Ever had the itch for an RV??

[zjrog]

That GMC is WICKED!!!!

I'm actually looking for a Grand Caravan to use as a small camper... Sort of like the Jucy Rentals. Except, I only need room for 2. I'd like to find a way to do a pop-top, but not important... I still have my 1100 pound 1972 Starcraft tent trailer if I need more room. I just like the minivan concept for rapid transit across the country to visit famil and friends, yet have someplace to stay if something catches our attention along the way.

[War_Wagon]

They actually made a pop-top Caravan. I believe it was a Get-A-Way van conversion, but it worked just like a Westfalia. The ones I have seen have all been early '90s models, but they may have made them after the bodystyle change in '96. If you just want a 2 seater camper, check out how these guys convert their Astro vans. Click on the More Info link on this page and scroll through, you'll see how they lay them out inside.

2-Seater Campervan

Its a simple conversion they way they do it, lots of storage, and it's all done with plywood and some foam and fabric. I know these guys (sell them most of the vans the have), and it's a pretty simple but effective way to do a cheapo RV. They sell out of rentals every year (130 vans at their office here), so they must be onto something with the layout being decent.

[larrybuck]

A conventional Mopar mini van could be SO tolerable if it had the right sized diesel with
a stick!, though I'd prefer the Astro rear drive!!!

[zjrog]

There is a custom camper shop in Colorado that does various poptops for vans, but nothing for the Chrysler minivans. Bummer. I had the idea for the Chrysler, though I suppose any would work. I just am familiar with Chrysler drivetrains is all. And I knew I was on the right track when I saw the Jucy Rentals. Seeing the Wicked Rentals just solidifies my thinking. I just don't want to be so overly visible as to draw attention that I'm camping in a minivan. An Astro van would be nice for getting farther off the beaten path though. The 87-95 Grand Caravan's with a 3.0 V6 can be converted readily to a 5 speed, with mostly factory parts. Harder with post 96 vans thanks to OBD2 and oddball computers that can't be flashed. Although, I recently read the 5 speed from 2.7l V6 Stratus/Sebrings shares bolt patterns with the 3.3/3.8 minivan V6s... At least one in England and one in the US are running around in Neons... So there are possibilities for a stick in a minivan. Working with factory ECMs might be another story...

[Jasen]

I think the problem with most mini vans like caravans, is there built off a car platform, and there kinda scant for camping space. The Astros are built on a truck based platform and are boxy, they have enough room, more actually, to easily do a Westfalia type conversion and available suspension's or upgrades to handle the extra weight.

I've seen a couple/few members at the astrosafari web site take their vans to coloradocampervan Custom Van Conversions For Camping, Work, and Play He has happy customers.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

I usually say that every vehicle where 2 stretchers can be fitted is already suitable to taking a nap inside

Originally Posted by larrybuck

A conventional Mopar mini van could be SO tolerable if it had the right sized diesel with
a stick!, though I'd prefer the Astro rear drive!!!

The RWD layout of the Astro can also be better for some mild off-roading.

[zjrog]

Originally Posted by Jasen

I think the problem with most mini vans like caravans, is there built off a car platform, and there kinda scant for camping space. The Astros are built on a truck based platform and are boxy, they have enough room, more actually, to easily do a Westfalia type conversion and available suspension's or upgrades to handle the extra weight.

I've seen a couple/few members at the astrosafari web site take their vans to coloradocampervan Custom Van Conversions For Camping, Work, and Play He has happy customers.

I'll disagree. At least my 1987 Grand Caravan had a flat load floor, could carry 4x8 foot plywood sheets flat on the floor. And could carry 10' narrow items between the front seats. I carried 1000 pound + loads a number of times. I will indeed admit, that there are few options for suspension upgrades. Unless you can fabricate something yourself.

Astros are unit body in the back, like other minivans, though the front suspension and powertrain are a single unit on a subframe. Much like old Camaros... But yes, they offer more room and can get you further offroad as I already mentioned.

I'm not looking to spend weeks in the thing, keeping as low a profile as I can to not be noticed. I would like to use it daily if need be.

[Jasen]

Zjrog, I'll give you that on the older ones Now there all just 21 century station wagon's.

My cabinet's weigh 300 lbs plus 1200 lbs in tools has my AWD Astros suspension maxed out.

[War_Wagon]

Here's a local conversion from the '90s on an Astro and a Caravan.

Pop Top Camper Van - 1995 Chevrolet Astro - Delta/Surrey/Langley RV For Sale - Kijiji Delta/Surrey/Langley Canada.


http://bc.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-...AdIdZ528908582


There used to be a pop top Caravan not too far from my place, next time I am around there I'll see if I can find it for a pic, and get the manufacturer name off it as I don't think it was a GTRV conversion.

[zjrog]

Saved the Caravan camper pics... I like that idea, but would like the kitchen towards the rear. I do like that poptop, but wish they had more pics of that. On another forum I saw a guy that stuck a older Westphalia roof on a Jeep Cherokee. I wonder how the roof of a Caravan measures compared to an older VW van.