Minivans vs Cargo Vans : 7 Minivan Pros : #Vanlife

Do minivans make good camper vans? I've spent time in minis and cargo vans traveling, and here are 7 reasons that a minivan may be the perfect choice for YOUR adventures.

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Thanks for watching!

[michaelcervantez]

So glad I found your channel. I have watched tons of van camper videos and although they are great to watch, I have nothing in common with those people. You and I are on the same page. I have recently retired from the Texas Highway Dept. and I decided it was time to travel, but on a tight budget, my pension only goes so far. Keep up the great work and maybe I will se you out on the road 👍

[DenaInWyo]

Very practical advice to think about, thank you. I think a mini van is a far more logical starting point for me. If anything, I can be saving up for something bigger much more effectively while living in a mini van than in my house paying my high mortgage and utilities. I think it's important for me to start small, in a no build kind of set up, to see how I do before I go sink 100k+ of my retirement into a camper van only to find out I either a) hate being a nomad or even b) just that the van I have isn't the right set up for me.

[timkies]

I have been looking for my best choice for a rv conversion vehicle. I was thinking about a full size van, probably a chevy. But after hearing your logic in this video, it makes sense that a minivan is the only smart way to go. It will be for local camping, for a time, but I will continue to fix it up and have it ready for extensive travel as soon possible. But I will do a good job, having skills from redoing mobile homes, from frames to all new plumbing to inlaid floors and insulation and sheetrock and finish work and painting. I have seen some beautiful rv vans done by both women and men, that were gorgeous, and worth a lot of money, because of the care and talented design that went into them. If I could do half the job that those artistic people did, I would be thrilled. Thanks again for helping me make the right decision for me and my family. And wishing you safe travels and happy trails.

[lynnef]

#9 If one doesn't do a permanent build out in a minivan it can still be used for carrying people or hauling things. I've used mine for camping and traveling and at times have hauled lumber, helped move furniture and take my grandsons to school.

[vidguy]

You are correct, a Road Trek is a pretty horrible thing all the way around I thought I wanted a Toyota RV until I found a Tiger in Craigslist It’s a far better choice, because it basically is a minivan, a well thought out minivan, that has everything including a shower, a comfortable place to live, that parks in a compact car space The down side of a Tiger is that everyone who is aware of them is looking for one they can buy (they still build them) If you think a used Road Trek is expensive, you haven’t searched for a Tiger, but they are out there

[lindasue]

I really appreciate and trust your outlook on these two different types of vehicles because you are currently using both. It gives you a healthy perspective.

I find that in some videos, people who upsize or downsize feel they have 'improved', then project a "hate-on" for their previous vehicle.

PS: one thing that is held me back from a bigger vehicle is height restrictions. There are many places a person can't get into because of the height, even if they have the skill to negotiate a smaller parking spot.

[beckyelliott]

Check on a good policy for RV or a GOOD SAM OR AAA that rescues distressed vehicles including towing services or tire changes. Some have better deals and prices. Well worth the money!

[freestarr]

Love traveling in my minivan for all the reasons you’ve listed. I’d add that aside from the usual car repairs and maintenance, it’s simpler to maintain than a bigger van.

[livableincome]

You are right on. Exactly. Things don't have to be perfect, things will break down, take way less stuff, slow down. Yeess! I've made two of these mistakes. Taken waay too much stuff and in a silly big hurry.
This is the 2nd video I've seen of your's. Just subscribed.
We too have a mini van, a Toyota Sienna. I too built the bed at the same height as the seats so we don't get claustrophobic.
I prefer having our pillows up against the front seats as they are like a headboard. Our bed needs to be rebuilt like your's though with the slats. Right now its full time dbl bed and that means less floor space and no opportunity to have a couch when we want one. Otherwise, our "build" is very similar. Nice to know back kitchen doesnt have to be perfect.
Thanks so much. Simple, simple and slow down. Thumbs up to you.

[thomastaylor]

If your only get 20 mph on the road with a mini van then either your driving to fast should be keeping your speed at about 60 mph or it needs a tuneup. I drove alot of mini vans with the correct maximum tire pressure and driving at 62.5 mph average I got 28 to 30 mpg

[samanthadodd]

Great video. That why I'm wanting to get a minivan when I go out.

Excellent news about the up coming videos. I really appreciate ur videos.

[dandydan]

I have been back and forth on type of vehicle for camping and travel, a full size van, a mini van or a pickup truck with a home made camper. Thanks for your "informed" thoughts on the subject. Your "informed" opinions have me leaning toward a mini van. The space is a little cramped however, I only want to use it for sleeping and carrying my gear such as cooking equipment, shower tent w/necessities and portable solar. It does make sense to drive something that can be easily and cheaply replaced. Great video, thank you!

[LuckyDawgProductions]

You make all good points, Kevin. The handling is the thing for me, though we do love our Roadtrek (except the crosswise sleeping in the back). Thanks for sharing, Kevin.

[jadanblue]

Love my minivan for city #vanlife for all the reasons you listed (in addition to fitting in most parking structures). The only thing more "stealthy" is a car or SUV but this is the toughest way to go (aside from full-on homeless). I recommend some high quality gel/foam knee pads for anyone considering minivan life. They will make your van life day-to-day activities much more tolerable.

[firequeen]

Great timing. I’ve started pricing vehicles and was looking at cargo vans for head height and space for art supplies. I’m re-thinking that. Wish I hadn’t sold my mini-van 5 years ago, lol!

[beckyelliott]

A 2-bedroom apartment for 1 person and her cat is simply TOO much to keep up with in so many ways, not just the rent. I have been using my 2010 Ford Escape for short camping trips for a few years mow, but it just doesn’t have the comfort and space for longer trips, even with a good mattress in the back. I have to park near to the bathhouse at camp, and being concerned about the bears at night is not very comforting.

I have chosen to get a used Ford Transit 250 for several reasons; I don’t like to keep up with housework at my age and disabilities; 2) I have family in North Carolina I want to visit, and go camping, gold panning, gem mining, photography and going to the beach as well as mountains.

North Carolina has so many places to exploring, including historical places from the beach to the Blue Ridge and Great Smokey Mountains. It is a fairly short trip to South Carolina and North Georgia and Crisson Gold Mine in Dahlonega.
Many good places to explore and enjoy.

[cam-bo]

I have been in a Pleasure Way Excel Class B for the last 3 yrs and in the middle of downsizing to Toyota Sienna minivan for my adventure rig for all the reasons you mention here. I'm giving up a toilet and standing room, but there are concessions to be made on either side. After fulltiming in that Class B, I realized a shower, microwave, toilet, etc were just not as important to me as I'd originally thought. Nevermind that every trip to the RV shop for a repair or maintenance I couldn't do myself cost $120 per hour. I'd rather have more of a camping experience when boondocking, more stealth and maneuverability for city trips, a more car like ride, travel much farther and stay out longer thanks to that awesome gas mileage.

[originalsixx]

The days of cheap minivans are over unfortunately

[ArmTheCreative]

I was showering and thought about switching to a mini van. Then I googled and found this video.

[MichaelRoyDuckworth]

I can't agree more about the effect of wind. My E250 4WD van was a psychotic nightmare in side winds. I can't forget the time that I ended up with bruised thumbs from trying to keep it on the road. I bought my current vehicle, midsize Toyota Tacoma Pickup, to specifically fit the specifications for Parks Canada regulations to travel on the backcountry "roads" and trails. Most of them are refurbished horse and wagon trails. Also it uses about a third of the fuel used by a full size pickup in similar offroad conditions.