Mini Van Ideas

[Heidi Mull]

Please refresh my memory about your setup, and the thoughts about choice of van (is it a Sienna or an Odysee, I couldnt quite tell), and how you feel its working.
I saw you spoke of a fridg, was/is it the 12v compressor type so desired by vanners?  And you keep it powered how?

Many thanks

I've been living in an RV trailer the past year, and definitely like that better.

I lived in (not out of) the minivan (2004 Sienna) for about two years, along with my partner. As with everything there are trade-offs, and our choice was very specific to my needs and location (Seattle). Living full time inside a minivan is not what I think anyone would consider comfortable. If you're mainly spending time outside of it and using it just to sleep at night, that might feel more enjoyable. It was sufficient to survive in, but for me not enough to thrive in. Read: alive but miserable.

I was still happy with my choice for minivan, however. Prior to that I spent almost a year in a full size 1986 Chevy G20 "conversion" van (just the bench seat in the back that folded down into a bed). That van had multiple break-in attempts and people reporting it each month. My Sienna? Never happened. Not once. I often went several days too ill to leave my rig, so it was imperative that while I was attempting to gather what little strength I had that I didn't have to deal with the reports or the break-ins. It was such relief when I got my minivan and they finally stopped. That said, I realize that's very area-specific, so YMMV.

Yes, I have a 12v compressor fridge, Dometic brand. I run it off a large AGM house battery in the back, charged by the alternator.

I certainly like the Siennas. It's been a reliable vehicle for me, they blend in well around here and have had (just barely) enough room for everything I've needed it for.

Hopefully I can take some pictures for you when I get the chance, but my life has turned inside out lately so it might be a while.