arnold ziffle Posted November 26, 2020 Share Posted November 26, 2020 nice setup. the only thing i would change is put the passenger seat on a swivel and back it towards the dash for a place to hang out or read. maybe put the fridge on a slider under the counter. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crockett Posted November 27, 2020 Author Share Posted November 27, 2020 18 hours ago, arnold ziffle said: nice setup. the only thing i would change is put the passenger seat on a swivel and back it towards the dash for a place to hang out or read. maybe put the fridge on a slider under the counter. Too late, all but the driver seat are on the landfill. And I need that room for the fridge. I can sit on my bed, which I will be able to pull out as well. At day time there will be one part of the mattress serving as a backrest. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crockett Posted November 27, 2020 Author Share Posted November 27, 2020 Today I did a trans fluid, filter and pan change. New pan has a drain plug, so I can do more changes without having to pull the pan each time. Remaining maintenance before I keep working on the camper conversion: - some touch up painting on the hood and lower front door panels - install the wires for a dash cam mirror. back window has a sunshade now and I need to be able to see what's behind me. Got this thing on Amazon, has a 12" display: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B089SVCW1X/ 3 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
holyjohnson Posted November 27, 2020 Share Posted November 27, 2020 that new van is really gonna Class up the 'Down by the River' Neighborhood.. we drove SIL`s on Road trips and it was really comfortable, and i liked the power windows on the sliders. Good Buy! 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmohme Posted November 27, 2020 Share Posted November 27, 2020 (edited) I have considered one just for hauling around my optical gear. As far as the man card thing goes. If you need a card to prove you are, then you are not anyway. And I like the mini camper layout too! Edited November 27, 2020 by jmohme 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blueiron Posted November 27, 2020 Share Posted November 27, 2020 You are now obligated to change your user photo to this: You also need to get a personalized license plate for the van that says: MATT F or M FOLEY. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crockett Posted November 27, 2020 Author Share Posted November 27, 2020 4 hours ago, jmohme said: I have considered one just for hauling around my optical gear. As far as the man card thing goes. If you need a card to prove you are, then you are not anyway. And I like the mini camper layout too! I thought of that as well. I bring a lot of gear to the range. None of that fits in the Vette and my truck is a regular cab. Never liked my gear and rifles to be in the open bed. The minivan makes that much easier and safer. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crockett Posted November 28, 2020 Author Share Posted November 28, 2020 (edited) Wrong thread. Edited November 28, 2020 by crockett Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kerbie18 Posted November 28, 2020 Share Posted November 28, 2020 I am pretty much the mini-van master. I have slept in a mini-van in the ENTIRE lower 48 states. Walmart parking lots, assorted rest stops, and random streets were my friends. I only completed the last two states with plane tickets. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
larry_minn Posted November 29, 2020 Share Posted November 29, 2020 I have considered a minivan myself. Had a full size van. With China virus concerns. A hotel room, drive thru food... is less attractive. Did a 850+ drive just stopping for food, unload fluids. Brought my own food, drink so stop for gas, bathroom, few side of road check tires... honestly if solo I seldom get a hotel for under 20 hr drive. I carry soapy water, paper, cloth towels with me. In college I broke drivers seat in car accident. Moved passenger seat over. Set up bed across rear seat for trips. Guy asked me about dating with no passenger seat. I found it great. You start with gal in back seat. All you have to do is join her. Plus tons of leg room.... 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crockett Posted November 30, 2020 Author Share Posted November 30, 2020 On 11/28/2020 at 8:37 AM, kerbie18 said: I am pretty much the mini-van master. I have slept in a mini-van in the ENTIRE lower 48 states. Walmart parking lots, assorted rest stops, and random streets were my friends. I only completed the last two states with plane tickets. Feel free to share some photos if you have any. Did you use a mattress? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crockett Posted December 10, 2020 Author Share Posted December 10, 2020 Hanging at the beach... will install a new alternator tomorrow and do a first over night trip soon. 3 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crockett Posted December 13, 2020 Author Share Posted December 13, 2020 Working on this in 3 phases: 1.) Doing all the repairs and maintenance = all done now, alternator replacement was the last job 2.) Converting the minivan to a mini camper starts now. That being said, I will not install right away solar panels, LiPo batteries, charge controller, maxi air vent, build in water tank or a complete bed frame with cabinets. I'd be building the entire winter and not get out one single time. Here in Florida it is now the best time for camping, since our summers are too hot. So I will be only doing the bare minimum camper conversion in order to get out soon and make some first experiences. This will also allow me to make adjustments in my final floor plan, before it is all done and I would have to start over. So this first minimalistic camper version will be just: - camping cod bed = installed - porta potty in the back = done - camping stove = bought - 5 gallon water jug with hand pump on top = bought - 3 plastic containers that go under the cod for clothes, food and cooking utensils = bought - 12 v hook up with a 400 watt inverter for chargers etc = needs to be mounted - bedding = ordered, should arrive today - small foldable counter for food prep etc = working on right now - LED lights = need to be ordered and installed - 12v compressor fridge run from car battery = will order tonight 3.) Doing the full build in late spring 2021. Starting with the foldable counter now using a cardboard template... 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cheygriz Posted December 13, 2020 Share Posted December 13, 2020 Sure could have used one of those when i was 16!? 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crockett Posted December 14, 2020 Author Share Posted December 14, 2020 13 minutes ago, Cheygriz said: Sure could have used one of those when i was 16!? I did it in my parents house... they didn't care... 1 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crockett Posted December 18, 2020 Author Share Posted December 18, 2020 Foldable table is done... 3 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crockett Posted January 4, 2021 Author Share Posted January 4, 2021 (edited) 5 million dollar view for 3 grand. Edited February 26, 2021 by crockett 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crockett Posted February 26, 2021 Author Share Posted February 26, 2021 Alright, after testing this whole minivan camper conversion idea with a simple camping bed and foldable table I decided to move forward and start the real build. I was able to park and stay everywhere. No "No RV" signs apply to a minivan, and nobody even knows what's inside. I have stayed right on the beach a bunch of times. 5 million dollar views and free over-night stays in a freaking $3,000 minivan. Removing everything not needed today. Next steps will be: 1. Measuring everything. 2. Framing for the plywood floor. 3. Installation of the water tank in the left side of the floor-recess behind the driver seat. Right side will hold 200 amp LiPo4 batteries, charge controllers and inverters. Rear tub will be a sit-shower with build-in porta potti toilet. 4. Cutting and installing insulation. 5. Installing a level plywood floor. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Historian Posted February 26, 2021 Share Posted February 26, 2021 This is going to be interesting. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crockett Posted February 26, 2021 Author Share Posted February 26, 2021 4 minutes ago, Historian said: This is going to be interesting. Much like the old VW campers, but today's minivans may even have more room on the inside. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Historian Posted February 26, 2021 Share Posted February 26, 2021 1 minute ago, crockett said: Much like the old VW campers, but today's minivans may even have more room on the inside. I remember those old VMs. They were quiet the thing for camping and traveling. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crockett Posted February 26, 2021 Author Share Posted February 26, 2021 2 minutes ago, Historian said: I remember those old VMs. They were quiet the thing for camping and traveling. These days there is more to it. Make a drive on your local Wal Mart parking lot around 11 PM and look out for minivans and cargo vans in the far corners with blacked out windows and / or curtains in all windows. You won't believe how many people are living FULL TIME in these stealth vans. I know a couple folks that live on only 300 bucks a month this way, gas money and insurance included. They save every penny they make. They will be able to buy a 200k house, cash, in 3 to 4 years, while most other pay their **** off over 30 years. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crockett Posted February 26, 2021 Author Share Posted February 26, 2021 Freshwater tank is ordered. 13 gallons will be enough for long weekend trips (3 navy showers, washing hands and dishes). The toilet has its own fresh water and holding tank. Photo is not to spec. Will go here: 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Historian Posted February 27, 2021 Share Posted February 27, 2021 6 hours ago, crockett said: These days there is more to it. Make a drive on your local Wal Mart parking lot around 11 PM and look out for minivans and cargo vans in the far corners with blacked out windows and / or curtains in all windows. You won't believe how many people are living FULL TIME in these stealth vans. I know a couple folks that live on only 300 bucks a month this way, gas money and insurance included. They save every penny they make. They will be able to buy a 200k house, cash, in 3 to 4 years, while most other pay their **** off over 30 years. You have to admire the dedication to that kind of life style hoping to get ahead in life. But when you think about it. If you can buy right out the house...you start saving with the next pay check. Debt is a cast iron bitch. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Historian Posted February 27, 2021 Share Posted February 27, 2021 6 hours ago, Historian said: I remember those old VMs. They were quiet the thing for camping and traveling. Kinda surprised someone didn't noticed my typo. VMs was to be VWs. But since i work with VMs it was a natural mistake. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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