What type of van?

[Fuz]

Hello all, I like the idea of converting a van, the experience sounds fun and it also seems like I'll get the most room but also be able to blend in wherever I happen to be. I was just wondering what type of van I should be looking for? I have a human traveling companion and a cat tagging along for the ride so a larger van is preferable, but space isn't a huge issue as I'd prefer to spend my time out doors anyhow. Does the age of a van matter? I know very little about vans/cars, and maitenance, I have quite a bit to learn before I hit the road.<br>

 

[Bear]

<FONT size=3 face="times new roman, times, serif">hey Fuz, I'm living part time out of a '89 vw van (the one in the pic) - it's&nbsp;not a westy&nbsp;-it's just big enough for me and what I need to cart around, but I can't say I'd feel comfortable with a companion. Basically I'm using camping gear&nbsp;and making do without a second battery or any modifications. Two folks in that small space would require a ton of patience with one another I'd think. I have lots of mods I'd like to do someday, but I do not recommend a VW if the engine is in the rear - just not enough floor space to move around in for two people.</FONT><BR><FONT size=3 face="times new roman, times, serif"></FONT>&nbsp;<BR><FONT size=3 face="times new roman, times, serif">If you want stealth and something you can live out of full time, converting a Chevy cargo van or Ford passenger van makes the most sense to me and there's a ton of great info here thanks to Bob and others. One issue with the VW is parts - I was going through Wyoming and mechanics didn't know where to begin&nbsp;diagnosing&nbsp;much less what to order for it, and I'm not mechanically inclined. I got lucky to get back&nbsp;to CA and I now realize VW mechanics are more common on the coasts than between them.</FONT><BR><FONT size=3 face="times new roman, times, serif"></FONT>&nbsp;<BR><FONT size=3 face="times new roman, times, serif">As for a van - space for two plus a cat is still going to make things awfully tight. You gotta plan for close quarters living - bathing, bathroom, etc. as well as cooking, storage etc. It can be an adventure in all the good and bad ways imaginable. </FONT><BR><FONT size=3 face="times new roman, times, serif"></FONT>&nbsp;<BR><FONT size=3 face="times new roman, times, serif">You might look at some high top vans if there are some in your area and price range. I considered adding a high top (still would if I could find one that was inexpensive) that would allow for head room and the storage space. And maybe space for a tiny shower curtain enclosure! </FONT><BR><FONT size=3 face="times new roman, times, serif"></FONT>&nbsp;<BR><FONT size=3 face="times new roman, times, serif">good luck with the search, and take advantage of all the good info on this site, Bear</FONT><BR>

 

[Les H]

Hey fuz, just wanted to say hi. And let you know I consitter my minibus perfect for one, ok for one and a cat, but there's two in here right now ( my stepson is on a trip with me in the se ( disaster relief mission) and it's Definatly tight. Do-able, but tight.
Les

 

[VanTramp]

With two of us living comfortably in a 17' van for a couple years now, I can tell you that design has everything to do with it. I have seen many larger vans and even a friends gorgeous 04 Chinook which is quite a bit larger and extremely nice, that would not work as well for two as our van does. The Chinook owner agreed. Check out the flooplans on the Roadtrek and Pleasureway vans. They have been in business for a long time and have spent tons on developing efficient ways to fit everything in that small of a place. You can probably get some ideas from their brochures on their websites.&nbsp;<div><br></div><div>Many of the same things that make the van livable for two adults would also help one adult and a large dog + a few kitties. Efficient design makes for a much more comfortable existence.&nbsp;</div>

 

[Fuz]

Thanks all for the advice, I know the space will be tight but with some well thought out organization and a little patience anything is possible. Vantramp I was wondering if you'd be interested in sharing some design plans with me <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle">? Thanks again for the advice!<br>

 

[VanTramp]

Hey Fuz, check this link out.&nbsp;<meta http-equiv="content-type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><a href="http://www.roadtrek.com/brochure_list.aspx" target="_blank">http://www.roadtrek.com/brochure_list.aspx</a><div><br></div><div>The brochures there have floorplans etc that can be handy for getting ideas. I think I have heard there is a program on the sportsmobile site for van design. Might be worth checking that out too.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>As far as design goes, for us, Taj is really layed out perfectly. The rear section is kept as a bed, always made up. We have our flatscreen TV mounted back there but it can be swiveled toward the front so I can sit in my comfy chair (the passenger captains turned backward) with my remote while Heidi is in the back online or sewing etc. It is easy for both of us to stand and move around to get into stuff as needed. The bathroom door has an option to be a divider so the front and back can be well separated like two rooms which is cool sometimes.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>It would be worth your time to go visit a couple B's, even if they are really spendy ones and out of the price range, just so you can get some ideas and imagine yourself staying there and what you would keep or change etc. &nbsp;I am always thinking of ways to improve our little home. It is a fun part of the lifestyle and even when things seem like they can't get any better, a new thought will come along and end up being another improvement.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>Hope that helps a bit. I did write a post a while back(on my blog) about designing a vanhome. If you want to see it, go here and it is the last post (bottom of the page).</div><div><br></div><div><meta http-equiv="content-type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><a href="http://www.vantramps.com/search/label/Vanology 101" target="_blank">http://www.vantramps.com/search/label/Vanology 101</a></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>

 

[MargaretA]

Hi Fuz!<br><br>I think when you're making a choice that it's a good idea to think about what you're going to do with/in the van, for example - do you have any activities that you need a particular kind of space for? (even if it's just storage space) I won't go into details because it really depends on the person and you have two people to consider here - and a kitty cat besides. I'm just bringing it up because it wasn't something I thought about for a long time; having lived in apartments all my adult life I just got used to working my activities around the design of the living space since I couldn't change it. And when I first decided to full-time I was looking at RVs - even more design limitations there (because of the smaller space, even in the big ones). It's only been recently, as my budget has gone down and kind of forced me to look at non-RVs, that I've started realizing I may just have more flexibility in a regular vehicle like a van. I don't know what your situation is, or what it will be on the road, but it might be worth thinking about that before you buy anything.<br><br>Definitely check out as many options as you can. The Roadtrek brochures that Mike mentioned have really good information in them, especially about the thought that was put into the designs they're using. <a target="_blank" href="http://sportsmobile.com/">Sportsmobile</a>'s site also has a lot of floor plans that could give you some ideas. And of course check out the custom conversions - the ones people here and on other forums are doing themselves. There's a lot of creativity going on there.<br><br>I hope that helps.<br><br>Meg<br>

 

[Fuz]

Thanks to everyone who responded, after much deliberation and deciding what we really wanted out of this we've actually decided to go with a nice pick up truck and probably a tent. Obviously there will be no space for a sink inside or perhaps a very tiny sinkish area. We decided we want to live is minimally as possible and a smaller vehicle will really force that out of us and get only what we absolutely need. Heating won't be an issue since we plan to live out our days in warmer places. Being right out of high school we both live with out parents at the moment, we'll probably continue this for about a year and save every penney we make for the trip. We've still got a few things to figure out but we've got plenty of time though. Thanks again yall. <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"><br>