Hello New member here, Happy to meet you (trailer, convert, motorhomes)

[Andythanh]

Hello friends, my name is Andy and I’m new to this forum. I’ve been a fan and obsessed with minivan conversions and dwelling. Yes I have a home but I’m very much love converting minivan suv into camper vans. Currently I converted my 2011 Honda Odessey into a campervan and it’s been working out great. I just wanted to meet new people and share thoughts about camping. I also do conversions too. Whether it be a minivan, SUV, or a car. I like a challenge.

[StealthRabbit]

Please share some of your good conversion Ideas.
I plan to add a poptop to my next minivan. (have it done in Canada)

I have a few friends who have done that and our previous VW poptops were great. (But I don't miss the trouble issues (fires) and SLOW VW trips). Fortunately they were the most comfortable driving campers I have ever used. Little rough in WY winds.

I get a lot of camper conversion ideas from NZ (That is a great place to find minivan conversions (Right hand drive + diesel) Quite cheap to buy and easy to resell. https://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Cat...estedCategory=
Also the Canadians are very creative in minivan camper conversions. An 80 yo couple gave us a lot of their good ideas they have done for decades.

I have a USA friend who does VW Diesel van conversions, (Transporters / Rialta's / and Eurovans) and another friend who does Westy Synchro Diesel and Subaru transplants.

I do want a 50 mpg camper van, but as close as I can get is my 50 mpg B4V TDI wagons. I add motoraide HW heaters + shower pump and refrigerator. I like the 1250 miles between fuel stops (Donut shops or chinese cafes for free cooking oil). The Diesel Eurovans get 35mpg, but I can get 28 out of a Chrysler Penstar, so no need to do a conversion. Diesel Chrysler minivans are very cheap in Europe(~$1000). Good to buy one there and "go camping".

Our first family camper conversion was a Toyota Chinook ~1973)

My FIL built Lucille Ball's LONG-LONG Trailer, so camper conversion stuff is part of our heritage.

[Coldjensens]

We have always hard a full sized conversion van. They are great for road trips, especially with kids. The beds are always too short for me, so I sleep on the floor in between the drivers and first row captains chairs.

[Andythanh]

Hello friends , I don't have the funds to get a full size Sprinter like van, but i try to get the most out of the minivan. Mine is just a twin bed, 27" TV , window AC unit cut out into the rear hatch and an inverter generator for power. Nothing crazy. I hope to see more conversion ideas from fellow members as well.

[StealthRabbit]

Long Hidden roll-out compartments similar to tradesman drawers are pretty handy. , especially with the double (opposing) side door access points.

1. Magnetic strip 'free standing' tents to side or hatch, (Handy to reserve / keep a campsite during the day when you are sightseeing)
2. Snap on awnings
3. Motoraid type HW heaters
4. small pressurized water system for outdoor shower
5. Slide-out kitchen
6. Fold-up bike storage

Fortunately I have never had to bother with AC in the climates / seasons I live / visit. (I haven't had a TV at home since 1968, too busy with 'projects')

You can get a lot of good ideas by looking at vintage VW conversions, and spending a day at Class B dealers seeing what's new. Our Rialta has implemented a lot of good ideas. Winnebago Rialta Motor Home (Including a huge 'roll-out' shower) I usually use the built-in outdoor shower.

The most desirable Sprinter conversion I liked was a "Gulfstream' P26(?) that had replaced rear windows with a 6" deep fiberglass tub / extension in the place of windows, then it had an elevated 'crossways' bed with 7' length at the height of the rear windows with huge rear access storage underneath. Was quite nice since it did not convert the dining to a sleeping area. (more like a motorhome advantage). It priced at $59000, but sold for $38000 in 2005, and I have seen some used ones under $20k.

Many options and fun to build very cheap.

I am designing some removeable / portable camping 'modules' for SUV / van use.