Hello, first post and advice needed on liveaboard overlander..

[1leglance]

There are a few interesting deals here on Expo

http://www.expeditionportal.com/foru...amperized-6000

and someone had linked to a 4x4 small bus/van that looked like it had promise

[Photomike]

Love that Durashell, gives a lot of options. I would only go with one side window and a back window as well as a escape hatch on the roof. That would keep your "exposure" down for people being able to see in and keep your security up.

My concern would be about the insulation, if any. Would be easy enough to add a heater for cool nights but cold could be an issue with condensation.

Glue some carpet to the ceiling for a little warmth and to cut down the noise, as well as put some on the floor.

Here is a post from a unit close to the same size as the Durashell http://www.expeditionportal.com/foru...nce-conversion

[Telcobilly]

Awesome info! I'm getting paralysis by analysis now, lol.
Here's what I'm considering:
Option 1: buy the Durashell and set it up, no hurry, I have housing so I can take my time to insulate it, get windows and build a bed platform. Where to buy and how much would windows cost? The shell costs $4800 new before taxes.

Option 2: buy a used conversion van for $3k - $6k and be more comfortable , downside is two vehicles to maintain, insure and store. Upside is a lot of bang for the buck and the ability to stealth camp.

Not sure I would go with a full on overland conversion, would be pretty expensive.

[Photomike]

I saw a Sprinter the other day that was a cargo version converted to a RV. What was the difference? They did not put any windows in the back. Great for stealth camping and security. I had to look a couple times at the awning, furnace exhaust and the bikes on the back that gave it away as being converted. From the front you had to look hard to see in the back and I never did see much from looking as it was so dark. I would have at least put some windows in the back doors for light and driving, but I am sure they have what they want. Upside less expense, very stealth - fully customisable.

Another van around here is a full size panel van that is converted to a camper. Everyday they are parked at a local park for the day, then at night they leave to work. They have a nice roof rack and windows in the back but that is all to see from the outside.

A conversion van is usually done up pretty good. I have looked at a few and have been very impressed.

Like you say going with any van will add all the extra expenses of the second vehicle, a lot of money that could go into fixing up a unit for your truck and gas to enjoy it later.

For windows try any RV supply. The more expensive ones are plexi and are dual pane. Not sure if you need that if you are not insulating the camper, but they sure are nice.

[Telcobilly]

Thanks Photomike,
I get buyers remorse just thinking about another vehicle. You are right, the extra money spent on another vehicle would go a long way to upgrades on this unit, which could be moved to another truck in the future, if necessary. I'm thinking a rooftop vent and windows in the back only. Will keep it more commercial looking. With more privacy and light. Maybe a pass through window to the cab as well.
I already have better load capacity with the add a leafs in the rear. An Eaton LSD is coming next..

[Japes]

i have seen quiglys for sub 20. you can get a nice E350 extended for 4-7k and go from there. Another option is a astro. cheap and stealth.

i honestly feel a big vans your best bang for buck

[rxinhed]

http://sandiego.craigslist.org/ssd/cto/2993058733.html

Unimog radio vehicle, camo:
http://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/ctd/2981072381.html

Sprinter:
http://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/cto/3027085690.html

Ford Van:
http://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/cto/3027033234.html

Small Chevy Class C:
http://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/rvs/3025063346.html

Another Ford van:
http://sandiego.craigslist.org/esd/rvs/3023297513.html

[Telcobilly]

Awesome links rxinhead, thanks! Loving the Unimog (scared about service and parts though) and the Sprinter.

[Telcobilly]

Maybe a mod should move this thread to the Toyota or Other forum. The more I consider my use and needs for the liveaboard vehicle, the more I keep coming back to my truck/ Durashell combo. My truck is a reliable, paid for and a known quantity. With its light weight, traction ( soon to be enhanced with a locker or LSD ) and fairly decent economy, it's hard to find another vehicle to offer this. I put some $ in it recently with 5 matching rims/tires, f/r hw tube bumpers (including a 2" receiver), tube tailgate , four new shocks, spacer front lift and an add a leaf 2" lift in the rear.

I'm thinking I can have a boat hatch installed on the roof and a sliding window in the front to line up with the trucks rear sliding window, this will take care of natural light/ventilation while offering great stealth. It offers 67" of headroom and 75" of length, allowing me to stretch out all the way. Right now, housing is not an issue , so this unit will allow me to have more of my stuff with me. I may buy a small trailer for my DR650 which will take care of the overlanding, the truck could serve as the base camp..

Any input pro's/cons are appreciated.

[Revco]

I see you have TX plates on the Tacoma...are you working the Eagle Ford Shale? If so, there's a Sportsmobile Chevy 4x4 Van for sale at Stahmann RV on I-35 in New Braunfels. Maybe you can check it out and see if it's something you'd be interested in, or figure out if it's not for you. You don't see many Sportsmobiles around here, so this might be a chance to check one out in person.


EDIT: I just found the ad...$65k!!! Yikes!

http://www.stahmannrv.com/pre_owned_...R0&veh=2560203