The Core

Why We Are Here => Water Cooler => Topic started by: rcjordan on February 11, 2021, 08:47:06 PM

Title: Van Life
Post by: rcjordan on February 11, 2021, 08:47:06 PM
Related to some recent posts
https://www.reddit.com/r/VanLife/


From my experience with <40' RVs, if you plan to sleep in it then the smallest frame I've seen that is serviceable is the High top, long wheelbase Sprinter.  Some recent van models from Ford mimic the Sprinter, so you'll see those being camper-fied, too.
Title: Re: Van Life
Post by: littleman on February 11, 2021, 08:57:04 PM
Also:
https://www.cheaprvliving.com/
Youtube channel from the same organization (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAj7O3LCDbkIR54hAn6Zz7A)

I have no plan to live on wheels, but this group (lead by Bob Wells) is a huge resource for people who do.
Title: Re: Van Life
Post by: rcjordan on February 11, 2021, 09:02:50 PM
I've looked at a couple of Sprinter RVs and they immediately give me mild claustrophobia.  In van life, the 2 main problem areas are beds and bathrooms. 
Title: Re: Van Life
Post by: rcjordan on February 11, 2021, 09:14:11 PM
<+>
Step vans (like the old bread or Frito-Lay trucks) would make great offices but I wouldn't want to travel distances in one.  They handle like crap.
Title: Re: Van Life
Post by: littleman on February 11, 2021, 10:05:14 PM
>I wouldn't want to travel distances in one.

Oh no.  I think that's the reason why they are relatively inexpensive compared to cargo vans.
Title: Re: Van Life
Post by: rcjordan on February 11, 2021, 10:50:33 PM
>relatively inexpensive

They are also usually worn slam out.

>beds

I'm seeing double beds that winch down from the ceiling in some tiny homes.  If I could find a high-top Sprinter-style that stored the bed hard up next to the roof, I'd be interested. 
Title: Re: Van Life
Post by: Travoli on February 11, 2021, 11:52:03 PM
Maybe too small for your needs, RC. But Winnebago makes a 4x4 Sprinter with power lift bed.

https://www.winnebago.com/models/product/motorhomes/revel

Title: Re: Van Life
Post by: rcjordan on February 12, 2021, 12:20:31 AM
Thanks. Too pricey for me.  RVs have gone even more nuts on price during the pandemic.

I'd like Sprinter size but typical floor plans are too full of cabinetry for me.  The power lift is what I'd like to have, though.  ...And a small shower stall (dry bath in RV parlance).
Title: Re: Van Life
Post by: ergophobe on February 12, 2021, 12:20:59 AM
I've first saw the Revel a couple years ago, but was put off by one critical feature: "Starting at $185,838."

What does it cost to insure a $200,000 house that regularly moves at 70 mph?
Title: Re: Van Life
Post by: Travoli on February 12, 2021, 12:31:52 AM
>even more nuts on price

https://earthroamer.com/hd/

"The price of an EarthRoamer HD is $1,700,000 plus options... The first seven EarthRoamer HD's are on the road, with three more currently in production. If you would like to reserve a production position..."

So much money flying around.
Title: Re: Van Life
Post by: rcjordan on February 12, 2021, 12:41:23 AM
About 5 years ago, there was a repo'd Earthroamer in FL for $60k.

I'm not into 4wd.  I like these large van units because I tend to travel road-trip style from spot to spot.  Usually average 2-300 miles/day.  The big RVs are fitted out for long stays at one spot and usually need a toad to go into town or sightseeing.
Title: Re: Van Life
Post by: ergophobe on February 12, 2021, 12:51:55 AM
This is a bit off topic (it's more for small apartments), but I would love to see what this guy would come up with for van life

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/brett-archer-3ba83132_customized-smart-designs-thats-cool-activity-6762536246322487296-TzCa

You do not need to be logged in to view it
Title: Re: Van Life
Post by: rcjordan on February 12, 2021, 01:09:28 AM
No, it is OT.  Variations of that wall-mounted table are popular in the small-to-medium size RV owners, as are the fold-away beds. BUT the seasoned RVers I knew cautioned about forward bunks and convertible beds.  Why?  Everybody leaves them unmade and it makes the RV feel messy all the time.  We saw enough to confirm.  My 26' RV had rear twins, which kept them mostly out of sight.  A power lift gives you a good way to hide the bed without stripping it while freeing the floor space.
Title: Re: Van Life
Post by: Brad on February 12, 2021, 08:14:10 PM
Not a van, but you get extra bonus hipster cred if you can afford one.

Airstream Flying Cloud 30FB Office Floorplan

https://www.airstream.com/blog/introducing-the-flying-cloud-30fb-office-floor-plan/