Mamma has a new ride!

[Sleep]

Hi Guys and Gals!
 
I am so happy to introduce you to my new Van. (If the pic shows up!) I'm not sure if it is a she or a he, and as such it does not have a name yet. It is a 2001 GMC Safari with 116k well taken care of miles. The previous owner is 70 yrs old, ordered it band spanking new and had detailed maintenance records. I also had it checked by a mechanic (who did not charge!)  but hopes to get new business by providing great customer service. (Aamco Transmissions, Prescott Valley, Az.) Had new tires, new breaks and a towing package!

I am so excited to begin this journey towards living full time on the road and will have lots of questions as I move forward. Thanks to everyone on this forum who shared their automotive knowledge, it helped me make what I think was a very smart decision and she looks pretty awesome too!

 

[Gideon33w]

Loved my Astros. Built two. Nice find with that many miles. AWD or RWD version?

 

[Txjaybird]

 Hey Sleep,  Your ride looks good!  It has a roof rack too!   My '98 Safari has a "TV" hightop and I wish it was a flat roof.  My Mom is 87 and ordered this one new in "98, it had about 102,000k miles last NOV.  when I got it.
 What size engine does yours' have?  Will you be adding solar? 

Have fun with it

Jewellann

 

[Sleep]

Gideon it is AWD, just trying to figure the layout now.

Txjaybird, 4.3 liter V6 and yes solar is one of my priorities, besides a bed!

 

[Gideon33w]

Astros are pretty limited for layout unless you are VERY short and can fit sideways. Bed along the drivers side is your starting point.

 

[Gypsy Clipper]

Check out Jamie Dimon at Enigmatic Nomadic on YouTube. He's lived 5 years in an Astro. He can probably give you some great tips for making your new home cozy. Welcome !

Sent from my Alcatel_5044R using Tapatalk

 

[Gypsy Clipper]

It might be a safari..but you get the idea.

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[Sleep]

Astros are pretty limited for layout unless you are VERY short and can fit sideways. Bed along the drivers side is your starting point.

That's the direction I'm leaning, would like to build a sofa that slides out into a bigger size.

Hi Gypsy, yes I have noticed he has the Astro, good idea.

 

[Gideon33w]

If you get a manual backseat from a conversion van and shorten the legs you can have a couch that becomes a bed. Though it will be a little short that is fixable.
You can probably get one for free from a member gutting a conversion van. Low interior height is why you have to figure a way to shorten the legs though.

 

[highdesertranger]

nice, congrats. let the build begin. highdesertranger

 

[Gypsy Clipper]

Did you come up with a name yet?

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[BobBski]

Very nice, congratulations

 

[Sleep]

If you get a manual backseat from a conversion van and shorten the legs you can have a couch that becomes a bed. Though it will be a little short that is fixable.
You can probably get one for free from a member gutting a conversion van. Low interior height is why you have to figure a way to shorten the legs though.

But Gideon I would loose storage under wouldn't I?

 

[Sleep]

Did you come up with a name yet?

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No not yet, but I keep calling it a her!

 

[Gideon33w]

But Gideon I would loose storage under wouldn't I?

Some. But the mechanism is mostly built into the sides so not as bad as you think. 
Either way, building out a van is all about compromise. 
The more elaborate you get the more weight and space lost typically.

 

[NoMadYesHappy]

Goin' on Safari!