1999 Astro Van AWD Camper Tour: An affordable AWD van for everyone

Рет қаралды 171,138

2 жыл бұрын

Here's a tour of 1999 Chevrolet Astro Van camper van! This van is completely DIY and includes our solution for a kitchen, bed, storage, electric via a solar awning and more! We didn't have the thousands of dollars to spend on a van like a lot of the Van Lifer's out there. So we worked hard and slowly put together our rad little get away on wheels.
-- LINKS --
(When available, we use affiliate links and may earn a commission!)
-- MODERN COMFORTS --
Small Magnets for kitchen doors - amzn.to/3wOQDw6 (Amazon)
MAXXAIR fan - amzn.to/4aemfto (Amazon)
Dometic Fridge - amzn.to/3TBW2zO (Amazon)
Volway digital mirror - amzn.to/4ci3B64 (Amazon)
Dash Cam hardwire kit - amzn.to/3TBjKw1 (Amazon)
Electric Travel Kettle - amzn.to/3VltmMy (Amazon)
Automatic Drinking Water Pump - amzn.to/3vdUmmI (Amazon)
Folding Shelf Brackets - amzn.to/49TZ1Jm (Amazon)
Recessed Ceiling Light - amzn.to/3Voki9X (Amazon)
Vivo folding flip down tv mount - amzn.to/4adO59j (Amazon)
Swivel Chair from Northern Tool - bit.ly/3zgrY4Q
-- ELECTRICAL --
Victron BMV-712 battery monitor - amzn.to/3IAGN3N (Amazon)
Renogy Lifepo4 22 volt 170 AH battery - amzn.to/3vaawgS (Amazon)
Xantrex Prowatt SW2000 2000w inverter amzn.to/48UxsOL (Amazon)
Solar Panel Sliders - amzn.to/4ahvlWB (Amazon)
T-Slotted aluminum bars for solar rack - amzn.to/43yTcPv (Amazon)
-- BOOKS IN OUR VAN --
All that the rain promises and more: A hip guide to western mushrooms - amzn.to/3wX66dO (Amazon)
Audubon Guide to North American Mushrooms - amzn.to/3vbsJup (Amazon)
BushCraft Box Set - amzn.to/3TDMlRr (Amazon)
Check out our instagram @faroutfamily
#astrovan #vanlife #vantour #diy #liveafaroutlife

Пікірлер: 266

@Bigpinktowtruck 2 жыл бұрын

Got dispatched to tow an Astro van one day last year. When you hear Astro van as a tow truck driver you get both excited and depressed…. But the one I towed ended up being a van life set up with a bed, micro fridge and even a forced air pvc system. It was amazing

@faroutfamily 2 жыл бұрын

Glad it wasn't mine , lol. They're fun to convert, but you have to get creative.

@chrishayes5755 Жыл бұрын

@@faroutfamily fun to convert if you know what you're doing. which 95% of people don't. I'm looking to buy an AWD astro for business and it's near impossible to find. the market is flooded with people who bought an awd astro to convert it, they rip out everything, let the van sit for 3 years, no maintenance, get tired of the project and sell it as a "camper" with literally a few 2x4 sticks holding up a dirty old mattress 😂 I really wish this wasn't trending so much it's making it impossible for me to get a decent one

@ramborambles5755 2 жыл бұрын

I love your idea to use the panel as an awning. So creative!

@luisavina4831 2 жыл бұрын

I need friends like you in my life dude 👍🏻 Back in October 2018 I bought my first astro van, a 2000 for $1700 bucks, best money I’ve ever spent on a vehicle My van has already outlived 4 other newer cars I’ve owned along the way 🤣 I recently installed a new alternator, new battery & filters, and new tires on it, at almost 204,000 miles it still runs LIKE A CHAMP and I cannot wait to take it on a long trip again 🤟🏻

@faroutfamily 2 жыл бұрын

Nice! They don't make cars like they used to. The simpler the better.

@flyg74 2 жыл бұрын

Any advice /tips looking for older Astro van? I’m low in cash and I need to move out out of apartment in order to save $. Thx

@brad2548 2 жыл бұрын

@@flyg74 I've lived in a van for a couple years and when I want to get away from hustle n bustle. Noise n drama. To read my bible and pray. I put my key in the ignition and drive. 😊 Peace like a river only comes from Jesus

@cdoublejj Жыл бұрын

engineered to fail and anti repair. not like the old days anymore.

@karin64 2 жыл бұрын

This is one of the best Astro van tours I've seen. I'm guessing that with your solar layout you can keep your van in the shade and charge at the same time. Really smart!

@kelligallicchio325 2 жыл бұрын

You have really mastered out this Chevy Astro, lm looking to purchase one like yours by the grace of God, l will find one like yours--- its great

@faroutfamily 2 жыл бұрын

Yep that's part of the appeal to the slide out, it's a little more versatile. I saw one person do it with another panel underneath so they'd get double charging when they're solar awning is pulled out.

@pokeythebear1 9 ай бұрын

Where did you get the solar panel?@@faroutfamily

@seedsoflove7684 2 жыл бұрын

Men do tour, outside to inside...they love to show of the toys and works...ladies always start on the inside!

@faroutfamily 2 жыл бұрын

Haha, I'm always most proud of the damn mechanical work I did, but everyone wants to see the kitchen LOL

@hfarms5779 9 ай бұрын

Very cool. The Astro is a good size package with a common GM drive train. The unique rear hatch/doors is the best part.

@faroutfamily 9 ай бұрын

Totally agree, there's so much you can do with those rear doors.

@donnataliercio7080 2 жыл бұрын

I will never look at Astro van the way I have again. That's the bomb

@faroutfamily 2 жыл бұрын

haha, my goal is for no one to ever call the Astro a "creeper van" again

@czhou57 Жыл бұрын

Love the setup especially with keeping the 3rd row and magic box.

@gmackinnon648 8 ай бұрын

Excellent video. That USB water tap thingy is absolutely at Canadian tire for $10 Got one last week with slight mod can fit 4liter water jug. They're great , easy to use and is like having running water in the van. 😊

@faroutfamily 8 ай бұрын

Yeah they're great! My original idea was to rig it up to a sink, but the sink would've been so small I don't think we would wash much in it.

@thedetectivebm 3 ай бұрын

I have a 1998 Astro van and you have given me many ideas to converse my baby for travel. Thank you for sharing and happy trails.

@faroutfamily 6 күн бұрын

Have fun!

@caribooskidoo3997 Жыл бұрын

Awesome build. Lots of great ideas. I'll be getting at my conversion this summer. I have a '96 hightop awd.

@curtjackson5052 Жыл бұрын

Great Build .. I have a Love Affair with Astros/Safaris .. Very Cool

@notsureigaf 2 жыл бұрын

4:05 Whoa, that's the Corona Arch trailhead in the background! Not too often I see a place I've actually been in these videos 👍

@sharondanenas3429 2 жыл бұрын

Love those copper curtain rods. Incredible van build

@Astrovan2000 Жыл бұрын

I love my Astrovan AWD. Just got it running again. Excited about converting. It's grey too!

@marklennox2151 2 жыл бұрын

Great work. I love the swivel seat. I have a 2000 AWD cargo version and did a simple build with a Maxxair fan and 100 watt panel feeding into my Jackery 500 battery for my fridge. I did make a shelf for books that's still empty so I'll be buying a mushroom guide since everyone needs one.

@faroutfamily 2 жыл бұрын

"All that the rain promises and more" is a good one ; )

@eddie451 8 ай бұрын

This Is A Great Setup You And Your Miss Be Careful And Enjoy your House On 🙂 Wheels Thanks For The Video Eddie From Athens Alabama.

@imagine9375 Жыл бұрын

That Awning/Solar panel business is right on. You on track my dude.

@Das801E 2 жыл бұрын

Love the bed and awesome slide out for the fridge. The shower is great. Over all everything is awesome. But where is the toilet?

@larryzakreski5688 Жыл бұрын

Love that solar awning.

@Petelaosound 2 жыл бұрын

Got me 2001 Astro can’t wait to build it. It’s looks just like yours

@Iliketobeactive 2 жыл бұрын

Astro van and Chevy conversion vans will forever be cooler and have more character than a sprinter van.

@faroutfamily 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for that. Before I got the van, my wife and I were driving down a dirt road in Big Sur and there was a massive sprinter in front of us. It looked pretty ridiculous bobbing through the woods. So I made my decision about the Astro or something similar then and there. I love the Sprinters for their space and they're really great if you can afford one. But something about them didn't sit well with the type of lifestyle we live. (Not knocking anyone who owns one, I'll probably end up with one day myself if my family expands.)

@Iliketobeactive 2 жыл бұрын

@@faroutfamily I agree with all of that! I’ve definitely seen some sprinters struggling up in the mountains, but like you said, nothing against them. It’s just not what I need right now.

@christiangenest576 Жыл бұрын

Thanks to sharing your experience, nice setup , I like your hot shower pvc pipe easy to built better that than buying a new expensive one

@FranksWorld1 2 жыл бұрын

Very nice build on your Astro…Love the multi fold bed/table/storage unit… Happy travels! Frank

@bobmirror7164 2 жыл бұрын

I lived comfortably in a van for 5-years with a fraction of what you put in yours.

@leomoonify Жыл бұрын

Fabulous ideas! Love the solar awning and water pipe shower that would heat in the sun. I was just wondering if I could do something like that when I get my van and also I own a mobile home in Florida and was thinking I could find a way to use the sun to heat water. as well. Love the bed in a box! Great job.

@bikingviking6688 8 ай бұрын

Impressive vision and skills!👍🏻

@jjanson50 2 жыл бұрын

Spectacular creativity and execution

@meninomichael 8 ай бұрын

Great build!! Love the swivel seat! Thanks for posting. I'm poaching most of it! Happy trails!

@faroutfamily 3 ай бұрын

Do it! I updated the comments with some of the gear I used to outfit it. LMK if you ended up going with the swivel. I actually have an extra one I didn't use if you need one.

@aReandeS 2 ай бұрын

@@faroutfamily Hi, which swivel brand or product is it? Any link to it please? I'm from Europe and hard to find a decent swivel

@scottphillipy9831 2 жыл бұрын

Nice build, thanks for sharing it with us. Happy travels.

@bobo11112222 Жыл бұрын

This reminds me of Honey! I Shrunk Our Kids Sequel. Kid becomes giant. Especially the solar wings.

@JeffeysMom Жыл бұрын

I absolutely love the doors of an Astro!

@tibbsfamilyvan186 2 жыл бұрын

Love how you've used the space!

@jessiferri2922 2 жыл бұрын

This is a beautiful build, smart spacious. I love the cedar and lighting. Nice job

@lakikaia Жыл бұрын

The best Astro Van conversion I’ve seen! Amazing conversion!😍 Thanks for sharing!

@Kralphrn Жыл бұрын

brilliant idea with the solar awning!

@Ironman3521 2 жыл бұрын

The best Astro Van Conversion and bed conversion I've seen.

@cenedraleaheldra5275 2 жыл бұрын

Very clever build. Lots of clever ideas.

@SeizeTheAdventure 2 жыл бұрын

Very unique bed build. Really awesome how you accommodated other passengers.

@waywardwhippets2555 2 жыл бұрын

From one 1999 Astro Van owner to another.....I love it!!!!!! Great conversion!

@daniels1st 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome build! Great ideas!

@Lilliancooks 2 жыл бұрын

Love that magic box...such a smart idea for a bed conversion 👍

@jaysarcade Жыл бұрын

That bed/table box is pretty ingenious. Great build!

@samcarrs Жыл бұрын

Great awning idea. Install the show tube on the other side and you can hang curtains from your solar awning for your showers

@opalacios666 Жыл бұрын

Great ideas! Ingenious.

@benjones8977 2 жыл бұрын

Great job on the van! I really like the pull out solar panel as an awning! 🖖

@leilal8053 2 жыл бұрын

Clever idea about the sliding solar panel 👌.

@philipzahnd7314 2 жыл бұрын

Soooo sick. I’ve been watching Astro videos since I bought mine a few months ago and this is the best I’ve seen. Well done!

@RolandoNispiros 2 жыл бұрын

Love the solar slide out!

@ricusserfontein1086 2 жыл бұрын

Love the look of the Astro van.

@kmdyang-xx2ne 7 ай бұрын

Amazing. It's so nice to see you working with you what you have. Although the dream is to upgrade at some point, the truth is, its not so much the gear but the experiences that enriches a beautiful life. I really appreciate this video.

@larrywiddis470 2 жыл бұрын

Very practical vehicle. I wore two Astros out! 1986 and 1996

@ZombicidalMadMom81 Жыл бұрын

Great build! I love those Astro vans for their cool dutch action hatchback rear door; way to take good advantage of the door space!

@mitzioden4926 2 жыл бұрын

I have a GMC SAFARI that's like an Astro van that I want to fix up like yours. You've given me inspiration!

@VERYPURPLE 10 ай бұрын

Awesome Van tour.

@powerband5235 2 жыл бұрын

That Astro is badass 👍

@XroorX 2 жыл бұрын

Dual purpose solar PV module AND awning?!? NICE! Really clean looking Astro on the outside too!

@roydesignedthat 2 жыл бұрын

Very inspiring! I have a 2004 Astro AWD that I've thought of doing up as a camper. You have given inspiration! Thanks!

@faroutfamily 2 жыл бұрын

You won't regret it!

@billhummer3513 Жыл бұрын

I have a 1999 AWD Astro with almost 188,000 miles located in NM. Would make a great camper van...

@apen2152 2 жыл бұрын

Yay for you family matters, nice video🥰❤️❤️

@albertaadventures7750 2 жыл бұрын

Now that is a genius bed set up. Well done!

@faroutfamily 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks! It took some trial and error to get it right. I'm 240lb and it holds my wife and I pretty well. I have some adjustments I want to try out on it, but we've enjoyed it so far.

@brad2548 2 жыл бұрын

When folks like you do a simple build I think if you put together a book teaching others to put their own system like yours you could probably sell it for a reasonable price.

@naturaltigress254 Жыл бұрын

Awesome work

@gingerjolley9027 10 ай бұрын

Love the magic box.....

@NICRUIZ41 2 жыл бұрын

I love this! Thank you for the tour. I also travel with a young daughter and am currently building my 05 Astro camper.

@faroutfamily 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome! There was a stretch where my daughter didn't want anything to do with the outdoors. But I swear as soon as we got the van she wants to go camping every weekend. That's probably the best thing that's come out of converting the Astro TBH. Hope you guys have some great ASTRO adventures!

@SaltySook Жыл бұрын

brilliant bed setup

@Unemployedrobots Жыл бұрын

This is rad! Nice one! 💪🏽🏄🏽‍♂️

@MetalVentor 2 жыл бұрын

You are a genius. Unbelievable build. I’m so impressed. Get read you a million views on this one. Congratulations!!

@faroutfamily 2 жыл бұрын

Ha, thanks. I didn't think I'd get as many as this thats for sure! I thought I'd be lucky to get a couple hundred.

@TravelingGranny 2 жыл бұрын

Great build! What type of backup camera do you use? Thank you! ~Tracey~👍

@YackYum 2 жыл бұрын

Sick van man!

@unicorntv1232 2 жыл бұрын

Hoping for more videos from u! 👈 Outdoor footage with nice music is a niche, I think. Something relaxing to watch in these trying times 👍

@RVAmerica 2 жыл бұрын

Great job on the build and the video! Danny and Lynn

@ronp1155 2 жыл бұрын

very nice set up !!

@williamley7380 2 жыл бұрын

Nice build brother!!! Cool idea with that solar panel awning.

@faroutfamily 2 жыл бұрын

It's funny, I was watching a "The long way Up" motorcycle doc with Ewan McGregor and the made one for one of their support vans.

@richardfischer7486 2 жыл бұрын

Thx4sharing from one Astrovaner 2 another :)

@angelabraggs7614 4 ай бұрын

Awesome built

@faroutfamily 3 ай бұрын

Thanks!

@donaldmusic6274 2 жыл бұрын

Dude,you are an engineer...very smart build

@mitsuoo1012 2 жыл бұрын

Like the solar panel awning idea! Dont knowcwhy most people like to have stove on outside. Cant cook in stealth mode in a store parking lot. Like to have everything accessible from inside. Especially my microwave. Hehe

@faroutfamily 2 жыл бұрын

I was thinking about trying an air fryer in there. I gotta see if the wattage will work first though.

@Free_Samples Жыл бұрын

The Astro/Safari vans are my personal favorite

@yachtsteve 2 жыл бұрын

That was awesome, thanks for sharing

@donaldd.293 2 жыл бұрын

Amazing solar set up the panel side is the first I’ve seen not to mention awesome. If the photo business ever slows you have a career to fall back on van builder. Stay safe

@ernieroberts56 2 жыл бұрын

I'm so glad you made this video I had the thought of making a solar panel like that but my thought was to have them stacked so when you pulled it out there would be 1 or 2 underneath and give you that much more In the same space.

@faroutfamily 2 жыл бұрын

There's actually a video where someone does that on a van. It's a great idea to have two. Honestly if I have the opportunity to get smaller panels and do that, I probably will. I'd really love the space to put a storage box on the top.

@randypierce9485 2 жыл бұрын

Nice setup 👍

@WizzRacing Жыл бұрын

I think people over look they can add more solar. Just by making slides for them. That way you can park. Then slide them out. I even seen some people put them on the side of the vehicle. Then use tilt brackets..

@circlestar8697 2 жыл бұрын

Nice job . 👏

@nathanprachnau2609 2 жыл бұрын

Nice work. Creative. Love the slide out Solar and the box. I have the same van. Get a Journeys off-road lift and your set. 👌🏻

@faroutfamily 2 жыл бұрын

JOF is great, I put their 2-4" body lift in it to start, when I bought the Astro it looked like it had no clearance bc it was so low. It definitely looks a little beefier now. But yeah I'd love to get it up a little higher, there's some roads where I've taken it that I wish I had more clearance on.

@WACONimages 2 жыл бұрын

Great Van + video! Photographer too overhere in The Netherlands. Curious for upcoming video's!

@Petelaosound 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome van

@luciagalarza6407 2 жыл бұрын

I love it!!!

@J-RallySite 2 жыл бұрын

Great video. Great van.

@dorwink 2 жыл бұрын

Do you have a list of items you used especially electronic and charging systems. And blue tooth items

@kevinhornbuckle 2 жыл бұрын

Good build ideas. I just got a 1999 of the same color.

@Why_Not_travel Жыл бұрын

nice tour

@user-hp5un1uh6m 5 ай бұрын

IM LOOKING INTO THE ASTRO THING.GREAT INFO FOR SURE.

@faroutfamily 3 ай бұрын

Do It!

@dianasoper7598 2 жыл бұрын

Very nice 👍

@marcarias448 2 жыл бұрын

Wow yea... I watched the whole thing... Astro vans are the best...

@faroutfamily 2 жыл бұрын

Hell yeah, Thanks Marc!

@Imcornn 2 жыл бұрын

I want one Just like This!

@shahriyarkalhor 2 жыл бұрын

Good job 👍👌 and love ur grandma's number plate and ur grand father's fishing basket.. and I am gonna in cooperate some of ur ideas in my a astro conversation God bless u.. Appreciate the video 😊