My Van - A work in progress

Gregg · Jan 30, 2015

I was my great pleasure to have met many of you at the 2015 RTR. I was in my bigger camper, the gray/blue/beige Class A diesel.

I also have a one-ton Ford van that I am converting into a camper for back country exploring, etc. I am looking forward to the ideas and advice presented herein to help guide me in the conversion process. Here she is to date. The only interior mods so far are a swivel under the front passenger's seat and a Porta-Potti Curve on a quick release permanent mount.

Gregg

And my handsome self playing with some A$$es in Oatman AZ.

MikeRuth · Jan 30, 2015

Yakima cross bars and deflector, NICE, Hows the wind noise?

And where did you find that awning? Not sure if I want something as cool as that or just a toss up tarp.

Gregg · Jan 30, 2015

MikeRuth said:
Yakima cross bars and deflector, NICE, Hows the wind noise?

And where did you find that awning? Not sure if I want something as cool as that or just a toss up tarp.

Wind noise is very low right now. I will be mounting a basket towards the rear and 200 watts of solar on the front two cross bars. Wind noise will probably increase.

The awning is a Fiamma F45 http://www.fiamma.com/EN/products/fiammastore/ It's a bit pricey but is very quick and easy to deploy or put away. Everyone charges about the same for the awning but shipping is close to $200.00. Being that I am in CA and often have business in the central valley, I will-called it from Sportsmobile Fresno and saved the shipping. It was under $900 out the door. There are many mounting adapters available for Fiamma awnings that should be able to accommodate any vehicle or situation.

Gregg

akrvbob · Jan 30, 2015

Great looking rig! Quite a difference between it and the the "mothership!"

Where did you get the ladder? I've been looking for a side ladder.
Bob

Gregg · Jan 30, 2015

akrvbob said:
Great looking rig! Quite a difference between it and the the "mothership!"

Where did you get the ladder? I've been looking for a side ladder.
Bob

Hi Bob

Hope the rain wasn't too bad in Ehrenburg. From the radar plots it look like you got hammered.

I've been building the van for back country expeditions of up to three or four days. I might swap it for the Jeep and tow it behind the mothership when we go full time after I retire (can't happen soon enough).

The ladders (I have them on both sides) and the nerf bars came from Aluminess. Here is the link to the side ladder for Chevy/GMC vans http://www.aluminess.com/chevrolet/chevy-van-2003-2013/ladders/ They are somewhat pricey but their products are very well made and are light.

Best regards

Gregg

highdesertranger · Jan 30, 2015

aluminess is a great company and make fine products. however side mounted ladders are a problem waiting to happen if you ask me. if you are boondocking traveling offroad sooner or later you are going to get a branch caught between the ladder and the body and bad things will happen. especially if it's at window height. I always recommend putting ladders in the rear of vehicles or front if you have a trailer. my 2 cents. anybody want to ask how I know about side windows and branches. highdesertranger