KUV Body Camper/Intro

[smbguy]

Hello everyone!

I am beginning my long adventure into the world of camper vans. I could use a little help with an idea I had for a building platform. Has anyone seen a KUV utility body van converted into a camper?

Something like this.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2005-Ford-E...ash=item2cbc9687f0:g:5hkAAOSwuxFY2qqq&vxp=mtr

https://www.knapheide.com/kuv-bodies/kuv-p3/gallery

Just wondering if there is a resource for getting ideas about the viability of a build on one of these. They have a number of features that lend themselves to being good for an offroad capable weekend camping rig.

Opinions and insights are welcome.

Breakdown of what I want to do with whatever vehicle I get.
4-6" lift
Tires
Rear locker (air locker?)
Full interior build out using lightweight composites
Exterior protection (bumpers, sliders etc.)
Large roof rack

Thanks guys,

Drake

 

[Cummins_expo]

Trying to remember the thread- its A really old one. Father and Son built one of these out and traveled to Mexico/ South America.

 

[smbguy]

Trying to remember the thread- its A really old one. Father and Son built one of these out and traveled to Mexico/ South America.

If that build comes back to you please let me know!

Part of the intrigue is the ability to store things in the outer compartments and separate them from the living space and still have easy access to them all for servicing. Such as water tanks, LPG, a generator, and the battery bank.


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[DAV!D]

I've thought about these, but man you lose a ton of room inside. All those big boxes on the outside eat up all the room on the inside. Also, how much stuff would you really need to stuff in all those storage boxes vs losing all that usable space inside the van. The last issue is they usually aren't tall enough to stand up in unless you are shorter.

 

[smbguy]

I've thought about these, but man you lose a ton of room inside. All those big boxes on the outside eat up all the room on the inside. Also, how much stuff would you really need to stuff in all those storage boxes vs losing all that usable space inside the van. The last issue is they usually aren't tall enough to stand up in unless you are shorter.

I've never cared about being able to stand in the vehicle personally. You're right on the width dimension though. They look more narrow. I'd like to see a cargo and a KUV side by side to see how the space plays out.

That being said, I think you could get creative with the layout and make a very comfortable and practical space in there.

Another thing I've been thinking about doing is putting a penthouse style bed box on top of the van with access from inside. This way the bed would not take all of the room down below.

Thanks for your input!


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[DAV!D]

I've never cared about being able to stand in the vehicle personally. You're right on the width dimension though. They look more narrow. I'd like to see a cargo and a KUV side by side to see how the space plays out.

That being said, I think you could get creative with the layout and make a very comfortable and practical space in there.

Another thing I've been thinking about doing is putting a penthouse style bed box on top of the van with access from inside. This way the bed would not take all of the room down below.

Thanks for your input!


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Personally though if I were going to go with that sort of option, I'd just go with a 4wd diesel truck with a flat bed & a slide in camper then added some side boxes in the wheel wheels. That or go with a similar style tool box bed with the slide in. Ends up being a ton less work and you can get a diesel + 4wd at a much cheaper price for nearly the same vehicle capabilities.

 

[smbguy]

Personally though if I were going to go with that sort of option, I'd just go with a 4wd diesel truck with a flat bed & a slide in camper then added some side boxes in the wheel wheels. That or go with a similar style tool box bed with the slide in. Ends up being a ton less work and you can get a diesel + 4wd at a much cheaper price for nearly the same vehicle capabilities.

Don't really need 4x4 for my purposes. I also want a walk through type vehicle. That is an option I've thought of but I just don't think it suits my style or goals. Part of it is aesthetics. I simply prefer vans or van based vehicles. Thanks for the advice though!


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[Coachgeo]

Look at Ambulances...... lots of info on that concept at ambulanceRV.com

no stand type rigs are real doable if you plan on a rolling chair inside and everything in reach from the chair. Been there done that. Unimog Radio command Trucks from 60's to 70's were that way. Mine served me well as it had the previous owner.

 

[smbguy]

Look at Ambulances...... lots of info on that concept at ambulanceRV.com

no stand type rigs are real doable if you plan on a rolling chair inside and everything in reach from the chair. Been there done that. Unimog Radio command Trucks from 60's to 70's were that way. Mine served me well as it had the previous owner.

I am open to the ambulance idea. However, I don't want a dually or a vehicle that is too large. However, I think I want slightly large than a standard E-series. I seem to fall into wanting something in between what is available. Maybe I should just buy a cutaway and build my own box.


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[Corneilius]

I am open to the ambulance idea. However, I don't want a dually or a vehicle that is too large. However, I think I want slightly large than a standard E-series. I seem to fall into wanting something in between what is available. Maybe I should just buy a cutaway and build my own box.


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Dont underestimate the amount of work that goes into building a scratch built camper. The man hours are insane. They make tall roof KUVs if you want more vertical room, but the KUVs I've been around are far inferior to ambulances from a camper perspective. The KUVs are sheet steel, uninsulated, no real door seals on the boxes or back door. Interiors are narrow, no cab pass through....

The ambulances are popular because they're already set up for human habitation, and on the used market the prices of the two body styles are similar. If you buy an ambo you can kit it out and be camping this season. My two cents.

 

[smbguy]

Dont underestimate the amount of work that goes into building a scratch built camper. The man hours are insane. They make tall roof KUVs if you want more vertical room, but the KUVs I've been around are far inferior to ambulances from a camper perspective. The KUVs are sheet steel, uninsulated, no real door seals on the boxes or back door. Interiors are narrow, no cab pass through....

The ambulances are popular because they're already set up for human habitation, and on the used market the prices of the two body styles are similar. If you buy an ambo you can kit it out and be camping this season. My two cents.

I'd be doing a full gut regardless of what body I buy. All furniture will be designed and built by me. Nothing I know of comes with lightweight build outs.

That is good information on the KUV body though. However, I'd like to add that I have seen walk through KUV's. Thanks for the info!


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[BobbyJones]

You can build out anything into a camper.

The first thoughts with those bodies along with the aforementioned "sheet steel, uninsulated, no real door seals on the boxes or back door. Interiors are narrow, no cab pass through...." are overbuilt, no window options and you're just not getting a good foundation to start with.

I'm curious why you'd consider something so heavy to start with then use composites on the inside? Unless that's your thing, then I say go for it and looking forward to build pics!

But I think you're right that what you're looking for doesn't exist unless it's something like Sportsmobiles new offering, a class B Road Trek style or one of the smaller aero cube van bodies, neither of which you'll find at that price point.

I'm all for you building your own box on a cutaway so I can follow yet one more cool build thread.

 

[smbguy]

I'm curious why you'd consider something so heavy to start with then use composites on the inside? Unless that's your thing, then I say go for it and looking forward to build pics!

But I think you're right that what you're looking for doesn't exist unless it's something like Sportsmobiles new offering, a class B Road Trek style or one of the smaller aero cube van bodies, neither of which you'll find at that price point.

I'm all for you building your own box on a cutaway so I can follow yet one more cool build thread.

I'm dead set on an E-Series as the chassis. The class B's aren't all that appealing to me.

I was considering these KUV units based on box ruggedness and exterior dimensions. The exterior access storage also lends itself to some unique packaging. However, it looks like i need to see a KUV, ambulance and an E250 cargo in person for a fair comparison. Building my own box is definitely an option but I also like the engineering challenge proposed by a space constraint.

I'm an engineer in aerospace interiors. I'm hoping to apply that knowledge to this build. If anyone was wondering.


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[screwball48]

Check this one out. Not a KUV or ambulance but could fit your needs. No affiliation and all that.

http://atcm.co/S2PVDP/1AB8FB33

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[smbguy]

Check this one out. Not a KUV or ambulance but could fit your needs. No affiliation and all that.
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That is an interesting vehicle. Looks like the passenger side hangs pretty low though. I guess I can always keep my eyes peeled for a one off or custom build that suits my needs. All roads are currently pointing back to a basic cargo but we will see.

Still wondering if anyone has seen a KUV camper.

Thanks guys!