Looking for a van outfitter
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Category: General
Forum Name: Whitewater Forum
Forum Discription: Open Discussion Forum. Whitewater related subjects only
URL: http://www.professorpaddle.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=15384
Printed Date: 16 Jul 2025 at 9:31am
Topic: Looking for a van outfitter
Posted By: Dale
Subject: Looking for a van outfitter
Date Posted: 22 Mar 2016 at 4:38pm
We've picked up a new van and are shopping around for a shop to outfit it.
So far, we've talked to:
The Van Guys
Outside Van
Van Specialties
We've also talked to Sportsmobile and a couple others in the midwest but will likely try to have the work done a little closer to home.
Have we missed anyone?
One stumbling block is insulation. We are not very satisfied with the insulation in our existing van, nor are we thrilled with what the conversion guys are doing. They seem to be more worried about sound than temperature. We would like a nice warm van in the cold and a cool van when it's hot outside. We would like to avoid the pink stuff and I'm pretty shy of the spray in foam for a couple reasons. Suggestions?
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Replies:
Posted By: outdoorjunkie88
Date Posted: 22 Mar 2016 at 5:06pm
I went the cheapest and easiest way and used basically reflective bubble wrap. I forgot the actual name. I also used spray foam for the hard to reach places. Ideally I would use spray foam for everything if I was starting over. I winter camp in my van and my mr buddy heater is more than proficient. Even just body heat keeps it warm in there. Id worry more about sound, 4 am plow trucks can be annoying when parked at a ski resort.
Whatever you do use. Make sure it can't get moldy. Battling condensation is tough. Especially if you have wet gear drying in the van. Ie. ski stuff or a dry suit. Make sure to have vents and a fan for airflow. Even if heat escapes a little it's not a big deal because it's as small space. A 20lb propane tank lasts me all winter when I run the heat in the evenings and morning.
As far as keeping it cool goes have good reflective shades for the windows. And air flow. I don't have the funds for a sports mobile but my dad has one and it is pretty amazing. It's comfortable pretty much in any environment and everything is user friendly.
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Drew C.
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Posted By: tiziak
Date Posted: 22 Mar 2016 at 7:02pm
You should talk to Adam Ales and Sam Chesley.
Both have super sick vans that they created through trial and error.
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If you don't know where you are going, any road will get you there.
Daniel Patrinellis
360.434.4616
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