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So I will be converting my moms dodge crysler van, ~2002 into a climbing van for the summer. I would love to build a platform in the back to sleep on and then shove gear in bins under the platform. I was wondering if anyone here has some photos or suggestions on what to do to my van to make it comfy and organized for a long road trip

jonesa37 wrote:I would love to build a platform in the back to sleep on and then shove gear in bins under the platform. I was wondering if anyone here has some photos or suggestions on what to do to my van to make it comfy and organized for a long road trip

I think "organized" is a matter of discipline -- if you are religious about putting stuff back where it belongs, and make sure that it is easy to get to the most-used stuff, you can keep things under control with just bags and a cardboard box or two. A sleeping platform is only useful if you can't sleep flat in the back as it is, or you can't make shelves/drawers to store stuff on one side of the van while you sleep on the other. Remember that a higher platform means less headroom.

That said, this 4Runner mod (and other links on that forum) should give you some ideas. A lot depends on your carpentry skills.

there is a yahoo group called vandwellers. manny of these people have converted cargo vans, step vans, buses, and trucks into mobile rvs. you can organize and also add electricity, running water, solar panels, whatever.

you can start off with this site:
http://www.cheaprvliving.com/

johnk wrote:there is a yahoo group called vandwellers. manny of these people have converted cargo vans, step vans, buses, and trucks into mobile rvs. you can organize and also add electricity, running water, solar panels, whatever.

you can start off with this site:
http://www.cheaprvliving.com/

Fantastic tips for the aspiring dirtbag!

here's another great site:
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/index.php





yes, dirtbaggin' in style

scroll down:
http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=3890464

dirtbaggin' taken to the extreme

for sure just look for the neon hot pink soccer mom van and thats where the gear is at

Here's my 4x4 conversion van.

The side awning is mandatory, you can attach a screen room to the awning to keep the bugs out but still sleep with the side door open.

Inside, the bench seat folds down into a twin bed. There's toilet in the back, not that I care, but chicks dig the fact that they don't have too go far in the middle of the night. TV, VCR, microwave, electric stove, refrigerator, toilet, sink, roof-top air conditioner/heater.

I've made a bug screen the attaches with Velcro to the inside of the side door. It has a zippered flap, just like a tent. Keeps out the mosquitos. I also made a thick curtain that attaches with Velcro to the inside of the windshield for privacy.

The ceiling fan is also extremely useful to keep the van from getting too hot at night. Here in West Virginia it's 90 degrees and 90% humidity in the summer.

Eleven miles to the gallon, I only take it out for local weekend camping (New River Gorge).

That thing's awesome. What'd it cost you, if you don't mind me askin'?

If the van's a rockin'
Don't come a knockin!

Did I mention that it has strips of mood lighting along the walls in the inside?

1997 Chevy K2500 4x4 van with Jayco conversion
Empty weight 4.5 tons
Bought it used 10 years ago with 37,000 miles
$25,000

As far as a cheap conversion for a regular van is concerned, I think the side awning is worth its weight in gold. It is so nice to have a haven from the rain over the main side door.

The ceiling vent fan is also a worthwhile addition.

Check out the forum achives. There is a good thread about a year ago complete with very creative conversions.

Just go on Youtube and see hundreds of neat set ups for living in a vehicle. Unfortunately, it is a sign of the times.

Nice Conversion SierraRL It looks like you have one of those bidirectional fantastic fans.

No doubt. That's great stuff!