Thanks to this forum, and general excitement about our van

Nathandeuel · 09-10-2021, 05:29 PM

Spring 2020, midst of lockdown, I got obsessed with the idea of a van. Amazingly my wife was immediately green lighting the plan. First we got a 2015 Chevy Express 2500 4.8L V8. Then we took out all the seats and had a local guy install a couch bed. We drove cross country with that setup and did about 10,000 miles. (Highlights: That free campsite at the end of a 10mi dirt road in the Badlands.) Then we had CCV install a poptop and do the basic interior. We did another three month trip, probably 15,000 miles. (Highlight: Not dying the night we camped at the Steamboat Springs KOA, when it went down to 6 degrees.) Since then we put in a homebrew kitchen with a sink, fridge, and sink. Then we did another cross-country trip, probably another 15,000 miles. (Highlight: boondocking in Nevada.) In the next few months we're getting all-terrain tires, an Aluminess ladder and side surf rack hooks, roof shower, solar panel, and an onboard heater for mountain camping. Then I think we're done for a while? But maybe not. Thanks to all of you guys/gals for the help and inspiration! In 2022 I hope we can ski a ton and surf Mexico.

Nathandeuel · 09-10-2021, 05:36 PM

Some pics of recent trips

Twoxentrix · 09-10-2021, 06:06 PM

There are several here that are living OUR dream - to just get out and go with no commitments limiting time or direction. Sounds as if though you are part of that elite group...nothing but envy on this end!

Nathandeuel · 09-10-2021, 06:12 PM

I should say that all that travel was definitely predicated on Zoom school for our then 10/11yo daughter and us adults's ability to work remotely. I go back into the classroom at UCLA on Sept 23 and our daughter is thoroughly committed to in-person school, so much so that a couple weekends ago I had a night at Upper Pines at Yosemite and she insisted we go home Sunday night... so she could take a quiz Monday! Anyhow, weekend warriors can still do ok. Tomorrow we head to San Elijo State Beach and Monday/Tuesday I firmly intend to get some of that south swell!

marret · 09-11-2021, 07:06 AM

Great stories and that you have been able to do the traveling. Memories for your family that may live forever.

JWA · 09-15-2021, 10:51 AM

I'd say Nathanandeuel have one helluva start on living a good life in their new van---sounds like they've got a good plan and its working great!

BrianW · 09-15-2021, 11:52 AM

Presuming you mean Sage Creek CG in Badlands? That’s a favorite of ours too. First camped there back in 1994 when it was much less crowded than now. Below pics from 2017.

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Nathandeuel · 09-15-2021, 06:42 PM

Snagged a last-minute site at Lower Pines last Friday. My first time doing the drive from LA for one night. Wasn't too bad! Having the van helps. I don't miss putting up tents... At the risk of being annoying I might post photos from our trips, just to record the memory and share

bigriver · 09-16-2021, 09:34 AM

Good stuff... always fun to see where other forum members have been. A great place to post your campsite pics is in the "Post you campsite pics" tread found here:

https://www.sportsmobileforum.com/fo...-new-post.html

Crabbyjerry · 09-19-2021, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nathandeuel

Snagged a last-minute site at Lower Pines last Friday. My first time doing the drive from LA for one night. Wasn't too bad! Having the van helps. I don't miss putting up tents... At the risk of being annoying I might post photos from our trips, just to record the memory and share

Not at all. Gives inspiration to those of us still in planning stages. Keep them coming and thanks for sharing