Whenever I see a Dodge Sprinter (and to lesser extent, a Ford Transit) I always think they could be turned into awesome camper vans. They look tall enough to stand up inside. I knew someone who converted an old bread delivery truck (a Step Van?) into a camper. So I'm thinking, with wifi capability in various places and owning a laptop, couldn't I just live out of my car if times get tough? Is anyone on TT already living out of their car? I know we have some folks living under bridges ... ;-)
I Guess I Could Always Live in My Car
Comments ... #
I did some research on them for a business related idea, and there are companies that make some pretty cool Sprinter camping coversions. Matter of fact, I remember a site that let you build the camper floorplan, they had all the options they sold, you choose what you wanted, and put it where you wanted within reason. I believe I used this, it is a download 1/2 way down the page - http://www.sportsmobile.com/1_dyo.html
Here are some ready made examples of floorplans:
http://www.sportsmobile.com/2_std_plans_rb.html
http://www.sportsmobile.com/2_std_plans07_eb.html
I also considered a Moble Office / Video Production solution for the Sprinter with all WiFi and High speed mobile internet service. I think I decided that a U-Haul style Box Truck, Step Van, or Lucas County EMS style truck was better (roomier) from a width perspective. Someone does build a Sprinter Box style version, but just couldn't get over thinking it would be underpowered, and even IF it wasn't underpowered, reliability issues from the small engine pulling massive weight that have plagued the Van/Camper conversions.
Funny how I was so optimistic about the business that I actually took the time to research this.
I can vouch for the Transit Connect. I have a 2010. It's used as a passenger vehicle and I use it for my landscape design/install business. It hauls a whole lot of stuff, but easily converts back into a passenger vehicle seating 5. Exellent mileage. My only complaint is the way it locks and unlocks. Huge pain in the backside. For some this vehicle would be considered short on creature comforts.
For small business endeavors I dont think you can beat it. I've heard that Nissan is bringing out their version for soccer moms and little league dads, all tricked out.
Interesting coincidence that this thread came up. I was talking with an acquaintance this weekend who mentioned a retired couple he knows who opted to live out the rest of their days in some type of modified campervan. They moved to southern Washington, which has no personal income tax and does not collect taxes on Social Security, and they shop in northern Oregon, which has no sales tax.
posted by historymike on Oct 12, 2011 at 08:27:21 pm #
Yes, I see the irony.
posted by historymike on Oct 12, 2011 at 08:27:37 pm #
Great blog of a survivalist who lives in a van.
I sure do hope that I'm not the only one not amused by this thread.
posted by Mariner on Oct 13, 2011 at 06:37:50 am # 1 person liked this
Here's a story from last month about funk legend Sly Stone living out of a van.
"I like my small camper. I just do not want to return to a fixed home. I cannot stand being in one place. I must keep moving."
Contributing to the singer’s dire financial situation, he foolishly sold his valuable music-publishing rights to Michael Jackson for a reported $1 million in 1984.
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