A minivan can be a great comfortable and economical camper. Here's how to join the "Van Life"!
We have already discussed WHY you would want to camp in a GoneCamper minivan. (Please see the series, “Why Camp In A Minivan” for information on all the advantages of a minivan camper.) Now we will discuss HOW to camp in a minivan.
First, let’s understand that “camping” to many people suggests pulling in to a private campground, parking on a paved pad, and connecting the electricity, cable TV, sewer and water provided to the RV. That is NOT what we will be discussing here.
Van camping has little in common with most RV’s, including the Class-B van conversion RV’s. Van camping has more in common with tent camping, just without the tent. The subject of minivan camping will include many ideas and suggestions that will also apply to standard vans, small trailers, pop-up campers, pick-up trucks, Chevy Suburbans/Yukons, etc. (I have even heard of people camping in their Subarus, Honda Elements, and Priuses!!!)
Basic, no frills, campsite. Saguaro National Forest
The differences between van camping and “camping” in a fully-equipped RV include limited space and the lack of built-in amenities that are a function of the smaller vehicle. You won’t have a standing shower or closet. You also probably won’t have a permanent kitchen counter with cook top and sink. Because of space limitations, you will spend most of your time outside – and reserve the room inside the van for sleeping or lounging.
As discussed in the “Why Camp In A Minivan” series, your minivan transports you comfortably and economically to interesting places, carries all of your meal preparation necessities, and provides a comfortable place to sleep at the end of the day. Camping is not the end goal of traveling in a minivan, but setting up your campsite follows a day of exploring and other activities. The minivan camper eliminates staying in motels or needing to pitch a tent. And the minivan allows you the option of camping where big RV’s can’t go – or aren’t allowed!
Now this does not mean that camping in your minivan is uncomfortable – just the opposite! The GoneCamper minivan conversion is designed to fit any minivan with a four-foot by eight-foot flat cargo area. You have a generous kitchen galley under the rear hatch, including a two-burner stove, five-gallons of water, a 12-volt cooler, and plenty of room for kitchen utensils and food.
The GoneCamper minivan conversion also includes a full-size bed on a raised platform. The platform provides a four by six-foot area of storage underneath. The bed platform retracts and the mattress folds in thirds to allow for the use of the second row of seats if you need to carry passengers during or between camping trips.
The folding bed and mattress also provides a comfortable couch for relaxing. There is even room for a folding table. Because the GoneCamper rear kitchen galley and folded bed occupy the space of the third row of seats, you even have numerous convenient cup holders and overhead lights already in place.
Don’t forget that the two front seats in the van can also be used for relaxing at the end of the day. The "cab" of your minivan is already furnished with two comfortable reclining chairs with a center console, overhead lights, electric windows, access to 12-volt outlets for charging devices or even powering a 12-volt inverter for your laptop.
Start thinking of your minivan as a complete package: bedroom, kitchen, and den! You have a hard roof over your head. Plenty of windows and ventilation. 360-degrees of visibility - AND protection, including secure locks and an alarm. Now think of the Great Outdoors as the unlimited "living room"! Where do YOU want to go? Think of the unlimited possibilities!
Please refer to the discussion “Why Camp In A Minivan” for a full review of all the advantages of using a minivan as the platform for your camping and transportation needs. Then follow along as we discuss the three main camping options for your GoneCamper minivan conversion.
Next, we will discuss camping in established camp grounds. Again, your GoneCamper minivan conversion provides options not available to other RV’s and even tents.
"Traveling Efficiently, Camping Comfortably, Living Frugally"
