Apologies to Monte Python
The back story:
I know this isn't of any interest to many people here. I have had more than a dozen 4wds in my life and have done my share of off roading. I am at the point now of exploring but not anyplace that requires 4wd.
I'm older, my grandkids live far away and I want the ability to take them to many of the national parks, explore back roads and forest service roads.
I have a Trailer I built with a Tepui Autuna that we have used for about ten years and I estimate about 120 nights. We have enjoyed it but it is a PIA to put up and take down.
The worst part is for reasons I can't explain, it seems to always be raining when we break camp which means you have to open and close it again when get home to dry it out.
I am also tired of dragging a trailer every place.
The Project:
To build a vehicle that is comfortable to travel in and to camp with. It also needs to seat 6 people.
The Van is the transportation with the ability to sleep in it while traveling to destinations.
The Van:
New Extended Chevy Express 3500 15 passenger Window Van (Loaded) Obviously I don't need all the seats, the extras are up in my garage attic.
The Van does however have Posi traction or whatever it is called now, 10 ply tires, really good ground clearance and a huge range.
The RTT:
I ordered a a Bush AX27 RTT which has not arrived yet. The primary reason for this is the ease to open and close it and the ability to do it entirely from the rear since you are fairly high off the ground.
I will add a posting with my impressions when it is received and when it is mounted on the roof.
My thoughts:
I don't want to modify the van, no holes or removing interior parts in case I decide this isn't the way to go. I do want the ability for my wife and I to be to sleep in it while traveling to our destination or during severe weather
but not in place of the RTT. The van is for my wife and myself. The others will have to sleep in a ground tent.
The Attached Picture is the "before"
The back story:
I know this isn't of any interest to many people here. I have had more than a dozen 4wds in my life and have done my share of off roading. I am at the point now of exploring but not anyplace that requires 4wd.
I'm older, my grandkids live far away and I want the ability to take them to many of the national parks, explore back roads and forest service roads.
I have a Trailer I built with a Tepui Autuna that we have used for about ten years and I estimate about 120 nights. We have enjoyed it but it is a PIA to put up and take down.
The worst part is for reasons I can't explain, it seems to always be raining when we break camp which means you have to open and close it again when get home to dry it out.
I am also tired of dragging a trailer every place.
The Project:
To build a vehicle that is comfortable to travel in and to camp with. It also needs to seat 6 people.
The Van is the transportation with the ability to sleep in it while traveling to destinations.
The Van:
New Extended Chevy Express 3500 15 passenger Window Van (Loaded) Obviously I don't need all the seats, the extras are up in my garage attic.
The Van does however have Posi traction or whatever it is called now, 10 ply tires, really good ground clearance and a huge range.
The RTT:
I ordered a a Bush AX27 RTT which has not arrived yet. The primary reason for this is the ease to open and close it and the ability to do it entirely from the rear since you are fairly high off the ground.
I will add a posting with my impressions when it is received and when it is mounted on the roof.
My thoughts:
I don't want to modify the van, no holes or removing interior parts in case I decide this isn't the way to go. I do want the ability for my wife and I to be to sleep in it while traveling to our destination or during severe weather
but not in place of the RTT. The van is for my wife and myself. The others will have to sleep in a ground tent.
The Attached Picture is the "before"
Attachments
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