2003 GMC Safari GTRV poptop conversion - $14000 (north vancouver)
Before I owned this van, I owned a 1991 Westfalia. After discovering that Westfalia's are not the most reliable of vehicles for road tripping and can end up being a money pit, I decided to sell that van and come up with my own version that would have all the best bits of the Westy, without the unreliability.
I purchased a 2003 GMC Safari and had GTRV do the poptop conversion and sleeping platform last year June, I have since done two road trips with the van and it has been great, unfortunately my wife wants something a bit bigger now, so we're buying a trailer.
The details of the van are as follows:
- 4.3L V6 engine (surprisingly good MPG on the highway, slightly better than my previous westy)
- Full poptop conversion with three windows
- 189,000 km
- Sleeping platform downstairs that doubles up as storage
- Edgestar 43 quart 2way fridge freezer (FP430), very low draw (cost $800) including a 5 year extended warranty
- ARB awning
- Storage shelves in the back (DIY job)
- Roof rack
- 2 inch hitch
- Upgraded soundsystem with amp and sub
- Brand new tires (bought in May)
As it is set up right now the van sleeps 4, it is possible to take out the storage/sleeping platform and put in the old bench seat, it will then sleep two upstairs.
If you're thinking of buying a Westfalia I would consider this as a more reliable, less pricey in the long run alternative.