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01-12-2014, 04:16 PM
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#1
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Junior Member
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 24
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Trying to plan new build
Wondering what I can expect to shell out on a bench seat/bed and swivel captains chairs just to get started. I'm thinking I could add modifications as money permits but instead of letting summers go by waiting for the magical SMB that meets my budget and layout preferences, it might make sense to just add the essentials starting with "what's needed to sleep in a van (econoline) and be more comfortable than in a tent. I would also plan to penthouse it ASAP so my three kids could sleep on the lower level (couch bed and possibly across captains chairs) and wife and I can sleep in penthouse. Storage will be milk crates, sink/shower will be gravity fed water bag thing and stove = portable Coleman or campfire.
I'm i being unrealistic in assuming I could do all of this for around 8,000 not including the cost of the van?
Any tips on essentials and where to research further on buying piece by piece would be great.
Thanks all
Tim
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01-12-2014, 04:26 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Washington - Ridgefield
Posts: 4,728
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Re: Trying to plan new build
You have to decide on what the essentials are, mine will be different.
I.E. You could have a van with one bench seat and two captain's chairs up front and empty behind that bench. Kids sleep on the floor and you in the penthouse. The rest is just like in a tent.
Others (like myself) will find the refrig and water system to be essential.
What do you need to be comfortable?
Mike
__________________
Alaska to Key West, Labrador and more
Prostate cancer survivor. See Thread Prostate cancer and Sportsmobiles
2015 VW GTI 2020 Fiat 124 Spider
2012 E250 Hitop camper
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01-12-2014, 05:58 PM
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#3
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Junior Member
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 24
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Re: Trying to plan new build
Good points on what my priority is. I think first is sleeping and so far I have found approximately $850 for a sofa/bed and another $200 for the bench extension piece. Does anyone have a recommended vender for these essential parts?
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01-13-2014, 10:08 AM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: SE Washington
Posts: 1,028
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Re: Trying to plan new build
We had a 1996 Ford E150 Clubwagon that had a factory rear bench that folded down into a bed. I'm thinking one of these out of a junkyard would be the cheapest option. A seat swivel can be added to the OEM front seats.
__________________
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2009 E250 RB 5.4L "SilVan"
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01-13-2014, 11:25 AM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: San Luis Obispo, CA
Posts: 2,554
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Re: Trying to plan new build
Do you have a van already? If so, what seating arrangements do you have in it?
If you have a budget of $8000, I would consider getting the penthouse top installed. You could easily build a platform for the rear and use either an air mattress or foam pads so the kids could sleep back there. It could actually be bigger than the penthouse bed, so the adults could sleep back there and let the kids have fun in the top bunk. All you would need is a second row bench for the kids (passengers).
__________________
2005 E350 Chateau - V10 - Agile Offroad 4x4
2012 CTS-V Wagon - For the baby...
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01-14-2014, 11:09 AM
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#6
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Junior Member
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 24
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Re: Trying to plan new build
I don't have a van yet. But if I could get a newer used I was wondering g if it could be camp ready in and around $8,000.
Thank you all for the suggestions. It is good to see there are options.
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01-14-2014, 10:22 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: TN
Posts: 10,242
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Trying to plan new build
Easily. As for vendors I will try to link a few for you, but start with Discount Truck Van. Just Google em.
I agree though, You could almost have a Penthouse for 8 grand.
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01-17-2014, 07:16 PM
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#8
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Junior Member
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 24
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Re: Trying to plan new build
Would anyone recommend waiting for the 2015 connect or get a econoline for a first smb? I have been searching the net but haven't found enough information on the comparison of both vans. I know the connect isn't due out until mid summer but if anyone has an opinion on econo vs connect I would love to hear it.
Other than aesthetics which in my personal opinion are no contest with econoline smb to win, what other factors should one consider or would be a deal breaker/maker?
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01-17-2014, 08:05 PM
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#9
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Site Team
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Southern New Mexico
Posts: 10,179
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Re: Trying to plan new build
Quote:
Originally Posted by taverre
Would anyone recommend waiting for the 2015 connect or get a econoline for a first smb? I have been searching the net but haven't found enough information on the comparison of both vans. I know the connect isn't due out until mid summer but if anyone has an opinion on econo vs connect I would love to hear it.
Other than aesthetics which in my personal opinion are no contest with econoline smb to win, what other factors should one consider or would be a deal breaker/maker?
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Very different animals IMO. Might be oversimplifying, but an Econoline is more or less a truck, where the Connect/Transit are more or less an SUV. Fire roads; either will be fine. Whether you will explore more rugged roads, and whether you want 4x4, should weigh heavily on which vehicle you decide on.
Herb
__________________
SMB-less as of 02/04/2012. Our savings account is richer, but our adventures are poorer.
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