VANifornication - my 4x4 Camper Van project.

2 recommendations. 1) deep pile shag carpet on the walls and 2) put the dates of the street sweeper in your iPhone calendar as no way that beast in making it into the garage

Sweet project. Best of luck. Would offer to help out in some way but I'm the guy who still has to think through what way to turn the wrench to swap out pedals

 

NICE Sprinter! any photos of the interior?

 

I had to drive to Portland (16hours) to find a Sportsmobile I could afford. I have a '99 2wd powerstroke. For conversion stuff, the only thing it really has is the pop-top, but I love the thing. Weekend trips to the beach are great, I'm 270lbs and nap in the top bed regularly. I also use it to tow a 22' toyhauler, with fuel, buggy, and bikes, no problems to Mammoth. Those vans with the 4wd are super sexy, I just can't justify it though. I'd rather just find a nice 2wd lift for ours. As far as issues go, the brakes seem to need more changing than other vehicles I've owned and get really hot. The rears actually hang up occasionally on ours. I've been through 3 cam sensors and 1 glow relay. Fords auto trans suck. The E4AOD is the weak link. Other than that, just regular maintainence. Definitely post pics. I can't wait to see it.

 

Here is somie ideas Rodel

 

I luv my E350. Have fun!

 

@monstertiki - Why not... Aaron and were talking about the NRS4.
The problem is I might not be able to mount a full-size spare in the back.


trying to find out what this guy did to get his moto on the back with a full sized spare.
I'd be happy with at least 2 on the back.

 

you need the short bus Erwin

 

Hey Rodel,

Nice find!

You need to take that to Action Van Suspension in San Clemente.
http://www.actionvansuspension.com/

The guy who I bought my Highline from got his van conversion done by them and it looks totally killer.

 

Looks like a fun proj, congrats on building up your dream.

FWIW:

+1 on considering leaving it 2WD. A locking diff, clearance and good tires cover a lot of ground (as can an extra $10k).

I'd think hard before building a bunch of furniture inside. To me this kills a lot of the utility of a van. Glad to hear the interior build comes later; that gives you a chance to use it and see what you really do need, as opposed to building out what you think you'll need.

I reco going the extra mile with interior insulation if you have the opportunity. Quieter ride, better stereo sound, more peaceful/comfortable camping. Don't underestimate how loud rain can be on your roof...

Too bad we gotta smog diesel in CA now : (

 

So i can shuttle you?

 

I found a Quigley up there, but just to far and still a bit more than what I could spend right now.

I still debate wheter to keep it 2wd or do the full 4x4 conversion... I think I've used my wife's Sequoia in 4x4 mode maybe 2x since we've had it.

will keep and eye out for this. thanks!

 

I hear ya on this… I can always do the 4x4 much later…

Considering putting a pop top – penthouse on top… not really sure yet… used to love camping when I was a kid but haven’t done so at all lately, so this should get me going. check out what this guy did with 2nd row seating! so pimp!
seats came from a 2011+ Toyota Sienna

I'd just be concerned that dirty, muddied arse riding buddies sitting on them...

already planning on using Dynamat or something similar and then a layer of insulation




Stereos... thinking of this unit from Pioneer
Pioneer AVH-P8400BH

 

Thanks for the link Kirk! I'll have a look at these guys since they are local...

almost fully committed on using this guy from NC... U-Joint Offroad
His kit is practically bolt on... but I still could not do it myself will have a shop do it for sure.

 

it matches my height... as well as your attention span!

why do you think i went with an EB?
depending on how many bikes I set this up for during our road trip this summer...
we may be able to self shuttle a 3rd run at Downieville between me and Peter :bang:

 

My friend's Sportsmobile has the pop-up top and it is great. It frees up so much room inside while still allowing plenty of room to sleep.

 

Thought I'd send you this link. I've seen these around the road. It's a sight worth looking at, as a may give you some good ideas on where you want to take your project. Good luck. I hope you keep us updated.

http://www.sportsmobile.com/ultimate.html

 

Gotcha, Chaos. Awesome that you will be letting the interim use of your rig weigh on future mods.

IMO, a pop-top is the one mod that would change up your entire rig camping-wise without eliminating much utility/too many options. I've toyed with idea, but since we have the EB, not much inside and no kids, we have a hard time justifying it. I sort of balk at the $5k, but my buddies remind me that any decent camper will run at least that. And they are right that the capability you end up with is considerably greater; it adds a lot of space.

Bravo on the Dynamat...and not going with Alpine! FWIW: A-1 Foam and Fabrics in Santa Ana is the shiz for interior materials. Just browsing the shop will get your head spinning Have fun!

 

So sweet! I would love to do this same thing and set it up with a portable sprayer/washer for post ride cleanings...

 

This may not be 4x4 but it will get you there faster... well, at least it looks like it will.

 

This is pretty cool too. If you paint your van like this you have to sport the mohawk and all da bling!