you for sharing your amazing adventure van!!

  13. Wander_r on July 19, 2022 at 1:50 am

    Thank You Eric for the inspiration and great ideas! Last fall I was looking at many van conversion videos, and luckily found yours. I made a few changes, to better fit a Grand Caravan, but basically followed your lead. I’m down to the cushion covers and window shades now, so should be ready to roll in a few weeks. Thanks again!!!

  14. Debrajoy on July 19, 2022 at 1:51 am

    Can’t wait to do mine! 2003 Honda Odyssey

  15. Goveen Poon on July 19, 2022 at 1:52 am

    Good idea

  16. treal512 on July 19, 2022 at 1:54 am

    Hello, friend. Do you have a video or website that goes more into the specifics of your couch bed combo? I think it is a great idea!

  17. Heather AngelLight on July 19, 2022 at 1:54 am

    What an amazing job you did!!!! Do you have the specs for the build anywhere?

  18. The Mystery Machine on July 19, 2022 at 1:55 am

    what a happy guy. good vibes. thanks eric <3

  19. Supriya Shanti on July 19, 2022 at 1:56 am

    Do you have a video or could you put a link for the pipe you bought that heats your water on the roof? And thanks For all the great videos!

  20. daniel too on July 19, 2022 at 1:57 am

    I have decided to build my own campervan or campertruck following your design concepts and ideas. Thks Eric for your wonderful sharing. Godbless.

  21. Gilbert Nichols on July 19, 2022 at 1:59 am

    I liked and subscribed because I want to do the same with a Sienna, but have a pop-up because I am 7 feet tall. Living stealth is not my highest concern as much as living comfortably as possible. I would like to know how you did so much with only a couple tools. I also am looking for a Sienna that someone would like to donate, as I am on a fixed income at present and not able to afford to purchase a van.

  22. Kevin Pwa on July 19, 2022 at 1:59 am

    Hello Erik! I love the concept. I think you have the best one yet. One thought i have: how often do you sit at the back? What if the foldable bed is only 3 parts (instead of 4), and create a cushioned cabinet at the back of the front seats (where you have your freezer) to extend the length of the bed. You freezer will have to move to the back "garage". Will that work?

  23. northern tranquility on July 19, 2022 at 1:59 am

    That’s an ausome build , especially like the bed . You gave me some excellent ideas very professional. Thanks for sharring Dale

  24. Elizabeth Johnston on July 19, 2022 at 2:02 am

    Next question… what is the weight distribution like? Seems like without the box and shower on top, the majority of the weight is on the driver’s side?

  25. Tai C. Chang on July 19, 2022 at 2:03 am

    Testimonials: we, active couple aged 75 & 79 just finished 2,600-mi touring of southeastern seashores of MD, VA, NC, SC, GA, DE in our newly converted 2009 Toyota Sienna. Stealth/comfortable sleeping, safe driving, 25 mpg. Found a new love and many thanks to Eric & Ino Han for their motivations. 대단히 감사드립니다!

  26. Phil Leo on July 19, 2022 at 2:03 am

    Merci Beaucoup, Eric. Just subbed and Bravo! What model year is your Toyota Sienna Monsieur? Happy Holidays and New Year,phil

  27. Maximilien Bisson on July 19, 2022 at 2:03 am

    Which LED strips are those? I’ve looked at many models but none seem to be that bright.

  28. Jeff Davis on July 19, 2022 at 2:06 am

    Hi, I am using your guides for my mini van build and love all the input you offer. The quick release table mount has evaded me. Please tell me the type of system you are using for the removeable table. Thanks

  29. Shawna Lee on July 19, 2022 at 2:07 am

    Beautiful, functional design Eric! I am curious where you have your grey water from you sink?

  30. Madeline Woe on July 19, 2022 at 2:08 am

    You da van man, cheri!

  31. Jane Prepper on July 19, 2022 at 2:08 am

    Exceptional 👍

  32. earlkarp on July 19, 2022 at 2:12 am

    From Colorado, I have enjoyed your videos. I would like to see a video about your electric setup. In your videos I see that you have a solar panel for the LED lights (5v or 12v?) with dimmer, water pump, fan, and fridge. What type of battery do you use, what all components are needed for charging and how long does it last? How much power does the fridge draw? I think in one of your videos that you only use the panel to charge your setup? So you don’t use your alternator at all? Again thanks for your shared wisdom!!

  33. Cathy Ojena on July 19, 2022 at 2:14 am

    I don’t understand how you have the Thule carrier attached? It looks like it would be easy to steal

  34. SansUndertaleMegolovania223 on July 19, 2022 at 2:15 am

    The best minivan build I’ve ever seen. Incredible design

  35. Roseville Homestead on July 19, 2022 at 2:22 am

    I watched all of your video, I hope you will make more. By the way I don’t know if you already know about a 12v rice cooker, it was a lifesaver for me when I went car camping with my kids. I can cook rice while driving and have it ready by the time we arrived in campsites. It is very safe because the lid has a lock for safety. It can also bake bread and I can cook pasta and meat in it, just like a slow cooker. It’s my lazy but really smart way of cooking while driving.

  36. Don Newton on July 19, 2022 at 2:22 am

    This is just brilliant.

  37. Sylvie Ouellet on July 19, 2022 at 2:23 am

    Wow! C’est probablement le set up le plus ingénieux que j’ai vu…et j’en ai vu des centaines. 😉 Awesome job! 👌

  38. dvfreelancer on July 19, 2022 at 2:26 am

    When Erik talks about van living, a smart person listens. He’s been out there for years and his designs and recommendations are practical for daily living.

  39. Gareth V on July 19, 2022 at 2:26 am

    Great stuff, thanks for sharing all this information. I have a minivan and plan to follow your design, Its the best design I"ve seen. thankyou.

  40. Dana's Doodles on July 19, 2022 at 2:26 am

    Also, would it be possible to do the base with PVC pipe? Thinking it would be a lot lighter.

  41. Blue Dog on July 19, 2022 at 2:27 am

    Awesome video and van. I’m so impressed. I would totally be comfortable if I had this van. My dream life. I hope some day soon I can do it while I am still able.

  42. L P on July 19, 2022 at 2:27 am

    Beautiful

  43. Patricia Doyen on July 19, 2022 at 2:29 am

    Great job. Very helpful

  44. Elizabeth Johnston on July 19, 2022 at 2:31 am

    What are you attaching the table to the cabinet with? I cannot tell what it is?

  45. Pierrot Chemin on July 19, 2022 at 2:31 am

    Salut Eric, merci pour tes vidéos!! J’aimerais savoir comment tu as rallongé tes barres de toit? Merci

  46. vanguard valuist on July 19, 2022 at 2:32 am

    Amazing build Eric. Thank you for sharing! I’m going to copy your build except for the solar. I’m thinking of replacing solar with a Bluetti EB70S 700 watt portable power bank. Would that supply enough power to run your setup? Fitting it in the van is another concern. The size is 12.6*8.5*8.7 in(32*21.6*22.1cm) . If you were using this battery instead of solar what part of the van would you try to place it in? Thanks!

  47. Jeffrey Lee on July 19, 2022 at 2:33 am

    Hi Eric, thank you very much for sharing the precious information you have accumulated over two decades. I have traveled to 95 countries, including 15 countries in Africa, overland trucking for 3 weeks, climbing Mt Kilimanjaro. Your life looks quite interesting and I hope to get to meet you some time.

    Now I and my wife are now exploring a minivan RVing. I have decided on the vehicle: Toyota Sienna and I am leaning towards a practical build, just like yours. Perfect! I have watched most of your videos on the subject of conversion. I am sure I will have to watch over and over to turn your knowledge into my own, but for now I wanted to say my big Thank you!

  48. Mohawk Steel on July 19, 2022 at 2:33 am

    Hi Eric , I am back again for another watch and look. I have watched so many of your videos because they are well done and informative. You waste no time in instructing us. Thank you from Niagara Falls Canada.

  49. Thalita Boumans on July 19, 2022 at 2:34 am

    This is the best van conversion of a small van and stealth that I’have ever seen! And the bed not to high! It almost feels spacious.

  50. Miss Allyson 707 on July 19, 2022 at 2:35 am

    Hi Eric, I noticed the hard floor you installed to make it easier to keep the floor clean. I was wondering how you were able to pull out the rollers that glide on the tracks for the middle row seats. Can you, or anyone else, tell me how you removed them? 😊

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