What do you guys know about van conversions?

[cantdrv55]

I’m rethinking my camping plans for retirement and now looking into van conversions. I have a travel trailer but I don’t know if I want to haul it all over the US plus it’ll be too big for just my wife and me. I thought I’d acquire what I need for retirement now while I’m still earning a living.

I see Sprinter vans all over but I don’t know if I want to get into a Mercedes and costs associated with the maintenance. What about the Ford Sprinter. Do you guys have any knowledge about that or even the Nissan NV van (kinda ugly though). Lastly, what does a van conversion cost? I wonder if it’s possible to DIY.

[nota]

like most other stuff

let somebody else do the work/spending

and buy used after a few years

btw the sprinters come in M-B or dodge flavors
some have the 5 banger diesel turbo

[RWebb]

this has become really common

one co. to look at is GT-RV

Overlander. com (IIRC) has info on more 4wd type of stuff...

I dunno about maint. costs on the Sprinters vs. others.

I do know that the VW Vanagon is like groovey man, which does not exactly make up for its numerous design deficiencies.

Trailers - the turning radius issue will keep you out of some places; OTOH you can leave it behind to hold you camp site and then go into town or up in the boonies.

[Racerbvd]

No really.

[RWebb]

The white one's that Byron posted are Sportsmobiles. Xlnt 4wd setups if you got the do-re-mi

[cstreit]

First..

What sort of camping/traveling/mileage are you talking about?

Are you a pioneer or is your idea of roughing it running out of ice cubes for your Manhattan?

[Arizona_928]

I've seen the ram ones at the expo's.... Seem to be 10-20k cheaper than the MB... But if I was to buy it would need 4x4... Get stuck once in a rwd after you dumped 40-60k on one...

[cantdrv55]

I’m planning on traveling the country once I’m retired. Most of the time, we’ll be in campgrounds. Maybe 3 or 4 times a year, we’ll boondock. I have a travel trailer now that has all the amenities yet I choose to cook outside because I don’t want the bedding to smell like food. And, I do have an ice maker for my cocktails.

[Nostril Cheese]

Helped a friend convert an ambulance to an RV. Was a lot of fun.

[epbrown]

Originally Posted by nota

like most other stuff

let somebody else do the work/spending

and buy used after a few years

Yep, it's one of those things where everyone wants to do their own and "make it theirs" but that individuality is part of why used ones are so cheap.

Tons of project vids on YouTube. The Sprinter seems to have the broadest aftermarket support, being popular worldwide.

[ckelly78z]

From what I hear, you want to stay away from the MB Sprinter because of available service centers, and initial costs. My choice would be a Ford Transit high top with the Ecoboost 6 cylinder. This would serviceable everywhere with cheaper all around costs, good power, and efficiency.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcoBgHoqTUU

[cantdrv55]

Great info guys, thanks!

[vash]

i think a trailer is greater than a drive-able RV (for the retired crowd). one reason.

you can set up camp at some KOA, and then unhook and explore the region. eat at local favorite restaurants, see shows, etc. the sprinter is great at the sports activity things. you go to a campsite that has the activity. skiing, fishing, rock climbing..etc. you stay put because you are at the destination that is providing the entertainment.

being retired and wanting to see the country..you need to unhook.

say you pull into Happyville, USA and find your RV campsite. you set up, pull out your lawn chairs, your table, pull out your awning and get comfy. a unknown PPOT guy on the forum says, "hey, i live in the next town over!! Evenhappierville, USA!..lets meet for dinner at____, i'm buying!"

you start folding up the awning, pulling in the table... or you call Uber.

you have the Airstream. get a 3/4ton diesel, put your kayak rack onto..and drive around this continent.

[cantdrv55]

Just to get going with a travel trailer is quite a production. So many things to do. I’m thinking it’s easier with a van. I’ll watch more old timer camping vids but you’ve given me something to think about.

[Cajundaddy]

We looked hard at Sprinter conversions but Mrs. Cajun said no. Two things she wants that they don't do well:
A comfortable private head
Occasional sleeping for 4 (grandkids)

If you can work with a really tight head, small interior footprint, and only ever comfortable sleeping for 2 you might be in good shape for a van conversion. We have moved our goalpost to a more conventional Class C under 25'. We owned a 22' for 10 years in the past and know the drill. This will satisfy wife basics while still fitting in tight campgrounds in National parks, good for boondocking, and drives much like a van.

[vash]

i actually do not remember the shower/toilet in my friends conversion Van.

he has a Sportsmobile. i dont think he has one.

[Racerbvd]

[flipper35]

You don't want to get stuck?

[RWebb]

[wdfifteen]

Originally Posted by cantdrv55

Just to get going with a travel trailer is quite a production. So many things to do. I’m thinking it’s easier with a van. I’ll watch more old timer camping vids but you’ve given me something to think about.

You have to pull the trailer with something. Why not a van? Best of both worlds.