Anyone know anything about OutsideVans

[rlswisher]

I came across a website today, OutsideVans.com (http://www.outsidevan.com/), seems to offer great conversions. But, it looks as though they are just a middle man for VanSpecialties.com. Does anyone know the scoop?

I was going to go the Sportsmobile route. But, after seeing their products at the LA RV Show, I've changed my mind! Overpriced, Cheap materials and Cheap installations!

Was going to buy a new 2008 144 earlier this week but the dealer did the usual bait and switch. So, I walked out. Mercedes needs to reclaim the Sprinter! Chrysler deserves to die!

Still looking for my dream: Stone Grey 144 with a platform bed in the back

[nfc]

I have been to van specialties and talked with outsidevans and that seems to be the gig. Van specialties will do the conversion for u but I don't know if it would save any money but probably time for I had a difficult time contacting and or trying to keep contact with outsidevan were van specialties u can walk in shop and there is ten sprinters parked outside.

[nfc]

on a seccond note they are beautiful vans ready to play check out the used one on Portland, OR craigslists I believe its Eric who owns outsidevans personal van and a good value!

[d_bertko]

Lots of useful ideas at the OutsideVans site. I thought the implementation was usually sturdy but unrefined.

I'm a big fan of modular systems. We're multisport and our DIY is designed to haul a lot of gear and take abuse.

Funny thing about a lot of the DIY'rs. There are unskilled people like me that build utilitarian vehicles. And then there are the others with talent. Those guys are fine woodworkers and welders and build slick interiors that make the OutsideVans look awful crude.

You could consider CMI in Columbus OH if you'd like a slicker custom hauler than Sportsmobile.

I'd think hard about a high sleeping platform and a bench seat. Takes up a lot of space. OK if your must-store-inside objects are a good floor height match but I prefer not to pop wheels off of my bike. (Our bikes fit on a low shelf beneath the overhead rack.) Kinda high for bed use and terrible as people transport. My own layout is dominated by the desire to stack canoes four high down the center aisle. That gives me lots of cargo utility during the day when I'm not hauling boats. Three boats store on the roof rack and there is a swing away 4-bike carrier but it's nice to have inside options.

Here's the interior of my version of a modular multisport hauler: http://danbertko.smugmug.com/gallery/3439165_jwwnp#192931238_9bedo

Dan

[cajundjb]

Its hard to beat a custom conversion if you know what you want in it. Price was a lot more reasonable than I had originally thought too. Midwest Coachworks did a great job, even with my vague ideas. :rad:

http://www.sprinter-source.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6460

[rlswisher]

Thanks nfc, That is what I thought. I'm heading up the Pacific Coast Highway in a couple of weeks and will check out Van Specialties along the way.

I do not need any bench seating (no wife, no kids, no problems), just an adventure vehicle for myself.

[scubanw3]

You’ll be within a couple miles of our shop. Stop by for a visit. There may be some things we can help with.

Thank you, John
Sprinter Store
http://sprinterstore.com/
A division of Upscale Automotive, Inc.
19460 SW 89th Ave.
Tualatin, OR 97062
503-692-0846

[Gerry O]

Riswisher,

I have an Outside van and absolutely love it. I also did two trips to the Sportsmobile factory and was not really impressed with their materials. After looking at an Outside van there was no doubt which one I wanted. Its like a guy's version of an rv, no foo-foo stuff. Had mine for almost two years and had no problems with anything. Can't speak highly enough of them.

Contact Eric (the owner) and he will help you with whatever ideas you have.

[glasseye]

My impression of Erik and his van was entirely positive. Nothing but the best of equipment in that vehicle.

[johnpfree]

I came across a website today, OutsideVans.com (http://www.outsidevan.com/), seems to offer great conversions. But, it looks as though they are just a middle man for VanSpecialties.com. Does anyone know the scoop?

I was going to go the Sportsmobile route. But, after seeing their products at the LA RV Show, I've changed my mind! Overpriced, Cheap materials and Cheap installations!

Was going to buy a new 2008 144 earlier this week but the dealer did the usual bait and switch. So, I walked out. Mercedes needs to reclaim the Sprinter! Chrysler deserves to die!

Still looking for my dream: Stone Grey 144 with a platform bed in the back

wow, I just came across them - Speciality Vans and Outside Vans - also, and was also looking at Sportsmobiles, and from the web, the Outside vans certainly are more stylish - can't really speak to the relative construction quality, but I've kind of fallen in love with the idea of them.

I plan to cruise up there and look at 'em in a few weeks, maybe my long search is over!!!!

[punk]

We own one, just a couch, interior and furnace. Eric will design what you want, Van Specialties will build it. Good people and long running family owned shop.

[encinitas]

I know of at least three owners of OutsideVans, and are very positive about them...working on a DIY version myself, but I'm a hack and won't come close to the quality. I understand that Erik, who owns OV is a sales rep and uses Sprinters in his travels. Two of the owners I know run corporate 'live aboard/mobile showroom' situations for watersports stuff.