Greetings,I'm looking at getting a used B, for me and my dog, to use for some road trips, and sometimes daily driver. One thing I want seems to make the search extra difficult: I'd like to have a clear aisle all the way to the back door(s), so that I could slide in the longest kayak possible, on its side. I haven't seen a B in person, to measure, yet, but, I expect there's potentially room for a 14-foot kayak, with a clear aisle. I would appreciate tips on what models to keep an eye out for.And, another, related question... I have noted that a lot of the Coachmen/Falcon/Airstream type units place a toilet back by the doors, often on a pedestal (presumably the holding tank), which blocks the aisle. So, I wonder -- if a person was willing to do without the installed toilet (and use a camp toilet and/or campground toilets), can these be removed relatively easily? Or, better, removed, and the shower potentially replaced with one that has the toilet IN the shower?Thanks much!Edit: Well, I have been to a couple of RV shows in the past 10 years; I just haven't seen any Bs since deciding I want one. Nor have I seen any of the candidate older models. I don't live where there's much browsing available.

My "B" is a converted conversion van that I designed to have a clear isle so I can slide building materials in the back door all the way to the front. Something like 10-14 screws hold everything in the van so can be removed if we really need the whole 5x10 area. The interior is modular so my husband can remove everything without herniating. BUT, have you looked "overhead" to see if you have clear space near the ceiling? Or, is it possible to put the kayak on the top of any of those Bs?

Ours does have the layout you describe because it has fixed twin beds. Never tried sliding in a kayak, but seems likely you could. The two back doors swing open all the way. Many newer Bs have sofa beds across the back, and some do have bathrooms installed there.I guess you already know it's often hard to find a used B at a reasonable price.

Doing my own conversion holds some appeal for me. I couldn't get factory-fancy, nor would I really need to. I'm keeping my eye out for a high-top on an extended Ford. Not too many extended vans were used in van conversions, but, there are shuttle vans, and such. It's possible to DIY a high top, but, would be cheaper in a vehicle purchase. I like your idea of modular take-down.Well, the boats get heavier as I get older. And, the one I have for my dog and I is heavier than my solo kayaks. Sliding them in at floor level is appealing.drsolo wrote:My "B" is a converted conversion van that I designed to have a clear isle so I can slide building materials in the back door all the way to the front. Something like 10-14 screws hold everything in the van so can be removed if we really need the whole 5x10 area. The interior is modular so my husband can remove everything without herniating. BUT, have you looked "overhead" to see if you have clear space near the ceiling? Or, is it possible to put the kayak on the top of any of those Bs?

I like the Sprinters as an RV platform. I worry about costs of keeping them serviced, especially since I can do most of my own work on gas-powered, domestic vehicles.Yes, it would be nice to limit the outlay to 4 figures, and, it looks like there are some nice, older ones in that range.NCWriter wrote:Ours does have the layout you describe because it has fixed twin beds. Never tried sliding in a kayak, but seems likely you could. The two back doors swing open all the way. Many newer Bs have sofa beds across the back, and some do have bathrooms installed there.I guess you already know it's often hard to find a used B at a reasonable price.

We have a 2006 with the sofa bed. If that were reconfigured or removed (we have thought about it) you could slide a kayak in no problem. In fact, you can just put it in right over the sofa. Our bath is behind the drivers seat and would not be in the way. In fact, most Road Treks, Airstreams, Pleasure Ways and Leisure Travels have baths that will not be in you're way. Check out the numerous pictures you will find on sites like RVtrader and Sunshine State RVs.

Help a newbie choose | Good Sam Community

wwfloyd
Explorer
Apr 13, 2014
Yesterday, I discovered the van interior design templates at Sportsmobile. Having access to measurements helped confirm that an idea I had a month ago, could actually be done.

This would not suit the taste of most, but, that's what a custom job is all about: I would remove the passenger seat, and lean a kayak against the wall, extending into the passenger footwell. Yes, the boat would be in the way of the side cargo door, when transported. BUT, 2/3 of it would be inside a base cabinet, with storage cabinets above, and, it would not be underfoot for general use of the van's interior. I might arrange a jump seat for rare passengers, similar to what parcel delivery trucks often have.

There would be a 36-inch bunk that flips up, for use of the shower pan below. The rest would be more normal.

I'd be looking for something like this hightop Ford extended 'merican van (overpriced at $11,498, even with the low miles), for the project.

Yes, I would enjoy the project, and I do pretty decent work. But, I'm still looking at manufactured Bs, which would involve a lot less work, and could be put to work right away, likely at a higher expenditure. Which way I go may depend on what opportunities present themselves.
Handbasket
Explorer
Apr 13, 2014
Some, repeat _some_, Dodge and Ford B's have a less-then-sterling reputation for driving qualities. Be sure to read the section on the importance of a personal test drive in the FAQ's on the opening page of the B forum. Some can be cured or improved with effort & $$$; some much less so. An ill-handling B is a tiring handful to drive. BTDT.

Jim, "How many lawyers does it take to change a light bulb? One, to change it from *your* light bulb to *her* light bulb."
wwfloyd
Explorer
Apr 12, 2014
Sheesh, if this 1998 AMERICAN CRUISER FORD XR-2N1 was on the East coast, I'd be mighty tempted to buy it. The Buy It Now of $16,800 seems good. Too good? Fly-and-drive is not a great idea, since meandering TO the West coast with my dog is part of the idea.

Feel free to critique the unit as to features and price -- or the make, itself; it could help sharpen my sense of B-ing.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1998-AMERICAN-CRUISER-class-B-rv-CAMPER-66K-SHOWER-GENERATOR-BED-NEW-BIG-TIRES-/171299305980?forcerrptr=true&hash=item27e23bf9fc&item=171299305980&pt=RVs_Campers
Handbasket
Explorer
Apr 12, 2014
I'm thinking (not sure) you'll have problems fitting a 14' kayak into a 19' B. It'll also beat up the interior wood work unless you use a lot of padding and care when putting it in and out.

But I have seen a 1st generation Roadtrek 210 (the one based on the older 21' G-30 extended long wheelbase van) that had fully separate twin beds inside the rear doors that would probably have enough length. They're not easy to find, tho', and may require extensive 'reconditioning'. The van's amenities would be pretty much inaccessible with the 'yak on board, too. I think I'd go with a 19' B and a trailer.

Jim, "Mo' coffee!"
NCWriter
Explorer
Apr 12, 2014
wwfloyd wrote:
I like the Sprinters as an RV platform. I worry about costs of keeping them serviced, especially since I can do most of my own work on gas-powered, domestic vehicles.

Yes, it would be nice to limit the outlay to 4 figures, and, it looks like there are some nice, older ones in that range.

If your budget is under $10,000, you may be better off looking for a basic empty van long enough for your kayak (not an RV) in good condition and doing the conversion yourself with some simple elements.
wwfloyd
Explorer
Apr 12, 2014
Ah, thanks. I do see that some of those floorplans could work.

arm wrote:
I have a 1996 RT 190P and often put long 2x6 etc. straight in the rear door. It is about 15 - 16 feet of open space. Go the the Roadtrek web site and at the top right hand side select previous model years. Check out the floor plans on the older units most in the 1995 to 1999 or so which do not have the rear seat crossways. I would expect that checking the older Pleasureway and other "B" sites may also show a floor plan to slide in a kayak.
jjrai
Explorer
Apr 12, 2014
Put it on the roof or something. You can't have a big piece of plastic dominating your living arrangements!
arm
Explorer
Apr 12, 2014
I have a 1996 RT 190P and often put long 2x6 etc. straight in the rear door. It is about 15 - 16 feet of open space. Go the the Roadtrek web site and at the top right hand side select previous model years. Check out the floor plans on the older units most in the 1995 to 1999 or so which do not have the rear seat crossways. I would expect that checking the older Pleasureway and other "B" sites may also show a floor plan to slide in a kayak.
garmp
Explorer II
Apr 11, 2014
Sportsmobile also offers a huge variety of floor plans that may help you with your design. They are also very good people to work with and will do as much or as little as you want. Their workmanship is unsurpassed, as is the quality of components. You could have them put in just the penthouse top, if that's an interest, the toilet and do the rest your self. Or any combination there of.
Hope this helps.
mlts22
Explorer
Apr 11, 2014
I don't think you can find one used, but Sportsmobile has a Sprinter van floor plan that has two facing futons that can be lifted up to provide enough space to slide in a kayak.

One can also buy a lightweight trailer (Yakima Rackandroll) that is made to handle a 14' kayak, but easily fold away in a garage when not in use.

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