Good day by lukester - March 28th 2024 12:26 pm
| Crazy mods by MufflerMan Mike - March 28th 2024 9:38 am
| | Lew Greger by MufflerMan Mike - March 27th 2024 5:15 pm
| | | Re: FINALLY DECIDED TO SINK ALL MY MONEY INTO CONVERTING A MINIVAN INTO A PERMENANT HOME! Wedgy March 26th 2024 11:43 pm
All depends on budget, how much work you want to do, and what suits you.
I really like my '94 Dodge B350 Xplorer 230. Self contained, propane heater, water heater, microwave, propane cooktop. Onan 2.8 KW genny, Rear full size bed, Toilet, shower, pretty nice unit, good layout for a single guy like me. Fresh, Grey, Black water tanks. I carry a portable solar setup that runs my CPAP. The van was $10,500 in 2012. From 3T RV in El Cajon. I will never be homeless. Reclining Captains chairs, fold down couch. Life is good. I full timed in it for 6 months moving to Texas. Lovin' every minute.
MM Mike is right about the newer style hightops from Ram, Ford, Mercedes. You might check out fleet sales for used fleet vans, phone company, etc. I am partial to history, and the traditional Dodge, Ford, Chevy full size vans. If I had to do a mini, I like the 4.3 Astro. But I wouldn't even attempt to pull my boat up a 20 mile 7% grade with one. My Dodge will do that. Very carefully, A couple stops, checking my tranny temp gauge, but it will do it, and launch and retrieve the boat. And, it fits in a parking space.
The best unit to convert is one that, "Runs and it's paid for." Good Hunting, and Welcome!!
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Read More | | Re: FINALLY DECIDED TO SINK ALL MY MONEY INTO CONVERTING A MINIVAN INTO A PERMENANT HOME! ZenMuffin March 26th 2024 11:30 am
Thank you so much for the advice everyone:) As far as my 'caddy' reference, I was thinking about a volkswagen caddy minivan because I've read they are reliable. But, I've also heard that a Toyota Sienna Hybrid would be excellent too. I might also tank the induction cook top idea and go for propane as well. I am so appreciative for all the excellent info. I will definitely take it all into account:) It's nice to finally have a trustworthy source on vans 9
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Read More | | FINALLY DECIDED TO SINK ALL MY MONEY INTO CONVERTING A MINIVAN INTO A PERMENANT HOME! ZenMuffin March 25th 2024 7:50 pm
Hey, everyone! So happy to have found such an awesome community to be part of!
I've always wanted to live a full time van life. I figure if I wait until I'm rich enough to take a chance I'll never do it so I'm going for it now! I've started researching everything from solar charge controllers to the cleverest storage hacks but I'm getting a bit overwhelmed. I can never tell if someone on YouTube is giving good advice or if they're just getting paid to sell me what they're recommending... There are just too many different opinions and I don't know what to trust!
After over 100 hours of YouTube research I realize that THIS group is one of the BEST and most TRUSTED resources available - DAMN, you folks know your stuff! So, I'd be eternally grateful to get your extensive experiential knowledge on TWO basic questions... HERE WE GO...
FIRST BIG QUESTION: What is the best minivan to convert into a permanent living space? I won't be traveling a whole lot (but still some - otherwise what's the point, right?) But this minivan will be my living and work space. A caddy's boxy shape would be nice and spacious to convert but low maintenance cost is my number one priority...
So, what do you think is the best year, make, and model to purchase for a minivan conversion?
SECOND BIG QUESTION: How powerful should my installed lithium battery and solar panel be? It's just me and I won't be doing a whole lot of driving, but I will be living my life in this minivan which means charging a laptop/phone, running a diesel heater sometimes, using LED lights at night, and cooking dinner on an induction cook top (no fridge or hot water heater)...
So, how much power should I plan on installing in this minivan?
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR HELPING OUT A NEWBIE! If you have ANY other newcomer advice to give me, PLEASE throw it out there! I'm a sponge for your expertise, folks!:) THANKS AGAIN!
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Read More | | Re: 1987 G20 Gypsy 1983 G20 Van March 25th 2024 10:20 am
I am actually headed back to the shop in the next few days. Have a bunch of small miscellaneous stuff that has arrived to finish the project. New temperature and oil pressure sending units, a few electrical connectors, some silicone grommets for wiring, more harness looming tape and numerous other small items. Also have a set of shocks for all 4 corners. The all important license plate and registration has arrived from the state too. When I get back to the shop, those parts will be installed and then it will be visiting both an alignment shop and muffler shop. Then I will be cruising it around a bit, testing out all the systems before it makes its first ~100 mile road trip. My mom has a 50' x 20' metal covered car port beside her house. The interior will be largely gutted and re-done there. She has a nice commercial grade Singer sewing machine so that I can work on re-upholstering the seats. Because we have also been working on finishing a house remodel there (spent the last ~2 weeks working on a bathroom, kitchen island, tilling a garden area, mowing weed eating, etc), wood working tools and supplies are also there. Just easier to bring the project to the tools at this point.
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Read More | | Re: 1987 G20 Gypsy 1983 G20 Van March 25th 2024 10:05 am Nice crimper you got there. I am really happy with it. I am glad I decided to tackle that job on my own. For a similar price to having hoses made one time, I can now make them for other projects in the future. Really a big cost saver when you are only paying for materials and not someone elses labor as well.
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