Camper van for traveling

[surveyor]

finally found this thread again in "rubber meets the road", seems appropriate : )
Saw this article Tom and thought of you.
http://www.rugzee.com/exploring-the-world-in-a-comfortable-tiny-mobile-home/

 

[Tom Dunlap]

finally found this thread again in "rubber meets the road", seems appropriate : )
Saw this article Tom and thought of you.
http://www.rugzee.com/exploring-the-world-in-a-comfortable-tiny-mobile-home/

Thanks!

Ambulances make a good starting box. Some are tall enough for me to stand

The plywood is off my walls. Now I'm collecting foam insulation sheets. Two 4" layers for the ceiling, 1" floors, 2-3" for walls. Since I have to cut everything I'm looking on Craigslist for extra foam

 

[Bucknut]

Hey Tom, congrats on retirement and may your travels be safe and fulfilling!

About 2 years ago we did a big (climbing) ash removal over a nice house with a steep wooden shingle roof. HO understandably wanted the shingles protected. What we decided on was prefab foam insulation because it was so light. Polystyrene, I think. We drilled holes at the corners, connected sheets with rope, and draped them over the peak of the roof. Worked great and we still have them. I think they're normally used to insulate basements during construction.

Anyway, I thought you could use them for your camper and save some time searching Craigslist. Similar to the picture, but ours were 2" thick. Cuts easy with a utility or even a steak knife. At 2", I think a 8'x4' sheet was only $20.

 

[Tom Dunlap]

Hmmm...tempting offer, I'll keep
That tucked under my hat

There are several companies in northern Indiana and southern Michigan that buy upmsurplus supplies from the motorhome/camper/rv industry around Elkhart indiana. One plan I have for anshakedown trip is to
Get to that area to buy the bigger windows and some other stuff. If that comes together Ohio is on the route!

I bought a hot cutter tool as well as a multi tool sonfitting and notching should be easily

So many plans!

 

[JD3000]

Beer fridge?

 

[Tom Dunlap]

Yup! I bought a small 12v/120v fridge a while ago. When I get into the electrical system I'll
Find out how much battery power I have now

Eventually I'll have solar and substantial batteries

 

[JD3000]

Keep on rockin in the free world.

 

[Oroboros]

My inner Gypsy is digging this thread.

 

[JD3000]

You're inner gypsy stole the van's hub caps...

 

[southsoundtree]

Have you considered a surplus short-bus?

I look at surplus ambulances and city short-buses and wonder about them as a tool truck in place of a pick-up truck. I don't know how much the bodies weigh.

Ambulances are set up with lots of shelving, storage, and electrical outlets/ lights.

 

[tc262]

Have you considered a surplus short-bus?

I look at surplus ambulances and city short-buses and wonder about them as a tool truck in place of a pick-up truck. I don't know how much the bodies weigh.

Ambulances are set up with lots of shelving, storage, and electrical outlets/ lights.

I’ve had my eye on a few ambulances for a tool truck/ trailer puller too.

 

[JD3000]

 

[southsoundtree]

I’ve had my eye on a few ambulances for a tool truck/ trailer puller too.

What do you know about the weight of the bodies, traction, tow/ haul capacity? Seem like a lot of ambulances are F350. Some diesel, some gas.

A local fence/ gate builder told me that he spent his best money on a $6K-ish surplus vehicle that was outfitted with a stand-in body, equiped with lights, 110v, tool storage compartments.

I thought a service body would work well for me, but the storage is too limited, Full wrap handle-bars and mounted bars are too big for the side boxes. Hauls a mini, and can hold chips/ wood in a custom (aka homemade) milled wood box.


I wonder how it would be to anchor a mini in an ambulance. My armchair guess, the floor would probably need to be reinforced at the back end, for loading.

 

[Oroboros]

View attachment 48676

The ultimate dispensary delivery vehicle. I see a franchise there !

 

[Oroboros]

You're inner gypsy stole the van's hub caps...

Didn't steal them. I won the wager !

 

[Tom Dunlap]

Decide if you want to stand up inside or hunker over. Some box type vehicles aren't tall enough for anyone over 5'11"

 

[JD3000]

The ultimate dispensary delivery vehicle. I see a franchise there !

The Department of Taco Trucks and Personal Lubricants has no comment on the purported purchase of a fleet a said vehicles.

 

[Oroboros]

The Department of Taco Trucks and Personal Lubricants has no comment on the purported purchase of a fleet a said vehicles.

Hahahaha! Holy shit , that is as good as it gets Bro. Happy new year.

 

[JD3000]

And to you brother. Here's to those we lost this year and camper vans gained.

 

[tc262]

What do you know about the weight of the bodies, traction, tow/ haul capacity? Seem like a lot of ambulances are F350. Some diesel, some gas.

A local fence/ gate builder told me that he spent his best money on a $6K-ish surplus vehicle that was outfitted with a stand-in body, equiped with lights, 110v, tool storage compartments.

I thought a service body would work well for me, but the storage is too limited, Full wrap handle-bars and mounted bars are too big for the side boxes. Hauls a mini, and can hold chips/ wood in a custom (aka homemade) milled wood box.


I wonder how it would be to anchor a mini in an ambulance. My armchair guess, the floor would probably need to be reinforced at the back end, for loading.

Most ambulances that come through auctions by me are E-350/450 cutaways and have a gross of 14.5K regardless of whether they are a 350 or 450's for some reason. I'm not certain but would guess they have an empty weight around 10k. As far as putting a mini inside shouldn't be a problem. None will have hitches so I'd fab up a hitch plate in the rear along with a lipped edge to lock ramps into. Towing I'd be just fine pulling a loaded 14K dump or equipment trailer. Traction should be similar to a 2wd pickup but better because of more weight over the drive wheels. I'm particular to the diesels but they are not for everyone.