[richards]

Good morning folks,
In sept., after a lot of research and compromise, we purchased a 2016 t350, 15 pass, 148, high roof with the 3.31. our goal is to change it to a minimal camper van. the rear seats hve been removed and will be up for sale as soon as approval is obtained. a trifold bed has been made that installed on a plywood base with ample storage for tables, storage bins, cookstove, cooler and a prota.

We lived in a moderate climate (santa cruz) for the past 30+ years so short excursions will be to warm/cooler parts as our temps change here in sedona.

My experience is as a general contractor so sheet metal, 12V systems are not familiar to me. already the postings have provided me with much knowledge and restraint. i am not a mechanic and am reluctant to go beyond my comfort zone for the benefit of my neighbors ears.

thanks for having this forum and i hope when i post it will be as beneficial to you as it has been to me.

richard

 

[surly Bill]

Congrats on it all!

These forums are great, I try to contribute when I do something to my van, with a write-up or affirmation on someone else's directions or idea. I'm in the same skill set, but having a few Corvairs and the Sprinter have inspired me to try a few things I haven't done before. 12vdc info is readily available, just don't get caught thinking the "best" system is the ONLY system. Some people want to turn their van into a house; with microwaves, washer/dryers, blenders, coffee makers, and a lot of other energy hog things that just take up space for the 99.9% of the time they are not in use. Orton has come across some great solutions for power usage. For most people, a couple deep cycle batteries and a handful of parts from Harbor Freight is all they need for aux power system. Sheet metal, yeah. I've learned respect for bodywork people. Most aftermarket things come with detailed instructions and are made for laymen to install (roof vents, windows, etc). Hein's roof adapter for 14x14 vents is genius. It would be great if they made one for a universal fit sunroof! (17x32?).

I've also been scouting for a retirement hidey hole, and Sedona is on my list. What do you think about it so far as a place to live?

 

[richards]

we absolutely love it. our views luckily are fantastic. we get all four seasons (instead of fog) and not for very long for summer and winter. lots of hiking and 4wd trails as the town is surrounded by the national forest. if you take one of the forest service roads there is free camping with any vehicle or tent for as long as you wish as long as your old man or red rock pass is shown. can't beat it. housing, gas and other things are way cheaper. biggest thing is sun most of the year although 105 can be a bear for the two months. thus flagstaff (at 20 miles) is a great visit or camp trip to their area of the forest. tourists hit about 3mil a year but you learn how to go around.

 

[surly Bill]

I like the proximity to Flag for when it gets hot, and for snowboarding. I've yet to explore the wilderness to the North and West of Sedona, but I've camped out of Williams before. I'm thinking of selling my overpriced property in Richmond (currently worth $800k even though in a poorer part of town) and 1039ing a property near Bell Rock if in Sedona. I like Moab, too, but it's colder in winter, and farther from a major airport.