Class C or empty van for conversion?

[Dtbrown]

Hello.
I am in the process of learning more about RVs and conversions to decide what I would like.
I am open to something between a Class B, B+, C, around 25'.
My first thoughts were to try to find something that is as cheap as possible, while being mechanically sound as possible, and just change the interior to my liking.
I know I don't want to deal with black water, would like to use an alternative like composting toilet or something, would like to use solar, and will end up making other modifications to at least the layout of whatever I buy.

With modifications like this (plus the potential of buying as cheap as possible and needing more mechanical repairs), I started wondering if it might be more cost efficient to purchase a newer model, mechanically sound van and start the interior from scratch... or to just go with the original idea and shoot for cheap and make modifications and repairs as needed.

I know there are variables here we can't take into account since who knows what condition RV at what price I will find... but I am hoping anyone with experience could give me some insight on any of this. Thanks in advance!

 

[Arch Hoagland]

Welcome aboard!

Have you ever had or used an RV?

 

[HueyPilotVN]

My first thought would be that building even the most basic systems into an empty vehicle would be more expensive and  more prone to giving you all kinds of problems.

Find a used RV and inspect it very carefully.

I am not trying to shoot down your idea but trust me there are many pitfalls involved in reinventing the Wheel.

Welcome to the Forum.

 

[Isaac-1]

There are a few nicely done home built camping vans out there, but that is what they are, camping vans, which make a nice alternative to a tent, where most even lower end class C's are more of an alternative to a motel room.  However all too often these home built cargo van conversions, turn into an empty cargo van wish some insulation put up on the walls, cots to sleep on and maybe a fancy bucket for a toilet, in the end they lack a lot of basic features of factory built RV's, like windows, larger water, and propane tanks, so no real bathroom, no built in shower, only very basic cooking facilities, no cargo bays, ....

Whenever the topic of composting toilets come up, I always strongly suggest people watch this video, which is actually produced by composting toilet advocates, though with what is covered in it, I don't see how they possibly are. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vM71d8wMuUU

 

[Fogetty]

Thanks for a very informative video - I always wondered how they work, and what "maintenance" is required. It's a matter of choice, but as for me, black & gray tanks are sounding better and better...  : :

 

[SpencerPJ]

Thanks for a very informative video - I always wondered how they work, and what "maintenance" is required. It's a matter of choice, but as for me, black & gray tanks are sounding better and better...  : :

Amen..  Great video though  ) ) )

 

[JudyJB]

I am an older woman who travels alone.  Black and grey tanks seem to be something that really bothers a lot of people.  Trust me that once you get the hang of it, it takes only maybe two minutes to hook up your hoses and pull the handles to dump your tank.  Anyone can do it.  (Big Tip: Make sure your connections are secure before pulling any handles!  I learned this one the hard way.)

And the whole process of waiting for the liquids to drain and flushing out the empty hose and putting it away takes only ten minutes once you are experienced.  To me, that is a LOT easier than taking a composting toilet apart, hauling out the mess, and figuring where you can dump the unsanitary stuff.  Dump stations are meant to handle sewage and the dump process can be done without splashing or spilling on yourself--much cleaner than hauling a bucket of waste somewhere and having to somehow rinse it out to replace it in an RV. 

One consideration of the van versus Class C is being able to stand up and walk around.  Ask yourself the rainy day question:  in which vehicle do you want to be confined on a wet day?  How about three wet days in a row with a wet dog?? 

 

[darsben]

I have seen a number of old ambulances with diesel motors renovated into small rv's quite nicely

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

The big difference between a Class B and a C or B+ is the body.  The B is strictly a van body, while a C has a custom body that expands the width considerable (typically 18-24") and frequently adds a area over the van cab as well.  Technically there is no such thing as a B+ - it's just a Class C body on a diet.  The extra width possible with a custom body makes a huge difference in livability.

 

[TheBar]

Just remember condition beats age or price in the used market.

 

[Isaac-1]

I have seen a number of old ambulances with diesel motors renovated into small rv's quite nicely

I suspect for every one that is nicely done, there are half a dozen with spray paint over the old logos, and duct tape over the strobe lights.

 

[TheBar]

40 years ago I converted a Chevy step van into a motorhome. It did have decals but the wife and I decided to not paint over them. It had been a milk truck (very insulated by the way) that on each side had a 3 foot tall picture of Elsie the milk cow and below that in large letters "From Moo to You". A real conversation starter that everyone thought was hilarious.