Hi all.
My girlfriend and I are researching and planning a camper van build. Our plan is to have a functional and reliable camper that will let us travel together comfortably on long weekend trips, and eventually for a year around North+South America. Would love to get some input on our build plans.
I am torn between the RB and EB van body. Aesthetically and functionally I like the RB body the best. But I am having second thoughts about starting with an EB van because I make films and ride motorcycles which are gear intensive hobbies. Gear for both of these takes up alot of space- which leads me to wanting secure storage in the EB layout. Unfortunately, the main drawback to an EB-would be traveling with my ktm 450 on a hitch hauler. Suddenly the extra 20” of the EB body and another 30” for the bike suddenly feels way tooooo long. It would leave us with a huge rear overhang when 4x4ing and a long rig to maneuver in the city. My other concern is secure storage for camera gear. I would need secure storage for hard drives and the camera + lenses, as well as larger cubbies to include big items like a slider, jib arm and sturdy tripod. Would is be be safe enough/ possible weight wise to store long items like that in a yakima style box on an electric penthouse top?
After I finish shooting films, its time to edit. Id like to be able to edit and have my gf design side by side with enough room to not feel cramped. I like the layout danhtran1143 is working with.
For the interior build, I like the modern minimal layouts and styling of
outside van. I really like the compact nature of the sink/stove/fridge in the naughty dog build here.
Unfortunately they said they no longer work on ford vans. So- it seems like sportsmobile and van specialties are both solid options, currently leaning towards sportsmobile.
Van specifics: Im looking for the right diesel 7.3 (super hard to find) or an '06+ 6.0 that I would bulletproof. I like the power, mileage, and sound of a diesel, but they are so damn hard to find with low miles and minimal body damage. Suspension will be a 4x4 kit form Ujoint off road. I was originally set on the 4” lift, but I recently read about the advantages to the 6” kit like turning radius increase and steering stabilization. Electric penthouse poptop with a cargo rack and storage box. House batteries and a solar kit. Ujor front bumper with a winch, dual shocks up front and an aluminess rear bumper with spare tire and work box. Arb fridge/freezer and probably use the
for food prep.
I have done lots of homework— hours of scrolling through your builds and looking at camper vans for sale nationally, but you can only get so far on the computer! We would love to meet up with some folks in the Los Angeles area to chat for a bit about how they like their van setup and check out sportsmobile builds in person. Anyone like wine?