#Van-Life, bruh! Is this like, how to make a megathread?

[garandman]

They’ll probably sell tons.

To install a second battery in a Sprinter is trivial. It has the terminals and relays in place. All you need is a little second battery, an isolator, and cables to run from under the driver’s seat to under the passenger seat, where there is a mounting spot.

Had the van three years. Still no second battery….

 

[Matt_SERE]

No, Jill Ciminillo isn't living in a van down by the river, yet. But she could, thanks to the new 2023 Ford Transit Trail, which comes right from the factory with the most adventurer-requested upgrades to the Ford Transit. Jill is joined by Ray Eyles, Chief Program Engineer for Ford Transit US, who walks us through all of the most important features. Watch this video to find out why Ford decided to build this van, and how it is perfect for those who want to DIY their own camper van. You'll also learn there is much more thinking than you'd expect behind those new step rails. #VanLife #CamperVan #fordtransit Subscribe for more Pickup Truck and SUV videos: https://www.youtube.com/c/pickuptruck...


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czaPuXbvQsE

 

[garandman]

My 2016 T250 EcoBoost ( company van configured by me for moto camping) went with the company because, unfortunately, the guy who bought the company was also a motorcyclist.

Now has 160,000 miles, still running great. Standard wheelbase medium roof (6’ headroom) is a great size. They are outselling Sprinter roughly 6:1.

T1N Sprinters are still in demand because their drive trains are easy to maintain, extremely durable, and don’t need low-sulphur diesel or DEF.

 

[juha_teuvonnen]

I have a wife and two daughters. While all of them are low maintenance gals, I needed more space. So, I bought an M1083 5-ton army truck and put a Winnebago 1700BH on the back. I am pretty happy with this setup. It works well for my needs:

 

[garandman]

The T1N vans (2001-2006) remain popular (despite rusting on sight) because of incredible drivetrain longevity, minimal emissions controls, ability to run high sulphur diesel (important in Mexico) and the 118” was available. The 118” was rare but can be easily parked in a city parking spot so prices are crazy in California. The high roof 118” is particularly rare: less than 10% of production.

So how about a 15 year old low mileage [minimal] conversion for $45,000?

2006 Dodge Sprinter - 118" WB High Roof - cars & trucks - by owner -...

2006 Dodge Sprinter (118" wb, high roof) w/ less than 30,000 miles for sale!! Meticulously cared for, and converted to be the perfect weekend runner. I've had my fun with the van and it's ready to...

santabarbara.craigslist.org

 

[Matt_SERE]

The T1N vans (2001-2006) remain popular (despite rusting on sight) because of incredible drivetrain longevity, minimal emissions controls, ability to run high sulphur diesel (important in Mexico) and the 118” was available. The 118” was rare but can be easily parked in a city parking spot so prices are crazy in California. The high roof 118” is particularly rare: less than 10% of production.

So how about a 15 year old low mileage [minimal] conversion for $45,000?

2006 Dodge Sprinter - 118" WB High Roof - cars & trucks - by owner -...

2006 Dodge Sprinter (118" wb, high roof) w/ less than 30,000 miles for sale!! Meticulously cared for, and converted to be the perfect weekend runner. I've had my fun with the van and it's ready to...

santabarbara.craigslist.org

View attachment 701285

If these guys made anything for the 118" it would be a nice pick up.

Home | Flarespace

#sleepsideways with Flarespace's camper van products, including our revolutionary flares and bed systems. Proudly made in the USA. Learn more.

flarespace.com

 

[garandman]

118 wheelbase, 800,000 miles.

2006 Dodge Sprinter 118 Wheel Base Shorty Body Rare 5,Cylinder Turbo...

Hi miles 800k well cared for these Engines Are Bullet Proof 5,Cylinder Turbo Diesel Mercedes Engine Million Mile Engine Well Known for Long Lasting Reliability 2006 Dodge Sprinter Short Wheel Base...

portland.craigslist.org

 

[heck ya beaches]

118 wheelbase, 800,000 miles.

2006 Dodge Sprinter 118 Wheel Base Shorty Body Rare 5,Cylinder Turbo...

Hi miles 800k well cared for these Engines Are Bullet Proof 5,Cylinder Turbo Diesel Mercedes Engine Million Mile Engine Well Known for Long Lasting Reliability 2006 Dodge Sprinter Short Wheel Base...

portland.craigslist.org

and a 3rd party ambulance service in portland, oregon. sprinter monkeypox and hobo blood edition

 

[mu2bdriver]

118 wheelbase, 800,000 miles.

2006 Dodge Sprinter 118 Wheel Base Shorty Body Rare 5,Cylinder Turbo...

Hi miles 800k well cared for these Engines Are Bullet Proof 5,Cylinder Turbo Diesel Mercedes Engine Million Mile Engine Well Known for Long Lasting Reliability 2006 Dodge Sprinter Short Wheel Base...

portland.craigslist.org

Sure is 'rare.' If that thing had a former life as an ambulance, that mileage doesn't account for all the idling either.

 

[Nomad3]

Here’s some photos of my trip to Colorado and currently Utah. Got my snowboard, mountain bike, and road bike inside

 

[roccoracer]

What do you think about the remake of the VW microbus into an electric van? I kind of like the design and how they captured the retro look but in a more modern suit.

2025 VW ID. Buzz: The Electric Bus | Volkswagen

Experience the electric revolution with the 2025 VW ID. Buzz, the ultimate electric bus. Futuristic design meets sustainable travel in every ride.

www.vw.com

I plan to buy one as soon as they launch.

 

[roccoracer]

I sold my 84 westaflia a couple of months ago. We owned it for about 10 years. I was tired of chasing all of the issues with it each time we used it but at the same time it was part of the fun.
Here is a pic of an hour before the new owners drove it off the Maine. I miss it a little already.

 

[Nemix]

I sold my 84 westaflia a couple of months ago. We owned it for about 10 years. I was tired of chasing all of the issues with it each time we used it but at the same time it was part of the fun.
Here is a pic of an hour before the new owners drove it off the Maine. I miss it a little already.

They need some upkeep due to age, can rust in the panel seams etc but honestly no matter how shit a day I'd had, getting behind the wheel of my old panel van (1980 air cooled) and hearing the engine thumbing away behind me always put a smile on my face. They drive a lot more like a car than the previous bay window and split screen versions.

People who made DIY van conversions, was it worth it? Are companies that do those conversions like Van Conversion Products Archives much more expensive?

 

[DarrenL]

OK, I wasted the first half of my life, not going to waste the second. 1) going to quit** job, go nomad, travel and see and do America, preferably with some 20yo OF gf who will dump me after 10 years when I'm penniless to go have a baby with some 30 yo idiot before she hits the wall. But damn, those ten years are gonna be terrific. Plus, that is when my retirement money will kick in, (which will be next to worthless due to inflation, which is why she's dumping me) but when that runs out, ill just get drunk and fight a bear with cubs high in the mountains after my will is finalized.

Anyway,
1) van or trailer? Trailers are cheaper, even for really good ones, both have pros/cons. I have a Honda ridgeline, (AWD) can put a cap on it. Or is it better to get an 8' bed truck with true 4wd? Or get the van? Vans these days are crazy money, which I will need for above reasons.
2) Guns*: What can i bring? Im not going to stay in NY, MA, RI or CT, but what about Oregon, WA, CO? Do I need to bury the AR* at the parents house and just bringa revolever and lever gun? Go Blackpowder?
3) Books, magazines, sources of advice to prepare for this journey?
4) Any other advice on costs, pratfalls, vehicle/essentials/ideas, OF model suggestions?


* Hypothetical, I actually do not own any guns since the Lake Champlain boating disaster of 2016 Terrible monster , that Champ....
** ~2-3 years to prep, clear house, sell house, etc

 

[Christian]

5) Whiskey

There, I FIFY.

 

[Uzi2]

OK, I wasted the first half of my life, not going to waste the second. 1) going to quit** job, go nomad, travel and see and do America, preferably with some 20yo OF gf who will dump me after 10 years when I'm penniless to go have a baby with some 30 yo idiot before she hits the wall. But damn, those ten years are gonna be terrific. Plus, that is when my retirement money will kick in, (which will be next to worthless due to inflation, which is why she's dumping me) but when that runs out, ill just get drunk and fight a bear with cubs high in the mountains after my will is finalized.

Anyway,
1) van or trailer? Trailers are cheaper, even for really good ones, both have pros/cons. I have a Honda ridgeline, (AWD) can put a cap on it. Or is it better to get an 8' bed truck with true 4wd? Or get the van? Vans these days are crazy money, which I will need for above reasons.
2) Guns*: What can i bring? Im not going to stay in NY, MA, RI or CT, but what about Oregon, WA, CO? Do I need to bury the AR* at the parents house and just bringa revolever and lever gun? Go Blackpowder?
3) Books, magazines, sources of advice to prepare for this journey?
4) Any other advice on costs, pratfalls, vehicle/essentials/ideas, OF model suggestions?


* Hypothetical, I actually do not own any guns since the Lake Champlain boating disaster of 2016 Terrible monster , that Champ....
** ~2-3 years to prep, clear house, sell house, etc

Rent a van or trailer for the first three months and see how far you psychologically unwind first. Other than that, you're wasting your time if you cannot relax and enjoy (while surviving) the "camping life". It's a totally different world.....which will make itself known to you, loud and clear the first two weeks.
Do it in the fall/winter and see if you are any match for the elements.