4 Amazing Minivan Conversions for Van Life

Considering a Minivan Conversion for Van Life?

With their versatility, good gas mileage, and affordability, minivans are an excellent option.

But how do models like the Toyota Sienna, Dodge Caravan, Kia Sedona, & Honda Odyssey stack up against each other?

In this post, we’ll find out.

Here’s everything you’ll learn:

4 Amazing Minivan Camper Conversions

With stow-n-go seats, pass throughs, & tons of no-build kits available, minivans provide a good platform for vanlife… but which van is the best?

Here are 4 great Minivans for vanlife:

The Dodge Caravan

• Overview: The Dodge Caravan is a great inexpensive option for vanlife. Its stow-’n’-go seats make it perfect for low-build or no-build options. Plus, there are a few companies that make vanlife kits for the Caravan that are super easy to install.
• Price Range: $3,000-$12,000
• Fuel Mileage: 20 MPG
• Dimensions: 39 inches (interior height), 62 inches (interior length), 50 inches (exterior width), 203 inches (exterior length)

Related: 6 Best Dodge Caravan Conversions

The Honda Odyssey

• Overview: The Odyssey is probably the most reliable minivan on the market. It has a lot of interior space, which is great whether you want to do a full build-out or a non-permanent build. These vans are all over the roads and it’s relatively easy to get your hands on one that doesn’t have too many miles on it.
• Price Range: $13,000-$39,000
• Fuel Mileage: 22 MPG
• Dimensions: 38 inches (interior height), 65 inches (interior length), 48 inches (exterior width), 203 inches (exterior length)

Related: 5 Best Honda Odyssey Conversions

The Kia Sedona

• Overview: The Sedona is a bit of a smaller van–owners say it’s about the size of an SUV, but with all the benefits of a minivan. It’s much more affordable than the Odyssey and Sedona, and it’s an excellent van for simple DIY builds.
• Price Range: $9,000-$30,000
• Fuel Mileage: 21 MPG
• Dimensions: 39 inches (interior height), 62 inches (interior length), 52 inches (exterior width), 203 inches (exterior length)

Related: 2 Best Kia Sedona Conversions

The Toyota Sienna

• Overview: The Sienna has killer gas mileage (especially the Hybrid model). It also has a great amount of interior room and will last you a long time. 
• Price Range: $19,000-$56,000
• Fuel Mileage: 36 MPG
• Dimensions: 38 inches (interior height), 61 inches (interior length), 51 inches (exterior width), 204 inches (exterior length)

Related: 10 Best Toyota Sienna Conversions

10 Reasons Why Vanlifers Like Minivan Conversions

Minivans are easy to drive, widely available, & inexpensive used – but are they the best option for vanlife?

Here are 10 reasons why vanlifers like using Minivans for vanlife:

1. Good Gas Mileage: Compared to a gas-guzzling Econoline, or a huge Sprinter Van, minivans are much more fuel-efficient.
2. Fits in Any Parking Spot: Minivans are designed to have a lot of interior space, but to still fit in any parking spot. You won’t need to worry about finding the “RV Parking” section.
3. Versatile: Many minivan van-lifers use their minivans both as a passenger vehicle and a van-life van. Most minivans have seats that are easy to remove and replace.
4. Easy to Drive Anywhere: Unlike larger vans, minivans are small and low-profile. They’re easy to drive on freeways, backroads, and in cities.
5. Widely Available: Because of their practicality, minivans are all over the market. It’ll be super easy to get your hands on one for a decent price.
6. Inexpensive Used: Many older minivans are selling on the used car market for under 10 grand. That’s a huge bargain compared to a $70,000 Sprinter van.
7. Fits in a Garage: Any minivan you purchase will be able to fit in any garage. That means you can park it in your garage at home, or in a parking garage while out and about.
8. Blends in: One of the best things about minivans is that no one will ever suspect you’re camping in them. They are really the stealthiest of all van-life options.
9. Great for DIY Builds: Many minivan van-lifers opt for simple DIY builds that require little to no prior building experience. All you really have to do to get a minivan ready for vanlife is remove the seats and put down a mattress!
10. Low Maintenance: Although this varies by make and model, minivans tend to be reliable vehicles. The maintenance you’ll have to do on them is comparable to any other car.

6 Reasons Why Vanlifers Dislike Converted Minivan Campers

As with every vehicle, there are downsides to a Minivan.

Here are 6 reasons why vanlifers dislike Minivans for vanlife:

1. Not Enough Room for an Indoor Kitchen: The biggest downside of a minivan is the lack of interior space compared to larger vans. There simply isn’t enough room for a full indoor kitchen.
2. Can’t Stand up Inside: The interior height of minivans is nowhere near tall enough to stand up inside, and there are few pop-top options.
3. No Room for a Bathroom: There isn’t really a way to fit a bathroom inside a minivan, so you’ll have to opt for a portable toilet, or just use public restrooms.
4. Not as Popular for Vanlife: Because of their size, minivans aren’t as popular for vanlife as Sprinters or Transits. That means there’s fewer resources online for people who choose to vanlife in a minivan.
5. Not Very Stylish: Minivans are built for practicality more so than style. So if you want your van-life van to be visually appealing, a minivan might not be for you.
6. Fewer Conversion Companies Work on Them: Compared to more popular van conversion platforms like Sprinter cargo vans or Ford Transits, very few companies will convert your minivan, though, they are out there!

Cost, Dimensions, & Fuel Economy

Now that you know a little more each minivan, let’s see how they compare (Toyota Sienna, Dodge Caravan, Kia Sedona, & Honda Odyssey).

Minivan Cost

Cost: Toyota Sienna vs Dodge Caravan vs Kia Sedona vs Honda Odyssey

Minivan Dimensions

Dimensions: Toyota Sienna vs Dodge Caravan vs Kia Sedona vs Honda Odyssey

Minivan Fuel Economy

Fuel Economy: Toyota Sienna vs Dodge Caravan vs Kia Sedona vs Honda Odyssey

Conclusion: Is a Minivan Conversion Right for you?

There are a lot of reasons to choose a Minivan: They are low maintenance, easy to drive, & great for simple DIY builds – but they may not be right for you.

Biggest factors:

• Practical
• Multi-Use
• Good Gas Mileage
• Easy to Drive
• Small Interior Space

So should you get one?

Maybe! We’d recommend a Minivan over a traditional vanlife option (like a Sprinter/VW etc.) for vanlifers who want to get into a vehicle without spending a fortune or dealing with complicated build-outs.