I owned a 2001 Ford E 150 GTRV and they are a sweet rig. I bought mine out of California and a previous owner had added a forced air propane furnace to it. She was a sweet little rig. After mistakenly exiting onto Quartzside’s Goldnugget road I found myself in a situation that I hadn’t anticipated. But “Sweet Thang”. Covered the entire road (as you know Goldnugget is Jeep road) without incident all the way to the campground even with her extensive ground effects without a hitch. She earned her name that day! Sadly we passed her along to another happy owner because we decided to buy a larger RV. We own a 2018 Black Cherry Travato 59K which we like very much. But “Sweet Thang” will always hold a special place in my heart ❤️.
I’m really glad to see you partnering with them and hope they do right by you I’ve been following you since you’ve been in the element I hope a GTRv van is in your future
I had a 2001 GTRV on Ford E150 and loved it. My wife wanted a larger camper so we have 2018 Travato 59 K. We love it but I still miss The GTRV. They are a little too pricey for the product you get. You could build it for much less by one’s self. Bring the GTRV down by $10, 000-15,000 and they are in the ballpark!
Awesome, of course...but never realized how, in these "westy"-type conversions, the stove & sink can only be used while on your knees...unless the top is popped. I think I would still prefer a lengthwise/bench bed because you can sit while cooking & cleaning dishes.
Nice job Nate. I looked at them back in 2016, very nice people. I think a portable potty will fit just behind drivers seat , FYI for those challenged as I am.
The floorplan is like my old Sportsmobile RB-50 layout. As an older gal, I do not like "scooching" out of bed. I need to swing my legs over the side like at home. That means a narrower bed and some open real estate at the side. Younger folks probably won't mind scooching, but my bones and muscles complain. :-)
There are several options with this Metris (or other vans). You can get a 10k mile cargo Metris for 20k or less and build out your own camper (lots of info on the web of what people have done for a low cost). These full blown conversions are expensive but in line with what a European VW or other full camper van would be. Of course you can go way up in cost for bigger and more luxurious camper vans. You can also go way down in cost and put a roof top tent on your vehicle. That's what I do when I vehicle camp. There are options for everyone.
Nice video. We own GTRV’s first Metris camper. Ours is a nice comfortable rig with many of the features shown, but this one is pretty sweet. Is this one the regular or long wheelbase Metris?
Having travelled extensively in a west y Eurovan I always said the westifalia can’t be improved on. This proves it ,great copy! Expect it must include the sliding table.
Awesome video like always be cool if you can just take that side thing with the stove and the sink and slide it into your van that would be awesome OK see you in the next one have a great week
I think if you had something like this built at Sportsmobile, it would be at least 100k. The Mercedes Metris van goes for about $35,000. According to the GTRV website a westy conversion is in the mid 30k range. Hence my guess is $75,000
Many of us who currently own VW Eurovan campers are looking for an option like this to modernize our aging rides. As much as we love our VW vans, the scarcity of parts and service expertise are forcing me to look at other suitable and similar options. Sadly, VW has abandoned the US small camper market 20 years ago and are showing no signs of coming back. I will take a serious look at GTRV as an option for my needs. Thanks for showing us a great product.
About 10k for just the pop top in white. A little more to paint and match vehicle. That's pretty much in line with what any of van the conversion companies are charging.
This is exactly the type of thing that I’m going to get however looking for someone in the Northeast New York or New Jersey to do the conversion if you have any ideas please let me know
Does anybody know if living in a van or an RV subjects you to constant electrical fields from the electronics, power sources, etc? I've heard that inverters create a lot of dirty electricity.
There are a few options for conversion levels. Pop top only about 10K. Weekender conversion (Pop top, rear seat/bed combo, flip up table, sliding side windows, swivel front seats) for about 20k. Full camper conversion for 30-35k. A very low mileage (like 10k miles) Metris cargo van can be found for around 20k and sometimes less. I'm sure they can add the flip up table to any version. It's probably tight to have it in the full camper but works great for the weekender. Maybe a smaller swing up or portable table for the full camper.
Not only capitalizing on the legacy name, "Westy," but the thing looks a lot like a VW Westphalia camper - just inflated a little (and without the table). Same rock 'n roll bed and stove/sink combo. Not complaining - VW abandoned the small, basic camper market; I guess too few hippies could afford Eurovans. Love the solar in the roof and the shower in the rear. Were they reading my mind?
These designs on these small campers are always backwards in my mind. If you reverse the layout on that kitchen/cabinet system and moved the bed bench forward so that the bed mode went up against the front seats, you'd have room for a cassette toilet and additional flexibility for storage in the rear to make this a more functional daily driver as well. Plus instead of needing a separate rear shower nozzle, you could just use an extending faucet nozzle on the sink with a nozzle mount on the liftgate. Glad someone is making these things in the US though.
How much does the conversion cost? Looking for a van, the Metris is tops on my list because of its size and MPG. But I don't know about it's long-term maintenance costs and reliability...it is a Mercedes after all and I know any visit to the dealer is going to cost $$$$.
Hey Mr. @elementvanlife 😂 would you be so kind and let me know where I can order this kind of bed/seat for the back? Or is that just the mechanism I can order? Thank you
I love the layout of that van and how compacted it is. Do you know what the cost of that one was? I am still thinking if I did a van conversation it would be the sprinter type van. Nate you’ve been in our motorhome, you think we will have a hard time down sizing? Lol 😂I love our RV but on the other hand I absolutely love how simple and compact that van is. Great job on the video, very detailed😎👍🏻
Mine is under 15k and, other than solar, has pretty much everything necessary for off-grid. However, for this price, you have to be very resourseful & creative...and the ability to compromise.
It's a nice layout. And being able to fit in a standard garage is a plus. But two things bother me. One is price. I'm guessing around $75-80,000, if you include the cost of the van. And the other is low ground clearance. Not good for a camper van.
this lifestyle is not complete without a toilet for sure. i guess an indoor shower is out of the question. but if i could afford to live like this video i could probably afford to figure out a two-three times a week shower. a daily toilet would be essential however.
The did not show a table, but I spotted a floor socket that looks like it is meant to be the attachment point for a removable table. I'd wager that it fits nicely with the swivel front seats.
I owned a 2001 Ford E 150 GTRV and they are a sweet rig. I bought mine out of California and a previous owner had added a forced air propane furnace to it. She was a sweet little rig. After mistakenly exiting onto Quartzside’s Goldnugget road I found myself in a situation that I hadn’t anticipated. But “Sweet Thang”. Covered the entire road (as you know Goldnugget is Jeep road) without incident all the way to the campground even with her extensive ground effects without a hitch. She earned her name that day! Sadly we passed her along to another happy owner because we decided to buy a larger RV. We own a 2018 Black Cherry Travato 59K which we like very much. But “Sweet Thang” will always hold a special place in my heart ❤️.
SUCH a clever build, I enjoyed this tour immensely.
It’s a westfalia knock off.
So inspirational! I have the passenger Metris 2019 and for so long thinking make it camper Van! Thanks for the inspiration
I’m not in the market for anything like this but I still really enjoyed watching the video, and seeing the van.
If I ever win the Lotto I am getting one of those...I like it..Thank you for sharing...
If you win the lotto, you van no reason to live in a van
It would be nice to win the lotto and live the van life just for fun.
If you won the lotto you would probably get something much nicer
@@04dram04 maybe they just want to live in a van and travel the country? That's what I would do
Good to see the video of the Metris.
Wow this a pretty good camper van. I wouldn't mind having this. Thanks for sharing.
What up Nate! Stay Healthy!
Wow. I would love one of those! Can't afford one but nice to dream!
I’m really glad to see you partnering with them and hope they do right by you I’ve been following you since you’ve been in the element I hope a GTRv van is in your future
I had a 2001 GTRV on Ford E150 and loved it. My wife wanted a larger camper so we have 2018 Travato 59 K. We love it but I still miss The GTRV. They are a little too pricey for the product you get. You could build it for much less by one’s self. Bring the GTRV down by $10, 000-15,000 and they are in the ballpark!
Awesome, of course...but never realized how, in these "westy"-type conversions, the stove & sink can only be used while on your knees...unless the top is popped. I think I would still prefer a lengthwise/bench bed because you can sit while cooking & cleaning dishes.
I was waiting for this video, sweet camper van.
That the van I would have if I ever lived the van life it does stand out like all the rv' s i see all over.
Awesome! GJ Nate! I’m jealous of the room.
Nice job Nate. I looked at them back in 2016, very nice people. I think a portable potty will fit just behind drivers seat , FYI for those challenged as I am.
The floorplan is like my old Sportsmobile RB-50 layout. As an older gal, I do not like "scooching" out of bed. I need to swing my legs over the side like at home. That means a narrower bed and some open real estate at the side. Younger folks probably won't mind scooching, but my bones and muscles complain. :-)
One of the best build dive seen!
Nice video. More important to me than the shower is a place to pee in the middle of the night. We each have our own priorities.
replace the drawer under the bed with a cassette toilet, easy peasy.
very cool, those swivel seats are awesome lol!
Interesting. Waiting for that scratch-off I bought for a little help. TY
Me too!!
I love my Travato 59K. I wanted a bathroom, indoor shower, and air conditioner.
So do I:)
Another great video Nate!
Very nice conversion
really nice setup, I will probably go with a full-size van like a Chev 2500 with a pop-top, seems like the easiest way to have a rig with 4x4.
Love the Metris Westie!
Lovely and highly functional.
Great Metris RV tour! I hope you got a discount on your pop top for doing these reviews.
That's what I'm considering for my upgrade from my honda element
A rally nice van for sure...all set to go. Now, who can afford one? lol...
For about 1/2 the price, I'm guessing, I'll sell ya my '95 Eurovan camper. I don't have solar yet, though, sorry.
Actually, after reading further comments, more like 1/3 of the price! It's just an updated Eurovan, build-wise/floorplan-wise.
@@kelliethorne1200 that sounds like an expensive eurovan
@@kelliethorne1200 No,thanks Kellie, I'm good with my camper for now. It's home.
There are several options with this Metris (or other vans). You can get a 10k mile cargo Metris for 20k or less and build out your own camper (lots of info on the web of what people have done for a low cost). These full blown conversions are expensive but in line with what a European VW or other full camper van would be. Of course you can go way up in cost for bigger and more luxurious camper vans. You can also go way down in cost and put a roof top tent on your vehicle. That's what I do when I vehicle camp. There are options for everyone.
That's awesome and it's not that expensive to get what you want.
I'm all about the metris as the platform
Great van and setup
Nice video. We own GTRV’s first Metris camper. Ours is a nice comfortable rig with many of the features shown, but this one is pretty sweet. Is this one
the regular or long wheelbase Metris?
Having travelled extensively in a west y Eurovan I always said the westifalia can’t be improved on. This proves it ,great copy! Expect it must include the sliding table.
Very nice.. Love it
Awesome video like always be cool if you can just take that side thing with the stove and the sink and slide it into your van that would be awesome OK see you in the next one have a great week
As always great video. My guess is $75,000 out the door.
100k would b my guess
I think if you had something like this built at Sportsmobile, it would be at least 100k. The Mercedes Metris van goes for about $35,000. According to the GTRV website a westy conversion is in the mid 30k range. Hence my guess is $75,000
@@senseofstile depends on options on both im still betting over 75k
@@senseofstile 38 easy on mbusa + converting van into micro rv and the pop top im betting between 75 and a 100k easy
Metris comes with nothing so windoes foldsbed kitchen etc is additional
Wish they still did tops for the Chevy Astros. My 4x4 Astro needs this lol
great van . def for richer ppl. take older b rvs. want my own bathroom. whaTs gas milage?
All newer vehicles require a strong income, you don't have to be rich.
Price?????
Beautiful build with great features! #VanLife
I want the pop top with a kitchen that pulls out in the back. Can't find a pull-out kit that fits a Metris though...
That shower has the psi of a pressure washer, geez. Unlike my 5 gallon gravity shower 😆
Wow looks exactly like a westfalia
The layout reminds me of your other vehicle but it would come in handy right now Dorian is coming to Florida😕
That's a real nice van as sort of top of the line. But one question where do you go to the restroom. Thanks and safe travels.
😄 yeah, all that fancy stuff & you're still pissing in a bottle and shitting in a bucket.
Many of us who currently own VW Eurovan campers are looking for an option like this to modernize our aging rides. As much as we love our VW vans, the scarcity of parts and service expertise are forcing me to look at other suitable and similar options. Sadly, VW has abandoned the US small camper market 20 years ago and are showing no signs of coming back. I will take a serious look at GTRV as an option for my needs. Thanks for showing us a great product.
How much does the pop top cost for a Ford Transit van? Love it!!!
About 10k for just the pop top in white. A little more to paint and match vehicle. That's pretty much in line with what any of van the conversion companies are charging.
Thank you
How much are those pop tops?
Wow, true luxury 😵👏🏿
@gtrv What’s the ballpark cost on this unit?
Show them the love they put ur nissan together
omg luv this! who designed?? it's excellent
Hello how much for the seat/bed upgrade? Thanks
does the pop up option compromise the strenght of the sprinter's "cage" in an accident? Thank You.
Nice! I want one!
JMS7 got a spare 100k? 🤑
Nice video🇨🇦
Element Van Life... ready to trade the Van in.. LOL😂
what about AC unit...when you're Camping...& sleeping on them Hot / Humid Nights?
Great video
How much?
What's the price of that conversion vehicle?
This is exactly the type of thing that I’m going to get however looking for someone in the Northeast New York or New Jersey to do the conversion if you have any ideas please let me know
Does anybody know if living in a van or an RV subjects you to constant electrical fields from the electronics, power sources, etc? I've heard that inverters create a lot of dirty electricity.
Did this have a porta potty?
Amazing how VW gave away this market in the US for the past 20 years to Mercedes, Ford and Ram. I only wish the Metris was available in AWD.
The Westy? That’s ballsy.
How much and how do you order?
The only thing im missing in the Metris is a table? Also a price would be informative...
You don't wanna know, it's a Mercedes
Winnebago Travato new you can find find for 75ish. Shower,AC,Toilet, more room.
There are a few options for conversion levels. Pop top only about 10K. Weekender conversion (Pop top, rear seat/bed combo, flip up table, sliding side windows, swivel front seats) for about 20k. Full camper conversion for 30-35k. A very low mileage (like 10k miles) Metris cargo van can be found for around 20k and sometimes less. I'm sure they can add the flip up table to any version. It's probably tight to have it in the full camper but works great for the weekender. Maybe a smaller swing up or portable table for the full camper.
How much does it cost to convert to this van ?
Yooooo Nate I just met you at the Denver airport have a great flight dude I’ll be sure to say peace out when we land in providence
Thank you...
How much for this build?
Not only capitalizing on the legacy name, "Westy," but the thing looks a lot like a VW Westphalia camper - just inflated a little (and without the table). Same rock 'n roll bed and stove/sink combo. Not complaining - VW abandoned the small, basic camper market; I guess too few hippies could afford Eurovans. Love the solar in the roof and the shower in the rear. Were they reading my mind?
Beautiful
You should get an affiliate link with GTRV bruh
Wish they did pop tops on Ram PMCity cargo vans.
These designs on these small campers are always backwards in my mind. If you reverse the layout on that kitchen/cabinet system and moved the bed bench forward so that the bed mode went up against the front seats, you'd have room for a cassette toilet and additional flexibility for storage in the rear to make this a more functional daily driver as well. Plus instead of needing a separate rear shower nozzle, you could just use an extending faucet nozzle on the sink with a nozzle mount on the liftgate. Glad someone is making these things in the US though.
what does this conversion cost?
How much does the conversion cost? Looking for a van, the Metris is tops on my list because of its size and MPG. But I don't know about it's long-term maintenance costs and reliability...it is a Mercedes after all and I know any visit to the dealer is going to cost $$$$.
I could handle that very well!!!
Hey Mr. @elementvanlife 😂 would you be so kind and let me know where I can order this kind of bed/seat for the back? Or is that just the mechanism I can order? Thank you
Good~😊
How can find you
Alright a new vid
how much?
Can someone post approx price for this version Thx!!
I love the layout of that van and how compacted it is. Do you know what the cost of that one was? I am still thinking if I did a van conversation it would be the sprinter type van. Nate you’ve been in our motorhome, you think we will have a hard time down sizing? Lol 😂I love our RV but on the other hand I absolutely love how simple and compact that van is. Great job on the video, very detailed😎👍🏻
I just called and left a message, im curious of what the price is
Nice.. but you need to do vid on what the "real folk" can afford. Under 15k, off grid versatility, self contained and affordable to the average Joe.
Look in the used market, and you may have to build something simple out of a cargo van for that price.
Mine is under 15k and, other than solar, has pretty much everything necessary for off-grid. However, for this price, you have to be very resourseful & creative...and the ability to compromise.
These are not expensive 😂
How much is it?
You figure price out?
Ok, I’m selling my house and buying one.......I wonder how long I can park at Walmart?........ on second thought..........
Can they top a RAV4 or a Prius V ?
If you are going to live out a car make it a hybrid.
It's a nice layout. And being able to fit in a standard garage is a plus. But two things bother me. One is price. I'm guessing around $75-80,000, if you include the cost of the van. And the other is low ground clearance. Not good for a camper van.
Put a treadmill in the floor 😋
Then, install a generator for more power!
this lifestyle is not complete without a toilet for sure. i guess an indoor shower is out of the question. but if i could afford to live like this video i could probably afford to figure out a two-three times a week shower. a daily toilet would be essential however.
Nice van but no table for eating or for a computer.
The did not show a table, but I spotted a floor socket that looks like it is meant to be the attachment point for a removable table. I'd wager that it fits nicely with the swivel front seats.
Westy LOL not in the league of a VW Vanagon Westfalia.
Absolutely Agree !!!!!
Peace Vans in Seattle does the same thing....only better. Check out their website peacevans.com