VW Eurovan

[Ben]

Does anyone have a VW Eurovan or similar type vehicle? I've been looking into getting one for a road trip vehicle and hunting base camp. I just wanted to see if people have bad or good experiences with that kind of set up.

Thanks.

 

[The John]

you may be able to find more info on the converted Ford 4x4 vans, they are pretty popular in my neck of the woods.

 

[Terrapin]

We had one when I was a kid (hippy parents). If someone spilled a 32 oz cup of ice on a flat parking lot, a vw van will get stuck on it. Pretty convenient for camping though.

 

[Curtis C]

For a couple of years now I have been contemplating a similar vehicle using an AWD Chevy Astro/GMC Safari van. There are lift kits available for them so you could gain some extra clearance. The cargo area is big and flat enough for a large cot, a folding chair and tons of gear.

 

[weaver]

You would get some confused looks from hippies for sure.

 

[Ben]

You would get some confused looks from hippies for sure.

Haha I know! I'd have to put on a USMC sticker on it just so I don't get confused as a hippie.

Thank you all for the insight. This would be my first non 4x4 vehicle and am trying to weight the options of not having 4x4 but better gas mileage. I've been looking at the models with a fridge, sink, stove top, and pop up sleeping area in them so it would be more of a compact RV than cargo van.

On the 4x4/gas mileage issue.... Better gas mileage means I could use it more... But could I get where I want to go without 4x4? Still researching options!

 

[JJHACK]

These vans can be had with 4x4and a diesel

 

[husky390]

My only experience with them is usually being stuck behind one on a steep grade, 2 lane road with no passing lane in sight.

Have you looked into a Ford ranger, frontier or tacoma with a small slide in camper? At least then you could have 4wd.

 

[JJHACK]

Plus the use of a pickup during the times your not needing a camper!

 

[Ben]

Somehow, I'm trying to be the 'camper van' guy that I despise. For the record: I'll let folks pass!

I've looked into cab over campers but my storage space is limited to a garage where a cab over won't fit into. One thing about the camper van idea that I like is that it would not be my daily driver and I could easily grab it and go. This would keep the mileage down and extend the life.

Whatever my purchase ends up being, the purpose of it would be for more of a base camp while I go a 3 - 5 scouting trips and then be able to sleep in it for a few days at time while hitting different sections of the river. I would like to confront factor so my wife and I can live out of it for the summer months.

 

[Ben]

These vans can be had with 4x4and a diesel

I've seen these and they are great! Somehow, they all seem to be either way out of my price range or not taken care of. I'm still looking! Wouldn't need something until the summer.

 

[beachbunny]

Like Terrapin, we had one when I was a kid. Drove from MD. to Alaska and back. All kinds of great memories and getting stuck in the mud one of them. I stayed in the camper for a while after we got back. I'm sure they are much better now but would opt for a 4WD unit . man it was great!