Ahh, the first really warm days of Spring are finally arriving to much of the country. And that means both wicked-bad storms down South, and the first twinges of vacation wanderlust for the rest of us. And when America takes to the road for those few precious days each year away from the office, a boat-load go by motorhome. Sure, back at the 9 to 5 the work will be stacking up and somebody’s bound to steal your Aeron desk chair, but that doesn’t mean you have to spend your days away stuck in a punky car and cheesy motel day and night. That’s why motorhomes, travel trailers, and cab-overs are so popular, and so ubiquitous on the highway. Plus, they let you take a little slice of your real home along with you – even if that’s just a few car magazines stashed next to the chemical toilet.
But maybe you don’t have a motorhome, perhaps that’s a dream for that far off retirement, or slip-and-fall lawsuit decision over the A&P. If that’s the case, then there’s no better time than now to start thinking about what you’d need in a home away from home – or potentially your permanent house on wheels should you choose to be an upper-scale transient. Would you need an expansive space the equal to the wide open roads upon which it traverses? Or would you want something smaller – better suited to getting farther away from the mainstream ? That’s usually how the worst of the slasher movies start, but those are just Hollywood fantasies, right? Right?!
Or, maybe all you’d need would be a wagon big enough to sleep in, and an old phone book for when nature calls? That’s about as basic a mobile existence as you can imagine, unless you’re able to sleep and crap on a motorcycle, in which case more power to you, and stay down wind if you don’t mind. So what is it – what’s your dream of a townhouse with tires, a cabin that’s a car? What motorhome would you like to have?
Image source: [Autosavant.com]
Well, you nailed it with that image of the GMC motorhome. At least for the outside.
Inside, I'd do it up exactly like Jim Rockford's trailer, right down to the tufted leather sofa and the desk with the photo of Rocky, the playing cards, and the phone answering machine. Back in the closet, a selection of snappy tweed sportcoats and shirts with huge collars, the top button of which will never be employed. I'll also need a ceramic cookie jar to stash my .38 in.
Finally, my tow vehicle will be a gold '74 Firebird, of course.
The ultimate 1970s portable mancave.
Yes, a Firebird Esprit. And you can park it all on the beach, off the PCH.
GMC, Ultravan, Sportsmobile, Westfalia…where to begin? All very cool for their intended purposes!
<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2500/3733221326_5ac9e42ebd.jpg" width="500">
??
So your dream RV is a taco truck?
If money really is no object:
<img src="http://www.aerospace-technology.com/projects/bbj/images/bbj2_8.jpg"width=500>
And a limo from the airport to a 4 star hotel.
Good call, except I don't think I want the panoramic sunroof/moonroof option.
I would be fine with T-Tops.
I think it is a standard feature on the Boeing 737.
<img src="http://msnbcmedia3.msn.com/j/MSNBC/Components/Photo/_new/110405-southwest-hmed.grid-6×2.jpg"width=500>
I once met a guy who said that "Camping to me means a hotel without 24-hour room service."
I actually don't mind camping, IF I am by myself or just with a group of guys. Basically if I only have to take care of myself. If I go with my wife that means I have to take care of her too and it becomes just way too much like work. She wants to go camping and I usually respond with "Can we just rent a cabin?"
eff it. eff it all……. i want an RV. i'm sick of paying rent… i would like to go classic… but i could easily go the 50K new route… and then 20 bucks a night (or less) KOA campground style living…. or so much smaller… "stealth RV" pay for a gym membership (10-20 bucks a month) showers-etc…… i wanna go off the grid and do this…
Yeah, there are a bunch of guys around L.A. who have done that. But their motorhomes have crappy plastic tarps held on with rope and duct tape, dented up sides, and engines that barely run. We call them transients.
yeah, i'm not looking to do it in that fashion… i like the idea of a Sprinter van with drop-down bunks and a medium size generator. i could make do with a full size GMC or Ford van… or even the longest/tallest transit-connect..
http://www.stealthvandweller.com/
i have to goal of no-one noticing.
<img src="http://www.killedforless.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/free_candy.jpg" width=500>
i already drive a white astro-van (granted… it's not a panel van)… but the idea is to go un-noticed……
Has anyone noticed the ridiculous price of restored Airstream trailers?
Celebrities, directors and producers often have them on sets, instead of generic modern units provided by the studios. I can't remember who the actor was, but he was profiled in a magazine article a couple of years ago and was raving about his vintage Airstream.
I know who you're talking about, but I can't remember his name, either. He actually pulls his around and travels with it. Now I'm gonna have to wrack my brain to remember the name. I saw him on a talk show; maybe it was on Jimmy Kimmel Live.
That was easy – thanks Google! It was Matthew McConaughey.
Lots of cubbies to stash the herb in too, I imagine.
And space for his bongo drums?
well he certainly doesn't need the space to store shirts in.
I wanted to say it was Tom Hanks, but the first google result for "tom hanks airstream" turned-up lots of actors names that use airstream trailers. I swear it was him I saw on some talk show speaking about traveling with the airstream. He also took a trip with his brother recently in a VW camper.
Funny you should ask. Lately, I've been seriously fantasizing about a Tiger 4×4 Class B…
<img src="http://www.tigermotorhomes.com/images/1st.jpg" width="500">
Class C. Whatever. Can't keep 'em straight.
*hides boner in shame*
That, Sir, is a Road Condo. A newer one, but a Road Condo just the same. Truck front end, and a true class C motorhome, and can take you where you need to go.
<img src="http://sportsmobile.com/sections/4×4/sports-4×4/sports4x4_orange1a.jpg", width=600>
IMG from Sportsmobile.com
Whenever I fantasize, it's not about motorhomes, but this boaterhome would do it for me.
<img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ic_kQKToQvs/S9fGjUPUqtI/AAAAAAAAAYk/hB18JJEYOEQ/s1600/boaterhome2.jpg"width="500"/>
Hey, that's awesome. I think.
So the boat detaches from the truck, I assume. Kind of like a redneck version of one of those planes in The Thunderbirds.
There were 21 of these made in Ontario, Canada. The van is 1987 Ford Econoline E350 with a launchable 28-foot Sport King boat. http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2010/05/only-in-…
A Terra Wind is probably better as a motorhome and not as good as a boat. It is all contained in one vehicle though, so there's no need to be concerned with remembering which boat ramp you launched from.
<img src="http://news.cnet.com/i/bto/20080630/RV_540x320.jpg" width=500>
I've seen that pic before….I love it! I wonder how it does in big waves though.
Came here to post this exact RV… if you go to Youtube I believe they have video of it.
Another choice would be this one: http://rvtravel.com/blog/chuck/uploaded_images/a-…
This weekend I was talking with my wife. She liked my idea to buy a Ford Transit Connect and make it into a camper in the back. Just from old kitchen cabinets, lumber, basement carpet, etc. This would be in 12 years or so when the kids are gone. Oh please let them be gone and not the sort that live with their parents until their 30s… It needs mirrors in the back though to make it seem more spacious of course.
I told my kids that when the youngest turns 18 we're moving on to a houseboat. If they come back, they're staying in the basement.
Meet Rocinante, John Steinbeck's noble steed (named for Don Quixote's donkey) that carried him around the country in 1960 for the trip that led to Travels With Charley. Awesome. Strip away the literary and historical value, and it's just a 1960 GMC pickup with a camper shell on the back– still totally awesome.
<img src="http://as.sjsu.edu/steinbeck/images/Rocinanterestored.jpg" width="600">
Yes, that is awesome. And, an excuse to trot out another old photo again.
<img src="http://www.tanshanomi.com/temp/chevpanel.JPG" width="500">
DO MISS.
I just read that and was thinking the same thing. The book isn't just about the RV but whenver he describes his steed I can't help but grin.
My wife's aunt and uncle travel the country in a modern version – late '90s f-150 stepside with a pop-up camper. It's a bit cramped but no less than they've needed to travel from Alaska to Florida and points between. It's an alluring notion.
I've got mine already, my '64 Chevy Road Condo. It's a '64 Chevy 1 ton with a permanent camper built on the back, with a cabover bed. It has a built 350, and granny low four speed. It's seen plenty of use up in the deserts and mountains of Utah, as it will basically go anywhere an old farm truck will go. Full amenities, although you have to carry a portable generator and there's no AC. When I moved here to Southern AZ, I lived in it out in the desert, off the grid for a couple of years before I moved here to town. However, it's been sitting for a while, and I need to work on its issues. Still, it's paid off, is basically solid, and is freakin bitchin.
Yes. It IS freaking bitchin.
I had a toy camper-truck just like Road Condo as a kid, and it was bitchin then too. One of my all-time favorite trucks because it had a real recognizable early Chevy front end. But I've never been able to figure out who made it or find any pictures of one.
It kinda warped my young brain and paved the way for my own adventures in "Brownie, the world's Greatest Crappy Old RV ™."
Maybe I'll bring this down for the Fourth!
<img src="http://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp308/rexjenney/IMG_0347.jpg" border="0" alt="1940 White bus conversion">
Doh! I totally thought I re-sized it but now I gotta' go, I'll try and fix it when I get home.
YEAH! I wanna see it, bad. Bisbee bus FTW!
Fix? fix what? The thing's just plain awesome.
<img src="http://www.cmhpf.org/fishbowl1.jpg" /img>
Since the GMC Motorhome's already been brought up, there's a part of me that'd like to convert a GMC New Look bus – in the time I took public transit, I think the TTC's continued use to them was the only thing I really liked. I'm sure a powertrain swap would be required for highway worthiness, but then again, I never really want to drive something that big, so it's all a little moot.
Thinking slightly more practically, I'd lean towards this.
<img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pzXhZ2v_RHI/SmGehyRhLLI/AAAAAAAACEw/loVxW-zhojo/s400/unimog.JPG" /img>
This converted school bus: http://steampunkworkshop.com/bus1.shtml
<img src="http://steampunkworkshop.com/images/Bus24.jpg">
<img src="http://steampunkworkshop.com/images/Bus25.jpg">
<img src="http://steampunkworkshop.com/sites/default/files/images/Chronicle-bus09.JPG">
<img src="http://img.timeinc.net/time/daily/2008/0804/taco_truck_0425.jpg">
<img src="http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/attachment.php?attachmentid=18448&stc=1&d=1238878999">
>puff<
<img src="http://i615.photobucket.com/albums/tt237/jskitter/hooniverse/ScissorTruck.jpg" width="500">
Just add stairs and fold out porches.
Everything I need right here; Big-block, glass-packs, shag carpet, disco-ball, and Racecar.
<img src="http://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/163754_1768702501911_1369652107_1938888_1699001_n.jpg" width ="500" >
Or when you want to camp light.
<img src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/40193_1561983934076_1369652107_1482593_1700298_n.jpg" width ="500">
<img src="http://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/38887_1561984894100_1369652107_1482594_7751077_n.jpg" width ="500">
Nice, but I'm more of a sedan-with-luggage-racks kind of guy.
<img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5304/5631602779_ab20df55c3.jpg" width="400">
With trailer hitch, of course. It's obscured by shadow in this shot, but it's there.
And to the astute observers, this little story is just beginning… (snicker) /obscure cryptic reference.
I've said it before and here it is again: Winnebago Brave
<DIV style="OVERFLOW: auto"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3106/3156984283_bb5d4d3678.jpg">
I saw several abandoned, beat up RV's this weekend on a trip up the 104. It seems every other place was a dilapitaded house with one of these in the side yard. Probably serving as the "guest house". Any one of which I would make my own.
For me, it can only be the Post-Apocalyptic Taco Truck. (Or the Girls Gone Wild bus.)
<img src="http://www.unicatamericas.com/images/photos/md45/MD45-UnimogU1550L37.1-560.jpg">
There's a joke in there somewhere…
Oh ya, and the 1980 Hess Training Van deserves mention. Being modeled after the teriffic GMC.
<img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uYgwjP8woqc/TNlmOxjr52I/AAAAAAAACnY/ADkd2v7qx-I/s1600/1980.jpg">
Do an image search for 'motorhome' and all kinds of ridiculousness shows up:
Toronado-stream:
<img src="http://www.rvtravel.com/blog/weirdrvs/uploaded_images/a-trailer2-710204.jpg" width=500>
VW Camper on steroids (photoshop?):
<img src="http://www.deviantart.com/download/89723019/Motorhome___Kombi_Safari_by_stephanriederer.jpg" width=500>
The Terrawind amphibious RV:
<img src="http://cbswomc.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/motorhome-e1278674836866.jpg?w=385&h=256">
Uh, huh?
<img src="http://images.travelpod.com/users/odillesphotos/1.1273315790.the-ultimate-motorhome.jpg" width=500>
(intercom)
"Margret."
"Yes Charles?"
"Get out of the bedroom."
"Why dear?"
"Low bridge"
That's the first thing I thought of when I saw that, "No way is that even close to 14'6", but it's clear that the top parts work like a slide-out except upwards…… Very clever.
How about a FC Jeep:
<img src="http://www.thefcconnection.com/Mini%20Motorhome1.jpg" width=500>
That right there is pure genius!
It's so purdy!!
We're not worthy, we're not worthy, we're not worthy…
Deleted…
<img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4MUf6T4VzPw/SnQ9Ji5Br3I/AAAAAAAALKw/DonudDyRpUw/s320/spaceballs-eagle5-winnebago-papercraft.jpg"width=500>
When you need to go plaid.
Nice!!! Just make sure you have an extra bottle of Liquid Schwartz & and an extra fire hydrant!
Here's an Ultra Van (with Corvair power)!
<img src="http://www.corvair.org/chapters/ultravan/used/used347thumb.jpg", width=500>
And here’s a Vixen – American made with BMW diesel power, and a 5 speed!
<img src="http://stannerair.hypermart.net/images/88-2027-1.jpg", width=500>
And both get close to 20 MPG!
Only one choice:
<img src="http://greg-willis.com/files/imagecache/1000×1000/images/090416-08-GMC_EM50_Urban_Assault_Vehicle_from_Stripes.jpg" width="500" />
"This is one heavily armed recreational vehicle."
Dobbertin Surface orbiter.
<img src="http://www.air-sharp.com/Dobbertin%20Surface%20Orbiter1.jpg" width="600">
I have thought about building a bed into he passenger's side of my Geo Metro to replace the passenger's seat and then using the space beneath it for cargo and a Coleman stove before, but I also found a ready-made solution for my needs as well: the Trabant roof Tent.
<img src="http://home.clara.net/peterfrost/p60rt2.jpg">
If I could find such a thing in the US, I think it would make an awesome addition to the Metro. Just think, you could get 55 mpg while traveling the US by car and camp out in rest stops. I bet it would even fit the cut down 90's Jeep Cherokee roof rack I have planned for it in the future.
<img src="http://www.grease4fuel.com/images/Nick/Nicksride2.jpg" width="832" height="491" alt="Dream MH" />
Turbo diesel veggie oil conversion, of course!
What this post is seriously Cadil-lacking:
<img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5298/5497881502_9fc0f6778f.jpg">
flickr
<img src="http://www.instablogsimages.com/images/2011/04/05/custom-cadillac-camper_rL44d_52_615x0.jpg" width="600">
instablogs
<img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4048/4355299466_605317139f.jpg">
flickr
What about Louie Mattar's non-stop 1947 Cadillac? [youtube yT8azxnVAC4 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yT8azxnVAC4 youtube]
What. the. Hell!?!??!?!!
This is an article unto itself. I could do without the prick in the suit , though.
I remember seeing that on TV back in the 70's! Great find!! Pretty sure it was in National Geographic too….
I've seen the very car on display at the San Diego auto museum. I thought everybody knew about this?
The original Astrovan
<img src="http://www.airforums.com/attachments/gallery/files/3/1/6/astrovan1-med.jpg" width="600">
airforums
A converted Flxible.
I figured as much – like I said, I'd want to look into a powertrain swap. Or is the issue bigger than that?
I suppose I could always look for a Scenicruiser instead,
Would you believe Saab made an RV? I swear I read about it somewhere….
<img src="http://hooniverse.info/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/SAAB-92H.jpg" width="600">
via Hooniverse of course
<img src="http://www.ilblogdeimotori.com/auto-moto/wp-content/uploads/2007/11/camper.jpg"/>
My answer is, as ever, Sprinter James Cook by Westfalia.
IMG da Il Blog dei Motori
Far out and furthur, man. You're either on the bus or off it.
<img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UXcd8i0uLPI/TFVlufQbDaI/AAAAAAAAAd4/buD5NTfWljU/s1600/Kesey+bus.jpg" width=500>
Rob Gray's Wothahellizat.
<img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/07/12711_450extension.jpg"/>
Img from Autoblog
No one? Really?
<img src="http://pictures.topspeed.com/IMG/crop/201005/top-gear-builds-thre_460x0w.jpg">
I on the other hand don't really like motor homes. I'm more of a fold down the seats or sleep in a hotel kinda guy.
http://www.canepacollection.com/detail-2000-conce…
600hp 2050ft-lb torque 18speed can haul 2 cars.