Converting A Toyota Sienna: Your Next Diy Camper Project

The Toyota Sienna is a popular choice for a DIY camper conversion. It's a reliable, roomy, and comfortable minivan that can be converted into a stealthy, efficient, and spacious camper van. With its All-Wheel Drive and hybrid models, the Sienna is perfect for both urban camping and off-grid adventures.

There are several ways to convert a Toyota Sienna into a camper, from pre-made conversion kits to custom builds. Conversion kits, such as those offered by Freeway Camper Kit, Riverleaf, and Roadloft, provide a plug-and-play solution with features like beds, kitchens, storage, and electrical systems. These kits are typically removable and can be installed in just a few minutes, making them versatile and convenient.

For those who want a more personalized touch, custom conversion companies like GTRV and Oasis Campervans offer professional services to transform your Sienna into a cozy camper. These conversions can include pop-tops for extra headroom, custom furniture, and even plumbing for a sink and shower.

The Toyota Sienna's spacious interior, with over 100 cubic feet of space after removing the rear seats, makes it an excellent choice for a camper conversion. Whether you're a solo camper or travelling with a partner, the Sienna offers ample room for sleeping, cooking, and storing all your adventure gear.

So, if you're looking to hit the open road and explore in comfort and style, converting a Toyota Sienna into a camper might just be the perfect option for you!

Choosing the right van

• Budget: Your budget will play a significant role in determining the type of van you can afford. Consider not only the purchase price of the van but also the cost of the conversion, maintenance, and any unexpected expenses.
• Mileage: Lower mileage vans tend to be more expensive upfront but may have fewer mechanical issues. Higher mileage vans are more affordable but may require more frequent repairs and maintenance.
• Reliability and Maintenance: Some vans, like the Mercedes Sprinter and Ford Transit, are known for their reliability and durability. Others, like the Ram Promaster, may have transmission issues with older models. Consider the availability and cost of maintenance for different van models.
• Size and Space: Think about how much space you need for your conversion. Consider the number of people travelling, the amenities you want to include, and the amount of storage required. Larger vans like the Mercedes Sprinter and Ford Transit offer more space but can be more challenging to park and manoeuvre. Smaller vans like the Nissan NV200, Ford Transit Connect, and Ram Promaster City are more compact and efficient but may have limited interior space.
• Fuel Efficiency: Smaller vans tend to be more fuel-efficient, which is an important consideration for long-distance travel. Among larger vans, the Mercedes Sprinter stands out for its fuel economy.
• Resale Value: Vans that hold their value well, such as the Mercedes Sprinter and Ford Transit, can be a good investment, especially if you plan to sell or upgrade in the future.
• DIY vs Professional Conversion: Decide whether you want to undertake the conversion yourself or hire professionals. DIY conversions are more budget-friendly and allow for personalisation, but they require time, skill, and effort. Professional conversions offer expertise, efficiency, and often higher-quality results.
• Your Usage: Consider how you plan to use the van. Will you be using it for weekend getaways or full-time living? What type of terrain and climate will you encounter? These factors will influence the size, features, and capabilities you need in your van.

When choosing the right van for your camper conversion, it's important to weigh your priorities and make a decision that aligns with your budget, needs, and lifestyle.

Kitchen setup

The kitchen setup for your Toyota Sienna camper will depend on your budget, how much space you want to allocate to it, and how much time you plan to spend cooking.

If you're on a budget and/or don't plan on cooking elaborate meals, a simple setup with a small sink, a portable stove, and a cooler or refrigerator should suffice. You can place the sink and stove in the trunk area, with the cooler or refrigerator on the floor of the van behind the driver or passenger seat. This setup is easy to install and won't break the bank.

If you want a more comprehensive kitchen setup, you can opt for a conversion kit that includes a kitchenette with more counter space, storage, and a larger sink. Some kits also include a refrigerator, a microwave, and even a dishwasher. These kits can be more expensive, but they offer a more permanent solution and provide a wider range of amenities.

When designing your kitchen setup, consider the following:

• Storage: Pots, pans, dishes, and food items will all need a place to be stored. Utilize shelves, drawers, and compartments to maximize storage space.
• Counter space: If you plan on doing a lot of food preparation, make sure you have enough counter space to work with. A foldable or extendable counter can be a great way to save space when not in use.
• Appliances: Consider which appliances you will need and have room for. A small refrigerator or cooler is essential for keeping food fresh, while a stove or cooktop is necessary for cooking. Other appliances such as a microwave or coffee maker can also be included if you have the space and power capacity.
• Water supply: You will need a source of fresh water for cooking and cleaning. Consider installing a water pump and/or a greywater tank to make it easier to manage your water supply and waste.
• Ventilation: Cooking in a small space can lead to a buildup of heat and moisture. Ensure you have adequate ventilation, such as windows or a fan, to keep your kitchen area comfortable and prevent condensation.
• Lawrence and Airiel installed a fabulous kitchen setup in the back of their minivan with plenty of storage for pots, pans, and other kitchen gear. They included a counter that lifts and latches into place, providing access to the storage beneath it. They also stored a rice cooker, a 5-gallon propane tank, and a collapsible sink. The counter had an additional table piece on a hinge that extended the counter space. A small shelf with baskets above the counter held smaller items, and shelving beside the counter provided more kitchenware storage and spots for a cooler and a drinking water jug.
• Josh from Colorado spent only $300 on his 2012 Sienna conversion, which included a simple kitchen setup. He installed shelves and a kitchen counter with storage underneath behind the driver's seat. He also had a table that he could attach to the bed platform by the trunk to cook and eat outside under the tailgate.
• The father-daughter duo, Jack Dougherty and Maya, included a small kitchen and refrigerator in their $3,000 conversion. They also had a portable power station with a solar panel.
• Mitchell and Bonny (Joy For Life Toyota Sienna Camper) installed a large kitchen with cabinets and a sink in the trunk. They painted the unit bright red and added fake tiles to the screen. The kitchen was separated from the rest of the camper by a screen with a window to let in light and keep out bugs.
• The 2021 Toyota Sienna XLE AWD conversion by Oasis Campervans features a kitchen with a maple butcher-block countertop, a battery-powered electric sink pump, and a Dometic portable refrigerator. There are also two soft-close storage drawers, a 5-gallon fresh water tank, and a 5-gallon greywater tank.

Sleeping arrangements

The Toyota Sienna is a spacious and reliable vehicle, making it a great choice for a camper conversion. Here are some ideas and options for sleeping arrangements in your Toyota Sienna camper:

Sleeping Platforms and Beds

Sleeping platforms and beds are essential for a comfortable night's rest in your camper. You can opt for a fixed or removable platform, depending on your needs and preferences. Some popular options include:

• Fixed sleeping platforms: You can build a sleeping platform using plywood and hinges, allowing for storage space underneath. This option provides a permanent sleeping area but reduces flexibility.
• Removable beds: Companies like Camp N Car offer slide-out platform beds made of plywood, providing a simple and space-saving solution. Egoe offers a folding bed frame with extendable slats to maximize space.
• Bunk beds: For solo travellers or couples, the Home On Wheels kit features a bunk bed with an optional slide-out. This option saves space and allows for more gear storage.
• Futon-style beds: A futon-style bed on a continuous hinge can accommodate different body sizes, such as Dave's setup in his off-grid Sienna conversion.
• Expandable beds: Jonnie's Sienna conversion features an expanding couch and bed combo, providing a versatile space for sleeping and seating.

Seating and Bed Conversion

Converting seating areas into beds is a common approach to maximizing space in a Toyota Sienna camper. Here are some ideas:

• Rear seats: You can opt to keep the second or third-row seats to provide a living room or extra sleeping space during the day. This offers flexibility but may reduce overall storage space.
• Foldable benches: Benches with foldable backs can be used for seating during the day and converted into a bed at night. This setup saves space and provides a versatile area.
• Pop-top beds: Installing a pop-top, such as the one offered by GTRV, adds extra headroom and sleeping space, perfect for kids or shorter adults.

Customizable Options

Customizable options allow you to tailor your sleeping arrangements to your specific needs:

• Modular setups: Companies like RoadLoft and Egoe offer modular designs, letting you choose and adjust the layout for each trip. This provides flexibility and customization.
• Custom conversions: Companies like GTRV and Oasis Campervans offer custom conversion services, allowing you to design a sleeping area that suits your unique needs and preferences.

DIY Ideas

If you're handy and creative, you can design and build your own sleeping arrangements:

• Jack Dougherty and his daughter Maya built a convertible couch and full-size bed using standard power tools, lumber, and accessories, spending only $3000.
• Josh from Colorado spent just $300 on his 2012 Sienna conversion, which includes a bench that converts into a bed and shelves for storage.
• Mitchell and Bonny of Joy For Life Toyota Sienna Camper installed a platform bed with storage underneath and separated the sleeping area from the kitchen with a screened window.

Electrical systems

The electrical system you choose for your Toyota Sienna camper conversion will depend on your budget, the amount of space you have available, and the electrical appliances you want to power.

If you're on a budget, a simple and affordable option is to use a portable solar panel, such as a Jackery power station, with a foldable solar panel to charge it during the day. This setup can power basic appliances like a camping refrigerator, laptop, and phone. You can tuck the generator neatly behind the passenger seat or underneath a shelf.

If you have a higher budget and want to power more appliances, you can opt for a more powerful solar generator, such as the Jackery 1000W solar generator, which can be charged using shore power, alternator charging, or solar panels. To save space, consider mounting flexible camper van solar panels on the roof.

For a more permanent solution, you can install a house battery, inverter, and solar panels. This setup will give you more power and flexibility but will require a bigger investment.

If you're looking for a ready-made solution, some conversion kits, like the Freeway Camper Kit, come with a solar generator, refrigerator, and other electrical appliances included.

When designing your electrical system, consider your power needs and budget to determine the best solution for your Toyota Sienna camper conversion.

Storage solutions

The Toyota Sienna is a great choice for a camper conversion, offering a spacious interior and a reliable, fuel-efficient model. However, as a smaller vehicle, storage is a key consideration. Here are some ideas for maximising storage in your Sienna conversion.

Under-bed Storage

Many Sienna converters opt for a bed platform with storage underneath. This is a great way to utilise the space, as it provides ample room for clothes, food, and other essentials. This method is used by several Sienna converters, including Dani, Maddie, Jimmy, and Mike and Rachel.

Kitchen Storage

If you're installing a kitchen, you'll need to consider how to store your pots, pans, and other kitchenware efficiently. One option is to include drawers or shelves in your kitchen setup, as seen in the conversions by Lawrence and Airiel, and Kelly. Alternatively, you could opt for a hanging storage solution, as seen in the conversion by Qasim and Kayla, where magnetic jars are used to store spices.

External Storage

If you're running out of room inside your Sienna, consider adding external storage solutions. A roof box or hitch box can provide a significant amount of additional storage space, as seen in Kelly's conversion, where a Thule storage box is installed on the roof.

Removable Storage

If you're not planning on living in your camper full-time, you might want to consider removable storage solutions. This could include storage bins or boxes that can be easily taken in and out of the vehicle, as suggested by the user "thisadviceisworthles" on Reddit.

Custom Storage Solutions

For a more tailored approach, you could design and build your own custom storage solutions. This could include cabinets, shelves, or compartments that fit the specific needs of your setup. An example of this can be seen in Kelly's conversion, which includes custom cabinets with drop-down doors that double as tables or workspaces.

Frequently asked questions