2018 Chevy Express Conversion

[Unimat]

I took about a year to custom build this rig as a replacement/ improvement for my current 2012 camper van. Personal circumstances (read Corona virus) have forced me to put it on the market.

The pop top is modeled after the Westfalia type tops you see on Volkswagons, Fixed fairing and v-top. Super easy to put up and down, low profile for stealth camping when you need it.

I bought this van for it's low miles and excellent fuel economy. I know a lot of guys want the 4x4 and lift kits and ladders, but that ain't me. I'm more concerned with the stealth capabilities, because I urban camp quite a bit and HATE getting rousted. I've been all over the country in my 2x in all kinds of weather and never had a problem.

Boilerplate specs below followed by a description of the build. Hope this baby gets a family who will love it as much or more than I do. PM me with any questions. $67,675.00





·
· 4.3L V-6
· 8 speed automatic EC transmission
· 14,610 miles
· Air Bag-Frontal-Driver
· Air Bag-Frontal-Passenger
· Air Bag-Passenger Switch (On/Off)
· Air Bag-Side Body-Front
· Air Bag-Side Head-Front
· Brakes-ABS
· Brakes-Type-4 Wheel DISC
· Daytime Running Lights
· Engine Immobilizer
· Traction Control
· Cruise control
· Air Conditioning-Front
· Max Seating Capacity: 2
· Power Locks
· Remote keyless entry
· Remote start
· Seat Trim-Vinyl
· Seats-Front Bucket
· Steering-Power
· Trip Computer
· Windows-Power
· Audio-AM/FM Stereo
· Audio-MP3 Player
· 110 v. power outlet
· Onstar system
· Wi-fi hotspot
· Rear vision camera
· TPMS
Attachment 36246
Conversion
See soundless walk through at

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GI3zmXxF_nY

· Custom color-matched fiberglass lid with fairing
· Gas spring assisted lift system
· Sliding, stowable upper bunk
· Custom tent with 3 zippered and screened windows
· Insulated lid, walls, doors and floors
· Lightweight laminate cabinetry with push button latches
· 11.28 Gallon external propane tank
· 16,000 BTU propane furnace
· 2 burner stainless steel propane cooktop 7200 /5200 BTU
· Auxiliary gas quick connection for external BBQ or other accessories
· 2000-Watt 12 V pure sine wave inverter / charger
· DC-DC battery charger with MPPT solar controller
· 160-Watt Flexible solar panel
· 170 amp-hour LiFePo battery with expansion room for 340 A.H.
· Battery monitor
· Remote on/off switch for inverter
· Extension cord for shore power
· 50 Q. ARB 12 V refrigerator / freezer
· LED lighting
· Dimmable accent lights
· Dimmable reading lights
· Rear 12 V outlet
· Rear 110 VAC outlet
· Rear cargo lighting
· Quiet 3 GPM water pump
· 19-gallon water storage capacity
· 4-gallon marine water heater with 750 watt backup coil
· Stainless steel sink and faucet
· 5-gallon gray water vessel
· Swiveling front passenger seat
· Auxiliary side table
· Large rear dining table
· Solid walnut countertops
· Stainless steel backsplash
· Convertible settee / double bed
· Screened doors back and side with magnetic closures
· Reversable window covers
· Windshield cover

[Otter]

Sure is a nice looking van. Good luck with the sale!

[Headin' Out]

I like the way this is done. What is the gearing ?



Whatever I get has to tow my 19' Airstream +/- #4500


How will this little V6 do ? Anyone have any wisdom to share ?

[Headin' Out]

@Unimat.... I see a trailer hitch on your van and assume its a class 3, have you any experience towing with this rig ?

[Unimat]

As to the gearing, I don't know the ratios, but the 8 speed tranny has very narrow power bands. Lots of torque. For a 4.3L. V-6 it has plenty of get up and go (for my taste) I occasionally use my one ton to pull a light 12' trailer and it does great. That being said, it's got the 4.8L. V-8 with a 6 speed. I have heard that a one ton is the preferred chassis for towing, but I really don't have any experience with big trailers.

[Headin' Out]

Thanks for filling me in Unimat

[leeruns]

Did u make poptop yourself?! Looks nice.

[Unimat]

Yes I did, and let me say for the record that it was a helluva project. But i have the mold now and can make the lids fairly quickly now that I've done a couple. If you are interested, I did a whole thread on the project here: https://www.sportsmobileforum.com/fo...ial-19778.html

[LenS]

@unimat you did a great job. Put a lot of thought into it. I also own a Chev but a 2000. What was your swivel seat mechanism source? Does not appear to add any significant height to the seat. Thanks

[Unimat]

LenS, thanks, and you're right, I did put a lot into it. Too much as it turns out.
The swivel plate was from www.discounttruckandvan and it does add about an inch and a half to the seat height. It gets my wife up where she can see the countryside better!