Welcome to Camp My Minivan.
In this article, we’re sharing how we turned our Dodge Caravan into a cozy and functional camper van in just two months, then drove it across Canada from Calgary all the way to Prince Edward Island during the summer of 2025.
If you want to see the full video tour, you can watch it here:
Converting a Dodge grand Caravan into a Camper
When we started this project, our goal was simple: to create a small but practical home on wheels that we could live and travel in comfortably. Every detail was designed to make life on the road easier while keeping everything lightweight, affordable, and minimal.
After two months of work and a lot of trial and error, we were finally ready to take it on the road. Here are some of the most useful features we built and lessons we learned along the way.
Compact Trash Can for Everyday Convenience
The trash can might seem like a small detail, but it was one of the most useful additions to our van.
We attached it behind the seat using a plastic tie, making it easy to remove and reattach whenever needed. The foldable lid kept odors contained and the space clean throughout our trip.
Whenever we stopped at campgrounds, we could take it out and empty it quickly. One small note: in national parks, avoid leaving food waste outside to protect the local wildlife.
Custom Water Tank Shelf
To make better use of space, we removed the original center console and replaced it with a custom wooden shelf.
This new section became the perfect spot for our fresh water tank, along with small items like snacks and shoes. Because we were traveling during the summer, it was important to have water within easy reach. This placement made it simple to refill bottles or wash up without leaving the van.
Foldable Emergency Toilet
For long road trips across Canada, finding rest stops can be unpredictable. We added a small, foldable emergency toilet that we could use in remote areas.
It folds flat for easy storage and can even serve as an extra chair when needed. This little addition made our off-grid camping days much more comfortable and stress-free.
Convertible Table with Flexible Use
One of the most practical parts of our setup is the convertible table.
We built it with a hook and bolt locking system that makes it sturdy but easy to fold away. It can be used as a dining table, a work desk, or even a small entertainment space.
During the day, one of us could sit on the sofa while the other worked at the table. At night, we could easily shift it to another position to make room for the bed. We sometimes even placed a small monitor on it for watching movies, making the van feel like a cozy little home.
Portable Fridge on a Sliding Base
Under our kitchen counter sits a portable fridge that keeps all our essentials cool.
Because it’s quite heavy, we mounted it on a small sliding base with wheels. This makes it easy to pull out and push back in when not in use. The design leaves plenty of open space in the middle of the van, which is great for cooking, organizing, or moving around.
Compact Kitchen Setup
Our kitchen area is small but built for daily use.
We added drawers with a locking system to keep things secure while driving. The setup includes a small stove for quick meals and a larger one for cooking at campsites.
On the wall, we installed a pinboard to hang tools, utensils, and chargers. This keeps everything organized and easy to find. Since we love to cook, this layout saves time and keeps the van clean and functional.
That was the goal from the start: to make it feel like a real home, just smaller and simpler.
Transformable Bed and Storage Space
During the day, the bed can easily slide back into sofa mode to create more open space. This flexible design lets us use the same area for lounging, cooking, or working.
In the back of the van, we store larger items like pillows, blankets, and our Bluetti 1800-watt portable battery. The under-bed space holds our heavier gear such as the stove, air fryer, yoga mats, sleeping bags, and extra clothes.
Everything has its place, keeping the van balanced and clutter-free throughout the trip.
Building this Dodge Caravan camper showed us that you don’t need a large RV or expensive setup to live comfortably on the road. With the right planning and creativity, a small minivan can become a true tiny home on wheels.
For anyone planning a DIY camper build, you can also check out our detailed guide, recommended tools, and accessories linked here: https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/4380887004/dodge-caravan-camper-conversion-kit-3d
Thanks for visiting Camp My Minivan. See you on the next adventure.