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briham89
Big Wall climber
santa cruz, ca
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Topic Author's Original Post - Feb 7, 2015 - 09:28pm PT
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It happened.... I'm a weekend warrior now. So naturally I'm drooling over a new adventure mobile to maximize the free time I do have to get out there. What's your current rig and or dream rig? MPG is a major consideration for me... I don't need super high, but also want to stay away from super low... I've been going back and forth between converting a van or getting a camper for a diesel truck. What say you!?
I've been eyeing the ford transit connect lately...especially because there are talks of a 4wd version next year.
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Flip Flop
Trad climber
Truckee, CA
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I miss van life. Vans are easy and low profile. I ran Vanagons BITD and loved the clearance and roominess. 4x4 seems excessive because it doesn't snow anymore. I'd consider one of the nissan cargo rigs. They have a decent price point. Not very sexy though.
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Mungeclimber
Trad climber
Nothing creative to say
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http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/bymodel/2012_Toyota_Tacoma.shtml
just another data point to help out estimating.
Van if you want to sit up and wait out storms play cards while on road trips.
If just a place to bivy, Toyota taco 4cyl 4x4. Get a hi rise shell for more headroom in the back.
BVB swears he can do with just rear locking diff and 2x2, but I like my 4x for snow conditions.
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briham89
Big Wall climber
santa cruz, ca
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Topic Author's Reply - Feb 7, 2015 - 10:37pm PT
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Not very sexy though.
Not worried about this anymore...I really am growing up after all..
Munge is yours the 4cyl engine? If yes, how's the power going over passes loaded up?
I've always leaned towards the van but trucks have peaked my interest lately.
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Flip Flop
Trad climber
Truckee, CA
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They're working on it
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Sierra Ledge Rat
Mountain climber
Old and Broken Down in Appalachia
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Trucks are so..... redneck. Bad for your reputation.
Get a van.
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Stewart Johnson
climber
lake forest
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You can live out of a truck
You can live in a van
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briham89
Big Wall climber
santa cruz, ca
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Topic Author's Reply - Feb 8, 2015 - 10:58am PT
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You can live out of a truck
You can live in a van
Good point.
How do you like your Safari?
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briham89
Big Wall climber
santa cruz, ca
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Topic Author's Reply - Feb 8, 2015 - 12:18pm PT
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Cragman YES!!!
eKat, you and me both!
I would by a Transit in about 3 seconds if I had the money, though.
I keep going back and forth between the little guy (the connect) and the big guy. The connect gets way better gas mileage, and is much cheaper, but definitely sacrifices space. I think with the right build out on the connect it could work. Also it would be nicer to daily drive the connect. However I can pick up a cheap DD for about $500.
Hauling kids/grandchildren?
I haven't grown up that much! I'm still 25 ;)
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SC seagoat
Trad climber
Santa Cruz, or In What Time Zone Am I?
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Sportsmobile always get me where I live.
I've been wondering if they are dropping off in popularity because of Sprinter type vans.
Although we're checking out a Lantz camper over a 250 Ford Heavy Duty so we can do the Dempster Highway.
For years I had a Toyota Tundra with a shell and minimally tricked out for weekend adventures. I liked it a lot.
But a rig like this will always get me panting.
Susan
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Airstream will trick out one of the new 4x4 Merc Sprinters reeel nice for ya.
'Bago will too for about $20K less.
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SC seagoat
Trad climber
Santa Cruz, or In What Time Zone Am I?
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^^^^^ I saw something like that at the RV show.
I couldn't believe the number of flat screen TVs in the Big RVs.
Some of the biggest had flat screen TVs and outside kitchens under a pull up siding. I'm clearly in the dark ages to modern RVing. The little cab over we wanted to look at was way in the back corner of the huge fairgrounds.
Good luck Brian....you're pretty clever...you'll figure it out!
Susan
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JLP
Social climber
The internet
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Jesus Christ - this topic is covered in dozens of enthusiast and manufacturer specific websites filled with terabytes of photos, how-to's and trip reports, countless forums, countless past threads in these climber forums - and now once more? It's been another week already? Did you get your answer here yet? Are you f*#king retarded, lazy - what?
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enjoimx
Trad climber
Yosemite
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Get a Prius Camper brah
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east side underground
climber
Hilton crk,ca
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loved this set-up really versitie for work and play. used to (when it snows) camp at the base of tioga to shred the gnar , then enjoy coldies " at camp". was a volkswagon van guy bitd was my summer home for many years.
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the Fet
climber
Tu-Tok-A-Nu-La
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I did the math and it was cheaper for me to keep my car as a daily driver and buy a high miles truck and camper for adventures instead of buying an expensive van to do both.
I also need the capability for my family of four so my diesel crew cab 4x4 with a truck camper can fit all of us. It would be too tough with a van.
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CA.Timothy
climber
California
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Jesus Christ - this topic is covered in dozens of enthusiast and manufacturer specific websites filled with terabytes of photos, how-to's and trip reports, countless forums, countless past threads in these climber forums - and now once more? It's been another week already? Did you get your answer here yet? Are you f*#king retarded, lazy - what?
dont click the thread then you jerk. New photos get posted each time, new people chime in, and I dig em...or are you f*#king retarded?
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briham89
Big Wall climber
santa cruz, ca
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Topic Author's Reply - Feb 8, 2015 - 05:16pm PT
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New photos get posted each time, new people chime in, and I dig em.
Exactly. There have already been some great post on this thread that have given me new ideas / inspiration.
eKat that is EXACTLY what I was thinking about, TFPU!!!
East side your rig is badass.
The Fet, that is the dilemma I am facing right now. What truck / camper did you end up doing with, and if you wouldn't mind, how much is a rig like that ball park?
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ruppell
climber
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Van. You can crawl from the front to the back without ever going outside. A really nice thing if the weather sucks.
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ms55401
Trad climber
minneapolis, mn
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Jesus Christ - this topic is covered in dozens of enthusiast and manufacturer specific websites filled with terabytes of photos, how-to's and trip reports, countless forums, countless past threads in these climber forums - and now once more? It's been another week already? Did you get your answer here yet? Are you f*#king retarded, lazy - what?
you mad, bro?
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Flip Flop
Trad climber
Truckee, CA
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It's okay buddy, let it out. There there. You feel better now?
Some of us are dilettantes here and we just don't have the navigation skills to the vast wealth of knowledge available here like some long time hard men. Permit us our casual trespasses of ignorance as we search for current communion of information and technology.
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Mungeclimber
Trad climber
Nothing creative to say
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Bri,
6cyl, auto.
No regrets when merging, passing and going up TH grade.
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BuddhaStalin
climber
Truckee, CA
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If youre going to go Tacoma, wait till next year, the 2016 looks real nice, new platform. Current one is good, but a bit older in the design tooth.
More than likely, youre gonna be doing nothing but wishing you had a 6 cylinder. 4 cylinder mpg goes to crap when you have to keep your foot on the floor. Nothing gets worse mpg than an underpowered car. Nothing feels worse than chugging around in your brand new ride that you spent dollarbucks on and feeling like youre in a 65 bus.
Those connects are OK, but soo tiny, do you think you could wait out some bad weather without going nuts in there?
Nissan just needs to offer a non V8 in their van, its agood product with a not so great engine. Basically a nissan 350ci V8. Might as well get a powerstroke instead.
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BuddhaStalin
climber
Truckee, CA
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Pop up campers are really awesome, but hard to find new. Diesel pickaups are god and are out there, but be scrutinous. They earlier 7.3L ford for example, better engine, but older and harder to find, likely to have miles and need a few$.
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briham89
Big Wall climber
santa cruz, ca
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Topic Author's Reply - Feb 8, 2015 - 09:08pm PT
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Those connects are OK, but soo tiny, do you think you could wait out some bad weather without going nuts in there?
That is indeed the biggest question in my mind right now... The way I would like to build it would include a couch that folds out into a bed so you would have a space to hang, but again it is small. The high mpg is just really nice for road trips.
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the Fet
climber
Tu-Tok-A-Nu-La
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I got a 99 F350 7.3 diesel 4x4 Crew cab with 197k from an older gentleman that was super well maintained. It looked better than other rigs I looked at with 135k. New tranny at about 150k. $12,500
I got a 98 Lance 9.6 foot camper also in amazing condition with solar panel, full bathroom, queen bed, 3 way fridge, cold weather package etc for $4200.
For 1 person you could comfortably live out of it forever. For two people you could travel comfortably for months. For the four of us we could probably do a week or two before we started going nuts.
The full size truck camper is great for the 4 of us. And we do some winter camping, but a popup would be better for mpg and off roading if we didn't need the space and warmth. But my rig will still go probably anywhere I'll neeed it to. I would have neede to spend much more money for a comparable 4x4 camper van. I haven't done the mpg with the camper on it yet but without it at 65 mph highway I got 19 mpg. Probably around 15 with the camper.
It took me a few months of looking to find the deals I was looking for. The main thing I look for is stuff very well maintained in excellent condition. Plus I got good prices on them.
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briham89
Big Wall climber
santa cruz, ca
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Topic Author's Reply - Feb 8, 2015 - 09:34pm PT
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Cool thanks for the info Fet!
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Mungeclimber
Trad climber
Nothing creative to say
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Bri,
Just ask yourself how you will use it 80% of the time? 80/20 rule it.
If you will use it daily, then get something you want to drive and PARK daily. Longer vans are harder to park. The reason to go van is so that you have tons of room to hang out INSIDE of at night or during inclement weather.
If doing a multi month road trip, then Van. no question. Easy of getting to the driver seat is crit sit.
But if primarily as a weekend warrior, then bivying a few nights in a row will be typical usage. Then sliding in the back isn't a big deal with a hiliner type shell, especially if you have an extra cab for regular storage of cooler etc. Note that the double cab's wheel base is excessively long for much forest service road turn around action.
Last, think about storage. Where will you put bikes in both cases? Snowboards? Bondage Gear? Kitchen kit? Chainsaw? Double Rack of #6 cams?
Above statements are pretty right in mind about going with the new taco trucks. New tech, better suspension. And yeah, if you jump off the lights hot with a 4cyl you'll be wishing you had a 6cyl. How do you drive that blue baby of yours? Going to change? No, there ya go.
what's the real draw for the van besides long road trips?
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thebravecowboy
climber
just banana-jam it
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^Munge hits a point I want to emphasize. I finally bought a truck for all them sh#t-ass backroads, but all it really does is enable heavier consequences, and damn, it sucks to drive it every other day. Go with a capable van or wagon. My 2c.
And yeah, JLP is right. You have disturbed the sanctity of the interweb with your less-than-original question. So that sucks.
EDIT: ze Fet is right about those early 2000s full-size Fords. they suck gas but they are actually pretty capable and do indeed hang on if taken care of.
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the Fet
climber
Tu-Tok-A-Nu-La
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I think you have to think of multiple options then do the math to see what the real costs are and what's the best value.
Like I said I was looking at a van as a combo daily driver and adventure mobile. But then I did the math. It would cost me $1200 a year more in gas if I drove a full size van daily. And only $600 a year for insurance and registration on an older truck. So I kept my car, which is much more fun and convenient to drive than a truck/van anyway. I have a Subaru Impreza. And I bought a truck that I'll put about 3-5k miles on a year.
Also compare a newer vehicle vs. mpg. If you spend $30,000 on a Transit Connect or a used Sprinter to save fuel cost, vs. $15 or $20K on a used rig, think how many much fuel that $10-$15K more you spend will buy. Plus more expensive insurance, registration, and depreciation.
I do trips to the snow and on the beach at Pismo so I need 4WD. But a 2WD full size van/truck will get you to a lot of places with better mpg and handling.
I used to have a Toyota pickup with a shell, and then a 4runner, they were great all around vehicles when I was young and single.
I'd rather have the super comfortable big space of the camper, full bathroom, full queen bed that is always ready to use, full kitchen, etc. and have to walk around the back to get in vs. a van where it's a little more convenient to go from the driver's seat to the back. But I know some people value that.
I'd rather have the hard side camper ready to go than to have to pop it up to use it, and give up some mpg and maneuverability, but I know some would value that more, especially if it was for just 1 or 2 people. There's a lot of subjective decisions to be made.
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Mungeclimber
Trad climber
Nothing creative to say
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enable heavier consequences, and damn, it sucks to drive it every other day
heavier consequences? well, sure I'm using the big boy Coleman's now, not the shizen Igloos. :)
Yes, definitely sucks... wtf?
WHAT IN THE FUK ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT? LOL :)
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climbski2
Mountain climber
Anchorage AK, Reno NV
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I think he means that if you have a tendency to push it too far.. a 4x4 just allows you to get stuck further from help.
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Mungeclimber
Trad climber
Nothing creative to say
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huh, ok. Seems pretty ninny. Maybe I'm not going far enough! :)
Boards
Come Along
Chainsaw
Jack
Fixaflat cans.
Shovel
Batter charger
oh, and you get to drive on snow without chaining up.
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pud
climber
Sportbikeville & Yucca brevifolia
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Psilocyborg
climber
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If you are like me and routinely bivy in illegal spots you might want to consider a vehicle that is low key. Minivans, suv, trucks with camper shells are a better choice for this in my opinion. Sprinters and tricked out vans attract attention from rangers/police/curious citizens.
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Ezra Ellis
Trad climber
North wet, and Da souf
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Nissan offers a 4.0 six cylinder in a full size van, some one on this site way tricked one out, and called it magic ? They had a great video accompanying it.
Chrysler also has a six cylinder cargo van.
If you don't need 4wd get a van!
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mucci
Trad climber
The pitch of Bagalaar above you
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Yo B,
I have the regular cab Prerunner 4 cyl with a lift.
Fully built with a ARE high topper.
The only reason I ever wished to have a 6 cyl is when I was using a joe hauler for my dirt bike. Underpowered for sure with a load like that.
Otherwise, I get very good MPG with a long weekend load.
If you know how to drive a manual, the 4cyl will be just fine. OF note, I have 165k on my tacoma, and just recently did the first minor repair...Front brake pads.
Find me a van that will have that type of service record?
Now, having said the above, I would get a van if you are thinking of full on living out of it. Kev got a converted econoline van for $9k and built it out nice, he gets 13mpg but man is it choice.
Whatever you do, make sure you run lots of power to the back so you can have a dvd player, fan, fridge etc. All the comforts of home.
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tradmanclimbs
Ice climber
Pomfert VT
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I love liveing in vans. problem is i work too much to get the chance to spend much time on the road..
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kev
climber
A pile of dirt.
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I had an 06 Tacoma 4cyl stick 4x4 shell etc. Bought it new and had it until last year. I put 165K on it. They are bullet proof. It still had the factory clutch when I sold it. I have a buddy who has (no shit) 250k on the factory clutch. Mucci's is another example. The only work I did to it was change plugs once, pads twice, and the cat went out under warranty. If you go the 4x4 route get the 6cyl if you want plenty of power on steep grades. Yes the 4cyl is fine you just can't get up to 70mph very quickly on a grade. I'd also agree with what Munge said - if you get the 4cyl you'll loose the fuel economy if you're pushing it hard.
You can build out the rig pretty well (Mucci has a TR of sorts of his build somewhere here on the taco) and make it comfy. If it's just you then you'll love it.
That said, I now have a daily driver car plus a van. Vans totally rock. Basically they are a mini RV if you build it out. It's way more comfy especially in the winter, to pull into your bivy, cook in your van, etc. Also warmer. Beware though it will be more of a rolling food locker than your truck and you'll sketch out leaving it past sunset at certain spots in the valley (damn trained door attacking bears - ask drc about them)
If you're gonna have 2 vehicles I'd say get the van. If you're only gonna have one and you've got much of a commute then I'd probably opt for a Tacoma. Also if 4x4 isn't an issue i'd lean toward the van. (4x4 vans are way more $) Also, girls tend to be much happier in the van than a truck.
One last thing. A very wise van driving climbing partner told me years ago that I was going to get a van eventually and as usual his prediction eventually came true. If you're seriously thinking about the van you'll prolly eventually end up there.
good luck!
kev
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GoMZ
Trad climber
Eastern Sierra
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After many years of crawling in and out of the camper shell to sleep my wife and I opted for the Promaster van. We are currently in the process of tricking out the inside. I think we are gonna be pretty stoked! Definitely not super stealth though.
Coming soon to a crag near you!!
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Risk
Mountain climber
Olympia, WA
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the Fet
climber
Tu-Tok-A-Nu-La
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Nice looking work GoMZ
Drawers are key. Lot's of storage easy to get at.
And solar panels are awesome. I can run my heater all night. Run lights, water pump, etc. And if the sun is out the next day the battery gets fully charged.
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Mungeclimber
Trad climber
Nothing creative to say
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Gomz, that thing is looking sweet! Looking forward to seeing the rig when it's done. You guys staying local for the weekend?
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briham89
Big Wall climber
santa cruz, ca
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Topic Author's Reply - Feb 9, 2015 - 07:42pm PT
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Thanks for the good tips Mucci, Munge, Kev, and everyone.
GoMZ that is going to be AWESOME!!! I'm very jealous. Keep posting up progress on it!
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GoMZ
Trad climber
Eastern Sierra
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Feb 10, 2015 - 10:13am PT
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Thanks for the kind words guys, it is a really fun project! I'll post up a van build TR when I'm finished:)
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GoMZ
Trad climber
Eastern Sierra
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Feb 10, 2015 - 10:15am PT
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Yeah Munge, I just started a new work gig, and am working most weekends right now. I want to check out Pinns sometime.
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Mungeclimber
Trad climber
Nothing creative to say
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Feb 10, 2015 - 10:37am PT
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Oh man, there is a big Pinnacles gathering with a fun group in April, but it lands on the weekend. 17, 18, 19th. "MoM weekend" Combo of AAC and some the regular Mud suspects. Full tour if you come down.
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ms55401
Trad climber
minneapolis, mn
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Feb 18, 2015 - 08:35pm PT
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You have disturbed the sanctity of the interweb with your less-than-original question. So that sucks.
laugh of the month, thank you
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pfreeman
Trad climber
Auburn
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Feb 18, 2015 - 09:43pm PT
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I grappled with this question for a long time. My dream rig was a taco w/ a Four wheel pop-up camper..But i ended up snagging a killer deal on an already converted Ford van by GTRV....It has been an immense upgrade over my volvo wagon.
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radair
Social climber
North Conway, NH
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Mar 11, 2015 - 09:06am PT
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I had an '84 Vanagon Westfalia but they are not reliable with the stock motor and it caught on fire. Sad day. I have upgraded to a Eurovan Westy, the Weekender version with pop top and table but no kitchen. It is an awesome rig but not great in snow - it is stored every winter. Makes for a great daily driver or road trip mobile for 2 people, but would be cramped for a family of 4. We love it.
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ronolga
Boulder climber
S. Oregon
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Mar 11, 2015 - 09:13am PT
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My wife and I have done it all. Tent, van, motorhome, travel trailer etc. We now have a teardrop camping trailer. Its the best! You can tow behind any 4 cylinder vehicle with ease.
Check these out.
http://www.oregontrailer.net
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C4/1971
Trad climber
Depends on the day...
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Mar 11, 2015 - 09:40am PT
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Airstream 25 foot Flying Cloud. Easy to tow and you can go anywhere, especially with a decent solar kit.
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NML81
Trad climber
N Lake Tahoe
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Mar 11, 2015 - 10:05am PT
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atchafalaya
Boulder climber
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Mar 11, 2015 - 11:53am PT
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Anybody interested in a 2012 Fourwheel Camper, Kestral shell Model. I have not posted it on Craigslist yet. The camper has numerous add-ons, such as fantastic fan vent, 12 volt battery and electric, fold out couch, door screen, and Moduline Aluminum Cabinets. I did not want refrig, heater, sink, all that bs is unnecessary. Great light rig for offroad use.
Pm me if interested...
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Mar'
Trad climber
Fanta Se
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Mar 11, 2015 - 01:58pm PT
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Ive been surfing a full-size American 1-ton truck since 1975. I always have set it up like a yard-work rig with high stake-bed style side-rails and a horizontally hinged rear that serves as a large awning that locks into the tailgate when down. The top frame can be mexican-style with a ridge-pole or else a military-style using arched canopy hoops I get surplus. It's like a boat-cabin inside. The cover is plain commercial trucker tarp haul-bag material that lasts about 20 years before needing to be replaced. I get it made to spec by an awning company in white.
It is a verrry low-key setup. It doesn't say I'M A CLIMBER/MTN BIKER/ KAYAKER/SKIER/DIRTBAG.
No identity issues here, sorry.
It is organic without appearing low-life. I used to be able to surf Humber Park (Tahquitz) for a month at a time.
Now with an '89 Dodge Diesel 1-ton (18 mpg) I still tend to insert myself and stay as long as possible.
White professional week-end warriors don't really need that, though— unless it's a statement you need to make. If that's the case, take out a loan and REALLY make a statement.
I think those Mercedes panel-rigs are cool for the tourist spots, but if you really want to insert yourself where it's high and wild… get a real truck.
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atchafalaya
Boulder climber
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Mar 11, 2015 - 03:28pm PT
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Mar,
Any chance we can see a pic of your maxi-pad on wheels?
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youngharz
Boulder climber
Santa Barbara
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Mar 11, 2015 - 10:00pm PT
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I don't know if this has been mentioned yet, but the conversion of a van or truck is no small task. It can be very rewarding to build your own dream home on wheels, but if you don't have the skills, patience, or time, you might consider getting some help from a carpenter to get you going or having it professionally converted.
My work has a transit connect and it's great to drive and has a lot of head room for what it is. But, I think it's too small to be a nice camper van. There is also zero clearance. If you are over 6 feet tall, you are not going to have a great sleep inside of one.
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Bad Climber
climber
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Mar 12, 2015 - 06:25am PT
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Below is our current rig. With conservative driving, we get 17 mpg, and that's with the big v8 in the Tundra. Once unhooked, we've got a fully functional long bed. Trailer folds flat, of course. Sink, heater, nice fridge--which is very nice to have. Soggy cooler food gets old after awhile.
We used to have a pop-up camper on it, but we've decided it's really nice to just park the trailer and have an unloaded rig for getting out to crags, making runs for supplies, whatever. The other camper:
BAd
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Flip Flop
climber
Earth Planet, Universe
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May 12, 2015 - 05:47pm PT
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I needed a quick and cheap camp set up for my pickup.
$5 cabinet at the dump
The old megamid.
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sierrasclimber
Trad climber
A Van on the Road kagetavan.blogspot.com
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May 27, 2015 - 04:28pm PT
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Hey GoMZ, any chance you have tried taking the Promaster to Clark Canyon? I'm looking for a new adventure rig and wondering if those vans have the guts and clearance to make it up and out the bad section of road from Clark without a terrible smash and Kapow!
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GoMZ
Trad climber
Eastern Sierra
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May 28, 2015 - 02:36am PT
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Sierrasclimber, not yet but I think it would be fine aside from the pinstripes:). Getting 18-20 mpg with the mid sized high roof promaster, plenty of power for me. My build is almost done I'll post some more pics when I have a chance. Overall we are very happy with the promaster, it even does ok in the snow.
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sierrasclimber
Trad climber
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Jun 15, 2015 - 04:45pm PT
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Thanks GoMZ, keep me posted I'd love to see the build.
Just got to take a head to toe of a Promaster. I was impressed when measured 10" of clearance up front and 7.25" in the back. The 7.25" in the back is a steel support so you could probably smack that pretty hard without real damage. I wasn't impressed with the auto-manual transmission of the diesel though was a real weird feel to drive.
At this point we will wait for the 2016. If they put out a 118 wb with high roof I'd be stoked.
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the Fet
climber
Tu-Tok-A-Nu-La
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Jun 15, 2015 - 07:40pm PT
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An update on my rig. I've been getting 13.5 mpg overall. For pure freeway at 59 mph I get 15 mpg. The old 7.3 powerstroke diesel is killer. The Cummins in the Dodge is even better, but the Ford chassis is much better.
I got a truck with relatively high miles (just turned 200K) because it's a 3rd vehicle just used when needed so I don't put a lot of miles on it. But the 7.3s will go 400K+ miles. It had a tranny rebuild at 150K, so I should get about 100K before another tranny rebuild which will take me a long time.
I'm thoroughly enjoying it and have used it a lot since I bought it, more than I expected.
We fit 7 guys in it to party in Yosemite while it was raining out.
For handling, driving speed, stealth, and getting in the back a van is better. But the space and comfort of a truck camper is really nice. Especially when the family of 4 go.
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Ney Grant
Trad climber
Pollock Pines
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Jun 15, 2015 - 07:55pm PT
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We didn't want to wait another two years for the 4x4 Sprinters, so we went ahead and ruggedized a standard one with shocks, larger tires, extra springs, etc. Sportsmobile did the interior. Although we have gotten it stuck - three times now - we've also taken it to some surprising places. We've had a blast with it and it seems to help us continue to do big days as we get older.
For a thread about building it (via Sportsmobile):
http://westcoastflyingadventures.com/2014/07/19/the-ideal-airport-car-a-sportsmobile-sprinter/
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GoMZ
Trad climber
Eastern Sierra
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Jun 16, 2015 - 12:04am PT
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we've just started working on the van again. The galley is almost done and the water tanks and faucet are in now along with the stove, here are a few shots of the galley progress. The solar system is the ticket, really works well.
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briham89
Big Wall climber
santa cruz, ca
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Topic Author's Reply - Jun 16, 2015 - 12:21am PT
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Sweet rigs!!!
Gomz, cool to see yours coming along.
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John Duffield
Mountain climber
New York
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Jun 16, 2015 - 07:19am PT
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goMZ s rig, is nice, but I like the Flip Flop idea above and may steal it. Though I may need to build my own bookcase. Pull it out and your ride is ready to move furniture or something else a ride needs to do.
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Mungeclimber
Trad climber
Nothing creative to say
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Jun 16, 2015 - 09:01am PT
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and you didn't even wave as you drove by? ;)
glad you guys got out!
cheers,
M
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tradmanclimbs
Ice climber
Pomfert VT
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Aug 20, 2015 - 06:54pm PT
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anyone converted a chevy astro? i think the one i am going to go look at sunday is the extended sport awd? Still worried it may be too short to have a bed and any liveing space/ kitchen?
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tradmanclimbs
Ice climber
Pomfert VT
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Aug 21, 2015 - 07:31am PT
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bunp
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tradmanclimbs
Ice climber
Pomfert VT
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Aug 21, 2015 - 08:59am PT
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getting lots of help here;)
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the Fet
climber
Tu-Tok-A-Nu-La
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DMT dream rig.
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tradmanclimbs
Ice climber
Pomfert VT
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No pictures yet but built the bed for the new AWD Astro yesterday. No room for a kitchen:( but It will still be a killer home on the road:)
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F10
Trad climber
Bishop
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My 2002 E350 diesel 4x4 has treated me well the last 14 years.
Lots of great times and adventures on the road.
It's time for a change, the van has been sold.
Vans are vantastic, but it's time for a little more room.
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SC seagoat
Trad climber
Santa Cruz, Moab or In What Time Zone Am I?
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Sep 12, 2015 - 01:56pm PT
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Full tilt boogie lust over this.
Talked to the owner. Brilliant way he had for loading the top.
Be still my beating heart.
Susan
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the Fet
climber
Tu-Tok-A-Nu-La
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Sep 14, 2015 - 03:17pm PT
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Nice van D2R2. I was looking at Express AWDs, but they are HARD to find in NorCal. The only ones I saw were at a dealer and way over priced. Handled really well. Check out the build threads on here and other sites for ideas.
Nice Rigs F10. Do you know your mpg for either/both? I have a 7.3 diesel crew cab 4x4 with a 9.5' camper. I get about 13.5 with the camper. Best I got was all highway going 59 mph and I got 15.
Nice thinking outside the box Hooblie. At one point I was looking at a 4x4 diesel ambulance.
Two reasons I went with a camper over a van: 1. I don't have the time to build out a van and sportsmobiles are $$$. 2. I have a family of 4 and we wouldn't fit in a van without driving ourselves crazy.
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| Messages 1 - 81 of total 81 in this topic |
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SuperTopo on the Web
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Hauling kids/grandchildren? Then a van with fold down seats for weekend might be better than sticking them in the pickup bed which, although used to be fine, is now frowned upon.
Let us know!