Here’s a progress report and photos of my 2021 Sienna XLE AWD part time camper conversion.
First I removed the 3rd row seats and inserted an older Honda Odyssey plastic cargo liner into the back storage well. It’s not an exact fit but I like the deep sides for spills and protection. You can see the small black metal legs that will support the sleeping platform.
Next I removed both second row seats and attempted inserting airbag simulators but the airbag lights kept coming on so I reinstalled the seats, drove the van to the dealer and they reset the airbag system. I did not disconnect the battery while doing this so I’m assuming from reading other current posts that may be the next step towards solving the second-row seating roadblock. I’m still determined to remove these somehow!
Then I built a simple sleeping platform in three sections using a 4’ x 8’ sheet of ¾ inch birch plywood and clear pine 1”x4”s underneath for support. Six metal legs inserted into metal flanges support the platform that is secured by aluminum turnbuckles.
The view from the back and the view from under the sleeping platform.
The legs and flanges are SteelTek brand structural pipe fittings purchased at Lowe's Hardware.
The sleeping platform measures 48" wide by 72" long. It touches the second row seats and the rear automatic door closes perfectly.
This is the side view from under the sleeping platform. Metal legs have rubber caps and sit directly on the carpet. Birch plywood is finished with water-based polyurethane and edged in black rubber weatherstripping to prevent scrapes to the interior.
A set of 25” x 75” tri-fold 4" memory foam cushions fit snugly together to cover the entire platform perfectly. They are fairly comfortable, easy to fold up when not in use, and were approximately $70 each on Wayfair.
While driving the sleeping platform is always folded up and secured with a nylon strap. This gives us room to use the second row seats and fully access the refrigerator and all cooking gear in the back cargo compartment.
We use a ICECO refrigerator / freezer combo which gets plugged into our van’s 110w plug when traveling and then into our Jackery/500 12V plug when we are parked for longer periods of time, at our campsite, and all night long. The Jackery gets plugged into the vans 110w and charges while we drive. The ICECO is quieter than expected even while sleeping directly above it.
Another purchase that was well worth the money was a complete set of window covering by WeatherTech. I researched making my own on YouTube but was so happy I ordered the set. They look great, fit perfectly, provide protection and privacy. I also purchased front floor protectors from WeatherTech, which are fantastic.
The kinks that still need to be worked out are finding enough space for everything we want to take on our camping adventures. I am thinking of a rooftop cargo carrier since I’m still stuck with the second-row seating.
The mileage has been phenomenal with an average of 36 - 40 mpg. This is the first hybrid I’ve had. The van does not have the feel of a V-6 and often seems like it is struggling. I guess it’s just something to get use to. I’m very happy with my new 2021 Sienna and would enjoy seeing your camping conversion ideas.
First I removed the 3rd row seats and inserted an older Honda Odyssey plastic cargo liner into the back storage well. It’s not an exact fit but I like the deep sides for spills and protection. You can see the small black metal legs that will support the sleeping platform.
Next I removed both second row seats and attempted inserting airbag simulators but the airbag lights kept coming on so I reinstalled the seats, drove the van to the dealer and they reset the airbag system. I did not disconnect the battery while doing this so I’m assuming from reading other current posts that may be the next step towards solving the second-row seating roadblock. I’m still determined to remove these somehow!
Then I built a simple sleeping platform in three sections using a 4’ x 8’ sheet of ¾ inch birch plywood and clear pine 1”x4”s underneath for support. Six metal legs inserted into metal flanges support the platform that is secured by aluminum turnbuckles.
The view from the back and the view from under the sleeping platform.
The legs and flanges are SteelTek brand structural pipe fittings purchased at Lowe's Hardware.
The sleeping platform measures 48" wide by 72" long. It touches the second row seats and the rear automatic door closes perfectly.
This is the side view from under the sleeping platform. Metal legs have rubber caps and sit directly on the carpet. Birch plywood is finished with water-based polyurethane and edged in black rubber weatherstripping to prevent scrapes to the interior.
A set of 25” x 75” tri-fold 4" memory foam cushions fit snugly together to cover the entire platform perfectly. They are fairly comfortable, easy to fold up when not in use, and were approximately $70 each on Wayfair.
While driving the sleeping platform is always folded up and secured with a nylon strap. This gives us room to use the second row seats and fully access the refrigerator and all cooking gear in the back cargo compartment.
We use a ICECO refrigerator / freezer combo which gets plugged into our van’s 110w plug when traveling and then into our Jackery/500 12V plug when we are parked for longer periods of time, at our campsite, and all night long. The Jackery gets plugged into the vans 110w and charges while we drive. The ICECO is quieter than expected even while sleeping directly above it.
Another purchase that was well worth the money was a complete set of window covering by WeatherTech. I researched making my own on YouTube but was so happy I ordered the set. They look great, fit perfectly, provide protection and privacy. I also purchased front floor protectors from WeatherTech, which are fantastic.
The kinks that still need to be worked out are finding enough space for everything we want to take on our camping adventures. I am thinking of a rooftop cargo carrier since I’m still stuck with the second-row seating.
The mileage has been phenomenal with an average of 36 - 40 mpg. This is the first hybrid I’ve had. The van does not have the feel of a V-6 and often seems like it is struggling. I guess it’s just something to get use to. I’m very happy with my new 2021 Sienna and would enjoy seeing your camping conversion ideas.