Introducing myself and my project

Hello everyone! Can I be an honorary truck-camper-ite?

I have been reading voraciously on rvnet for a few months, and I feel most at home here in the TC section, although my rig is not exactly a TC. It's an AWD Chevy minivan, which I am doing a DIY conversion on. But my camping preferences lean heavily towards desert and mountain boondocking, and avoiding even the smallest campgrounds. That's why in my heart I feel I might be one of y'all :).

I chose the van because I need a lot of open floor space for tools and equipment, and because I expect to use it primarily when winter camping. Rain, not snow, but it's nice to be able to get into bed without going out in the wet. I also want it for stealth camping in cities -- something that looks like a camper would stand out more.

I've been tent camping all my life, and the van is step up for me in luxury. I'm getting older!

I've got most of the electrical in: AGM forklift batteries, a Noco charger, and a big inverter. I haven't chosen an isolator yet. I'll put the rear 12v outlets on the house batteries.

There are two projects on my mind at the moment, that I would love to hear you folks' thoughts on:

1. Tires. I've been reading the tire threads here, and also on camper minivan forums, but I have not figured out the right ones for me, yet. Maybe y'all can advise?

I don't want to do some huge lift. Probably the stock 215/75/15, or something near that.

I went to my local tire shop and talked to an old guy who had worked there for 38 years. I guess he knows tires! He showed me some passenger Cooper Trendsetters. When I said I was thinking of LTs, he showed me AT KOs, but they seemed a bit too knobby.

I've looked online at Geolander HTS recommended by van forum people, but have not seen them in person.

I would appreciate any suggestions. I drive on a lot of dirt and gravel roads, and freeways, but I am doing it to get places, not just trying to test the limits of my truck. I try to avoid snow, although up to 6" does happen sometimes. And ice is pretty much everywhere. So I want some tread, but also a decent ride on pavement. Goldilocks tires.


2. Condensation, mold, and headliner:

When I got the van it had, unbeknownst to me, a seal leak at the windshield. I parked it in the driveway. It was the dry season.

I then had some serious health issues and did not get to see the van for several months. When I opened it up, it was soaked, and there was a lot of mold. Not the toxic black stuff -- this was light grey.

I fixed the leak and dried out the van. But I am concerned that there are now spores everywhere. I am not allergic, luckily. But, winter camping is going to lead to condensation, yes? What should I do?

I've removed the rear seats and am looking to replace the front ones, so they aren't an issue. There's the carpet and the headliner. I'm guessing most of the condensation will be up top? The headliner is in great shape, other than the (invisible) mold, but should I pull it out anyway?

My expertise is in building construction. I know little about cars and nothing about moisture management in an RV. I am used to exteriors that are designed to breathe, not solid metal ones :). Can y'all tutor me?

Am I correct in thinking that there needs to be an airspace between the roof and whatever is under it, and around the edges, and then a semiwaterproof layer (because moisture will condense in the airspace), and then insulation? So, for example, would it be appropriate to attach closed cell foam to the roof ribs? (What do you call them? Not rafters...) And maybe cover with fabric?

Or should I just do nothing and see if I have a problem?

If I install a fan, it would have to be in the middle of the roof rack. And I hesitate to pierce the roof. I plan to get those window vent covers, so I can crack the front windows and still keep rain (and thieves, in town) out. Might that be enough?

Thank you guys so much for any suggestions and educating!