Gal-Gone-Camping

Hello Friends!

Saying Goodbye…

“Parting is such sweet sorrow.”  Although Juliet said this to Romeo in the famous Shakespearean play, she surely didn’t know it could also relate to parting with another kind of love…like that of a 30 year old van!  A few days ago I said “goodbye” to ‘Etta Mae II,’ my 1992 Ford Econoline E-150 high-top conversion van that has been my mini motorhome for the last 8 years.  She and I have been on many awesome trips together and had lots of great adventures; some solo, some with friends.

Connecting With The Past

I’m a sucker for nostalgia; having always preferred old and rustic over new and modern. I love old cars, old homes, and have collected antiques for years.  When you say vintage, classic, retro, historic,…you’re talking my language. I guess because it represents a bygone era of better times; when life was simple…which strikes a chord with my heart.

Perhaps the best of all my collections were the two vintage vans I’ve owned.  My first one, the ‘Etta Mae,’ (named after my Mamaw Ett), was a 1989 GMC Vandura that I bought in 2008, when I decided that a big high-top van would make me a perfect motorhome. Yes– I was doing it before it became a thing that was on a TV thing called YouTube!

Now some may think that purchasing a vehicle that old was a silly thing to do, but I tell ya, it was one of the best things I’ve ever done….not to mention it was was the only thing I could afford! Where most people would see a ‘has been’, I see a ‘has great potential!’ See that story here: https://galgonecamping.com/2018/06/17/conversion-van-turned-camper-for-single-woman/  I had that van for several years; went all over the place with it.  I eventually sold it, only because I thought it was needing more work than I could afford to put into it.  Just a few months afterward, I knew I wanted another one, and set about searching for my next ‘motorhome.’

So, after an extensive quest for another veteran van, I found the ‘Etta Mae II.’  Not quite as plush as the first one, but very nice and low miles.  I brought her home March 26, 2013, about three weeks after my birthday, and three days before the anniversary of my Mamaw Ett’s death.  Special? Yes, nostalgic? For sure.  Click here: https://galgonecamping.com/2018/07/20/lessons-learned-on-the-road/

Etta Mae II Became My Second Mini-Motorhome

I did a lot more modifications to it than the other van; having learned what worked, what didn’t, and what I needed for my own personal use.  Check out the Gal Gone Camping YouTube channel to see some of those projects. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ2a_mIgvDf16bQ-eCx3JHg

The next eight years would see EMII and me through several states, carry us over 20,000 miles, and countless adventures! From campgrounds and festivals, to boondocking and RV shows; big name attractions and little known discoveries, to re-enactments, music events, outdoor dramas, beaches and treasure hunts, just to name a few.  What great times we had; so many memories made–I will never forget.  In the words of another famous quote…by Poet, Geoffery Chaucer, “All good things must come to an end,” and so the time has come to part with Etta Mae II.

Why?

If you have been following Gal Gone Camping, you know that a couple years ago, I purchased a camper–a 1974 Bonanza Pinto travel trailer–yes, another blast from the past! Even though I loved my big camper van, I wanted to step up to the next level and try the camper experience.  After doing a lot of research, I had my choices narrowed down to an A-Liner, enclosed cargo trailer, or a vintage model (which I really wanted) but thought would take forever to find.  Turns out I found my little camper in no time–thanks to a friend who sent me the ad. (Thanks Tana!)

So I found myself with 3 rigs; using the camper van less and less.  A co-worker had been wanting to buy it for a long time, and so finally, I gave in.  Even though the big van has a lot of life left, she was needing quite a bit of work, and it just wasn’t feasible for me to put money into something I wasn’t really using much anymore.  Etta Mae II is going to a good home but it is breaking my heart to let her go.  I get attached to vehicles…especially one that is this special, but it was time.  See that video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRLPmKWO6S0

 

The ‘Mini-Ett’

I am also converting my 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan into a mini-camper van, named ‘The Mini-Ett.’  I’ve stayed a few nights in her already, but am continuing with modifications and upgrades until I get her to the mini-motorhome status.  This project is what I’m really focusing on right now because having had these various rigs, it is looking like the minivan option is the one I am most likely to stick with long term.  I will be discussing the reasons why, as well as all those projects in later posts.

Advantages Of Old Conversion Vans

Having owned two big conversion vans that were both 20 some years old, would I do it again? The answer is YES and here’s why: (1) Built exclusively for travel–so while they don’t get good gas mileage in town, they do well on the open road–that’s what they were made for.  (2) Owned by vacationers–Most conversion van owners have used them solely for vacation traveling–not for everyday use.–That’s why they may be 20 years old, but have low miles–and only marginal wear and tear. (3) Easy to maneuver–they are heavy duty vehicles, yet easy to drive and park. They handle very well and can fit into a regular parking space. (4) Outward appearance–most older vans you find have been well taken care of, so signs of aging are usually peeling stripes, peeling clearcoat on roof, etc. Up close you can tell, but from a distance they still look good and mimic a real mini motorhome, so you feel like a legit RVer and others think you are too! Haha!  The Etta Mae II was once mistaken for a Roadtrek by a campground neighbor! I was honored! (5) Price–I found both of my old vans for around $2,500-$3,000–but that was in 2008 and in 2013.  Prices on all used vehicles has gone up in the last couple years.

Disadvantages

The disadvantages of old conversion vans are: (1) Body parts–while parts for older vehicles are most of the time easy to find and less expensive, age takes a toll and things wear out.  I had a couple doors that wouldn’t open; turns out it was the inside latch that had broken and had to be replaced. (2) Hard to clean–you have to have a ladder to thoroughly wash a high top van.  (3) Conspicuous–like an RV, big vans stick out. So if you are wanting to blend in and stealth camp, they are not a great option.  (4) Seat removal–if you want to create the most space, you will need to remove the rear captain seats, which means you need a place to store them if you intend to re-sell. This is why a cargo van is a good option–you can build how you want without removing anything.

Tips For Buying Old Model

If you’re considering purchasing an old (classic) van, here are some things to look for and to think about:

1. Solo, Couple, or Family?–Are you traveling alone most of the time or with a companion? Kids?  This will determine your sleeping arrangements, bathroom set up, storage, etc.  Think about what you will need–is it enough room for your needs?

2. Storage–Look for overhead cabinet storage! My first big van had these, the second one did not, so I had to get more creative with storage solutions.

3. Cruise Control–I don’t know about you, but I HAVE to have it! Driving long distances is so much easier with cruise control.  I can’t imagine anyone not using it, but I’ve heard some say they don’t feel like their in control.  Cruise control improves your gas mileage and keeps you from speeding.

4. Hitch Receiver–Most conversion vans do not come with a built in tow package–but are able to tow.  If you find one with a hitch receiver, and you know you plan to tow something, that’s a plus.  I added one just for a cargo carrier shelf and it worked out great.  You can add a tow bar, just be sure to check towing capacity–as with any vehicle.

5. Clearance–Where will you be traveling?  Primarily highways/interstates? Or do you want to get off road somewhat?  Conversion vans don’t have excessive ground clearance so keep that in mind.

6. Check Bluebook Value–Most old model conversion vans are in the same ballpark price range–within a few hundred dollars.  If you find something that is a lot higher or a lot lower–something is off.  On my search for EMII, I found a beautiful van in mint condition, but was as old and about the same mileage as the others I was looking at.  It was priced at $11,000!  I think owner thought because it was pristine, it warranted that much of a hike in price–not for me it didn’t. Speaking to the ladies here–you have to consider the age…no matter how pretty it is!

7. High Top vs. Raised Roof–There is a difference between a high top and a raised roof. A full high top van is like the kind a van size ambulance has.  A raised roof is not as tall as a full high top, and they can vary in height as well.  Both of mine were raised roofs.  I am 5.3′.5 and was able to stand fully upright in my GMC. The Ford was not as high and taller toward the front only, so I couldn’t stand as easily. This makes a big difference when moving around inside the van.

Great Low Cost Option For This Lifestyle!

So, it’s all about what your needs/wants are and what you can afford.  If you’re looking at getting into this lifestyle at a low cost, these older model high top vans are a good option.  However, you do have to keep the age in mind. You will have to have some things fixed, so expect that.  Look it over good and have an understanding of what you may need to replace right away and what can wait. If possible, have a mechanic check it out before you buy. Of course this is true with any used vehicle.

Stay Tuned!…

I hope you have found these tips helpful and maybe see something you haven’t thought of before.  If you like reading these blog posts, please Like, Share & Subscribe.  You will get notified when something new has been published.  Same goes for the Gal Gone Camping YouTube channel!  I love having y’all join me on adventures and want to hear your comments, tips, ideas.

Now that Etta Mae II is gone, what does the traveling future look like for this Gal? I will be discussing that in an upcoming post.  Stay tuned for more fun and adventure–as well as more tips, ideas, product reviews, travel info/deals, projects, etc…..AND another prize give-away! Be watching for details! Also follow along on the Gal Gone Camping Facebook page & Instagram!

Until next time, remember…DON’T WAIT TO LIVE!

See ya down the road!

Catrina