Here is SurvivalBlog’s News From The American Redoubt. This weekly column features news stories and event announcements from around the American Redoubt region. We also mention companies of interest to preppers that are located in the region. Today, I’d like to mention camper conversion and rental companies in the American Redoubt. Conversions of Sprinter vans are very popular. And some folks are even converting cargo trailers into either overt or covert “stealth” campers. Both have had explosions of popularity in recent years. Some folks even live in them full time, as mobile tiny houses. The featured van photo is courtesy of (P)artCraft LLC. (Used with permission.)
Region-Wide
If you live in the Western U.S. and want to “try before you buy”, to see what its like to travel and camp in a Sprinter van, Promaster van, or other van conversion, then see the folks at MercedesSprinterRVRentals.com.
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Another Sprinter campervan rental company in the west is Moterra Campervans.
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If you are looking to buy a van that has already been converted, then check out: RVTrader.
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And for some general “Pros and Cons” information, see: The Wayward Home.
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For those of us who are handy with tools, here is a great “how to” article, over at Instructables: Custom Sprinter Van RV Conversion. That is where I heard about (P)artCraft.
Blue Dog RV has a good selection of Class B RVs. Among others, they have locations in Bend, Spokane, Coeur d’Alene, Kennewick, Pasco, and Post Falls.
Idaho
SYNC Vans in Hailey, Idaho does awesome work. They are best known for their work on 4×4 Sprinter vans. Here is a video that shows their work: Custom 4×4 Sprinter van conversion – Sync Vans profile at Overland Expo West 2018 – Vanlife. And here is an article about them in Spokane’s biggest newspaper: A Visit to SYNC Vans
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Wander Vans in Boise, Idaho is quite well-known known for the mid-range conversions. They also do van rentals.
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Reader G.C. wrote to mention: Tuesday, April 2nd, 2019 is the grand opening day for a new army surplus store in Bonners Ferry, Idaho. It is located at 6606 South Main Street, Bonners Ferry.
Montana
Beartooth VanWorks in Belgrade, Montana (just north of Bozeman) is a well-known Sprinter van conversion company. Here is a review of one of their conversions: Luxury camper van fits all the essentials in 112 square feet.
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Another Sprinter van conversion company in Montana is Kestrel Vans.
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Montana Legislator Calls for $1K a Day Fines and Jail for CPS Workers who Kidnap Children
Eastern Oregon
ActionVan is a conversion company in Bend, Oregon. Unlike many other conversion companies, they also sell a few Sprinter and Promaster vans that have already been converted.
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And west of the Redoubt, in Portland, is one of the world’s best-known Sprinter van conversion companies: Outside Van.
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Bend’s decision not to declare snow emergency prompts criticism
Eastern Washington
Mercedes Benz of Tri-Cities mainly sells new and used “stock” sprinter vans, but they do get camper conversions in from time to time, and they can special order them.
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RnR RV stocks a variety of Class B RVs. They have locations in Spokane, Liberty Lake, and Lewiston.
Wyoming
In*Spired Van is located in Jackson, Wyoming.
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Venture Vans aia camper van retal company in Jackson.
Send Your News Tips
Please send your American Redoubt region news tips and event announcements to JWR. You can do so either via e-mail or via our Contact form.
https://reneweconomy.com.au/idaho-sets-record-low-solar-price-as-it-starts-on-shift-to-100pct-renewables-38566/
already ~60% hydroelectricity
I have been following this “convert your car/van” movement for a while. It is really fascinating to me. Very interesting ideas. The problem for me: I hate to travel. I mean HATE. So I was trying to figure out why it was so intriguing to me. This is how I can best explain it.
If we were in extreme survival situations, say, an EMP, there would be cars sitting around completely useless. These cars have roofs, so they would make good “tents”. And if you needed “guards” to protect the 4 corners of your property, you could pull the cars around and create mini tents all around for people to be in. The seats are relatively comfortable when laid down. They could even be houses if needed. If you need more room, pull 2-3 around there. If you have the tools and electricity to alter them to be more user friendly, then do that. Maybe even cover them in dirt or partially in dirt.