“Let it go, Let it goooo…” croon both my toddlers at the top of their lungs to Disney’s Greatest Hits. The eldest finally stops to take a breath and asks, “Daddy, do you miss your old car?”
“You mean the 4Runner?”
“Yeah that one!” Both of them screech emphatically.
“No, the 4Runner was nice but it was time to let it go. I drive a minivan now. I don’t care what they are going to say. ” I responded with a proud beam.
When you think of an off-road, overlanding vehicle, a minivan probably isn’t the first vehicle that comes to mind. But let me tell you, this Sienna has been turning heads and raising eyebrows on the street, parking lots, and at campsites everywhere. Outfitted with an iKamper Skycamp roof top tent and a slew of other overland mods, this family hauler has gone from soccer games and grocery runs to epic off-road adventures. I’m just an everyday dad who loves the great outdoors and wanted to make family camping a bit more interesting—and a lot more PRACTICAL. Plus, who can resist the look of disbelief on someone’s face when they see a minivan rolling up 3” lift, 31” Wildpeak AT3s, and a roof top tent? It’s the kind of thing that makes people stop and say, “Wait, what?”
The Need for a Fun Vehicle
Let’s face it: family camping can be a logistical nightmare. The packing, the planning, the endless stream of “Are we there yet?” can make even the most patient of us question our life choices. But there’s something about loading up the family into a minivan and hitting the road that brings back a flood of nostalgia. Remember when the minivan was regarded only as a generic family vehicle? It was the base camp for soccer tournaments and the mobile cafeteria for hungry kids. Well, with a few mods, this transformation is making it easier to convince the wife to go camping more.
Camping in a minivan is like bringing a bit of home on the road. You’ve got space, comfort, and convenience all wrapped up in one practical package. No need to worry about finding a flat spot for the tent, dealing with the elements, or creepy critters. The iKamper roof top tent is a game-changer, it turns the Sienna into a mobile treehouse of sorts. The kids love it, and clearly, so do I.
There’s something about cooking breakfast on a camp stove while the kids peek out of the roof top tent that just feels right. It’s the kind of thing that makes you realize why you started camping in the first place—to create memories that last a lifetime. Let’s also not forget that with a minivan, you’re not sacrificing comfort for adventure. It’s the best of both worlds: practical enough for everyday use, but rugged enough to handle those off-the-beaten-path adventures.
Practicality
Now, let’s talk practicality—because if there’s one thing a minivan is known for, it’s being practical. I’m not discrediting 4Runners, Tacomas, Jeeps, etc but the sliding doors, hybrid MPG, 7 seats with cargo room to spare make it a fantastic vehicle for a family; when you add some key overland modifications, it becomes a true Swiss Army knife on wheels.
The sliding doors is an often overlooked feature of a minivan. Sure, there are cars that are faster, more rugged, or with better MPG, but none can compete with the ease of getting kids in and out of a vehicle. Both doors can magically and simultaneously slide open with no risk of hitting other parked cars or obstacles.
Everyday Use, Fuel Efficiency, and Cost-Effectiveness
Let’s talk about the boring stuff that no one likes to discuss at the campfire: fuel efficiency and cost-effectiveness (why yes, I am in finance, how did you know?). Unlike your typical gas-guzzling overland rigs, the Sienna holds its own when it comes to fuel economy as it’s an AWD Hybrid. That means more money for marshmallows and less spent at the pump. And let’s not forget the cost-effectiveness of starting with a vehicle you probably already own. You don’t need to shell out for a brand-new, decked-out 4x4 when a few thoughtful upgrades can turn your minivan into a camping machine.
Key Mods and Practical Tips for Overlanding in a Minivan
So, what exactly did I do to my Sienna to prepare it for off-road adventures? Here are a few key modifications that made all the difference:
-
Roof Rack and iKamper Roof Top Tent: Removing the OEM rack and installing custom 72” Thule tracks with Sherpa Equipment Company adjustable feet were crucial for mounting the iKamper tent. This setup provides the lowest possible mounting height while allowing the flexibility to level the tent, accommodating the Sienna’s sloping roofline.
The iKamper Skycamp is the crown jewel of this build. It’s spacious, comfortable, and sets up in minutes—a huge plus when you’ve got hungry kids waiting to roast marshmallows. This thing doesn’t only work at campsites but it’s a great resting spot for those long days at the beach, park, sports tournaments, etc.
-
Lift Kit with All-Terrain Tires: A 3” lift and Method 701s wrapped in 31” Wildpeak AT3Ws - gives the van almost 11 inches of ground clearance which is higher than a stock 4Runner or Tacoma. Swapping out the stock tires for all-terrain ones was a must to allow me to get anywhere I want, within reason.
-
Interior Storage Solutions: One of the best things about a minivan is the interior space. I’ve added a few storage solutions for everyday items to make life easier. When you’re camping with kids, being able to quickly find snacks or a first-aid kit is crucial.
- Auxiliary Lights: You can never have too many lights. There are 4 pods hidden behind the grille and 2 ditch lights. Everything is wired up to a switch panel inside the van for easy control.
Practical Tips for Minivan Overlanding
If you’re thinking about outfitting your own minivan for overlanding, here are a few tips:
- Plan Your Route: While a minivan can handle a lot, it’s not a rock crawler. Stick to routes that are within your vehicle’s capabilities. Gravel roads and light trails are your friends.
- Pack Smart: While space is one of the van’s strengths, it is limited, so pack only what you need. Use soft-sided bags to maximize storage, and don’t forget the essentials—like extra toilet paper. Trust me, you don’t want to be caught without it.
- Embrace the Unexpected: Overlanding is all about adventure, and things don’t always go as planned. Be ready to improvise, after all it's the stories of triumph that will make the memories with the family stick.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, turning a minivan into an overlanding vehicle is all about embracing the practicality of what you already have and adding a touch of adventure. My Sienna has taken us on some unforgettable journeys, from weekend getaways to extended road trips, all with the comfort and convenience of home on wheels.
What’s next? Well, there are always more mods to consider and more trails to explore. Maybe a cross-country expedition? Whatever the future holds, one thing’s for sure: this minivan isn’t done surprising people yet.
And to leave you with a classic dad joke: Why don’t minivans ever get lost? Because they always know how to navigate through their problems—just like dads on family road trips!
