The minivan conversion kit is our most popular kit, and with good reason! We'll tell you why we started the Vanpackers adventure with this model, and why we think it's the one for you.
1. Vehicle compatibility
The minivan conversion kit is compatible with the majority of 7-seater models available in North America:
Did you know that... The kit was only compatible with Dodge Grand Caravan Stow n' Go until 2021? It is the trust and generosity of our customers that has enabled us to continue developing the compatibility of the minivan kit by lending us their vehicles🙂 #vanpackersfamiliy
In fact, we're often asked why we couldn't make a single model of minivan kit that would be compatible with all these vehicles, rather than having developed different versions, all seemingly identical? As our kit is based on a "plug & play" system, we had to find an ingenious way of keeping the kit securely in place, without altering the car's original structure.
We say it all the time: safety first! With nearly 3,000 customers and over 6 years' experience renting our minivans fitted with the Vanpackers kit, we can assure you without hesitation that the kit doesn't move a hair during driving. We've tested it on every road in Quebec, so you get the idea (iykyk😉)!
So we racked our brains and came up with THE solution: using the floor anchors.
As you may have noticed, the interior of each minivan is quite different from one model to the next.
Rail-mounted seats in the Toyota Sienna, sloping floor in the Honda Odyssey, Stow n' Go system in the Dodge Grand Caravan...
In short, it's these model-specific features that make the minivan kit so versatile. Thanks in part to the ingenious shimming system adapted to each vehicle model, the kit can now be installed in the majority of minivans on the road.
2. Structure of the kit
The kit is made up of 4 sections:
- the kitchen
- the rear bed module
- 2 boxes for front bed modules
In addition to facilitating installation, this division into modules makes it possible to distinguish between the living spaces offered by the kit's configuration. This means you can easily switch from living/dining room mode to bed mode, after enjoying the delicious meal cooked at the rear of the van in the kitchen section.
Speaking of which, it's no coincidence that the kitchen is located at the rear of the van. It's the place with the most space to have all the components of a fully equipped kitchen quickly at hand, without having to modify the set-up you've made for yourself to cook your 5-star meal. It's also the safest place to use a propane stove, without smoking up the cabin.
Pro tip: always keep a small fire extinguisher close at hand, ready to be used in case of need.
Bonus point for the cooler, easily accessible from inside the car, which is really handy when you're feeling hungry and don't want to get out of your van (we know what we're talking about here😉).
As for the living/dining/bed area, it couldn't be simpler to navigate between the 3 modes. If you're not convinced, watch this video and you'll see how easy it is for Vanpackers founder Gab to juggle the kit's different configurations.
Why choose multi-layer birch?
The multi-layered, pre-varnished birch used in our conversion kits offers a bunch of significant advantages..
Not only is it strong, it's also resistant to weather and long-term use. Once again, our rental experience allows us to affirm that even after daily (and let's face it, not always gentle) use over intensive 6-month periods, the kits installed in our rental vans always finish the season in excellent condition, allowing us to use them again the following season. A good example of durability!
We also add aesthetics to its list of features, making it the perfect material for building a lightweight, affordable conversion kit.
3. Easy to install
You've probably noticed the recurrence of the "simplicity" theme so far, haven't you? That's right! Because not only is our minivan conversion kit easy to handle, it's also disarmingly simple to install in a car..
At Vanpackers, we often say, "We've worked hard to make your life easier." Now that's dedication 😉 With 4 easy-to-handle modules, the kit can be installed in 5 minutes, tops (okay, maybe 10 minutes the first time😉 ), and requires no tools or special DIY skills. When we say "plug & play", this is exactly what we mean: the ability to set off on an adventure quickly and easily. It's child's play!
What's more, the kit comes with an installation manual to guide you through the steps involved. And if you need any extra help, our team is always on hand to answer any questions you may have.
4. The advantages of the minivan
We hear you from here saying “Yes, but WHY the minivan, this unsexy car, the last one that comes to mind when we think of an exciting campervan adventure?” The answer is very simple: simplicity!
The choice of the minivan was obvious to us for several reasons. Firstly its size. It is large enough to be fitted comfortably, while remaining easy to drive almost anywhere (special mention to the Toyota Sienna which offers all-wheel drive).
Second, and this applies to Chrysler and Dodge models: the Stow n' Go system. With the 5 rear seats that fold into the floor, you have the possibility of traveling with 4 people while having the kit installed in the car, or to use all the 7 seats by removing the kit completely.
It is also these minivan models that we suggest for those who plan to travel with more than 2 people, because the other compatible models do not offer the possibility of keeping the 2nd row seats once the kit is installed.
Third, its discretion. As there is nothing more common than a minivan, this one allows you to park in stealth mode. This will facilitate the practice of boondocking??
Finally, the price. If you have shopped for large converted vans in recent years, you may have noticed that the base price is often quite high. Not to mention the annual costs linked to registration, repairs which are often more complex with their integrated equipment, not to mention insurance.
With a minivan equipped with a Vanpackers kit, you have just reduced these costs by more than half: registration as a passenger vehicle (versus a recreational vehicle), easy and less expensive repairs, simple insurance given the non-permanent conversion, and finally, and this is the most important point, a lower initial investment.
Because if you think about it, your minivan can just as easily be your only vehicle, the one you use to go grocery shopping or to work, in addition to being your campervan.
Purchasing a larger vehicle designed for camping will require you to have another vehicle for your daily life. It’s hard on the wallet, huh?😉
CONCLUSION
There you have it, our minivan transformation kit no longer holds any secrets for you! We admit, we are quite proud of our equipment, and each member of the Vanpackers team is always excited when the time comes to hit the road with a converted van. If you can't wait any longer, don't hesitate to contact us or visit our website! We are here to answer your questions and support you in your minivan conversion project🙂
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