What Did You Do To Your Class B Today ?
I see the other types of RV's having this type of thread. I did a search and could not find one here. :) Yesterday, I drove mine to work to "excercise" it. I have driven it to work twice in the two weeks I have owned it. In the two years I owned my Class C, I drove it to work ZERO times. :E472KViews0likes1574Comments
Step one. Bought the van.
Hello Everybody, First post. I camp a lot in tents but after spending three days straight in a tent in the rain at Dolly Sods I swore I'd make a change. Here it is. Bought it Wednesday. Drove it home today. 1999 Ford E-250, 6 cylinder, 125K miles. Was a home builders work van. Some slight surface rust. Cargo doors a bit dinged up. I'm planning on doing a full conversion. Most of the work I'll do myself but some will be beyond my abilities. I'm giving myself a deadline of no later than spring. Van won't fit into my small garage so that will affect how/when I can work on it. I've been reading this and other conversion forums for a few weeks. It's been a huge help so far. Learned quite a lot already but there's still a lot I don't know. Counting on the pros who frequent this forum for some advice. Advice like: The previous owner drilled some 3/4 inch holes in the floor for bolted down shelving. Whats the best way to cover these holes from underneath? Should I treat the metal edges of the holes before I start? Thanks for your time, now and in the future. WVvan P.S. I'm thinking of call it "HAL the Van". Why HAL? Well since my name is Dave.... Dave Bowman: Open the pod bay doors, HAL. HAL: I'm sorry, Dave. I'm afraid I can't do that.251KViews0likes619CommentsMy Chevrolet Express van Class B- camper
I have been camping in my 1990 Chevrolet Silverado Blazer 2-door for the last 20 years. When I removed the back seat there was just enough room for a 3/4 sized (Hollywood, as some people called them) mattress to fit between the wheel wells and from the back of the console to the tailgate. After all those years with my wife and I getting older, she decided we needed a little more room so she found me a 2001 Chevrolet Express van with low mileage on the internet. After checking it out and taking it for a test drive we bought it on the spot. It was a nice passenger conversion LT model with all the bells and whistles available in 2001. I will chronicle the changes I made to transform it into my Class B- motorhome in the next few postings. I call it my Class B- (B minus) motorhome because it is just a regular van without the raised roof. Camping at Custer State Park, SD in February, 2015. Camping and visiting Scott's Bluff National Monument, NE in October, 2014.178KViews0likes346Comments
The Annual Class B Rally, And Other Events.
Now that the decision has been made to have all new Rallies, Socials, etc. posted to, and ran from the "Rally" forum, I think I have come up with a solution to make navigating to them easier. The exception to this will be the "Annual Class B Rally" which, if limited to Class B's only, will stay in the "CVC" forum. If someone from this forum wants to start one of these events, go to the "Rally" forum and make your post, then send me a Pm with the link to the thread, and a brief description, where, what, and when if you have it, and I will post it in this thread, with an active link to the event. This way when ever a member logs on they can check this thread for any new activity. I know some are not happy with this change, but I hope this calms some of the anxiety. Rodger164KViews0likes20Comments
The 1959 Ford Thames campervan restoration begins.
I made a post about a month ago about i got my Thames ( http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/24150005.cfm ). Since then ive made a start stripping it out and assessing all the******i have to do to get it back to life. I figured out how the 'dining table' was set up and how the seats fold out into 'beds' This is the first weekend we went to the garage and the magic started. My girlfriend has taken an unusual interest in helping me to restore the van. I think its great as if i was in the garage myself it could get a bit boring but its a good laugh having her around and helping me out. Its ok right now at the stripping down stage but i think she may get bored when I'm welding and cutting **** up. I was thinking i could buy her a sewing machine and she could re-upholster the seats and curtains etc.. Yeah, check out those comfy ugly slacks I'm rocking. I got Jana started on removing the light lenses and units etc.. she even managed to get the rear bumpers off herself. I don't mean to sound patronizing but when someone calls a ratchet the "clicky-thing" its quite a big step for her. I even bought her a special tool kit for the job, shes since bought herself a proper tool bag and pliers set. First door removed. It was a ***** as the hinge bolts were rusted solid, lucky for me there is a huge tool store opposite the garage (machine mart) so i managed to get an impact screwdriver. All the seats and interior came out easy, the gas cooker was a bit of a joke really, The cage that held the gas bottle underneath the floor was about 8 inches from the ground and about an inch from the propshaft, then the gas pipe went to the cooker where someone had used a T-piece for some reason, with one pipe going to the hob and the other pipe was bent round a few times to stop gas leaking.... i don't know why the never just used a single pipe. There was a lot of cork insulation which i think had been stuck on with tar. Oh what fun i had with a scraper. Jana 'helped', but well, she got bored of it a lot quicker than i did. Handsome eh, Then i got stuck into the wiring loom, there was a lot of house-hold wire in one colour for switches and lights all over the place. I know I'm going to be re-doing the interior lighting differently so those got binned and i kept the standard loom. Note the intensity of my concentration. The next weekend we started on taking the pop-up roof off. The fabric of the roof its self isn't too bad. There is a rip in it but its along the seam so once stitched up it will be ok. It was held down with aluminium strips and brackets. WEST SIDE Y'ALL peek-a-boo Starting to get quite bare now, in total we found 3 dead birds in the van, 2 of which were skeletons and the other was quite fresh looking underneath the radiator intake, perhaps from the drive home on the trailer, oops. We got the other door off and then i set about the lower panels, there pretty easy to come off as there all bolt on panels, something Ford promoted as a key selling point apparently. The right lower panel its self was not bad, just a bit of surface rust and a few dings. Even behind the panel it was not bad. You can see the battery tray is pretty much gone but thats not really a problem at all, its just a welded up box. Although a lot of rust came flaking off as you can see. The back of the wheel well is the worst, good thing is a lot of the panels to replace are just flat sheet with bends in it. The other side was a bit harder to take off as it had spot welds along the side door opening but it came off none the less. During all this a few bolts were completely seized and i had to grind them off, sending sparks flying. I finally thought id be a lot safer doing all this **** with the petrol tank out. Only problem was the bolts underneath had seized and the only access was to rip the floor out and take them off from the top. So out the floor it went. The guy that rents the other side of the garage popped down and gave me a hand. The floor was inch thick plywood and all the coachscrews holding it down were, as you could guess, seized. We came up with a plan of him using a big lever and me drilling lots of holes around the coachscrews. You can see the petrol tank is quite small for something to go travelling with, may need to find something bigger. Once i disconnected the tank i poured the petrol away and it was pure orange, like irn-bru. Must have been laying in the tank for years. The weekend after my brother came along instead of Jana as i wanted to get the engine/gearbox and the rest of the glass out. We even managed to get the rest of the doors off. Glass out Checking out how to remove the engine. We disconnected the gearbox first and tied rope around the engine to lift it straight up. My garage buddys engine crane came in handy. CHEEESE!! A full 53bhp or so of pure antique metal This is the hole that has been left from taking the motor out, The plan is to replace it with a 3 litre Cologne/Essex V6, i know it fits as ive seen the set up before in a Thames van. I'm going to go for an automatic box too as i just want it as a cruiser and i hope to keep the column change and rig it up to the autobox. Thats as far as ive gotten with the van. I'm pretty much at the stage where i need to take the suspension, steering and rear axle off but before i do that i need to make up a way of supporting the van off the ground. I was looking at building a rotisserie but i came up with a slightly different idea. I'm going to build 2 huge dodecagons that split into 2 pieces. That way i can roll it on its side and sandblast/repair underneath then roll it back, unbolt the top half of the dodecagons and work on the roof etc.. Only thing is its going to cost about £180 in material so i need to do a few homers to make up the money for that. I also just put down a deposit to rent a new house with Jana so money is quite tight. Next update will probably be in a few more weeks.151KViews0likes316Comments
For The "Camping Van Conversions" Forum
Welcome to the Camping Van Conversions Forum ! ... ( CVC ) 1. Hey, I just signed up and wanna ask a question! Any tips for getting my "Topic" to attract lots of attention? Try and make the "Topic" as descriptive, but yet concise as possible. This will allow you to receive quicker, and more detailed responses. It will also make future searches of the archives faster, and more accurate. Although teaser subject lines that tell you nothing of the subject can be quite creative, they often result in being overlooked by experienced members that you may very well like reading your posts. Examples are: "We Now Know the Rest of the Story" "Let the Good Times Roll" "Get a Load of This" If your subject is "Need Manuals", expand it a little like "Need Manual for 2004 Chevy Roadtrek 190 Versatile" Being Descriptive AND Concise takes just a little thought but will result in your posts being read by more members. It's always helpful to know what particular van you have or are inquiring about.... Year, Make, Model and chassis. Example: 2003 Roadtrek 190 Popular, Chevy Without this information, the first reply to your post will likely be an inquiry for the information. Another thing, for new members to consider, is to first search the archives for an answer to a question. if you don't find an answer, or if the answer is not to your satisfaction, then post a "New Topic". You will find you get a better response from the older members if the question hasn't been asked, and answered several times in the past. I'm not saying you wont get an answer, just not as a detailed as you may find in the archives. Here's the link to Post a New Topic in CVC. 2. OK, How do I search the Archives? Pulsar has an excellent tutorial for searching the archives here. When searching, bare in mind that many posts contain shortened words, nicknames, or acronyms. For instance, if you have a problem with your refrigerator, and searched the archives for "refrigerator", you would never find the threads where someone called it "reefer", "refer" or "ref." Another example would be "Roadtrek" referred to as "Road Trek" or simply "RT". If search results are coming up short, think about variations and try those out, too. Here's the link to perform an Advanced Search. 3.Tutorial for Using the Message Bar. 4. I wanna see the pictures! RV.Net Class B Photo Thread. RV.Net Camping Van Enthusiasts Map Thread How do you get into the Picture Posting Fun? RV.Net Tutorials and Picture related FAQ's 5. Camping Van Conversion, Class B, Class B+. What's the difference? Most folks consider a Camping Van Conversion to simply be a van that has undergone some changes/modifications to make it suitable for camping. Maybe nothing more than an inflatable bed and a potti - all the way up to integrated bathrooms with plumbing, electrical systems, refrigerators, etc. Like Camping Vans, Class B's are motorhomes based on a chassis that began life as a compete van. Usually the roof is replaced and sometimes large parts of the body are replaced. These fully featured motorhomes almost always include complete electrical and plumbing systems with cooking, sleeping, and bath facilities. Class B+ motorhomes are usually based on a van cutaway chassis. Motorhomes based on a van cutaway chassis are Class C's. So, most B+ posts are moved to the Class C forum since those vehicles are actually Class C's. There is a very long thread titled "B+ motorhomes" over in the Class C forum. It was started over 5 years ago and has over 1500 posts within the thread. Other Small Class C's are also sometimes confused as B's. Examples are the Sprinter based Winnebago View / Itasca Navion, VW based Winnebago Rialta, and offerings such as Leisure Travel's Sprinter based Freedom II Serenity. More explanation / argument in the following threads: I'm I riding a B or a C? A B+ or a small Class C, which is which??? I am confused B+, C ?? 6. Who makes B's? What do they look like? Rodger, our Moderator, has links to many manufacturers on his web page. Many forum members have posted pictures of their vans in the Class B photo thread. 7. What about those new Sprinter based motorhomes? Where can I learn more? Which Sprinter / Mercedes Benz motorhome to choose? Sprinter Van - how did you choose the make/converter? Sprinter mileage only 17 mpg...something wrong? Sprinter diesel performance? 8. Well, I'm really thinking about a used van. Seems that a lot of them in the 90's were Dodge based. Are those good? What should I watch out for in a used van? Which one to buy???? Buy a used van camper sight unseen?? Dodge van problems ended when? Book value? interesting thread about buying a used B new tires for a Class B van conversion Thanks, but no more Michelins for me, _ever_.... 9. Lets back up to the simple "Camping Van". What about DIY rigs? Yep, lotsa Do-It-Yourselfers here, too.... Check these out: Here's Dan's Sprinter Project. The Steyn Family Windsurfing Van on Sprinter chassis. How Gregg did some nice work on his van. Clyde Sisler's van. ejbleendreeble's Fergus .. Michel Levesque's van has a fiberglass raised top. Heather's van. ARcruiser's Camping Van Conversion Project is a work in progress. DIY campervan conversions How do you convert a van? Converting a Van into a Camper Factory built rigs and DIY projects need climate control, so lets talk air conditioners and heaters: Coach Air Conditioning in Pleasure Way Traverse Portable Air Conditioner Question Advice on choosing a roof air conditioner Nifty compact electric heater for a B Winter Boondocking--12v heaters any good? 10. I like the idea of not having to pull something (unless it's my boat) or drive a large bus, but I gotta wonder... can you really camp/travel comfortably in such a small rig? Class B's are definitely for folks that get along fairly well! Are Camping Vans Too Small? Family's with Class B Class 'B' for Camping? Traveling in a Class B...questions How many use toilet and shower in class B? How many nites in your van annually? Shower and cooktop use? Downsize from Class C to Class B Long trips in a B Full Timing in a B? Anyone solo fulltiming in a B? Permanently or temporarily 11. Tips / Hints, Maintenance, Safety, Nifty Stuff, etc. Watching these videos could save your life! (RV Tire Information Videos) You probably should get a new Carbon Monoxide Detector! Reefer Madness - keep the refrigerator level Refrigerator on AC, DC, Inverter, LP - I think I have choice overload!!! How Comfortable Are The Beds? Setting up kitchen in a B... Great Folding Colander for Class B's B's Limited Space and Grills Tell me the truth about B showers My First Dump -- a Class B Adventure Learn about Wag Bags ! PETT toilet- an alternative to a porta potti Another alternative - check out the Bumper Dumper Screen rooms in PW vehicles...tips or comments? RT 210 screen room Tips for B living? What do B owners pack Woohoo...now what do we pack????? Most important/least important Class B features Exercise! (your generator) A generator tip for all the new owners. Clean those AC filters Tire pressure question Tire pressure...Tire rating or RV Mfgr Rating??? How fast does "B" interior heat up in summer? Genset alarm for pets. Remote alarm for when Generator isn't working Service Frustration Why buy from the nearest dealer? Winterizing 12. Well, this whole RV'ing thing seems pretty overwhelming. Is there an FAQ for RV.net? Yes, Lou's FAQ in Beginning RVing covers a host of topics... 13. I went through this whole list and still need help. "And finally, a note for Good Sam Members: If you are an active Good Sam Member and you have registered on the forums using the same email address that is associated with your Good Sam account, your profile will, by default, display a small Good Sam Logo Badge when you post indicating you are a Good Sam Member. If you do not want the badge to display, log out, clear your internet cookies, and log back into the forums, go to My Forums/My Profile and select NO in the drop-down menu beside the words "Show GSC badge". Then go to the bottom of the page and click on "Submit Changes".150KViews0likes0CommentsClass B Campsite Photos - Let's See Them!
I am doing a copycat from the Class C forum. I thought it would be nice to see some "Killer B" camp sites. Here is one from July 1. It was at a friends house in the country who was nice enough to invite people over for the holiday weekend. I had to depart Saturday July 2 for a family get together but returned Sunday evening for a fireworks display. I lost my spot. :) A great time was had by all as we saw fireworks in neighboring towns.119KViews0likes215Comments
Dodge Xplorer Rear Window Leak
Thanks for checking my post guys and gals. I have been battling a rear window leak now for over a month. I have used sealant around the outer edge of the rear windows and this did not stop the leak. I then placed the sealant under the inner rubber gasket seal and it is still leaking tonight. The leak is bad enough to start building some mildew under my mattress in the back of my van. Any help or experiences with the window leaks would be great! Both sides are leaking now and began around the same time, thanks! Chris76KViews0likes9Comments
Storage Solutions
I thought that newbies and shoppers might be interested in how we increased the storage in our Sprinter. I'm not claiming that these are the "only" or "best" solutions but they have worked for us. I would hope that others will post photos of their storage solutions on this thread to provide those interested in the topic with one stop shopping for ideas. We use one of these for dirty clothes storage and the other for storing all the things that we buy on each trip to take home such as books, knickknacks and local wines. The main drawback is that they cannot be accessed from the interior of the van. These are smaller versions of those in the first photo. They fit under the sofa. When we pack for a trip, we take these inside and put all of our folding clothes and toiletries in them (one for each of us). During the trip, we remove what we need for each day. We found this unit on the Internet. It provides storage for the notebook computer (used for GPS), all of our small electronics and power cables, cameras, binoculars and much more. Plus the cup holders on the front of it are much better positioned than the Sprinter holders. The unit is moveable so it can slide back out of the way when moving from the cab to the aisle. The installed plywood floor prevents it from sliding back unintentionally. Found at one of the Sprinter accessory websites. Provides a place for the Bluetooth GPS antenna, the 4G mobile hotspot, HP handheld computer that is used as a MP3 player (Bluetooth connection to radio) and anything else that you want in easy reach. The entertainment center. Total cost: $150. When not in use, it is kept in the storage compartment above the cab. We do not have either a TV antenna or a cable hookup so the entertainment center is strictly for watching DVDs. My wife came up with this idea. She had Sportsmobile install a stainless steel back splash. All of the items you see here are held in place with magnets so nothing has to be stored away each morning. Another of my wife's innovations. The green plastic pans (there is a second one behind the one that is visible) fit perfectly (after shaving off a bit of the lip) into the space and can be easily slid in and out. That means not having to get down on your hands and knees to reach the items in the rear of the cabinet.73KViews0likes26CommentsRoadtrek introduces the RS E-TREK
NEW MODEL INTRODUCED BY ROADTREK, THE RS E-TREK Roadtrek Motorhomes Inc is pleased to announce a new model, the RS E-Trek. This new model, built on the renowned Mercedes Sprinter chassis, incorporates the latest technology into Roadtrek’s best-selling RS platform. Using our latest approach to design, the van incorporates the very latest engineering to provide campers and travellers with world class features, comfort, and style. “Roadtrek’s design incorporates technology that will give the owner greater ability to be independent, have full capability to dry camp for extended periods, all while being environmentally conscious. There has never been an RV like this, and we are extremely pleased to offer this new product." quoted Jim Hammill, President of Roadtrek. Hammill went on to comment "The introduction of this model is industry leading, environmentally responsible, all electric, all with no loss of functionality. This unit requires no compromise, as the owner can do everything to utilize the benefits, with less friction, and not be required to be an RV expert." The E-Trek was built using the most environmentally conscious materials that are e-certified, and are manufactured using high levels of recycled materials. The new E-Trek includes the following features: • Mercedes Sprinter Van (170 inch wheelbase), with Bluetec technology, and Bio-Diesel Fuel Capability. • Propane Free Operation. • New Interior styling, including touring captains seats in second row. • New Exterior Styling, Full Body Paint, tone on tone colours!! • 250 Watt Solar charging • EFOY Fuel Cell generator option • Engine generation using additional engine generator/alternator • 2500 Watt Inverter • Surge protection and Power monitoring • Optional Lithium Ion batteries Andy Weller, Roadtrek's Co-Chairman and CEO stated, "This unit utilizes the latest electrical capabilities available to achieve the environmental improvements and camping independence that our customers have been demanding. Our Engineering team has worked extremely hard to create something not just new, but actually a much different and easier product to use for the consumer." Roadtrek has begun Manufacturing of the E-Trek and is taking orders through its dealer network. Based in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, Roadtrek Motorhomes Inc, is the leading manufacturer of Class B Motorhomes and Camper Vans in North America. For more information, please contact Paul Cassidy, Vice President of Sales and Service at paulc@roadtrek.com and 519-745-1169.61KViews0likes155Comments