I’m hitting the road to enjoy the van life and see the sites in my Honda Odyssey!
You can follow me on Instagram, YouTube or on Facebook @OdysseyCamper
In Phase 1 (Fall 2017) I’ll do the minimum necessary to convert my 2004 Honda Odyssey for camping and head to the badlands. This is to show you just how cheap and easy it is to get out on the road.
Transforming a Honda Odyssey into a Full-Time Camper: The Phase 1 Journey
Recently, I returned from a two-week adventure, a pivotal part of the “Phase 1 Project.” This initial phase aims to demonstrate the ease with which you can convert a minivan, specifically a Honda Odyssey, into a full-time camping vehicle. While Phase 2 will delve into a comprehensive build-out, I wanted to share a glimpse of my current setup during these camping expeditions and how I organize my space.
Essentials and Organization
Upon entering the van, the first thing you might notice is an extra pair of boots. I find carrying several pairs of hiking boots crucial, allowing me to alternate them daily. The dashboard houses my weather radio, a simple swap from the factory radio that anyone can perform. I’ll share more about this upgrade in a future post. Having access to weather updates is invaluable, especially when you’re far from cell service and a storm is approaching.
Inside, you’ll find my trusty Pyrex cup, alongside a candle for evening light and psychological warmth. I recommend placing the candle in a small dish within the Pyrex cup for safety, ensuring no risk of fire.
Privacy and Comfort
Homemade curtains line the back windows, and I plan to detail their creation in an upcoming post. For water storage, I’ve previously discussed my easy and durable DIY solution, particularly helpful during emergencies like hurricanes.
My 800-watt inverter, directly wired to the battery (with a fuse for safety), powers a small ceramic heater and other essentials. Speaking of breakfast, I carry immersion water heaters and a drip coffee maker, relying on non-refrigerated food items such as dried soups, Pop-Tarts, and oatmeal for meals.
Temperature Control and Sleep
Reflectix panels for the side windows and a large panel for the rear window ensure privacy and insulation. I also use a small fan for air circulation and a Reflectix sheet for the windshield. My bedding solution includes two sleeping bags suitable for different seasons, with the option to layer them for extra cold nights.
Safety and Utilities
A “necessity bucket” equipped with cat litter and toilet paper is on hand for emergencies, alongside bleach for water purification if needed. My clothing and additional food supplies are neatly stored under the bed in plastic containers.
Outdoor Gear and Emergency Preparedness
I pack an extension cord, camp chair, hiking poles (a knee-saver), and a comprehensive first aid kit prepared by a friend. This kit contains everything from antibiotics to bandages, ensuring I’m ready for any minor injuries on the trail.
Conclusion: The Minimalist Approach
This journey reaffirmed the minimalistic approach to camping; most of the time, you’ll find that a few essential items are repeatedly used. I spent the majority of my days exploring and only returned to the van to sleep or relax. The space within the Honda Odyssey proved sufficient for me, though larger or additional cots could accommodate more travelers.
Through Phase 1, I aimed to illustrate that with a modest investment and a bit of creativity, anyone can transform a minivan into a capable camping vehicle. This venture not only saves money but also fosters an intimate connection with the outdoors. Stay tuned for Phase 2, where I’ll take this build to the next level.
Remember, this isn’t about selling you on any products. But I’ll share links to items I used for those interested in creating a similar setup. It IS about inspiring you to explore and enjoy the simplicity of van camping.
In Phase 2 (Winter 2017-2018) I will convert the Odyssey for full-time van dwelling or camping. Here’s where we add a semi-permanent bed and make other modifications to make life on the road, more enjoyable. Update Phase 2 was completed and I’m still rolling in 2024! Here’s my latest set-up!
The Honda Odyssey Camper Conversion, elevated!
Here I turned my beloved Honda Odyssey (aka, former Company Car) into a fully-functional minivan camper. Whether you’re an avid traveler or someone seeking part-time adventure, this conversion guide illuminates the path from ordinary to extraordinary (er, at least something better than a cot in a van).
Elevating the Honda Odyssey: A Minivan Camper Transformation
The journey begins with a three-inch-plus lift kit, an unconventional yet critical enhancement for the Honda Odyssey. This modification, while modest for a truck, marks a significant elevation for a minivan, laying the groundwork for rugged exploration. Off-road tires complement the lift, ensuring the minivan is snow and mud-ready, encapsulating the spirit of adventure.
Lighting the Way and Harnessing the Sun
A crucial aspect of the Honda Odyssey Camper Conversion is the installation of a light bar and solar panels. The light bar, positioned on the minivan’s roof, serves as a beacon, guiding the way during nocturnal treks and preventing the risk of driving off unseen ledges. Meanwhile, 200 watts of solar panels, coupled with a Renogy 30 amp charge controller, not only promise sustainable energy but also ensure that the adventure never halts, charging from solar inputs and the vehicle’s alternator as you traverse the open road.
DIY Minivan Roof Rack and Interior Innovations
The DIY minivan conversion extends to a creatively designed roof rack made from Unistrut, offering flexibility to secure camping essentials and more. Inside, the van’s transformation includes a control panel nestled within the center console, managing an array of electronic amenities. A 1000-watt inverter and a robust 100 amp-hour battery support the van’s electrical needs, discreetly installed beneath the floor for optimal space utilization.
Water Systems and Amenities: Beyond Basics
Equipped with dual water tanks for drinking and showering, the Honda Odyssey camper ensures that fresh water is always within reach, thanks to on-demand pumps and an extendable hose system. A distinctive blower system enhances air circulation, making every moment inside the camper as comfortable as the last…and does not become your last…
A Personal Touch to Van Life
Every DIY minivan conversion is a reflection of individual needs and tastes. This Honda Odyssey Camper Conversion goes beyond mere functionality, integrating storage solutions, a foam-padded bed, and future plans for a built-in refrigerator and additional drawers. The project is a testament to the blend of creativity, utility, and personal expression that defines the minivan camper lifestyle.
Much of what you see in my minivan camper conversions will apply to every generation of Honda Odyssey and even the Toyota Sienna or Dodge Caravan. The main differences you have to watch for are the flatness of the cargo floor (flatter means fewer modification to get the floor level) and the width of the cargo area (this will affect the measurements of the bed and any cabinets. Oh, I almost forgot the Kia Sedona mini-vans. They have a large cargo area and can make for a more affordable camper van.
Converting a Honda Odyssey into a minivan camper is not just about enhancing a vehicle’s capabilities; it’s about embracing a lifestyle of freedom, adventure, and creativity. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a cross-country tour, a DIY minivan conversion ensures that home is wherever you park it.
–Odyssey Camper