Re: [APML] Comments on vans for dark-sky trips

[swalters@att.net]

Hi Bert,

I recently went through this decision and opted for a 
Dodge Ram  Conversion Van. This has the high top and a 
fairly luxurious interior. There is a bench seat at the 
rear that is motorized to convert to a bed. The bed is 
quite comfortable, I've spent many nights on it already 
in the field. There is a TV and VCR to watch movies when 
weather does not allow observing. There are pull down 
blinds all around except for the windshield and front 
doors. For these, I bought aluminized sunscreens. It also 
comes with a nice stereo system. The two mid-seats remove 
easily. I bought this van as a compromise between general 
travel with my wife for trips and a astronomy getaway 
vehicle. Gas mileage is about 15 MPG on the highway with 
AC running. I got a white van to avoid heat as much as 
possible. This van cost just a bit more than a mini-van, 
I was very surprised at how much price reduction I could 
get. Of course it's much more than an empty cargo van.

I attached four brackets on the side of the roof from 
which I can rig an awning (just a tarp) out to two tent 
poles. This gives shade. The brackets are attached with 
double backed foam stickey tape. Eventually the tape will 
fail but it's lasted 4 months so far. I made the brackets 
pretty long (11" each) and cleaned the surfaces with 
alcohol when attaching them. Anyway, this makes a good 
shade.

When I take an astronomy trip, I carry a coleman gas 
stove and cook outside the van. I set up a folding table 
which is also used with the telescope that I use to cook 
and eat on. I also rig a shower at the rear of the van. 
When the two van doors are open, there is a collapsable 
wooden framework that I place on top of the doors. A 
solar shower water bag sits on top of the framework and a 
curtain attaches at the four corners of the frame. The 
curtain is just a tarp with some added grommets at the 
corner. I sleep on the bed and the occasional visitor 
uses a foam pad on the floor. Two could use the bed but 
my wife has no interest in astronomy or primitive living.

When I travel, I remove the two mid seats and place items 
in 40 quart plastic boxes. These are set end-to-end and 
stacked. I put a tie-down around them and use carbiners 
and rope loops to attach them under the seats. This keeps 
them from flying around loose. There is also lots of 
storage under the bed. I usually leave the bed down when 
traveling so I can stop and nap while traveling.

Overall, this approach works for me. It is not so 
convenient as a travel trailer or a motor home. Or some 
of the do it yourself systems mentioned earlier. The 
conversion van is more expensive than a basic cargo van 
and if you want to customize, the cargo van is excellent. 
But the conversion van is ready to go and is wonderful 
travel vehicle. You can easily carry 7 passengers and 
lots of luggage.

Anyway, food for thought.

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