Endless summer vehicle: bigger than VW, but stealthy?

[rsbones]

Cliff notes: I'm looking for a vehicle larger than vw vanagon; wider than sprinter; lower, faster and less thirsty than fuso/npr; stealthier than small rvs or truck with campers. Need at least 9'6" interior length, 6'2" height and probably 6'6" width?

Long version: I've always wanted to be one of those oldtimers who just hangout at the beach and surf all day, and I'm getting close to just doing it. I'm trying to find a vehicle I can build up and use over the next few years for extended surfing trips, that may turn in to a life on the road. I may spend some time in the mountains, but don't anticipate needing much in the way of off-road capabilities or cold weather capabilities for that matter. And I'm trying to find something that would blend-in in an urban environment so that I could stealth "camp" anywhere and avoid campgrounds and rv parks. I just can't find the perfect vehicle - little help?

VW Vanagon -- Very stealthy since many people still drive them as daily drivers and if poptop is switched to permanent hightop, can sleep secretly upstairs. But overall just too small for my surfboards and bike inside and rear engine location really limits interior layout options.

Sprinter -- leading candidate, but too narrow for me to sleep across the back and I'd like to do one of those permanent rear bed with "garage" underneath layouts. Is there anything wider out there? (i also just can't get used to the look of the sprinter van for some reason: too narrow for its height i think).

Truck with camper or small RV -- too obvious as a recreational vehicle to allow for stealth camping. Are there any that can blend in?

Fuso/NPR custom build -- love the design of the earthcruiser, but don't need anything that hardcore. I also don't need a truck with such heavyduty chasis: Is there a lighter weight version of this type of truck that will have better fuel economy, and higher freeway cruising speed capability, and allow a 6' interior height without being so tall?

What I really picture is something like the Mercedes T2 or Vario. The size is just about perfect and its squarish cargovan nature would allow it to blend in like a commercial vehicle. Unfortunately, not available in the USA... (unless I bring over a pre-'87 and feel like always ordering parts from overseas.)


Is there something I'm overlooking that would be a good platform for a custom build to suit my needs? Any ideas appreciated.

[lqhikers]

rsbones,

i do not know where you live in the bay area but i hope you are kidding when you can
not find a "steathy" rig.

very easy they are called box vans for one for another there is the lowly step van.

both types will suit your needs,both types come in many forms,gas,diesel,tall short,
wide you name it.

both will do everything you requested at any price point you choose.

Les,lqhikers

[Desert Dan]

How about a used U-haul type of truck or a Nissan NV Cargo Van??
http://www.nissancommercialvehicles.com/nv

[cwsqbm]

The Nissan van isn't really wider than a Sprinter on the inside. The problem is that all the production vans struggle to stay under 80" wide, and therefore have interiors with less than 6' of width for sleeping because of their curving bodies. A typical flat-sided single rear axle box truck has a bit more than 6' interior width (about 6'3 for the one's I've seen), and would also give 10+' of interior length and plenty of headroom. The DRW box trucks are generally 96" wide on the outside, but you'd also have to deal with that width in parking or other places.

From ToyFamily's One Ton Man Fort build thread.

[rsbones]

Thanks guys. Box vans and step vans are indeed stealthy, but they are usually way too large (and thirsty...). If there are any smaller trucks/vans, smaller than the typical ups freightliner mt45 type or the 14' uhauls, I'd be interested in hearing about them though. Do you know any models?

The smallest uhauls are the ten footers with the gmc 3500 v8 and I think they are close to my desired dimensions so I'll go take a look. I'm not big on roll up rear door, but I suppose the box could be modified in many ways.

[rsbones]

-cwsqbm, thanks! I was typing while you posted. Maybe I've been too quick to overlook that type of truck. Thanks for the recommendation.

[cwsqbm]

Another option would a Sprinter van with the rear window are "bumped-out" for sleeping space. Flare Space is one option.

[bahndo]

You could get really crafty and cut the back end off a sprinter and add a box that is just a little wider with flat sides. Then you could maybe go with the low roof version and cut down on frontal area, although I'm not sure how much mpg benefit you gain by doing that. a quick google search should say.....mmm looks like driving under 65 gives the greatest return- oh well I guess I'll never experience the mpg potential of my vehicles .
-Bahndo

[ihatemybike]

Sound like what you need is really a Class C motorhome or ambulance conversion. I've been following a blog of a guy living full time in a Class C for the past three years. He hasn't had any trouble finding free places to park or been harassed.

http://www.tosimplify.net

[Chuckles!]

There are few Sprinter box trucks out there that would do what you want.

41357-5-large.jpg

This one's box is 15' long, 5'10" high, and 6'7" wide. So a little squatty, but there are taller boxes out there on the backs of Sprinters with some searching. http://www.lonestarcars.com/vehicle/...no-texas-75093

Also, there are some step vans out there with a Cummins 4BT diesel and manual transmission. These have great access to the back, stealthy, not too thirsty, and tons of interior space. Again, I've had a little difficulty finding one tall enough for my height, but they are out there and a great price.

5F95J25Mf3G33I33H7c6nfef73d149c381d38.jpg

http://cosprings.craigslist.org/cto/3096489544.html