Welcome to the Weirdest 70's Van in Existence

Welcome to the Weirdest 70's Van in Existence - Van Tour

Рет қаралды 27,928

Күн бұрын

Last week I went down to Tennessee to buy this 1979 Champion TransVan. It's the weirdest thing I've personally ever seen, and I wanted to share with you all what makes this thing so unique.
#vanlife #camping #rving

Пікірлер: 103

@gtr1952 4 жыл бұрын

The GVW and what you are allowed to tow are 2 different things. The GVW is the max gross weight you are allowed to be on the scales. The 'tow' rating is based on the config of the vehicle. For example, my 2500 Silverado is 10,000 GVW, and is rated to tow 14k lbs. The tow rating should be in the documentation, or maybe on the ID plate on the vehicle for older ones. Nice find!! Looks great! They were very $$ in the day!! Enjoy!!

@McBuggs. 4 жыл бұрын

RV Cams are designed for top performance at a low to mid RPM and designed to perform with the Dually (Towing) Axle on your van. With that package in mind, you get low end torque to greatly enable hills, starting from a standstill, along with hauling a trailer. Those rigs just don't go breakneck speeds, so their comfort spot is (like you said) at around 65 mph. The reason you get 12 miles to the gallon, not bad. Pushing it harder for too long and your gas millage goes down more and engine temp starts to go up... likely to cause engine overheating (possible breakdown) after faster driving for too long. Enjoy your home on wheels and take good care of it! rvingwithmarkpolk.com/2013/05/29/axle-ratios-towing-vs-fuel-economy/ Years back, I took a 400 Small Block from a 72? Jimmy and put it in my 77 Camaro RS. The RV Cam in that 400 made for quicker takeoffs, but it was hard to get the vehicle to reach high revs for drag racing performance... I never did swap out the RV Cam for a Performance Cam.

@GregZuro 4 жыл бұрын

Just to clarify: the GVWR does *not* include the towed load. GCWR includes the towed load.

@gtr1952 4 жыл бұрын

@@GregZuro Thanks, I was trying to think of a way to simplify it. Half of the RV's (truck/trailer) are overloaded anyway. Scary sometimes...

@jrmaatta 4 жыл бұрын

@@GregZuro GVWR does include the *tongue weight* of the towed load, to be precise (granted, only a few hundred pounds typically, depending on the trailer load). That weight is carried on/by the pulling vehicle, so loading the van to it's exact GVWR (distributed per front & rear GAWR) and then adding any trailer on the back would put the van overweight because of the tongue weight.

@kimmer6 4 жыл бұрын

I have a 1980 Transvan in storage. It has the Chrysler 360 engine. In the compartment in front of the left wheel well is an Onan 3000 Watt generator. Where your chairs and table is mine has a couch that folds down to make it wider. The right hand side has a bunk under which the water tank sits and there is a storage cabinet. The kitchen table and fixed bench seats are located in front of the kitchen. The table can be removed to bridge the aisle and make a sleeping area for 2 people. Mine needs a lot of work but runs well and passed the smog check. last week i considered junking it. The storage lot gets $100 a month for me to park it there. I'm having second thoughts after seeing your video.. The newer generator sits in my garage. The original one had no oil pressure. This one runs good but it has been 3-4 years since I had any desire to work on this van. Good luck with yours!

@UrbanHomesteadMomma 4 жыл бұрын

Wow this is pretty cool... I’m liking the rear kitchen/door layout...

@goodliving2171 4 жыл бұрын

ALL YOU PEOPLE WHO... Want the furniture & carpet changed should buy something modern or just outdated. What you need to understand is this van is special mostly because it is nostalgic. I caught myself thinking , "wow, I want one because it is so open & I can make it modern!" I caught myself though. I can buy an empty shell of a vehicle or trailer & do whatever I want, w/o getting rid of the past 70's look. The 70's ROCKED! The music sounded great btw. First time seeing your blog, thank you. I am looking for something to travel and stay in, which is how I found this blog. I will be checking out your other blogs. Thank you. Love the kitchen in the back. I would put the shower head out the windows while boondocking to shower outside, keeping the bathroom dry🤗 The carpet & material can be changed to new nostalgic-hippie look so it is clean. How much does it cost to have a van or small RV painted? I may need to paint whatever I buy. Thank you.

@tambrath 4 жыл бұрын

A really neat and well care for van , a true time capsule. I wold restore the outside to factory.thanks again for the video

@shockracer 4 жыл бұрын

The sound come through great actually! This is pretty cool! Love the carpet on the walls and ceiling!

@EatSleepDrive 4 жыл бұрын

The carpet is one of my highlights as well.

@kfstreich4787 4 жыл бұрын

Gvwr is the max weight on the vehicle axles, towing would e gcwr or gross combination weight rating. The engine probably has a low end cam, the engine is tough. We had one with no temp gauge, one day I drove it till it seized, cooled it off, drove it a couple more years. If it has a 5 digit odometer as most did in the 70s you really have no idea how many miles it has without a lifetime of records, I've had guys tell me their 40 year old pickup has only 45k when the drivers seat is worn down to nothing and the shift knob is all rounded and worn 🤣 I hope it doesn't sound like I'm trying to be an ass, just passing on a lifetime of details I've picked up dealing with sketchy sellers.

@ladeene06 4 жыл бұрын

Needs only a waterbed, a blacklight, love beads hanging like curtains, depending on what state you live in...a huge bong and Scooby Doo hippie flowers on the outside.😂 Artwork on the outside would really be awesome though...Rocky Mountain scene, electric guitars, desert scene, native American scenes wolves...the ideas are endless!! I'm SO fricken jealous! Lol. Thanks for sharing.

@FBPrepping 4 жыл бұрын

Just chill out, enjoy it and relax man...it´s a sweet rig with lots of nostalgic elements. You´re lucky. Be safe!

@WhatEver-ks4ry 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing loved it ! That thing puts a smile on my face it's probably how I was conceived

@EatSleepDrive 4 жыл бұрын

Hahaha!

@alanfoix9911 Жыл бұрын

You forgot the 727 automatically transmission 😂 and Dana 70 rear end. They were the sports rvs of the 70s. I had a 1978 Trans-van and lived in it for 17 years 😊

@CrystalVanner 4 жыл бұрын

*ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS VAN! HELLA JEALOUS!!*

@iraidalodevic3454 4 жыл бұрын

Very nice my friend.Well i has a Dodge van 1978 that i converted on a camper.Saludos!! from Puerto Rico island.And is called Unique.

@raymondj8768 4 жыл бұрын

Killer van dude dont change a thing i love the retro vibe lol

@thomasbarlow4223 4 жыл бұрын

Love this van homie...... I have a 2001 shuttle bus with a 7.3 powerstroke but essentially is the same thing as yours. They are amazing compared to most motor homes. Happy trails....

@EatSleepDrive 4 жыл бұрын

A 7.3 would be amazing, those are stout engines.

@thomasbarlow4223 4 жыл бұрын

The best part about your Mopar 360 is there is no electronics to let you down when you're in the middle of nowhere. Almost anything on that can be fixed with next to no tools

@jeffeffinggluck 4 жыл бұрын

add solar, inverter, battery that way you can run the fridge and a/c off grid, if you are going to put any $ into it, please keep the interior original, except, maybe the bathroom. One other thing, you can replace the table and chairs with an RV dinette that can be bolted to the floor and have seatbelts, it will also convert to another!! bed.Enjoy!!

@LoydIvester 4 жыл бұрын

Great video thank u

@EatSleepDrive 4 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed!

@kerrypence4201 4 жыл бұрын

Dodge had a recall for the steering box on that year van… The steering box would break away from the frame and you’d be free balling it… Ask me how I know 😳😳

@EatSleepDrive 4 жыл бұрын

😳

@truckcampinglifemag 4 жыл бұрын

I so want this van.

@bobsworldentertainmentpodc640 4 жыл бұрын

Love it I’d paint the outside though

@adventurousairman 4 жыл бұрын

Love it

@rylandder6859 4 жыл бұрын

i know if i had that motor home. i take out the center bed/dinette and make the Kitchen and Bathroom bigger. yes i know the wheel well are there but still. and the couch/bed would have a different padding on it. But how high is the interior roof do you hit your head on the air conditioner at 6'1''

@DanielJBaer 4 жыл бұрын

Dodge made a great Class C motorhome chassis, which is what that unit is built on. Wish they still made a A or C chassis. They were the best ! Enjoy !

@watahyahknow 4 жыл бұрын

that poliester adapt panel for the rear part looks like its based off a camper roof could be they used one of those hotel airports busses as the base for this camper , looks pretty good actually and perfect for someone who travels on his own , maibe add solar and a generator , kitchen in the rear is odd , then again in case of fire you can still get out the front doors if i was to choose a camper to do that this would be a good candidate , the only thing i dont like is that the engine is so hard to reach but thats just van related

@VikingVanMan 4 жыл бұрын

I SURE LOVE MINE TO ! Skål !!! 🍺🍺🍺 mine weighs 8000 lb

@JR1de57 4 жыл бұрын

Van is killer Kurt!

@EatSleepDrive 4 жыл бұрын

Cheers mate!

@torey6675 4 жыл бұрын

Cool

@anandkejdiwal9182 4 жыл бұрын

What r your plans for this???

@NewBeRVer 4 жыл бұрын

That's a way cool camper!

@xjeepmanx 4 жыл бұрын

Very cool...iv been lookin for one of these for years..problem is I'm from Ontario Canada..when I find One they are usually rotted out from Canadian winters....the hunt continues..

@EatSleepDrive 4 жыл бұрын

Salt was not kind to these.

@jackweeder2638 2 жыл бұрын

I've got a 1982 g30 transvan it's a California vehicle for its life. rained first time in 6 months and i was ready to go thinking that it would leak somewhere from setting under the hot dry sun all year but dry. GM's gen 1 350 is the possibly the easiest cheap power ever made so Did some engine work new it me junkyard heads intake manifold cc-qjet carb and added a gear vendors overdrive unit. Its sweet to drive Cruises @ 60 mph 12-15mpg Does over 80mph easily. Tows great seats 10 Awesome van

@slatergodfrey4680 4 жыл бұрын

Nice Van Man could use a different mirrors though look gorgeous with dually out back and look better than the GMC model of the same era just found out that GMC made a motorhome back then too.

@EatSleepDrive 4 жыл бұрын

Visibility is a bit of an issue. I'll look into it.

@713vinh 4 жыл бұрын

Cool van bro! The stereo system is a nice bonus.

@scottharris8308 Жыл бұрын

Nice van

@BellatrixWolfDean 3 жыл бұрын

Just bought my 1980 trans van mines completely gutted (bathroom kitchen still there) so I'm remodeling it how I like?!

@kendallsmith1458 4 жыл бұрын

Aerodynamic; not with those big boxes on the roof. Safety plan; DON"T crash. You young guys crack me up! But it is a cool vintage RV and that 360 will run forever, maybe not the trans tho...

@nonotatall2490 2 жыл бұрын

Hey man I know this is a lot to ask but I'm thinking about purchasing one of these soon and I may tall guy how tall are you? How tall would you say the inside is. Think you could make a video with pictures or video about this?

@EatSleepDrive 2 жыл бұрын

I don't have it anymore so can't measure, but driving at 6'1 I was totally fine. In the back though I had to hunch over to fit. Couldn't fully stand except for the part in the back where a roof fan was installed, haha..

@sdavrider 4 жыл бұрын

Congrats. Hope you can paint it.

@kbud3442 4 жыл бұрын

I'd put money on it being north of 7K lbs

@MrGottaGo 4 жыл бұрын

Cool van. I'd consider painting the yellowing plastics white again, ie the AC shroud, toilet, etc. Also imo - no on carpet, it holds a lot of odors.

@EatSleepDrive 4 жыл бұрын

Good idea, the white would spruce up the look. I plan to paint the sides first.

@WyattLumbley 4 жыл бұрын

wrap it in black then get some big tires with some nice rims and then put some solor panels on the roof and you have a beast

@EatSleepDrive 4 жыл бұрын

I wanna go lighter color since this thing really gets hot in the sun being dark.

@MadiMusicXOXO 4 жыл бұрын

I want to redo this, if you raise the roof so you can stand up and make the shower a bit bigger and the kitchen a bit smaller that’s already such an improvement. I’d do a lot more but

@alanfoix9911 Жыл бұрын

The trans-star has stand up.

@davidmyers5417 4 жыл бұрын

did he ever say how much he paid?

@richardshaffer8354 4 жыл бұрын

I wouldn't update anything except the carpet.... all of it

@conroyjett 4 жыл бұрын

What MPG is it getting?

@kfstreich4787 4 жыл бұрын

Gallons per mile 🤣

@EatSleepDrive 4 жыл бұрын

12mpg on the highway back from TN surprisingly.

@zayvier69 4 жыл бұрын

How long is it?

@EatSleepDrive 4 жыл бұрын

About 21' total length.

@Ron-Outdoor Жыл бұрын

Would you consider selling it ?

@nykatewinslowable 4 жыл бұрын

What name have you chosen for her?

@EatSleepDrive 4 жыл бұрын

Don't have one yet. Got any ideas?

@thomasbarlow4223 4 жыл бұрын

My bus is named Wanda because she gonna help me Wander the lands.....

@nykatewinslowable 4 жыл бұрын

❤ perfect

@nykatewinslowable 4 жыл бұрын

@@EatSleepDrive well since you plan to take her on a few journeys on the open roads, how about Rhoda

@hkma.j4022 4 жыл бұрын

Hi.. be careful with music copyright from ur stereo..

@EatSleepDrive 4 жыл бұрын

For once I thought of this, and that was actually a youtube provided song... I do appreciate the heads up though!

@christianpatterson7313 2 жыл бұрын

11:25 what's the Music sound cool

@randyfiore1311 4 жыл бұрын

What!!!

@ThePlanet_L.I. 4 жыл бұрын

What upgrades are u planning to do it?

@EatSleepDrive 4 жыл бұрын

The first thing is paint. I want to paint it the original color scheme so the 70s interior can match the 70s exterior.

@Ricamundo 4 жыл бұрын

@@EatSleepDrive Thank you! I really can't stand looking at that hippy dippy hand done paint scheme. just awful, imho.

@WhatEver-ks4ry 4 жыл бұрын

Sorry guy I can't spell his name from fast times at ridgemont high

@conorkehoe2203 4 жыл бұрын

First

@corradoracervwvrt8276 4 жыл бұрын

Mmmm im thinking...cut the front end and use it as a camper, then tow it with the land. Or completely build a new rear end and do the same using the landcruiser! U'll be all set.

@EatSleepDrive 4 жыл бұрын

🤔... maybe if the engine blows lol