Looking for feedback on a class B, like a conversion van? Anyone F/T in one of these? Thanks for any feedback!
Warmly,
Cheryl
cherab831 said
04:05 AM May 17, 2012
Just saw that there is already a ton of info about the above!!!
Terry and Jo said
04:14 AM May 17, 2012
Cheryl,
I won't be able to speak directly to you in regards to full-timing in a conversion van, but I'm sure that others can. The best I can do is direct you to a blog where an older conversion van is the RV of choice. I've not read much of this blog as I've just discovered it, but it doesn't have that many blog entries.
The home website is at Where the Wind Blows, and their very first blog entry is an introduction to their conversion van and is entitled, Our Girl Annie.
What I can speak to is something of the quality of the vans. We used to have a GMC "custom" van that had multiple seats and a bed in the back. It had nothing like a stove or refrigerator, so it wasn't a "true" conversion van for RV'ing. In addition, we once drove Jo's sister's custom van that was a Dodge. (I cannot remember the model years for either van.) The Dodge van seem to be top-heavy and acted a lot more "squirrely" in a wind than the GMC did.
In fact, one dark rainy night we were driving home in the GMC and came to a country crossroad where it was flooding across the intersection. We hit that flooded area at about 50 or 55 mph because we just couldn't see the water. I think I sensed its presence more than actually seeing it. Otherwise, I would probably have been doing closer to 65.
Anyway, that GMC 3/4 ton van hit the water but never swerved a bit. I was blinded by a huge wall of water on the windshield from hitting the water, but the van continued straight ahead.
If you go with a conversion van, be sure and give each one a really good test drive, especially in windy conditions, if possible.
Good luck with your research and searching.
Terry
cherab831 said
04:37 AM May 17, 2012
THANKS!!!!
rclvnv said
05:25 AM May 17, 2012
I never full timed in one but lived in one with full features for a month driving coast to coast & back. Two adults & two small dogs. Easy to drive but just too tight for us. Now f/t in a 5th wheel. Sold class B @ end of trip. A few days of rain convinced me B was too small.
GENECOP said
12:37 PM May 17, 2012
Check out Great Western Van.....they make a real nice B.......
The Bear II said
03:04 PM May 18, 2012
I look at conversion vans in a different light.
Based upon the price for new and up to 10 year old units....I would rather go with a entry level Class A motorhome. For about the same price or less than a van conversion you can find a new or gently used 30 feet plus Class A.
In a Class A, you'll have tons of room which can be very important if you end up in bad weather for several days and are stuck inside. Cabin fever kicks in really quick with smaller RVs.
If you're concerned about size and driving...you'll find most RV'ers will tell you after a while a 40 foot motorhome is as easy to drive as a mini-van. You get used to the size very quickly.
-- Edited by The Bear II on Friday 18th of May 2012 03:07:39 PM
cherab831 said
07:18 PM May 18, 2012
Thanks for all of the helpful feedback- so much to learn and so excited for the opportunity to do so!!
rvingft said
02:15 PM May 20, 2012
There is a Canadian couple that FT about 6 months of the year, and do so VERY FRUGALLY, shunning the turnpikes and campgrounds. Marianne's blog is http://www.frugal-rv-travel.com/. She also sells ebooks about some of the areas they have boondocked in their travels. Great info offering many places we would have never thought of until we passed it on our way to a pricey campground.
6 months at a time is not FULL full-time, but since their focus is travelling the most frugal way possible, it works very well for them. Might be worth reading her blog to get some pointers.
A conversion van may have basic necessities, but it is REALLY compact living - for me, anyway. If my choice were B van or nothing, I'd make the van work in a heartbeat
Edit by moderator: Activated link. Terry
-- Edited by Terry and Jo on Sunday 20th of May 2012 02:52:04 PM
rvingft said
09:16 PM May 20, 2012
There is a solo gal who researched for years before she retired and decided on a 17' Casita, pulled by a cargo van. Her writing style is fascinating and she now has a big following keeping her busy daily just reading comments.
Looking for feedback on a class B, like a conversion van? Anyone F/T in one of these? Thanks for any feedback!
Warmly,
Cheryl
Cheryl,
I won't be able to speak directly to you in regards to full-timing in a conversion van, but I'm sure that others can. The best I can do is direct you to a blog where an older conversion van is the RV of choice. I've not read much of this blog as I've just discovered it, but it doesn't have that many blog entries.
The home website is at Where the Wind Blows, and their very first blog entry is an introduction to their conversion van and is entitled, Our Girl Annie.
What I can speak to is something of the quality of the vans. We used to have a GMC "custom" van that had multiple seats and a bed in the back. It had nothing like a stove or refrigerator, so it wasn't a "true" conversion van for RV'ing. In addition, we once drove Jo's sister's custom van that was a Dodge. (I cannot remember the model years for either van.) The Dodge van seem to be top-heavy and acted a lot more "squirrely" in a wind than the GMC did.
In fact, one dark rainy night we were driving home in the GMC and came to a country crossroad where it was flooding across the intersection. We hit that flooded area at about 50 or 55 mph because we just couldn't see the water. I think I sensed its presence more than actually seeing it. Otherwise, I would probably have been doing closer to 65.
Anyway, that GMC 3/4 ton van hit the water but never swerved a bit. I was blinded by a huge wall of water on the windshield from hitting the water, but the van continued straight ahead.
If you go with a conversion van, be sure and give each one a really good test drive, especially in windy conditions, if possible.
Good luck with your research and searching.
Terry
I look at conversion vans in a different light.
Based upon the price for new and up to 10 year old units....I would rather go with a entry level Class A motorhome. For about the same price or less than a van conversion you can find a new or gently used 30 feet plus Class A.
In a Class A, you'll have tons of room which can be very important if you end up in bad weather for several days and are stuck inside. Cabin fever kicks in really quick with smaller RVs.
If you're concerned about size and driving...you'll find most RV'ers will tell you after a while a 40 foot motorhome is as easy to drive as a mini-van. You get used to the size very quickly.
-- Edited by The Bear II on Friday 18th of May 2012 03:07:39 PM
Thanks for all of the helpful feedback- so much to learn and so excited for the opportunity to do so!!
There is a Canadian couple that FT about 6 months of the year, and do so VERY FRUGALLY, shunning the turnpikes and campgrounds. Marianne's blog is http://www.frugal-rv-travel.com/. She also sells ebooks about some of the areas they have boondocked in their travels. Great info offering many places we would have never thought of until we passed it on our way to a pricey campground.
6 months at a time is not FULL full-time, but since their focus is travelling the most frugal way possible, it works very well for them. Might be worth reading her blog to get some pointers.
A conversion van may have basic necessities, but it is REALLY compact living - for me, anyway. If my choice were B van or nothing, I'd make the van work in a heartbeat
Edit by moderator: Activated link. Terry
-- Edited by Terry and Jo on Sunday 20th of May 2012 02:52:04 PM
Sue's blog is http://rvsueandcrew.com/