VW style interior in full sized van

[spd2918]

<p>Hello all-<br><br>I am in the design part of my build of a full sized stealth van.&nbsp; I am anxiously awaiting the MPG stats on the new Dodge / Fiat or Ford big Transit diesel vans, but that's another story.&nbsp; My question to you all is about VW camper style interiors:<br><br>It appears to me that the VW style of interiors is about the best single set up made.&nbsp; I like all the counter space on the driver side with a large three panel bed that slides back into a bench.&nbsp; That gives a nice open area in the middle of the van that has multiple uses (changing, food prep, etc).<br><br>I'd like to apply this set up to a full sized van.&nbsp; My questions are twofold:</p><p>1:&nbsp; Is the VW living space (behind the front seats) bigger or smaller than, say, a modern Ford van?<br><br>2:&nbsp; Does anyone have any photos or experiences with this type of build set up?<br><br>Thanks for the replies, Brad</p>

 

[spd2918]

<br><br>This is the interior style I desire.<br><br>

<br><br>

<br><br>In an Astro van:<br><br>

 

[caseyc]

I'm very envious of the sink/stove/fridge cabinet setup of the VW Vanagon. But no so much on the bed setup, although it's very conveniently designed. I prefer a larger/longer bed, but it seems to me the VW Vanagon bed is&nbsp;just a weeee bit too small for my taste. Just my .02 cents of course.&nbsp; That said, I would still&nbsp;love to have a pristine condition Vangon camper&nbsp;any day of the week, haha! <img class="emoticon bbc_img" src="/images/boards/smilies/biggrin.gif">

 

[spd2918]

I thought about the bed width, too.&nbsp; I would reduce the counter depth to widen the bed.&nbsp; The length should be generous enough already and this is important to my 6'2" frame.&nbsp; Since a larger van should be wider, a little wider bed would work.&nbsp; This will be a van for two people, so bed width is an issue.&nbsp; I can't find a more practical set up for interior space (with the bed stowed).<br><br>I'm finding the stock height in the VW to be a little taller than a current Econoline.&nbsp; I bet the new full sized Transit and Dodge will be at least as generous as the VW (non-pop top).

 

[user 423]

Which VW are you referring to in regards to the interior height? I wouldn't think a Vanagon or one of the old buses would be as high as full-size Ford or Chevy. What year is the van in the second pic above?<br><br><br>Edit: Oh,never mind I see it's a Eurovan and I guess they are taller than the older ones.

 

[caseyc]

The VW Vanagon will be for 2 people? Wow! <img class="emoticon bbc_img" src="/images/boards/smilies/eek.gif">&nbsp; I can barely fit a 2nd person in my Ford E150 conversion van.

 

[spd2918]

I was referring to the Vanagon years.&nbsp; Their floor was much lower because no drive shaft interfered.&nbsp; That added a lot of interior room.

 

[BC Guy]

The reason that I said no to a VW years ago, was no toilet or port-a potty.&nbsp; If it is 2am, pouring rain and you need to go NOW.......

 

[Kevin H]

Take a look at this guy's complete build of a Vanagon: &nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://tosimplify.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://tosimplify.blogspot.com/<br><br></a>Begin reading his blog starting around November of last year. &nbsp;He just hit the road last week. &nbsp; BTW - I believe he is visiting Bob Wells as we speak....<br><br>One fine, fine job.

 

[spd2918]

Bookmarked.&nbsp; Beautiful interior.&nbsp; Image that in a larger, modern, efficient full sized van.... <img src="/images/boards/smilies/thumb.gif" class="emoticon bbc_img"><br><br>