Converting a vehicle to RV duty?

I think the AstroSafari is just about the cheapest way to get a AWD/4x4 Van. I'm always curious as to why their owns usually pick something else, and most of the time its two reasons: 1) Space, they want a full-size van. 2) Difficulty of maintenance. - The AstroSafari just isn't as easy to work on as some trucks.

That being said, I pushed my Tacoma really hard over the weekend in some off-roading situations, and I never put it in 4x4, just to see how I'd do. Tires and ground clearance really do make a huge difference in offroad situations.

A 2wd Ambulance lifted with huge tires and a 7.3l would probably have no problems going most places, same with a econoline. Attach a winch and carry some sand rails/ladders and it'd be good.

If I were seriously considering a 4x4 ambo, I would defiantly but a diesel 2wd E350 and convert it using Ujoints stuff. Absolutely the best ride out there. The factory 4x4 conversion suck in general, unless they are built on F series chassis which some are.

This is a great example of one, and he added a roof extension too.

java230 wrote: If I were seriously considering a 4x4 ambo, I would defiantly but a diesel 2wd E350 and convert it using Ujoints stuff. Absolutely the best ride out there. The factory 4x4 conversion suck in general, unless they are built on F series chassis which some are. This is a great example of one, and he added a roof extension too.

Truth, u-joint makes an excellent product.

I found myself looking at small "acorn" sized trailers recently.. it's damn hard to find one in a "fixer upper" condition. Most of them are in good to excellent condition with values to match.

I keep seeing "recently restored" and I am wondering where to get one that "not yet restored"

In reply to mad_machine:

If you are thinking about what I think you are, try searching for: Scamp, Casita, Burro or Escape. All are similar fiberglass trailers, with the Scamp and Casita being easiest to find (at least around here).

I have been Dave.. the nearest to me are several hours away (most are half the country away) and way more money than I want to spend for something I am going to tear apart and rebuild anyway

7.3L IDI turbo diesel F350 4x4 based ambo. 30k miles, 6,300 hours. Very good looking base to start from.

CL add

java230 wrote: 7.3L IDI turbo diesel F350 4x4 based ambo. 30k miles, 6,300 hours. Very good looking base to start from. CL add

We have that truck at work, and while its reliable it is freaking SLOWWWW with the IDI and all that weight.

In reply to Brokeback:

Even the turbo model? I thought those were decent....

My favorite listing so far ended up closing at a rather stratospheric $14,250. Looking over the other trucks in the last round, the condition doesn't appear to be too tightly bound to closing price, but this truck appeared to be super clean and had no observed faults in inspection. I found a few that didn't look to be good deals at all, and one or two winners that I could have worked with.

Meanwhile, I'm just trying to get my mind wrapped around SketchUp. I don't actually know enough about the engineering yet to actually plan the box, so I'm mostly trying to learn the software and play with the floorplan. The biggest hump with designing my own box has to do with designing my own box. It's a situation where strength and weight are important. I'm planning some library time, and planning some review of existing designs.

I've also found some people documenting a build that is very similar to what I have in mind. They have more skill than I do, which is why I'm glad they're doing it first.

https://fuchsiafoxexpedition.wordpress.com

If your stuck on the lmtv, look into the s280 shelters, bomb proof ish and fit the bed perfectly.

My buddy who bought his paid 15.5k titled and plated iirc

How do the LMTV's cruise at highway speeds?

I assume you could probably find more street friendly tires, eh?

PHeller wrote: How do the LMTV's cruise at highway speeds? I assume you could probably find more street friendly tires, eh?

they don't. Top speed is 94 kph

In reply to mad_machine:

And that is generous. Apparently there is a possibility of regearing with gears from some other truck, dont remember the details, but they really run out of gear. Happy at 55mph cruise.

java230 wrote: In reply to Brokeback: Even the turbo model? I thought those were decent....

Yea, ours is a turbo but with all that ambulance weight and being the non-powerstroke motor, you can really tell the difference. I have a 7.3 powerstroke at home that blows the IDI out of the water, or at least it feels like it does. Haven't done any racing to confirm yet

In reply to Brokeback:

Still... for $18K, that looks like a decent base for a RV if 4WD is desired. Plus, pick-ups are generally more comfortable to drive (more leg room) than vans over long distances. The 7000 lb weight of that truck seems light. That's only about 500 more than my '95 2500 Cummins 4x4 weighed.

mad_machine wrote:

PHeller wrote: How do the LMTV's cruise at highway speeds? I assume you could probably find more street friendly tires, eh?

they don't. Top speed is 94 kph

KPH? Is that an American Army Truck?

Wall-e wrote:

mad_machine wrote:

PHeller wrote: How do the LMTV's cruise at highway speeds? I assume you could probably find more street friendly tires, eh?

they don't. Top speed is 94 kph

KPH? Is that an American Army Truck?

There's a Reserve Center near my house, so I see these on the hwy with some frequency. I'd say 94kph/~55mph is fairly accurate. Not a big deal with a group are traveling together in a convoy with an escort. But a solo truck by itself... not sure I'd want to do that. Although I'd concede driving one of those at 55 mph in 75-80 mph traffic would probably be less stressful than when I'm in one of my LBC's doing 65-70.

One of the Dodge M866 ambulances has been on the local CL for a long time. It's an air force version with power steering and a 12 volt electrical system, both not common for these, but desirable, because it makes them more like the civilian version. I like it, I'd do this to it.

So, 3rd Gen Dodge Diesels: Is $9,000 a good price for a 242,000 mile quad cab short bed with lots of mods?

I'm tired of the low power in my Tacoma and lack of seats. Kids in future, I want a vehicle I can keep and I'm not afraid to invest in. I could get a 03+ Montero for a few thousand less than the Dodge, but that Cummins has got another 250k left in it.

The Plan: A big ass camper shell and maybe flatbed with Four Wheel Camper in the future. Would not be a daily driver.

I'm finding some lower mileage 2nd Generation 12v models, but the lack of rear doors seems like it would be annoying if I want to haul some friends out in the middle of nowhere.

Brokeback wrote:

java230 wrote: 7.3L IDI turbo diesel F350 4x4 based ambo. 30k miles, 6,300 hours. Very good looking base to start from. CL add

We have that truck at work, and while its reliable it is freaking SLOWWWW with the IDI and all that weight.

We're talking about campers. Slow isn't that big a deal. If you're in a hurry, you're in the wrong mindset and probably shouldn't have brought your house with you

In reply to Keith Tanner:

Doesn't your Westy have a Subie swap?

Ha! It does. That makes it reliable! It's still pretty darn slow in the mountains. If I wanted fast, I'd be stuffing a 2.5 turbo engine in there instead of the bulletproof 2.2. And we all know how that would turn out.

I drive the Westie about the same way I drive the Dodge with a two-car trailer on the back. Deliberately with a lot of planning ahead.

Some inspiration for you, they are a bit larger than your average off road vehicle...

java230 wrote: Some inspiration for you, they are a bit larger than your average off road vehicle...

What is the blue SUV with the grill guard and big foglights? It looks like some cross between a Land Cruiser and and Montero Sport, but I just can't place it. Very cool.