Any 30 mpg vans you can recommend for camping?

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by Piotrsko

Are waterboxers still ty2?

IIRC they're a T3, while only the Split and the Clipper are considered a Type 2

[User1]

Originally Posted by JSH

Juicy has the same set-up as the Escape Caravan we rented. Juicy's Youtube video of their van features:

Kitchen

I'd be the first to admit I'm a little slow, but I'm having a bit of a hard time figuring out why they designed the ladder to not touch the ground on their tent setup at first video. It'd be best to go to 6:50 to see this in action.

[Hersbird]

I wonder if the ladder with just hangers and sitting on the ground was falling over when the oppucants of the tent got that van a rocking. If it's just attached to the van and flying off the ground, then it doesn't have to act like a kickstand.

[Piotrsko]

I don't know if it needs to go that far, just loading and moving around would be enough to detach the ladder in most vehicles today.

[freebeard]

This was Westfalia's solution:


https://www.vwispwest.com/cm/ZVW49-3.jpg

[dremd]

I’ve owned a lot of vans, none got 30mpg, my first thoughts are
1) smallest shortest T1N Sprinter upper 20’s in MPG
2) Mazda 5 also upper 20’s but in gasoline
3) dodge caravan/ Chrysler town and country mid 20’s

I’ve owned 3x air cooled type 2 VW’s. Fuel economy was always terrible. Teens in MPg. I was also a teenager at the time so that didn’t help.

I’ve owned 7 Ford E series. Best Mpg is later 5.4 liter about 15 mpg.

Chevy / gmc vans have touched 20

My big sprinter gets 24-26 mpg. I’ve never owned a small one.

[racprops]

Here is a totally off the wall idea.

IF I was trying to reach those numbers, I would buy a 2000 Mercury Grand Marques like the one I owned a few years ago.

IT got 29/30MPG at 65MPH all the time I owned it. And that was with the stock rear end gears of 3.27, and could most likely do a little better with the optional 2.73 gears.

Then you make it into a Station Wagon. One that can sleep two. All other camping gear could be stored in the beep trunk well under the bed.

Rich

[racprops]

On the other hand I am working and THINK I can break 20MPG at 75MPH in my custom 93 Full size van https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...4247153&type=3

With a custom built 383 which has a low/mid RPM Cam running a custom cam with Roads Lifters, and ceramic coated pistons and cylinder heads for lean burn running, custom OBD1 computer with special chip, and I will be adding extra EGR to both lean out the A/F ratios, try to burn left over fuel, and help over come pumping loses.

Lastly I plan on adding a second over drive (old Borg Warner unit devoiced from a 3 Speed w/OD) allowing my high torque engine to run at 1600RPMs at 75/80MPH.

As we rarely cook food on a road trip, a ice chest serves us well, and as our outing rarely last more than week max, shower, or other things are not needed. And as I plan on spending any over night stays at say KOA type camp grounds where I can get A/C will be able to run a small heat pump A/C unit for comfort.

Where as my even super MPG 2000 Mercury GM only got 24/26 MPG at 75/85MPH 20MPG at those speeds will be great considering the great ride, comfort and load carrying of this van.

Rich

[dremd]

If your considering a full size car, just buy a Model S. I’m comfortable sleeping in mine, no space for restroom facilities, but sleeps great, quiet efficient, and you will never be chased off for being a weird guy in a van.

[freebeard]

Originally Posted by dremd

I’ve owned 3x air cooled type 2 VW’s. Fuel economy was always terrible. Teens in MPg.

At one point I put a fresh rebuild in my 1961 Type II panel van (dual-port 1600, 40mm Solexes and a single extractor exhaust) and to break it in I drove over the Coast Range at 55mph. At 60 miles I filled up and it took exactly two gallons — so 30mpg.

It spent the rest of it's time on I-5 above 70mph (top was 85) and (as you say) 17mpg.