This is my friend Fred’s camper parked near me. He’s selling it for $8450. It includes these four Renology 100 watt panels, controller and four golf cart batteries. That’s over $1300 worth of solar not including installation.
- The readers would get to learn about another great option for mobile living (truck campers).
- Maybe he could sell his truck.
- Some one could get a great deal on a truck and camper.
I see this as a win-win-win, so here are pictures of his setup and Fred wrote up all the info you need on the sale:
Looking forward at the kitchen and bed you see that although campers are small they offer all the comforts of home including a queen-sized bed and full kitchen including a microwave.
Looking back toward the dinette. There is a box on the seats that holds the four golf cart batteries. Notice the second window at the bottom of the door. The previous owner installed that and Fred says it does an excellent job of letting him see behind him while he is driving.
2000 Ford F-250 Super Duty V-10 Truck & Camper $8,450
I have my 2000 Ford F-250 Super Duty V-10 Truck & Camper for sale. Both are in excellent shape. I am selling them together, NOT individually. The truck has approximately 155,xxx miles and runs perfectly and has electric windows, door locks, cruise control. The camper has an a/c (which is also a heater), forced air heater and all of them work very well. I took the rear seat out of the truck (see pics) and it give me plenty of room in back. I will include them if you wish. Rear tires are about 8 months old (10 ply Yokohama) and the front tires are about a year old (10 ply Cooper) and have only about 5000-6000 miles on them with full warranty for (Both sets are 50,000 mile tires).
Almost new Yokohama tires on back.
He took the backseat out for more storage. He still has them if you want them but I wouldn’t. They just waste space as far as I’m concerned. One of these propane tanks stays with the truck.
It has a three-way RV fridge that works perfectly.
It has a small bathroom with everything. Fred didn’t want to bother with dumping so he doesn’t use it. In fact he took the hot water heater out so it doesn’t have one.
The solar system is very unique. It has four 100 watt Renology panels that are not mounted. Instead, two of them are hinged to each other and he loads them into the back door of the camper when he is moving.
The panels are hinged to each other so they are easily moved in and out of the camper. It also makes it easy to tilt to the suns angle and to swivel to track the sun.
This is the magic that makes his portable solar power system work so well. He has wired it so that it uses a standard heavy-duty outdoor 110 volt extension cord. That means plugging and unplugging it is very simple and reliable. But best of all if you carry a 100 foot extension cord you can park the camper in the shade and move the panels as far as you need to place them in the sun. Fred did that once placing the panels 100 feet from the camper. There was a small drop in voltage, but not enough to worry about.
The panels folded and stored in the back of the camper. Quick and easy!
This is the extra window that the previous owner installed. Fred says it greatly helps in seeing what is behind you through the rear-view mirror.
All the appliances work fine (except the hot water heater which is gone) including this forced-air furnace. Notice the 5-gallon bucket potty. At heart Fred is a vandweller so this is a pretty logical step for him.
The camper has a queen sized bed but for a single man that’s wasted space. Fred uses the extra space for more storage and organization.
The truck looks and runs great! Fred says the camper has no leaks or dry rot. It’s move-in ready and should be trouble-free.
Notice it has hydraulic jacks. That’s one of the things that makes a camper so handy; if you’re going to be in one spot for long it’s fairly easy to drop the camper off so it stays in camp and you can drive the truck without it.
It has an awning over the back door. The gas cans stay with the rig.
Everything in the truck is in good shape.
Fred carries his Yamaha 2000 generator on the floorboard of the passenger seat. It does NOT come with the truck, it has NO generator.
The kitchen is small but very usable!
Thanks for the photos inside a full-timer’s truck camper! I’ve more or less come to the conclusion that a truck camper is the first rig I’d like to set out in full-time (saving furiously as we speak for the ideal set up that I could see myself in long-term), but the only photos you ever really see are of clean and empty interiors. I have a much better feel for storage options and what the kitchen looks like when lived in now.
And that solar set up looks fantastic! Is that something that I would need to figure out how to customize myself with assistance or do you think I could show that set up to an installation company and they could get me going with something similar? I’ve been pondering the shade/full sun paradox inherent in a truck camper since I’ve recognized that my electricity needs with be relatively high for this lifestyle to be sustainable for me. His looks right on the money.
Keep up the great, inspiring work!
Thanks for sharing this. I’ve lived in a truck camper in the past, and if and when I go back I would do it again. Ideal setup because when you get older and if you can’t or don’t want to drive anymore you just pick out a nice RV park. If you want to move, just rent a three quarter ton pickup and move it, or hire someone with a pickup at the RV park, there’s always lots of pickups. And the great thing about truck campers, at least when I was in Florida, no tags, it’s not real propery, it’s personal property.
Hi Tom,
Same too for Nevada. It’s personal property not real property.
Hi Ariel,
This is more than enough space for 1 person and even 2 if you get along well. If I can help in any way please let me know as this is my 3rd personal installation as well as helping around 10-12 others with theirs. I will be at the RTR in January, hopefully I will have my van by then. If you have any Q’s in the meantime, write or call at the address above and I will help in any way that I can.
Fred
Thanks for the tour, best of luck selling and for the purchaser, have a great travelling future! Campers have come a long way since “Travels With Charlie”!
darn, I’m saving up for a truck camper, but a much smaller pop-up one as it will be a daily driver in the city when it’s not out camping… on our travels with Charley (my dog, named after THAT Charley).
Fred
Perhaps you could illuminate us on why you are downsizing to a van, are there aspects of the truck camper that just don’t work for you?
Hi Dave,
I like the camper just fine. It has served me admirably. I have a certain amount budgeted for gas though and van will get 50-70% better mileage (15-17 mpg). I’ll be able to see places further away even though I only move once every 2-3 weeks. Also equally important, I have reduced my “things” to just a few and it is actually more space than I want or need any longer. Lastly, if my arthritis get worse by just a tad, then getting up to the bed will cause much consternation and tribulation.
Are you planing on having a high top van to stand up in ? I would guess that is your plan. I am looking at buying an older motorhome kinda like a toyota mini but it is on a chevy s10. body because of fuel. use is better also i own. a astro van now but. you can not stand up. good luck on your. choice of the van. I,m sure it will work out great
Hi Joe,
I plan on getting either a high top or conversion van. Yes, I would like to stand up or at least not have to stoop over more than an inch or two. It will be fun fixing it up.
Fred
Wow that’s a really nice set up! I’m thinking about getting a pop up camper for my Tacoma (Four Wheel Camper Eagle). I’ll have to sort out the suspension first though. It won’t be nearly as big as Fred’s setup but I think I’ll be happy with it.
Hi Joe S,
Pop up should work just fine and no doubt you will be happy with it. If you can, beef up the suspension especially if you plan to run on some of the rough roads that I do.
Joe, may I ask what models of truck and camper you are looking to match? Tacoma+FWC is what I’m looking at too, and I’m trying to decide between 2WD vs 4WD. I’m leaning toward 2WD for fuel economy. Then I’ll either get an Eagle or Fleet bare shell and customize it myself, to minimize weight.
Ming, I would think that for you being in BC Canada snow would be an issue and 4×4 would be a near neccessity. I’m a really big fan of 4×4, I wish I had it!
Bob
Ming – I have a 2013 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off Road. It is a 4X4 with rear locker. I’m looking at the “Eagle” model 4WC. Hopefully I can find a used one I like because they are EXPENSIVE!
You can get away with 2WD if you don’t plan on going extremely off road or drive too much in the snow. I take my truck on jeep trails in Colorado and Utah so I pretty much had to have 4WD. The weak point is the rear suspension. I’ll probably get dakar leafs and maybe air bags if I get a 4WC.
Expedition portal has a great forum with tons of info and member builds, check it out some time. Also, there’s a blogger “a restless transplant” who runs a Tacoma and 4WC, his build is worth checking out.
Hey Bob and Joe, thanks for your thoughts.
Bob – living in Vancouver, I’ve managed to avoid snow quite successfully as we hardly get any. The problem is that I don’t know how my travels might change with the expanded capabilities of a truck. Will I suddenly develop a desire to explore 4×4 trails? Or go winter camping? Gas consumption is a big deal to me and why I chose a Honda Fit the last time I changed vehicles. Funds are limited so the thought of using twice as much gas as I do now (with the 4WD) is horrifying and I do definitely have plans for regular longer distance trips like your recent Alaska journey. So it’s not that clear to me.
You went from 4WD to 2WD, do you have plans to switch back now that you’ve had it for a few years? My guess is that I would typically camp in similar sites to what you have described during this time.
Joe – have you seen these?
http://www.truckcampermagazine.com/news/hellwig-products-launches-toyota-tacoma-spring-pack
though I would probably just go with air bags like the FWC Canadian vendor does.
Yes, I’ve looked at Restless Transplant’s cool Tacoma rig. It seems perfectly suited to his inspiring outdoorsy lifestyle. I will check out Expedition Portal.
I guess that part of the reason I am going the truck+camper route is that I can theoretically mix and match. If I go 2WD and end up getting stuck too much, I can always sell the truck and get a different one (or go in the opposite direction) while keeping the camper that I have customized to my needs.
I met some nice people who showed me their new-to-them used bare shell Eagle on my last camping trip. They got it for a good price from a posting on Wander the West. There is apparently a forum section for members who scour the Craigslist ads and then alert other members.
I bought a used Ford van with a 4×4 kit from http://www.ujointoffroad.com already installed. 6″ lift with 35″ tires.
These are great kits, well designed, better than the Quigleys.
It uses axles from Ford 4×4 pickup trucks.
Mine has the 7.3L diesel engine which does pretty good on mileage. (18.5 mpg highway at 65 mph).
wow John, that is one cool vehicle! Have fun out there waaaay out in the boonies. It’s good to know there are 4X4 van alternatives to Sportsmobile.
Hi Ming –
I’m torn by the 2×4 or 4×4 decision as well, although I’m leaning 4×4 for the peace of mind and increased boondocking options (however, RVSue poopoos the idea that you need 4×4 for good boondocking, and I don’t ignore her advice). The problem is, with the weight of the the 4×4, you may be able to get a lot less truck in a 2×4 that will still have the weight capacity for the camper. This is more of a concern for me, though, as I’m looking at heavier hardside campers for temperature control and convenience.
It seems like, though, even in a small truck and light weight pop-up camper, why not go for the 4×4? The potentially negligible long-run MPG difference would buy you decreased worry about getting stuck and will give you the confidence to really get out there. However, if your budget is impossible tight and you don’t see yourself getting way way in the boondocks… Oy. One of the problems with the camper and truck rig is that there are maybe too many options!
Hi Ariel,
I may have answered your questions with the reply I just posted. Boy are you right about having too many options!!
Yes, peace of mind from reducing the getting stuck potential with a 4×4 is a definite concern. I do boondock lightly in my city car right now and I just can’t tell how much wilder I may be inspired to go with a truck once I get over the fear of killing my vehicle.
I’ve also seen RVSue’s thoughts on the matter, and Glenn over at To Simplify has also decided that 2×4 is good enough to get him back into the boondocks where he would like to go.
Gas pain at the pump is a big concern to me. I do need to live frugally and a big part of my monthly expenditures already is the fuel bill even though I don’t use the car that much and drive a Honda Fit. I have plans for big trips like Bob’s recent one.
I would be interested in seeing what you end up with and how it works out for you! Actually, I’d like to hear from more truck camper dwellers to see how they handle things like stealth camping in the city… hey Bob? 🙂
I grew up in a remote area of Montana with lots of dirt roads. I also was a logger when I was younger and had to work on those poor roads.
4X4 is expensive compared to two wheel drive. Not only fuel, but you will go through tires faster. The front end has more parts that require more maintenance and will need more repairs. The newer IFS (Independent Front Suspension) is even more expensive. I justify the extra expense by saying this is my Home. My mobile Home is much less expensive than the typical stationary home. While a four wheel drive needs more maintenance than a two wheel drive, that four wheel drive takes a lot less maintenance than a brick and mortar house. It’s all relative.
If all you can afford is two wheel drive, then it really is do-able. I’ve owned both and can say that a two wheel drive can get around amazingly well. As long as you have a stable base under mud or snow, you have a great deal of traction. Just be ready to put on the chains. I am an expert at taking chains on and off. I’ve done it scores of times, perhaps hundreds. Chains wear out kind of fast and they break, but they are still less expensive and weigh less than a four wheel drive system.
If you are in sand or bottomless mud, four wheel drive is the only way to go. Even with chains you will not get much farther. As soon as you dig down so the axles are on the ground, you are in trouble. At that point, you better have eaten your Wheaties because you are in for a workout.
Knowing how to efficiently use a block and tackle or a Hi-Lift Jack will help pull you out. A quality winch makes life easier, too. All that stuff takes up room. So does four wheel drive, but all those components are out of the way tucked conveniently underneath the truck.
Some guys will argue to the death that larger tires and a suspension lift is what one needs to get anywhere, but that is bogus. Unless you want to cross a boulder field or fjord the Yukon, you simply don’t need that much clearance. Transmissions and brakes are worked extra hard. Spending all that extra time and money on a lift will get you maybe 2 percent more places. Unless it snowed excessively or rained excessively, I got anywhere I wanted- that is saying a lot. Lifting a truck messes terribly with the ride and handling. I mean terribly. Your kidneys will hate you. Not worth it. But you will look cool to your friends. Your best friends being your mechanic and tire shop.
Lockers are underrated. If you get a two wheel drive, get a locker. For $600 to $1500 dollars, you will get a great deal more traction. There’s pros and cons to everything, but there are quite a few more pros than cons if you know how to drive well.
I have a four wheel drive because I don’t want to mess around. When I was young, getting stuck wasn’t a big deal. Now I don’t care to mess around with that. I would rather spend more time and money on a four wheel drive in the comfort of a driveway rather than investing that time and money getting unstuck in the boonies. While a two wheel drive can do amazingly well, you cannot beat a four wheel drive for traction.
thank you Canine, for your good, solid, real world advice. And a convincing argument for 4WD!
I’m sure that if I had it, I would use it. There are spots in the past few years of travel that were very doable with 2WD but worried me so I probably would have put it in 4WD just to make sure. Mind you, I still have very little experience on dirt roads so my comfort level will improve once I have a more rough road worthy vehicle. The Fit acquired a bit of a rattle for a while after a rather washboardy trip off pavement. I’d best take it easy until after I sell it on.
Thank you for the real life experiences! Full-timing needs are so much different than someone trying to come up with the most impressive toy. I had assumed that I would be looking into getting a lift, although I had not yet researched the pros and cons. I appreciate the warning – I’ll take it real slow while considering that option.
My intention is to spend as much as I need to up-front in order to spend as little as possible afterwards for the longest amount of time (sick of playing the game and will be quitting a comfortable but soul-drowning career to pursue this lifestyle.) I have time on my side, but not experience!
Ming—-don’t forget about All Terrain Campers, they are very well built and come in slightly cheaper than FWC’s. Marty and Jeff who own ATC worked at Four Wheel for decades, most of the older FWC’s on the road were actually built by them. They sold the company to the current owner in 2001 or so. The Bobcat is the equivalent of the FWC Eagle.
Phoenix Campers was started by Rob Rowe, the son of the founder of FWC, Dave Rowe. His campers are custom, so more expensive than either of the other two. Outfitter has a FWC clone, the Caribou Lite but its pricey at 16k. Going with a shell is a smart move, especially if you can do without all the fancy options. Don’t forget about a bleed over valve for your rear brakes. In certain situations braking with a camper on the bed becomes almost impossible without one.
If you are trying to go for a used Eagle than all I can say is good luck. Have a bunch of money stashed, when one comes up on Craigslist (ski3pin on the wander the west site trolls craigslist for you) be ready to pounce. They can literally go within hours of posting.
thank you Dave, for letting me know about the alternatives, I was aware of Phoenix but not the others. And about the brakes, I’ll have to educate myself about that! There is clearly a lot to learn once you venture off pavement.
Joe, I have a friend who retired and moved into a full-size pop-up camper in the fall and sold it the next spring and bought a hard-sided camper. Pop-up campers are great for trips, but not for full-timing.
Bob
did he say why? I’m thinking ahead in case the day comes when I transition from long trips to permanent living on the road.
Ming, they are cold! We winter in the desert and the wind blows a lot so they are shaking and leaking and it’s just uncomfortable.
They are also a pain to be setting up and taking down all the time. If you’re traveling (most vandwellers do!) then you either put it up every night or you are very uncomfortable. If you stop for lunch, try to make something with the top down! Or try to use the bathroom. My friend was older and putting it up and down was hard on his back. He also knew that the constant exposure to the suns UVs and the wind was silently and steadily attacking the fabric around the clock!
A hard-sided camper solves all those problems and costs you very little in exchange.
If you are only taking trips a few times a year, it’s no big deal. But if you’re going to live in it full-time for the next 10 years, you just aren’t going to put up with it. He didn’t!
Bob
thanks Bob, that is good food for thought. Nothing like hearing about real life experiences to help manage expectations!
Bob – good points all around.
Ming – in case you missed this blog post… Bob’s friend outfits a Tacoma with a hard side camper. I’ve considered going this route too.
http://www.cheaprvliving.com/blog/living-an-adventure-in-a-toyota-tacoma-camper/
Just curious, why don’t you keep the solar set-up? Or do you have a different idea for your van? I’m looking at all the options, and it’s so much help to be able to read about other peoples experiences.
Hi Ruby Lee,
I am not keeping the solar setup because it would be difficult to store them while traveling in a van and hopefully selling them with the camper will be the sweetener to have someone purchase the truck/camper. More importantly, my new setup will be with flexible solar panels (they flex 30 degrees). They are more expensive but lighter in weight at about 5 lbs. apiece and are more efficient at about 19-21% rather than 17-18%. They will also fit the curvature of a van more easily on top but its also just neat to have them. I have already figured a way to mount them away from the van as well.
Hi Fred –
One of the reasons you liked your portable set up was the ability to stay in the shade for comfort in the summer, yet still get plenty of full-sun for your panels. How do you plan on adjusting to that limitation in your van?
Hi Ariel,
I am planning on being able to do the same thing in the new van as I am able to do now. I have a plan that will permit me to use a lightweight “mounting” system for the flex panels. Rather than go into a great deal of long explanation, it will allow me to move the panels externally, as I do now, and still be in the shade. The new panels weigh about 4-5 lbs. each, and the supports that I have planned for them weigh about 2-3 lbs. For 4 panels, and supports that is a total of 25 lbs for everything as opposed to 75 lbs under the present configuration. If Bob will let me post them in a month or so, or whenever I get my van, I will be glad to post the new way of mounting the flex panels. To me, this idea (me under the shade, panels under the sun)is worth inventing or updating a way to make sure that I can always do this regardless of vehicle. Stay tuned!
Fred, I have a GMC Safari and a Renogy 100 watt solar panel on the roof. I really hate being dependent on parking in the sun on hot days just to keep my house batteries charged. Looking forward to seeing your new van and solar setup at RTR!
Cool – look forward to seeing it and shamelessly stealing your ideas!
Fred, I’d be very interested in that post, as that is the kind of solar setup I was planning to build on my eventual truck rig. Light weight is where it’s at for panels. I’m just not up to wrestling with 75lbs of panels when there is an alternative.
You have a nice setup with your truck camper, I look forward to seeing how you will set up your van.
Following.
This is a great setup, I know Fred having camped near him outside of Flagstaff. And I’d toss in a vouch or two because I know he really takes care of his stuff. This would be a great, if not perfect, start up rig for a newbie. I spent my first year on the road in a truck camper and enjoyed every minute of it. But once I started searching for a new bike, it was time to upgrade to a converted cargo trailer. Sure do miss the old camper sometimes.
If you can afford this, snatch it up, great rig, great price, and Fred’s a great guy. (Howdy Fred) Jesse
Nice looking camper & that solar system is a great idea!
There are some very impressive new PV panels that are light, flexible and collect more energy. The future is here!
I am presently experimenting with a Uni-Solar 136 watt roll up solar panel charging my 2 Lifeline AGM batteries in my E350 cargo van……..got it on Amazon for less than $200….one drawback to this panel is the length—18’…however, I keep the van in the shade, and roll the panel out in full sun to charge…..its very lightweight. And to keep the power drop to a minimum I am using 4 gauge wire. So far, doing great!
John, Unisolar made great panels! Being able to roll them up was ideal for many vandwellers. I have several freinds with 136 watt panel and it’s working well for all of them.
Sounds like it’s perfect for you!
Bob
Hi John,
What is important is that your electrical needs are met with your set up. 4 gauge wire is quite expensive especially for a long run. Sounds like you have it down fairly well and that’s all that matters.
The flex panels I have in mind are 42″ long x 21″ wide. Mine is a heavy duty construction extension cord and even though I lose 2 or 3 volts, to me, it is very minor. My panels put out 39.7v without the cord and 37.2v with the cord. Either way. it’s more than enough to supply my needs and charge my batteries (wet cell).
Hello Bob & Friends,
I’ve been debating a truck camper for a long time, but now I realize a van would work better for extended living. I’ve narrowed it down to a newer model GMC diesel van or new model Mercedes Sprinter diesel van. I realize the Sprinter servicing would cost more, but which one of the two engines would last longest and remain trouble free? I appreciate everyone’s input.
Thanks,
Omar
Omar, You should have a look at the new Ford Transit 250 XL High top. Not to be confused with the little Ford Connect. This is the full size van like the Sprinter. Just have to wait a while and they will be all over like the E350’s, cheap as well hopefully.
Omar, The first time you have to make a repair on the diesel that costs thousands instead of the hundreds it would have cost for a gas engine, all the savings in MPG over the engines lifetime will be lost and will never be regained.
The 5.3 gas engine in a Chevy Express will easily get 17-20 mpg (Judy averaged 17 MPG on our trip to Alaska) and over it’s lifetime cost pennies on the dollar to maintain and repair compared to either diesel. I am 100% certain that it’s lifetime cost will be much, much lower than any diesel even including the better MPG.
If you have to have a diesel van, my first choice would be a Ford with the 7.3, then the Chevy Duramax and dead last the Mercedes. They will all eat their transmissions so always have a fund on hand to rebuild them. You can rebuild them to make them last forever, but it’s going to cost you!!!
The only reason to chose a diesel is if you are going to pull big, heavy loads, for that only a diesel will do.
Bob
Hi Fred, Is that a gas or diesel truck? What is the MPG you get with the camper loaded and what is the approx weight of the camper? Thanks for the info.
Hi Andy,
It is a fuel injected gas engine. Weight of the camper itself as stated on the manufacturers decal is 2025 and that includes the 2.5g propane tank full and the water at 36 gal full.
I get between 10.2 and 11.5 miles per gallon. I put it on cruise and never past 60 mph, typically 58. If there are lots of hills, 9.8-10.2mpg, if its smooth and no stop and go, 11.5-11.9mpg. If you drive without the camper on it at the above speeds it gets around 12-13 without a lot of hills or stop and go. All city driving does cut the mileage to around 9.8 to 10.2mpg.
Andy & Bob,
Thanks for the information. I agree with you Bob. Diesel is probably not worth it in my case as I won’t be pulling a heavy load. Andy, I’ll check out the Transit and hopefully they’ll be cheap. I’m in research and planning mode. Hope to meet you all at the RTR.
Thanks again,
Omar
Omar. if I may interject here. RVers tend to change their vehicle every once in a while. So you could pick up a chevy express for 3 or 4 years and then pick up that used Transit. My opinion and a (whatever a cup costs) will buy a cup of coffee.
Bob, you are close to having me convinced on the Chevy express 2500 as a converted home to start anyway then to end up with a small TT 18 to 22 ft to pull behind. There are literally hundreds of used express vans for sale in the west in every conceivable configuration. This has been a terrific post.
Jon, I am just very, very impressed with the Chevy Express and 5.3 liter V8. Have you ever read RVSueandCrew. She has the exact setup you are talking about, a Chevy Express towing a Casitta Travel trailer. Very, very good setup!!! Find her here!
http://rvsueandcrew.net/
The Express has some disadvantages I should tell you about:
1) it is very curved in at the top costing you space.
2) the back doors are also curved and don’t have hinges. So a standard ladder won’t work and it’s hard to mount a spare on it.
3) The 2007 passenger van has a very elaborate plastic interior that wastes a whole bunch of space.
But that is pretty minor stuff! It is still my first choice and with the 5.3 V8 my highest recommended van.
Bob
Jonthebru,
Thanks for the feeback, I appreciate it. Yes, I agree as you and Bob have stated the Chevy Express 5.3 is probably the best choice. I’ll keep you posted.
Omar
I am so glad i found this site, It gives me hope. I am about to finish my BFA and have found me a nice 1989 motorhome so i am about to trade the motorcycle ditch the rent and live full time in it grad school here i come!!!!
Today I just bought a used Bi Fuel CNG 2003 Chevy express 2500 van.
It is at the St. Louis Airport. I have to fly there to pick it up.
What are your recommendations for a trailer/vehicle pulling hitch on it. I think that I want to be able to pull something as big as another Chevy 3500 van. I want to set it up as a stealth camper.
It is a cargo van with windows. I really have liked the Casitas that I have seen but they have been outrageously expensive. My sweetie of 45 years now has been talking about me buying/ building
a nostalgic styled teardrop. I would like to camp on BLM land at Quartzsite but they require a larger than 10 gallon holding tank.
I welcome private emails and text messages. I am in Sun City California and do lots of traveling carrying tools to do car, computer and handyman repairs. I also bought a month ago a 2000 Ford E-250 van but after driving it and being pleased with it 200 miles, I started home from Kansas City and got 6 miles and it puked
out a spark plug. I was cold, no tools and broke so I drove my tired 2000 Gran Marquis home once again. I would love to know fols experiences with spark plug inserts. I am pondering the purchase of the TIME-Sert kit $425 or the Ford recommended kit which is lots more – My mind went blank – Lock and stitch? yes! Now that I had the problem, I hear that it is a common problem (1996-2003)so I figure to add that to my list of things I can do for others. Locknstitch says that their aluminum inserts are far better than the steel ones of Timesert. Timesert is the recognized repair method used by GM to repair damaged threads .. such as Caddy head bolts. GM was clever enough not to get into spark plug problems with their designs so they are not recommending aluminum spark plug threaded inserts. Bobby Ray 951-764-1335 atruefriend at Gmail.
Does anyone have suggestions on how to make a windowless … well there are windows in the doors 2000 Ford E-250 van into a comfortable stealth van? Any suggestions on fixing #3 sparkplug that blew out of the passenger head? Van has 100K miles and ran great first 200 miles that I owned it. I started home with it and bang … a plug blew out. It is CNG and here locally in Hemet I can buy CNG for $1.19 a gge gallon of gas equivalent. THat means I can afford to drive this van. Alas it only has a 250 mile range and that means that I can not drive it home as there is no way to get from Missouri to California and still find stations less than 250 miles apart. I have wanted to make it a bi-fuel by adding propane. Has anyone ever done this to a fuel injected engine. Being it already does CNG … the conversion ought to be much simpler than going from gas to CNG. Bobby Ray atruefriend at gmail. 951-764-1335 Today I bought a Bi-Fuel Chevy Express van. It can use either gasoline or Compress Natural Gas. I need to use it to tow my Ford home. I also somehow in the next week need to get to Saint Louis from Southern California. My thumb is out. (-;
At almost 70, I am getting too old for this foolishness. My sweetie of 45 years says no way she is going to give up too many creature comforts like we did van camping when we got married in 1969. She thinks that a tear drop would be real nice to camp with. Being as short as she is a low roof in a van is not a concern to her but a tear drop … I think that would be different.
Bobby Ray, at the top of the page on cheaprvliving.com are a bunch of different drop-down menus. Click on “Van Conversions: to get some ideas of how to convert a van. I’m afraid I can’t help you on your other questions.
I think a van would be bigger and more comfortable than a tear-drop trailer. They are tiny!
Bob
Bobby Ray, the tool specifically made for your problem is about $60. That is a common problem among certain years of Triton engines. Here is a link to a how-to-video that may help you:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSY9iBheBXI
Thanks for that link Canine! Very helpful!
Bob