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Sounds like you've put a good deal of thought into it. The element seems well suited for this venture, both with the pop-top mod, and the large hatch in the back and huge side opening to get cargo or various modifications inside the vehicle. I don't think you mentioned it, and if you did I missed it, but are you planning on being somewhat self sufficient in the camper/element? I looked at making a camping van a few years ago and there are a lot of cool options for small refrigerators, stoves, stand-alone HVAC, etc. As far as the tinting, I am under the understanding that rear side and hatch can effectively be as dark as you want as long as the front sides and windshield are within legal limits. I'd probably make some sort of curtain arrangement for those anyways while camping. WHen I used to run the Alcan somewhat frequently and sleep in my truck, I found the pillow cases closed in the front windows and extra pillows stuffed on top of the dash worked well to both block light and insulate the vehicle better.
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Aug 9, 2017 14:33
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| # ¿ May 22, 2024 15:29 |
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rdb posted:You would be better served by a normal cargo van. Ford transit, mercedes sprinter, even chevy, ram and nissan make them now with smaller more efficient engines. The transit in particular would suit your needs and be far easier to modify. Its not made in the united states either, its euro designed and made in turkey. For that matter I don't think any of the euro like ones are made in the US. From a size/efficiency standpoint you're absolutely right. The only issue is that the "euro-style" vans we have here are fairly new still, and cost a lot more than an Element or similar. The best you'd be able to do is maybe an early Sprinter, but those had a lot of rust problems and usually have super high fleet-level miles on them.
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Aug 9, 2017 14:49
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rdb posted:I saw a couple transit connects on local CL for less than $5k. One as low as 3k but had 338k miles on it. I think its all doable on a $15k budget, probably far less. There's going to be outliers in all directions. Realistically this is best: https://asheville.craigslist.org/cto/d/88-volkswagen-vanagon/6254084848.html
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Aug 9, 2017 15:03
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Elements do some uncanny things though... Plus they can be had with 4wd, and are more inconspicuous than a van /devils-advocate
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Aug 9, 2017 15:23
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The Element is a good choice, there's a lot of over complication going on here. AWD Elements get 19/24MPG, which is fine. Gas is ~ $2/gallon right now, cheap. No need to do some shady or elaborate engine swap in the pursuit of a couple more MPG's and lack of parts availability. Also, it's going to be a lot nicer to live with and drive an Element than a van substitute. OP, I think you hit the nail on the head with using the Element for what you need. Find one with lower than average miles in good condition and that will be more beneficial to your budget (and time) than anything. Then focus on outfitting it.
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Aug 10, 2017 17:52
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I slept in the back of my dually when I bought it in Vermont and drove it back to Alaska with my wife. We used this as our fridge: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0083F8YZ...la-307585725315 It worked amazing, only word of caution is to keep an eye on battery levels as it will drain two big deep cycles in like 18 hours without the truck running.
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Aug 11, 2017 22:42
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TapTheForwardAssist posted:For Element variants, AWD or 4WD? Stick or manual? Sunroof or no? Maybe one with a sunroof would be a good way to ventilate the thing?
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Aug 11, 2017 22:44
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| # ¿ May 22, 2024 15:29 |
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TapTheForwardAssist posted:Thanks for all the advice, at this point I'm leaning heavily towards the Element and will take the rest of my questions to their dedicated forum. Found this today: https://asheville.craigslist.org/cto/d/2007-honda-element-ecamper/6266404318.html
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Aug 16, 2017 14:05
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