We built this van to be a 4 season cross-country van capable of getting to most climbing / hiking trailheads. I have a background in offshore sailing, and building small award winning wooden boats Comfort for two, reliable marine grade electrical, and equipment, with easy maintenance and service on the road were the met goals.
The van is well insulated with primaloft, and sound deadening, and has an Espar with a HAK under swiveling passenger seat. Keeps warm in Colorado winters and dries out wet gear. Maxxair ceiling fan over the bed with remote and oscillating fan on the wall. Tons of clothing and storage next to bed and in galley secured by marine grade mesh for off-road.
The galley has Corian, with a deep under counter sink and gorgeous Fynspray hand pump which is supplied by removable multiple 7 gal tanks and empties into a 7 gal removable grey water tank. The hand pump is completely reliable and cuts down on needed tankage dramatically. Fridge freezer is an Isotherm 130 marine model with remote control, and has small aux fans to keep system cool.
Cooking is accomplished by a camp stove in secured storage that can be used on the custom cooking pod in doorway, or outside on fold down table. Breakfast or quick cup of coffee on the counter using reliable backpacking stove. A huge workspace for food prep or general work is left clear, and there is no needed propane tankage, by not having built in cooktop. All utensils, dishes and pots included. There is a deep bin for heavy items, and a secret storage space for your valuables.
Added Rigid LED lighting for navigating dark trails forward and reverse, or spotting pre dawn roadside deer. Aluminum fuel tank skid plate, and steel differential skid in place.
High quality 300 w Solar system from AM Solar charges the separate house bank of 2 brand new 125 amp hr AGM batteries, a 2000 watt inverter and all marine grade wiring and Blue Sea System fuse bank. Marine grade LED lighting and throughout
There is no fixed head as they tend to smell, and take up room. A 5 gal bucket with a seat and Restop 2 WAG bags have served us extremely well. Simple, reliable and disposable at every gas station.
The gear garage is massive, and will hold 2 non shocked bikes on a full pull out drawer. There is a Hi Lift mount, a shovel, basic spares, leveling ramps, room for spare water and fuel and recovery equipment. More than enough room for the worst hiking or climbing gearhead’s gear.
I have meticulously maintained this van. It is completely up to date with all service, has brand new AGM batteries ,a new rear NOX sensor, new wheels, excellent tread on KO2s, with new TPMS sensors. New coolant and hoses, new intercooler hoses, serpentine and fan belts. All fluids have been recently serviced. Basic spares are included. I am happy to discuss details of any maintenance.
This van has served us extremely well, with probably 95% of mileage being long highway days, and is in turn-key condition with a well kept interior and exterior, including black plastic trim. We no longer are climbing, and the van has been used very little in last year or so, although it is driven regularly and continually maintained.