The BEST Small Camper - Minivan vs SUV SHOWDOWN!

The advantages and disadvantages of Minivan camper conversion versus SUV RV for overland and urban camping. The BEST SUV Camping Setup is Really a Minivan Camper. Why Minivan Campers are BETTER than SUVs for No Build Camper Conversion.

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[jobabs]

As we get closer to retirement age, I'm wanting a minivan to haul grandkids when needed, and then pull the seats and throw in the camping gear for mountain getaways. Hubby has never been fond of minivans, but I think he's changing his mind little by little, esp when I show him the beautiful free camping spots we could go to.

[kitd]

I've had 2 Honda Odysseys and a Pilot, and camped in all of them. My Pilot was an AWD, but I don't go off-road. My Odysseys have considerably more room and they are much more versatile since the seats are easily configurable. My vote, hands down: van!

[nickandriulli]

I love the idea of having a minivan as a camper since it's a very easy vehicle to drive around while still giving you that extra room and stealth look.

[MaryOKC]

I have a Ford Explorer which seats 7 and I’ve been living out of it the past four months. LOL!!! 😂 I love it…I’ll be heading home soon…good first trial run.

[themountainwanderer]

Biggest issue for me would be the inability to stand up inside (in bad or cold weather for example). Toyota needs to come up with a Sienna camping model with all seats other than front removed, passenger seat a swivel, flat floor, rooftop fan and a pop-up roof with a sleeping space. Perfect one-person camper.

[k.b.tidwell]

I’ll never forget the great time camping my wife and I had on our 11th anniversary back in 2001. We took her 1997 Caravan to the local state park with the second and third row seats out, put in a full size air mattress, and enjoyed a beautiful, peaceful weekend together. Bacon and eggs cooked over an open fire, some pancakes and maple syrup…amazingly delicious!

I built a teardrop camper not long after that, but now my wife drives a Town & Country with stow and go seating, quite a bit more room than the ’97 had. It’s got me thinking.

[charlied]

Totally agree. I love my Sienna camper. Took out the second row seats, threw in a cot and sleeping bag. Bought a Jackery and a dc fridge for convenience. I don’t go on rough roads, but I am comfortable camping almost anywhere. Usually get around 25 mpg.

[AfroMomVanlifing]

Minivan all the way! Great comparison and research, loved the sunset shot.
Also, size does matter people 😄

[RicardoRoams]

I used to own a Honda Odyssey. I always liked the versatility of a mini van. I could camp or haul full sheets of plywood by just removing the middle row of seats. So when Toyota announced that they were coming out with an hybrid version of their AWD Sienna, I thought I'd found my perfect vehicle. I planned installing the lift kit especially made for the Sienna. I was shocked to discover that the middle row seats were no longer designed to be removed. I checked with the Service Department at my Toyota dealer and found out that if I removed the seats I'd have major trouble because the air bags were so integrated to the computer system. That was a deal breaker for me. What was Toyota thinking?

[itguru]

I’m 56.5 years old and thinking about SUV camping around the country. I have a Honda pilot and thinking about getting the trail sport

[totallyleftfield]

I was lucky enough to get my hands on a Chevy Astro van AWD 6 years ago and I have no regrets,
Cheers 🍻from Montreal Quebec Canada 🇨🇦

[johnsimpson]

I've had both, the mini van is so much better for comfort, if it rains all day I can stay inside and still cook dinner and whatever else I need

[Armychuck]

I bought a Honda CRV years ago only to find out (after I bought it) that the seats don't fold down flat (talk about useless). Sold it and bought a Subaru Outback that I drove all over the desert southwest. Although I used it primarily for tent camping, I did sleep in it a few times (the seats fold down flat). Even though I'm a short guy, it was cramped inside with my gear to say the least. The trade off was that the Outback got me more places than any two wheeled car/van and, when there's no help around and no cell signal, it's a good feeling to know that you can get out of wherever you got into. Now I'm a little older and comfort speaks to me a little more than adventure so my next car will be a used Odyssey van. After all, I have a wonderful woman that I want to take along with me now.

[unoffendable]

I have a 2003 Dodge caravan with front-wheel drive. I'm so impressed with its performance on the steep unpaved roads I live on, makes me want to get another minivan, something newer. I have a sport model which is shorter and that makes my car fridge almost too big for the space. I would prefer an all-wheel drive but front wheel drive is superior in all cases with a rear wheel drive vehicle. Nice video, thanks for the review

[richardmiller]

My sister and I are section hiking the AT and we each use a van. I have a Toyota Sienna and take out one of the middle seats and in that space is where I lay out my bed. I keep the other middle seat in to give me a seat to sit on when putting on/off my shoes or change. The rest of the space behind the middle seat is where I keep my supplies and hiking gear. Sometimes we just day hike between trailheads or do 2–4-day hikes and then resupply when we get to the cars. I have a 4-wheel drive Highlander which I would like to take but just worried that it's too small for everything I take. We have stayed at parking lots at trailheads or at private campgrounds and just slept in the vans. We carry folding chairs for more comfort when at trailheads. Since the van is my wife's, I think if she knew some of the dirt roads I took her van on she would kill me:). We've gotten from GA to NH so far and some in Maine so it can be done.

[reallyrandomrides]

I agree, minivans are the best, especially if they have AWD. I've stealth camped and boondocked in AWD SUVs and FWD minivans. I'll take a minivan any day. Cheaper to buy (especially used), more space, sometimes better fuel economy and quite stealthy. Of course if you want to do some serious off-roading, a true 4x4 SUV is better, but I think for most people a minivan is best.

[cathyphillips]

I have been travelling and camping for the past few years in a Pontiac Vibe. I find it quite roomy, because for the previous few years I was camping out of a Saturn Ion sedan! (It was simply the vehicle I already had) In the Vibe I can put the passenger seat all the way forward and have 6 feet for a bed. Since I am only 5'2" this works fine. I leave the drivers side back seat in place so I always have an actual seat with headroom to relax in. Lots of room for me and my small dog and all the camping equipment we need. I usually stealth camp with only the occasional campground thrown in. Gas mileage is great. Have camped for 2 months at a time. Only complaint would be not enough ground clearance at times. Next vehicle will be a little larger and higher SUV I think.

[beezneez]

My husband and I rented a car to visit family last year. As luck would have it, we were given a minivan! It was my first experience riding in and driving one. We chuckled when we first saw it, but it didn’t take long for us to fall in love with it! I’m retiring in 5 years, and I’m saving up to buy a minivan as my retirement vehicle. People think I’m crazy - as we have no kids. I’ll be able to do overnight trips, carry friends around, and be able to haul pretty much anything I want.... all while being very comfortable and having a vehicle that’s easy to drive and park. Off roading isn’t a consideration for me. The new hybrids even get decent gas mileage. Mini for the win!

[Ghostriderlady]

Camping in a minivan is a crazy idea. Could be a lot of fun too.

[MyztaJay]

Thanks, Iwas look for this exact comparison. demistified the 30% more space in sienna. When looked at from outside, you cant tell