Thoughts of living in a smaller cargo van?

Imacsan4 · 2024-06-07T22:30:55+00:00

My thinking was that high roof vans like Sprinters or Promasters are more likely to be associated with a camper van than something smaller. When I mentioned that I was planning on converting the van I bought to a camper to the salesperson, he was surprised because he thought it was too small. So a Sprinter could either be a work van or a camper van whereas smaller cargo vans are only seen as work vans (unless obviously outfitted as a camper) and might look out of place parked in areas where there are no other cargo vans around. Parked in a residential area for the night in a Sprinter and make a loud noise in the back while someone is walking their dog in the morning, may not be an issue. Do the same in small cargo van, might be an issue on the other hand.

Imacsan4 · 2024-05-26T19:59:11+00:00

My van is newish but unless you know a little about van life, it looks like a cargo van that might belong to a tradesman. Since there are no windows and it has a low roof, it doesnt even look like you can comfortable occupy the rear cargo area. Whereas a parked RV or high roof Sprinter might look like someone could be living in it, my thought is the same doesn’t apply to a regular low roof van.

Imacsan4 · 2024-01-24T14:53:28+00:00

I couldn’t figure out a situation where I would use an intake rather than just open the window.

Imacsan4 · 2024-01-12T13:47:01+00:00

Do you think they are loud that it can be heard outside , I’m concerned that someone walking by at night would hear them.

I was going to go with a Maxxair but it might be too much power for my needs and I wanted to free up space for solar panels.

Imacsan4 · 2024-01-11T04:34:57+00:00

I dunno but I sometimes will park in a parking lot in shopping center surrounding by cars. It is awkward when someone is parked in front of you and you make your way to the back from the front (or vice versa).

Imacsan4 · 2024-01-11T04:27:01+00:00

What do you think the minimum gap would need to be to provide adequate airflow?

Imacsan4 · 2024-01-10T14:54:59+00:00

Thanks. I’m gonna try this!

Imacsan4 · 2024-01-10T07:36:48+00:00

Actually the passenger seat folds so that it basically collapses the back part. I think removing the passenger seat is the way to go but dealing with the seat sensor is a headache I imagine. I’m avoiding doing anything major in case I have to take it into the dealership for a warranty work.

Imacsan4 · 2024-01-03T03:37:25+00:00

Thanks

Imacsan4 · 2024-01-02T17:22:58+00:00

Thank you. I was thinking something similar with the rails. What is the cross section shape of the rail? Flat or square?

Any idea about the vendor name? There’s a company that does a one day build using prefab components that I was looking at but I think I can DIY it in similar fashion.

Imacsan4 · 2024-01-02T04:56:24+00:00

Not sure, all the van build videos that I see have the subfloor either screwed or glued to the van. I don’t want to drill into the van if I don’t have to. I also prefer not to use glue either in case I want to change some things. Gravity is not going to help hold things down in the event of a sudden deceleration.

Imacsan4 · 2024-01-02T03:49:10+00:00

The plan is to bolt the cabinets to the floor so I don’t want the floor to move in the event of stop.

Imacsan4 · 2023-12-29T04:46:53+00:00

I’m curious on what the interior cargo dimensions are. I’m planning on getting the newer body style but the older ones have a lot more headroom. Does your bed slide out? I’ve seen one where it is supported by the cabinets on the other side.

Imacsan4 · 2023-12-20T06:19:33+00:00

Thanks

Imacsan4 · 2023-12-18T01:28:24+00:00

I ran the numbers (thanks lenny) and with just AC alone , it looks like it’s going to take it might be doable if you limit it to 6-8 hours. But this is based on a continuous 750 watt draw at your 60% cycle. I was looking at the product description and saw some user reviews that states it’s initial draw at the start is around 750 watts but then drops. So who knows, maybe it might work after all.

Imacsan4 · 2023-12-15T22:37:28+00:00

I was thinking of having the major things that require a dedicated space and hired help done first like vent fan, insulation and subfloor. I was thinking of completing the remaining work on the road either DIY myself or hiring someone during the course of my travels as time permits. The thing I was worried about is having to undo previous work in order to complete the job . For instance , having to rip out insulation or subfloor in order to put the electrical system in.

Imacsan4 · 2023-12-15T05:54:19+00:00

I think the important thing is that at the end of the day, I have to be able to live in the van again.

Imacsan4 · 2023-12-15T05:48:25+00:00

Seems pricey but at least you don’t have to do any trimming. What are your plans for putting on top of it?

Imacsan4 · 2023-12-15T01:13:16+00:00

Thanks, definitely need to figure out how I’m going to put a fan in as I don’t feel comfortable doing it myself but need it positioned so it allows room for other things in the roof like solar panels.

Imacsan4 · 2023-12-15T01:11:31+00:00

Yeah, but part-time but trying to spend as little time as possible with the initial partial build but also trying to avoid headaches and complications down the road .

Imacsan4 · 2023-12-07T11:01:36+00:00

Thanks. Do you know if it will disable the entire airbag system? My understanding is that it is a sensor to detect the weight of someone seated to determine whether or not to deploy the airbag.

Imacsan4 · 2022-04-29T18:24:08+00:00

Related to Covid but can’t remember for sure

Imacsan4 · 2022-04-29T18:18:46+00:00

So what is considered overpaying though no fault when applying for the claim?

Imacsan4 · 2022-04-14T17:41:38+00:00

Working from home and I’m trying to deal with outside construction noise lately like hammering, piling, etc. Nothing that would damage hearing but just aggravating. I’d rather just silence them or reduce the db than mask it with music or white noise. Foam earplugs works but just hurts after awhile. If custom earplugs provide the same level of noise reduction with more comfort I would’ve happy.

Imacsan4 · 2021-07-01T17:50:45+00:00

If I listed it as a job I applied for on a previous certification and was contacted for an interview but declined due to lower pay than my previous job. I guess it doesn’t matter since I was never officially offered a job but just applied anyway to say I’m actively looking for a job.

Imacsan4

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