I am new to this forum. I am a retired teacher. My wife and I have lots years and trail miles as minimulist/ultralite backpacking.

When we travel, we have lived out of whatever truck and camper shell we have owned at the time, and outfitted it w/ our minimulist ultalight equipment. It is simple, utilitarian, and a lifestyle we enjoy.

We are in the market for a new "rig". Recently we got introduced to the idea of using a cargo van as our new "rig". Are there any of you out there who have used a cargo van to camp out of? If so, how did it compare to living out of a truck w/a shell on it?

If this is the wrong forum to ask this, I would appreciate someone's direction as to where to look to address using a cargo van as a camping vehicle.

Chuck
Southern Oregon

Chuck,

We used to use a Ford E-150 window van, when there were just two of us. We built a custom seat/storage unit that folded down in to a bed that allowed my 6'1" frame to sleep length-wise in the van. Then we added pop in screens, curtains, and a 120 VAC hookup for those rare times when we were someplace it was available. The cooler and drinking water were somewhat built in, but easily removed.

We did not build in any stoves, sinks, etc. But there was plenty of storgage for backpacks, etc, and the canoe on the roof. We always carried a dining fly, coleman stove etc for cooking and eating outdoors unless the weather was especially lousy (like an unexpected snow storm in New Mexico )

Actually this arrangement worked great for backpacking or canoe trip shuttles when traveling with others, because of the extra seating.

We are looking for a truck camper now...just the two of us again. I want a shower.

But I can't fit our tandem road bike in the back of a truck camper like I can that big van. You can park it anywhere, and take it on the Going To the Sun road in Glacier NP without dropping the camper.

Seldom

The following is based on past reading and or observational only on my part. Not Experience.


From what you describe seems as if you enjoy getting off the normal motorhome beaten path. This often times requires high ground clearence and at times all wheel drive. Here is a quick summary for you.

Military surplus. Specifically communications vans. All wheel drive, usually diesel power plants, you can most certainly build these to meet any of your specifications…

even on the cheap if you so desire.

I have read several articles in Soldier of Fortune Magazine as well as the old survivalist magazines describing in great detail each build. From ultra expensive, which literally spared little to no other need to the very budget conscious. In regards to attaching a favorite tandem bike there is MORE than adequate side space to do exactly that. Scratches small dents (if you can dent it) usually only requires a small paint brush to repair.

I can attest what I am describing is not in the least bit pretty to the eye. Don’t expect grand fuel mileage either. What we are describing here is a rather large box on wheels that moves weighty things over varying terrain.

I have seen my share of commercial vans… van such as old UPS rigs converted over to camping. Problem being, very little to no ground clearance for even mild forest service to simi-rugged desert explorations. As the rear differentials are open, translates to only one wheel drive in the rear at any given time. Gasoline use/consumption is rather appallingly crazy to loco!

There is one other option I can share with you. It is called a Sports Van. As I have wanted one of these most of my life my budget has never allowed for such a consideration. My wife is also an elementary school teacher you see… six years to go before saying good bye. Anyway, may I suggest taking a look at the link, then spend some time and try searching out the entire United States for any used units meeting these specs. These units have been produced for many years under various names. Pathfinder was one I can recall; they were based in Fresno Cal. Sometime in the 1980’s.

I hope this gave you a few ideas.

The following is just my opinion as well. Whatever one wishes for in their quest for backcountry exploration had best move quickly within the year. At the pace America is heading, within no-time, various treaty’s will be signed which will translate into enormous regulatory mandates limiting our freedom to choose as well as travel. Don’t believe me?

Hide-n-Watch.


http://www.sportsmobile.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uc5MJQVxTuE&feature=related



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