My wife and I went and looked at a few class B's this weekend. First we looked at an old 91 Dodge with a conversion similar to a Roadtrek versatile. I really didn't enjoy how it handled... I could almost here the crashing waves driving down the backroads. Then, we looked at a brand new Pleasure Way Excel. Wow! What an amazing interior! If only we had the funds! Later, we tried out a nice 97 Dodge conversion van... handled so much nicer than the 91.
After months of looking, I'm just not seeing the right vehicle for us. We want something not too big and fairly simple, like a Vanagon with a Westfalia conversion. They're such cool little vans that use space so efficiently. However, reliability is not their strong point.
So, it struck me, that perhaps we could take a smaller van, like a GMC Safari or Chevy Astro (essentially the same vehicle) and do a Westfalia type conversion.
I'd like to add the following in a Westfalia type layout.
- A rear sofa with 2-3 seat belts that unfolds into a double bed (wider, if there's room)
- A raised roof or pop-top (no need for an upper bunk)
- A fridge, stove and sink (with fresh and gray water tanks)
- A house battery
- A fantastic-fan.
So, is it possible to fit all of this in a mid-sized van? How much might a conversion like this cost?
A friend built one out of a Chevy Express/ GMC Savanna 2500. It started Life as a stripped cargo van. A little bigger than the Astro / Safari. But with a 3/4 ton chassis and the small v8 he has no problem. He has added a fridge, A/C, U shaped table that converts to a bed.
With what your proposing you may get a bit heavy for an Astro suspension.
Also has Flatscreen TV and stereo, a sink, and a porta potty.
In my opinion, your best bet would be any of the following:
GTRV Westy
Pleasure-Way Traverse
Sportsmobile
GTRV and P'Way use the standard "Westy" floorplan. Sportsmobile offers lots of variety in their plans, but the "Westy" would be the RB-50 in their line-up or the longer version would be the EB-50.
Ford chassis is most common for all, but lotsa Chevy's and Dodges have been converted by Sportsmobile as well.
I have seen several 2000 or 2001 GTRV Westy's for sale in the mid teen price range.... A recent example was a 2000 model for $14,000.
GTRV has converted some smaller vans such as the Dodge Caravan and Toyoya Sienna - not sure about the Astro.
Provan converted some Astros to a pop-up Class C hybrid... it was pretty neat.
Just the two of you? Looking for something fairly small, versatile, and reliable? Might consider an 8-9' slide-in truck camper, either a popup or hard side. Just be sure to get the electric jacks...lol.
I'd be open to a slightly bigger van like the Chevy Express. You're right ... the 1/2 ton Astro may have the room but not the suspension.
I've been looking for models like the GTRV Westy, Traverse and Sportsmobile... I haven't had any luck finding one, which is why I'm thinking of this route.
Eycom wrote: Just the two of you? Looking for something fairly small, versatile, and reliable? Might consider an 8-9' slide-in truck camper, either a popup or hard side. Just be sure to get the electric jacks...lol.
Yes... the 2 of us (and the dog!). I had considered a truck camper. My family had one when I was a kid. It was on a V6 Ford Ranger. Oh, I remember having sore shoulders from the jack cranks!
I found a 04 PW Traverse about 6 weeks ago in Tucson and jumped on it. I'm very pleased with my purchase. I just saw a 02 PW Traverse, with less than 30K miles, on the Tucson Craigslist this weekend for 25K asking price. I just paid 25K for my 04 which is close to low retail. I think the Traverse is located in Phoenix. Long way for you to go but it might be worth the trip. Walt.
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