Trading in your LC for a Class B camper van?

adrenalinejunk8 · Mar 25, 2022

Has anyone ever considered trading in your LC for a Class B camper van?
I’ve been looking at Mercedes chassis Winnebago Revel or something similar.
Maybe use the van as a DD

Sandroad · Mar 25, 2022

See posts by @mcgaskins starting at #155 in this thread.

Builds - mcgaskins' 2016 build thread - Ruby

Loved the truck with the 34s. Admittedly, glad you’re going back.

forum.ih8mud.com

ElJayBird · Mar 25, 2022

Camper vans are now what this was in the 70's. Vans are the flavor of the week - Land Cruisers are forever! LOL

If bangin' hot chicks in Patagonia gear is your thing, go for it bro!!

Madtiger · Mar 25, 2022

adrenalinejunk8 said:
Has anyone ever considered trading in your LC for a Class B camper van?
I’ve been looking at Mercedes chassis Winnebago Revel or something similar.
Maybe use the van as a DD

I would consider Storyteller Overland Mode LT based on Ford Transit. Mercedes platform has expensive service and parts; as compared to Ford Transit platform which is cheaper and more Ford dealerships nationwide. In addition, Transit has AWD (no LO range), so great in bad weather but not so good for heavy off-road. However, with a big a$$ van, there is no point for LO range IMO. AWD is more useful for a vehicle like Class B. Ford is gas engine too.

But be prepared, these things rattle like crazy and things break a lot in the van!

If i must stick to MB platform, then i prefer Airstream Interstate 19/22.

adrenalinejunk8 · Mar 25, 2022

Madtiger said:
I would consider Storyteller Overland Mode LT based on Ford Transit. Mercedes platform has expensive service and parts; as compared to Ford Transit platform which is cheaper and more Ford dealerships nationwide. In addition, Transit has AWD (no LO range), so great in bad weather but not so good for heavy off-road. However, with a big a$$ van, there is no point for LO range IMO. AWD is more useful for a vehicle like Class B. Ford is gas engine too.

But be prepared, these things rattle like crazy and things break a lot in the van!

If i must stick to MB platform, then i prefer Airstream Interstate 19/22.

Storyteller was definitely on the top of the list. The wife prefers a fixed toilet and a dedicated space to store wet/muddy gears.
I like Airstream Interstate 19 so much, just not happy with the old propane burner. Also not a big fan of the black tank..

White Stripe · Mar 26, 2022

I'm pretty happy with my pop up offroad camper. I leave it at a camp site and then go explore. It has a toilet and indoor and outdoor shower. All of those vans aren't that capable offroad.

Madtiger · Mar 26, 2022

White Stripe said:
I'm pretty happy with my pop up offroad camper. I leave it at a camp site and then go explore. It has a toilet and indoor and outdoor shower. All of those vans aren't that capable offroad.

Yeah that’s true. I was also looking at airstream Basecamp X.

In addition, if your van breaks, then you’re stuck without wheels and home.

Unfortunately a lot of these trailers lack quality even airstream.

tacoduck · Mar 26, 2022

A camper van probably gets better mileage than your lc.

White Stripe · Mar 26, 2022

Madtiger said:
Yeah that’s true. I was also looking at airstream Basecamp X.

In addition, if your van breaks, then you’re stuck without wheels and home.

Unfortunately a lot of these trailers lack quality even airstream.

Thats kind of how a lot of stuff is in the camping world unfortunately. With my camper I have had to make some modifications to beef things up along with just realizing some camper stuff is more fragile and to be gentle-such as faucets. Nothing crazy enough though to keep me from getting a camper. Personally I enjoy seeing how far I can take it. So far I haven't gotten it too stuck. I only have 30" tires on it. More lift and some 33s and I could really go to some cool places.

Tex68w · Mar 26, 2022

I've got a few buddies with Sprinters, one fully custom 4x4, another Winnie Revel 4x4 and the third with an Airstream. The buddy with the custom by far has the most usable setup/space and his van has the best durability in regards to the build quality. He is the only one that lives out of it full-time as well. The Winnie and the Airstream while the most appealing when new are constantly having things break and fail on the interior. I've run along for a few days in one, they get blown around on the highway a lot, they are noisy and you're constantly concerned with clearance, fitting in places and being worried about getting stuck. The appeal of the travel style or lifestyle is much more intoxicating in theory than it is in reality IMHO. I've realized that as much as I'd love to have one on paper it simply doesn't translate in real life and they aren't for me/us. A full-size truck with a slide-in or flatbed camper is a much better solution all around.

TeCKis300 · Mar 26, 2022

My take is that you really need to know what type of camping and travel you enjoy doing. That is going to hugely matter whether the Class B camper van is for you. An open question like this suggests more time and investment maybe needed to explore that. Perhaps by renting and trying? Before any huge financial commitment only to find out after, because as we know, these things are not cheap.

There's so many forms of camping from tent, to car/overland, to Class B (A, C, travel trailer), and everything in between. The optimal one will depend on trip/destination/personal tastes. A point to consider independent of type of camping is that it can be handy to have separation between camper and transportation, to be able break away from base camp to explore. Otherwise tearing down the camp setup, just to visit something or grab a meal nearby becomes a constraint. Could be as simple as a bicycle to a Class B.

Class B's will be great, generally for a singular form of travel and use. For the right owner, it's awesome.

Personally, I'd stay with the cruiser. Here's why.

It's the ultimate flexible tool in my mind. For any type of camping and exploring. Not much needs to be said for its pinnacle ability as a long distance travel tool, or mild to extreme off-road exploration. It's also hugely flexible from basic camping, overlanding, off-road trailer, or full blown RV trailer. Which is why I try not to permanently install any camping items to it. Depending on specific trips, I can tailor the configuration and load out . Or keep it empty for commuter, bus kids, or Home Depot duty. Because of that, the cruiser IMO reigns as the ultimate swiss tool and easier to justify.

Light adventure travel