Hi- I have been lurking around this forum, having been a van dweller in the distant past. I just purchased a 2003 Dodge Ram Regency that I'm ready to modify. I could use some consults on the modofications and how to get information here Thanks (Philadelphia).
another one new from PA
- Thread starter chickade
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Help Support Van Living Forum:
Welcome to the CRVL forums Chickade! Many members are documenting their builds. Check out the Conversions and Modifications section. There's also a link at the top of the page about van conversions - http://www.cheaprvliving.com/live-conversion-van/ Look through them and ask questions. You'll get a lot of help here!
To help you learn the ins and outs of these forums, this "Tips & Tricks" post lists some helpful information to get you started. We look forward to hearing more from you.
To help you learn the ins and outs of these forums, this "Tips & Tricks" post lists some helpful information to get you started. We look forward to hearing more from you.
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Hi Chickade, we're very glad you're here and would love to help you in any way we can!
I think the best way to get information is to ask one clear, specific question on one topic at a time. So you may have a couple three threads going but you will get complete answers on each question.
Also, it's very helpful the more information you can give us. Things like:
1) What's your budget. If we tell you to do something you can't afford to do, then we've all wasted our time and you haven't been helped. Of course you want to maintain your privacy, but if you want good answers we really need some basic idea of budget.
2) What's your time-frame. If you are waiting a year for your house to sell, we can do things slow and right. If you have to be out at the end of the month we need to get something done right now!! Very different answers to those two situations.
3) Where will you be? In the city so you need stealth. On public land where stealth is unimportnat. In the north where it's cold and you need insulation, in Florida where insulation is less important.
4) Skill level; can you do the work or do you need to hire someone?
5)How much comfort do you need.
We love to help and we'll do our best! We're glad you're here!
Bob
I think the best way to get information is to ask one clear, specific question on one topic at a time. So you may have a couple three threads going but you will get complete answers on each question.
Also, it's very helpful the more information you can give us. Things like:
1) What's your budget. If we tell you to do something you can't afford to do, then we've all wasted our time and you haven't been helped. Of course you want to maintain your privacy, but if you want good answers we really need some basic idea of budget.
2) What's your time-frame. If you are waiting a year for your house to sell, we can do things slow and right. If you have to be out at the end of the month we need to get something done right now!! Very different answers to those two situations.
3) Where will you be? In the city so you need stealth. On public land where stealth is unimportnat. In the north where it's cold and you need insulation, in Florida where insulation is less important.
4) Skill level; can you do the work or do you need to hire someone?
5)How much comfort do you need.
We love to help and we'll do our best! We're glad you're here!
Bob
HarmonicaBruce
Well-known member
I had a contract in Philly for awhile, working for Univ of Pa. It was challenging and expensive to live there. I think I could have done ok with renting a parking spot in one of the lots, and joining a health club. I paid a fortune for a dump of an apartment.chickade said:
Thanks for your replies. I still own a house but I want to have a back up place to live.
I expect making my van liveable will be a slow process, but I have a job and some resources.
Since I'm a virtual beginner, I have questions like:
How do I learn to use my mirrors to manage the visibility issues of a van?
How do I learn to drive a large rear wheel drive vehicle in the snow?
Do I need snow tires, and if so, do I need two or four, what type and size?
How do I change the turn signal bulb in the rear tail light?
How do I get help with problems like light bulbs or do I have to go to a mechanic?
Do conversion vans have different interiors than regular vans?
If the interior is different how do I find documentation on how it is different?
You can see I'm a bit overwhelmed, but still eager to get started.
Perhaps you can direct me to the best part of the forum to get answers to these questions.
Thanks!
I expect making my van liveable will be a slow process, but I have a job and some resources.
Since I'm a virtual beginner, I have questions like:
How do I learn to use my mirrors to manage the visibility issues of a van?
How do I learn to drive a large rear wheel drive vehicle in the snow?
Do I need snow tires, and if so, do I need two or four, what type and size?
How do I change the turn signal bulb in the rear tail light?
How do I get help with problems like light bulbs or do I have to go to a mechanic?
Do conversion vans have different interiors than regular vans?
If the interior is different how do I find documentation on how it is different?
You can see I'm a bit overwhelmed, but still eager to get started.
Perhaps you can direct me to the best part of the forum to get answers to these questions.
Thanks!
Attachments
Hi Chickade. Welcome to the forum! I'll attempt to answer a few of your questions, although there are many folks on this forum who have vastly greater experience than I. Therefore if I were you and someone posts something different than what I say, I'd go with their response. I'm also pretty new hear as well. But since no one else has posted I don't want you to feel ignored. It's easy to feel overwhelmed. Just take it one step at a time. It looks like you have yourself a very nice van.
How do I learn to use my mirrors to manage the visibility issues of a van?
I was about 19 or 20 when I first started driving a 15 passenger van for work and also a U-haul type box truck (I think that's the correct term.) I will admit I was nervous at first but really that went away with experience. The more you drive and use your mirrors, the more 2nd nature it will become. If you like to read about things to learn them you might check out your owner's manual or maybe a beginning driver's book from the library.
How do I learn to drive a large rear wheel drive vehicle in the snow?
I learned how to drive those larger vehicles in snow in the midwest. I've been to Phili once and I saw how hilly it was, nothing like where I was in the midwest. Do you know anyone who could give you some pointers? My dad taught me how to drive in snow when I was a little kid (actually drive in any weather.) He took me to an empty parking lot and had me do turns again and again until I understood how to handle a vehicle that was skidding, etc.
Do I need snow tires, and if so, do I need two or four, what type and size?
I never used snow tires in the midwest but ymmv. Maybe call a tire shop and ask the advantages of snow tires. Of course they want to sell you some but ask what the downside is to not having them. Then ask some friends if they put snow tires on their cars. Network. The size of tire you can get on your tires right now. Most tire stores have a way to look it up online by putting in your vehicle make and model info. Your service manual would have the info also, I believe. I know the tire pressure is listed on your inside door panel, probably your tire size too but to be honest I haven't looked at that sticker in a while so I forget what's on it besides the VIN.
How do I change the turn signal bulb in the rear tail light?
CHeck the service manual for your van or google it.
How do I get help with problems like light bulbs or do I have to go to a mechanic?
You could go to a mechanic for that but I hate to pay a shop rate just to change a light bulb. On the other hand, I doubt a shop would charge you if it was just putting in a lightbulb and it was simple and they were slow.
I've been asking about how to get more mechanical experience myself so you might search this forum, look under mechanical issues.
Also search a forum for your type of van-just google " " van forums.
Read your owners and service manuals.
Look for classes at your local adult ed or community college or even mechanic's garages. Somewhere you'll find someone giving a class on how to change your oil, do tune-ups, etc. I'm taking a class in my city this month on changing oil in a vehicle. Again, Google is your friend and YouTube also.
I've started watching Eric the Car Guy lately on YT.
Maybe check out car clubs in your area next Spring.
Start with small things and as your confidence grows you'll take on larger tasks.
Do conversion vans have different interiors than regular vans?
In a word, yes. If your conversion has a bench that folds to a bed, then it's different then a cargo van (empty space behind driver and passenger) and a passenger van (has seating but none turns into a bed.)
If the interior is different how do I find documentation on how it is different?
Again, look up on google and look at pictures. Look at pictures on forums, before and after. Why do you want to know how they differ? I'm not understanding your reason for asking the question. If you're planning on personalizing your conversion to work for you, you'll end up with a van that is probably a little different then anyone out there. Before and after pics on forums are a great way of getting the ideas flowing. YouTube also has videos on people who have customized their vans. Check it out.
Perhaps you can direct me to the best part of the forum to get answers to these questions.
You might want to start looking in the van section if you're looking for answers to how to start a conversion. There's also great write-ups on the website. I don't know if your other questions would have answers to be found within the forum itself, but maybe. Start using google and youtube and you'll be surprised by what you can learn. Also check out your local library. Librarian's are an underutilized resource. They can help you find not only books in the library but other things in your community in your interest area.
I hope this gets you started. Someone else might chime in with more detailed answers. Good Luck and keep us posted.
GypsyChic
How do I learn to use my mirrors to manage the visibility issues of a van?
I was about 19 or 20 when I first started driving a 15 passenger van for work and also a U-haul type box truck (I think that's the correct term.) I will admit I was nervous at first but really that went away with experience. The more you drive and use your mirrors, the more 2nd nature it will become. If you like to read about things to learn them you might check out your owner's manual or maybe a beginning driver's book from the library.
How do I learn to drive a large rear wheel drive vehicle in the snow?
I learned how to drive those larger vehicles in snow in the midwest. I've been to Phili once and I saw how hilly it was, nothing like where I was in the midwest. Do you know anyone who could give you some pointers? My dad taught me how to drive in snow when I was a little kid (actually drive in any weather.) He took me to an empty parking lot and had me do turns again and again until I understood how to handle a vehicle that was skidding, etc.
Do I need snow tires, and if so, do I need two or four, what type and size?
I never used snow tires in the midwest but ymmv. Maybe call a tire shop and ask the advantages of snow tires. Of course they want to sell you some but ask what the downside is to not having them. Then ask some friends if they put snow tires on their cars. Network. The size of tire you can get on your tires right now. Most tire stores have a way to look it up online by putting in your vehicle make and model info. Your service manual would have the info also, I believe. I know the tire pressure is listed on your inside door panel, probably your tire size too but to be honest I haven't looked at that sticker in a while so I forget what's on it besides the VIN.
How do I change the turn signal bulb in the rear tail light?
CHeck the service manual for your van or google it.
How do I get help with problems like light bulbs or do I have to go to a mechanic?
You could go to a mechanic for that but I hate to pay a shop rate just to change a light bulb. On the other hand, I doubt a shop would charge you if it was just putting in a lightbulb and it was simple and they were slow.
I've been asking about how to get more mechanical experience myself so you might search this forum, look under mechanical issues.
Also search a forum for your type of van-just google " " van forums.
Read your owners and service manuals.
Look for classes at your local adult ed or community college or even mechanic's garages. Somewhere you'll find someone giving a class on how to change your oil, do tune-ups, etc. I'm taking a class in my city this month on changing oil in a vehicle. Again, Google is your friend and YouTube also.
I've started watching Eric the Car Guy lately on YT.
Maybe check out car clubs in your area next Spring.
Start with small things and as your confidence grows you'll take on larger tasks.
Do conversion vans have different interiors than regular vans?
In a word, yes. If your conversion has a bench that folds to a bed, then it's different then a cargo van (empty space behind driver and passenger) and a passenger van (has seating but none turns into a bed.)
If the interior is different how do I find documentation on how it is different?
Again, look up on google and look at pictures. Look at pictures on forums, before and after. Why do you want to know how they differ? I'm not understanding your reason for asking the question. If you're planning on personalizing your conversion to work for you, you'll end up with a van that is probably a little different then anyone out there. Before and after pics on forums are a great way of getting the ideas flowing. YouTube also has videos on people who have customized their vans. Check it out.
Perhaps you can direct me to the best part of the forum to get answers to these questions.
You might want to start looking in the van section if you're looking for answers to how to start a conversion. There's also great write-ups on the website. I don't know if your other questions would have answers to be found within the forum itself, but maybe. Start using google and youtube and you'll be surprised by what you can learn. Also check out your local library. Librarian's are an underutilized resource. They can help you find not only books in the library but other things in your community in your interest area.
I hope this gets you started. Someone else might chime in with more detailed answers. Good Luck and keep us posted.
GypsyChic
MikeRuth
Well-known member
I'll add a couple things too and as mention there are others in here that are going to give you some really good advice.
Do I need snow tires, and if so, do I need two or four, what type and size
Many of today's tires are rated for Mud and Snow. Seems to me that in areas that have a snowy winter folks will change out there tires to a tire better suited to the weather. Snow tires typically have studs on them and in certain areas are not allowed. You would have toc heck with local authorities. Having Snow Chains might be a better option and of course if you do practice installing them so that when you do need to you can do it quickly when it's freezing outside.
How do I get help with problems like light bulbs or do I have to go to a mechanic?
I'd suggest asking friends that know how and see if they would show you how it's done. If I was asked I'd be glad to show a friend how. If not even a local mechanic might be inticed with a beer
How do I get help with problems like light bulbs or do I have to go to a mechanic?
Some will argue but let GOOGLE be your friend and YOUTUBE. You will be surprised by how many videos out there will show you how to do almost anything when it comes to auto repair.
Good luck and feel free to ask away here.
TC Mike R
Do I need snow tires, and if so, do I need two or four, what type and size
Many of today's tires are rated for Mud and Snow. Seems to me that in areas that have a snowy winter folks will change out there tires to a tire better suited to the weather. Snow tires typically have studs on them and in certain areas are not allowed. You would have toc heck with local authorities. Having Snow Chains might be a better option and of course if you do practice installing them so that when you do need to you can do it quickly when it's freezing outside.
How do I get help with problems like light bulbs or do I have to go to a mechanic?
I'd suggest asking friends that know how and see if they would show you how it's done. If I was asked I'd be glad to show a friend how. If not even a local mechanic might be inticed with a beer
How do I get help with problems like light bulbs or do I have to go to a mechanic?
Some will argue but let GOOGLE be your friend and YOUTUBE. You will be surprised by how many videos out there will show you how to do almost anything when it comes to auto repair.
Good luck and feel free to ask away here.
TC Mike R
HarmonicaBruce
Well-known member
Practicechickade said:
Practicechickade said:
Snow tires are good in the snow. Two is good, four is better (but two really is enough assuming you have 2 wheel drive). The guys at the tire store know what size you need. Then you can either buy new wheels to put them on, or pay to have your tires changed every fall / spring. But you'll need a place to keep a second pair of wheels / tires. Vans like to get stuck in snow so if you'll be driving a lot in snow you should consider snow tires.chickade said:
Lots of times the person working in the autoparts store will come out to the parking lot and do it for you. It doesn't hurt to ask. Try asking when they're not busy.chickade said:
Conversion vans start out as regular cargo vans, then they're "converted". Check out converted and non-converted vans at a used car lot and you'll see the differences.chickade said:
If others here say something different than me, believe them, not me. I'm just a dumb hillbilly.
VanLifeCrisis
Well-known member
- Joined
- Aug 1, 2012
- Messages
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yeah...id go with an all season tire and keep snow chains. im in wv so similar conditions, vans suck in the snow..number one thing to do is not drive in it at all if possible. advance auto is really nice, probably install a bulb for you or at least tell you how.
if you have the bulb with you, some quik lube change places might be willing to do it if you go there for your oil changes.
try looking up an after market manual for the vehicle too, they are usually really good at walking you through step by step instructions on minor maintenance like that.
haynes makes them i think.
if you have the bulb with you, some quik lube change places might be willing to do it if you go there for your oil changes.
try looking up an after market manual for the vehicle too, they are usually really good at walking you through step by step instructions on minor maintenance like that.
haynes makes them i think.
