Sienna Camper Van Conversion

This is a van tour of our 2010 Toyota Sienna camper van conversion. We did this entire project ourselves with limited experience, and it’s been great. We love our van and anyone can do this.

We started our project in 2020 when we were considering buying a VW camper van. But although those old campers look great, maintenance and safety was a big concern. Then, during a trip to Tofino on Vancouver Island, we saw some people who had converted their minivan, and we got inspired.

We got a lot of ideas and tips from other van lifers including @ericenjoysearth2756, @BruceParks, and @averysmallcampervan.

Our design was strongly inspired by Eric’s van, with a side cabinet for storage, and a modal bed that can be easily converted to a couch. We wanted to keep things simple and not invest in complicated things like electrical systems or complicated plumbing. The entire build is non-invasive, with no modifications or holes drilled into the van. We can easily convert the van from passenger van to camper in about 30 minutes.

We aren’t doing this for stealth camping, so we aren’t concerned with hiding the fact that it’s a camper. Our setup is pretty basic, with a battery-powered water pump, fan, and light. We use a small portable “Jackery” battery to recharge our devices and anything that runs out of charge. We just use a basic cooler with ice which is good for around 3 days. We keep 30L of fresh water which lasts us several days.

The entire project cost us around US$2000

Feel free to ask questions and we’ll be happy to answer them!

Mike & Rachel
Vancouver, Canada

Item List:

[markmcla]

Well done! That's a nice, clean build. I like that you use a cooler. I know that many van builds include a refrigerator, but the electrical needs are greatly simplified with a cooler. I think a cooler is the way to go if you're not living in the minivan.

[christianwagner]

Absolute nicest mini van conversion I have seen yet. Great work

[lizardfishmanbearpig]

I was having a really hard time deciding If I was going to permanently modify my van to make it a full time camper that I could never put the original seats back into. Your video has convinced me not to permanently modify. Beautiful and intelligent design!

[serenityjewel]

Great video. Thank you for making it and for acknowledging the other channels that served as your inspiration. ❤

[Groovingforwardatx]

I love how there’s a little bench in the back if you wanna sit with the back door open.

[Sunset-chaser]

Excellent! Just bought our “retirement travel van” and I really like your approach!!

[sherrymuzykazekestravels]

This is a beautiful build. I love the design and ease with which you can convert it to a camper in a matter of minutes. This is now my dream after buying, remodeling and being disappointed with vintage campers continuing to leak or need repair. I would love to be able to convert a panel van in much this way. Thank you for sharing your awesome design. Happy Trails!

[BetterThanGold]

Awesome build 👏 doesn’t break the bank and very practicable. I love that your wife is your helper
🙏

[mjremy]

Excellent video and smart build. It is the same as Eric's build and I think this is the de facto template for a minivan. Your visuals were very good, and the pace just right. I was hoping to see details like the sliding table hardware rail and leg, and you did not disappoint. This is a better alternative to the overpriced Lagun table. This table can be bigger and is more stable, not in the way, and no floor mounts. Essentially, this build breaks down into 4 components:
Removable Floor, Bench Bed, Clothes Dresser, and Kitchen Galley. You could add a 5th piece behind passenger seat for a Toilet Cabinet, and/or Fridge. Fyi - Trelino toilets are made in Germany, come in 3 heights, light, robust, low profile and much cheaper starting at $300. Very nice to have when in a bind. Your wife will appreciate that! No more Portapotty dumping.
See Humble Road videos to see them.
This was most enjoyable to watch, you make great videos! Thank you for no music.

[rawrnr]

i love this van!! I hope you do more videos

[dianastoevelaar]

Thank you very much for sharing your Toyota sienna van build. 😊
I’ve been binge watching “Eric enjoys earth” all day, so it’s no wonder that your video popped up based on the algorithm. :-) Great job! :-)

[rogerclunkin]

Such a simple clean design. i love it! do you have a site with all the dimensions and other parts like water pump, mattress etc i would love to try to make with with my son by far one of the best setups i’ve seen

[michaelvikhman]

Most innovative build yet. This is going to be my go to build in the future. Thank you for sharing.

[bluejeans]

This video “hits the nail on the head” as my own van goals align with yours for van multi utilization. Thanks so much for sharing.

[nancy.callan]

Nice work! It's good to see multiple applications of that side cabinet based on Eric's design. I'm hoping to do one of those as well. Mostly commenting because the first thing that jumped out at me was your bed cover. We have an old comforter that has that same pattern on one side. :-)

[adamjones]

Beautiful execution, definitely inspired by Eric enjoys Earth. I like your rear access hatch ratchets. Have fun out there!

[dianeschmiane]

Wow, lots of great ideas here. Thanks for sharing!

[rouseyournicholls]

I love this. I am currently building out my minivan and documenting on my channel. Glad I came across you guys.

[Judy-rkge]

Thank you for sharing. Love that you can convert it back to regular van.

[jeejonlife]

It's a glad idea. I will try to make my car. Thank you for sharing.