Enjoyed your trip report. We were in the Davis mountains many years ago and enjoyed a Star Party at the Observatory. Not sure if they do that anymore. Please drop by if you are ever out near Hood River, OR.
-Hein
-Hein
My Adventure/Camper/ToyHauler/Conversion
Purchased November 2014
Long Wheelbase---Extended Body---High Roof---2500 (3/4 ton) Power Stroke Diesel
6 speed automatic that can be shifted manually.
Power windows---Power locks--AC--Remote key entry--Cruise--Intermittent Wipers---Tilt and Telescoping Steering Wheel
Radio (nothing fancy)----complete tow package with reciever, trailer brake controller and a Tow Haul mode in the transmission.
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Here is the finished product ------but how did I get there---read on.
Simple camper in front------toy hauler in rear.
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I didn't order my van---found one on the lot that had pretty much what I wanted. One main priority besides cruise control was the factory tow package which includes a brake controller---also has 2 pluts at the rear---one is the 7 pin w/brake---and the other is a flat 4 connector.
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With 15' of cargo I started my build------I will build a wall about 7'6" from the rear and will haul my dualsport motorcycles in there-----along with gear and all the dirty stuff.
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The cargo area is 14' long------the back 8' will be for my bikes and I'll build a wall with a door to isolate the toy area.
The front 6' will be my camping and sleeping area. It will be comfy---but I will not put in a toilet, fridge, micro wave or shower.
I will be keeping it simple---but want a couch which makes into a bed very quickly in there.
I'm building this cabinet to go in the rear for riding gear and such.
I used 3/4" plywood---screwed everything together with sheet rock screws---but used wood glue also---the glue
makes it a lot stronger.
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I got the steel part of the wall done-----I made it out of 1 5/8" uni-strut and welded the joints with my mig welder.
The Sides I bolted to the wall using 8mm bolts and fender washers. I made sure and used locking nuts so they don't work loose.
The 16" space in the middle will be a door. This will make easy access to things in the rear portion of the van.
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The door fit absolutely perfect.
I used 2 magnets to hold the door closed---they are to weak---I'll have to do something else.
I used 1/2" plywood here---didn't need 3/4" and didn't want to use anything to thin as I may want to fasten
some things to the wall---maybe a cabinet ?????
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A view from the rear----I'm pretty much done back here.
Maybe some paint on the back of the wall---a paper towel holder for sure.
A place to strap up my ramps---maybe strap them to the roof ????
Maybe a little easy to get to storage rack for WD-40, change lube--stuff like that.
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Things are going well and fast-----this part here I was just bumfuzzled to what to do.
All of a sudden a lite went off in my head and I got my wire welder out and cut up some uni-strut and my combo couch and bed is in the making.
Most of this strut is 1 5/8".
![]()
More to come on the build.
Long Wheelbase---Extended Body---High Roof---2500 (3/4 ton) Power Stroke Diesel
6 speed automatic that can be shifted manually.
Power windows---Power locks--AC--Remote key entry--Cruise--Intermittent Wipers---Tilt and Telescoping Steering Wheel
Radio (nothing fancy)----complete tow package with reciever, trailer brake controller and a Tow Haul mode in the transmission.
%20(1024x768).jpg)
Here is the finished product ------but how did I get there---read on.
Simple camper in front------toy hauler in rear.
%20(1024x768).jpg)
.jpg)
%20(1024x768).jpg)
I didn't order my van---found one on the lot that had pretty much what I wanted. One main priority besides cruise control was the factory tow package which includes a brake controller---also has 2 pluts at the rear---one is the 7 pin w/brake---and the other is a flat 4 connector.
%20(1024x768).jpg)
With 15' of cargo I started my build------I will build a wall about 7'6" from the rear and will haul my dualsport motorcycles in there-----along with gear and all the dirty stuff.
%20(1024x768).jpg)
The cargo area is 14' long------the back 8' will be for my bikes and I'll build a wall with a door to isolate the toy area.
The front 6' will be my camping and sleeping area. It will be comfy---but I will not put in a toilet, fridge, micro wave or shower.
I will be keeping it simple---but want a couch which makes into a bed very quickly in there.
I'm building this cabinet to go in the rear for riding gear and such.
I used 3/4" plywood---screwed everything together with sheet rock screws---but used wood glue also---the glue
makes it a lot stronger.
%20(1024x768).jpg)
%20(1024x768).jpg)
%20(1024x768).jpg)
I got the steel part of the wall done-----I made it out of 1 5/8" uni-strut and welded the joints with my mig welder.
The Sides I bolted to the wall using 8mm bolts and fender washers. I made sure and used locking nuts so they don't work loose.
The 16" space in the middle will be a door. This will make easy access to things in the rear portion of the van.
%20(1024x768).jpg)
The door fit absolutely perfect.
I used 2 magnets to hold the door closed---they are to weak---I'll have to do something else.
I used 1/2" plywood here---didn't need 3/4" and didn't want to use anything to thin as I may want to fasten
some things to the wall---maybe a cabinet ?????
.jpg)
A view from the rear----I'm pretty much done back here.
Maybe some paint on the back of the wall---a paper towel holder for sure.
A place to strap up my ramps---maybe strap them to the roof ????
Maybe a little easy to get to storage rack for WD-40, change lube--stuff like that.
%20(1024x768).jpg)
Things are going well and fast-----this part here I was just bumfuzzled to what to do.
All of a sudden a lite went off in my head and I got my wire welder out and cut up some uni-strut and my combo couch and bed is in the making.
Most of this strut is 1 5/8".
%20(1024x768).jpg)
More to come on the build.
14
41 - 60 of 83 Posts
Hey Big Dog/Mark,
Elmotoloco from that other forum. Just had a quick question. Unlike you I do plan on living in the van. Going to take a year or two and travel the Americas with my lady. I am planning on picking up the extended/tall as well but my design was based on dimensions I could find prior to the van being available. I plan on putting the bikes in the "garage" ass first. Do you think the dimensions would allow for the design I show below?
Berkeley
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Elmotoloco from that other forum. Just had a quick question. Unlike you I do plan on living in the van. Going to take a year or two and travel the Americas with my lady. I am planning on picking up the extended/tall as well but my design was based on dimensions I could find prior to the van being available. I plan on putting the bikes in the "garage" ass first. Do you think the dimensions would allow for the design I show below?
Berkeley
3
Agreed on the big and long. Sorry I was not clear in my question. I was wondering about room to put a bed over the seat but behind the handle bars on a dirt bike . Current bikes are a 610 and crf150. I just sold my f350 crew cab truck that had an 8 inch lift and 38inch tires. So the van even backwards looks so easy to me 
I use a tri-fold 84" ramp.
Also just wanted to say hi. You, and Gaspipe have been inspirations to me. I also count Fishfund as a friend.
Take care,
Berkeley
I use a tri-fold 84" ramp.Also just wanted to say hi. You, and Gaspipe have been inspirations to me. I also count Fishfund as a friend.
Take care,
Berkeley
Hey Big Dog/Mark,
Elmotoloco from that other forum. Just had a quick question. Unlike you I do plan on living in the van. Going to take a year or two and travel the Americas with my lady. I am planning on picking up the extended/tall as well but my design was based on dimensions I could find prior to the van being available. I plan on putting the bikes in the "garage" ass first. Do you think the dimensions would allow for the design I show below?
Berkeley
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Nice Cad drawings. What software are you using. I also like the fact that you leave the bathroom available when you are sleeping. I would need it
Looks like Google SketchUp to me.Nice Cad drawings. What software are you using. I also like the fact that you leave the bathroom available when you are sleeping. I would need it
Hey Big Dog,I wish I could say I have lots to say.
But the van and the camper conversion I did worked out perfect.
Don't think I'll change anything. I just love it.
Got 21---25mpg and used 3 3/4 gallons of DEF fluid in 5,000 miles.
Glad to know how much it uses as I was in the dark till I just filled it.
If you want to read the story of my big trip in it to New Mexico, Texas and Arizona in which I camped, hiked, rode my motorcycle and my bicycle----here is the link.
2015Southwest
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I recognize you from the Husky TR650 forums/threads, small world.
I'm looking to get into a Standup Van late this year/early next year. I'm transitioning out of a Expedition SUV which is less than ideal for camping/bike hauling (currently using a MC trailer) but not much was available when I bought it in '04.
I plan to do a flexible build out for multiple uses, of course bike hauling and camping being two primary ones.
From checking out a bunch last weekend I think I'll go for the mid roof/length. I can stand up in the MR with a couple inches to clear (5' 9"). Part of the roof decision is less $$$ (hopefully to comp for a diesel) and a lower roof height should give better mpg and somewhat easier parking at times. The extended version seems pretty dang long to "live with", but I"m not sure on that account. It seems like most of the issue will come in parking it, especially in my driveway.
The questions I have mainly focus on the engine choice, diesel or the turbo V6. I'm "pretty sure" I want the diesel but I'd sure like your opinions and considerations, also maybe any comparisons to the Sprinter in that regard. I did read through this thread and caught your comments in posts #10 & 11.
Have you had any problems with the engine/trans? I'm just starting to dig around on this forum in that regard.
That 5 cyl 3.2L engine has been in use worldwide in the Ranger Pickup. Of course the USA is not considered part of that market, grrrr. Why, got no idea.
Were there any times you wished you'd bought the gas engine or not at all?
I'm pretty sold on turbo diesel technology but have never owned one, I'm hoping to change that soon.
Have you done any towing with the Transit? I'm keen to know how well that engine tows.
Here's my current setup, sleeping in the SUV. Biggest problem, it's either you or your gear in the truck, but not both at the same time.
Hey Danke,Hey Big Dog,
I recognize you from the Husky TR650 forums/threads, small world.
I'm looking to get into a Standup Van late this year/early next year. I'm transitioning out of a Expedition SUV which is less than ideal for camping/bike hauling (currently using a MC trailer) but not much was available when I bought it in '04.
I plan to do a flexible build out for multiple uses, of course bike hauling and camping being two primary ones.
From checking out a bunch last weekend I think I'll go for the mid roof/length. I can stand up in the MR with a couple inches to clear (5' 9"). Part of the roof decision is less $$$ (hopefully to comp for a diesel) and a lower roof height should give better mpg and somewhat easier parking at times. The extended version seems pretty dang long to "live with", but I"m not sure on that account. It seems like most of the issue will come in parking it, especially in my driveway.
The questions I have mainly focus on the engine choice, diesel or the turbo V6. I'm "pretty sure" I want the diesel but I'd sure like your opinions and considerations, also maybe any comparisons to the Sprinter in that regard. I did read through this thread and caught your comments in posts #10 & 11.
Have you had any problems with the engine/trans? I'm just starting to dig around on this forum in that regard.
That 5 cyl 3.2L engine has been in use worldwide in the Ranger Pickup. Of course the USA is not considered part of that market, grrrr. Why, got no idea.
Were there any times you wished you'd bought the gas engine or not at all?
I'm pretty sold on turbo diesel technology but have never owned one, I'm hoping to change that soon.
Have you done any towing with the Transit? I'm keen to know how well that engine tows.
Here's my current setup, sleeping in the SUV. Biggest problem, it's either you or your gear in the truck, but not both at the same time.
Glad to answer your questions and give my opinion.
Sounds like you are getting things figured out for you next purchase.
The Diesel has been perfect------the inline 5 feels about the same as my old 06 sprinter inline 5 which was an excellent motor. Not quite the mileage the sprinter got--------but it was way smaller---the shortest one they ever made-----118" wheelbase.
I just love a diesel motor-------won't win a drag race with the eco-boost but that's not what I'm after.
At 20,000 miles I've had no problems with the motor or transmission---been doing my own oil changes.
As soon as I bought mine the price of diesel took a plunge down------lucky me.
I bought this vehicle to eliminate the trailer---------but did pull a pretty big cargo trailer with it once with a couple big bikes on it----it caught a lot of wind with it's flip up tailgate and dropped my mileage to about 18mpg.
If you ever think you'll pull a trailer-------be sure and get the tow package or you'll be very sorry. Things are different now and you can't just tap into wiring like the old days. I may never use the built in brake controller---but it makes me feel good to know it's there.
I'm not going to argue the Ford Sprinter debate.
Everybody's got their own opinion.
I value them pretty equal-------but would never buy another sprinter.
There's a ford dealer in every po-dunk town in the country.
Mark
41 - 60 of 83 Posts
