I have a friend who purchased a short wheelbase cargo MB Sprinter 4x4, he
built it himself as a camper, not luxury but practical and functional -
insulation, bed, storage, awning...

He's very happy with it...

On Sat, May 14, 2022 at 5:04 PM Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@sbcglobal.net>
wrote:

>  No PopTops.  Not needed.  Only camp with 2.  Custom side window screens
> and a rooftop vent give me all the ventilation I need.  Yes, I can still
> pull on my jeans sitting down, no need to stand up.  Cooking outside on
> campground picnic table works just fine, and keeps the bears away (except
> for one time at Mammoth with trash bag on passenger side window.....you
> will never know how big a bear's face is until it's 14 inches away in the
> middle of the night with only a window pane separating!)
>
>     On Friday, May 13, 2022, 03:18:07 PM PDT, Gil Ngai <
> eyebawlgil@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>  Richard, care to share pics of your other conversions? Do they have
> poptops?
> •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••GIL NGAI • I TELL GOOD
> STORIES
> filmmaker • DP • chief storyteller • instructor www.dayonemedia.ca
>
> On Fri, May 13, 2022 at 4:09 PM Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@sbcglobal.net>
> wrote:
>
>  Insane amount to convert into camper?  Oh, not at all.  If you've got an
> electric drill and an electric saw of some kind....and a staple gun and
> scissors...YES!!!  I have done this 3 times.  True that foam cushioning
> prices have climbed, so has plywood.  But still...with some imagination,
> and a modicum of expertise, the Westfalia interior can be easily surpassed
> in both price and function.  BTDT.
>
>     On Friday, May 13, 2022, 02:27:09 PM PDT, Gil Ngai <
> eyebawlgil@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>  I have a similar Westy and I too frankly wonder why there isn't more
> discussion about this.
> Modern Toyota and Honda vans are incredible machines, so reliable and
> cheaper for entry in the long run.
> For sure an insane amount of work to convert, but we are all use to a lot
> of work on our rigs.
> So what's the reason not more people are dreaming like Richard??
>
> Gil Ngai
> '85 Westy 2.5EJ
> Calgary, AB
> •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
> *GIL NGAI* • *I TELL GOOD STORIES*
> *filmmaker • DP • **chief storyteller • instructor*
> * www.dayonemedia.ca <http://www.dayone-media.com/> *
>
>
> On Fri, May 13, 2022 at 3:18 PM Dan N <dn92610@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> > Add a rooftop tent and you're good TO GO ....! ! !  :-)
> >
> > On Fri, May 13, 2022 at 2:13 PM Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@sbcglobal.net>
> > wrote:
> >
> > >  It's Friday, so OK to post something like this.  I have owned VW vans
> > > since 1974; current '85 is approaching 300,000 miles of fun.  Has a
> > recent
> > > Subie 2.2 motor conversion, a new rebuild of transmission, and soon
> will
> > > have new front suspension and new brakes all around.  So obviously, I
> am
> > > committed to this thing.
> > >
> > > Others have eyed my Vanagon with envy.  My tintop parks nicely in
> garage,
> > > gets 22 MPG, I smile everytime I drive, especially when I see
> reflection
> > in
> > > glass store front windows.
> > >
> > > So....Toyota Sienna.  About a 2005-2008.  Fits in garage.  Has A/C that
> > > works.  Drivetrain is exactly like my daily driver, a 2004 Toyota
> > > Highlander.  V-6 motor.  Robust.  Parts and service are available
> > > anywhere.  Price on San Diego Craigslist is typically around $6000 to
> > > $9000.  Plentiful.
> > >
> > > My idea would be to strip back interior.  Build my own bed and camper
> > > interior.  Screens on windows.  House Battery in that deep space in the
> > > back of Sienna.  Butane stove.  Ice chest.  Custom curtains.  All the
> > usual
> > > junk too.  Totally doable.  Great campervan for 2 people.
> > >
> > > Please don't hate me.....just thinking.
> > >
> >
>
>
>