Best possible way

[Magilla82]

Good afternoon fellow Van junkies! I am in a mental predicament of sorts (pretty much normal as my brain never stops lol). I currently have a 2000 4Runner and 96 full size bronco which i love, but each trip i take i find myself wanting more and more room and have fell in love with Class B campers or Camper Vans. Ideally, i want a mid 90's Airstream B190 or a Falcon RV, i love the raised hard top as i am 6'2". Though, here is where my problems arise... I want a turbo diesel (both for power and mileage) and 4 wheel drive. Now the 4wd is not a problem, as i would simply send it to U Joint for that modification. So here i am, stuck... Is it better to simply purchase an Air Stream or Falcon, save the money and have a shop toss in a well gone over 7.3 or even 5.9... How much would something like that cost? Or is it advisable to simply purchase a 7.3 van, and have the raised roof added later? I am leaning towards the purchase the Air Stream or Falcon first as i could use it as soon as i purchased it, and add the 4wd and diesel options later? But curious as to others thoughts and opinions? I thank you and look forward to your responses

 

[cwsqbm]

It really depends on how much you like the interiors of the Airstream or Falcon. For me, a narrow-body class B is too crowded when loaded with all the standard RV gear.

Also, adding a fiberglass top to a diesel van would be a simple affair (probably one day in the shop for a place like Fiberine), vs the extensive effort to put a diesel into a gas van.

 

[bknudtsen]

First of all, welcome!
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Let me address a few things for you.
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-Diesel swaps and 4wd conversions are expensive. Doing both on the same rig, in my opinion, would push the costs through the roof. Ford makes a two great diesel vans, both of which are relatively easy to convert to 4wd.
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-Diesel vs. gas for MPG's with a heavy, lifted 4wd van are pretty much equal in real world applications when comparing the 7.3. 6.0 and V-10. There is some benefit to the diesels, but not nearly enough to offset the costs of a diesel swap.
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-If you wanted to go the already made RV route. I would look at these mini rv's as a base to start a 4wd project. Diesels are rare, but the venerable V-10 is pretty common.
http://seattle.craigslist.org/skc/rvd/4100639379.html
http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/rvd/4106767860.html
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-Finding the right van and adding 4wd and a high top will be the cheapest initial investment. As you get a feel for the type of activity it will see, you can then decide on the interior build out.
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Good luck whatever you decide to do. There is tons of info and good folks here to help along the way.
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Brad

 

[dcguillory]

Yea, what Brad said.

 

[Magilla82]

Thanks for the quick responses guys! I fully agree that adding both a diesel and 4wd to one rig is quite an expense to even look at doing. I frequently ride/race dirtbikes and snowboard. Those would be the main purpose for the rig, and right now its just me, my gf, and a puppy or two so i think the narrow body class B is perfect for us. The main reason i like them, is for the overhead bunk... But im not quite sure how big of an area that even is? I had a SuperDuty with the 6.0, so ill be staying away from a 6.0 and looking for the 7.3 =P I liked the idea of the air stream and falcon as i could use those immediately for weekend adventures... The biggest thing we are looking for is decently comfortable sleeping arrangements and a comfortable throne lol. I will have to do some more research and looking tonight. Thanks again for quick replies!

 

[catmandu]

Just buy an old falcon and use it. Save the money you would spend on a diesel swap and use that for the next vehicle when you know what you want based on how you use it. If you think 4x4 is needed then you will have to go the route suggested with bare interior. If you go with bare interior check out the outsidevan site to see some "transformer" ideas. If money is no object please post your wish list and budget so we can spend your dough designing your new rig!

 

[Magilla82]

Yeah, im thinking that is what is best... Just buying the Falcon or Airstream and use it, modding it and adding accessories as we go = ) I've had an ambulance previously and enjoyed it, i have thought about going that route again as it would get me the diesel, but then i go back to the looking for height/headroom that it doesn't have. Money is always an object lol, i just have to decide what amenities i would rather have first. I'll have to check into the outside van site. Thanks again guys!

 

[Magilla82]

Nevermind! I just found a Chevy Chalet in my back yard!

http://denver.craigslist.org/rvs/4107236975.html

Now im just waiting to hear back from the owner =D