Inavasion of the van guys

[T.Low]

Hello from Bellingham. Love the site, lots of pertinent information and nice to see the great rigs out there.

Since my buddy introduced himself and his van, I suppose I better back him (or make him look worse?) by saying hello, too.

After almost 20 years of paddling and mountain biking, I finally went on a quest for the ultimate shuttle rig that would most suit my personal needs: After researching since last June, I finally came up with the idea of a mini-me Sportsmobile for my mini-me budget: an All Wheel Drive Astro van.

Bought an '03 in mid January, and it has so far met or exceeded my expectations. Thanks to the gracious and talented people over at http://astrosafarivans.org/bb2/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=8 , I realized all the potential of this mid sized rig (its the Dodge Dakota of vans). In the 3 months I've owned it I've installed an Overlandvans 4-5" lift kit http://www.overlandvans.com/0104_gallery.html, and Rancho 9000s adjustable shocks with indash remote, and Kelly Pathfinder All Terrain 255/70 R16. (also changed from one stock Chevy wheel to another).

I thought the van was going to be the shuttle rig to get me and my gear to the places I need to go; (my Fiancee calls it The Sherpa). But now I find that I'm looking to just get out in the van and do some exploring. Looking forward to getting to know Vancouver Island better, eastern Washington, as well as western Washington and suddenly find myself open to all sorts of road trip ideas (link to my Easter Weekend get away for an idea of who I am and what I like to do: http://astrosafarivans.org/bb2/viewt...hp?f=38&t=1873)

Look forward to building my van (enhancing its off raod capabilites a little more and adding a minimal amount of camperization to it) and getting out and exploring. Realistically, my expedition days are probably over for a long while, but my days of exploring will be interrupted only by work and other obligations here and there.

Cheers and thanks,
Tom L.

[Steve]

Welcome to the forum.

I didn't realize (my ignorance) that so much was available for the astro vans. They look like an awesome vehicle.

Steve

[SafariAWD]

Tom!!!

Glad to see you posting hah ha. No you do not make me look bad at all - only that I do regret not installing Rancho 9000 instead of the 5000. Wish I did not have to deal with low underground parking lots either
The past week / two weeks have been extremely busy (and ill but still working) so I have not posted anywhere. I am behind on the ASV site and your link above shows why I love being on there
Looks like I wont be able to join you for the month end expedition ... >.< kidz first and that weekend we are doing another event for them all. You better take lots of photos for me! I have roughly 1" less ground clearance than you so I would like to know how you fair out there with the big boys on this forum heh he.

Oh you leave my leather seats alone!!!!

[Jerry]

Those modified Astro Vans are great. Just right for the backroads and, boy, do they haul stuff! Like Steve, I was not aware of all the modifications available for those rigs. Fantastic idea.

Ooops! Got all carried away with the vans, but the main thing is...Welcome to the forum!
Jerry