Anybody convert one of these?

[SaltySeaWitch]

Here's mine:

I am in love!!! With your rig that is

 

[masterplumber]

There is a rig like the OP posted just up from me at RTR. It's actually one of the Air Force vans with the sliding side door also. I got a chance to look inside today and it's just about perfect. Wide enough to sleep crossways, tall enough to stand in, and the same overall size as a regular van so easy to park in the city. His has the 6.5 liter diesel so he gets great mileage also.

 

[SaltySeaWitch]

There is a rig like the OP posted just up from me at RTR. It's actually one of the Air Force vans with the sliding side door also. I got a chance to look inside today and it's just about perfect. Wide enough to sleep crossways, tall enough to stand in, and the same overall size as a regular van so easy to park in the city. His has the 6.5 liter diesel so he gets great mileage also.

I wish I could have made it to RTR! Would love to see the various rigs there. I have no idea what an Air Force van is. I will have to Google image it.

Also wish I could have met you and thanked you in person for all of your help masterplumber. Between you and HDR I can almost seem knowledgeable in a diesel engine conversation

 

[debit.servus]

It's a little larger than a Sprinter van, with the modularity and parts availability this kind of box truck makes for an excellent stealth conversion. Add some low profile skylights to make up for the lack of windows and one is set. This kind of box truck is better since the box is not 3/4' up from the ground if one doesn't care for ground clearance. If I desire to live in another sub-20' rig I will be looking at retired U-HAUL trucks.

 

[bcbullet]

I am in love!!! With your rig that is

Well shucks, thanks!  :blush:

 

[masterplumber]

SSW, someone posted one of the Air Force flight line vans on here recently. It's basically like the one posted in this thread, but with a sliding side door at the front of the box, and barn doors at the back. Most are blue, but a few are white. They seem to be built a little heavier duty, like a schoolie, and most have a GM diesel. The one that was here was bought from a guy in Texas someplace that had a few straight from the armed services auction. I think he said it only had 12.000 miles on it when he bought it, but wasn't sure on the engine hours as they spend a lot of time idling on the flight line. It was a pretty awesome rig, and just the right size. I really loved the side door as it had a step built in also, so you didn't have to climb through the cab or keep the back doors unblocked.

 

[29chico]

Conversions are never complete but I'm close. I've taken some short 3-day and 2 week trips to return and make changes and then give it another go. I'm pretty sure I'm getting close to a final version. Still unsure about side windows. Stealth isn't something I'm concerned about so well see.
I did think about the over-cab air deflector thing as an addition for better fuel mileage. I'm at 14.4/15.2 MPG in town and highway. I doubt it would make much difference for the amount of miles I drive.

Agreed about the air deflector.  However, my converted cargo trailer has a fiberglass nose cone on the front of it that is fully sealed to the main box.  There is a 18" square opening from the inside of the box into the nose cone, very handy for storing soft things like blankets, sleeping bags & pillows.

When I was considering a rig like yours I found a firm that makes similar cones for them.  Sorry, but I did not save the link.

 

[Patd4u2]

You did an outstanding job on the interior! looks like a very nice place to live in.

 

[jydog]

Here is the one I am converting






[video=youtube]

 

[lost sailor]

I have a question for you builders that have the sliding rear door. Does it leak air/dust?
I really like these vehicles for their size and height, but I was planning on replacing the slider
with a wall and door.

 

[highdesertranger]

yes they leak air/dust. replace with a solid wall, window, or barn doors is the answer. just don't use household doors and windows, use RV or marine components. highdesertranger

 

[eDJ_]

I wonder if a Step Van of aluminum would be any better ?  Easier to work on ?
Window covers could cover the windshield on the inside and side windows so
that even the drivers cab could be usable space. They are definitely walk thru.

I don't know if the duals on the rear would be necessary for a travel camper or not.

If a business has one of these that they purchased new,  and the accountants have
written it off after 5 years,  it should be able to be purchased affordably.  

I was talking with a Bread Delivery guy Sunday Morning who told me the
Gallipolis, Ohio  Store had a couple of these for sale.  Both Diesel V8.
Heiners Bakery.

https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=Gallipolis+Ohio+and+Hieners+bakery

 

[highdesertranger]

watch for the GVWR on the bread trucks it might be real low. a truck full of bread doesn't weigh that much. highdesertranger

 

[ZoNiE]

The OP photo looks like a U-Haul TM (Thrifty Mover), but with a wind shroud on top (U-hauls don't have that). They have been using them long enough now that they are on the used market. My stepson just drove one full to Texas and got about 10-11 MPG.

I would think these are just about right for a stealth. Just put some company name on the side...

A lot of step vans have cummins inline 6 diesels running on CNG...

 

[lost sailor]

yes they leak air/dust.  replace with a solid wall,  window,  or barn doors is the answer.  just don't use household doors and windows,  use RV or marine components.  highdesertranger

Thanks! There's a thread in builds that described removing the door, sounds like the way to go.

I wonder if a Step Van of aluminum would be any better ?  Easier to work on ?
Window covers could cover the windshield on the inside and side windows so
that even the drivers cab could be usable space. They are definitely walk thru.

I don't know if the duals on the rear would be necessary for a travel camper or not.

If a business has one of these that they purchased new,  and the accountants have
written it off after 5 years,  it should be able to be purchased affordably.  


I was talking with a Bread Delivery guy Sunday Morning who told me the
Gallipolis, Ohio  Store had a couple of these for sale.  Both Diesel V8.
Heiners Bakery.

https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=Gallipolis+Ohio+and+Hieners+bakery

There's probably several members who have a step van, one I have seen is flying kurbmaster, his is really nice.