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I have a used 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan with the back seats removed that I use just like a pickup truck. I've hauled just about everything under the sun in it.
I've never lived in my van, though - I just camp in it now and then, but it's perfect for that. Of course, I'm a foot shorter than you, but there's at least a foot more room than I take up so I would think you'd be ok.
A full size mattress fits in the back of mine just fine at a little bit of a curve. You wouldn't need an actual mattress, though - just put in a couple of layers of foam. (Go to a hospital and ask the cleaners to save you the eggshell foam that some patients buy there then don't take home with them. A lot of this foam gets thrown away.)
I've always wished that I was handy enough to install pull down shades for the windows. I know they're out there, but I wouldn't know how to install them.
Just put your mattress in back and put your supplies in the passenger seat area. Get stackable plastic bins. A bin for your clothing and whatnot, a bin for a coleman stove and cooking equipment, a bin for one of those solar heated camping shower things that can be hung from a tree plus your soaps/shampoos and a towel and washcloth, and a bin for food. Add a cooler for perishables, and a bucket or camping toilet, and you'll have everything you need.
I would think it should be completely doable.
I think I paid $ 7000 for the Grand Caravan back in 2011. It still runs great with about 150,000 miles on it. I still use it, but am searching for a used AWD Sienna to use for the same purpose - they're a LOT more expensive than Grand Caravans, but I want awd this time around. Not necessary if you're going to stick to paved roads and not contend with much snow.
You just need to figure out how to find a used Grand Caravan with back seats removed so that you can try stretching out and see how you fit. But I think this really should be a fine and affordable vehicle for you.
If you don't want it mainly for camping, why don't you just get the car/vehicle you want and throw a tent, flashlight, and blow up mattress in the back?
You just need to figure out how to find a used Grand Caravan with back seats removed so that you can try stretching out and see how you fit. But I think this really should be a fine and affordable vehicle for you.
Get one with stow and go and you'll have seats when you need them, and still do what you do.
I've crashed out in my Honda Element many nights camping. Lots of room...i'm 6-4 myself. Rear seats fold up. Perfect size for a twin air mattress. Honda reliability and decent gas mileage.
They are vans, but with build in beds, generally a bathroom and small sink and microwave. Sometimes other things like the bed fold out into a table or couch.
They are the same size as a van; some have a higher top.
Go onto YouTube and look up CheapRVliving channel. The guy's name is Bob Wells, and he interviews people living in all kinds of rigs from a Toyota Prius to a big Class A. They give him tours of their homes on wheels, both inside and out.
You can get a better idea of what sort of vehicle would work for you, how to plan it inside, how to manage showers and sanitation, cooking, sleeping, storage ideas, etc. There are people doing this on all sorts of budgets.
Bob also has a lot of tips on where to stay, how much it costs, free campsites, where to get water and propane, and lots of other ideas. Happy motoring!
1. What kind of food do you want to eat?
2. How much do you need to reach your food?
3. Where do you need your food?
4- Do you need special foods, such as organic or vegetable choices?
To blend in, I think a conversion van would be better. Looks like you are traveling somewhere and just stopped on the way to the lake. A panel van in a parking lot looks like someone who is up to no good who is either doing a burglary, or stalking someone. I know someone who had a panel van and used it for traveling and sleeping. Local sheriffs would follow him for miles and some pulled him over.
If you want to "live" in a van, I would STRONGLY advise that you get something you can stand-up in and move
around a little.
I have a beater Ram Van with a dome.....not a class-b or an RV. I can do just about everything I need to do in my van, especially kick-back for hours, not having to go outside to stretch my legs, that is a biggie to me.
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