Hooniverse Asks- What's Your Dream Motorhome?

Robert Emslie

/comment

Comments

Ahh, the first really warm days of Spring are finally arriving to much of the country. And that means both wicked-bad storms down South, and the first twinges of vacation wanderlust for the rest of us. And when America takes to the road for those few precious days each year away from the office, a boat-load go by motorhome. Sure, back at the 9 to 5 the work will be stacking up and somebody’s bound to steal your Aeron desk chair, but that doesn’t mean you have to spend your days away stuck in a punky car and cheesy motel day and night. That’s why motorhomes, travel trailers, and cab-overs are so popular, and so ubiquitous on the highway. Plus, they let you take a little slice of your real home along with you – even if that’s just a few car magazines stashed next to the chemical toilet.
But maybe you don’t have a motorhome, perhaps that’s a dream for that far off retirement, or slip-and-fall lawsuit decision over the A&P. If that’s the case, then there’s no better time than now to start thinking about what you’d need in a home away from home – or potentially your permanent house on wheels should you choose to be an upper-scale transient. Would you need an expansive space the equal to the wide open roads upon which it traverses? Or would you want something smaller – better suited to getting farther away from the mainstream ? That’s usually how the worst of the slasher movies start, but those are just Hollywood fantasies, right? Right?!
Or, maybe all you’d need would be a wagon big enough to sleep in, and an old phone book for when nature calls? That’s about as basic a mobile existence as you can imagine, unless you’re able to sleep and crap on a motorcycle, in which case more power to you, and stay down wind if you don’t mind. So what is it – what’s your dream of a townhouse with tires, a cabin that’s a car? What motorhome would you like to have?
Image source: [Autosavant.com]

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Robert Emslie

Robert Emslie

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  1. west_coaster Avatar
    west_coaster

    Well, you nailed it with that image of the GMC motorhome. At least for the outside.
    Inside, I'd do it up exactly like Jim Rockford's trailer, right down to the tufted leather sofa and the desk with the photo of Rocky, the playing cards, and the phone answering machine. Back in the closet, a selection of snappy tweed sportcoats and shirts with huge collars, the top button of which will never be employed. I'll also need a ceramic cookie jar to stash my .38 in.
    Finally, my tow vehicle will be a gold '74 Firebird, of course.
    The ultimate 1970s portable mancave.

    Reply
    1. dukeisduke Avatar
      dukeisduke

      Yes, a Firebird Esprit. And you can park it all on the beach, off the PCH.

      Reply
  2. B72 Avatar
    B72

    GMC, Ultravan, Sportsmobile, Westfalia…where to begin? All very cool for their intended purposes!

    Reply
  3. Deartháir Avatar
    Deartháir

    <img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2500/3733221326_5ac9e42ebd.jpg&quot; width="500">
    ??

    Reply
    1. Alff Avatar
      Alff

      So your dream RV is a taco truck?

      Reply
  4. P161911 Avatar
    P161911

    If money really is no object:
    <img src="http://www.aerospace-technology.com/projects/bbj/images/bbj2_8.jpg"width=500&gt;
    And a limo from the airport to a 4 star hotel.

    Reply
    1. Maxichamp Avatar
      Maxichamp

      Good call, except I don't think I want the panoramic sunroof/moonroof option.

      Reply
      1. muthalovin Avatar
        muthalovin

        I would be fine with T-Tops.

        Reply
      2. P161911 Avatar
        P161911

        I think it is a standard feature on the Boeing 737.
        <img src="http://msnbcmedia3.msn.com/j/MSNBC/Components/Photo/_new/110405-southwest-hmed.grid-6×2.jpg"width=500&gt;

        Reply
    2. west_coaster Avatar
      west_coaster

      I once met a guy who said that "Camping to me means a hotel without 24-hour room service."

      Reply
      1. P161911 Avatar
        P161911

        I actually don't mind camping, IF I am by myself or just with a group of guys. Basically if I only have to take care of myself. If I go with my wife that means I have to take care of her too and it becomes just way too much like work. She wants to go camping and I usually respond with "Can we just rent a cabin?"

        Reply
  5. chrystlubitshi Avatar
    chrystlubitshi

    eff it. eff it all……. i want an RV. i'm sick of paying rent… i would like to go classic… but i could easily go the 50K new route… and then 20 bucks a night (or less) KOA campground style living…. or so much smaller… "stealth RV" pay for a gym membership (10-20 bucks a month) showers-etc…… i wanna go off the grid and do this…

    Reply
    1. west_coaster Avatar
      west_coaster

      Yeah, there are a bunch of guys around L.A. who have done that. But their motorhomes have crappy plastic tarps held on with rope and duct tape, dented up sides, and engines that barely run. We call them transients.

      Reply
      1. chrystlubitshi Avatar
        chrystlubitshi

        yeah, i'm not looking to do it in that fashion… i like the idea of a Sprinter van with drop-down bunks and a medium size generator. i could make do with a full size GMC or Ford van… or even the longest/tallest transit-connect..
        http://www.stealthvandweller.com/
        i have to goal of no-one noticing.

        Reply
      2. OA5599 Avatar
        OA5599

        <img src="http://www.killedforless.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/free_candy.jpg&quot; width=500>

        Reply
        1. chrystlubitshi Avatar
          chrystlubitshi

          i already drive a white astro-van (granted… it's not a panel van)… but the idea is to go un-noticed……

          Reply
  6. Maxichamp Avatar
    Maxichamp

    Has anyone noticed the ridiculous price of restored Airstream trailers?

    Reply
    1. west_coaster Avatar
      west_coaster

      Celebrities, directors and producers often have them on sets, instead of generic modern units provided by the studios. I can't remember who the actor was, but he was profiled in a magazine article a couple of years ago and was raving about his vintage Airstream.

      Reply
      1. dukeisduke Avatar
        dukeisduke

        I know who you're talking about, but I can't remember his name, either. He actually pulls his around and travels with it. Now I'm gonna have to wrack my brain to remember the name. I saw him on a talk show; maybe it was on Jimmy Kimmel Live.

        Reply
        1. dukeisduke Avatar
          dukeisduke

          That was easy – thanks Google! It was Matthew McConaughey.

          Reply
          1. west_coaster Avatar
            west_coaster

            Lots of cubbies to stash the herb in too, I imagine.

          2. dukeisduke Avatar
            dukeisduke

            And space for his bongo drums?

          3. SSurfer321 Avatar
            SSurfer321

            well he certainly doesn't need the space to store shirts in.

        2. mr. mzs zsm msz esq Avatar
          mr. mzs zsm msz esq

          I wanted to say it was Tom Hanks, but the first google result for "tom hanks airstream" turned-up lots of actors names that use airstream trailers. I swear it was him I saw on some talk show speaking about traveling with the airstream. He also took a trip with his brother recently in a VW camper.

          Reply
  7. Peter Tanshanomi Avatar
    Peter Tanshanomi

    Funny you should ask. Lately, I've been seriously fantasizing about a Tiger 4×4 Class B…
    <img src="http://www.tigermotorhomes.com/images/1st.jpg&quot; width="500">

    Reply
    1. Peter Tanshanomi Avatar
      Peter Tanshanomi

      Class C. Whatever. Can't keep 'em straight.

      Reply
    2. jjd241 Avatar
      jjd241

      *hides boner in shame*

      Reply
    3. CptSevere Avatar
      CptSevere

      That, Sir, is a Road Condo. A newer one, but a Road Condo just the same. Truck front end, and a true class C motorhome, and can take you where you need to go.

      Reply
  8. SSurfer321 Avatar
    SSurfer321

    <img src="http://sportsmobile.com/sections/4×4/sports-4×4/sports4x4_orange1a.jpg&quot;, width=600>
    IMG from Sportsmobile.com

    Reply
  9. $kaycog Avatar
    $kaycog

    Whenever I fantasize, it's not about motorhomes, but this boaterhome would do it for me.
    <img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ic_kQKToQvs/S9fGjUPUqtI/AAAAAAAAAYk/hB18JJEYOEQ/s1600/boaterhome2.jpg"width="500"/&gt;

    Reply
    1. west_coaster Avatar
      west_coaster

      Hey, that's awesome. I think.
      So the boat detaches from the truck, I assume. Kind of like a redneck version of one of those planes in The Thunderbirds.

      Reply
      1. $kaycog Avatar
        $kaycog

        There were 21 of these made in Ontario, Canada. The van is 1987 Ford Econoline E350 with a launchable 28-foot Sport King boat. http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2010/05/only-in-…

        Reply
    2. OA5599 Avatar
      OA5599

      A Terra Wind is probably better as a motorhome and not as good as a boat. It is all contained in one vehicle though, so there's no need to be concerned with remembering which boat ramp you launched from.
      <img src="http://news.cnet.com/i/bto/20080630/RV_540x320.jpg&quot; width=500>

      Reply
      1. $kaycog Avatar
        $kaycog

        I've seen that pic before….I love it! I wonder how it does in big waves though.

        Reply
      2. Jeff Glucker Avatar
        Jeff Glucker

        Came here to post this exact RV… if you go to Youtube I believe they have video of it.
        Another choice would be this one: http://rvtravel.com/blog/chuck/uploaded_images/a-…

        Reply
  10. mr. mzs zsm msz esq Avatar
    mr. mzs zsm msz esq

    This weekend I was talking with my wife. She liked my idea to buy a Ford Transit Connect and make it into a camper in the back. Just from old kitchen cabinets, lumber, basement carpet, etc. This would be in 12 years or so when the kids are gone. Oh please let them be gone and not the sort that live with their parents until their 30s… It needs mirrors in the back though to make it seem more spacious of course.

    Reply
    1. IronBallsMcG Avatar
      IronBallsMcG

      I told my kids that when the youngest turns 18 we're moving on to a houseboat. If they come back, they're staying in the basement.

      Reply
  11. Armand4 Avatar
    Armand4

    Meet Rocinante, John Steinbeck's noble steed (named for Don Quixote's donkey) that carried him around the country in 1960 for the trip that led to Travels With Charley. Awesome. Strip away the literary and historical value, and it's just a 1960 GMC pickup with a camper shell on the back– still totally awesome.
    <img src="http://as.sjsu.edu/steinbeck/images/Rocinanterestored.jpg&quot; width="600">

    Reply
    1. Peter Tanshanomi Avatar
      Peter Tanshanomi

      Yes, that is awesome. And, an excuse to trot out another old photo again.
      <img src="http://www.tanshanomi.com/temp/chevpanel.JPG&quot; width="500">
      DO MISS.

      Reply
    2. Black Steelies Avatar
      Black Steelies

      I just read that and was thinking the same thing. The book isn't just about the RV but whenver he describes his steed I can't help but grin.

      Reply
    3. Alff Avatar
      Alff

      My wife's aunt and uncle travel the country in a modern version – late '90s f-150 stepside with a pop-up camper. It's a bit cramped but no less than they've needed to travel from Alaska to Florida and points between. It's an alluring notion.

      Reply
  12. CptSevere Avatar
    CptSevere

    I've got mine already, my '64 Chevy Road Condo. It's a '64 Chevy 1 ton with a permanent camper built on the back, with a cabover bed. It has a built 350, and granny low four speed. It's seen plenty of use up in the deserts and mountains of Utah, as it will basically go anywhere an old farm truck will go. Full amenities, although you have to carry a portable generator and there's no AC. When I moved here to Southern AZ, I lived in it out in the desert, off the grid for a couple of years before I moved here to town. However, it's been sitting for a while, and I need to work on its issues. Still, it's paid off, is basically solid, and is freakin bitchin.

    Reply
    1. ZomBee Racer Avatar
      ZomBee Racer

      Yes. It IS freaking bitchin.
      I had a toy camper-truck just like Road Condo as a kid, and it was bitchin then too. One of my all-time favorite trucks because it had a real recognizable early Chevy front end. But I've never been able to figure out who made it or find any pictures of one.
      It kinda warped my young brain and paved the way for my own adventures in "Brownie, the world's Greatest Crappy Old RV ™."

      Reply
    2. coupeZ600 Avatar
      coupeZ600

      Maybe I'll bring this down for the Fourth!
      <img src="http://i422.photobucket.com/albums/pp308/rexjenney/IMG_0347.jpg&quot; border="0" alt="1940 White bus conversion">

      Reply
      1. coupeZ600 Avatar
        coupeZ600

        Doh! I totally thought I re-sized it but now I gotta' go, I'll try and fix it when I get home.

        Reply
        1. CptSevere Avatar
          CptSevere

          YEAH! I wanna see it, bad. Bisbee bus FTW!

          Reply
        2. CptSevere Avatar
          CptSevere

          Fix? fix what? The thing's just plain awesome.

          Reply
  13. Maymar Avatar
    Maymar

    <img src="http://www.cmhpf.org/fishbowl1.jpg&quot; /img>
    Since the GMC Motorhome's already been brought up, there's a part of me that'd like to convert a GMC New Look bus – in the time I took public transit, I think the TTC's continued use to them was the only thing I really liked. I'm sure a powertrain swap would be required for highway worthiness, but then again, I never really want to drive something that big, so it's all a little moot.
    Thinking slightly more practically, I'd lean towards this.
    <img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pzXhZ2v_RHI/SmGehyRhLLI/AAAAAAAACEw/loVxW-zhojo/s400/unimog.JPG&quot; /img>

    Reply
  14. discontinuuity Avatar
    discontinuuity

    This converted school bus: http://steampunkworkshop.com/bus1.shtml
    <img src="http://steampunkworkshop.com/images/Bus24.jpg"&gt;
    <img src="http://steampunkworkshop.com/images/Bus25.jpg"&gt;
    <img src="http://steampunkworkshop.com/sites/default/files/images/Chronicle-bus09.JPG"&gt;

    Reply
  15. muthalovin Avatar
    muthalovin

    <img src="http://img.timeinc.net/time/daily/2008/0804/taco_truck_0425.jpg"&gt;

    Reply
    1. OA5599 Avatar
      OA5599

      <img src="http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/attachment.php?attachmentid=18448&stc=1&d=1238878999"&gt;

      Reply
    2. OA5599 Avatar
      OA5599

      >puff<

      Reply
  16. skitter Avatar
    skitter

    <img src="http://i615.photobucket.com/albums/tt237/jskitter/hooniverse/ScissorTruck.jpg&quot; width="500">
    Just add stairs and fold out porches.

    Reply
  17. ZomBee Racer Avatar
    ZomBee Racer

    Everything I need right here; Big-block, glass-packs, shag carpet, disco-ball, and Racecar.
    <img src="http://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/163754_1768702501911_1369652107_1938888_1699001_n.jpg&quot; width ="500" >
    Or when you want to camp light.
    <img src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/40193_1561983934076_1369652107_1482593_1700298_n.jpg&quot; width ="500">
    <img src="http://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/38887_1561984894100_1369652107_1482594_7751077_n.jpg&quot; width ="500">

    Reply
    1. mdharrell Avatar
      mdharrell

      Nice, but I'm more of a sedan-with-luggage-racks kind of guy.
      <img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5304/5631602779_ab20df55c3.jpg&quot; width="400">
      With trailer hitch, of course. It's obscured by shadow in this shot, but it's there.

      Reply
      1. ZomBee Racer Avatar
        ZomBee Racer

        And to the astute observers, this little story is just beginning… (snicker) /obscure cryptic reference.

        Reply
  18. Black Steelies Avatar
    Black Steelies

    I've said it before and here it is again: Winnebago Brave
    <DIV style="OVERFLOW: auto"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3106/3156984283_bb5d4d3678.jpg"&gt;
    I saw several abandoned, beat up RV's this weekend on a trip up the 104. It seems every other place was a dilapitaded house with one of these in the side yard. Probably serving as the "guest house". Any one of which I would make my own.

    Reply
  19. Deartháir Avatar
    Deartháir

    For me, it can only be the Post-Apocalyptic Taco Truck. (Or the Girls Gone Wild bus.)
    <img src="http://www.unicatamericas.com/images/photos/md45/MD45-UnimogU1550L37.1-560.jpg"&gt;

    Reply
    1. ZomBee Racer Avatar
      ZomBee Racer

      There's a joke in there somewhere…

      Reply
  20. Black Steelies Avatar
    Black Steelies

    Oh ya, and the 1980 Hess Training Van deserves mention. Being modeled after the teriffic GMC.
    <img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_uYgwjP8woqc/TNlmOxjr52I/AAAAAAAACnY/ADkd2v7qx-I/s1600/1980.jpg"&gt;

    Reply
  21. salguod Avatar
    salguod

    Do an image search for 'motorhome' and all kinds of ridiculousness shows up:
    Toronado-stream:
    <img src="http://www.rvtravel.com/blog/weirdrvs/uploaded_images/a-trailer2-710204.jpg&quot; width=500>
    VW Camper on steroids (photoshop?):
    <img src="http://www.deviantart.com/download/89723019/Motorhome___Kombi_Safari_by_stephanriederer.jpg&quot; width=500>
    The Terrawind amphibious RV:
    <img src="http://cbswomc.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/motorhome-e1278674836866.jpg?w=385&h=256"&gt;
    Uh, huh?
    <img src="http://images.travelpod.com/users/odillesphotos/1.1273315790.the-ultimate-motorhome.jpg&quot; width=500>

    Reply
    1. ZomBee Racer Avatar
      ZomBee Racer

      (intercom)
      "Margret."
      "Yes Charles?"
      "Get out of the bedroom."
      "Why dear?"
      "Low bridge"

      Reply
      1. coupeZ600 Avatar
        coupeZ600

        That's the first thing I thought of when I saw that, "No way is that even close to 14'6", but it's clear that the top parts work like a slide-out except upwards…… Very clever.

        Reply
  22. salguod Avatar
    salguod

    How about a FC Jeep:
    <img src="http://www.thefcconnection.com/Mini%20Motorhome1.jpg&quot; width=500>

    Reply
    1. ZomBee Racer Avatar
      ZomBee Racer

      That right there is pure genius!

      Reply
      1. Deartháir Avatar
        Deartháir

        It's so purdy!!

        Reply
      2. dukeisduke Avatar
        dukeisduke

        We're not worthy, we're not worthy, we're not worthy…

        Reply
  23. B72 Avatar
    B72

    Deleted…

    Reply
  24. P161911 Avatar
    P161911

    <img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4MUf6T4VzPw/SnQ9Ji5Br3I/AAAAAAAALKw/DonudDyRpUw/s320/spaceballs-eagle5-winnebago-papercraft.jpg"width=500&gt;
    When you need to go plaid.

    Reply
    1. Hopman Avatar
      Hopman

      Nice!!! Just make sure you have an extra bottle of Liquid Schwartz & and an extra fire hydrant!

      Reply
  25. B72 Avatar
    B72

    Here's an Ultra Van (with Corvair power)!
     
    <img src="http://www.corvair.org/chapters/ultravan/used/used347thumb.jpg&quot;, width=500>
     
     
    And here’s a Vixen – American made with BMW diesel power, and a 5 speed!
     
    <img src="http://stannerair.hypermart.net/images/88-2027-1.jpg&quot;, width=500>
     
    And both get close to 20 MPG!

    Reply
  26. Zach Avatar
    Zach

    Only one choice:
    <img src="http://greg-willis.com/files/imagecache/1000×1000/images/090416-08-GMC_EM50_Urban_Assault_Vehicle_from_Stripes.jpg&quot; width="500" />

    Reply
    1. west_coaster Avatar
      west_coaster

      "This is one heavily armed recreational vehicle."

      Reply
  27. tiberiusẅisë Avatar
    tiberiusẅisë

    Dobbertin Surface orbiter.
    <img src="http://www.air-sharp.com/Dobbertin%20Surface%20Orbiter1.jpg&quot; width="600">

    Reply
  28. Jim-Bob Avatar
    Jim-Bob

    I have thought about building a bed into he passenger's side of my Geo Metro to replace the passenger's seat and then using the space beneath it for cargo and a Coleman stove before, but I also found a ready-made solution for my needs as well: the Trabant roof Tent.
    <img src="http://home.clara.net/peterfrost/p60rt2.jpg"&gt;
    If I could find such a thing in the US, I think it would make an awesome addition to the Metro. Just think, you could get 55 mpg while traveling the US by car and camp out in rest stops. I bet it would even fit the cut down 90's Jeep Cherokee roof rack I have planned for it in the future.

    Reply
  29. Dr. Schwinn Avatar
    Dr. Schwinn

    <img src="http://www.grease4fuel.com/images/Nick/Nicksride2.jpg&quot; width="832" height="491" alt="Dream MH" />
    Turbo diesel veggie oil conversion, of course!

    Reply
  30. Black Steelies Avatar
    Black Steelies

    What this post is seriously Cadil-lacking:
    <img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5298/5497881502_9fc0f6778f.jpg"&gt;
    flickr
    <img src="http://www.instablogsimages.com/images/2011/04/05/custom-cadillac-camper_rL44d_52_615x0.jpg&quot; width="600">
    instablogs
    <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4048/4355299466_605317139f.jpg"&gt;
    flickr

    Reply
    1. Dr. Schwinn Avatar
      Dr. Schwinn

      What about Louie Mattar's non-stop 1947 Cadillac? [youtube yT8azxnVAC4 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yT8azxnVAC4 youtube]

      Reply
      1. Black Steelies Avatar
        Black Steelies

        What. the. Hell!?!??!?!!
        This is an article unto itself. I could do without the prick in the suit , though.

        Reply
      2. ZomBee Racer Avatar
        ZomBee Racer

        I remember seeing that on TV back in the 70's! Great find!! Pretty sure it was in National Geographic too….

        Reply
        1. Dr. Schwin Avatar
          Dr. Schwin

          I've seen the very car on display at the San Diego auto museum. I thought everybody knew about this?

          Reply
  31. Black Steelies Avatar
    Black Steelies

    The original Astrovan
    <img src="http://www.airforums.com/attachments/gallery/files/3/1/6/astrovan1-med.jpg&quot; width="600">
    airforums

    Reply
  32. Alff Avatar
    Alff

    A converted Flxible.

    Reply
  33. Maymar Avatar
    Maymar

    I figured as much – like I said, I'd want to look into a powertrain swap. Or is the issue bigger than that?
    I suppose I could always look for a Scenicruiser instead,

    Reply
  34. Black Steelies Avatar
    Black Steelies

    Would you believe Saab made an RV? I swear I read about it somewhere….
    <img src="http://hooniverse.info/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/SAAB-92H.jpg&quot; width="600">
    via Hooniverse of course

    Reply
  35. smokyburnout Avatar
    smokyburnout

    <img src="http://www.ilblogdeimotori.com/auto-moto/wp-content/uploads/2007/11/camper.jpg"/&gt;
    My answer is, as ever, Sprinter James Cook by Westfalia.
    IMG da Il Blog dei Motori

    Reply
  36. tonyola Avatar
    tonyola

    Far out and furthur, man. You're either on the bus or off it.
    <img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UXcd8i0uLPI/TFVlufQbDaI/AAAAAAAAAd4/buD5NTfWljU/s1600/Kesey+bus.jpg&quot; width=500>

    Reply
  37. ptschett Avatar
    ptschett

    Rob Gray's Wothahellizat.
    <img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/07/12711_450extension.jpg"/&gt;
    Img from Autoblog

    Reply
  38. buzzboy7 Avatar
    buzzboy7

    No one? Really?
    <img src="http://pictures.topspeed.com/IMG/crop/201005/top-gear-builds-thre_460x0w.jpg"&gt;
    I on the other hand don't really like motor homes. I'm more of a fold down the seats or sleep in a hotel kinda guy.

    Reply
  39. truckee Avatar
    truckee

    http://www.canepacollection.com/detail-2000-conce…
    600hp 2050ft-lb torque 18speed can haul 2 cars.

    Reply