Camper Vans
- Thread starter Randy
- Start date
Sweeney
Administrator
Way too expensive. Not to mention RV techs won't touch 'em, and once the manufacturer modifies the van, many auto-techs don't want to work on them either, there's too much question about that the heck they did.
We did look at a van when we started the journey, there's just no way to justify that price tag.
We did look at a van when we started the journey, there's just no way to justify that price tag.
fdkoh99
Junior Ranger
More reasons...
I have no desire to cook inside a small cramped space while camping... when you can have the gourmet kitchen of the CI and be outside - you know "camping'. I have joked with Cary in the past about doing a CI with a simple inside toilet - and maybe a bit of sitting space - he called it a "Standie" but its not on his todo list. All those big teardrop shaped campers bring everything inside just like a van.
Beside that - I agree with Sweeney, after 100 nights in a van - you are still paying over $500 per night ....
I have no desire to cook inside a small cramped space while camping... when you can have the gourmet kitchen of the CI and be outside - you know "camping'. I have joked with Cary in the past about doing a CI with a simple inside toilet - and maybe a bit of sitting space - he called it a "Standie" but its not on his todo list. All those big teardrop shaped campers bring everything inside just like a van.
Beside that - I agree with Sweeney, after 100 nights in a van - you are still paying over $500 per night ....
I appreciate all the notes of caution. The cost is astronomical but they are sure cool. There is one builder in particular, Otzi, that has a contractual agreement with Mercedes. Their built out vans become an officially recognized Mercedes model number that Mercedes fully supports. Very impressed with their build quality. Apparently this also saves lots of money on insurance.
Hey, I could start a Van Life You Tube channel to fund my purchase, ha ha!
Still love my CampInn but I have to admit that in my old age no towing, standing room and minimal to no setup is attractive.
A couple of years ago I ran into some folks I know up in the Tetons. They had purchased a Ford Van and had it converted. I got the grand tour and it was pretty cool. I didn't ask but I'm thinking I wouldn't have liked the price. I think even the "cheap" ones can be pretty pricey.
I've since run into them other times, also in the Tetons. Small world.
I've since run into them other times, also in the Tetons. Small world.