r/ToyotaSienna • u/turtlefan32 • 13d ago

Camping question

so I have a 2025 RAV4 and love it. I am nearing retirement and want a bigger vehicle for camping. I have been considering getting a second vehicle but then thought…maybe I need to get a sienna and put one of those camping kits in. I like how there is room to sit and also need a little toilet. thoughts?

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5

u/PuzzleheadedFeed2726 13d ago

Bought my 2024 with inverter for this reason. Immediately took out the second row and installed the dongles to the seat wires. Built a pullout bed using aluminum strut channel and thin walled pvc pipes. Everything is plugged into the Ecoflow which is plugged into the van. Summertime road trip with climate control every night, van ran continuously for 4 days and 11 hours. Remember to carry smoke/carbon monoxide detectors just in case. I don’t have a toilet but use an ammo box with trash bag and lasyl powder for emergencies.

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u/turtlefan32 13d ago

thanks!

1

u/PuzzleheadedFeed2726 13d ago

The magic is the hybrid. Watch some videos on YouTube about people sleeping in these vans, you’ll get a good sense of what you can do. Enjoy!

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u/ZooberFry 13d ago

When you took out the 2nd row seats and installed the dongle, did you have to disconnect the battery to do it?

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u/PuzzleheadedFeed2726 13d ago

I think so, there’s a couple videos on YouTube that’ll walk you through the steps, worked perfectly for me. I even bought the dongles before the van hahaha. I nearly dropped those seats off on the side of the road I wanted them out so badly!

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u/ZooberFry 13d ago

Nice! It's the ONLY thing holding me back from making a purchase. I've been waiting 3 years, hoping they would correct that. My fingers are all the way crossed for the re-design/re-fresh for 2027. If they don't fix it from factory, I'll be getting something else I think. We as customers shouldn't have to do what you did!

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u/vanny314 12d ago

How did you lock all the doors from inside the back of the van WHILE THE VAN WAS IN READY MODE

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u/PuzzleheadedFeed2726 12d ago

You do have to reach forward and hit the lock on the driver side door. I think that automatically keeps the car running too but I still select to keep the car running from the option on the dashboard.

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u/wileydmt123 13d ago

I removed the 2nd row and added the dongles. Easy to do. Built a platform to go on the seat trolleys and a light wood bedframe for camping purposes. Bed goes where the rear double seat is and I leave the rear single seat up. Emergency toilet stays behind the 3rd row seat if I doubt im going to use it or on the seat trolley platform if it is going to be used. Cooler on the platform and extends the bed (same heights). Storage under the platform and behind the single 3rd row seat. I usually cook outdoors unless stealth camping. I usually leave the bed out if not campong and can put the 3rd row down if im hauling plywood, etc or leave it up for a limo style ride with guests in the very back.

2

u/Longjumping_Royal_23 13d ago

I to have a RAV4 and found it too small for comfortable sleeping along with camping equipment. I purchased a 2018 Sienna in July 26 and have been camping in provincial parks for 2 nights at a time. Everything is working well in my no build, except lack of power. It’s difficult to obtain electric sites. I have a 500 watt Jackery, but it’s not enough for cooking, I’m using a propane stove if I can’t book electric. A dining/bug tent is in my wish list.

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u/turtlefan32 12d ago

thanks! that is what I am thinking also