DIY camper: cargo or window van?
I'm actively looking for a gently used 1992 or newer, extended Ford van to do my own camper. I need to ask if there are any aspects I've missed, in considering whether to get a passenger van, or a car...
Forum Discussion
I think it depends on whether you are looking to build a camper, along the lines of the Westfalia and other conversions of the VW vans, with just sleeping space and removable camping gear, or a small motorhome, like most of the B conversions today.
It also depends on whether you have dual use intentions, and what those are. Because I have camping, rather than living in it, intentions, and want five passenger capability converting back to at least eight pasengers, and wiil pull a small TT if I really want to have a house with me, I'm starting with a 18-foot passenger van, won't be taking out much more than seats, and what goes in will all be removable. E-350 this time, because I prefer the passenger arrangements.
If I were wanting to build a small house on wheels, my starting point would be a 20-21 foot (or longer) cargo van, because to get the most space for what goes inside, a passenger van would be stripped to the bare metal walls, and there is a lot of stuff to come out. I would probably look for one with windows in the side and rear doors, so as to have more flexible wall space for installation of RV windows and/or the collection of vents and RV appliances and utilities that mount through the wall. This consideration would likely put me in an Express rather than E-series, as the Express has more contiguous wall space ahead of the rear axle, and less internal wall structure to get in the way. In addition to the bracing I'd have to work around, the Ford has me working with a double-wall construction every place I want to cut.
I think this is why we see more motorhome conversions on extended Express 2500 and 3500, and more camper or dual-use conversions on E-series, but the commercial ones more often start with partially windowed cargo vans than with passenger vans, because all the seating will be custom rather than OEM and they will be doing cabinet work where the passenger van has trim.
It also depends on whether you have dual use intentions, and what those are. Because I have camping, rather than living in it, intentions, and want five passenger capability converting back to at least eight pasengers, and wiil pull a small TT if I really want to have a house with me, I'm starting with a 18-foot passenger van, won't be taking out much more than seats, and what goes in will all be removable. E-350 this time, because I prefer the passenger arrangements.
If I were wanting to build a small house on wheels, my starting point would be a 20-21 foot (or longer) cargo van, because to get the most space for what goes inside, a passenger van would be stripped to the bare metal walls, and there is a lot of stuff to come out. I would probably look for one with windows in the side and rear doors, so as to have more flexible wall space for installation of RV windows and/or the collection of vents and RV appliances and utilities that mount through the wall. This consideration would likely put me in an Express rather than E-series, as the Express has more contiguous wall space ahead of the rear axle, and less internal wall structure to get in the way. In addition to the bracing I'd have to work around, the Ford has me working with a double-wall construction every place I want to cut.
I think this is why we see more motorhome conversions on extended Express 2500 and 3500, and more camper or dual-use conversions on E-series, but the commercial ones more often start with partially windowed cargo vans than with passenger vans, because all the seating will be custom rather than OEM and they will be doing cabinet work where the passenger van has trim.
