Ski RV's, who's sleeping in parking lots?

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10-22-2010, 03:44 PM
Poop~Ghost

Quote:

Originally Posted by DAFTC

Curtains?

You ride a black Santa Cruz w/an aussie-type pup?

BP looking moist!

there's a few more pix in the Berthoud thread.

I had the curtains and some reflectix up. No santa cruz or aussie pups.

I keep a candle going to help take some of the nip out of the air, but by the morning, getting out of the warm down blankets SUCKS. Air temp is probably 30 degrees on a typical night. If the temps really drop, it's friggen torture just trying to take a piss and get your clothes on.

Somebody mentioned this guy:
http://www.adventurerv.net/olympian-...er-p-1679.html

I think it might be the ticket with a 5 gallon tank and a CO2 detector.
10-22-2010, 04:01 PM
unofficialandes

http://img830.imageshack.us/img830/8158/img0242w.jpg

We hit the road and did some GNAR-Ving last season. Fun Times for sure
10-22-2010, 06:06 PM
hutash

Quote:

Originally Posted by unofficialandes

http://img830.imageshack.us/img830/8158/img0242w.jpg

We hit the road and did some GNAR-Ving last season. Fun Times for sure

Go big or go home, eh?
10-22-2010, 06:22 PM
That was Pontus

^^^ Something is fucked up with your monoski dude....
10-22-2010, 11:20 PM
kona12

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diesel

Yeah, I covet those too. If you're interested, I found one at a dealer in Denver for a ridiculously low price (5500??). It's set up for a long bed though, and a couple grand higher than my budget. I may still have the contact info over there. Let me know if you want it. (I'm an enabler :) )

Man, I don't have $500 let alone $5500 but holy smokes that is a scream'n deal for one of those! Don't see those come up used very often let alone for that cheep. Man I wish my situation were different
10-22-2010, 11:49 PM
monkeywrenchMoose

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danno

I cannot wait!

Holee shit. Is this kid for real? His trip reports read like a bad Mountain-Gazette satirical.

I'm all for learning by doing/trial and error, but ABSOLUTELY NOT IN THAT SITUATION. Save the blundering for over torque-ing your bike or using the wrong bevel on your edges. I wish the others around you the best of luck.

Some cool ideas in this thread. I am in the process of building a sleep platform for my Forrester right now. Will take pictures and post in tech talk when done.
10-23-2010, 01:33 AM
powdrhound

A second vote for a Sunrader.
10-23-2010, 08:36 AM
Sparwood Dave

I've been ski rving for 35 years and have a couple of comments.
- Unless you're doing logging roads/backcountry don't underestimate two wheel drives with duallys and posi. I've had both 4 wheel and 2 wheel drive rvs and in the cost/usefullness/availablilty tradeoff the duallys win. My E450 24 foot Triple E has a V10, Michelin M+S tires with posi and is very good in snow. For example I bumper plowed 40 cm of fresh westbound from Calgary until the highway was closed at Louis then took the STEEP exit to the overpass into town no problem. I have chains but never used them.
- Not to be negative but unless you are rich think carefully before spending $40,000 + plus gas plus insurance plus maintenance on a dedicated RV. Think how many heli/cat ski days you could buy. How much gear could you buy? How many nights in a warm dry motel with shower and bar?
10-23-2010, 09:41 AM
montanamike

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sparwood Dave

Unless you're doing logging roads/backcountry don't underestimate two wheel drives with duallys and posi.

I was pushing snow with the front bumper when I drove the pass outside of Haines last winter. I never even had to chain up though. At 113 hp I can't even burn rubber on glare ice.
10-23-2010, 11:49 AM
DeathVan

my 1978 Dodge Tradesman 4x4

-drove it up the AlCan, skied the whole way, slept in it every night but one (Tok was -35 when I pulled in, the inside of the van was +23, hadn't been any warmer for ~14 hours since Haines)

http://i977.photobucket.com/albums/a...Van/052_52.jpg
-currently at the van spa receiving treatment, again...
10-23-2010, 05:37 PM
Kai

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeathVan

my 1978 Dodge Tradesman 4x4

-drove it up the AlCan, skied the whole way, slept in it every night but one (Tok was -35 when I pulled in, the inside of the van was +23, hadn't been any warmer for ~14 hours since Haines)

http://i977.photobucket.com/albums/a...Van/052_52.jpg
-currently at the van spa receiving treatment, again...

I Like it!
10-23-2010, 05:48 PM
SterlingSpikeDancer

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diesel

Good thread-I was thinking of starting a "where to park my rig in X ski town" thread as winter approaches. I'm hoping to storm chase a little more this year.

I traded up from Blue Velvet to this little beauty. Not quite 4 season, but I can drop the top and snuggle with the dogs on the coldest nights.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4127/...732fa311_m.jpg

Blue Velvet 2.0 looks GREAT! Did any of the original decorations make the transfer? Looks like it is a little bit of insulation in the popup away from 4-season hood. Good luck!
10-23-2010, 09:10 PM
Diesel

Quote:

Originally Posted by SterlingSpikeDancer

Blue Velvet 2.0 looks GREAT! Did any of the original decorations make the transfer? Looks like it is a little bit of insulation in the popup away from 4-season hood. Good luck!

Thanks A! Just got the furnace dialed in today. It CRANKS. Honestly, it's so clean/sterile on the inside that it's freaking me out a little. I really don't know if any of the previous owners actually used it. What a find.
10-23-2010, 09:19 PM
CallMeAl

I was in the market for an AWD Astro to do up, but last week I was just given a 2001 Mercury Villager minivan freefernuthin by my Gramps out of the blue. I've been looking for pics of camper-fied soccer Mom rigs for a bit of inspiration since acquiring this incredibly uncool (yet efficient) rig, but haven't found much info out there. Anybody ever see a notable ski bum minivan/have any good ideas for winter customization/insulation?
10-23-2010, 10:42 PM
montanamike

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeathVan

my 1978 Dodge Tradesman 4x4

Yeah! I was wondering when the deathvan would show up. that things awesome...

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlexBuecking

I was just given a 2001 Mercury Villager minivan freefernuthin by my Gramps out of the blue.

score dude put some badass tires on it and grab a pile of blankets, you'll be set haha
10-24-2010, 02:50 PM
Sinfield

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlexBuecking

I was in the market for an AWD Astro to do up, but last week I was just given a 2001 Mercury Villager minivan freefernuthin by my Gramps out of the blue. I've been looking for pics of camper-fied soccer Mom rigs for a bit of inspiration since acquiring this incredibly uncool (yet efficient) rig, but haven't found much info out there. Anybody ever see a notable ski bum minivan/have any good ideas for winter customization/insulation?

Shameless plug (its for sale) but here is what I did to the back of my Astro. It was pretty easy and turned it into a badass and useful place to chill/sleep/drink

http://www.tetongravity.com/forums/s...highlight=rape
10-24-2010, 03:44 PM
Pat

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeathVan

my 1978 Dodge Tradesman 4x4

-drove it up the AlCan, skied the whole way, slept in it every night but one (Tok was -35 when I pulled in, the inside of the van was +23, hadn't been any warmer for ~14 hours since Haines)

http://i977.photobucket.com/albums/a...Van/052_52.jpg
-currently at the van spa receiving treatment, again...

HELL YES. I've always wanted a van with a basketball hoop on it.:fm:
10-24-2010, 07:03 PM
CallMeAl

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sinfield

Shameless plug (its for sale) but here is what I did to the back of my Astro. It was pretty easy and turned it into a badass and useful place to chill/sleep/drink

http://www.tetongravity.com/forums/s...highlight=rape

Yeah dude, I saw that post a while back and am incredibly jealous of that gem. I hope to eventually make my van half as badass as yours. I think I have some pretty solid plans for it pimp/warm, just counting the days until I pick its two-toned ass up at Thanksgiving!
10-24-2010, 10:07 PM
Ed el Loco

Pick up one of these battery packs and an electric blanket. It might keep a minivan warm enough for the night?

http://www.campmor.com/eureka-e-powe...ci_sku=27781WC
10-24-2010, 11:53 PM
maddog

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diesel

Good thread-I was thinking of starting a "where to park my rig in X ski town" thread as winter approaches. I'm hoping to storm chase a little more this year.

I traded up from Blue Velvet to this little beauty. Not quite 4 season, but I can drop the top and snuggle with the dogs on the coldest nights.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4127/...732fa311_m.jpg

I figured "Blue" would give you the bug. Here she is last year:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/10...rt/ebay558.jpg

This winter I'll be in "White Lightning":
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/10...rt/ebay586.jpg
10-25-2010, 12:48 AM
natty dread

Quote:

Originally Posted by powdrhound

A second vote for a Sunrader.

A third!
10-25-2010, 04:08 PM
Dr. Crank

Quote:

Originally Posted by monkeywrenchMoose

Some cool ideas in this thread. I am in the process of building a sleep platform for my Forrester right now. Will take pictures and post in tech talk when done.

How long do you think that platform will be? I'm just curious because the Forester, and every other SUV that gets half-decent mileage, seems to be too short for a proper platform. But I'd like to be proved wrong.
10-25-2010, 05:49 PM
DeathVan

Quote:

Originally Posted by natty dread

A third!

Natty: Is that 4x4?, just looking at the hubs has me wondering.
-sick ride though, and I miss Hood (sometimes)

-and Mike, if she ever gets out of the shop the van is great, but the DeathVan is killing me right now (???tie rods, unknown franken-front end from the conversion)

-Good thread, I don't want to freeze anymore and I took the generator off the roof. Looking forward to seeing these mules in action.
10-26-2010, 12:39 PM
montanamike

Quote:

Originally Posted by natty dread

A third!

4x4 sunrader, those things are rare! Is that yours natty? got any more photos?
10-26-2010, 12:58 PM
monkeywrenchMoose

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr. Crank

How long do you think that platform will be? I'm just curious because the Forester, and every other SUV that gets half-decent mileage, seems to be too short for a proper platform. But I'd like to be proved wrong.

Here is a link to the thread in tech talk. If you have any questions, ask them in there, I check that thread more often than this one.

[ame="http://www.tetongravity.com/forums/showthread.php?t=203626"]Subaru Forester Sleeping Platform - Teton Gravity Research Forums[/ame]
10-26-2010, 01:11 PM
DAFTC

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr. Crank

How long do you think that platform will be? I'm just curious because the Forester, and every other SUV that gets half-decent mileage, seems to be too short for a proper platform. But I'd like to be proved wrong.

[begin well-behaved vehicle swerve]

I don't think that's necessarily right. To state the incredibly obvious, it depends on how tall you are.

Friend pulled the back seats of his VW Golf and built a simple 2x4/ply platform w/storage. He and GF claim it's pretty comfy/enough room to stretch out. Pretty sure the Forester, CRV, Rav4, etc. all have at least as much space between the front seats and the hatch as the Golf.

That said, I don't think I could make it fit (6'1") since I've felt scrunched in an Outback w/the front seats pushed all the way forward.

Monkeywrench - that's a nice setup.

[/thread swerve into 'burbs, now returning to vans with pee-holes and one-off 80's toyota awesomeness.]

Also - is anyone else not just a little bit impressed with the massive ski wall in the DeathVan's pic? Is that a repost or something?
10-26-2010, 01:31 PM
Slaag Master

my friend is selling an rv here in sandy utah - $500 - drives - needs some work - i think it is '70's maybe '80's model
10-26-2010, 07:28 PM
Dr. Crank

Cheers, Monkeywrench. Thanks for posting that other thread.

DAFTC - I'm about the same height as you. Slept in the back of an Outback last winter. It was survivable, just a little tight. Actually I think the biggest thing is that the seats don't fold flat.

Used to have a Taurus wagon which absolutely blew, except that it was ideal for sleeping in. They don't make cars like that anymore, which is mostly a good thing. It seems like a hinged platform would make all the difference.
10-26-2010, 07:52 PM
Eldo

In many vehicles where the rear seats fold forwards but will not lie completely flat, it's because of the height of the seat cushion. Remove the seat cushion (usually a few bolts and hooks) and the seat back goes all the way flat.

Of course it means leaving the cushion at home or trying to store on the passenger seat.
10-26-2010, 09:51 PM
Vitamin I

Even a little Honda hatchback works better than one might think. [ame=http://www.tetongravity.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1196505&postcount=73]My Honda post[/ame] in an [ame=http://www.tetongravity.com/forums/showthread.php?t=80702]old thread[/ame].

.
10-27-2010, 10:20 PM
SkiingtheBackcountry

Used to live in a Subaru. Got married and now we live in a 1990 Chevy G20. 2 people + a dog that takes up the ENTIRE bed at night. (Not sure what's wrong with me that I submit to the dog in my sleep, but that's another conversation...)

http://www.tgrmedia.com/i.ashx?w=400...ap_730X550.jpg

Where to park?
Aside from plowing regulations, we haven't had a hard time. Just park wherever you are. For winter travel, a hard high top is obviously preferable to a pop top. We often sleep in grocery store parking lots. Ski area policies vary, but where there's a will there's usually a way.

How to stay warm at night?
This seems obvious, but just use lots of blankets and/or sleeping bags.

What's more important is how to stay warm in the morning. We use this: http://www.mrheater.com/product.aspx?catid=41&id=116 It has a low oxygen shut off, and also turns off if it tips over. I also bought a carbon monoxide detector, and we're generally careful about giving it a few inches of breathing room.

Power?
If you're interested, let me know. we have a solar panel & 2 deep cycle batteries with an inverter and a power strip.

Internet?
On Verizon, there was a deal with the Palm Pre that offered free tethering for life. It provides a decent wireless signal (good enough for us to work from the road on web design/marketing projects). Most ski areas have decent 3G. If not, we poach hotels.

2 wheel vs 4 wheel drive?
10,000 miles and we only went off the road once! :) 4x4 would be sweet but it would make our atrocious gas mileage even worse.

Here are a couple reports with photos from the road last year:

http://www.skiingthebackcountry.com/...iing_road_trip

http://www.skiingthebackcountry.com/...olf_creek_Taos

See you on the road!
10-27-2010, 10:34 PM
conkyyy

have you checked out this site yet, tons of useful info about pow exploring and car camping, like how to recycle your piss

http://powexplorer.com/
10-30-2010, 12:01 AM
gojrracing

I am one of the sleeping in a parking lot together with my RV rental. I love to ski rv. It is good to have it. :D
10-30-2010, 04:04 PM
SAVOR

Quote:

Originally Posted by parismt

have you checked out this site yet, tons of useful info about pow exploring and car camping, like how to recycle your piss

http://powexplorer.com/

Wow - that is really cool. I took a cople of minutes to go through there and am seriously considering going RV camping this season.
10-30-2010, 10:03 PM
natty dread

Quote:

Originally Posted by montanamike

4x4 sunrader, those things are rare! Is that yours natty? got any more photos?

Yep, had it for 2 years. Only 60K miles. Just finished a major remodel, all new interior and systems. And booming system. :cool: Also added a foot to the roof so it's got 6'5" headroom now!
It's actually getting painted now, I'll post a pic after the repaint, but here are a few more pix.
11-06-2010, 04:26 PM
montanamike

sick rig natty. I like the roof raising you did. wood/fiberglass?

Also a shot in the dark, if anyone comes across a propane furnace for cheap, especially in the minnesota area, lemme know. I'm getting back in the middle of next month and it's prolly gonna be cold when I move back in to the rv and head west.
11-08-2010, 11:43 AM
grinch

well priced options for your ski mag adventures

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http...com%2F&h=99417
11-08-2010, 12:21 PM
DeathVan

Quote:

Originally Posted by DAFTC

[begin well-behaved vehicle swerve]

Also - is anyone else not just a little bit impressed with the massive ski wall in the DeathVan's pic? Is that a repost or something?

That wall is located in Juneau very near to Eagle Crest (the local ski hill) it is MASSIVE!
-here's another pic (I've posted it before)
http://i977.photobucket.com/albums/a...Van/053_53.jpg

-and here's the van up at our main bc hill on the island -Pyramid Mt. (don't camp up there because it's only a 10 minute drive from home)
http://i977.photobucket.com/albums/a...n/P3170851.jpg
11-08-2010, 12:54 PM
mtnbiker/boarder

^^^^^^^ great f----ing machine....she's mean ...super thanks for sharing....
11-08-2010, 04:11 PM
natty dread

Quote:

Originally Posted by montanamike

sick rig natty. I like the roof raising you did. wood/fiberglass?

Yep molded glass/wood stringers. Done by a boat repair shop, it's a bit heavy but bomber. Here's a pic of the rear portion.

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