fixing up a van

[vanella]

I'm now thinking about a new cargo van, 1500 or 2500, maybe a Ford. There are many factory options: extra battery, extra outlet, height, length. In an ideal world, which of these options would be beneficial to a full time vandweller?

I'm preparing to put together a livable van, and I know my own limitations. I will NOT climb on the roof to install anything. Is it possible to hire people to do some of this stuff? Any advice on finding a reputable person/co which would be willing to work on some of these 
small projects? I'm gonna be in AZ in January.

Thank you for your time and input.

 

[highdesertranger]

what exactly do you want to have done? are you going to be at the RTR? highdesertranger

 

[DannyB1954]

A half ton will limit you as far as what you can put into it before reaching your weight limit.

 

[One Awesome Inch]

Only critical thing for comfort is a high roof in terms of what you mentioned.

 

[Almost There]

I'm now thinking about a new cargo van, 1500 or 2500, maybe a Ford. There are many factory options: extra battery, extra outlet, height, length. In an ideal world, which of these options would be beneficial to a full time vandweller?

I'm preparing to put together a livable van, and I know my own limitations. I will NOT climb on the roof to install anything. Is it possible to hire people to do some of this stuff? Any advice on finding a reputable person/co which would be willing to work on some of these 
small projects? I'm gonna be in AZ in January.

Thank you for your time and input.

Extra length and height are the only two factory options I'd explore IMO. And even then the extra height is more likely to be achieve well by adding an aftermarket fiberglass top than as a factory option.

If you have a choice, go for the 2500/E250 (3/4 ton versions), the 1/2 ton is too light for a good interior and all that stuff we need.

A single extra battery is not likely to be sufficient or the right type of battery for powering your needs after an assessment is done.

The extra outlet of which they speak is simply another underwired accessory outlet wired to the starting battery system. Any extra 12V outlets you will need should be of a higher quality than the OEM ones and wired properly to the house system.

I wouldn't and couldn't get up on my high top roof either so, yes, I found a loan of a ladder from one person and a couple of the guys were more than willing to get up there and do the vent install for me at the RTR. There's no shortage of willing hands.

 

[wagoneer]

You will find that many among us are in the same boat some further along, i know for certain you will be helped. Oops almost forgot
Yes go with at least 3/4 ton I had a one ton and it was the bomb, only thing I did not like was a regular tow truck will often look
at it and tell you they will not tow you one tried and the front end of the tow truck was at an unsafe height from the load 3/4 should be just fine
as long and high as possible

 

[jimindenver]

I could get up to the roof but can't lift anything up there.

 

[vanella]

what exactly do you want to have done?  are you going to be at the RTR?  highdesertranger

Hi, thanks for your response. My goal is to turn a cargo van into a fulltime livable space. I know it's quite the order and I'm prepared to be patient with some items. I think I can handle the insulation, paneling but will need help with installing a fan + solar panels. I'm a total newbie to vandwelling so there's a lot to learn.

What is RTR?

 

[highdesertranger]

RTR = http://www.cheaprvliving.com/gatherings/ . if you come to RTR you can get help with things you can't do or don't understand. more important if you don't understand stuff like solar you can learn there at the many classes. highdesertranger