Whether you're planning an epic road trip across American and Canadian National Parks or just spontaneous weekend getaways, converting your everyday minivan into a mini-camper has never been easier.
At Vanpackers, our mission is clear: to let you taste the freedom of vanlife without having to invest in an overpriced RV or make permanent modifications to your car.
Today, two main solutions are available to convert your minivan: the Minivan Kit and the Simple Kit. While both share the Vanpackers DNA—Montreal design, tool-free installation, and durable materials—they cater to very different travel styles and budgets.
Which one is right for you? Let’s break it down to help you choose!
The Minivan Kit: The Premium, Turnkey Vanlife Experience
If you're looking for ultimate comfort, complete self-sufficiency on the road, and a custom fit designed for your specific vehicle model, the Minivan Kit is undisputed royalty in its category.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Fully Integrated, Functional Kitchen: No need to improvise dinner on a slippery picnic table. The Minivan Kit features a complete kitchen drawer with a 20L (5.3 gal) water supply, a collapsible sink, a dual-burner propane stove, dedicated storage for propane tanks (1 lb or 5 lbs), and lockable storage drawers for your groceries and cookware.
- 3-in-1 Modular Living Space: Switch in seconds from a double bed to a single bed, or set up a cozy indoor lounge with an adjustable 3-position table—super convenient when it’s raining outside
- Tailored Precision Fit: Each kit is built specifically around the floor anchors of your exact minivan model (Dodge Grand Caravan, Toyota Sienna, Chrysler Pacifica, Honda Odyssey, Kia Carnival, etc.).
- Ready to Roll: Receive it, lock it into your minivan’s anchors in just 5 minutes, and hit the open road.
In short: The Minivan Kit is a premium, high-end option (starting at $4,795 CAD). It’s the ultimate investment for long-distance road trippers who refuse to compromise on organization and comfort.
credit: Rémy Ogez
The Simple Kit: The Affordable, Ultra-Versatile Sleeping Platform
Want to sleep comfortably in your car, keep maximum flexibility, and stick to a friendlier budget? That’s exactly why we created the Simple Kit.
Want to sleep comfortably in your car, keep maximum flexibility, and stick to a friendlier budget? That’s exactly why we created the Simple Kit.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Maximum Modularity (1 or 2 People): The Simple Kit is built around an expandable bed platform extending up to 72 inches. You can buy a single module for solo adventures or two modules to create a full-width double bed.
- Keep Up to 5 Passenger Seats: Unlike other setups, the Simple Kit folds down neatly into the trunk (compact 2x4 ft footprint) without requiring you to pull out your minivan’s rear seats. Perfect if your car handles daily commute duties during the week!
- Universal Compatibility: Minivans, compact vans, or even the new Volkswagen ID. Buzz—thanks to its adjustable legs and included leveling shims, the Simple Kit adapts to almost any flat-floor vehicle.
- Customizable: Available as a DIY Flat Pack (about 1 hour for first assembly) or fully assembled, you can purchase the bed frame on its own or upgrade with a heavy-duty storage drawer (with countertop and sink) and a custom 4-inch mattress.
In short: The Simple Kit is an accessible, compact, and expandable solution (starting at $795 CAD). It’s designed for minimalist campers, weekend warriors, and anyone who wants to build out their setup as their needs grow.
credit: BolyBuzz
Comparison Table: Minivan Kit vs. Simple Kit
|
Feature |
Minivan Kit |
Simple Kit |
|
Positioning |
Premium, turnkey & fully equipped |
Affordable, modular & minimalist |
|
Starting Price |
From $4,795 CAD |
From $795 CAD |
|
Integrated Kitchen |
Yes (20L water, 2-burner stove, locking drawers) |
Optional (Drawer with collapsible sink & countertop) |
|
Rear Bench Seat |
Removed or stowed depending on model |
Kept in place (Travel with up to 5 passengers) |
|
Installation |
Ready to drop in (5 min, tool-free) |
Initial DIY assembly (~1 hr), then 5-min installation |
|
Indoor Lounge Mode |
Yes (Integrated 3-position table) |
Table option coming soon / Sleeping focused |
|
Vehicle Fit |
Model-specific to your minivan |
Universal (Minivans, SUVs, vans, ID. Buzz) |
|
Best For |
Long-haul travelers, nomads, total comfort |
Campers, budget-conscious drivers, daily commuters |
The Verdict: Which One Fits Your Travel Style?
Go with the Minivan Kit if:
- You plan on traveling for weeks at a time.
- You love cooking real meals outdoors with a dedicated, organized kitchen setup.
- You want a practical indoor dining/lounge area to read, eat, or work out of the weather.
- You want a 100% turnkey, hassle-free conversion where every detail is taken care of.
Go with the Simple Kit if:
- You’re on a budget and want the best bang for your buck.
- You need your vehicle ready for 5 passengers during the week and ready for camping by Friday night.
- You love modularity: starting with a single bed platform now, then adding a second module or kitchen drawers later.
- You drive something other than a standard minivan (or plan on switching cars soon).
Ready to Turn Your Vehicle into a Campervan?
No matter which path you take, all our kits are thoughtfully designed and built with care right in our Montreal workshop. They guarantee an installation with zero permanent modifications to your vehicle—meaning you can revert your car back to stock in under 5 minutes!
Still on the fence?
- Visit Us in Montreal: Stop by our workshop to test out our kits in person.
- Book a Virtual Tour: Schedule a live video call with our team, and we’ll show you the products and answer all your vehicle-specific questions.
