Van Life VS Packing All Those Toys

[bigscoop]

Fellas, I gotta tell you, I have spent all day packing and preparing for the next leg of the 2017 Magical Mystery Tour and I sure do miss my converted van. Back in the day it was a whole lot easier to just toss in the cooler and some gas and hit the road, today I find myself trying to pack all of my toys and gear into totes in some type of organized manner, which sucks, to say the least. So I think when I get back I'm going to looking at the van life again, even if it's a little Transit that I can convert so I can be locked and loaded all the time. I've practically wore myself out today and we're not even on the road yet. So take my advice if you've ever considered hitting the road in search of treasure, if setup well the van life is the simplest, most convenient, and most comfortable and affordable way to go, hands down.

 

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[CASPER-2]

Ive had the chance to buy a few EMT trucks and was very tempted - they had cots inside and locking cabinets on the insides and out sides - you could easily change in them
I could've easily packed all machines and scoops and dive equip.
thought they would be perfect detecting transportation - until I found out their gas mileage - below 10 mpg
not good when I have to travel 2+ hrs one way to beaches I hit

 

[bigscoop]

Ive had the chance to buy a few EMT trucks and was very tempted - they had cots inside and locking cabinets on the insides and out sides - you could easily change in them
I could've easily packed all machines and scoops and dive equip.
thought they would be perfect detecting transportation - until I found out their gas mileage - below 10 mpg
not good when I have to travel 2+ hrs one way to beaches I hit

My previous cargo van was 2002 AWD Chevy Astro, got me about 20-22mpg on the highway. When I built my bed I built it over a raised box behind the driver's seat and down that side of the box, could store all sorts of routine gear in the box under that bed. Just to the left of the side door as you stepped in I had a table top hinged to the top of another square storage box for more storage and my converter system. This van was packed and ready to go 24/7 other then gas and the cooler and my detector equipment. I also carried a touring kayak on a trailer that had additional storage space when required.

 

[ROBOTCOP13]

For my local detecting I drive a 98 Acura Integra hatchback. With the back seat down it holds long excals and scoops.

I have a 2002 Class B Trail Lite RV for trips. Not a whole lot of storage, 5.4 L V8, 12-14 mpg, generator, but I can watch TV and sit at a table and have my coffee. Good for shooting across state (Florida) for day, 2 day trips.
It's also a good escape vehicle to drive away from hurricane's path.

 

[PI PETE]

My other hobby is windsurfing! Cargo vans are the way to go for this equipment intensive sport!

 

[bigscoop]

I think I'm going to look at one of those small Transit wagons/vans when I get back. They're small but they get good gas mileage and I think I could arrange things ok.

 

[Blak bart]

Ive had the chance to buy a few EMT trucks and was very tempted - they had cots inside and locking cabinets on the insides and out sides - you could easily change in them
I could've easily packed all machines and scoops and dive equip.
thought they would be perfect detecting transportation - until I found out their gas mileage - below 10 mpg
not good when I have to travel 2+ hrs one way to beaches I hit

Casper you could set up like ghost busters in one of those vehicles. Treasure busters, lights flashing, sirens blaring. Cars would probaly pull over and let you buy. You could be at the beach in record time. Who ya gonna call when you lose your jewelry ( treasure busters ). Lol !!

 

[Blak bart]

My other hobby is windsurfing! Cargo vans are the way to go for this equipment intensive sport!View attachment 1487138View attachment 1487139View attachment 1487140

That looks like a great set up pete. All my wind surfing buddies have vans down here. They are all switching over to kite surfing. Still need the van though.

 

[bigscoop]

Casper you could set up like ghost busters in one of those vehicles. Treasure busters, lights flashing, sirens blaring. Cars would probaly pull over and let you buy. You could be at the beach in record time. Who ya gonna call when you lose your jewelry ( treasure busters ). Lol !!

Police escort!...lol

 

[bigscoop]

Well, after sitting on the cooler I finally got the lid closed! So everything is packed, organized as best as possible and meticulously arranged and crammed into the SUV, and then it happens.....that moment when you realize that you forgot to pack something that has to go in that big tote on the bottom...... Gawwwd...this sucks!

 

[RustyGold]

Ah, I remember the days when my wife and I would hit the road for a camping trip in our split window VW bus. No reservations we would just go and hope for the best! So easy...
Hardly any gear and had some of the best times in our lives!
Love the vans.

 

[WaterWalker]

I bought a Transit Connect Titanium (2014), took the back row seats out put a Weathertech cargo mat that was in my Mercury Monterey, put a 27 gallon tub in and a 12volt spray washer in. Loving every hunt I go on. The best thing FORD has going for it is the combination key pad they can put on the door so you can lock everything up and hit the water. 25mpg. Works well for me.