My intro

[DaveNF2G]

My name is Dave and I am currently living in a house as its caretaker.&nbsp; I was taking care of the elderly woman who owned the house until she passed away.&nbsp; Soon the family will be getting rid of the house and I will need to find new living quarters.&nbsp; <br /><br />I lost my job teaching at a local community college a few months ago (more qualified people are cheaper now) and am collecting unemployment for the time being.&nbsp; Needless to say, a move will be a major financial challenge.<br /><br />I own a 2003 Chevy 3500 Express van.&nbsp; I bought it used last year with hopes of turning it into a well-equipped mobile ham radio station.&nbsp; Now I am considering using it as living quarters as well.&nbsp; Right now, the back of the van is a very large empty space.<br /><br />My mechanical talents tend toward the very small - circuit boards and such.&nbsp; Large scale work is more difficult for me.&nbsp; What I really need is guidance on the basics of converting a van - like putting in walls and floors.&nbsp; Furnishing it is beyond what the vehicle needs right away.<br /><br />I'm all ears.&nbsp; Please direct me to any relevant threads in the forums here.&nbsp; The size of this resource for an initial user is mind-boggling. <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle">

 

[mad*sparrow]

Hi Dave and welcome. I too am new and envy your foundation since I have a basic pickup to convert. I still owe too much on it to consider any thing else atm. I've seen some amazing setups with vans but can't help with links unfortunatly. Insulation seems to be the first consideration I've seen on van setup. Then a lot of creativity towards the furnishings and placement. Theres a van section here with a lot of info too. If I stumble on any links I'll send them your way.

 

[rvwandering]

Welcome Dave! Probably the best place to start is here - <a href="http://cheaprvliving.com/">http://cheaprvliving.com/</a>

 

[VanLifeCrisis]

Check out this conversion friend, grandma goes thru pretty much from the beginning. I think id do it a little different but this is the basic idea.

https://vanlivingforum.com/post/Grandmas-Chevy-Cargo-Van-Conversion-to-a-Simple-Camper-Van-6014225

The conversion sub-forum is a great resource.


From what i gather, you stuff a vapor barrier and insulation between the ribs, run some boards down (metal screws to attach them to ribs), and than attach some type of paneling to them. (Or i guess just do straight carpet like grandma there). As for the floor, i plan to put down a vapor barrier than just cover it with plywood, than either rubber or carpet. I like the wood floor, because it will make it easier to anchor things to it.

 

[Pikachu711]

Welcome DaveNF2G! You'll quickly discover that this is one of the best places to look for van dwelling information.

 

[HoboBerg]

Welcome aboard!

 

[SirJoey]

<br /><span style="font-family: 'comic sans ms', sans-serif;"><strong>Welcome aboard, Dave!&nbsp;<img src="/images/boards/smilies/wave.gif" alt="" align="absmiddle" border="0" /></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family: 'comic sans ms', sans-serif;"><strong>And good luck with your conversion!&nbsp;<img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" alt="" align="absmiddle" border="0" /><br /><br /></strong></span>

 

[Les H]

hi Dave, welcome to the forum. i have a 2000 gmc 3500 bus conversion, descmription and pics in the conversion forum under " finally, pics of my bus, Buford" Hope they or someone ekses can help you get started.

 

[KatieinKansas]

Glad you're with us.<br />Katie

 

[stude53]

<p><span style="color: #008000;"><strong><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Welcome, Dave! <img src="/images/boards/smilies/wave.gif" alt="" align="absmiddle" border="0" /></span></strong></span><br /><br /><span style="color: #008000;"><strong><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Bob</span></strong></span></p>

 

[yesican]

Welcome Dave...this is the place for you.&nbsp; Wish you much luck.<br />Rae

 

[VanTrekker]

<p>Hello Dave (NF2G),<br /><br />It's nice to see another extra class ham in here.&nbsp; I just ordered a new 2M handheld and am going to add some QRP HF stuff&nbsp;in the van... Possibly a dipole antenna slung from the TV antenna mast on the roof,&nbsp;too.<br /><br />I also have a Chevy Express van.&nbsp; They are awesome machines.<br /><br />73's,</p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">KM&Oslash;I</span></span></p>

 

[blkjak]

welcome .... blkjak

 

[Journeyman]

Welcome Dave, everything you need to know you'll find here.<br /><br />

 

[DaveNF2G]

Thanks to all for the warm welcome and encouragement.<br /><br />I will be looking at the places that were suggested.

 

[DaveNF2G]

<p>Hello Dave (NF2G),<br /><br />It's nice to see another extra class ham in here.&nbsp; I just ordered a new 2M handheld and am going to add some QRP HF stuff&nbsp;in the van... Possibly a dipole antenna slung from the TV antenna mast on the roof,&nbsp;too.

<br /><br />What I call "Phase I" on my van (Blue Thunder) included radios in the driver compartment.&nbsp;I have 5 antennae on the roof, 3 of which will be switchable between front and rear radios after Phase II or III.&nbsp; I have 2m/70cm, GMRS, and 11m in the cab.&nbsp; Those will be duplicated, plus more, in the back.<br /><br />

I also have a Chevy Express van.&nbsp; They are awesome machines.

<br /><br />Plenty of space for sure.<br /><br />73 de Dave, NF2G</p>