Hello from Camping Cajun - New but Studied for Years

[Camping Cajun]

Hello all,

I am still working (who isn't? LOL!) but have considered everything from recreational stealth camping and boondocking for going on 20 years now. 

I am at a place in my life to at least consider modifying a van I've had for a couple years. The interior is in such excellent condition and my handyman skills very kindergarden. My research points me to mods that are fantastic but not within the combination of time, skill and or money needed right now. I am hitting the forums to provide info on the van, my future opportunities and ideas to solicit input.

For my introduction though I want to share that I am Cajun and yes I can cook the food! Many good reviews from friends ha ha. I have tent camped in the past mostly in camping parks. I enjoy light-skill hiking, SOT kayaking, sharing good food, reading, travel, many kinds of music and meeting the occasional challenge.

My current job is a newer one and earning vacation time is difficult. I am lucky to get the occasional 4 day weekend scheduled as my work is 4-10 hr days. I live in Central Florida with possible eye on relocating maybe in a few years when I get my home sold. The job is very specialized so its not easy to get in many places of the country. I have acted as an administrative assistant once in Hawaii. I fell into it and was one of the best jobs of my life.

Good to be here and look forward to interacting with you guys.

 

[rvwandering]

Welcome to the CRVL forums! It looks like you have a very nice van to convert to a camper. Don't forget to post pictures of your progress!

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.

 

[Camping Cajun]

Thank you for the welcome and the suggestions. I will be happy to post pics when I get the nerve to get started!

 

[akrvbob]

Hi Campingcajun, we're glad you're here!!

I strongly suggest you consider using used furniture for your conversion, it's cheap, super-easy, and very nice looking. Especially good are desks, dresser, drawers and end tables. Kitchen cabinets can also work very well.
Bob

 

[Camping Cajun]

I had been wondering a bit about those ideas. Thanks for voicing them!

 

[Almost There]

Camper Cajun Quoted from another thread:

Your comments are exactly what I am mentally debating. My Dodge Ram 1500 Conversion Van (2003), the interior) is in near excellent condition. I understand the need for proper insulation for camping or living comfort.... plus wiring, certain installations and the possibility of pulling the bench bed out to create a bed with more storage under..... BUT.... I am choosing to try and work with the interior intact for now. Small steps for me to see how I like it for day trips and maybe overnighters. I imagine one exception will be a type of high volume vent or standard roof AC for RVs (plus the addition of batteries and maybe solar).

There are certain conditions where I definitely recommend removing the whole of the interior and starting from scratch - if you're positive that you're going full-time and certain that you're keeping the vehicle then it makes sense to do all kinds of permanent things with the van.

If you're starting out by dipping your toes in the van life so to speak and aren't certain that it's for you or as you note, you're using it for day trips and 'maybe' for overnighters, it doesn't make any sense to rip out a perfectly good interior.

It also doesn't make much sense to rip out the interior if you're not certain that the vehicle you've got is what you will need for the long term.

Solar isn't really needed until you're at least doing extended road trips of several weeks AND plan on boondocking (as opposed to campgrounds with hook ups). In the meantime a battery pack that can be recharged either when driving or at home will likely be sufficient for your needs. There are fans and lights available that either take batteries or can be recharged individually as well, so they can be used to supplement whatever power source you choose to have.

RV A/C units require either massive solar and battery setups or shore power to run. A 12v fan in a standard roof vent will make life on overnights and day trips much more comfortable although parking in the shade works for most day trips unless you live where it gets hot hot hot during the day.

The convertible rear seat, well, a mattress topper will make it a bit more comfortable for sleeping once you start overnighting. It generally doesn't work well for extended trips where good sleeping quarters become more important. Removing it to obtain more storage also only becomes more necessary when one is on extended trips. If you've got someplace to store it then by all means consider it earlier on. If you're not sure you're keeping the van for the long term then keeping it for reinstallation will help with resale value.

 

[Camping Cajun]

Update: 

Home is on the market and possibly may sell the townhouse in the near future. Don't be impressed. They are the result of a divorce with not much equity in the home and not much appreciation on the townhouse. LOL.

I have found the likeliest model to base my van mod on. For those joining my introduction I have a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 conversion van about 195 inches overall length. The exterior is worn but the existing interior is in very good to excellent condition. I am at a crossroads in my life in which retirement may never be an option. Recent life changes that were unexpected..... 

I want a simpler life but until I can possibly make that happen I have this great van that I'd like to modify for local overnighters. Living in the Tampa Bay area means an easy 1-2 hour drive somewhere for events. It would be much more fun to be equipped for chilling inside during a festival or overnighting when necessary. If I like the benefits of the mods I will likely pursue a larger van that I can modify from scratch for longer trips. 

For now, the best example of what I am looking to do with my current van is found on this site: http://www.cheaprvliving.com/easy-van-conversion/

 

[Camping Cajun]

Somehow I missed the Quoting function! RE: [font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]Hi Campingcajun, we're glad you're here!![/font]


[font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]I strongly suggest you consider using used furniture for your conversion, it's cheap, super-easy, and very nice looking. Especially good are desks, dresser, drawers and end tables. Kitchen cabinets can also work very well.[/font]
[font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]Bob[/font]

Thanks for the suggestions Bob. I will keep a lookout. Now that I have an idea of what I want to do.... (http://www.cheaprvliving.com/easy-van-conversion) I might be able to find the cubes from a Habitat for Humanity Store. There are 3 in my at-large area. If not I can order them from Home Depot. I really like the fridge featured in this article and perhaps might be even able to build the frame for it. http://www.mountainproject.com/v/my-diy-camper-van/109640637
The rear construction of the mini kitchen in this mod I like because it can extend the short bench bed in the van. Add some big pillows or a long cushion topped with pillows and then the bed is more comfy. http://www.backpackercarworld.com/page/4015.