Camper Van Setup

[crazynewf]

Hello. Figured this would be a good forum to ask with all the hunters. I'm looking at buying a cargo van for a camper and looking for input.

First of all, what would you use for insulation without breaking the bank? Bats? Rigid? I hear thinsulate would be best but it doesn't exactly come cheap.

Furnace or buddy heater? I have a small buddy heater, just don't know if I should be using it in a very enclosed and insulated space. I will be using a CO2 meter.

What else should be on the list? Fire extinguisher for sure.

[Jayhad]

I'd buy a mid 90s dodge camper van for under $5000 and then update it.

All the design and function done properly

[crazynewf]

Yeah, looking for something older that I can actually work on mechanically.

Originally Posted by Jayhad

I'd buy a mid 90s dodge camper van for under $5000 and then update it.

All the design and function done properly

[Positrac]

Originally Posted by Jayhad

I'd buy a mid 90s dodge camper van for under $5000 and then update it.

All the design and function done properly

I’d do the same.

A buddy stripped down a Sprinter van and converted it to a RV but it was insanely expensive by the time he was done. He only went this way because he was traveling down to Mexico each year and he wanted to look like a delivery van and not a RV.

[ORV]

Originally Posted by Jayhad

I'd buy a mid 90s dodge camper van for under $5000 and then update it.

All the design and function done properly

If you can find one for that price let me know.lol

Have you seen what people are asking for them? Crazy more like $15.000.00

Good idea though.

Orv

[lyallpeder]

I think a Chinese diesel heater is the only way to go.

[Dewey Cox]

Buy an old ambulance.
Already insulated.
I ran one for a work truck and it was awesome.
Alberta government surplus online auctions.
Looks like there's only 1 on there right now.
https://surplus.gov.ab.ca/OA/ItemLis...?categoryID=60
(Thats where I bought mine)

Or if you're interested in an 07 chevy ambulance with blown transmission seals, have i got a deal for you...

[Mavrick]

If you are thinking of a cargo van don’t cut corners insulating it. If cold is the wicked witch of the north, condensation inside a van is her ****ed off wet sister.

[ghfalls]

What about doing a small cargo trailer like a 7x12? Easy to tow, can leave it at campsite and your around. Could put a decent awning on it. Could stand up inside. Probable a lot easier to finish the interior as the walls are straight not curved like a van. Register it once and done.

[sewerrat]

Look on You tube there are tons of videos on how to camperize a van from types of insulation to battery set up and beds.
Some are pretty cool.

[cowmanbob]

Originally Posted by sewerrat

Look on You tube there are tons of videos on how to camperize a van from types of insulation to battery set up and beds.
Some are pretty cool.

Whilst you’re on the internet google hippie killers.

[dend]

For heat definatly do a Chinese diesel heater. Just install one in my truck box and spent 3 nights in it. Was 18 °c all night on low. Burnt 5 liters diesel over 3 nights. Only way to go.

[CaberTosser]

Dewey, I also thought a retired ambulance would make a cool camper, as far as electrical goes, they’re probably already over-wired. Of course some lithium-ion batteries and an inverter would be in order if you’re not going to idle it constantly like gov’t employees do when burning gov’t fuel. A 4x4 conversion would be cool too. I think the main drawback though is the low roof height. A 14’ dually cube van with a 4x4 conversion would rock, they have good inside height & you can keep it looking like a delivery or utility truck if you’re into the ‘stealth’ thing as was earlier suggested. The flat walls would be much easier to insulate & trim out the interior.

[lyallpeder]

Originally Posted by dend

For heat definatly do a Chinese diesel heater. Just install one in my truck box and spent 3 nights in it. Was 18 °c all night on low. Burnt 5 liters diesel over 3 nights. Only way to go.

Did you cut holes in the bed or run the exhaust through factory holes? I have one in my utility trailer/truck cap camper but hope to build a truck cap camper next year. Unfortunately I only ended up staying in it one night hunting so the diesel didn’t get used up. Guess I’m camping in my driveway this winter!

[bubba300]

Where you buying chinese diesel heaters at,looking at getting one,they look like they would be handy.Is there any smell of diesel.

[crazynewf]

Still thinking about insulation.

And what about toileting? I've heard of using coconut fiber, anyone try this?

[Okotok]

Originally Posted by crazynewf

Still thinking about insulation.

And what about toileting? I've heard of using coconut fiber, anyone try this?

I tried it once but it was even scratchier than burlap.

[Mavrick]

Originally Posted by crazynewf

Still thinking about insulation.

And what about toileting? I've heard of using coconut fiber, anyone try this?

I had to google that, didn't even know that was a thing. I think most guys just use the log style design about 50 yards or so from their set up.

[Stinky Buffalo]

Originally Posted by Okotok

I tried it once but it was even scratchier than burlap.

(Stinky Buffalo spews coffee all over his desk...)

[Stinky Buffalo]

Originally Posted by Mavrick

I had to google that, didn't even know that was a thing. I think most guys just use the log style design about 50 yards or so from their set up.

That is for those composting toilets, IIRC. Folks use Cocunut Coir or peat...

For me, I don't know if one of those would keep up...

[lyallpeder]

Originally Posted by bubba300

Where you buying chinese diesel heaters at,looking at getting one,they look like they would be handy.Is there any smell of diesel.

I got mine off Amazon. All the fuel connections leaked but once I replaced the clamps and a different filter it’s not leaking anymore. I have the tank mounted inside the “camper and don’t have smell issues.

[Dewey Cox]

Are these the diesel heaters everyone is talking about?
https://www.amazon.ca/VEVOR-Detachab...NsaWNrPXRydWU=

(First one on Amazon when i search "diesel heater")

[goldscud]

When I built mine years ago I put foam board on the floor under 3/4" plywood.
I used fiberglass along the walls behind wood paneling.
I installed a propane furnace, 3-way fridge (with freezer) and propane stove.

I installed a propane tank underneath

[lyallpeder]

Originally Posted by Dewey Cox

Are these the diesel heaters everyone is talking about?
https://www.amazon.ca/VEVOR-Detachab...NsaWNrPXRydWU=

(First one on Amazon when i search "diesel heater")

Those are basically the same but they have the fuel tank and heater mounted together under the tin. Apparently there is a smaller (2kw) ones. My review of it is the one by the name of “J.”

8KW 12V All-in-One Diesel Air... https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B08M9SM2VN?...p_mob_ap_share

[flyon]

I have a Propex Heater in my GFC and it is awesome. Intake and outake underneath the truck (at different ends) so no need to worry about carbon monoxide. Zero condensation. I've got it hooked up to a thermostat so i can keep it at 20c all night if needed.

https://propexcanada.com/product/hs2...wn-air-heater/

[guysmiley]

Originally Posted by Dewey Cox

Are these the diesel heaters everyone is talking about?
https://www.amazon.ca/VEVOR-Detachab...NsaWNrPXRydWU=

(First one on Amazon when i search "diesel heater")

I have one very similar to this. All I can say is that it does make heat. Haven't field tested it and can't report on longevity.

I plan to use it like this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzlKXaET18E

Just plumbed the heat vent into a camper instead of a tent.

Propane tends to freeze up when it's really cold. I like options....

[Ormachek]

Originally Posted by flyon

I have a Propex Heater in my GFC and it is awesome. Intake and outake underneath the truck (at different ends) so no need to worry about carbon monoxide. Zero condensation. I've got it hooked up to a thermostat so i can keep it at 20c all night if needed.

https://propexcanada.com/product/hs2...wn-air-heater/

I built a teardrop trailer last year and installed a propex. Worth every penny.

[Jims83cj5]

Originally Posted by ghfalls

What about doing a small cargo trailer like a 7x12? Easy to tow, can leave it at campsite and your around. Could put a decent awning on it. Could stand up inside. Probable a lot easier to finish the interior as the walls are straight not curved like a van. Register it once and done.

This guy^^^^^^^

[crazynewf]

Originally Posted by Mavrick

I had to google that, didn't even know that was a thing. I think most guys just use the log style design about 50 yards or so from their set up.

Getting too old to be exposing body parts to the elements. Liking the idea of a composting toilet

[guysmiley]

Originally Posted by crazynewf

Getting too old to be exposing body parts to the elements. Liking the idea of a composting toilet

The problem in my mind with them is that if they freeze, the composting bacteria etc die.

Try an incinolet but then you need power. Works well though.