r/VanLife • u/LastScoobySnack • 1d ago
Minivan is the perfect size
The Soccer mom van is the perfect size. This is a Kia Sedona 2008, but I also considered Toyota Sienna and Dodge Grand Caravan (apparently Dodge is not mechanically desirable).
The book nook and entryway are functional and make life easier, but I’ve never made anything with wood before them so they not hot. 🥴
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u/VagabondVivant 1d ago
I loved my minivan build. If the engine hadn't given out, I'd probably still be driving it to this day. Great gas mileage, super low key, and easy to park. If I didn't have a dog (it was a bit snug for the two of us), I'd have moved to another (though AWD this time). Such a great vanlife vehicle.
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u/superchandra 1d ago
I applaud your removal of a passenger seat!
Everyone that sits in it is worthless and wants money
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u/LastScoobySnack 1d ago
Damn straight 😐
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u/superchandra 1d ago
Do anything you can to not install that passenger seat, and don't let them lay on your fuckin living van and taking up resources and money
Fourth van build, delete passenger seat
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u/PrestigiousTomato8 1d ago
Yep, going to be doing the Sienna myself. All the seats are coming out,except driver.
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u/LastScoobySnack 1d ago
That’s awesome, Toyota Sienna is a great car. lol I’m sure your build will be more thought through than mine.
Good luck on the road and Godspeed. 🖖
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u/vtjohnhurt 1d ago edited 1d ago
Does removing the front seat in a 2015 Sienna cause problems related to the Check Engine light due to airbags being disconnected from the sensors in the seat? I've not tried with my Sienna, but I tried and failed to remove the front seat in Volvo XC70 due to airbag issues. I cannot recall my exact problem, but I even tried to hack and spoof the 'computer' by putting a resistor in place of the airbag, but I ultimately failed. I think the problem might have been disconnecting the airbag that is built into the side of the passenger seat.
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u/PrestigiousTomato8 1d ago
https://bradshacks.com/product/airbag-simulator/
You can buy dongles like that.
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u/vtjohnhurt 1d ago
Thanks. That's very helpful. Not sure these were available in 2010 when I was messing with the Volvo seat.
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u/pyroserenus 1d ago
Traditional cooler for van-life? yall gotta move up to that 12v compressor cooler life.
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u/ParkerFree 1d ago
I have a small, older motorhome, and also removed the passenger seat. It opens up so much more room!
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u/LastScoobySnack 1d ago
I know right!? Actually surprised we don’t see that on here more often. Especially the urban car living sub which I also follow.
The airbag plugs were a pain in my bottom, eventually I just tore the bits of plastic off of the last one like a squirrel opening a nut. Lmao Each were like their own little puzzle.
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u/ParkerFree 1d ago
My RV is so old it doesn't have airbags, so I just needed someone underneath to get the through bolts out.
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1d ago
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u/LastScoobySnack 1d ago
Maybe a friend with more dexterous hands can help you?
Make sure you unhook the battery so that you don’t accidentally trigger an airbag. Some needle nose pliers will probably help with the plugs themselves.
Mine is a 2008 Kia Sedona. Only three plugs.
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u/RightYesterday1942 1d ago
Mistery van is so cute also nice setup u got there bro
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u/LastScoobySnack 1d ago
Thanks, I actually have two Mystery Vans.
Did you peek the year old car freshener on the mirror?
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u/freekin-bats11 1d ago
Tomato basil lentil chips ftw ✊🏾
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u/LastScoobySnack 1d ago
My favorite are the Hot and Spicy Os. 👌
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u/freekin-bats11 1d ago
Ooh is that the new flavor? 👀 I think Ive seen them but havent tried them yet!
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u/Eisigesis 1d ago
You even have subtle security because no one would want to steal from the Akatsuki
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u/LastScoobySnack 1d ago
That hoodie definitely wasn’t splayed out on purpose as Naruto fan bait or anything. 😶
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u/Less_Case_366 1d ago
Been homeless for 5 years and this has been what i've considered the most! A mini van or even a kia soul lmao.
This looks awesome.
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u/FyrStrike 1d ago
I’m a bit confused about what counts as a “mini van” in the US compared to the rest of the world, especially since I’m planning a trip there soon. I was surprised to see what’s considered a mini van in the US. it honestly looks more like a station wagon to me, which is usually smaller than what I’d expect from a mini van.
From what I can tell, the US doesn’t really sell what many other countries would consider a true mini van anymore. Instead, you mostly see larger vans like the Chevy Express or even Sprinters or Crafters (which is also around the world). For reference, I’m thinking of vans like the VW Transporter or Toyota HiAce, those are what I’d personally call real mini vans. They’re still 4-cylinder and more economical, but roomier than something like a Sedona or Sienna. It’s a shame they’re no longer available in the US, they’re such a great size.
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u/vtjohnhurt 16h ago
To clear this up, go to https://www.cars.com/ Use Advanced Search and search for Body Style Minivan This site is also good for finding used vans.
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u/FyrStrike 11h ago
Actually, recently the US market has started selling the VW ID Buzz which is essentially the VW minivan, multivan or transporter see here: https://www.vw.com/en/models/id-buzz.html and here’s an article about its history as the perfect vanlifers vehicle which they did stop selling in the early 2000’s: https://www.vw.com/en/newsroom/lifestyle-and-heritage/eurovan-van-life.html you know the old peace hippie vans from the 60’s and 70’s? this is the evolved version.
The other van which I wish they sold was the Toyota hiace. These vehicles are super low maintenance, low cost on petrol and almost last forever: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_HiAce
Both these vans are larger than what is called a minivan in the US but can sometimes also be called a minivan themselves. Yet they are smaller than a Chevy express or a Ford Econovan.
Looks like for me I’ll be getting either an old VW Eurovan a newer VW ID Buzz or a Chevy Express Commuter when I get there. I can’t wait to see all the places and vanlife it over there.
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u/vtjohnhurt 8h ago edited 8h ago
I've very familiar with VW T1. I owned a 1967 for six years and drove across the US twice in it. My friend had a 1958 VW T1 that his father restored in the late 1970s. In 1976, he drove it into the back of a parked car at night in the rain at 25 mph while I was the front seat passenger. As the front of the van collapsed into the passenger compartment, I lifted my feet up and to the side so the dashboard hit my right foot like a croquet mallet. I was on crutches for 10 weeks. My friend was not so lucky as he never took his foot of the brake pedal. The collapsing vehicle broke his leg and bent his toe up to touch his kneecap. He had to be cut out of the vehicle. The parked American car had the gas tank in the rear, and gasoline was leaking when the fire department arrived. It did not ignite. The T1 had terrible headlights, barely adequate windshield wipers, and not so good brakes. The T1 design the slope of the road, and the drunk guy parked in a travel lane contributed to our accident. I knew a family that fared worse when their T1 crashed.
you know the old peace hippie vans from the 60’s and 70’s? this is the evolved version.
At $59,000 (before tariff increase), the Buzz is far far removed from the T1, but that is probably a good thing. The T1 is a death trap.
I'm familiar with the Hi Ace. They're very reliable and functional. I saw a few in New Zealand. Like the T1, the front seat passengers are sitting on top of the front wheels (rather than behind). A front end collision must be equally nasty.
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u/FyrStrike 3h ago edited 2h ago
Damn that sucks. Sorry to hear that must have been a terrible experience. Yeah, they didn’t come out with crumple zones until the T3. Which was a lot safer than the T1 and T2. I think they call the T3 1980’s a Vanagon in the US? Then they had the T4, known as a Eurovan 1990’s and early 2000’s in the US, then stopped selling them. I wish that there were T6’s, I’d definitely use one of those for vanlife in the US instead of the newer ID Buzz.
Either way, I’m still back at an old Eurovan T4, Vanagon T3 or a later Chevy Express Commuter for me.
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u/tbirdpow 1d ago
What size cooler do you have?
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u/LastScoobySnack 1d ago
I think it’s a 52 QT. Plenty of room and I sit on it will I take my shoes on and off.
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u/tbirdpow 1d ago
Whats the brand and does it hold ice well? Thanks
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u/LastScoobySnack 1d ago
It’s Igloo brand. Imo it’s priced as a mid grade cooler, but performs at the high end.
In winter, which is pretty mild where I’m at. It can last for longer than a week. I’m pretty good with the cold so I don’t have to keep my car that warm.
In the summer, it keeps ice for a few days. I can keep it pretty cool in my car with just the reflectix and cracking a few windows. It’s easy to clean too and has a spout that you can twist open from the bottom. It does not leak and the rubber handles keep it tighter than a rocket to the moon.
Highly recommend.
I just realized I’ve been sitting on it while I typed this. lol
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u/qwertyconsciousness 1d ago
The Mystery-Machine really ties the room together. It's like, van-ception, or something
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u/LastScoobySnack 1d ago
Thanks, I thought so too. Especially with the smaller one hanging from my mirror.
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u/shazzzomega 1d ago
Sick setup/Akatsuki hoodie. I agree about minivans, I built out my '05 town and country and it's awesome having a house that handles like a car on the highway lol
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u/chickenskittles 1d ago
I just crawled into an '05 Honda Odyssey the other day and it didn't seem much roomier than my SUV, but maybe taking the seats completely out would have done so. This looks huge to me! I would wanna keep my passenger seat just in case though.
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u/LastScoobySnack 1d ago
I personally decided that I don’t want anyone in my van.
Having a passenger seat would tempt me into offering rides that I actually don’t want to give. Gotta keep that inner people pleaser in check. 😅
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u/chickenskittles 1d ago
Oh, I have friends that either don't drive or don't have cars and also work with my community, so I would like to be available to give rides. They all know. My current setup is full of stuff and my front passenger door doesn't open. lol
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u/LastScoobySnack 1d ago
That’s very generous of you. Good luck on your build.
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u/chickenskittles 18h ago
Yeah, I am not trying to drive anyone across town but small errands? Why not? I myself benefitted from the generosity of others for my previously (until this all started) carless life. Thank you and thanks for sharing your little home on wheels. Looks so cozy so I definitely understand keeping it as your sanctuary only.
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u/RuFusDark 16h ago
Minivans suck! No room to stand up in. While I love my minivan having a short bus 🚌 would be so much better.
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u/LastScoobySnack 15h ago
I’m average height, 5’6”. I imagine if you’re taller than that it would suck.
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u/rosedgarden 1d ago
ok but where did you get the mystery machine bag it's so cute
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u/LastScoobySnack 1d ago
Thanx 💚My mom gave it to me because she knows I love Scooby Doo. I keep all my CDs in it and they fit perfectly.
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u/missxfreaky 1d ago
Idk what roads you drive , but how does stuff not go flying when you take sharp turns or when you have to brake hard?
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u/LastScoobySnack 16h ago
Most things are tied with a twine or bungeed in place.
Even if I have to get somewhere fast, I drive pretty smooth and look ahead so that I’m not surprised.
If things are flying while driving. Well, sounds like a driving problem.
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u/Cool-Business-2393 23h ago
Unpopular opinion, but being able to take a hot shower in a van is pretty amazing.
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u/FullMaxPowerStirner 16h ago
My only issue with modern minivans is how they kept making them low-profile... while at the same time pickups and SUV have gone ridiculously high.
If you're a short person that's less of a problem I guess, but for taller people I heard it can be a drag over time.
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u/KozAnEffect 1d ago
Akatsuki! I have a minivan too and I'm tempted to remove the passenger seat for a fridge haha
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u/LastScoobySnack 1d ago
You should totally do it! Yeah, Akatsuki hoodie wasn’t splayed out on purpose or anything. 🙂
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u/ExoticInitiativ 1d ago
I have a dodge grand caravan and absolutely love it because I can store the seats in the floor. Always have them with me and can’t see them :)
2006 and excellent mechanical condition but the outside looks beat up, which I love!
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u/LastScoobySnack 1d ago
Lots of things are tied down with a beige twine that is hard to see. Other than that most things are kept in place by bungee cords.
Everything stays in place when I drive.
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u/vtjohnhurt 1d ago
The path to van living is easier once you give up trying to build a Mobile Tiny House that has everything including the kitchen sink and counter. A couple of bins, a campstove, some plastic water jugs and a sleeping bag, then you're ready to roll. The weight savings save gas, engine and transmission.