https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/ 2026-04-16T21:40:39+00:00 https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/ https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/lib/tpl/dokuwiki/images/favicon.ico text/html 2025-12-24T22:58:56+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=rv:assessment&rev=1766617136&do=diff Assessing a vehicle for possible purchase “No van ever costs less than $5,000.” - Anonymous Do extensive research on the exact vehicle you're looking at You should go into every potential buying inspection knowing more about that specific model of vehicle than the seller does. Before you even go to look at a vehicle in person, you want to know things like: text/html 2025-12-24T22:58:56+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=rv:astro&rev=1766617136&do=diff Chevy Astro / GMC Safari The Astro is a mid-sized van made from 1985-2005. alternator See this thread on upgrdading The Big Three. all wheel drive " Past '96 (I think) they're all e-clutch t-cases, but they all swap easily to the venerable NP/NV241 found in anything from Jeeps to Cummins RAMs to Silverados. text/html 2025-12-24T22:58:56+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=rv:awd&rev=1766617136&do=diff All-Wheel Drive Billions of dollars worth of marketing has firmly lodged into the brain of many a vehicle buyer that they need All-Wheel-Drive or else they will instantly pirouette off the road to their death at the slightest hint of snow, or that they'll be relegated to pavement at all times and get stuck the instant they even look at a gravel road. text/html 2025-12-24T22:58:58+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=rv:box_truck&rev=1766617138&do=diff Box Truck A box truck, like a step van, provides a large cubic space for an easy build. Pro & Con * Pro: * Large living space * Square shape easy to modify * Easy solar mounting * Passthrough (on some vehicles) * Space under truck to hang tanks, storage boxes, etc. text/html 2025-12-24T22:58:58+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=rv:build&rev=1766617138&do=diff Words of Wisdom: " Step 1 in any design is to really understand your use.-- jracca" The Build The “build” is the creation of your campervan from whatever condition it is currently in. Regardless of the eventual type of build, you may find benefit in using a standardized text/html 2025-12-24T22:58:58+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=rv:car&rev=1766617138&do=diff cardwelling This wiki is aimed primarily at vandwellers but much of the information is usable by cardwellers. Below are some topics that may differ between car- and van-dwelling Note: if you are new to cardwelling or doing it out of necessity, see text/html 2025-12-24T22:58:58+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=rv:cargo_van&rev=1766617138&do=diff Cargo van A cargo van is a commercial vehicle with an unfinished interior and no windows. They are frequently white as it is a common fleet color. The most common cargo vans on the used market are the Ford E-series, Chevrolet Express / GMC Savanna and older G-series, and the Dodge B-series (Ram) van. Nissan makes an NV van. text/html 2025-12-24T22:58:58+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=rv:choosing&rev=1766617138&do=diff Choosing a vehicle working the short list Start googling to find out what kinds of known issues particular models (and model years) have. text/html 2025-12-24T22:58:58+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=rv:class_a&rev=1766617138&do=diff Class A motorhomes Class A motorhomes can be the most expensive RVs available, available with every conceivable luxury and amenity. They may look like buses but most are not built on bus chassis. * PRO * luxurious * common choice for traveling or text/html 2025-12-24T22:58:58+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=rv:class_b&rev=1766617138&do=diff Class B motorhomes Class B RVs are built in a van platform. In the past they were built on passenger van chassis (right) but Eurovan chassis have become more common as their market share increases. Class B motorhomes present several design challenges that make the cost surprisingly high. First, the RV amenities are built text/html 2025-12-24T22:58:58+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=rv:class_c&rev=1766617138&do=diff Class C RVs Class C RVs are the most common motorhomes. They depreciate quickly and can be bought for relatively little on the used market. The traditional defining features of a Class C are cutaway van cabin mated to a straight-sided body, and overcab sleeping platform. text/html 2025-12-24T22:58:58+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=rv:conversion_van&rev=1766617138&do=diff Conversion van A conversion van is generally a passenger van that has been upfitted with comfort or touring features. It may have carpeting, captains chairs, curtained windows, audio/visual centers, etc. Minimally raised roofs (“turtle tops”) are commonly added to make room for overhead HVAC and the media equipment. text/html 2025-12-24T22:58:58+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=rv:diesel&rev=1766617138&do=diff The Problems with Diesel Diesel engines in vans used to be “the one you want.” They offered excellent real-world usable power, and combined it with good fuel economy and long-term reliability. However, beginning in the mid-2000s this started to change with the introduction of stricter emissions standards. These days, diesels are strongly out of favor and being phased out by many manufacturers. This article is to discuss why. text/html 2025-12-24T22:58:58+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=rv:engines&rev=1766617138&do=diff Engines Cummins * 4bt - Famous for reliability and MPG. Can be hard to find “Killer dowel pin” affects 1989-1998.5 engines. text/html 2025-12-24T22:58:58+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=rv:eurovan&rev=1766617138&do=diff Eurovan A Eurovan is a van that was designed for a European or world market rather than for the U.S. market. Examples include: * Mercedes Sprinter / Dodge Sprinter / Freightliner Sprinter. * Ford Transit * RAM Promaster (Fiat Ducato) * Nissan NV, kinda Eurovans can often be ordered with an OEM text/html 2025-12-24T22:58:58+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=rv:express&rev=1766617138&do=diff Chevy Express / GMC Savanna limited slip The G80 limited slip differential is/was a relatively common option on fullsize GM trucks, suvs, and vans. That (plus awareness about where one drives) would serve most people well. There is a plate in the glovebox that will literally show G80 for vans so equipped. text/html 2025-12-24T22:58:58+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=rv:extended_warranty&rev=1766617138&do=diff Extended warranties Kirk on extended warranties (as published in Escapees) RV Dreams on extended warranties Wheelingit on extended warranties text/html 2025-12-24T22:58:58+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=rv:finding&rev=1766617138&do=diff Finding your camper Know what you're looking for First, know your vehicle options and decide if you will buy pre-built or build your own. Limit your search geographically Unlike buying a car or other common vehicle, there's a good chance you'll need to travel a significant distance to make a good purchase, especially if you're seeking a very niche vehicle. You might be limited to vehicles near you if you can't afford to make potentially multiple trips to see far-away vehicles, but the expens… text/html 2025-12-24T22:58:58+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=rv:ford_e-series&rev=1766617138&do=diff Ford E-series The Ford Econoline was, until recently, the most ubiquitous van in the United States and are still available in plentiful quantities on the used market. What they lack in sophistication, build quality and creature comforts they make up for in durability, ease of repairs and relatively low cost. text/html 2025-12-24T22:58:58+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=rv:ford_transit&rev=1766617138&do=diff Ford Transit The Transit eurovan has been sold overseas for decades but has only been offered in the US since 2015 as a replacement for the Econoline-series vans. It is currently the best-selling van in the US. Compared to the Econoline, the Transit offers noticeable increases in creature comforts, fuel economy, interior space, height, and build quality, with sacrifices made in towing and off-pavement capability. text/html 2025-12-24T22:58:58+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=rv:fuel&rev=1766617138&do=diff Managing fuel costs using less fuel The best way to save on fuel is to use less of it. moving between campsites Having an overall plan in mind can save backtracking and inefficient routes. Snowbirds tend to move in circuits in order to follow good weather. text/html 2025-12-24T22:58:58+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=rv:high_roof&rev=1766617138&do=diff High roof A high roof installed in a van can increase headroom or even make standing possible. Adding a high roof can be an expensive process but owners generally feel it to be a worthwhile investment. An increase in frontal area can have a negative impact on MPG. An increase in sail area can make the van more susceptible to sidewinds. An increase in exterior height will reduce clearance in drive-throughs, wooded areas, etc. text/html 2025-12-24T22:59:00+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=rv:idling&rev=1766617140&do=diff Idling the camper charging Idling to charge is hard on the alternator. Alternators are typically only ~50% efficient. When the alt is pumping out 500w for your use it is also creating 500w of heat, cooking itself. The easiest way to avoid excess alternator heat is only charge from the alternator while driving (engine rpm ~2,000). This has multiple effects: text/html 2025-12-24T22:59:00+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=rv:intro&rev=1766617140&do=diff Words of Wisdom: “The best van is the one that is best for you.” Brief overview of different RVs One of the first decisions a potential 'dweller thinks about is “what kind of van?” Sometimes the answer isn't a van at all, but some other platform that meets one's needs better, or is what one already has at hand. text/html 2025-12-24T22:59:00+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=rv:minicargo_van&rev=1766617140&do=diff Minicargo vans Small cargo vans are built on consumer Mini-Van chassis, but with a slightly more industrial focus. They have many of the advantages of minivans, with a simpler interior and possibly a lower price point. Some are cargo versions of minivans and some are designed as cargo-first platforms. text/html 2025-12-24T22:59:00+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=rv:minivan&rev=1766617140&do=diff Minivans Minivans are a step above living in your car, but the additional space can make a big difference. Resources * Video discussion: * Robert Witham #5 text/html 2025-12-24T22:59:00+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=rv:nv&rev=1766617140&do=diff Nissan NV2500/3500 More a class of its own rather than a eurovan, the NV2500 and NV3500 are based on the Nissan Titan with a different, ladder-type frame. The NV is the only eurovan with a V8 option, and has the lowest purchase price in the class. Data from NADA suggests the NV may have the lowest Total Cost of Ownership over the first 5 years. text/html 2025-12-24T22:59:00+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=rv:passenger_van&rev=1766617140&do=diff Passenger van A passenger van (or window van) is a van fitted with rows of bench seats. They can be found on the used market retired from churches, city transit systems, school districts, etc. Pro and Con * PRO * maintenance records more likely to be available than with text/html 2025-12-24T22:59:00+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=rv:passthrough&rev=1766617140&do=diff Passthrough Passthrough is the ability to move from the RVs living area to the driving area (cockpit). It can also refer to the actual area one passes through, as in a bulkhead. Passthrough is easiest on motorhomes, step vans, and high roof vans where one can walk from one to the other. It is impossible on trailers where the tow vehicle (TV) is separate from the travel trailer (TT). text/html 2025-12-24T22:59:00+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=rv:pickup&rev=1766617140&do=diff Pickup dwelling As seen here, a pickup with a camper shell (“topper”) can make a very serviceable dwelling. Shells with a raised “hump” area will provide more headroom. camper shells Camper shells can be very expensive when new, but tend to be much cheaper used. Gas struts and keys are usually easy to replace; glass can be tougher. text/html 2025-12-24T22:59:00+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=rv:purchasing&rev=1766617140&do=diff Purchasing the RV Buying New Don't by a new RV! Purchasing a Brand New RV is an incredibly bad idea. Not only do they depreciate like a rock, but even brand new they typically aren't built very well. This has gotten even worse in the last couple of years. To make it worse, the sort of “lemon” and consumer-protection laws that protect you from bad cars typically don't cover RVs. text/html 2025-12-24T22:59:00+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=rv:ram_promaster&rev=1766617140&do=diff " There is nothing, I repeat nothing, special or complicated or expensive or proprietary about the Promaster. The drivetrain, transmission, fuel system, cats, computer, hvac, braking, suspension, steering, etc are all almost EXACTLY the same as ANY Chrysler built from 2011 till today. As such, ANY decent mechanic can work on these things. There's nothing magical in there. text/html 2025-12-24T22:59:00+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=rv:rust&rev=1766617140&do=diff Rust Depending on where you grew up, your reaction to the word “Rust” is either a shudder and glassy-eye stare reminiscent of PTSD sufferers, or a quizzical look as to what the fuss is all about. To those who live in the Midwest (especially the famous text/html 2025-12-24T22:59:00+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=rv:skoolie&rev=1766617140&do=diff Skoolie A skoolie is a common nickname for a converted school bus. In the United States, skoolies are a popular choice for self-built RVs due to their large size, low purchase cost, and wide availability for parts. There are a number of skoolie conversion businesses in the United States. text/html 2025-12-24T22:59:00+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=rv:sprinter&rev=1766617140&do=diff Sprinter The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has been sold under many nameplates: Dodge, MB, Freightliner, etc. It was the first of the modern eurovans sold in the US. Perhaps because of the head start it is the dominant high-roof camper conversion platform in the U.S., both DIY and commercial Class B. text/html 2025-12-24T22:59:00+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=rv:step_van&rev=1766617140&do=diff Step van A step van is a commercial truck designed primarily for deliveries of packages or other light cargo. In addition to being widely used by companies like FedEx and UPS, they are also common for mobile businesses like food trucks and mobile mechanics. text/html 2025-12-24T22:59:00+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=rv:testing&rev=1766617140&do=diff Words of Wisdom: “In theory, theory and practice are the same. In practice they are not.” Testing your camper attitude Successful dwellers plan ahead and learn how to problem solve. They know the time to learn how things work is before you need to use them text/html 2025-12-24T22:59:00+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=rv:travel_trailer&rev=1766617140&do=diff Travel trailers In general, travel trailers share these pros and cons: * PRO * can detach tow vehicle (TV) from the travel trailer (TT) after parking. This simplifies running errands or having either the TV or TT serviced. * generally the least expensive platform of any retail RV by square footage text/html 2025-12-24T22:59:00+00:00 Anonymous (anonymous@undisclosed.example.com) https://rvwiki.mousetrap.net/doku.php?id=rv:van_issues&rev=1766617140&do=diff [note from Secessus -- this page is updated as I find verifiable information. Problems listed (or not listed) below do not mean one is better than the other. I may have researched some more than others so far. Truly, I don't care what van you buy and live in. It's your home, not mine.]