Pax instead of cargo for camper van build?

[zirkel]

The VAST majority of camper van builds utilize cargo vans for more usable wall space, stealthier urban camping and the added security of no windows. But I LIKE windows.

My question: Are there any good examples or build threads of people utilizing passenger vans, instead of cargo, for camper vans? And what kind of prep work is necessary to remove existing seating and mounting attachments?

Thanks in advance.

 

[java]

The good news is, the stamping for the windows are all there in the cargo vans as well. Adding windows (and then you can also pick and choose which ones) is not all that hard.

 

[philos]

The good news is, the stamping for the windows are all there in the cargo vans as well. Adding windows (and then you can also pick and choose which ones) is not all that hard.

The stamping may be there, but adding a factory style window on a Ford van isn't so easy.
Aftermarket exists for a reason in this context.

 

[UHAULER]

I wanted a window van and like the look of factory windows. Some of the window installations on cargo vans look pretty hack. The seats just unbolt.

 

[Corneilius]

Im a huge advocate for starting with a passenger van. They almost always have nicer options i.e. full power, nice door panels and doghouse console, rear air, already basic insulation and wall panels... Ironically my van is titled as a Cargo since it started life as a conversion van. Link in my signature

 

[temporarydweller]

Not necessarily a true factory passenger van. But my build started as a full windowed conversion van. Took about an hour to strip the interior down to where I needed it to be to start my build. I utilized the rear bench seat mounting points as mounting points for my bed frame.

 

[rbressler]

I need to post a build thread eventually but we have a newer gmc savana passenger (if you're shopping there have been a bunch of ex canadian rental vans like ours for sale in the northwest).

The windows are nice but you also lose a lot of space to the side curtain airbags and rear ac unit and it seems most of the pop top installers don't want to deal with the airbags. Finding an older model or conversion van without those might be the way to go. Especially if you could find one with more windows that open ... only the rear window and one on each side open on the passenger model.

In the gm vans the interior trim panels also take up much more space than they should. Even non considering the ac ducting, there is a stupid bulge down one side that seems to serve only to house the cup holders. I just pulled some of the panels out and am planning on replacing with lower profile plywood and insulation to see if i can free up enough space to sleep sideways. Below the window wells.

 

[SirMrManGuy]

Starting with a conversion van is a decent idea as long as you pick one with an interior that is simple/doesn't take up much room. If it's a good interior it will save you a lot of time.

I almost got a conversion van with one window on the left side which would have been great and saved me two weeks in build time, just the deal didn't work out, still sometimes wish I had got it.

 

[Corneilius]

The big issue with conversion vans is that most of the Fords were E150s and don't have the capacity for the added camper weight. Ive heard from several sources (campers and touring musicians) that you'll blow through brakes and shocks and rear 8.8 axles.

I took the hard way and started with an E150 and upgraded it, I call it a E275 now lol

 

[TexomaPowerboater]

I agree with others that a conversion van is best way to start, but also agree that you do not want a 1/2 ton conversion van. You can find a 3/4 ton or 1ton but they are rare and cost more, but way worth it and they will hold their value much better. They have beefier axle's, transmissions, and brakes. Nice thing about starting with conversion van is they are already insulated and most come with middle captain chairs on quick release mounts so they can be quickly removed. You can pop middle seats out and put an air bed in and still have room to keep the back bench seat. Most have bench seats that convert to bed, but will require an extended sofa pad. Much better setup for sleeping than the typical wooden bed frame that just takes up too much space and can't be used to seat passengers while underway. Lot's of build threads out there using conversion van. But really, not much to build to begin with.....they are ready to camp as is.

 

[4x4pair]

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I love these bed designs. Was it hard to build?

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using Tapatalk

 

[TexomaPowerboater]

http://gnomadhome.com/our-rig/

Here is blog of a conversion van converted to a camping van by someone with way too much extra time on their hands.

 

[rbressler]

I love these bed designs. Was it hard to build?

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Not too hard, just took some tweaking to get it to fit right around the interior bits. It's a set of king sized ikea bed slats screwed to a 2x4 frame.

 

[Raul]

I have two Ford passenger vans. I like the ability to change from passenger to cargo to camper.
My $0.02
Passenger Vans:

• Already with the seats and seat belts
• I like to look of the factory windows. I do not care at all for the conversion windows that go lower than the original windows.
• Factory windows do not open. Yes, some can be cracked open a little bit, but still...
• Most likely to have power windows, Dual AC (I live in Houston), cruise
• Interior trim is terrible. Yes, it is insulated, but takes a lot of wall thickness. On the new build, I am using only the window trim, the bottom of the walls will be as flush as possible.

Cargo

• A lot more jokes about candies than pax vans
• You place the windows if you need then, where you need them.
• You can get windows that open a lot more than the pax.
• Lighter
• Better insulation with less windows

 

[Jsweezy]

It also depends on the conversion van. Things aren't always easy ha ha.

My van is a conversion van 2010 Ford E150. Because it started it's life as a cargo van and not a passenger van it actually has the E250 frame. Check with the ford body builders specifications online (just Google that) and it will tell you what you want to know.