We have a slightly modified EB-17, with two opposing dinettes in the back that fold together for the bed, and a Voyager top. For the last 20 years, we had a VW Adventurewagen, which is reasonably close to a “50.” We have found that the ability to use the rear doors in addition to the side doors has been a real benefit, particularly while traveling and in bad weather. Also, the Voyager is full-time standing height, something that we appreciate and would absolutely require if we lived in the van continuously for any real length of time. It also allows for a lot more storage which would be valuable for an extended stay.
When the bed is down, one of us can sleep and the other use everything he or she needs without fumbling over each other (part of this is due, of course, to the extra body length), and this was the major reason we went with this floorplan.
Another significant factor for us was placing the stove on the passenger side of the van, to allow access to the stove from outdoors and keep it well ventilated (by opening a sidw door). Of course, you can always use a portable stove completely outside the van, but I’ve spent more than enough time outdoors cooking in rain, snow, etc., while a hungry brood waits indoors to be fed to rely on that technique. The longer you live in the van, the more likely you will (1) cook and (2) find some bad weather.
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John
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