Windsurfing Vans
John Lechmanik
windsurfing. I'm tired of trying to figure out which boards to take
which days (I only carry 2 easily on my car) and I have 4 to choose
from. So I'm thinking about selling my motorcycle and getting a
second vehicle for windsurfing (and maybe a few other things).
So my question is out to those of you who have or have had a cargo van
for windsurfing. Any preferences as to Ford, GMC, Chev, or Dodge?
What length masts and boards can you fit inside? My longest gear is a
2 piece 260 mast and a 273 board which I want to fit inside. What
kind of mileage do you get (City and Highway)? How does the V6 do in
power or is a V8 needed?
I'm looking at 2001 Chev 1500 express vans. These have V6's.
Thanks for your help.
John
wtrplnet
"John Lechmanik" <johnhl945...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:645795b0-8a48-4fd2...@e23g2000prf.googlegroups.com...
I've had three Ford Econoline vans, the most recent being a 1992 that I
bought new and just recently sold. You can fit pretty much any windsurfing
gear (and lots of it) in a cargo van. You can even carry old style long
boards if you don't mind them encroaching on the drivers area a bit. Of
course this means only two seats but the variations and configurations are
endless.
As far as which one to buy, personal preference would dictate but if you
look at the major fleet buyers almost all of them opt for the Ford. There
must be a reason for that. My first two vans (1978 and 1982) had lots of
problems but the newer one was pretty much trouble free for the 150,000
miles I had it.
That van had the 302 five liter and got about 13 around town to 18 on the
highway. I'd say average about 15. Not great but not all that bad either.
My first one had a 460 and I probably never got better than 14 on the
highway and around 10 in town, but that was very old technology. I always
felt the six just didn't have the grunt to use in California where mountain
driving is always a possiblity. In my mind a more lightly stressed larger
engine is always preferred to a smaller engine that's working harder to keep
up. If I lived in the plains I'd probably go for the six. "Performance"
isn't really a relative term in vans of this type anyway. I don't know
about real-world mileage but I'd guess the six isn't that much better, but I
could be wrong on that.
Vans are great for windsurf gear, and if you're like me you'll end up
driving the van most of the time just to make sure you have your gear when
you need it.
Alan
sm...@fit.edu
the most reliable in recent years, but most american vehicles can get
iffy after 100k miles. I've got around 145k on it. On the bright
side, I can do some of the maintenance my self (I just put an
alternator in it). The V8 is a bit overkill for my use, but that's
what was available. Mileage is probably in the 14 to 17mpg range.
As far as features, it's a work van, so it's pretty stripped down. I
currently carry 6 boards inside from Formula board to 85liter wave
board. 5 of them are in bags, so I lay them on their edge with one on
top. I will probably try to cram a 10'-6" long board in next year,
though this may require some rearrangement. Next to the boards I have
space for a small, one person bunk that also doubles as a changing
bench, or a place to store miscellaneous gear. Below the bunk I put
big sails. There is room for small sails on a rack above the boards.
I've carried up to 9 sails at once, 4.0 up to 12.5. Big masts (460 to
580cm) are held up to the ceiling using bungee loops. Small masts and
booms are below the bunk or tucked between the boards. Big booms are
on hangers next to the boards. Bases and extensions are stuck in the
openings on the back doors (there are no panels on the doors).
Wetsuits and other gear are stuffed where ever.
The bad things- it's pretty much windsurfing/sailing only vehicle. It
smells (well I don't mind it, but the girlfriend does). And it's
another vehicle to store, maintain, insure...
The good things- jump in and go. Very convenient and provides a place
to get changed and sometimes sleep. I've done roofracks and trailers,
I like this the best.
One last note- the floor in my van is rusting pretty badly. Most
likely due to always being damp/wet (I put carpet on the floor). If I
get another van, I will most likely look into rhino coat for the
interior.
sm
On Feb 12, 12:47 pm, John Lechmanik <johnhl94563-gro...@yahoo.com>
wrote:
mr_...@yahoo.com
of us have on the North Coast.
An extended minivan like a Dodge Grand Caravan, Chysler Town & Country
Extended etc. You can get 20-28 mpg, w/ either a 3.3-3.8 V6, has an 8
foot bed behind the drivers' and pass seats, nowadays most of the
seats fold away into the floor to. I carry 3-4 boards INSIDE the van
often, plus 7-8 sails 3-4 booms, 5+ masts fins and the rest O-da-crap
and even have enough room for our luggage and bikes INSIDE. Just
don't get the shorter models. You can get a roof rack as well which I
used when I had a Kona and still use for the Kayak and sometimes the
big trainer board.
Granted we don't have kids, but you don't really NEED kids to have a
minivan, makes sense?
I'd never go without one, unless I give up windsurfing, which isn't
likely till after I'm dead.
Think for most people they make more sense these days then full on
cargo vans, but to each their own.
RIDE (Drive) ON!!!
rath...@gmail.com
I'm also a full-sized van to minivan convert... although I'll try to
address your original questions about the full size ones first.
I had a GMC Savana 1500 before. From everything I heard when I was
doing my research, the GMC/Chevy vans drive more like cars and less
like trucks compared to the Ford models. Also, the hinges on the rear
doors of the GMC/Chevy vans essentially give you a wider horizontal
loading area b/c of the way the door hinges are mounted. I was able
to fit 9ft sufboards behind the seats no problem. On the highway, I
would get about 19-20 at best. Around town here in the hills, the gas
mileage was truly terrible... like 10 mpg. This could just be due to
living out here in the Sunset and having to drive up and down Lincoln
every day, but my average MPG was usually around 14 or 15... pretty
bad.
Then there is the whole cargo van or passenger van dilemma. You'll
have more room and security w/ a cargo, but I really liked having
windows for driving... and I like them for camping too, although other
people may prefer a cargo van for camping.
I now drive a Grand Caravan. The great thing about these guys is that
there are two sliding doors, so you can put all the boards on the
passenger side and then get into the cargo compartment from the
driver's side. This lets me slide the passenger seat forward (if i
have to) and not have board directly behind me. I built a PVC rack
that sits in pretty nice, and holds three boards. it also has boom
holders that will take up to 6 booms. If I take the boom holders off,
I have a place to sleep on the floor, albeit a pretty small space but
big enough for a night. The minivan is so much easier to drive and
park than the full sized van. I have a big Packasport roof box on top
for sails, and I still average about 18 MPG for everyday drving and up
to 24 MPG on the highway (must be that Oregon gas). If I'm driving to
LA, it's closer to 21 MPG.
Here are some pics: http://www.kan.org/kevin/pics/myvan/
sm...@fit.edu
> like trucks compared to the Ford models
Yes, that's another thing that I had heard. The GMC/Chevys drive much
more nicely than the other brand full size vans. And they are offered
in all-wheel drive. Also, if I remember correctly, the chevy/GMC had
the most cargo space, I think Ford was next and Dodge had the least.
I would definitely also recommend windows on the passenger side cargo
doors. At some intersections you need to use these windows to be able
to see oncoming traffic. I don't know how it can be done without
them, just close your eyes and stomp on the gas I guess.
sm
Charles Jutkins
are the ultimate windsurfing vehicle. I'm looking at another vehicle myself
and thought I would go with a Subaru Outback . I've seen people stuff a
couple of boards inside and all there gear with the front seat back and the
headrest off. I really hate to buy another new gas powered vehicle with gas
where it is and where it will be.
<sm...@fit.edu> wrote in message
news:dd8b6ab7-8750-4f04...@n20g2000hsh.googlegroups.com...
Zephyr
I really like my 96 Toyota 4runner as a windsurfing vehicle. I can
put 4 sails, 2 boards and my masts& booms, ( including a 520 2 piece)
all inside. This only leaves room for me, but with a roof rack all
the boards can go on top, sails stay inside and 2 can ride quite
nicely. 20 mpg and 4 wheel drive if you need it. If you have shorter
boards, (my shortest is 275) you might be able to get 2 people and
the boards in at the same time.
older ones can be had at good prices and being a toyota you can expect
200,000 miles out of them.
mine right now has 190,000
Dave
John Lechmanik
I'm trying to limit my expense to $11k since this is going to be a second
car and not my only car. I also wanted enough room to take all my gear,
plus a months's worth of camping gear to Hood River for the summer :-) Also
I want to leave my gear in the car for the summer (live in a small condo and
it's a pain taking my gear in and out of storage all spring/summer long) and
feel it's half way safe :-)
Kevin, I looked at your pictures and your setup seems to work out, but I
have 4 boards. My longest/widest is a blast 66 which is 66cm wide (of
course) and 261cm long. The rest of the baords are in he 240 - 250cm long
range. I don't keep my fins on the boards, so I can stack them close by.
But since I waas going to be using the gear a lot, I thought a full sized
van offered more space.
I would like more, but the reality is that I'm used to 18 - 22 mpg max for
the last 10 years. I'll have to look at the mini-vans, but I'd be surprised
if I can pick one up for $11k with low miles, but know knows.....
--
John
To reply direct, remove the REMOVEME in the signature.
I know a 2001 Chevy cargo van with 50k miles runs around $10k
<rath...@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:ec83d47d-a1ab-40d2...@s19g2000prg.googlegroups.com...
rath...@gmail.com
Just FYI, one of the boards I always have in there is a 100l freestyle
board... 65cm wide. It's just about the widest board that will fit in
my rack... 66cm may just make it. I could have made the rack a little
bit bigger (longer & taller) if I wanted to put a space for a 4th
board. If I had to do it all over, I probably would have made it
modular, so I could add a 4th level. Also, I can still put in a 3rd
seat next to the rack behind the driver's seat... helpful for
carpooling to the Delta on those north wind days when nobody wants to
get skunked and pay for a whole tank of gas LOL. For my setup, the
longest boards go on the bottom b/c of the recline angle of the
passenger seat. With boards getting shorter and shorter, mini vans
make more and more sense. My last trip to the Gorge, I had 5 boards,
8 sails, 6 masts, 5 booms, camping gear, etc... stuffed in there. I
even managed to sleep in the van one night w/ all that shit in there!
If I'm not worried about sleeping inside, it's really easy to just
stick a 4th board in on the drivers side on the floor.
kev
On Feb 12, 6:00 pm, "John Lechmanik" <j_lechma...@REMOVEMEyahoo.com>
wrote:
> Thanks for all the replies guys. I'll have to take a peak at mini-vans.
> I'm trying to limit my expense to $11k since this is going to be a second
> car and not my only car. I also wanted enough room to take all my gear,
> plus a months's worth of camping gear to Hood River for the summer :-) Also
> I want to leave my gear in the car for the summer (live in a small condo and
> it's a pain taking my gear in and out of storage all spring/summer long) and
> feel it's half way safe :-)
>
> Kevin, I looked at your pictures and your setup seems to work out, but I
> have 4 boards. My longest/widest is a blast 66 which is 66cm wide (of
> course) and 261cm long. The rest of the baords are in he 240 - 250cm long
> range. I don't keep my fins on the boards, so I can stack them close by.
> But since I waas going to be using the gear a lot, I thought a full sized
> van offered more space.
>
> I would like more, but the reality is that I'm used to 18 - 22 mpg max for
> the last 10 years. I'll have to look at the mini-vans, but I'd be surprised
> if I can pick one up for $11k with low miles, but know knows.....
>
> --
> John
>
> To reply direct, remove the REMOVEME in the signature.
>
> I know a 2001 Chevy cargo van with 50k miles runs around $10k<ratho...@gmail.com> wrote in message
Glenn Woodell
I'm driving a small kitchen appliance, a toaster.
http://www.windvisions.com/my-gear.html
It's really practical, has a high ceiling, I an sleep in it, easily
change in it, the seats move and remove easily, and it's all wheel
drive. It's ugly but it's really practical.
I show three different configurations but I usually keep my boards on
the roof racks and put everything else inside. You cannot see it in
the picture but my masts run the under the seats on the driver side,
and my 460 just barely sticks out in front of the driver seat. There
is an obstruction under the passenger seat that prevent masts from
going underneath unfortunately.
Because of the full access at the rear, I can pack and unpack in less
than ten minutes. I have to qualift that I carry up to six sails and
masts with a 6.5 being my largest.
It's an ugly vehicle but it's reall practical and economical. Plus
it's a Honda so it's very reliable.
Glenn
Michael
http://www.peconicpuffin.com/the_peconic_puffin/2006/11/the_van.html
Pros: Cheap to buy, cheap and easy to maintain (there are millions of
Ford vans on the road, so everybody has parts and every mechanic out
there has worked on ten of them.) Lots of room for gear, plus room to
change in and out of wetsuits/drysuits easily (the sprinter is taller
but narrower). I drive with the following in the van: 4 boards
(longest 283 Bic Techno) 7 sails, 7 masts, 4 booms, two gear boxes,
plus room for luggage and camping gear if that's what I'm doing.
Easy to customize.
Cons: Gas mileage is not great (20 highway, 17-18 around town). Not
a high performance vehicle to drive (but you get used to it very
quickly.
In a perfect world I'd own a 4WD version of the above (or a 4WD
version of the Sprinter), suitable for driving onto beaches (some AWD
minivans I've seen don't appear to have the clearance beneath for
beach driving, but I haven't done an exhaustive survey.) My only
regret with the Ford van is that I can't drive it on beaches.
Sprinters are outstanding vans, and you pay quite a premium for the
performance.
On Feb 12, 12:47 pm, John Lechmanik <johnhl94563-gro...@yahoo.com>
wrote:
Dan Weiss
> I started with a Grand Caravan, migrated through two pickups, and now
>
> - Show quoted text -
I thought this was your go-to windsurfing vehicle. If only it were
so, I bet you say! http://windvisions.com/Charger/index2.html
-Dan
John Lechmanik
What is the length of the longest board that would fit behind the seat
and not have the front seat pushed so far forward that nobody could
sit in it?
John
> > > Here are some pics: http://www.kan.org/kevin/pics/myvan/- Hide quoted text -
Glenn Woodell
I use that one when I want to get to the launch quickly.
Glenn
John Lechmanik
Voyager SE has a bench seat in the second row and the SXT has the
bucket seats in the second row. Is this corredt? And if so, do any
of you have the SE? Or have you all gone with the more expensive (and
harder to find cheap used) SXT?
John
Cliff Frost
to remove only one of them so that the vehicle can still fit 2 passengers as well
as all my gear.
-Cliff
Unknown
middle row, the so called stow-and-go option. I would recommend it
to everyone as I think it is the best idea that company ever had,
but I do have a family of 4 (6 from time to time), and we use this
one and only car for everything, from local runs to grocer to week-
long trips camping with 4 people with ll camp crap, 4 bikes and 2
windsurfers, of course. So it must be versatile.
Mine is the SE version. As far as I remember, all Grand Vans till
2004 had either a bench or 2 buckets in the middle, and a fully in-
floor 3rd row. Both the bench and buckets only fold the back side,
or you 've got to remove the whole seat, to make room for ws gear or
anything longer. The buckets may have the advantage of a gap between
both seats, so you could fit a single board on it's side in between
- that's what I do when I go to the lake for an afternoon. Don't
think you can do that with a bench. Mine takes a techno 293 and
closes the hatch no problem, but the nose protrudes all the way
almost touching the front instruments panel. If you remove
buckets/bench the gear space becomes enormous. As far as mini-vans
go, the Grands are most versatile for ws gears, especially in the
stow-and-go configuration.Not sure about sleeping in one of them,
never had to do it. Both the SE and SXT are notorious for problems
with transmission... search the web. Other that that it's been
working well for me, but again I do not use it as a dedicated
surfmobile, so my needs are easily met.
...
John
Marek
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Charles Jutkins
city do you live in?
"Glenn Woodell" <let...@remove.cox.net> wrote in message
news:t5m5r31g6sv3vi921...@4ax.com...
a_m...@yahoo.com
I used to have a full-size Ford E-350 passenger van. See
http://g-42.blogspot.com/2006/07/why-i-gave-up-perfect-windsurfing-van.html
for why I gave it up, and why, as well as some stuff about the trailer
I'm using now. The trailer option is a good one if you (a) don't have
to deal with tight parking at your launches, and (b) don't depend on
having your gear with you at all times (such as commuting long
distances, etc.). Since I wrote that post I linked, the Subaru (which
I had inherited from my wife when she went with the for her dreaded
mini-van) got crunched in an accident (http://g-42.blogspot.com/
2007/04/of-car-crashes-and-such.html). The Honda Element that replaced
it has been working exceedingly well - not only does it tow the
trailer with ease (more so than the Subie ever did), but it has an
insane amount of versatility and fun-to-driveness to it. Plus it
solves that problem of what to do for commuting when I don't want to
shlep the trailer around, but need my gear with me (see
http://g-42.blogspot.com/2007/08/element-as-pack-mule.html for more on
that - Glenn's pictures show how well it works with less over-sized
gear, but mine show that formula gear will fit, too).
Looking back - unless I were to be in a position to never have to
drive it more than, say, a couple thousand miles a year (such as for
use as a local Gorge or Maui windsurfing vehicle), I don't think I'd
ever go back to a full-size van. Just too much hassle, too expensive
to maintain, too expensive to gas up. A Sprinter is nicer to drive and
not so thirsty, but it's still a full-size vehicle, which means it has
full-size cost (purchase will set you back enough for two gently used
E-150's, which would buy you a lot of gas to run them for a few years;
maintenance is pricey b/c the vehicle is heavy and will thus go
through expensive tires and brakes and other wear parts pretty
quickly, just like a domestic full-size van).
Mini-vans are way nicer to drive, and offer a good amount of space,
but up here, where most of the year it's cold and damp, having a bunch
of gear inside a carpeted passenger vehicle is just not a happy thing,
especially for a daily driver. If I lived in the Bay Area, where
parking a trailer would be a nightmare in most places, and where the
dampness thing isn't really an issue (as it's usually warm/dry enough
to actually keep the inside smelling OK), the minivan would make a
good amount of sense, unless you're a high-mileage commuter. If you
want to use it as both a family and a windsurfing vehicle, however,
you're back to the roof or a trailer as well.
Europeans have it a bit easier than we do - they have a plethora of
mid-sized cargo vans (think VW Eurovan-size), all available with fuel-
sipping-but-powerful turbodiesels. They all come as stripper models
for carpenter/tradesman/delivery use, so prices are reasonable;
they're plenty big inside, and the stripped interiors can be easily
customized to accommodate windsurfing needs; and because of their
relatively reasonable size (only slightly larger/heavier than a
midsize car - quite comparable to mini-vans actually in terms of
weight and footprint), the maintenance on them is much more reasonable
than a full-size vehible (whether US-style or Sprinter-style). Sooner
or later, those things are going to make it to the US as well - it's
just a matter of time (and continuing increase in fuel prices). Until
then, I don't see anything on the market here that would make me
reconsider going back to a van.
Cheers,
-Andreas
rath...@gmail.com
wrote:
a 265cm board would still fit behind the passenger seat if it was on
the bottom... you may have to turn it upside down so the nose goes
underneath the seat. I've driven w/ a 6ft tall person in the front
seat w/ three boards behind him. I would say it was comfortable
enough for a ride to the Delta, but not good for a trip to the Gorge.
A lot of it depends on how long the board in the top slot is, because
it affects how far you can recline the passenger seat. Of course if
you just put the board rack down the center of the van, you'll have
more length to work with, but then you'll lose cargo space. But if
you extend the rack to the side to accommodate sails, then maybe this
makes sense.
FYI, my van is a 1998 Plymouth Grand Voyager Expresso (I think this is
an SE w/ four bucket seats?). I would stay away from this model as it
doesn't have map pockets on the doors or behind the front seats :-/
> > > > have to) and not have board directly behind me. I built a PVC rack
> > > > that sits in pretty nice, and holds three boards. it also has boom
> > > > holders that will take up to 6 booms. If I take the boom holders off,
> > > > I have a place to sleep on the floor, albeit a pretty small space but
> > > > big enough for a night. The minivan is so much easier to drive and
> > > > park than the full sized van. I have a big Packasport roof box on top
> > > > for sails, and I still average about 18 MPG for everyday drving and up
> > > > to 24 MPG on the highway (must be that Oregon gas). If I'm driving to
> > > > LA, it's closer to 21 MPG.
>
> > > > Here are some pics: http://www.kan.org/kevin/pics/myvan/-Hide quoted text -
Glenn Woodell
custody trial over my daughter. Hmmmm.
Glenn
Amokaman
version). The CV version comes with no back seats, basic steel rims,
a little stiffer suspension, a ribbed plastic floor. It has cruise
and decent radio and 6 cyl which is plenty peppy and rest of interior
in back is finished.
I had Dodge dealer add on a Mopar transmission cooler as I sometimes
tow a 2000 lbs RV trailer with it. I have an electric brake
controller in it I added for the trailer. I put the widest bars
Thule has on top so I can put two Mistral Prodigy's side by side.
Though the inside storage is a bit less the lower roof line makes
getting boards on and off much easier compared to the Astro. A 9'8'
board can fit between the seats though I rarely do that as I have a
windsurf trailor also.
Scott
On Feb 12, 12:47 pm, John Lechmanik <johnhl94563-gro...@yahoo.com>
wrote:
TIPSTER
Hi John,
I have a 2006 Chevy AWD full size cargo van with small block V-8. It
rides like a car and gets up to 18 mpg on road. It can also tow boats
and trailers easily. I carry 4 boards on individual racks inside,
with room for two bikes, sails, booms, wardrobe, and a couple of
kayaks on top. Masts are in l6" PVC pipe on roof since I like to tape
them together for the season. Surprisingly, booms are the hardest
things to stack. I easily could carry more if I stacked things
tighter. Passenger seat leg room is most comfortable by far (except
for Sprinter, but that's a whole other world). Driver side cargo door
has been very handy. AWD is NOT 4WD. I've been warned against beach
driving. Hard sand would probably be OK, but transfer case or the
functional equivalent does not lock. It is certainly spectacular on
snow.
I've learned to live without rear side window and back windows. Just
have to come up to intersections at 90 degrees. Large mirrors help a
lot compared with dinky things on mini-vans and cars.
My longest board is 276cm. It fits easily. I installed a safety
partition. Seemed safer than wearing a helmet all the time.
Removing fins is worth the trouble.
Wish I had a picture all loaded, but I don't. I could send you
picture of the rack system, if you're interested. It's just 2x6 and
1x3 lumber with some carpet for padding. I did figure out a way to
load the bikes so they support themselves in a rack and I don't have
to do anything but roll them in. They take up a lot of space, too.
Good Luck
aprev...@yahoo.com
high top Ford E350 cargo van. So nice that I am sailing weekly in CT
in the winter. Get changed, pick the rig, easy in and out of the van
etc. My friends call it the club house. Once I write the "free
candy" on the side, I will have babes!!! I have installed a rear
heater for after-sailing in the winter and have a hot water shower
from Coleman. Water so hot must turn it down (instant hot water on a
small canister). Went out today in CT after lunch for about 90
minutes. Took shower inside with water draining out back by gravity,
went back to work. So nice to be able to stand up straight 6"1".
This is the van of choice-- the key is the high top. I am not talking
about a 1' raised roof but more like 2'. Problems? maybe poor
milage, but worth it. Keep three lawn chairs for the friends after
sailing. Music and beer. Pretty sweet.
Mamba
news:645795b0-8a48-4fd2...@e23g2000prf.googlegroups.com...
I'm curious if you've considered a trailer, John?
I have a 4 cylinder Subaru, and could never bring myself to get something
bigger, since most of my driving is easy highway or commuting. I was in the
process of designing a trailer to allow us to take gear for two people when
sailing, when a "Great White" came up on eBay. Since it was local, I
pursued it. Great Whites are a dedicated windsurfing trailer that was made
commercially in western Canada for a few years. I think they've been out of
business for some time now.
It's essentially a locking fiberglass coffin with a rack on top, all on a
lightweight utility trailer frame. It also has bike carriers over each
fender. It is super light, easy to move around by one person. I can't even
feel it when pulling it behind the car, and it maybe costs me a couple of
mpg when travelling. This one is especially light, but a homemade trailer
can be pretty easy to pull around as well.
My point is that you could create/buy a trailer for a fraction of the cost
of a dedicated vehicle. Use it when necessary, no need for a second
vehicle, extra gas and maintenance, car insurance, etc. Maybe there's other
considerations in your situation, but a trailer sure has been the ticket for
me.
Cheers
Gary
Michael
1. As per aprevel's comment, the physical comfort inside a full sized
van (ford, chevy, or $printer) should not be underrated. The guys I
sail with who drive minivans and 4x4 pickups envy the space (I envy
the beach capability of the 4x4's.)
2. While the price of gasoline is a drag, have you computed what the
cost differences will be. If this is a dedicated WS vehicle, do you
expect to put 10K miles on it per year...if you do, the difference
between 19 and 24 mpg for the year comes to $330 in gas @ $3/gallon.
3. If you do buy a van, I strongly suggest getting one with rear
windows and windows in the side door. I flipped a coin on this and
chose windows, and am very glad I did re visibility.
4. Re security, the ability to keep all your gear in the van is a
real win. Someone looking to steal WS gear doesn't have too much
trouble finding vehicles with gear on racks...make it harder for the
theives.
5. Re the Subaru Outback...a great car, but if you find you need to
put boards on the roof rack, opening the back door becomes a hassle.
(I love the Outback, though...I'd consider taking out the front
passenger seat and rear seat and turning it into a microvan.)
John Lechmanik
windsurfing fan (and maybe some bicycling) it will be used in and around the
SF bay area and my summer trek to Hood River. I know my F150 got 17 mpg on
my trips before, so I would hope the van would get the same. So a small
mini van would be 22 - 24. So I figure about 5 - 7 mpg difference. So I
appreciate the 10k a year difference (reality factor here, probably closer
to 6k). But I do like the space.
As to the trailer, that is a no. I live in a condo, no place where a
trailer is allowed. So you would have to add storage. Plus a trailer going
to the local places doesn't work, but it would work for the delta. Then at
the gorge, getting around with a trailer is a pain. All my friends who use
one use the trailer to get the gear up there, then put it on the car, so we
are back to square one with the gear on the car. I know it works for many,
but not for my situation.
--
John
To reply direct, remove the REMOVEME in the signature.
"Michael" <Michae...@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:2012187c-0212-4a6c...@m23g2000hsc.googlegroups.com...
Dan Weiss
wrote:
> Thanks guys. I know I keep bouncing back and forth. Since it will be a
> windsurfing fan (and maybe some bicycling) it will be used in and around the
> my trips before, so I would hope the van would get the same. So a small
> mini van would be 22 - 24. So I figure about 5 - 7 mpg difference. So I
> appreciate the 10k a year difference (reality factor here, probably closer
>
> As to the trailer, that is a no. I live in a condo, no place where a
> trailer is allowed. So you would have to add storage. Plus a trailer going
> to the local places doesn't work, but it would work for the delta. Then at
> the gorge, getting around with a trailer is a pain. All my friends who use
> one use the trailer to get the gear up there, then put it on the car, so we
> are back to square one with the gear on the car. I know it works for many,
> but not for my situation.
>
> --
> John
An oddball thought is to obtain a used aluminum-bodied delivery truck
like a typical bread truck. Steve Besse has owned one for over a
decade and it holds everything inside, including several huge
longboards. It's very spartan by choice, but could be swanky without
too much trouble. Steve prefers to keep the weight low and the
hardcore factor high.
The engine is simple and reliable, and the truck is so light that he
gets decent mileage around town and OK numbers on the highway as long
as he sticks to 65 mph or lower. Salt water is no problem since
aluminum doesn't rust. Steve is tall and I'm pretty sure he can stand
up with room to spare.
If I were to modify his truck I would install foam insulation on the
ceiling and walls to temper the fall and spring cold and install a
rear heater. The stock heater cranks it out, though there is a lot of
space to heat. I might also install modern seats with 3-point belts,
a kick-butt stereo and a sauna, but I digress....
-Dan
sm...@fit.edu
work van, be aware that the walls, floor, and ceiling are just sheet
metal. These vans are not well insulated from sound or noise. Having
gear inside will help with the noise. I also put carpet on the floor
to dampen some of the noise (which probably lead to the floor
rusting). I also ended up putting 3" fiberglass insulation on the
ceiling (held in place with thin particle board) because in summer,
the ceiling would get extremely hot (the van is maroon).
One of my sailing friends who happens to be good with electronics
hooked up a solar panel and auxilary battery to his van. I might
consider that as it's an excellent way to keep everything powered up.
sm
> -Dan- Hide quoted text -
lumpy_spottybottom
cylinder,its surprising how much pickup and speed they can produce, i
guess this is because they are so light, its also very
economical ,with fuel prices always going up, personally i wouldnt buy
a new van, as it will spend most of its time being buffeted by salt
encrusted winds, its much smarter to get a cheaper van, with sound
mechanical points and then when it slowly rusts away, you wont be too
dissapointed. also many of the folks i sailed with, were dedicated van
people and a nifty trick, is to build a rack system in the back for
all your boards and sails, using pvc pipe, its like putting together a
lego set with all those elbows and funky joints that you can buy. i
only ever new one guy who bought a new van for windsurfing and he saw
what the salt was doing to it and sold it at a good price and bought
and old comby van instead.good luck cheers, steve
Phil
> windsurfing. I'm tired of trying to figure out which boards to take
> which days (I only carry 2 easily on my car) and I have 4 to choose
> from. So I'm thinking about selling my motorcycle and getting a
> second vehicle for windsurfing (and maybe a few other things).
>
> So my question is out to those of you who have or have had a cargo van
> for windsurfing. Any preferences as to Ford, GMC, Chev, or Dodge?
> What length masts and boards can you fit inside? My longest gear is a
> 2 piece 260 mast and a 273 board which I want to fit inside. What
> kind of mileage do you get (City and Highway)? How does the V6 do in
> power or is a V8 needed?
>
> I'm looking at 2001 Chev 1500 express vans. These have V6's.
>
> Thanks for your help.
>
> John
I have had two Ford E350's, one a Clubwagon, the current one a window
van, both 15 passenger vehicles. I left the two front seats and the
first bench seat in, so I can still carry 5 people, which I need to do
sometimes. The bench seat is also ok for changing when necessary
(it's in Maui, easy changes, not New England 6mm wetsuit changes!).
This van holds 3 boards, the largest being an 8'6", but you could
probably store up to a 9'6", about 8 sails, three booms, two
surfboards, two boogie boards, 3 beach chairs, umbrellas, beach mats,
snorkel gear for 3 or 4, and misc junk and tools. I have inside board
racks a la Al West's Maui vans ( in fact the rack was built by Mike of
Al West's). I f you don't usually drive long distances, I think these
big vans are great, and you can ysually find them at reasonable
prices. As far as how may gallons to the mile, I'm not sure, but I
wouldn't use one as my daily driver, or if you drive a couple hours
every time you want to sail. I also have a 15 pass Dodge, but the
handling is not nearly as good, very bouncy ride. Windows really are
necessary on the pass side at least, as mentioned in another post. I
like my Ford and have had little trouble for the most part.
Good Luck!
Phil
John Lechmanik
gang. I picked up a 2004 with the old style bench seats. First
thing I did was pull out all the seats, wrap them up and put them in
storage. Then I went and got some indoor/outdoor carpet and lined the
back of the car. Now all I have to do is build a rack.
What I discovered is that the van isn't quite as long as I would have
liked (or my boards are longer than I like :-). I have to put the 251
Naish on the bottom, upside down with it's nose under the seat. But
then with the front seat in the middle position, my Fanatic Hawk 245
barely fits behind the seat unless I tilt it down a little. But my
Angolo Chango 245 fits on top okay. I decided to do the rack behind
the passenger seat and keep it in the middle postion so that it would
be bearable for a trip to Oregon. This leaves room for the Bic Blast
261 to go down the middle on it's side between the front two seats.
I'm still thinking about just putting the rack in the middle and
putting the Bic up on top when I take it. We'll see how all this
turns out.....
I will probably play with this some more before assembling the PVC
rack. I'll let you know how it turns out.....
John
(PeteCresswell)
>Then I went and got some indoor/outdoor carpet and lined the
>back of the car.
What do others think of putting some polyethylene painter's drop
cloth under that carpet?
The vans/minivans I've watched fellow windsurfers own seem to
rust out where the wet gear is stored.
--
PeteCresswell
Indrek Aavisto
P> Per John Lechmanik:
>>Then I went and got some indoor/outdoor carpet and lined the
>>back of the car.
P> What do others think of putting some polyethylene painter's drop
P> cloth under that carpet?
P> The vans/minivans I've watched fellow windsurfers own seem to
P> rust out where the wet gear is stored.
P> --
P> PeteCresswell
I just lay some cheap poly tarp over the carpet in the back. That way the
carpet never gets wet.
Cheers,
Indrek Aavisto
--
Criticism is easy; achievement is difficult. W.S. Churchill
Michael
fine. I wipe my boards down with a towel before putting them in the
rack, and am mindful of puddles of salt water I leave when changing.
My concern about a drop cloth would be it's longevity, as well as the
mold that will be living permanently in the carpet. I'd switch to a
plastic floor...something that isn't going to hold moisture.
If I had to do it all over again I'd have the inside fully
waterproofed. I'd stay with a full-sized van, but go 4WD (not all
wheel) for the beaches I sail. If I wasn't sailing from beaches so
often I'd consider the minivan routef.
On Feb 12, 10:00 pm, "John Lechmanik" <j_lechma...@REMOVEMEyahoo.com>
wrote:
Michael
On Feb 12, 5:12 pm, Zephyr <davedejo...@hotmail.com> wrote: I decided
John Lechmanik
So hopefully this weekend.....
--
John
To reply direct, remove the REMOVEME in the signature.
"Michael" <Michae...@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:d31d1680-6653-407b...@t54g2000hsg.googlegroups.com...
(PeteCresswell)
>If I had to do it all over again I'd have the inside fully
>waterproofed.
Has anybody tried spraying the inside of a van with RhinoLiner?
Seems like it would kill a lot of sound/vibration as well.
--
PeteCresswell
John Lechmanik
Installed outdoor carpet, cut holes in it to attach rack to seat attachment
points. Built rack out of pvc pipe. I will probably re- do this in the
future. I have some changes in mind and I also made the rack about 1" too
narrow, so it's hard to get one of my boards in unless I tilt it and put it
on the top row. I figure in a month or so, I'll build a new one.
Especially now that I know what do to. Cost was about $100 in parts (those
suckers really add up).
Since this is a dedicated windsurfing van for me (I have an Escape that I
use for normal driving) I decided to go with the boards down the middle.
Otherwise the passenger seat was a bit tight and I had to rack the boards
upside down. This left me less room, so I built a rack for the sails
inside. My larger board won't fit now, but I figure when I need it I'll put
it up top on the roof rack (don't use it that much for sailing in the SF bay
area). Also for Gorge trips, I'll leave the 125l board at home (took it one
year and used it for 30 minutes) and put a Thule cargo box up top to make it
able to take my camping gear (since space inside is limited).
Anyway here are pictures of it.....
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=8kbs8axz.91mofq33&x=0&y=-m0nfhc&localeid=en_US
--
John
To reply direct, remove the REMOVEME in the signature.
"Michael" <Michae...@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:d31d1680-6653-407b...@t54g2000hsg.googlegroups.com...
Brian Sangeorzan
"(PeteCresswell)" <x...@y.Invalid> wrote in message
news:8gbou3t76fojimed1...@4ax.com...
Michael
handle their length.
On Mar 29, 7:10 pm, "John Lechmanik" <j_lechma...@REMOVEMEyahoo.com>
wrote:
> Okay the van is done (for now). Here is what I ended up doing.....
>
> Installed outdoor carpet, cut holes in it to attach rack to seat attachment
> points. Built rack out of pvc pipe. I will probably re- do this in the
> future. I have some changes in mind and I also made the rack about 1" too
> narrow, so it's hard to get one of my boards in unless I tilt it and put it
> on the top row. I figure in a month or so, I'll build a new one.
> Especially now that I know what do to. Cost was about $100 in parts (those
> suckers really add up).
>
> Since this is a dedicated windsurfing van for me (I have an Escape that I
> use for normal driving) I decided to go with the boards down the middle.
> Otherwise the passenger seat was a bit tight and I had to rack the boards
> upside down. This left me less room, so I built a rack for the sails
> inside. My larger board won't fit now, but I figure when I need it I'll put
> it up top on the roof rack (don't use it that much for sailing in the SF bay
> area). Also for Gorge trips, I'll leave the 125l board at home (took it one
> year and used it for 30 minutes) and put a Thule cargo box up top to make it
> able to take my camping gear (since space inside is limited).
>
> Anyway here are pictures of it.....
>
> http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=8kbs8axz.91mofq33&x=0&y=-m0nfhc&l...
>
> --
> John
>
> To reply direct, remove the REMOVEME in the signature.
>
> "Michael" <MichaelAl...@gmail.com> wrote in message
geekboy
> Okay the van is done (for now). Here is what I ended up doing.....
>
that looks really nice! good attention to detail. i picked
up a 2006 grand caravan last year as a sailing vehicle, and
it's been perfect. my significant other can actually ride
with me without sails, booms, whatever attacking her.
i picked up all the materials (carpet, etc) for the back,
and then just didn't install them. part of my problem is that
the seats fold into the floor, and i'd like to remove them
rather than leave them in the floor. this has to be doable,
it's just not obvious.
sailing season is starting here, so i'll have to clean the
snowboarding gear out of it and build a rack.
geekboy