AWD Astro van

Lot more miles on the van now. Just started a total redo of the interior. I was wanting to keep it as much a passanger van as a camper but after two years and never hauling people in it, it's going to be more camper friendly. After taking all the seats out, there is a little more room inside. I might even be able to convince my wife to try a weekend in it when I get done.

I think my useable interior space is much the same as a tear drop trailer so I've been studying on how they have been laid out. I might even be able to work in a portable AC of some sort. That sure would extend my comfort range..

Oliver Lee SP outside of Alamogordo

stan909 wrote:
Check out cheaprvliving blog you will find kindred spirits there.Very clever ideas for van living. I almost did the same with our old van but found my nice Sportsmobile camper van. Still kept the big Bounder for the family.

Hi Stan,
Spoken like a true Rver. Van conversions of all types work(ed) for a lot of people who cannot afford the fully equipped B vans or don't want the higher cost. What I always missed with them like the Westfalia which was a step up from a van conversion, was the bathroom. I love my shower ie with my PW Plateau TS. I dont need those big C classes anymore. Had them. Got over it. The Europeans are really tuned into van conversions and there are some impressive rvs. But, an Astro van or Econoline conversion can work if it is comfortable. I know people who sleep in their Dodge Caravans, without any conversions....

Al

Check out what this guy does with Astro vans Colorado Camper Vans. .

nolra - This is what "Handbasket" was talking about when he mentioned that Provan produced a Tiger GT.

With top popped up -

And..one interior picture -

Still going. Heading over to Alamogordo area next week. Get in some photography and hiking around White Sands and Cloudcroft..

Used the Casita more this year than last but still getting out with the van from time to time.

Love your galleries

Yeah.Notice also the coach battery I have is AGM so no gassing off while charging so .No problem keeping indoors without ventilation.I too have eyes on solar but for now the engine charges just fine.

Stan, I noticed the 12v auxillary system you have. I haven't needed an extra 12v system yet. I do throw the house battery from my Casita into the van when I think I'm going to be away from a jump start. I'd hate to kill a battery several miles down some back road so a spare is a good idea but I've never really considered wiring one in permanently. Well, not yet anyway.. I did just order a small 12v fan so that idea might change. I like the idea of a solar charger and deep cycle battery for the fan and it could be used to jump start the van in an emergency.

I like the table you had on the spare. That did get to thinking about my "kitchen" setup!

My awning is predicated on having rain gutters. I would rather have something permanent like yours but for a grand total of $35 I ( wife) am happy with it for now. Did you check out my aux battery and charger isolator?

I very seldom see snow, what I see here are ROCKY roads and sand. I think a low range would be really helpful for some of the hills in places like Big Bend. The AWD does work amazingly well and will probably be here for a long time. Mine has the 3.73 gears, G80 locker, and about 4" of lift. It's no Rubicon but it's better to sleep in and goes a lot of places that your average van wouldn't.