Project Manic Mobile- new van have questions

[Sheepdog Maniac]

I am just starting on my new project- A 2001 Ford e250 V8. I will have someone do all of the major mods, someone who really knows what they are doing of course. Anyway I am starting this thread in order to get some opinions, help, and just to chat with all of you VAN VETERANS... \

So here are some pics of the current van, and I will be putting up some of the inside soon. All I have done on the inside so far is put in the fold down sofa sleeper with the extension.

The first thing that I would like to know is which top should I get?

a) A hard top with a sleeper and the sliding windows etc.
or
b) A pop up (penthouse) style roof with sleeper etc.

Please tell me which you would go with and why! I would really love to hear from all of you.

Second what kind of material should I put on the walls, roof, and floor after I put the quiet ride insulation? Carpet paneling, Wood or wood like paneling, or something else?

 

[southpier]

go here, read lots:

http://sbmcc.co.uk/forum/index.php?act=idx

http://www.truckconversion.net/forums/

http://sprinter-source.com/forum/index.php

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=53178

 

[chasespeed]

Hey, could you get a shot of the front suspension of that puppy... could jsut be the angle... but, could be "bent" beams... if so, that is Camburg, and, for 2wd, the best of the best IMHO...

On the top... I like both the hard top, and the pop-up. Me personally, I would go with pop-up penthouse... But, my van would be driven DAILY, and I see no need to be in "camper mode" all the time, only when wanted...

Just my 2 cents...

Chase

 

[refried]

That van looks familiar, Did you buy it in Tahoe?

 

[ToyFamily]

I like the grafics. Nice clean van!

Nick

 

[dhally]

...The first thing that I would like to know is which top should I get? .....

Second what kind of material should I put on the walls, roof, and floor after I put the quiet ride insulation? Carpet paneling, Wood or wood like paneling, or something else?

I like the 24" hard top because it creates massively more storage room, the opening is wider so 2 people can walk past each other inside, and it holds the heat better in the winter. I also like having the headroom even during short stops when the poptop wouldn't be deployed. The upside of the pop top would be lower profile when driving, better summer ventilation, and sleeping space for 2 up top. If we lived in LA or Arizona I might favor the poptop.

For the ceiling I like the fiberglass liner that some of the hightop manufacturers provide. It is inexpensive, durable, easy to clean, and won't hold dust. For the floor I like vinyl on marine plywood, although the rubberized non-skid stuff looks good too. Walls are usually made from bendable plywood with some type of upholstery. I used vinyl upholstery with no padding (naugahyde) and it worked well. Easy to clean, won't hold dust, acts as a vapor barrier, and fairly durable. I would be concerned about using a hard surface for the wall covering because of noise although it has been done.

I was at Van Specialties the other day and they were using 1/4" thick plastic with a pebble grain for interior wall panels. I didn't ask what kind of plastic it was, but it was black so maybe ABS. I bet it is a lot more expensive than plywood and upholstery but it looked indestructible.

 

[Frosty_1]

Sheepdog,

Great rig!

Any more photos or details of your bed setup?

Thanks!

f.

 

[Sheepdog Maniac]

@dhally

Tks for the comment, at this point I really think that I will be going with a hard top. I really need sleeping space up top so Im looking into the Voyager Style. If you know where I can find one/someone who does them at a good price let me know!

 

[Sheepdog Maniac]

@dhally Oh and let me know about that material for the inside. What its called, and where I can find it.

 

[Sheepdog Maniac]

Sheepdog,

Great rig!

Any more photos or details of your bed setup?

Thanks!

f.

Here are a few pics of the inside... The bench sofa/bed sleeper.

-

and here is the back, with the bed extension

-

The bed sleeps 3 easy!

 

[Sheepdog Maniac]

That van looks familiar, Did you buy it in Tahoe?

No I got it in Ut just south of SLC. I have taken it through Tahoe though and will be taking it there at least 3 times this year too!

 

[Sheepdog Maniac]

Hey, could you get a shot of the front suspension of that puppy... could jsut be the angle... but, could be "bent" beams... if so, that is Camburg, and, for 2wd, the best of the best IMHO...

Chase

Yeah It's only 2 wheel drive right now. Due to the fact that it's the most expensive thing I will be doing, I'm waiting last to do the 4x4 conversion on it. And I will be looking to do the best kit out there.

I am selling my awd turbo, DailyDriver/Track ready EVO VIII in order to pay for the 4x4 conversion on the Van if anyone knows someone looking Haha!

 

[Frosty_1]

Sheepdog,

Thanks for the photos of your sleeping setup. Where did you purchase the bed and extension from? You happy with it?

Thanks!

f.

 

[Sheepdog Maniac]

Sheepdog,

Thanks for the photos of your sleeping setup. Where did you purchase the bed and extension from? You happy with it?

Thanks!

f.

I got if from a guy that does alot of van work in SLC. The name of the company is New Image Van. I know he buys the frame form a company and does the rest... I think I know where he got the frame from, I will post it up if I find the web page again.

Also yes I am very happy with it. I wanted a bed to go from side to side and we have slept 3 on it a number of times just fine!