Forum Discussion

J_herb's avatar
J_herb
Explorer
Feb 08, 2020

My camper van

2017 GMC Savana Cargo Van
4.8 L V8 6 speed auto transmission 3.42 rear end
PS, PB cruse control, PW and locks

I installed a trailer tow package
I converted the van into a camper van with a port a potty closet, a double bed at the rear, two cabinets with a drop leaf on the cabinet by the sliding door and with lots of storage under the bed.
I insulated and paneled and add 5 LED lights . Two Maxxfans .
I wired up a extra battery and a vent system for the battery and a fuse box for the fans and lights.
I installed a simple 110 ac setup to run a small elect heater and a battery charger for the battery when camped with electric at a campground.

The van will be used for one or two days trips and will be use to tow our 17’ Casita trailer for longer trips






Class B
  • J_herb's avatar
    J_herb
    Explorer
    Feb 09, 2020
    Deb and Ed M wrote:
    Beautiful build! We have a Transit that I did the very-basic conversion to - it makes the greatest sightseeing/touring vehicle! We have a tendency to drive places where larger RV's really shouldn't go, like Glacier's "Going-to-the-Sun" road


    Thank You for the nice comment,
    I have seen you build on your other postings and yes you have a nice build for your trips. I take trips by myself when my wife wants to stay home and work in her flower beds. We have a Casita trailer that we tow with the van for longer trips, will be going camping soon with the van.
  • Black95's avatar
    Black95
    Explorer
    Feb 12, 2020
    Deb and Ed M wrote:
    Beautiful build! We have a Transit that I did the very-basic conversion to - it makes the greatest sightseeing/touring vehicle! We have a tendency to drive places where larger RV's really shouldn't go, like Glacier's "Going-to-the-Sun" road


    Do you have a forum posting that has pictures of your van and your modifications? I seem to have missed it. Please send me the link. Thanks. I am always looking for new ideas for my van. I like to keep mine pretty standard on the outside to do the same thing you do in going to places that bigger RV's can not go.
  • J_herb's avatar
    J_herb
    Explorer
    Feb 14, 2020
    OP here, more pictures of my van build.
    my new running boards passenger side


    drivers side


    my two Maxfans


    a place to put a snack while looking out the front windshield the tray slips in and out quick and stores behind the drivers sest.


    my storage at the rear
  • J_herb's avatar
    J_herb
    Explorer
    Apr 24, 2020
    Got my Rt. seat swivel yesterday and installed it! thanks to Mike over at Black 95 for all the great info and the pictures.
    We have the same seats so with Mikes write up it went well and I'm happy to be able to use my seat at the camp site, I didn't add pictures as Mike has the same ones on his postings.
  • J_herb's avatar
    J_herb
    Explorer
    Apr 27, 2020
    goreds2 wrote:
    Love the van!


    Thank You goreds2
    The van is for short trips or when I go by myself, we have a 17' Casita trailer for longer trips that we tow with the van.
  • J_herb's avatar
    J_herb
    Explorer
    May 09, 2020
    I have added a Renogy 5W 12V Portable Solar Panel Battery Maintainer Trickle Charger with Lighter Plug, Alligator Clips, and Battery Cables
    that came with it. click

    I hard wired it right to the battery with the plug, using the lighter plug would loose contact at times. Use the solar panel when the van is not being used, I take it down when using the van.

    solar panel upper left hand side of windshield


    Plug in under dash
  • Black95's avatar
    Black95
    Explorer
    May 10, 2020
    J herb wrote:
    I have added a Renogy 5W 12V Portable Solar Panel Battery Maintainer Trickle Charger with Lighter Plug, Alligator Clips, and Battery Cables that came with it......


    I like your thinking. It sounds like something I would come up with for my van!

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