Van Conversion: Is it right for us?

[Cyrull]

Hi All,

Long time lurker first time poster.

My spouse and I love road trips are looking to do it on a more permanent bases. We are currently using a 2010 Outback 2.5 for us and our medium sized dog.

We are leaning heavily towards some sort of Van Conversion or some sort of camper on the bed of a 4x4 1 Ton Pickup (Winnebago Revel or the Earth Cruiser EXD would be nice but this is a lot more money than we want to spend). I am hoping to tap into your knowledge base so we can choose the most appropriate platform for us.

Our biggest challenge so far is finding the right platform that is accessible for my spouse, she has a medical condition which impacts her balance and mobility. She is very independent right now but her balance is getting worse and it isn't going to get any better.

My dream rig would be something like a Fuso Earth Cruiser but I can't see my spouse getting in and out of that easily, in fact I would say it would be challenging at best in present circumstances at least for the cab. That means we would need a few steps to get in and out or something with the ability to be low to the ground. Any form of climbing beyond waist height into the bed isn't going to work, so RTT's or bed platforms that utilize pop tops are out. As much as I would love to build this myself, I would likely need it built for me.

Perhaps if I give an outline of what we want to do it would be better to figure out the right platform? Our budget right now would be approx 80-110K USD.

Vehicle Intent:
Weekend getaways to multi-month long trips. Prefer off the beaten path, so we would like to be self sufficient as possible to say out longer.

Where:
Starting in North America, would ideally like to go as south as we can to the Americas

Who:
2 Adults + 1 Medium Sized Dog (50LBS). We may have a third adult from time to time. We are both in our 30's but for planning purposes lets treat us like healthy seniors due to my spouses medical condition.

Vehicle Must Haves:
Easy to climb in and out of
4X4 Capabilities
Large Fresh Water Capacity
Large Battery Capacity via Solar Power
Kitchen/Fridge
Toilet
Good for 4 seasons (We live in Canada, West Coast)
Heating/Cooling


Would appreciate your input.

Thanks.

 

[luthj]

Okay, is 4x4 a must? Or is good ground clearance and aired down AT tires good enough?

For a van, I would consider a high roof transit with quigley 4x4 conversion. Stick with the gasoline powerplant. A power folding step should make entry fairly painless with modest sized tires.

Would you do the planning and general yourself, and hire out various bits? Or do you need someone to handle everything including design etc?

A new or lightly used transit with 4x4 would be something like 50-60k. (I am not a transit guy, so rough estimate). A conversion with modest finishes and the options you specify would be around 15-30k in parts and materials. Labor is the killer, if you hire it all out, labor would be 30k or more depending. So that would put you at 60+30+30=120k

If you are comfortable with mercedes and diesel engines, the sprinter 4x4 can be had for around 60k new or low miles. Fit-out would cost about the same.


I will say that a van conversion is very comfortable. Standing room, excellent usable space for the footprint, good fuel economy, and good ride. The lower deck height compared to a truck bed camper would be a plus for your wife.

 

[Bbasso]

My advice, go and actually see what interests (within budget) you in person then evaluate.
Your requirements, your needs, your money = your decision... you don't need the input from us clowns.
But!
Once you have narrowed down the search to just a few then ask the clowns for advice on build quality, reliable, owning costs, etc...
But!
Just my .02

 

[Cyrull]

Okay, is 4x4 a must? Or is good ground clearance and aired down AT tires good enough?

For a van, I would consider a high roof transit with quigley 4x4 conversion. Stick with the gasoline powerplant. A power folding step should make entry fairly painless with modest sized tires.

Would you do the planning and general yourself, and hire out various bits? Or do you need someone to handle everything including design etc?

A new or lightly used transit with 4x4 would be something like 50-60k. (I am not a transit guy, so rough estimate). A conversion with modest finishes and the options you specify would be around 15-30k in parts and materials. Labor is the killer, if you hire it all out, labor would be 30k or more depending. So that would put you at 60+30+30=120k

If you are comfortable with mercedes and diesel engines, the sprinter 4x4 can be had for around 60k new or low miles. Fit-out would cost about the same.


I will say that a van conversion is very comfortable. Standing room, excellent usable space for the footprint, good fuel economy, and good ride. The lower deck height compared to a truck bed camper would be a plus for your wife.

I would really like the 4X4 feature, I'm guessing its easier to do the conversion before the build out because there is left stuff in the way? A Transit and then a 4X4 Conversion is high on the list just for maintenance and serviceability, there doesn't seem to be a lot of inventory for 4x4 Sprinters. However after doing more research importing a 4x4 Van Conversion into Canada is a PIA. We looked at Class B Sprinter/Transits and we didn't mind the design from Road Treks. We did find the finishes a bit opulent for our tastes.

I don't mind doing the design aspect, but the actual labour will likely need to be hired out. I just don't have the time or the facility to do it myself. What wheelbase would you go with? long? is extended too much with a high roof?

Thanks again!

 

[Cyrull]

My advice, go and actually see what interests (within budget) you in person then evaluate.
Your requirements, your needs, your money = your decision... you don't need the input from us clowns.
But!
Once you have narrowed down the search to just a few then ask the clowns for advice on build quality, reliable, owning costs, etc...
But!
Just my .02

We did take a look at some Road Treks and Pleasure way models. They weren't bad but I would have liked to design my own layout.

 

[luthj]

The commercial 4wd conversions are not super involved as far as modding the rear body area. But if you plan to underbody mount tanks etc in the rear, it could get in the way a bit. Normally the rear just gets a bit of lift, and maybe a different axle.

It depends on what vehicle you go with, but if you actually plan to use the 4x4 (instead of just having it "just in case"), anything with a big rear overhang gets cumbersome. I drag my van to some crazy spots, and 23ft is really the longest I personally prefer. For long term comfort going with the longer wheelbase (24ft+) does make a difference, especially if you are looking for a walk through layout.

 

[Scotty D]

I used to transport my 91 y/o grandma in a westfalia vanagon.
I would put a step stool in from of the van side door, she would climb in with assistance and some hand holds.
I would have the front passenger seat swiveled around 180 so she could sit down as soon as she got in.
It was then a simple matter to justs swivel her seat around so she was facing forward.
A swivel seat can be added to most vans.

 

[FlipperFla]

I customized a conversion van. Im not the kind of guy that is going to drop $150k when I can build it myself. Mine has all the features and more than a roadtrek and saved $125K. The only thing I dont have is 4 wheel drive. We just boondocked thru Co, Wyoming, South Dakota, we camped on the famous Alpine Loop with no problem. When we want to get into the heavy stuff we will rent a jeep and use the van for base camp. 98% of our driving is on roads getting to the back country that is why I kept the “street curiser” theme and not having to hear mud tires whine while traveling down the road for hours on end. I woud recommend a 3/4 or full ton with the big block for the suspension and brake upgrades and AWD.

 

[FlipperFla]

We did take a look at some Road Treks and Pleasure way models. They weren't bad but I would have liked to design my own layout.

I agree, on the roadtreks some things I liked some things I hated, like the one with the shower in the middle in front of the galley?,combination bed and dinette?,so if I want to lay down I dont have to rearrange the entire cabin, I looked at alot, got ideas, took pix, and modified different concepts and figured out unique ways to utiliize room.

 

[45Kevin]

My wife and I are in a similar position. She has had bad knees (since replaced), broke her foot and tore her Achilles over the past several years.
With a step stool, she has easily gotten into our slightly lifted AWD chevy express.
We have done numerous weekend trips and have a 6 weekish trip planned down the Baja for winter 2020.
My feeling is the regular wheel base will just not give us enough room to comfortably live in the van for that long.
We will probably go to a long WB Sprinter 4x4 after the 2020 trip as starting in 2021 we will be living in it for several months each year.
I'll probably do the fit out myself.

Our current set up has us using a portapotti set between the front seats and a kitchen that pulls out from the back. We have a 270 degree awing.

I can't say I absolutely need the AWD/4x4 but I we do a lot of camping in the back country, both summer and winter, and I like the piece of mind.

Your budget should give you a broad range of options. Look for a slightly used vehicle that is turn key.

 

[Scotty D]

My wife and I are in a similar position. She has had bad knees (since replaced), broke her foot and tore her Achilles over the past several years.
With a step stool, she has easily gotten into our slightly lifted AWD chevy express.
We have done numerous weekend trips and have a 6 weekish trip planned down the Baja for winter 2020.
My feeling is the regular wheel base will just not give us enough room to comfortably live in the van for that long.
We will probably go to a long WB Sprinter 4x4 after the 2020 trip as starting in 2021 we will be living in it for several months each year.
I'll probably do the fit out myself.

Our current set up has us using a portapotti set between the front seats and a kitchen that pulls out from the back. We have a 270 degree awing.

I can't say I absolutely need the AWD/4x4 but I we do a lot of camping in the back country, both summer and winter, and I like the piece of mind.

Your budget should give you a broad range of options. Look for a slightly used vehicle that is turn key.

You will use that AWD in Baja next year for sure. Just getting around on the beach you need it.
Do you have any pics of the 270 degree awning?

 

[rruff]

We are leaning heavily towards some sort of Van Conversion or some sort of camper on the bed of a 4x4 1 Ton Pickup (Winnebago Revel or the Earth Cruiser EXD would be nice but this is a lot more money

Our budget right now would be approx 80-110K USD.

For that money you could buy a new truck and custom box and outfit it to your personal taste... and probably have a lot of $$$ left over. The truck will be more capable off road than a van.

BTW, the Revel isn't much more than $110k if you shop around. But I wouldn't buy one.

 

[Cyrull]

For that money you could buy a new truck and custom box and outfit it to your personal taste... and probably have a lot of $$$ left over. The truck will be more capable off road than a van.

BTW, the Revel isn't much more than $110k if you shop around. But I wouldn't buy one.

Sorry to be a newb but could you point out some resources for the custom box setup? If we go with the truck with camper option I was looking at the Alaskan Flatbed Side Entry. Bending/crouching will become increasingly difficult for my spouse so I like the full size door.

Another option I was looking at was Total Composites, building that box once I select the right platform and designing but that would take longer and more figuring out.

Can you elaborate on why you wouldn't get a Revel? Based on what I've seen it would cost around the same if I were to go with a boutique out fitter, yes I could design things a certain way but I like the turn key option of the Revel. From what I can see it has everything we need.

I feel that I have been remiss as I didn't include one important detail. My spouse has approximately 5 years until she will be in need of hospice care, so I am willing to spend a bit more money if it takes less time to get what I want. As much as I love DIY, I don't want to waste that time tinkering around.

We can fly for now but I would like to have a rig and everything sorted out within a 6-8 month time frame. Unfortunately that appears to be the wait time for a new 4x4 Sprinter + time to build out which is why I am considering the Truck/Camper option.

 

[rruff]

Sorry about your wife. We are all a short time on this earth, though we like to pretend we'll live forever. Make the best of the time you have!

Total Composites is one option. But if you want to be sure of having it all set up by early next summer, you'd be better off with something premade.

I was planning to get a Sprinter 4x4 until I found out about the severe and expensive emissions issues that crop up when you get some miles on them. And the Revel just isn't set up how I like at all. I like to keep things real simple. I lived in my rig for 13 years (couple decades ago) and I know what I can do without.

The Revel might be fine for you if you aren't planning on keeping it forever. If I was in your situation I think I'd get a big 4x4 pickup and nice camper that works for your wife, and just roll with that. Don't worry too much about off road awesomeness as that tends to be at odds with easy access and amenities. You can still get away from the RV hoards...

 

[s.e.charles]

one of the TV shows had a big blue truck with a built in elevator for the wife. I think they were photographers. Drago? anyway, whatever you decide, stand-up room is paramount!