Windsurfing Vans - Ideas and Suggestions

[mjamero]

I've been really thinking about getting a dedicated Windsurfing Van. Something I can store a couple boards (ideally with fins on), all the gear, and perhaps a simple bed for two. It would be something I could drive up to Squamish or over to Nitnat for the weekend, as well as quick stops around the Lower Mainland. I know a few of you on here have a Van for windsurfing and I would be really interested in your feedback. What do you like? What would you change? How do you have it set up in side? Photos photos photos please.

I am looking to do this on the cheap. My budget is $7500 (ideally under $5000) for the van and any DIY install work. Nothing fancy. So far after a lot of research I think a GMC Savana 1500 or Chevy Express 1500 is what I am looking for. 1999-2008. I can either start with a cargo and add some minimal creature comforts or, my personal preference, start with a passenger (seems harder to find secondhand though) and remove the rear seats. Looking forward to your thoughts. Cheers.

[Pavel]

Check out these guys http://www.wickedcampers.ca/campervans/vancouver.html They rent out Astro vans already equipped with beds and a kitchen for about $100 a day.

[ezzylover]

we went from astro to savanna , it was a good move !

[mjamero]

Thanks for the suggestion Pavel. For my purpose this will not work though. I need something I can permanently store and transport my gear. A van is the answer in my case.

[mjamero]

ezzylover. What made you decide to change from an Astro to a Savana? Space?

One of the two boards I need to store and transport in the Van is a Starboard Carve 131. It's length is 102 inches and the longest piece of windsurfing gear (apart from a Go 170, but this does not get much use anymore and may be sold). The 102 inch length rules out all smaller vans for me including the Astro/Safari. My thought is to store the windsurfing gear on the lower half of the van with a platform above at about Window height to put a mattress on.

[Michael]

I have a 2003 Ford E-350 extended, coast me $7000. I shopped around for 3 months though. I can carry 4 boards on the rack and have the passenger seat still in. I'm going to put a roof rack on for the Oregon Coast trip so I can put my SUP on top and have enough room inside to crash. Not much room in there last year.

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I'd like this one though!

[mjamero]

Thanks for those pics Michael. Very interesting. That's a beauty you have there. It looks... how should I say... Well stocked. That bottom photo is not to shabby either.

One thing I notice from looking at your photo with the rear door open is how much the interior paneling and headliner eat away at space. I was leaning towards a passenger version because of light, but also because the lining makes it more homey. Not I'm not sure. Maybe a cargo is the better way, at least from a space point of view. Also, a cargo will be more secure, especially if I find a version without rear windows. What about ventilation? Storing a bunch of wet gear, wetsuits on a warm summer day... hmm. I may have my own weather system in there. Particularly in a cargo version with no windows to open.

Any other proud owner with tips and pics to share? Thanks again Michael!

[mjamero]

Micheal. Is the rack just pcv tubing? Is it bolted to the floor or sides or is it just free standing? Do you strap the boards down in transit or are they OK resting there? I image the fins stop the boards from taking your head of in an emergency brake?

[mjamero]

Sorry Michael, one more question for you. Is your van a regular or extended wheelbase?

[mjamero]

Ahh... extended. missed that earlier.