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I Converted my Dodge Caravan into a Camper- Solar Panels and All! | FULL Build - Start to Finish |

Lydia Keen

118,839 views

#minivanlife #minivancamper #minivanconversion #solarpanels
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I finally did it! Here is my full Dodge Caravan Conversion video- and all of the ups and downs that went with it. Three years ago I converted my car into a camper with solar panels and all! Since then- I’ve put over 80,000 miles on it. I’ve learned so much along the journey, and I love that I can share it here with you. Maybe you can learn from my mistakes before your van build! Haha Love you guys, and hope you enjoy this video :)

As mentioned in the video, here are my camping essentials!
I do earn a small commission when you purchase through this link so thank you soo so much for supporting my channel! It all goes back into making these videos xoxo

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0:00 Intro
0:45 How It All Started: Car Camping
01:03 Getting My Dodge Caravan- No Build Fail
03:55 Starting the Van Build- Up-cycled and on a Budget!
04:22 Remove the Stow and Go Seats
05:29 Building a Bed for the Van
06:29 Find the Measuring Tape LOL
06:57 Up-cycled Office Space
07:36 Homemade Side Table- Wood Burn Art
09:10 Comedy Moment with Lydia Keen- Dying Fabric
11:53 When it Rains it Pours
13:20 DIY Minivan Mattress
14:20 Making Curtains- Ancient Kenmore Sewing Machine
16:46 Making Center Console
17:08 Solar Panel Install No Drill! 200 Watt Renogy
23:20 Flooring for Minivan
23:40 Screens for Minivan
24:06 The Toilet -Turbo Toilet
24:20 Extra Swing Seat for Van
24:40 My Essential Travel Items
24:59 Hitting the Road! National Parks Tour + Lessons Learned
The End :)

20 Comments

@VickieTanner-d7t 1 year ago

I turn 65 next month. Lost my husband this past December. I have been contemplating on converting my dodge grand caravan into a camper van and hit the road. After watching your video tonight in 2025, I’m no longer contemplating. I’m doing it! Thank you! You’ve not only touched my heart with your video, you just changed my life. Thank you young lady. God be with us all on our journeys for we are getting closer to enduring some very hard times.

@jackdawadventures182 2 years ago

Thank you for this. I am 64 and lost my wife to cancer in July of 22. We had planned to travel when I retired and last winter I said to my self "If not now, when?" So I put a make shift bed and plastic totes in my minivan and hit the road for 11 weeks. I returned and set about building my van for full time travel. I sold most everything and am setting out tomorrow! I've been feeling rather melancholy the past few days but this video has convinced me that I am doing the right thing foe me. Thank you again and I hope to see you down the road.
PS. My grandparents had a cottage right off of Torch Lake MI that I spent my summers at.

@bambiloving7019 2 years ago

I'm turning 65 this month and thinking of converting my twin sister's 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan. I'm impressed with your solar panels! Great conversion job!

@alisinwanderland 2 years ago (edited)

How do you only have 367 subscribers atm??? This is my first time seeing one of your videos, but you are such a great storyteller, you clearly inherited awesome artistic talents from your Mom and your do-it-yourself-ness from your Dad, and you have such a bright, infectious energy. Can't wait to get stuck in to more of your videos. New sub here...thanks for sharing your awesome work.

@beerman204 2 years ago (edited)

75 year old dude here...my 2015 Dodge Caravan is by far the best vehicle I have ever owned...have my little "home" in the back..
No mortgage, no hoa, no utility bills...I really love it....

@MariposaWanderer 2 years ago

This is so beautiful, my dad and I dreamed of building our vans together so we could travel together but he unfortunately passed away 4 months ago and now I'm here building without him and still honoring him... Count your blessings for having this beautiful experience with your dad

@OhHapppyDaay 2 years ago

I had to rewind the video 1436 times, but I was finally able to successfully write down every word of the chant. My batch came out perfectly as a result. Wow! Thank you!

@dawnchiaramonte4785 2 years ago

All I can say is WOW! What a fantastic video. Enjoy your journey called life! Thanks for sharing

@RLeeVanCamps 2 years ago (edited)

It’s not the destination it’s the journey. Even the build was a journey😊. Living your best life. You have an amazing family😊

@RachelinRealLife 2 years ago

I absolutely love your video! I initially came for the van build, but your storytelling had me completely engrossed in your journey. I'm so relieved to hear that your dad got better, and I'm truly sorry about your cat. Your ability to weave personal experiences into your content is inspiring. I'll definitely be following along with your journey!

@bryanjordan8997 2 months ago

I just found your channel and it’s beautiful. I lived in a minivan and like you traveled the US and Canada. I’m now 65 and two years ago after my minivan, a 24’ RV and a tiny home off the coast of the North Oregon coast, to Purdy, Washington I’m now in a rental house in Morelia, Michoacán Mexico. Well.. after a year in San Antonio Tlayacapan, Jalisco, MX I know I’ll be in. Ofelia for two years still working as a graphic designer and setting up my art studio.

Your video brought tears, smiles and just feeling so proud of where you are and where you are heading. Its wonderful to see a young, bright, smart woman take life by the horns and make is yours. My Mom & Sister passed away with a month back home in Kansas City, Mo in September 2020 and ot only do i miss them so much everyday, I miss sharing with them my adventures. Stay strong, sweet and no matter what, keep discovering life!

@GlassGrassnHash 1 year ago

I traveled in my van for 4 months before hitting a deer I just bought a van and am getting it ready to leave this month and the feeling I got from your video where unexplainable so many tears of joy I’m so happy your living your dream beautiful video and editing

@Because_its_over 2 years ago

Girl! As the mother of 2 amazing young women (20 & 24), a single mom for 18 years, the pride I felt watching you defeat and overcome, is every parents wish for their child! I applaud your tenacity, fortitude and overall girl power! I can see the pride in your parents face! Keep that with you always! Go, do, stay safe and never give up your dreams! ❤

@lfyoung 9 months ago

Doing this with your family especially your dad is priceless to both of you. You can see in his smile how happy he is. Awesome build.

@polyamoryover50 9 months ago

I’ve watched close to one hundred vanlife videos and yours was probably the only one I didn’t put on 2x speed or fast forward through. You are a great story teller. You inspired me with your patience and creativity. And you are blessed to have such wonderful parents. I’m so glad your dad is ok.
Keep on truckin’ lady! ❤️

@eladiolagrimas2635 2 years ago

I’m Elle your new subscriber from San Diego . Good job on your on your accomplishments building your own camping van and traveling around the country…As a veteran myself ( NAVY ) I traveled the world… Keep vlogging and traveling. Good luck on your exciting adventures… Stay safe and GOD Bless.🙏🙏🙏

@priceisright3004 2 years ago

Your share made me so emotional 🥹. Wiping away tears and I am asking myself why. The tender way you express your experience. Family love. The Bravery. Your Strength and kindness. Enjoy ☀️ ⛅️ 🌞

@nisagomez4366 2 years ago

Love this video and all the waterfalls, they are my fav! What wonderful parents you have. RIP George. 😿

@PollyHistor 2 years ago

First-time viewer here. You are so adorable! 😍 Quirky and fun and living life to the fullest. I'm so proud of you and all of your growth, newly learned skills, and sharing your knowledge. Many people never get the gumption to learn those things, yet you took them on with a fierce determination. I wish you well on your life journey, and I look forward to seeing your next videos. Kudos! ✨️

@ExploringthWorld 2 years ago

Such a great video! I've seen 100s of van builds at this point, and I love how you built with reclaimed materials and shared so many special moments creating your van with your family! Seeing all the places you went was the cherry on top!