Dirt cheap van conversion to an aerodynamic RV that looks like a million bucks!..idea

[nimblemotors]

Those might be cheap-ish when your labor is free, but most CERTAINLY not looking like a million dollars!

The Previa came in 4wd and supercharged version. No real reason to use it over something else, the engine is not real common.

The early Mazda MPV van was available in 4wd, and is a narrow van,
that would be better for aero, but frankly why a van to convert to truck,
just use a truck if that is the idea.

The Prius idea would mount the hitch on the roof.
Any of these builds would be 1000's of hours of work.

Originally Posted by Arashi

Maybe someone here would like to make it before I get my resources and life in order.

I was able to find these similar projects.

[freebeard]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgJ3lSbOqqw

[oldtamiyaphile]

Most cars have very low permissible roof loads.

Cutting up old vans into trailers makes for much heavier trailers than if they were built the traditional way.

[freebeard]

I'd rather roll a Vanagon than a Winnebago.

I like the video for the old codgers naivety. I mean ... he put his phone number in a Youtube video.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by oldtamiyaphile

The Japanese market Estima looked all but identical but was about 6" narrower to better deal with city streets.

IIRC both the conventionally-sized and the shorter, narrower Estima Lucida were available in the JDM, though only the Lucida was available with the 3C-T Diesel. And the main reason to have a smaller version there was actually related to the Japanese tax system which penalized larger cars.

[Arashi]

Previa's and Delica's from Japan are great... pre-fukushima import!

Originally Posted by freebeard

If your going to use the lasercut plywood for construction, longitudinal and/or diagonal tension cables would strengthen it. Or interlocking puzzle pieces. Plus a rigid skin.

Nice, a steel cable\chain should add some security.

I also see what you mean with the hemispherical body and putting the load on the axle.

Originally Posted by nimblemotors

Those might be cheap-ish when your labor is free, but most CERTAINLY not looking like a million dollars!
.....

The early Mazda MPV van was available in 4wd, and is a narrow van,
that would be better for aero, but frankly why a van to convert to truck,
just use a truck if that is the idea.
....
Any of these builds would be 1000's of hours of work.

This MPV has nice proportions and can look good with a kit...
http://i.imgur.com/FB1JODA.jpg

but I dont think any kind of RV or vehicle is available to buy with such a uniform bullet shape thats like the Previa combo. I challenge anyone to find something similar

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by Arashi

Previa's and Delica's from Japan are great

The Delica seems to be a better base for a campervan than a Previa, though its simpler appearance may be deemed less attractive. But its engine bay is roomier, and it had more engine options including some nice Diesels...