Results 9,326 to 9,350 of 12741
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12-04-2021, 07:34 AM #9326Registered User
- Join Date
- Dec 2020
- Location
- Idaho
- Posts
- 1,740
I've only used my FWC w the cold weather pack on 1 colder trip (20F) and it was much like the old days of an aluminum top on my pu bed. Fortunately I was able to open it up in a garage to dry it out immediately after the trip. The aluminum walls and frame are super conductors. While I'm sure it could be a bit more comfortable w some practice, I want to concentrate on my activity not staying warm and dry. Imo, it's a 3 season rig at best, and so I will either keep it knowing that or go big w a Big Foot or Northern Light. I hate the idea of a top heavy outfit and dual rear wheels that is going to be hard to get around the Forest with, but I'm not taking the FWC on a ski trip that's for sure.
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12-04-2021, 08:23 AM #9327
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12-04-2021, 10:40 AM #9328
This thread keeps on circling back to the same discussion of the main options and trade offs. I’ll just mention that for most of us, the point of having a travel rig is…..traveling. For us that means the western states and W Canada. A nearby E Sierra trip, even if it’s a wet early season blizzard, will soon be followed by a sunny dry spell that’s great for drying out a roof top tent or pop top camper. But visiting friends in Bellingham and skiing near Mt Baker…
After 20+ years of road-tripping, the #1 reason I’m a van convert now isn’t the 22 mpg, or year round weatherproofness & warmth, or exterior durability….it’s the ability to drive at night after a day in the backcountry & park somewhere, turn off the engine, crack a beer and have camp instantly established. Or drive somewhere in the morning 5 mins after waking up.
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12-04-2021, 01:58 PM #9329
Anyone have experience with the stock furnace in a eurovan in the winter? Would winter camp with the top down, wondering if it keeps it warm. Cheaper than a fully built sprinter.
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12-04-2021, 03:39 PM #9330
Finally found one! There’s lots of little things that need work, but it should be decent. Fairly complete, some fiberglass work to do. The truck with Timbrens does great with the weight.
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12-04-2021, 03:45 PM #9331
FKNA should be a bombproof setup.
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12-04-2021, 03:55 PM #9332Registered User
- Join Date
- Dec 2020
- Location
- Idaho
- Posts
- 1,740
Very nice! Good luck and have fun.
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12-04-2021, 06:48 PM #9333
That Bigfoot is gonna be great. I’m always dreaming about one of those on a flat bed with truck boxes in the void where the bed sides used to be.
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12-04-2021, 06:59 PM #9334
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12-04-2021, 07:00 PM #9335
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12-04-2021, 09:55 PM #9336
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12-05-2021, 12:16 PM #9337
Ski RV's, who's sleeping in parking lots?
First night was a success- near North Powder, Oregon. Sweet to pop the escape hatch to look at morning weather. Cozy, warm and the lady digs it. Upgrades to follow!
Sent from my iPhone using TGR ForumsLast edited by riff; 12-05-2021 at 01:24 PM.
Gravity always wins...
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12-05-2021, 12:29 PM #9338
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12-05-2021, 01:40 PM #9339
We scored- the only reason we were willing to drive to Idaho for it. It needs some fiberglass repair which may need professional attention, but for this winter gorilla tape will keep the water out. Here’s a summary of condition to put the price in perspective.
Pros-
Most appliances work
Glass intact.
Original stuff mostly present.
Two brand new marine batteries.
$1200 in receipts from the rv shop in july.
Two full propane tanks!
Cons-
Broken fiberglass
Needs seat cushions
Squirrel occupied for a bit, chewed on trim, cushions.
Needs cleaning.
Needs nasty carpet taken out.
Fridge may not work.
Needs curtains.
Bathroom is disgusting- probably stripping it all out.
Needs exterior fittings resealed.
Jacks need rebuilding.
Busted strike plate/janky door handle
Fairly immediate Plans:
New floor
Strip bathroom
Fridge?
Curtains
Dinette cushions
Wash/wax exterior
Rebuild Jacks
Battery box
Usb plugs
Led lights
Later:
New table
Fiberglass repair in summer
We paid $2000. After watching for months, I surprised it didn’t get snapped up faster, but I think the glass work scared some folks. Even if it’s a tough fix though, worth it. Even if the fix fails in a few years, worth it.
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12-05-2021, 01:43 PM #9340
Without the glass damage similar specimens are around two times the price, without the other stuff maybe three or four times the price. Facebook Bigfoot group helped me get a grip on it all. Lots of gotchas of course, before 1988 they were wider and won’t fit newer trucks; this one is just new enough to be the updated mold.
Sent from my iPhone using TGR ForumsGravity always wins...
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12-05-2021, 01:54 PM #9341Registered User
- Join Date
- Sep 2018
- Posts
- 2,698
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12-05-2021, 03:15 PM #9342
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12-05-2021, 03:27 PM #9343
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12-05-2021, 04:12 PM #9344
deals to had out on lawnguyland...
https://longisland.craigslist.org/rv...413271320.html
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12-05-2021, 09:33 PM #9345
minivan camper ponderings, queries on roofbox drag, C of G and spatial relationships
Going to spend many nights this winter living in a van down by the mountains. Trying to figure out how to arrange the cargo. I will have a full size spare (AWD Sienna has no space for a spare; it comes with run flats) at least 4 pairs of skis (2 prs alpine, 1 pr tele and a pair of xc or bc for meadow skipping), will *possibly* have some batteries, inverter and solar panel(s). Most seats already removed. With 3rd row removed there is a lot of cargo space available where the seats stow that can accommodate spare, aux batteries, tools.
MPG with roofbox is around 20. Not sure how much better the 04 awd Sienna would get without box and crossbars. If I tossed the spare up on the roof it would no doubt be worse. Could put the spare behind rear door If I get a thing to fit in the hitch. So the options are:
a) put it all inside, decrease drag, lower center of gravity and increase security,
b) roofbox for skis. Spare and everything else inside
c) roofbox and spare on roof,
This vehicle is about driving and sleeping. I don't need a living room, kitchen, toilet, shower, home theater, or real heater. The box/platform/bed will be secured for travel and leveled with shims for sleeping.
Curious what experienced minivan camper folk think. Thanks for your wisdom or what could feasibly be considered such
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12-05-2021, 10:27 PM #9346
1987 Alaskan pop up, tempting...
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12-05-2021, 11:06 PM #9347
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12-06-2021, 08:00 AM #9348
Do you have a full size spare or a donut? I have a donut spare and I can stuff it into the cargo area behind the 3rd row. ‘04 AWD Sienna. Roof box is a must have IMO. MPG hit would be negligible if you mounted it on the roof with the box.
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12-06-2021, 09:17 AM #9349
We have a raised bed platform and put skis under it. I have a roof box too but so far haven't used it with the sienna. We fit four pairs of skis and two people + stuff without it.
Tire is a little tougher, ours is just the fwd version so spare lives underneath.
I'll try to post some pics this week now that I'm done with the heater too.
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12-06-2021, 09:55 AM #9350Registered User
- Join Date
- Jan 2014
- Location
- Gaperville, CO
- Posts
- 5,852
Sweet -- looking forward to it.
My little van addition for this year is a homemade center console for the Sienna. The stock one is nice but makes moving back/forth difficult. Building basically a box that I can quickly unclip (ski boot buckle?) and move behind the passenger seat to act as a little seat for hanging out and playing cards. Or remove entirely when it's just me camping for ease of access. Really wish it was reasonably easy to put a swivel in these things.
Re:roof box. Personally I'd opt for b. Roof box is just too damn handy for skis. But it depends on your build. My build retains the 3rd row seats which are used for hanging/transporting passengers/having a little work desk. So inside doesn't work for me.
Working at hill setup.
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