Tour Red Delicious

Red Delicious is our Kia Sedona minivan-turned-camper, and our home when en route between destinations. We read countless other blogs for ideas and advice on how to outfit her.

Video Tour

 

Why We Chose a Minivan Over an RV

Conversion Supplies and Costs

It was important to us to make a comfy, functional camper, but not make any permanent modifications to the van. We also wanted to keep the back-row bench seats so we can legally seat more people. Lastly, we didn’t want to create heavy storage units or bed platforms, since those affect fuel efficiency. Here’s what we used:

• Bed: Full-size foam mattress topper ($20), full-size memory foam mattress topper ($50)
• Storage: Dairy crates (8 @ $9), zip ties (free from a friend), elastic cord ($2)
• Divider: Shower curtain rods (2 @ $10), rubber furniture cups ($5)
• Curtains: Felt ($15), safety pins ($3), Velcro ($20)
• Sunshade: Tarp ($8), wood dowels ($3), screws ($1), cord (already had it), stakes (already had them)
• Bike Rack: Hitch and installation ($215), Thule bike rack ($260)

Total conversion cost: $694

The hitch and bike rack tripled our conversion costs. We had to think really hard about whether it was worth it. But Chris and I enjoy cycling, especially to get around small towns, and need ways to stay fit while traveling.

 

 

Complete Gear List

Sleeping

• Sheet and pillowcases
• Sleeping bags
• Pillows
• Tent (for backpacking and/or warm weather)

Work & Play

• Laptops with chargers
• 12-volt power inverter
• Tennis racquets + balls
• Golf clubs
• Chess set
• Card games
• Bananagrams
• Yoga mat

Cooking

• Stove, fuel, lighters
• Coolers with plastic egg carton
• Mess kit and utensils
• Pot, pan, cooking utensils
• Cutting boards and knife
• French press
• Can and bottle openers

Personal

• Clothes and pajamas
• Socks and underwear
• Shoes
• Jackets
• Toiletries
• Camping towels

Other

• Headlamps and lantern
• Portable table
• Camp chairs
• Notebook and pen
• Soap and sponge
• Dish towels
• Parachute cord
• Knife/screwdriver multi-tool
• Bike rack wrenches
• Bikes