David R
Kansas
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Joined: 07/25/2006
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We have four kids and are shopping for an RV to travel in, weekend day trips, etc so sleep space is not a priority but seat belts and storage are. Anybody else out there doing the same? What works for you all? So far we're looking at B+ vans but I like Bs for the obvious reasons as fuel mileage and size.
Thanks
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wsfurrie
Arizona
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Joined: 09/14/2007
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Seems to me that you really need a standard van. Some class B's have 4 seats and some have seat belts in the rear, but they are not really built for more than 2 to travel in. Even the ones with 4 seats are only meant to carry 4 occasionally. B's are expensive to start with and a standard van is much more useful to just drive to the store with. If it is the idea of a kitchen and bathroom that you like, well, an ice cooler is cheap and restrooms are common. As for traveling with 4 children in a B, two would have to be in the far rear, out of reach. Sounds like a problem to me. What I am trying to say is that it seems that you would be buying a lot more vehicle than you really need just for day trips.
Wayne, the old curmudgeon
Wayne, the old curmudgeon
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DutchmenSport
Indiana
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Joined: 10/10/2006
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When I first read your post I thought maybe a Conversion Van would work better for you. Then I looked at your previous post and saw the photos of your current Conversion Van that you've been working on. So, you've already been down that route. You've done a lot of work on that vehicle and now your ready to jump up to the next level.
I would suggest you try to visit different dealers that sell "B's" and actually look at them. As the previous poster said, you might have problems having enough seat belts. But, I'm sure you could negotiate with a dealer to have more seat belts installed.
So, while I was admiring your photos, I went ahead and click on the advertisement banner that displayed on the page. It also appeared on this post also for the Pleasure Way: Here!
I don't know what exactly your looking for, but this is a start.
Here's another suggestion, or perhaps another alternative. Why not continue using your current conversion van. Look like you've got it set up pretty good except for kitchen and bathroom. So, why not consider getting a small travel trailer to take with you when go on those day trips and outings. The Shasta comes to mind immediately, and the T@B. T@B does not have a bathroom, but it does have a kitchen. If you get the model that has the kitchen outside, you might be able to have a lot of fun with this. Both of these trailers are very small, easy to tow and store. You'd only need to take the trailer with you when you need it, it would be a lot less expensive than buying a "B", and give you that extra space (and kitchen area) you're wanting.
Well, it's just a thought. I'm a software tester. As a software tester we are always challenged to "think outside the box". In other words, don't get locked into just the obvious, consider the unorthodox alternatives and see what happens. If you do the same, I bet before this is all over, you're gonna come up with something real creative! The fact that you were able to convert that van, tells me you already think outside the box! You just need to exercise it a little more!
Good luck!
DutchmenSport
2005 Chevy Silverado 3500 Dually Duramax 6.6L V8 Turbo
Century Truck Cap Commercial /Toolboxes
Northeast Outfitters Canoe
2006 Keystone Springdale Model 263DBL
Weight 4985, Carrying Capacity 2575, Hitch 560, Length 30'
Width 8', Height 10' 6"
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diyvanner
Rhode Island
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Joined: 07/04/2007
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Lack of comfortable seating for 6 in a stock B is the reason why we built our own. We wanted to be able to converse with our friends and family while traveling and not have them relegated to the back of the coach. We designed it to carry 8 with seat belts with four captain chairs up front. It's a lot more time consuming work to build an RV than a regular conversion van. It might take more time away from the family than you want. Check out a Sportsmobile if you can go the custom route. Otherwise a self build may be your only alternative.
diyVanner
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Long_for_the_road
Chandler, AZ
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Joined: 02/15/2005
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You might want to look into the Sportsmobile's (www.sportsmobile.com). You could have them do a custom conversion with the amount of seats and storage, etc that you want - even if you don't go with them, there design tools may help you decide what you want.
Shane
'99 Ford Extended van (converted)
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Drivenow
Connecticut
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Joined: 03/19/2007
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Hello David R -- Same situation here, wife, 4 kids, dog, lots of weekend trips, skiing, etc - presently own 2003 Chevy 4X4 Explorer Conversion van - great people mover, but would be nice to have a Sprinter B...Need some extra room...Present Sprinter B's do not seem to allow much luggage space behind rear sofa....Check out the Sprinter Based conversion vans from Midwest Automotive Design (www.midwestautomotivedesigns.com) -- Mostly geared for people moving, however some can be set up with bathroom and kitchen
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Islandman
NW Washington
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Joined: 02/18/2007
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David - With any Class B you will need to watch the allowable gross weight, with four kids and two adults plus minimum gear you might be overloaded. A second factor that you pointed out is seat belt safety, make sure the sofa in the back is equipped. I'm thinking that you may be better off with your conversion van and purchase a nice folding trailer to pull with the van. This would give you camping ability at a reasonable cost. And when you're not on a camping trip, you have the convenience of the conversion van that you already own. Again watch the gross combination weight which will be the trailer and your van with passengers and gear; it's important for your transmission, engine, and braking.
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rushin roulette
Beautiful *cough* Bakersfield
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Joined: 02/16/2007
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The new Roadtrek 190 Versatile has seat belts for six. I say 'new' because the 2008 model comes standard with the power sofa, which makes much better rear seating than the original L shaped sofa.
Busted a U-joint at the crossroads of life.
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rbrogan
Perrysburg, Ohio
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Joined: 12/05/2003
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The Airstream Interstate has seat belts for 6 but can seat 8 with no problem and no worries about weight but 6 people traveling and camping in any B is a stretch.
 Rbrogan@hotmail.com
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Davydd
Minnesota
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Joined: 11/27/2005
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You lost me on Airstream. I don't see a plan where you can seat six or eight legally.
Davydd
2005 Pleasure-Way Plateau Sprinter B Camper Van
Davydd is the Welsh spelling for David with an English twist using a v instead of an f.
See Our Pleasure-Way and my pork tenderloin sandwiches
Visited states in an RV
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