Longtime lurker - new member with questions

[maxdepth]

Hi all,


I've been pouring through threads in prep for buying and outfitting a van. I have a few questions based on my adventuring dreams and I'm hoping you could offer some advice.

I dream about 2 things: 1. standard national parks/nature/backpacking destinations (particularly Alaska) and 2. taking my kaboat (incredibly seaworthy inflatable boat) up and down the West Coast of North America to fish, spearfish, surf, freedive, and photograph the ocean and rivers. Especially interested in Alaska and Baja. I'd like the ability to drive to off the beaten path Alaskan and Baja destinations and launch my kaboat from shore.

My first question is: do I need 4x4 for this? I have no interest in snow or traditional off road trails (like Moab). I like the idea of it for peace of mind and better depreciation, but most of the threads I've gone through with a 4x4-or-not discussion center around snow and rock crawling. I've been to baja several times, but not well off road (just typical dirt roads that lead to a beach). I've been to Alaska, but not driving so I don't know what the dirt roads to get to strange beaches are like - any insights there would be much appreciated.

My other question has to do with salt water and moisture inside. With an inflatable and wetsuits, spearguns, surfboards, etc, I know wherever I store my stuff will be wet and potentially salty if I can't rinse the gear. Do you think a 'wet area' inside the van with some floor vents would suffice? Is taking a bunch of wet things and storing them inside a recipe for mold/disaster?

Thanks - I look forward to learning more from all of you and will update you on what I decide to go with.

 

[wish41]

Hi,

Welcome!

1. If it is in your budget, I would say to get 4x4. If you are talking about Alaska, you are talking about the potential for snow, even in summer. I guess that could be said for any mountain environment you are considering traveling. If it isn’t in the budget, look into limited slip for the rear.

2. I would store the boat, wetsuit, etc, outside either in a rear bumper box or rooftop box. I would not want to be introducing those on a consistent basis to the interior.

 

[maxdepth]

Thanks for your input. I've heard a 2wd with LSD would work for Alaska, but not sure about sand in Baja.



If I build out a custom interior rather than stock SMB do you think there is a way to make it work? I think a shower is a must for me (nothing like a hot shower after freezing your ass off in the ocean for 4 hours), so I was thinking of storing everything in the shower... still at the idea-collecting stage, though. I'll look into some outside storage as well. Thanks

 

[wish41]

It might be possible to build to make it work, but then I'd try to cut down on the use of fabric in the interior buildout. I'd still be concerned with that moisture being trapped inside, though.

Others will probably have more specific input for how they store items similar to what you're describing.

 

[Grampswrx]

1- if you have the budget, 4x4 is great. However, a winch and rear LSD or locker will probably get you nearly as far as 4x4 will. Plus, without 4x4 you will be more cautious and probably won't get stuck.

2- I would either want a deep shower pan or large plastic tub that could double as a shower pan. Strip off your wetsuit in that and keep all your wet gear in it. can be used inside or outside. I would probably do a hot shower at the back of the van and use the tub on the ground. Much less likely to end up with water problems.

 

[geoffff]

Baja - I find 4x4 necessary there, but *only* for the last little bit of sand driving to camp on beaches. The other backroads don't really need 4x4, unless you're doing some kind of gnarly washed-out streambed crossings. If you've been to Baja and are happy with the kind of adventuring you do without 4x4, it sounds like you're just fine with 2WD.

-- Geoff

 

[maxdepth]

Thanks for all the input. I was mostly looking into ford e series vans (and maybe chevy/gmc), but now perhaps I will consider a ford transit with the LSD. I think a 4x4 transit or sprinter will be out of my price range.

 

[chrisflies]

Hi,
I have traveled Mexico, Baja and Alaska in a 2w and 4w. 4w gives you a lot more confidence and potential fun as well. I spent 11 hours on a Baja Mt. Road (East rd. to San Juanico) in my VW Westy and the following year, 3.5 hours on the same rd. in my 88 Toyota FJ62! Given your mission, i.e. Alaska, Mexico etc., I'd hold out for 4w.

 

[ctb]

Gramps, you slay me!!! LOLOL! I would have to agree...the 2x will make you more cautious and 4x4 makes you think, "I can do this!" Very funny, but true observation!

Either way, if your "hot shower" is the most/more important part , then a big fresh water tank(inverter to run electric water heater and gray water holding tank can't just let it drain under van unless its an outside shower and brrrrrr in Alaska) and water heater a must! I would build around that....put all that under a gaucho bed...wahtever your final outcome is Good luck and keep us posted...and as I say to all New Members: LOTS OF PICS!!! You never know who you motivate to go somewhere you loved!

 

[maxdepth]

Thanks for all this input. Yes, I am building around a hot shower. I see that inside showers are more popular in sprinter/tranist style builds and not so much in the econoline builds. I get that roof height is the main reason why, but do you think it could be a similar set up in pop tops or fiberine high roofs on the econoline-style vans?
I'll start poking around threads looking for indoor showers, but please feel free to send along any you see!

 

[ctb]

MaxD, our shower is in the back/drivers side...it is a shower shell w/toilet...we have used the shower many many times, but haven't used the toilet once (yet,lol) Luckily my wife and i are short (5'2",5'8"), it is a bit cramped (roof/penthouse rail is a bit in the way) BUT, we quite enjoy having to do the shower assist with each other...one holds the sprayer standing outside the shower while the other soaps up...it actually saves hot water b/c of the control. If you are going to be by yourself mostly (what a great romantic camping trip though for a significant other lol) you'll figure out a hanger etc... I will search my pics to see if I have a clear pic...OK, bst I could do w/o me actually being in the shower and no-one wants to see that...lol This is with the top down, behind TV, then cabinet/furnace THEN the shower cabinet/stall...two piece swing out door with a shower curtain that snaps on both sides (shower door side, window side) whole interior is waterproof material...water tank, pump, inverter, house batteries under gaucho (couch), water heater under sink (sink has the cover on it in this pic...nest to stove top)...I love the walk thorough style I have, but the living room style is very cool too!

 

[1der]

Showers:
Electric water heater - only if you are plugging in, have desire to run a generator, or are up for a larger solar panel and customized DC heating element for a 3 to 4 gal water heater.

Propane or diesel are easier for heating water but have their own cons primarily in freezing weather.

Indoor showers - hot = moisture. Really well thought out ventilation is critical.

Our rig is setup so our inside tanks (hot and cold) provide for outdoor hot water showering when convenient . We do hot water sponge bath inside. I am not a fan of the roof mounted Road Showers.

20 gals of water inside storage is a nice amount year round. It can be supplemented with other temporary storage containers, solar bag showers, etc. if needed which would primarily be summertime. The inside 20 gals can be stored in two or more linked tanks, it does not have to be one tank. Make sure your water tanks are easily filled. Many times a hose is NOT available and water has to be transported and poured into the tanks.

Quick on-off trigger nozzles are excellent for water conservation.

4wd - even though rarely used it is something I would not be without for our rig. Most use has been winter driving for ski trips. Most enjoyable use so far has been getting way off the beaten path in Baja or in the Sierras.

 

[bitburger]

I had a new e350 built by SMB and I recently purchased a 2017 Transit cargo which I'll convert myself.
While they are really different animals, the biggest downside(my perspective) to the Transit is clearance. Even with 4wd and a lift kit from Quadvan, it isn't as rugged nor does it have great clearance.

Like others, I would recommend 20+ G of water inside with an attachment for an outdoor shower. As an intermediate step, the pressurized bag solar showers seem to get good reviews.

Good luck on the buy and build. There are plenty of great DIY resources on Youtube and others.

 

[Adh2636]

Our sportsmobile has an indoor shower accessory as well as three outdoor quick connects for outdoor showering. Hot water tank keeps it warm and with over 30 gallons of water, take as many as you want. Bonus: comes with a trailer for your boat and wet gear. It’s for sale in the member classifieds but not sure how to link you. Contact with questions. Adh2636@gmail.com.

 

[Vanimal]

Traveling to Baja for 40 + years including pre-running for several races I would say no on the 4x4 "IF" you are taking the traveled back trails of the locals which are extremely plentiful. "HOWEVER" in a round up summary of what Geoff stated, 4x4 is not needed till you need it. Yes lsd will get you thru alot and the winch will help thru the rest but 4x4 will get you thru what the winch can and more. Inmy early Baja days (1979 and forward) in a 2wd pickup I took a surf turn off la quota route called "Sal si puedes". For those who do not speak spanish it means "leave or get out if you can"! I tried to get back up the rock riddled hard packed road at 3am, no one around. With nothing to winch to on the sides and the road too hard to put a deadman the winch would have been useless, not that I had a winch or even afford one at 17 years old. I starting to destroy my tires so I took my time dropped it to 2nd and just was patient. 2 hours later I conquered the 150 foot section. This same incident occurred here in the states near Barstow Ca.
In conclusion to your 2nd question in what you would like to do, 4x4 or not? You could look at my lesson as Hey you got out, but what if you don't?

 

[OurayMark]

4wd or 2wd van

When I had a 2wd Econoline adventure van, there were times when I definitely wished I had 4wd.

Since I switched to a 4wd van, I have never had times when I wished I had only 2wd.

 

[Hein-ClassB]

Regarding wet gear. You might consider a rear door mounted locker for that. You probably don't want wet gear drying in your van due to all the humidity it will produce. We often put our wetsuits in our wet bath/shower but always hang them on a rack attached to the outside the rear door when not driving.



All the best,
Hein
DIYvan
541 490 5098

 

[Vanimal]

When I had a 2wd Econoline adventure van, there were times when I definitely wished I had 4wd.

Since I switched to a 4wd van, I have never had times when I wished I had only 2wd.

LOL! Yes sir peace of mind!

 

[maxdepth]

I had a new e350 built by SMB and I recently purchased a 2017 Transit cargo which I'll convert myself.
While they are really different animals, the biggest downside(my perspective) to the Transit is clearance. Even with 4wd and a lift kit from Quadvan, it isn't as rugged nor does it have great clearance.

Like others, I would recommend 20+ G of water inside with an attachment for an outdoor shower. As an intermediate step, the pressurized bag solar showers seem to get good reviews.

Good luck on the buy and build. There are plenty of great DIY resources on Youtube and others.

This is basically where my head/budget is at - either building out an e-series van or an older transit and potentially converting it to 4x4. Do you mind sharing how much quadvan wants for the transit 4x4 conversion? Thank you

 

[maxdepth]

Thanks for all the replys here! The wet gear question is on my mind - an outdoor drying rack is a must, an outdoor locker is another good idea.