And that is the route I would probably go as a single guy or just a couple. But not as a big family. Show me a van than can seat and sleep 12 and I will reconsider. Like you said, to each his own.
Current cost of adding a Sportsmobile Penthouse Top to used van?
- Thread starter zuren
- Start date
And that is the route I would probably go as a single guy or just a couple. But not as a big family. Show me a van than can seat and sleep 12 and I will reconsider. Like you said, to each his own.
I just got more information from SMB:
I sent some pictures to them and they stated that due to the double doors I have on both sides of the van body, they cannot mount a top on my vehicle. The claim something they add to the structure will interfere with the driver side doors. The research continues...
I sent some pictures to them and they stated that due to the double doors I have on both sides of the van body, they cannot mount a top on my vehicle. The claim something they add to the structure will interfere with the driver side doors. The research continues...
Cole
Expedition Leader
No offense, but this is the "van" section.:victory: Not many of us here(any?) have the need/desire to "sleep 12".
So its an irrelevant comparison to a Poptop van.
I'm sure the converted school bus is cool. But doesn't really serve the same function as a van that can easily be daily driven.
T.Low
Expedition Leader
Exactly. It was an idiotic response. An RV school bus cannot accomplish what a 4x4 pop top van can accomplish. Apples and oranges, though they may or may not cost the same. You couldn't give me school bus for free, it meets absolutely none of my criteria for an off road camping/trail running/mtn bike kayak shuttling/ daily driver vehicle.
Is this your school bus?
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Cole
Expedition Leader
Depending on the height of the van, a hightop might be a better option. Poptops tend to add a few inches (sometimes 6+) to the height of a van. If that puts the van over 7' then it won't clear many home or public garages and a hightop might be more functional (depending on needs).
I have both a poptop and a hightop van.
I have both a poptop and a hightop van.
OK, I see my sarcasm/exaggeration didn't come through right. Twelve was an extreme number to make a point. Adding ONE kid to the equation (like zuren just did) makes a huge difference on the space and priorities.
Poptops are expensive real estate--there are much cheaper ways to solve a bed in a van issue, unless you have specific requirements neighborhood covenants against parking RV's or garage heights that only can be solved with the poptop.
A hightop is a little cheaper (surprisingly little unless you can DIY) and has different tradeoffs in use.
Schoolies are cheap $$/square foot, but they are industrial park real estate--you can't park them in many RV parks or neighborhoods. They are much better for this crowd than an RV due to the strength of construction (almost on par with an ambulance). They will not shake themselves apart on dirt roads (but they will if you try to speed down the interstate).
A van-based bus is a pretty good compromise--you can get 4wd simply, more space, and still stay small enough to travel fire roads. You can add a real toilet and shower to keep the missus happy if you need to--this becomes more critical as you try to travel with a toddler. Being able to let them go to the bathroom without stopping (or only pulling over on a ramp) will save HOURS off your drive time.
You have a lot of work in your van, it is a solid platform you know. That has value. But adding on can be more expensive than trading up (just like houses).
Poptops are expensive real estate--there are much cheaper ways to solve a bed in a van issue, unless you have specific requirements neighborhood covenants against parking RV's or garage heights that only can be solved with the poptop.
A hightop is a little cheaper (surprisingly little unless you can DIY) and has different tradeoffs in use.
Schoolies are cheap $$/square foot, but they are industrial park real estate--you can't park them in many RV parks or neighborhoods. They are much better for this crowd than an RV due to the strength of construction (almost on par with an ambulance). They will not shake themselves apart on dirt roads (but they will if you try to speed down the interstate).
A van-based bus is a pretty good compromise--you can get 4wd simply, more space, and still stay small enough to travel fire roads. You can add a real toilet and shower to keep the missus happy if you need to--this becomes more critical as you try to travel with a toddler. Being able to let them go to the bathroom without stopping (or only pulling over on a ramp) will save HOURS off your drive time.
You have a lot of work in your van, it is a solid platform you know. That has value. But adding on can be more expensive than trading up (just like houses).
Fiberglass Tops
Just looked at two real nice fiberglass tops, one on a short GM van and the other on a long GM van. The short style being on a StarCraft conversion with real nice oak upper cabneits , lights, speakers and much more. The long based I'd have to go back an review. Local Wreaking Yard. Cost $125 each you remove, hey the solid top is a cheap way to go for more "Real Estate" I'd say!http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/images/smilies/Wow1.gif
Just looked at two real nice fiberglass tops, one on a short GM van and the other on a long GM van. The short style being on a StarCraft conversion with real nice oak upper cabneits , lights, speakers and much more. The long based I'd have to go back an review. Local Wreaking Yard. Cost $125 each you remove, hey the solid top is a cheap way to go for more "Real Estate" I'd say!http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/images/smilies/Wow1.gif