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Category Archive Vans or RV Ideas

cargo carrier

Cargo Carrier

Cargo Carrier

Thank you for your time. I have added a folding cargo carrier to the van.  The video below shows how to assemble it.  I have had mine for three years and it is holding up pretty well. I put a cargo bag and a standard cargo box in the carrier.  I keep wood and other essential items for camping and travel on the road.  This created more room in the van because I can put more things in the carrier.

  • FOLDABLE SIDE RAILS: cargo carrier hitch mount with 13.8″ side rails that are foldable to 2.8″, foldable when not in use.
  • CAPACITY: 500 lb. distributed weight. Distribute the weight evenly on the platform when hauling a load to keep it balanced, or place load in the center. Hitch mounted cargo basket is ideal for traveling, camping, tailgating, and road trips.
  • 2″ RECEIVER: folding cargo basket hitch mount fits 2” vehicle receivers, high folding leg for ground clearance.
  • SPRING HOOKS: hitch luggage carrier with spring hook design, easy to pull and fold or open side rails.
  • 1 PIECE CONSTRUCTION: strong 1 pc construction, easy assembly, Matte black powder coating finish that resists the elements, rust and scratches.

Also, the cargo bag is holding up for about 3 years.  It has been on the carrier permanently, sitting outside in the wind and rain, keeping things dry.

Cargo Carrier Bag

  • Constructed from PVC material with polyester reinforcement and UV coating
  • Features welded seams and a heavy-duty zipper that is placed around the 3 sides of the bag
  • The zipper is covered with hook loop flaps to improved water protection. Zippers come with large holes allowing use of padlocks for extra security.
  • (8) 1-1/2″ wide polypropylene straps keep your bag secured to your cargo carrier.
  • When in use, approximately 47″ long x 20″ wide x 20″ high with a maximum of 11 cubic feet volume capacity. Can be easily folded for compact storage.

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When I’m not using it, I can fold it up.

If you wish to rent a trailer. https://www.uhaul.com/Trailers/

instruction manual
Installation Instructions
step 1 cargo carrier instructions
step 2
step 3
step 4
cargo carrier instructions
message to travelers

VanLife message to all

Every Vanner should get their cameras out and video tape every part of their van. Video record the engine and upload the video so you have a dated video.  Just keep it private.  You should have a mechanic before you break down.  Buy a manual and read it, you have time.  These are must do’s.  You will need a small savings incase of breakdowns.  Best Wishes from Vantastic Odyssey.

Every should know how to check their oil and water,  and know how to change a flat tire.  

Here are some examples of manuals you may need.

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astro provan camper

Astro Provan Tiger

There is a lot to be said about the Astro Provan Tiger. It is built on a sturdy frame and has several features that make camping enjoyable. The Pop up tops make it easy to park in a garage. Check it out.

astro provan camper
Astro Camping
astro
Astro Provan Tiger
  • Hilipert KF94 Mask
    Hilipert KF94 Fish Type Face Mask Questions? Is your mask comfortable? Do you have an upgraded mask? Staying safe is an issue we all face. I came across this mask by accident. I didn’t even know its worth. I just knew, it was more comfortable than my former masks. It turns out the Hilipert KF94… Read more: Hilipert KF94 Mask
  • Lithium Battery price drop
    Lithium Battery price drop.  I have added another link for the next seller until this item is restocked, This seller is AMAZON’s choice with 5 year warranty. Link at bottom of page I keep seeing prices drop for lithium batteries. This is a new low price for a LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Battery at 100-amp hours with… Read more: Lithium Battery price drop
  • Portable Gas Generator BAN
    Portable Gas Generator Ban has passed in California. Will it be illegal to run your portable generator at a campsite? Will you be able to own a portable generator at your place of residence?  The California Air Resource Board (CARB) was considering a regulation to ban small off-road engines, which included portable gas generators used… Read more: Portable Gas Generator BAN
  • Harmony Borax Works
    The Harmony Borax Works Interpretive Trail is located in Death Valley.  At its full operation three tons of borax was produced per day.  The Harmony Borax works employed 40 men.  To transfer all this borax required a 20-mule team.  The operation became famous because of the large mule teams and double wagons.
  • Furnace Creek Visitor Center
    Furnace Creek Visitor Center features small museum and small bookstore.  You can speak to rangers, pay park fees, or buy a yearly national park pass.  Some exhibits include short films about Death Valley.  There is a large 3D display map showing where all the popular sites and attractions are located.  You can verify weather conditions… Read more: Furnace Creek Visitor Center
subaru sambar

VW Body Snatcher

The Subaru Sambar 4WD is a retro look of the VW Bus.  It is what I call a body snatcher of the VW Bus.

I like the retro look of the Subaru Sambar. It is a smaller vehicle, called a micro VanKei truck. Depending on the year, the engine is air-cooled or water-cooled and can come as a 4-wheel drive with rear engine, or rear wheeled for 2-wheel drive. Along with the rear wheel drivetrain is 4-wheel independent suspension.  For more info, I recommended Wikipedia.  Enjoy the video and give it a like or share.

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More about the Subaru Sambar

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subaru_Sambar

The Subaru Sambar is a caboverkei truck and microvan (passenger variant: Subaru Dias Wagon) manufactured by Subaru, a division of Subaru Corporation (formerly known as Fuji Heavy Industries), specifically for the Japanese market. It is Japan’s first Keitora (軽トラ), shorthand for “kei class truck” and is still in production. The Sambar is available in both microvan and Kei truck (Pickup truck style) to fulfill the Kei car guidelines. Still popular in the domestic market, Subaru no longer produces the Sambar themselves as the nameplate has been used on a rebadged Daihatsu Hijet since 2012.[1] The Sambar has also been produced in China as the [三八] as well as in Finland in a joint venture with Elcat Automotive. – WIKIPEDIA

https://vwcandy.com/

delica

The Wonderful Mitsubishi Delica 4×4

The Delica is one of the coolest vans made by the Japanese. The 4×4 is the best van to explore or overland. The video below is a compilation of several Delicas.  This is a popular van in Washington, Oregon and Canada.  If parts and mechanics were readily available, where I live, I would own this van.

There is several versions of the Mitsubishi Delica.  The Delica is considered a minivan.  I’ve seen many folks put diesel heaters for vanlife off-grid camping.  This van can practically transverse anywhere.

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Mitsubishi star wagons are now available for the North American outdoor community to enjoy. https://www.delicausa.com/

Beware reclassification of the Mitsubishi Delica. Vehicle registration cancellations – Maine is Actively Canceling Mitsubishi Delica Registration (crankshaftculture.com)