In case you missed it, I recently purchased a used 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan to convert into a camper. It’s been a passion project that I researched for about two years.
Wynston and I just took our first big trip in The Wynner. We journeyed to Idaho, where we camped with friends on Cascade Lake in Donnelly. After experiencing a week in our van, I will say that it’s already incredibly cozy and the setup is awesome! I really don’t have any complaints, but there are some small changes I’d like to work on now.
This blog post will outline the changes and improvements I am going to make to our minivan camper conversion now that I had a chance to live in it.
Minivan Camper Conversion Improvements
I will lead off by saying that I think the general setup I have for everything is perfect. My favorite things about the van layout are:
- The bed is super comfortable. I am using an Ozark camping cot with a 2″ foam mattress pad and a 4″ memory foam trifold mattress. A cozy bed was priority because I have a bad back and hip.
- I love the galvanized steel shelves that I’m using for the kitchen because I can hook anything on to them and hang towels, etc.
- A Yeti cooler works perfectly next to my bed. It doubles as a table and I still have floor space for my feet. It stayed below 40 degrees throughout the trip (with dry ice and one new ice pack).
- My bedside table from Ikea was by far the best furniture investment. It was only $20 and literally fits in the space between the cot and sliding door flawlessly. It holds all of my electronics and nighttime items.
- The Jackery 240 is excellent for powering my electronics.
I am going to keep the van setup how it currently sits. The immediate improvements I want to make are simple, but some do require a monetary investment, such as the solar panel system.
I would like to make the following changes and improvements to our minivan camper conversion (I literally took pages of notes while Wynston and I were camping in Idaho):
Solar Panel
I have decided that I do need a solar panel to partner with my Jackery power station. I plan to get the 100 watt Jackery solar panel, but it’s a $300 investment.
I realized that I need the solar panel to power my Jackery when I do not have electrical hookups. The solar panel plugs into the Jackery and charges it. Then the Jackery charges all of my electronics.
It works likes this; Sun -> Solar Panel -> Jackery power station -> My electronics
Doing Dishes
You guys. I nearly annihilated my lower back when I was doing dishes at the campground for the first time. I thought it’d be a good idea to sit on my camping toilet, and bend over to wash dishes using my portable shower.
When I got up, I tweaked my back and nearly fell over from the pain. Luckily the next day I felt fine, but I don’t want that to happen again.
My portable shower is great for washing dishes, but I need to set it up so I stand rather than sit. This change is merely about moving things around to accommodate better posture.
For dishes, like I said, I have the portable shower as well as soap, a sponge and collapsible sink.
Curtains
I had a curtain rod with actual curtains inside the van. I decided I don’t need it, as hanging a blanket up front using binder clips was easier and just as effective. By eliminating the curtain rod, I don’t have to worry about storing it.
There are a few items I need to purchase or change out:
The collapsible bin for food storage needs to be switched out for a hard shell storage container.
Next time I need to bring my supportive back pillow for when I’m working on my computer in the van.
I need another 5-10 gallon water jug.
I will purchase extension cords for when I have access to outside electrical hookups.
I was using a tarp in Idaho as a sort of foot mat to hold my shoes (and associated dirt) before I stepped into the van. I would prefer an actual rug or sturdy outdoor blanket for the ground outside the main sliding van door.
Overall I absolutely LOVE our Dodge Caravan minivan camper conversion. I enjoy the basic setup, as it’s cozy, spacious and really perfect for our road lifestyle.
Since this is a passion project, I am sure that I will constantly be making small changes to the van to fit my needs. I know I will switch out some items as weather changes and depending on our destination.
I plan to get back on the road in September when the weather cools down throughout the country. Stay tuned!
Alison Esler says
I’m so glad you guys are enjoying it
Amanda says
We’re so happy to have you along with us for the ride. xoxo
Audrey Stewart says
You are living my dream! I’ll live it through you.
Sharon Spaziani says
AWESOME !!
Stacey Kline says
Family adventures are the BEST! Thank you for sharing!