Ski RV's, who's sleeping in parking lots?

**beaterdit** · 07-26-2016, 11:10 PM

Baller. Looks and sounds super clean but the price still seems a bit high. I didn't know they made Tigers in 4x4 though. Tits.

**alpinevibes** · 07-27-2016, 11:26 AM

I've been perusing the GSA auctions more after my buddy picked up a 1987 Unimog front-end loader w/rear cane with 1000mi on the cheap some months back. Similar to this one - http://gsaauctions.gov/gsaauctions/a...A1QSCI14121701

Current ones that caught my eye:

The AK camper for your whole crew? - https://gsaauctions.gov/gsaauctions/...A1QSCI16118126

Beastly and ready for a retrofit - https://gsaauctions.gov/gsaauctions/...81QSCI16160019

A great base for OR mag's build-up: https://gsaauctions.gov/gsaauctions/...81QSCI16160022

**doebedoe** · 07-27-2016, 02:46 PM

Astro 4x4 Tiger. Fucking tits. If I didn't have a lifted AWD 2001 it'd e mighty tempting.

**beaterdit** · 07-27-2016, 03:09 PM

Originally Posted by Dr. Scientist

I've been perusing the GSA auctions more after my buddy picked up a 1987 Unimog front-end loader w/rear cane with 1000mi on the cheap some months back. Similar to this one - http://gsaauctions.gov/gsaauctions/a...A1QSCI14121701

Current ones that caught my eye:

The AK camper for your whole crew? - https://gsaauctions.gov/gsaauctions/...A1QSCI16118126

Beastly and ready for a retrofit - https://gsaauctions.gov/gsaauctions/...81QSCI16160019

A great base for OR mag's build-up: https://gsaauctions.gov/gsaauctions/...81QSCI16160022

That F350 is a steal at that price.

I wonder if that Taos fire personnel carrier is a turbo, and what the mileage is like. Thing's got a lot of room. Only 2WD but still.

**skiing-in-jackson** · 07-29-2016, 06:20 AM

I've often thought a fire crew carrier would convert into an awesome camping rig.

**Johnny Utah** · 07-30-2016, 11:25 AM

Saw this box and am about the pull the trigger because, why not?
http://newlondon.craigslist.org/rvs/5700551541.html

Any tips for checking the integrity of the frame? Minimally looking for any signs of water damage, collapsing, etc.
Assuming it fits in my bed and I've got sufficient payload, what's the minimum I need in terms of tie downs or anchors to safely haul this home? Not keen on investing in much rigging for the project yet... I just want to get it home and evaluate next steps from there... without buying/installing new tie downs and without losing it on the freeway. 8' and weighs ~1000lbs

**jackattack** · 07-30-2016, 04:43 PM

Originally Posted by Johnny Utah

Saw this box and am about the pull the trigger because, why not?
http://newlondon.craigslist.org/rvs/5700551541.html

Any tips for checking the integrity of the frame? Minimally looking for any signs of water damage, collapsing, etc.
Assuming it fits in my bed and I've got sufficient payload, what's the minimum I need in terms of tie downs or anchors to safely haul this home? Not keen on investing in much rigging for the project yet... I just want to get it home and evaluate next steps from there... without buying/installing new tie downs and without losing it on the freeway. 8' and weighs ~1000lbs

Maybe haul it on a trailer so it will sit low and you can tie it to the trailer tie down points.

Inspect for dry rot there are some youtube videos to help you out on the inspection bit.

**Johnny Utah** · 07-30-2016, 05:07 PM

Originally Posted by kai_ski

Maybe haul it on a trailer so it will sit low and you can tie it to the trailer tie down points.

Inspect for dry rot there are some youtube videos to help you out on the inspection bit.

This is looking like the best plan. Also because it's likely too big to fit inside the wheel wells... so this project is getting bigger.

**nobueno** · 08-02-2016, 07:57 PM

Chinook in Boulder for 7500. https://boulder.craigslist.org/rvs/5711192438.html

**tenB** · 08-03-2016, 04:00 PM

^^^ That's a score, somebody should jump on that

**TacocaT** · 08-04-2016, 10:47 PM

Originally Posted by beaterdit

That F350 is a steal at that price.

I wonder if that Taos fire personnel carrier is a turbo, and what the mileage is like. Thing's got a lot of room. Only 2WD but still.

I go back and forth on the idea of the crew bug for a camper. I drove a 2004 crew bug for a season and now drive an engine based on 2005 international 4400 with the 466 (7.6 liter) They ride a little rough with a stiff suspension. Averaging about 8-10 mpg. They don't go much over 70 mph. They are very reliable mechanically. They are tanks and while not a rock crawler 2wd is rarely a problem only trouble I have found is deep loose sand.

One downside i can see is the cost of truck tires and the difficulty changing a tire because of the weight. last set of two front steer tires I bought were 1900 dollars.

**Jong Lafitte** · 08-05-2016, 07:41 AM

AWD Previa?

http://denver.craigslist.org/ctd/5711185600.html

This looks pretty clean and has apparently 180K.

This is something I could maybe even afford. Just pull the seats out, hang some curtains, maybe a deep cycle with an inverter and throw in two thermarests and a cooler, maybe a remote start so you can get heat without getting out of your bag?

AWD Astro with simple conversion done:

I wonder if this is enough for me and the Mrs plus 65lb Rhodesian Ridgeback dog?

I'm guessing its fairly reliable as its a Toyota but am I looking at a big money pit for maintenance and repairs with this thing? AWD driveline issues? I don't think either my wife or I would want to daily drive in it but both our other cars have over 100K so it could maybe serve as a backup + weekender. What you mags think?

Presently, we sleep in an Outback or her Fozzie and its a bit cramped, plus lots of moving gear around to get in, we started just sleeping in our bags in the front seats with them reclined as far back as possible.

Also, this AWD astro already has a simple conversion in it:

http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/5716744718.html 186K for 5K - might be a little strong on the price...

noticed this too:

http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/5693809612.html 185K for 2900...little better deal, some recent work done.

My family had two of these vans in the RWD format and I remember them being pretty reliable, got like 240K out of one of the motors.

**North** · 08-05-2016, 09:29 AM

The Previas are as reliable as any other 'yota, and have really become the dirtbag mobile de jour. Favorite feature is the passenger dash, which is massive, flat, and functions beautifully a meal prep station.

If I were buying one, I'd look for something with the factory supercharger. You heard me, a supercharger.

**simple** · 08-05-2016, 10:08 AM

Supercharged awd Previa was my favorite van. Sold a mint 97 last year. They eat head gaskets but otherwise are crazy reliable and yes can fit a bed and much more. I would have kept it if I didn't get a Sportsmobile

That 92 is overpriced. 95 to 97 had the supercharged engine. No manual transmission those years but it doesn't matter. Supercharged at altitude is amazing. Never lacked power and towed my snowmobile just fine.

**Jong Lafitte** · 08-05-2016, 10:41 AM

Ja, I thought it might be OK with the manual w/o the supercharger. Maybe stay out the fast lane?

You're not kidding over-priced, KBB says 2300 on the high end. Wow, that's not bad if you could get someone to sell one for that.

**doebedoe** · 08-05-2016, 11:11 AM

I made same decision (Previa vs Astro) in the same market (Front Range) as you this past spring. Previa's are a good option, just don't get in an accident as their crash rating is horrible. They also have a common failure of the accessory unit driveshaft thingy. There is a dude in Boulder who fixes and sells Previa's only who is worth chatting with about them.

I ended up with an Astro AWD. Less mpg than the previa for sure. But easy to source parts for, lots of knowledge around, get work done anywhere. Reliable, but at 185K you need to find out how the Lower Intake Manifold gasket is doing -- common failure and expensive rebuild. Once replaced (in a timely manner with the good gasket) those engines will last 250-300 without much other than regular maintenance. Fuel pumps go bad ever 150K if you use the good ACDelco ones.

I think 5K isn't horribly overpriced if you consider the market you're in and that people are looking for camping vans all the time here. 2005 model offers 4-wheel disc brakes, 2002 and older are only discs in front. No way is he getting 24mpg though unless that is just coasting down the mtns. Probably sell for near that.

For reference: I paid 6K for one with 130K but it also had a lift, good AT tires, racks, swivel seats etc. I sold a 2001 AWD with a lower intake gasket that was justing to go (disclosed to seller), 190K, AWD, sleep platform and good tires for $2500 this spring.

If you want to get a feel for space of Astro / camp setups you're welcome to come check mine out sometime.

**doebedoe** · 08-05-2016, 11:16 AM

Oh, and KBB doesn't mean shit for sale price of AWD vans in the Front Range. Expect to pay a premium unless you're willing to go get your van somewhere else.

**ACH** · 08-05-2016, 01:45 PM

1987 Tiger Provan Pop Top 4x4 RV - $10500 (Aurora)

http://denver.craigslist.org/rvs/5707680233.html

This 1987 Tiger Provan Pop Top Automatic 4x4 Van has 130,200 miles and is in good shape. This van has plenty of power to cruise 70 m.p.h down the highway along with high and low 4x4 to get to any backcountry campsite. A/C blows super cold. Van sleeps three adults comfortably.

Recent Work performed at Golden Auto Clinic: (127,217 miles) New oil and filter, radiator fluid, transmission fluid and filter, power steering fluid, brake fluid, air filter, front and rear differential oil, transfer case fluid, new muffler, serpentine belt, and new windshield wipers.

Upgrades include: new 12V 3 g.p.m. water pump for house water, new starting battery and new deep cycle house battery, Dometic 3 way refrigerator (propane, 12V, or AC), 42inch Superbright LED light bar, and new roof vents. I am the second owner and the vehicle was garage kept for the majority of its life and it shows.

On board RV heater, three burner stove, refrigerator all run off on board propane tank.

**Jong Lafitte** · 08-05-2016, 04:27 PM

^^ wow, hope a Mag gets that, pretty nice ride.

BTW, Thanks to those above, North, simple and doebedoe on the info on the Previa and the Astro. I'll keep those points in mind, esp about the manifold gasket - looks like it can be replaced shade-tree style but it takes about a full day to do it, yikes! Looks like a Pre-supercharged Previa might fit the budget best, even if there is a power hit, both have plus and minus. It will probably be a small miracle if I can get anything before the lifts turn, even a box for one of the Subies would be a big improvement over my current 'system.'