I camp in a customized 1992 Ford van. After purchasing, my late paraplegic husband made a number of changes. The middle seats and the driver's seat were removed (and saved). A hydraulic lift was installed at the side barn doors. Most of the main portion of the floor was lowered from the side doors from the sofa bed up to the driver's area so he could drive his motorized wheelchair to the steering wheel. A locking mechanism was installed to lock his chair. One of the former chairs had wheels mounted so I, too, could drive the van. Of course he had hand gears installed. He drove everywhere. After he passed away. I wanted to keep the van and someone needed the equipment so I had the lift and hand gears removed and sold. I then began to make changes for my benefit. A permanent driver's chair (that we had saved) was installed. After "no build" experiments, I built and installed a 24" x 48" table with shelf. The passenger chair swivels and i keep it turned toward the rear. The chair on wheels has been stored and can be used when and if extra seating is needed in the future. At present, it still seats 5. I have a Porta potty and use a covered wire rack for pantry needs. Other camping items are stored under the table for which I made a slip cover, and under and behind the sofa/bed. The van has cabinets over the cab and over the bed. The windows have blinds and curtains. I also made privacy panels and black out curtains. Your van home should reflect your needs and style. I have embraced the Teal color and continue to coordinate. You may have guessed by now that I love my van and the necessary changes to reflect family needs. Your changes are meeting your needs and if you are like me, may continue to evolve. Happy travels.
I thought about doing something similar, but all the RVs I liked were more than a new house in Mexico, and I hate driving, so I don’t think I’m cut out for that life. I can see you and Alex totally rocking this though and having the very best time. I’m super excited to see where you go exploring.
It’s yours do what you want. I want mine with a toilet and I recently learned that I can line it with a bag when it’s winterized. Easy peazy no dumping. Otherwise it’s never smelled because it’s sealed with water and has a vent.
i did something like that with the permanent toilet in the RV my aunt had. I didn't want to deal with a black tank and found ways to do so without smells even. I only used it at night or in the early morning to begin with.
I like your upgrades. But I don’t understand the weird hang ups folks have about their black tank. I’ve never had any smell. I did have smell issues when I used buckets and cassettes. In my Roadtrek I rarely use my toilet for poop. That’s for emergencies. But “number one” is on the table during late nights and bad weather. Black tank is under the van.. not IN the van.. totally separate. ZERO smells.. zero need to cart my waste by hand. AND I can still use my wet bath for storage. That’s small toilet takes up less room than buckets and portables. But I get it.. people got hang ups with human waste. I guess 🤔
So I do wonder sometimes, if I needed to remove the toilet... When I first started full-time van life, I OVERPACKED my little van for sure! So the idea of having more space was very important to me... and I never wanted to turn my van into a bathroom, which with my van layout, is exactly what would happen. Especially as I was traveling with my son. Now, almost five years later, I have SO much space in the van, that needing more is simply a non-issue... I don't overpack anymore. I would still not want to use the toilet, because again, I still don't want my van to be a bathroom, but it wouldn't have hurt to have it there for emergencies.
We just bought one! 😅 loved hearing your changes especially shower room! My husband says we shouldn't use the toilet but I hate public toilets and you don't always have privacy outdoors. Considering all that. thanks..
Agree on the dark wood, it's a throw back from the 80's when it was thought to be lux. You were not understanding the shower, lol. Open the doors all the way, pull the shower curtain all the way around you and use the hand held and it's caddy post to shower with. NEVER shower with the door closed. LOL What a mess. LOVE MY SHOWER!
So I changed up the shower because I wanted it to be more spacious... and once I understood the value of being level, I haven't had a problem since (I completely lucked out that the first time didn't spill onto the carpet!)
I would have kept the bed as one and down - unless i need to sew, I didn't need the table in the back. And ad I did with my aunts RV bath - the black tank wouldn't be used either - I knew a way to make use of the toilet in emergencies or at night or morning. These and the getting rid of the microwave and maybe adding solor if possible is the only things I see changing a roadtrek (I borrowed a friends for Ren Fairs so I got a good idea what I needed to do for me with one)
Definitely would raise eyebrows in the Vintage Roadtrek FB group. They are not shy in sharing their opinions and criticism 😂 I too want to paint my 1994 Roadtrek Popular as I loathe honey colored wood. I've removed the microwave after it died pitifully last Christmas. I'm about to do a huge modification to the beds. I've been sleeping down the middle of them made into one bed for two years. Now i need to travel with multiple mobility devices and they have to go inside. Mine doesn't have the console between the twin beds so the mobility device is going to have a custom ramp in through the back door. Otherwise that third seat is getting removed for a side ramp or crane.
Like you said, the RV is yours, you had to do what was needed to fit you and Alex, if people disagree then they don't have to change things in their own RVs. I'm waiting to see where you will go to next once Alex is out of school for the summer!
@@PriorityFocused Quick question that has nothing to do with the vid, lol. You had mentioned that you were taking probiotics before you moved to Mexico, what brand were you using?
Thanks for the great video, it was very informative. I'm looking at the Roadtrek or a retired ambulance. I can't believe how expensive a 20-27 year old Roadtrek is. Question - What is the interior height of the van and the length of the beds? I'm 6'2" and not sure if I could even fit in the bed. I know that I wouldn't be able to stand up in the van.
So I'm 5'6"... Different Roadtrek models will have slightly different lengths, but my beds are probably only an inch longer than my height... and the interior height is maybe 6' in the center, but probably 5'8" between the beds...
@@PriorityFocused Wow, thanks for such a quick response! I didn't realize that the vans had that much interior height. I need to look for a 210 near me and see if there is a way to have a longer bed. Thanks again!
When it is pouring down rain, 30 degrees outside or you have stomach issues at 2AM; there is NOTHING better than having your own bathroom in your RV. I don't understand yanking it out.
I know it was a semi-gloss... and I think I purchased from either Home Depot or Lowes... but not 100% on brand anymore. But because my shower is in the center of the van, I wanted paint that could resist moisture.
2500?!? or do you mean 25,000? But yes, compared to today these were much more affordable in 2019! Timing is everything and I'm grateful that happened to be the year I retired and needed a new "home".
No 2500. A 1993 dodge. had a new tyranny even but never a generator.. paint was faded and interior was old looking and faded but would have got the job done
@@PriorityFocused the bed in the back was really small was my major hold up but I'd have def kept the shower tub. Like you said the other shower toilet combo is hard to use and not always practical
I guess I'm on the other side... of not knowing why people feel so dependent on them that they need to travel with one...🤔 But in all seriousness, public toilets are plentiful and my bucket does just fine if I'm ever in a pinch😉
Love you Channel now I'm addicted and I wasn't being rude to you but I was really taken aback by the fact that somebody put that up there because Mexicans don't do that as far as the sign to get out of Mexico. That hit a nerve
I camp in a customized 1992 Ford van. After purchasing, my late paraplegic husband made a number of changes. The middle seats and the driver's seat were removed (and saved). A hydraulic lift was installed at the side barn doors. Most of the main portion of the floor was lowered from the side doors from the sofa bed up to the driver's area so he could drive his motorized wheelchair to the steering wheel. A locking mechanism was installed to lock his chair. One of the former chairs had wheels mounted so I, too, could drive the van. Of course he had hand gears installed. He drove everywhere. After he passed away. I wanted to keep the van and someone needed the equipment so I had the lift and hand gears removed and sold. I then began to make changes for my benefit. A permanent driver's chair (that we had saved) was installed. After "no build" experiments, I built and installed a 24" x 48" table with shelf. The passenger chair swivels and i keep it turned toward the rear. The chair on wheels has been stored and can be used when and if extra seating is needed in the future. At present, it still seats 5. I have a Porta potty and use a covered wire rack for pantry needs. Other camping items are stored under the table for which I made a slip cover, and under and behind the sofa/bed. The van has cabinets over the cab and over the bed. The windows have blinds and curtains. I also made privacy panels and black out curtains. Your van home should reflect your needs and style. I have embraced the Teal color and continue to coordinate. You may have guessed by now that I love my van and the necessary changes to reflect family needs. Your changes are meeting your needs and if you are like me, may continue to evolve. Happy travels.
Oh, I love this! And yes, it’s so important to customize to our own needs🥰 Happy camping!
I love that you call your rv “her.” 😁
I thought about doing something similar, but all the RVs I liked were more than a new house in Mexico, and I hate driving, so I don’t think I’m cut out for that life. I can see you and Alex totally rocking this though and having the very best time. I’m super excited to see where you go exploring.
Thank you! And yes, especially newer RVs are SO costly!
It’s yours do what you want. I want mine with a toilet and I recently learned that I can line it with a bag when it’s winterized. Easy peazy no dumping. Otherwise it’s never smelled because it’s sealed with water and has a vent.
i did something like that with the permanent toilet in the RV my aunt had. I didn't want to deal with a black tank and found ways to do so without smells even. I only used it at night or in the early morning to begin with.
Thanks for sharing your ideas and experiences fixing up your RV. I forwarded this video to my son who always wanted to live on an RV.😊 Cheers!
Thank you and you’re so welcome!🥰
Your story with the shower water made me laugh, I had the exact problem, and found out level is crucial 😂
Right?!? I mean, looking back I should have known… but it was my first time ever being in an RV😂 so it hadn’t crossed my mind at the time🤷🏻♀️
I like your upgrades. But I don’t understand the weird hang ups folks have about their black tank. I’ve never had any smell. I did have smell issues when I used buckets and cassettes. In my Roadtrek I rarely use my toilet for poop. That’s for emergencies. But “number one” is on the table during late nights and bad weather. Black tank is under the van.. not IN the van.. totally separate. ZERO smells.. zero need to cart my waste by hand. AND I can still use my wet bath for storage. That’s small toilet takes up less room than buckets and portables. But I get it.. people got hang ups with human waste. I guess 🤔
So I do wonder sometimes, if I needed to remove the toilet... When I first started full-time van life, I OVERPACKED my little van for sure! So the idea of having more space was very important to me... and I never wanted to turn my van into a bathroom, which with my van layout, is exactly what would happen. Especially as I was traveling with my son.
Now, almost five years later, I have SO much space in the van, that needing more is simply a non-issue... I don't overpack anymore. I would still not want to use the toilet, because again, I still don't want my van to be a bathroom, but it wouldn't have hurt to have it there for emergencies.
We just bought one! 😅 loved hearing your changes especially shower room! My husband says we shouldn't use the toilet but I hate public toilets and you don't always have privacy outdoors. Considering all that. thanks..
You're welcome! And you could definitely keep the toilet as a backup!
Agree on the dark wood, it's a throw back from the 80's when it was thought to be lux. You were not understanding the shower, lol. Open the doors all the way, pull the shower curtain all the way around you and use the hand held and it's caddy post to shower with. NEVER shower with the door closed. LOL What a mess. LOVE MY SHOWER!
So I changed up the shower because I wanted it to be more spacious... and once I understood the value of being level, I haven't had a problem since (I completely lucked out that the first time didn't spill onto the carpet!)
I hate carpet, it was the first thing I pulled out!
Right?!? It just makes no sense especially in an RV🤦🏻♀️
Helps with insulation and sound deadening
@@lazyrusclubberlang5996 Oh, that’s a good point!
nice to see a video that provides a different views on RV life
Thank you so much!🥰
I would have kept the bed as one and down - unless i need to sew, I didn't need the table in the back. And ad I did with my aunts RV bath - the black tank wouldn't be used either - I knew a way to make use of the toilet in emergencies or at night or morning. These and the getting rid of the microwave and maybe adding solor if possible is the only things I see changing a roadtrek (I borrowed a friends for Ren Fairs so I got a good idea what I needed to do for me with one)
Definitely would raise eyebrows in the Vintage Roadtrek FB group. They are not shy in sharing their opinions and criticism 😂 I too want to paint my 1994 Roadtrek Popular as I loathe honey colored wood. I've removed the microwave after it died pitifully last Christmas. I'm about to do a huge modification to the beds. I've been sleeping down the middle of them made into one bed for two years. Now i need to travel with multiple mobility devices and they have to go inside. Mine doesn't have the console between the twin beds so the mobility device is going to have a custom ramp in through the back door. Otherwise that third seat is getting removed for a side ramp or crane.
The FB groups, yes! And also in person when people randomly ask me if I'll sell her😂! But personalizing her to fit our lifestyle is a MUST!❤️
Like you said, the RV is yours, you had to do what was needed to fit you and Alex, if people disagree then they don't have to change things in their own RVs. I'm waiting to see where you will go to next once Alex is out of school for the summer!
Thank you! And agree, we have to make decisions that are personalized for our own lives🥰
And I can’t wait either!
@@PriorityFocused Quick question that has nothing to do with the vid, lol. You had mentioned that you were taking probiotics before you moved to Mexico, what brand were you using?
@@cindyk3076 I used to take them from Modere. Actually, thank you for the reminder because I want to start that again!
@@PriorityFocused Thank you.
@@cindyk3076 You're very welcome!
Thanks for the great video, it was very informative. I'm looking at the Roadtrek or a retired ambulance. I can't believe how expensive a 20-27 year old Roadtrek is.
Question - What is the interior height of the van and the length of the beds? I'm 6'2" and not sure if I could even fit in the bed. I know that I wouldn't be able to stand up in the van.
So I'm 5'6"... Different Roadtrek models will have slightly different lengths, but my beds are probably only an inch longer than my height... and the interior height is maybe 6' in the center, but probably 5'8" between the beds...
@@PriorityFocused Wow, thanks for such a quick response! I didn't realize that the vans had that much interior height. I need to look for a 210 near me and see if there is a way to have a longer bed. Thanks again!
When it is pouring down rain, 30 degrees outside or you have stomach issues at 2AM; there is NOTHING better than having your own bathroom in your RV. I don't understand yanking it out.
I will say, that I'm purposely much more careful about what I eat when I'm RVing! (and I do have a backup, just in case...)😉
To check out more of Season Two of VanLife, check this out! ua-cam.com/play/PLhktJFBqhTrYTWqBuE3VhRVMS1iD8ga2i.html
What paint did you use?
I know it was a semi-gloss... and I think I purchased from either Home Depot or Lowes... but not 100% on brand anymore.
But because my shower is in the center of the van, I wanted paint that could resist moisture.
Can I buy your cushions and front table? 😫😫😫
Sorry, I got rid of those years ago!
These were cheap in 2019. I had one 4 seater found for 2500 in early 2020 and regret not doing it. It had the tub into the hall. Hard to find
2500?!? or do you mean 25,000?
But yes, compared to today these were much more affordable in 2019! Timing is everything and I'm grateful that happened to be the year I retired and needed a new "home".
No 2500. A 1993 dodge. had a new tyranny even but never a generator.. paint was faded and interior was old looking and faded but would have got the job done
@@RA-fm8wr Wow, yeah, that's definitely a great price! And would definitely have gotten the job done.
Although I believe things happen for a reason!
@@PriorityFocused the bed in the back was really small was my major hold up but I'd have def kept the shower tub. Like you said the other shower toilet combo is hard to use and not always practical
@@RA-fm8wr I have the tub. It's great to sit on when cooking
I don't get why people are so scared of toilets ? When you gotta go you gotta go 🤷
I guess I'm on the other side... of not knowing why people feel so dependent on them that they need to travel with one...🤔
But in all seriousness, public toilets are plentiful and my bucket does just fine if I'm ever in a pinch😉
Love you Channel now I'm addicted and I wasn't being rude to you but I was really taken aback by the fact that somebody put that up there because Mexicans don't do that as far as the sign to get out of Mexico. That hit a nerve
Thank you! And no offense taken - it's important that we all speak our minds so we can learn from each other!
👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
Contraversal to who?
Random people I met during my rv travels when they find out some of the changes I made... but especially the toilet!
Take the face to the camera 📸
Sorry, I'm not sure what this means...
😆😆😆