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

["bert katzung" <katzung1@home.com>]

Hi Steve  (the "s" in "swalters" is for Steve, I hope?):
Thanks for the input---looks like a lot of people have gone through the
process I'm just starting with and you have all put in a lot of thought.
Thanks very much for the feedback! It's all going into my file for careful
reflection (Newtonian. Cassegrain, whatever....). I was hoping for exactly
this kind of community experience to help me out.
Bert

Bert Katzung
katzung1@home.com
www.astronomy-images.com

----- Original Message -----
From: <swalters@att.net>
To: <astro-photo@seds.org>
Sent: Tuesday, September 04, 2001 9:19 AM
Subject: Re: [APML] Comments on vans for dark-sky trips


> 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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