*Watch next* > FULL TOUR finished minivan camper: kzread.info/dash/bejne/eKd33JqOg8rceso.html and HOW I USE THE TOILET in my minivan camper: kzread.info/dash/bejne/aGWKlcqNkdaplNo.html

Leslie, I too watched Eric Enjoys Earth and was inspired. But hearing it from a fellow gal (sans the accent ;-) ) REALLY helps! I think your story really helped expand Eric's instructions, at least for me.

Thank you. Loved Eric’s buildout, but you gave us the how to. Think it’s one of the best.

@TheVanThatGotAway

2 жыл бұрын

Aw, thanks Susan! I appreciate you.

Leslie!! I LOOOOOVE your videos! I’m building a one-person camper in my Sienna (my husband calls it my “escape pod”) this summer. Thanks for your super clear explanations and your can-do attitude! You rock.

@TheVanThatGotAway

3 жыл бұрын

Hi HoVV, Thanks for the kind words! That's funny, my prepper-minded friend also calls our van an "escape pod," but with a slow nod and a knowing look in his eyes - LOL!! I'm glad you're enjoying this stuff, I hope it's useful. How's your build going?

Excellent info and instruction! Thanks! I'm hoping to build a sink cabinet on the side, hoping you have instructions for that, too. :)

Leslie - Thank you for all the details you provide in your videos! I, too, appreciate very, very much Bruce Parks' and Eric's videos, but most don't give enough detail for me to actually construct the same things. Yours do! Thank you!

My first time here so glad I found ur video. Love it !! Thank u for sharing

@TheVanThatGotAway

Жыл бұрын

Aw, thanks Melissa! And welcome 🙂

I’ve watched hundreds of van dwelling videos. I think Eric’s design is the best. Great video with awesome explanations. I’m leaning towards a Toyota Sienna. Sure, I’d like a larger cargo van, but I want the better gas mileage and stealth potential of a minivan.

Great thinking on the bed! Solid!

@TheVanThatGotAway

3 жыл бұрын

Yes! So solid. I couldn't bear any embarrassment if this thing collapsed. 😆 Thanks for checking in.

Nice job Leslie!

Hey Leslie, Enjoyed the video. I think the main thing is to measure, measure, measure!! Thanks for the video! ❤️💜💚

@TheVanThatGotAway

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Paige, I couldn't agree more, more, more! 🤣 Thanks for your thoughts.

You did an awesome job on your bed

Looking good

@TheVanThatGotAway

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Topi, thanks. Good to "see" ya!

Very good idea for the front of the bed structure to solve the elimination of the cumbersome part of the front frame. I opted for that way. Thank you for your creativity and for all the details you provide. I decided to remove the back transversal traverse. I will see if it is a good idea tomorrow because I will assemble it tomorrow.

@TheVanThatGotAway

Жыл бұрын

Hi Pierre, I have often thought of removing the back cross bar from the frame as well. But it's already there, so I'll leave it in place. Let me know how it works for you, okay?

Loved your detailed instructions!!!!!

@TheVanThatGotAway

2 жыл бұрын

Well thanks, ceecee! And thanks for taking the time to say hi. 😀

Cannot tell you how many times I have enjoyed this video!! I am doing my 2nd build on my Oddy( first was only abed (served it’s purpose). Thank you Leslie. I WILL definitely buy you a ☕️!! Your direction is fantastic (& videography). Thanx🚐

@TheVanThatGotAway

Жыл бұрын

Hi Bubba Jay! Aw, thanks so very much for the coffee. You rock. I'm glad you find this helpful.

Excellent info as always, cheers 🍻!!

@TheVanThatGotAway

3 жыл бұрын

Well, gosh, thanks! Glad you're enjoying this stuff.

Always great content miss! Really looking forward to the awning video.

@TheVanThatGotAway

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Tony! You got it, awning video is on the way...

Excellent video. Eric's is the other site i use. Thanks for your effort.

Leslie, this is the best build I’ve seen and, believe you me, it feels like I’ve seen them all! We’re converting our 2013 Sienna into a van and I will be redoing a couple things because I like yours much better. We made a rear kitchen but your side one makes the space look roomier. My husband did not want to remove the rear seats so our kitchen is higher. Could you please give measurements of your kitchen and also show the privacy curtain from the front seat side. Neither myself our my husband have any building experience but we are mucking along and you clear, precise directions and measurements are a gift. Happy Travelling!

@TheVanThatGotAway

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Gigi! Thanks so much for your kind words. Since you are now exactly where I was about a year ago, I'm delighted to be able to share the processes of my build. I included a link for you, in your other comment, to some pictures that will explain the measurements and the other questions you had. I'm so jazzed for you taking on this awesome project! Thanks again for being here and thanks for taking the time to ask questions. 😀

all hail Eric!

Hello, thanks for all the info, it's very useful. I understand that the small panel rests on the first crossbar, that measurement is given by the first two panels, but I don't know what measurement to give the second crossbar so that it is well located and is the support for when it is in sitting mode. Could you tell us how you determine its location? Or have you only put it halfway between the first crossbar and the limit of the front part? After all, the mobile part of the sofa-bed has its own support. thanks again

Awesome Leslie, Nice work.. I tore my entire interior out, I have an 06 grand caravan, I figured if I go into something different, I will have the ability to sell the van as a camper.. Now I have good idea about what I will do for my bed frame.. I appreciate it.. and I hope you are enjoying the moments you have created, are creating, and will create

@TheVanThatGotAway

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Scott, Thanks for the kind words! Let me know what's going on with your build, keep me in the loop. And thanks bunches for watching.

@scottbissonette1632

3 жыл бұрын

@@TheVanThatGotAway Sure, I have 1 video up now.. in the next couple weeks I will be post another.. I hope

@TheVanThatGotAway

3 жыл бұрын

Cool, I just subscribed! I can't believe you stripped out the interior - that's ambitious!

@scottbissonette1632

3 жыл бұрын

@@TheVanThatGotAway well, I looked at it this way.. I have done a lot of mechanical work to the engine.. it's an 06, so I will probably keep it until it completely dies. And if not. I can sell it as a camper.. It's a great running van.. and has a ton of life left

@TheVanThatGotAway

3 жыл бұрын

You got skills.

I like this video. Just wondering if you are going to be a single traveler. If so, wouldn't a single bed be large enough? It would give you an isle beside the bed for easier access.

Thanks to your wonderful instructions, we were able to build this bed in our 2105 Dodge Grand caravan. We're tickled pink with how great it turned out and the bonus is, I was able to get Free lumber!! Hardware to date is $55. 😁😁 keep you posted on the end result. Did you have a how to on making the foam mattress?

@TheVanThatGotAway

3 жыл бұрын

Omg, that's awesome news!!! Congrats on the build😃 I have a mattress video coming right up for ya. Thanks for asking. And congrats again on DIY-ing it.

I'm new to this (well not entirely--but way long story). I have a bed, but what the heck to put on it? Going from bed to bench (yep mine does this) must be not to easy with the bedding. My thoughts right now--basically three options: sleeping bag and liner (I think it's my least favorite idea); duvet and fitted sheet; something like beddys (seems $$$ option)? Your thoughts? Thanks, you are full of ideas--fun to listen.

@TheVanThatGotAway

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Jay, thanks for asking! We use a fitted sheet over the mattress cushions for 2 reasons: it's easy to wash and it helps hold the cushions tighter together. If it's warm out, we just sleep without covers. If it's a little chilly, we unzip a really light sleeping bag to use as a comforter. And if it's cold, we break out proper cold weather sleeping bags. Best of luck with the bed.

Hi Lesley, very interested in learning more about your bed build out. May I ask what the dimensions were for the plywood pieces that made up your bed platform. Also the dimensions on your cushions? Were all four the same size? Also I was just curious if you made the covers for your mattress cushions or did you go to an upholstery shop for that? I love your idea and the heavy fabric that you used! Thank you for sharing your great hard work!

@thea-rosecatto9467

3 жыл бұрын

Very interested in this information as well if you could share that! love the video!

@TheVanThatGotAway

3 жыл бұрын

Hold tight, friends. I'm hooking you up with all the deets in a video! Thanks for asking.

Hi Leslie, love the videos, great design. A question. The second row seats. Were they the magic slide seats? And were they a pain to remove? I looked at a 2019 odyssey today and the seats looked pretty hard to remove...Thanks! I plan to use your design for bed/shelves.

@TheVanThatGotAway

3 жыл бұрын

Hey William! I'm not sure what magic slide exactly is, but our 2nd row seats are a breeze to pop in and out. The 3rd row, on the other hand... those are designed to stay installed so it was a little trickier to un-install 'em. Congrats on your build, how's it going so far?

@williamflumerfelt1640

3 жыл бұрын

I’m test driving vans now. I’m leaning towards the odyssey rather than a sienna or pacifica.

@TheVanThatGotAway

3 жыл бұрын

Good luck! Let me know what you pick.

Would you still use the same mattress if you did it all over?

Jeanette, Upland ca. 1 month living van life

Leslie ,19 inch couch bottom with 6 inches fome on back would leave 13 inch Seat sounds small

@TheVanThatGotAway

Жыл бұрын

You can certainly build it bigger, but I wouldn't build it any smaller. These dimensions work great for us. Very comfortable. But they're just a starting point.

Hello! Do you have dimensions for width and length of the bed frame and or the top pieces with the hinges, please? I know height is up to everyone’s preference, but the rest would help a lot. Would love the blueprints if you have them, thanks!

@TheVanThatGotAway

10 ай бұрын

Hi FD, Yes! Look for my bed frame video, it has all the specific dimensions I used. I realize other people might modify the measurements but I wanted to give you all a place to start, at least. Thanks for asking!

Measurements for boards?

Will a futon fit in the back good?

@TheVanThatGotAway

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Barry, Yes if it's the right size for your platform. BUT it won't fold up into a bench as easily, if you're designing your bed to convert into a bench. Thanks for asking! Let me know how your bed build goes.

Bery good girl congratulations girl a kiss eoberful excellent i love

"The first thing I did was..." copy the bed design from Eric Loves Earth!