Pop top installed on my van

[T.Low]

After almost twenty years of kayaking and changing out of wet cold clothes outside behind the door of the Honda, the Bronco, the next Honda, the Tacoma, the Ram, the Dakota, the F-150, and the Murano, I finally gave in to the envy of my paddling brethren that drove vans; mainly Vanagons. They could jump inside and change like Superman in a phone booth. They'd pop back out, all dry and warm and freshenned up. Yeah, I decided I needed a duffle bag on wheels.

A little over a year ago i began to research to figure out what vehicle would fit this utilitarian need; my ultimate personal kayak/mountain bike shuttle rig that could do some lite off roading and camping, and do well on the freeway, over the mountain passes, and easy downtown at the micro breweries.

I decided on a modified, lifted, 4x4 converted, pop top Astro van. Not that I'd ever seen one exactly like that.

I brought home an "03 Astro in February and have been having fun with it ever since.

While we're not quite there yet, last night I took one very large step closer as I brought the van home from GTRV in Vancouver BC. They installed my pop top. Yippy kay yay.

They claim the top is strong enough so that I don't have to unload it to pop it. The fabric is acryllic so it won't mold or mildew. The bunk is plenty for Jen and I.

And the view from the loft is spectacular.

[hutchman]

Great looking rig.......I have tried to come up with a solution to the "I want a Sportsmobile, but I don't have the money" issue and you may have hit the nail on the head.

[Binford]

Hey, snap an interior shot of that too, eh? I've always wondered what those look like inside! I haven't a clue....

Looks cool from the outside though! Good going!

[Jerry]

That's great, Tom. You didn't waste any time in bringing that improvement to fruition. You have turned your Astro into a truly competent adventure vehicle. My compliments to you on good planning and implementation.

[nightfoam]

So Tom, now that you've had the pop top on there for a while, how do you like it?
Have you gotten a chance to use it with kayak(s) on top? And what have you done with the fullsize spare?

[T.Low]

I really like it, Ryan, thanks for asking. My only regret is that I didn't order it sooner so I could have had it for the Owyhee trip last year and all the other trips I went on. But, I wasn't done researching suppliers in time, and then when I finally did send in my deposit they were 4 months out, so thats the way it goes.

Its as big as our two man backpacking tent up in the sleeping loft. I still don't have any good pics showing much of the loft except this one. I need to upgrade the gas struts as they are not quite strong enough for my heavy British sea kayaks.

I brought two spares on the Owyhee trip, one underneath in the OEM spot and the other on the roof rack. Eventually, I want to take the spare from underneath and replace it with a water tank for an exterior shower. That spare will go on the back of the van on a new custom bumper that I've yet to figure out. The new rear bumper will need to include a swing away spare tire mount on one side, and a swing away receiver mount (for mountain bike tray) and Gerry Can holder on the other side. Apparently I need more coffee before I can complete that design. The second one, when needed, will still go on the roof rack.

Also need a front bumper, as you know, thanks again for your input. And an interior. Ah, this list goes on.

[smbisig]

hey, i have that same Pendleton wool blanket. one of the best things i have ever purchased.

the van looks cool. like to see more interior shots when you get a chance.

steven b~

[Paul]

The rig looks great! I was impressed with your set-up last May, now its off the chart. I am a true believer in the multi/many purpose use for off highway vehicles; well done.

Regards,

Paul
'91 Explorer Sport

[RidgeRunner]

Tom, that looks great. You guys are going to have too much fun this summer! And we're all going to be envious.

Hi Jen

Hi Paul




Mick

[T.Low]

Steve, I think it was the Barlow Rd trip when I bought that blanket. You're right, they're great.

We were almost done packing the van except I wanted to make three more trips from the house to the van, last one being the blankets. After two trips, Jen jumped in the passenger seat and asked me to remember to close the gate, and am I ready. I stopped and drew a blank and said, Uh, yeah. So off I drove without the blankets. Luckily, REI Seattle is on the way, so now we have a pair of really nice Pendleton Wool blankets that we bought that night.


Paul, good to hear from you, and thanks for the kind words. I posted pics of the Owhyee trip on Expo and someone on that forum recognized your Explorer and asked about you. Small community, isn't it? (Oh, and I just replaced my old hardtail with a 29er. Luv it.)

Thanks, Mick. The van has been more fun than I ever thought it would be, mainly because of discoverring overlanding. Like I've said before, I blame you guys here at PNBA for that. You and Jerry and Ryan, and everyone on the Owyhee trip last year. Jen and I really had a blast, and are looking to get out a lot again this year. I spent 31 nights camping in the van last year. Thanks again.