Lets see your dirtbag modile
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Some pretty sweet set-ups here, but I have to know more about "the Beast". I've never seen a dually van before. How about some pics of the inside? |
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I'm actually reading this and writing this from my phone sitting in a walmart parking lot in flagstaff, Az...going to be on the road until mid december. Left NYC hit up NRG, RRG, Hueco Tanks. Next stop is Red Rock than Bishop. Possibly Fort Collins, weather pending. My buddy and I are driving/ sleeping in his Yukon Xl. Rear seat taken out and the front bench seat folded down flat. All our gear is stacked behind the front 2 seats and we sleep on the crash pads that are opened up flat in the back. |
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Rich Farnham wrote:Some pretty sweet set-ups here, but I have to know more about "the Beast". I've never seen a dually van before. How about some pics of the inside?Rich, This will hold you over until you get pics: earthroamer.com/ |
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I don't really know how much mpg I lose. I've not kept track. It's pretty thin when it's shut. Wouldn't be any worse than having a rocket box, or other storage on top. There a several different types of roof-top tents. This is one of the thinner more aerodynamic ones. johnL wrote: Kai, I've looked into those tent bullet box things before. They seem perfect in a lot of ways. Am I correct to assume that you lose approx 4mpg with it? How sturdy is it, I'd be concerned that it'd turn into a wing on a windy day and rip off the top at 75mph. Of course I'm from Wyoming so these things worry me. Also, how easy is it to remove and install. I wouldn't want to drive around with that up there every day but to put it on and take it off 3-4x a month would get old if it's a major project. It seems like a no brainer. It completely opens up the inside of your vehicle for people and gear, allows you leave your bed made, requires only level ground, allows you buy a high mpg vehicle to tool around in. You don't have to unpack anything to sleep. The only disadvantage I see is wind resistance or more accurately, wind shear. Basically, tell me more. |
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Truck
I have a platform built into the back of my 01 Tacoma. It's just high enough for my cooler, a few action packers and a couple of haulbags to fit underneath, and roomy* enough for me to sleep on top of all the gear. Ventilation can be a problem so I have a battery operated fan that will move the air around enough so that the condensation doesn't get out of control.
Definitely a few things I would improve (and will do with the next one, whenever this Tacoma dies, which will probably be another 100k, since I only have 200k on it now): 1. Carpet headliner in topper to reduce condensation problems and make it warmer in winter 2. Slightly taller cap (mid-height, slightly taller than cab) for more headroom/gear room 3. This platform system: pigseye.com/jackson/bed.htm 4. "Windoors" on the topper for better access to my crap and more ventilation |
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cdavis wrote: I have a platform built into the back of my 01 Tacoma. It's just high enough for my cooler, a few action packers and a couple of haulbags to fit underneath, and roomy* enough for me to sleep on top of all the gear. Ventilation can be a problem so I have a battery operated fan that will move the air around enough so that the condensation doesn't get out of control. *When compared to submarine bunks Definitely a few things I would improve (and will do with the next one, whenever this Tacoma dies, which will probably be another 100k, since I only have 200k on it now): 1. Carpet headliner in topper to reduce condensation problems and make it warmer in winter 2. Slightly taller cap (mid-height, slightly taller than cab) for more headroom/gear room 3. This platform system: pigseye.com/jackson/bed.htm 4. "Windoors" on the topper for better access to my crap and more ventilationI've slept in that dirtbagmobile. In fact, it's the model for the one I'm building. I'm definitely incorporating that new platform system. |
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Where are you finding cushions like that? Or are you making them? |
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Toby B wrote:Where are you finding cushions like that? Or are you making them?Also interested in learning how to make these cushions. Thanks for reviving the thread :) Would love to see more dirtbag mobiles... |
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'93 Mazda MX6 - Its up to 330,000+ miles now. No ground clearance, but it can still hold plenty of stuff for 1-2 people and gets 34 MPG+ on road trips! |
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This is my 1997 Ram 2500 Conversion Van. I bought it a couple years ago when it had 43k miles, and I paid $2k for it. I originally bought it to haul a dirt bike, but then once I got rid of the bike I decided to turn it into a camper for my wife and I. I built a full size queen bed in the back, with about 14" of clearance underneath for tons of storage. The foot of the bed (closest to the front, near the side doors) folds up to become a bench/seating area in case you need more room to change or if the weather is poor and you need to eat inside. |
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Sims, great photo albums. Really enjoyed the El Trono Blanco one. |
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Working on the interior so I can get set off. Had this van last season with it fully decked out by the previous owner. However the sink and shower took up to much space i needed for gear so why not just rip the whole van apart and start rom scratch? So far walls are insulated and covered with wood panels i stained, high raised bed to fit all the gear plus more, shelving for closet use and kitchen. Soon to be an expandable bench and a wood stove in the left corner for ski season. Anticipation is killing me to get out on the road...can't wait to get finished.
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Yes Yes I'm one of those sheeple who has a car payment (/sarcasm). Looking forward to sleeping in the back when I finally make it out to big bend this fall! |
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Had a sleeping platform/to[[er situation in my Tundra but when this camper came available locally the old bones said some additional creature comforts would be nice. Furnace is definitely nice on cold mornings, I've added solar on top and changed out the fridge to a compressor style rather than absorbtion/3-way. |