converting cargo van into stealth camper (campgrounds, minivan, capacity, typical)
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I was also thinking of converting a van to a camper, an astro cargo van... I'm not as handy as some people, but I think I might be able to pull it off with a mattress and folding table. My big concern is insulating the thing.
Location: We_tside PNW (Columbia Gorge) / CO / SA TX / Thailand
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wscottling
... My big concern is insulating the thing.
The lure of the VW camper calls me too.
There are some really nice sound / temp insulation material that you can use adhesive (Which you can cover with adhesive applied carpet). Not too tough (practice first.. before you try to finish corners).
Don't be seduced by VW (I have many) they are a lot of hassle and expensive to fix unless you do your own. The early (Aircooled) VW's are simple, as long as you only want cabin 'heat' in the summer.). . The water boxers (Vanagon) need frequent head gaskets, The Eurovan (vr6) is pretty dependable and has advantage of more space. They are awful spendy. (but you can find deals / or do a conversion from a 'weekender', model.) The Westphalia conversion is well outfitted (for a single traveler). If you get it cheap enough, you can count on decent resale value. (I have sold all mine for more than I paid, but I did LOTS of improvements / maint.)
Hang out at wetwesty or samba websites, but find bargains locally or in SW, SE or CA (Not in NW or mtn states, too popular). A fuel attendant in MN marveled at one of my early westy's. "Never saw one before !". He would have been REAL disappointed come January (minimal / no heat).
Thanks for the heads up! I'm in the SE right now so I figured I might find a VW cheap... If not, then an Astro might be the way to go -- smaller than a full sized van but still big enough to stretch out in. I had an 18' motor home at one time and it was wayyyy too big for me. Seriously, much of it was wasted space, especially the over-the-cab sleeping area which I never used. It was also old ('79) and falling apart so I had to sell it. Oh well.
I still dare to dream.
Quote:
Originally Posted by StealthRabbit
There are some really nice sound / temp insulation material that you can use adhesive (Which you can cover with adhesive applied carpet). Not too tough (practice first.. before you try to finish corners).
Don't be seduced by VW (I have many) they are a lot of hassle and expensive to fix unless you do your own. The early (Aircooled) VW's are simple, as long as you only want cabin 'heat' in the summer.). . The water boxers (Vanagon) need frequent head gaskets, The Eurovan (vr6) is pretty dependable and has advantage of more space. They are awful spendy. (but you can find deals / or do a conversion from a 'weekender', model.) The Westphalia conversion is well outfitted (for a single traveler). If you get it cheap enough, you can count on decent resale value. (I have sold all mine for more than I paid, but I did LOTS of improvements / maint.)
Hang out at wetwesty or samba websites, but find bargains locally or in SW, SE or CA (Not in NW or mtn states, too popular). A fuel attendant in MN marveled at one of my early westy's. "Never saw one before !". He would have been REAL disappointed come January (minimal / no heat).
In regular Vans there is No safe way to Heat or Cool them! I would look for a small RV or RoadTrack. & you can Over nite at Most Walmarts.
Also consider Down grading from an Apt to a room [for rent] That way you can save money too. IF you are like most people now living pay check to pay check & lose your job...your Not going to have gas money or food money muchless ins & upkeep for the van. So look around Now & Reduce your spending.
You can safely heat them but AC requires power and makes noise which defeats the stealth you need to avoid the police.
There are some really nice sound / temp insulation material that you can use adhesive (Which you can cover with adhesive applied carpet). Not too tough (practice first.. before you try to finish corners).
Don't be seduced by VW (I have many) they are a lot of hassle and expensive to fix unless you do your own. The early (Aircooled) VW's are simple, as long as you only want cabin 'heat' in the summer.). . The water boxers (Vanagon) need frequent head gaskets, The Eurovan (vr6) is pretty dependable and has advantage of more space. They are awful spendy. (but you can find deals / or do a conversion from a 'weekender', model.) The Westphalia conversion is well outfitted (for a single traveler). If you get it cheap enough, you can count on decent resale value. (I have sold all mine for more than I paid, but I did LOTS of improvements / maint.)
Hang out at wetwesty or samba websites, but find bargains locally or in SW, SE or CA (Not in NW or mtn states, too popular). A fuel attendant in MN marveled at one of my early westy's. "Never saw one before !". He would have been REAL disappointed come January (minimal / no heat).
Some have given up on the VW engine and put in a Subaru engine. Makes a lot of sense but I bet not cheap to do.
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.). . The water boxers (Vanagon) need frequent head gaskets, The Eurovan (vr6) is pretty dependable and has advantage of more space. They are awful spendy. (but you can find deals / or do a conversion from a 'weekender', model.) The Westphalia conversion is well outfitted (for a single traveler). If you get it cheap enough, you can count on decent resale value. (I have sold all mine for more than I paid, but I did LOTS of improvements / maint.)
Oh well. 
