Looking for DIY modular class B rig sources and ideas

[dougiequick]

Hi I have never owned anything more than a van conversion and all my camping has been of the very primitive style compared to the RV crowd. But these days I have convinced myself to obtain something along the lines of whatI was thinking would be class B RV...after reading various opinions here however, maybe what I have in mind might end up being less than what qualfies as that and more along the lines of a Camper Van...I am unsure of the rules there for what is what.

Anyway I am very discouraged by how few vehicles of the size I have in mind seem to be on the market right now! I see quite a few used vehicles that are even more than a couple years old that are priced above $100K! That suggests to me less supply than demand in class B RVs!

I am therefore looking at the possibilities in doing a DIY bare essentials conversion to one of the many well priced low milage late model Diesel Sprinter Vans available (or equiv) I know the end result is going to be nothing like the well appointed factory offerings available but will just be at best workable for my needs.

I have found sources for many items I might want such as a pop-top, generator, A/C unit, dual voltage refrigerator etc. I have a ton of tools and know how in various things and I'm a retired electrician...and even better than that I have money to throw at problems if need be.

What I would rather not do though is to reinvent the wheel where there is no good reason to. Is there some web sites or magazines dealing with RV DIY builds and modifications? I'd like to see how things are done as far as insulation and paneling and what the best materials choices are for flooring etc. One thing I would love to find ideas on, is a way to make a lightweight collapsible bed/loft using ultra strong web material, perhaps what the black trampolene mats are made of?

In other words that can be suspended tightly accross the back part of van to create a bed foundation wall to wall? Add an aero bed air mattress and I have a an ultra light weight totally removable compact to store bed and or storage loft solution! This seems so DUH! to me so I have to ask if it is already a common thing? Does anyone sell kits for this? Or do I have to DIY from scratch? I have in mind to do as much of the interior with the same philosophy of being removable. For instance I found the Engle ice chest style portable dual voltage refrigerator/freezer units and also another company that makes a self contained portable oven/two burner range combo. By fabricating means where these can be quickly connected and fixed into place so that they perform as "built in" while remaining portable and modular,/removable ...THAT is my idea for many things throughout the vehicle I have in mind. I just need ideas for wallboard. moldings, etc etc...also best insulation? sources, various tanks and pumps, fittings, hoses etc.??

Has anyone seen RVs or designs for something like what I have in mind?

[drsolo]

How you are going to fit out your van depends on how you will use it:
cold and/or hot weather
long and/or short trips
campsites with hookups and/or boondocking
you only and/or other people
The other thing is to use the RVan during the process so the design can evolve to suit your particular needs.

I did my own "outfitting" starting with a used high top conversion van that already had an electrical system and a top mounted, 120V heater/AC added on. my RVan Like you, I wanted a modular, lighter weight system. I got rid of the bed entirely and sleep in the recliner (as I do at home). I really like the plastic carts I have in mine. I have the same ones at home so to load up for trips I just pull the drawer and take it into the van. I found some smaller cargo nets to use instead of big clunky wood/particle board overhead cabinets. I love the cargo nets, but for more organization got clear plastic shopping bags behind the cargo net.

One sleeping system I was looking at for my DH for in his little tear drop is called a Froli system but my DH went with a "6-Inch Memory Foam Tri-fold Mattress" that folds into a chair.

I too suggest looking at van conversions at this site

[stan909]

I should haves asked why it has to be modular.Is it a work van or are you just into doing projects.There are probably camper vans near you that are affordable and ready to go.Check Craigslist and RV Trader but make sure important things like the fridge are working before you buy.If they're honest the fridge will be cold before you show up.P.S. Look in rvs for sale on C.L.

[stan909]

Colorado Camper van for poptopHe makes one strong enough for a roof air. Sportsmobile does not.He will also put a poptop on a high roof promaster. Sportsmobile forum.com has a DIY section that is very helpfull.

[MickD]

You might try this site. I'm not sure anyone has done the vehicle you have in mind but they have converted a lot of different vehicles.

Cheap Living

[hitchup]

We removed the rear seat of our old 8-passenger Beauville van before our 2nd cross country trip.

DH built a platform and put a foam cushion on top. Underneath (accessible from the double rear doors) was storage for the suitcases, groceries, etc. It was cheap and the kids loved to sit in the back when we drove across country. We even used it for camping. Kids in the tent and DH and I in the van.

[Bumpyroad]

years back I remember one B van that had a permanent "loft" (low) bed in the rear with a lot of storage under it. seemed more practical to me than a hammock.
bumpy

[Handbasket]

I'm not sure he still offers them, but I think a local guy used to sell DIY-installed camping modules thru eBay. These days, he's gone more to building one-off custom camper vans & B's, mostly for the outdoor-sports market. But try www.moreheaddesignlab.com.

Jim, "Instant human. Just add coffee!"