AMAZING ASTRO VAN!! Nomad Living in a Fiberine High Top Astro Van
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- Опубликовано: 1 янв 2022
- Today we are talking about what vehicle or van to buy. Recently, finding a decent used vehicle has become more and more difficult. Good used vans are hard to find and now they cost more than they used to. So my advice has been to buy a minivan, as there are more of them..they cost less and are easier to find.
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Thanks for watching!
As a mechanic, I wholeheartedly agree. If they say pass, pass, and save your cash, add to the fund while you wait for the best rig you can find. There is always another, better one right around the corner.
what are some of the MAIN NON NEGOTIONABLES that absolutely need to be looked at by the mechannic
@VeeJaye Jackson engine, transmission, rust and electrical. Usually a tech can get an overall idea of what kind of life the vehicle has led, and this can somewhat predict future problems.
Can you tell me pls which is the most reliable and safe mini family van between 2010-2012
I have just built myself a living quarters in the back of my 4x4 pickup truck, inside a brand new camper shell I bought, and installed on the back of my pickup
I'm doing the same with my 2003 RAM 2500 pickup, it's not fancy but I plan to be at the RTR.
@@JamesJones-kr9uv i am sure hoping to be at the RTR,but not absolutely sure I will make it. I have to make a pit stop in Paducah, Kentucky, and get the curtains installed in the shell,because I am not sure how to correctly make them fit.
I paid $50 for my campershell back in 2004; Steve Wallis does stealth camping in his on RUclips
I've seen more than one video on this channel where young people, old people, and even a young couple are living in a camper shell on their pickup. Of course they're not living in there, they are sleeping in there, but they had it arranged so that it was perfectly comfortable and they could stay in there for a few days if they needed to due to weather or other circumstances. I think it's a great idea, congratulations to you and to the gentleman who commented. It sounds affordable and smart.
@@nmr6988 thank you very much. My camper shell is not 100 percent complete, however, it's very functional, and I as well, can comfortably ride a few days of storms out in here.I have a bed,storage, food,water,a stove,and I am absolutely comfy.Thank you so very much for your encouraging words
I know a guy that made a high top using a john boat lol ! He said everyone thinks he's just going out fishing, great video Bob 👍.
Great way to expand your space without giving up the good mileage of a minivan! I love it!
Great idea.
Well, it does give up a bit.
All that extra height does reduce the MPG by 5-10%
Being able to stand up and walk around is probably worth it
You do give up a little mileage, it's alot heavier ,about 3 or 4oo lbs,! We just put one on a month ago on our astro!!!
@@priestesslucy3299 nah not that much
I have an Astro van and a nomadic heart, yearning to be unbound. And with a year and 1/2 till retirement, now I have a dream. Thank you Bob for all you do, hope to see you on the road someday;)
That's a sweet rig! It's scary how expensive not only traditional housing, but now vehicle dwellings have become. Your dad advice at the end is priceless 🙂
Tbf, you can get started living in any vehicle you happen to have with enough enclosed space for like 200$
All it takes is a mattress that fits and bedding for the mattress (sleeping bags are honestly underrated imo, but whatever bedding you want) and a bucket toilet.
Next priority is going to be cooking (which can also be cheap. You can get a one burner stove for ~20$ and a thin stainless steel wok for another ~20$) and then you can slowly add more comfort and convenience over time.
That is a very nice van. You’ve done a fabulous job of helping so many people. Thank you, Bob.
I bought my van 4 states away and hired a Mobile Inspector to check it out for me. Best move I ever made!!
I had fiberine put a high top on my transit cargo van and I absolutely love it! I had to drive from Oregon down to Long Beach California to have it done and I would do it again! And I am poor and I work full-time.
@@justwannasay5454 lol it was quite the adventure! Seven lanes was a little different for me! But I got into it and I only almost died twice hahaha
How much did they charge because the website doesn’t show a price list?
@@DiamondNYC I would have to watch the video again, but he does say how much it costs to put a high top on a van. I believe he mentioned $3,000, but you would need to watch the video to verify that. Good luck to you!
How much did u spend??
Oh for the room to stand up. And extra storage too. What a great home! Thx, Fiberine!.
Great idea! How did this not occur to me, to put a high top on a minivan?! Thanks for this lightbulb moment, Bob! Safe travels!
Another fantastic option is building a shell for a pickup bed (at least 6 feet long, 8 is better if it's available)
Yes, "light bulb moment" for me too.
If you can learn how to make these, "you'll have work for the rest of your life."
Minivans must outnumber cargo vans by a wide margin.
Amazing 👏 Thanks to everyone for donating!
I bought my 2013 chevy express passanger van on Jan 5 2021 and had Fiberine do my high top at Bob Wells recommendation in June. Outstanding people and company! Cu all at the RTR!
How much did u spend??
Wow, what a difference the high top makes for livable and comfortable space!! I bought my minivan last year and it was very hard to find a good used minivan! I ended up buying newer and spending more than i wanted to but i do love it.
You probably spent less in the long haul. Good luck.
i was so lucky to find a used 2003 astro with no major problems for 3200 CAD, which is even cheaper in USD, we barely got it before someone else was looking at it and we drove across the provence (state) to get it. it was at the peak of vanlife trend too idk how we got it. anything more than 500 CAD would have been too much for us so im glad you are donating vans to people in need.
i’m excited because i have an appointment with fiberine in feb to have a 24” hightop installed on my 2017 chevy express. there’s a long waiting list, 5 months, and it’s fairly expensive, about $8,000, not including a hotel room. fiberine suggests getting it painted with automotive paint asap. a shop near them quoted me $750 for a 5 day job, hence the hotel room. i think it’ll be worth it, tho.
@@justwannasay5454 great to hear. my van is there as i type this. i’m just waiting for the call to go pick it up. they arranged an uber to shuttle me back and forth from my hotel.
i decided to get a hotel for the week so i could also get the hightop painted, at their suggestion, at a nearby body shop and that takes 4 days.
so, have you installed solar panels on your hightop and how did you go about mounting them?
Bob the name you were looking for is a Dutch Door. I am very happy using my Dodge Grand Caravan. Been using them for years and find them the best for me. I drive on average about 2k miles a month so the minivan is good choice for me. With my job folks are starting to know me as the guy that lives in a van. 😀
I have an Astro. In the early process of conversion… I have had thoughts to do a Fiberine top. I think at my 5’4” I could easily do a 16”. It was great to see what the Astro looks like with a high top on the inside. I’ve seen pictures of them outside only. Really makes a difference for roominess! Thanks Bob! She made it very homey and cozy!
Thank you Bob for once again giving us valuable info!!
Thank you so much for doing this video Bob. I’m only 5.1’ and I know I will enjoy the space in a minivan like this. I’m tired living in a big house and have to take care a lot of stuffs and things. I needed more freedom on my own on the wheels!!
I paid 1500 for a 95 Chevy g20 full size. And it was already gutted and had subfloor. I’m just doing a no build for now. I love my van.
OMG! I never thought to put a high top on a minivan! 🤦🏽♀️. Now I have hope that I can have the perfect camper van!! Thank you Bob 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 Also, since Fiberine donated that high top to HOWA I want to give them my business!
Would love to see the inside of a minivan with a 12-inch topper someday when you can. Great idea and very nice van. That lip for storage makes a huge difference. And the windows.
I agree, I would love to see a comparison video with vs without - ex. a Dodge Grand Caravan!
I had in Astro van many years ago and I loved it. Unfortunately I was in a bad accident with it (black ice) and it was totaled... I was fine just terribly shooken up. I miss that van. I love the one that you have showed us here with the high top... It is so well set up and looks beautiful. That high top makes a huge difference. Great video Bob. 👍👍👍👍👍🙂
My problem is finding a van in my price range that is dependable. I've had minivans and had two trannys go out. I had full size van and engine went out. I have another full size van and praying I can get mechanical sound.
Have been watching you for years. Thank you for all you share and educate. I'm interested in finding out about the vans you help people with low low income. Well I'm one of those people. I need to check out your information. Because I'm getting to where I have to live in my little car so I don't have to have to live with one of my children. Which I don't want to do. Need to check out. ❤️
This high top mini van is really nice! Thank you for all your videos Bob.... You Rock!!
when I 1st saw your video in 2009 you mention a chevy n so 2018 I bought skeleton n in process of building definitely going to get a roof high top...thank you so much for all your informative videos🎉😊
I live in 87 Econoline 150 flat top which I love. It has its advantages over a hightop. One would be better fit for solar panels and another is it easier to heat and cool a flat top then it is a hightop. I always figured if I want to stand up I just get out and stand up. So to each their own, I don’t think high tops for everyone ! Just saying 🙃
Very very enjoyable video. Of all the various CheapRVLiving Vehicles presented I seem to be attracted to the High Top Mini Vans. Won't be doing it, but love these presentations. ♥️♥️♥️
I had a 1997 Dodge grand caravan that had the fibreglass custom top...we loved it and camped in it over night a lot...it had custom lights and wood cabinets... Wish they still made them...the top never leaked and top of line wood cabinets. We kept it for 12 years.
Thanks Bob. The minivan topper is a game changer as I already have the minivan. Best wishes.
Thank you for this Idea!!!! I do want the better Gas mileage!!! I am grateful for how many more folks can now consider this option! Love you HOWA And Bob!!!😃🐕🍑🌎🌄
It’s definitely a time we are in now where compromise is unavoidable with vehicles. I looked for a long time for a van that was worthwhile to convert but those in my budget were in too bad a shape to consider. A couple of viable rigs did come up but I was beaten to both by people living closer. In the end I decided to go with what I’d already got and converted my truck and high rise camper shell. It’s not perfect by any means but I can make it work and I know the vehicle well as I’ve owned it for 5 years. Main thing I had to do for my preference was to build the back of the cap out to a vertical tail end so I do away with the lift gate and tailgate and have a walk in regular door. Makes all the difference not having to crawl over a tailgate to get in! 👍🏻
First, the new intro (new to me at least) is very cool! The transformation these fiberglass tops make is absolutely stunning. Happy New Year to you, Bob!
Something to remember. Less is more. The more space the harder it is to heat and cool. The build is going to cost more. We love our minivan for travel as a couple, but for solo travel, I prefer our small SUV. The Jeep Patriot has better ground clearance than the minivan and four wheel drive. In extreme cold, below freezing one person can maintain you body heat better. I like that it is way more stealthy. You can always start out with a regular minivan and save up for a high top while you are using. Just my two cents worth. Thank you for taking the time to produce this video.
Try an electric 12v blanket if you're dealing with cold. You only need to have them on for a few minutes underneath blankets, then the entire sleeping space is warm.
I had an all wheel drive extended back Aerostar years ago and I loved it!
Amazing van Bob…
Years of Smiles ahead for New Owner
🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
I have a Fiberine top on my 01 AWD Astro , love it what a difference.
Happy New Year! Thank you again, for a free great information video
This is amazing! Seriously was skeptical I could make a minivan work due to the space issues. This hightop makes all the difference. There's a dealer not far from me who always has larger newer minivans and tahoe types for very reasonable prices. We bought my daughter's car there.
God bless you Bob for helping so many people.
I love that van 🚐 I traveled in a 2008 Honda CR-V and just having more ceiling space would have been awesome 🤩
This is FANTASTIC!!!
Thank you! Yet again Bob!❤️👏👏👏❤️
That high quality high top literally transforms the Astro into a beautiful, compact travel cabin with sufficient space to live comfortably, whatever the weather.
I remember the problems Bob had when he had a high top supplied and fitted by another company.
The importance of choosing the right supplier cannot be overstated!
As a species, we stand upright, therefore we need the capacity to do so in our homes, especially as we get older.
The nice, light build out of the Astro more than allows for the weight of the high top.
The recipient of this lovely Astro has an excellent home on wheels which can easily be parked in a single parking space for stealth camping.
Sure agree about the difficulty of finding good used vans at any reasonable price. Wow, putting the high top on there makes it an entire different space. You are making an amazing difference in so many people's lives. "Never, never, buy a vehicle without taking it to a mechanic.' !
Thank you very much Bob! This advice everyone can use.
Wow! That’s a nice van and much more roomy inside than one would think. Traveling would be nice, but I think I’d like to stay in one place for a while and relax and enjoy some nice views. So much to learn about heating and cooling tho. TFS!
I literally just did this to mw VWT4 , makes a huge difference
This is a GREAT video, Bob! I am blessed to already have purchased my van, but If I had to still do that, I would NEVER buy a van without having it inspected by a Mechanic! Now I need to do my high top and build out. Lots of work to do!!
Great alternative, thanks Bob!
I got a fiberine hightop, best thing I could've done for the van👍🏼
@@justwannasay5454 Sounds like you got the nice gel coat on the inside. I wanted that but since I spend alot of time in the snow I got the unfinished top so I could insulate and wrap in wood. Thought I'd have buyers remorse but it's not gonna happen, lol
Recently started watching videos about RV life and boondocking. I'm fascinated by it. I might be 2-3 years away from doing it. Love the videos.
Thank you, Bob, I was very informative videos, young man you’re doing a great service for the community out there nomads salute you
I'm not a nomad anymore. I live in a sticks and bricks now. Astro vans are amazing! Most of them are all wheel drive which is amazing for boondocking! Great advice Bob!
Awesome example of what we can all do for each other. Wishing you good health from Lismore NSW Australia
Thank you for all your films and helpful information just love your shows and help for people May the universe bless and keep making 🎥
That is an incredicle improvement. Very liveable. It seems like it is twice as big even though it is only 1/3 bigger maybe. It makes a mini-van very desireable.
such a pleasant home. if you close the door no one would know you’re in a van. i love how you show people how to live with less
TO BOB WELLS: Please use your influence to get Fiberine to make a 24" high top for Toyota Siennas with similar style as this one they made for the Astro (with a flat roof, not contoured). The 12" version they have show for the Sienna is too low to be practical (IMHO) for someone who wants to live in the minivan.. The one shown in this video is a 24" but for the Astro. I followed the link and looked at the linked website to see all of the models they show on the site.
May I ask how tall you can be and still be able to stand up in a Sienna with the 12" high top installed? Also, does your Sienna have a built up floor or no? I read that if you can manage to remove the middle seat tracks and trolleys, you can have a flat floor. Otherwise, you have to build up around the tracks and trolleys to get a flat floor and you lose about 4".
Awesome video! Love my high top van! 🇨🇦❤️🇨🇦
Love your videos, I'm starting to save for my retirement in about 7 years, good information.
Nice van!!!! I would love to see a few more videos about people who have renovated old campers. I have very little money and live in a camper doing workamp jobs. I realize your location dictates a lot. But there has to be old campers out there. Not the pristine ones. But the make do ones that are functional. Thx!
Great video, thanks Bob! 👍
You’re awesome Bob❣️
Thank you for the information. Definitely considering this option!
Another great video, thank you to Bob and team. I have a high-top full-size van (Ford e250) produced for a retirement residence so came from the factory with the top. I looked at a lot of vans and I can attest to the JOY of standing fully upright in a high-top. When I bought the van it still had the wheelchair lift located at the back (barn doors) and a few of the seats. I test drove it, including on the interstate, and it handled great. After buying it I had the lift and all but one cargo area seat removed. I sincerely love the van and the way I have it arranged inside (a no-build build) but there is one problem that I have never seen addressed in any van life videos, which is, when I am driving at highway speeds (55 or higher) if there is any wind, or the wind caused by passing vehicles, especially semi's, my van is all over the road. It is truly scary! I have no handling problems on city streets or any roads where I drive below 55mph but any faster and the van catches every puff of wind and I feel I'm taking my life in my hands. Is there a different driving skill or is there something wrong with my van? Is it due to removing the weight of the lift and seats (estimated around 400lbs)? Since I discovered this problem I've been sticking to secondary roads but for cross-country travel I'd prefer interstates--especially in the seemingly never-ending midwestern states like Iowa and Kansas. If there is a different driving skill needed for high-top vehicles maybe you could produce a video about that (?). Or any suggestions from you or the community would be appreciated. Thanks for all that you do, keep up the great work! EDIT to add: since posting my comment I've joined a FB group specifically for high-top vans and discovered this issue is very common BUT there are ways to correct it mechanically--of course, it will cost time and some money--so not "stuck with it" at all which makes me very happy because I LOVE my van. FB: High Roof Vans Owners Group
Youre pretty much stuck like that. The increased surface area and light weight make for a land yacht.
@@johnlucier5654 since posting my comment I've joined a FB group specifically for high-top vans and discovered this issue is very common BUT there are ways to correct it mechanically--of course, it will cost time and some money--so not "stuck with it" at all.
For me, the greatest advantage of a minivan would be it's stealth capability. I know on our own street, several vanlifers could come and Park after dusk and no one would ever pay them any attention at all. Meaning they would be noticed, but it would be assumed that they were visiting people in the neighboring homes.
Thank you Bob for your advice I love your channel I’m being watching your channel for over a year and I want to do I van life, I want freedom.
Happy New Year.
Glad to see Cody.
Great van. Nice work Bob
Amazing people that did this work...that is so nice
Fantastic that you can get donations from generous Co.’s
Those rear doors would work great w/an attached tent for extra room!
****hint hint big corps*****
Vans being so scarce , many SUV’s are plenty big enough for sitting and sleeping-add a tall attached room off the back-you’ve got a luxe camp- not stealthy but🤷🏻♀️
I love your videos.. so much great info !
Thank you for all the van life info! That was a great video.
What a great idea and video. Thank you, Bob!
Thank you for all that you do and inform us with!
That is a beautiful home, great job.
The late 90 astro van had the 4.3L V6 Vortec engine with the 4L60E 5 Speed automatic transmission. Good combo if it's taken care of. That was my last van before I bought my dodge. See you guys soon. I'm getting my vehicle worked on and ready for travel this month.
Thank you Mr. Bob
Hi bob. Love your videos. Thank you for all that you do. Love cody to. A big fan jan from texas. Hope sue ann and carolyn of r.v. life. And sadie. Hope everyone is fine and howa to. Love you all. Prayers is with you all.
They did a wonderful job! What an amazing transformation to make make something small so liveable.
Bob, how much did your gas mileage change after you had your high top added to your previous van?
Thank you for all the wonderful things you continue to do Bob!
Absolutely would love that high top even in a minivan. I would like one in the back of my Subaru 2015 outback but they don’t make them. 🎆Happy New Year 🎆 to you BOB and all your crew.
Get a welder to cut the top of your Subaru off, add metal spacers for height when welding it back together.
Love your new intro! Good job...
Great Video.. I need to try to find a High-Top for my Ram Promaster City....
This was great. Yes I've almost given up the idea of a big van because of the cost...but with a good mini-van and a high top I feel I can dream again. I am currently using a Ford Explorer but having more room to actually move around will someday so much better. Thanks for this great advice. I will see if there is some type of company like Fiberine here on the East Coast. Hope to someday get to meet you out in Arizona one of these years. Blessings, Teri
FYI: Bob Wells made a video about such a company (located in North Carolina, as I recall). He tried them, and had poor service. He recommends Fiberine. See Bob's video list for the hightop video.
Hi Bob, I bought my Astro van a few months ago. I'm 61,I've been watching tiny house and van life videos for years now. I was so excited to finally get started on my journey to van life and travel.I got it cheap but it needed a head gasket replacement, which I wanted do an overhaul before I travel on what ever I bought to be safe. Only problem was the mechanic botched it then I ended up having to live in it before I was ready. So I'm sitting in this man's property in my van that doesn't run right in the Texas heat. I have fans no AC. I'm disabled and found out quickly that not being able to stand up to get dressed is a big problem. Not being able to stand up has effected my knees, which were bad already.I don't bring in a lot with SSI . I could use a little help getting it on the road if you know a mechanic that would be able to look at it, I'm in Texas outside of San Antonio in Adkins. Thanks for all great videos ❤️
My 2021 Astro has been falling apart, which has increased my nomad anxiety. I believe investing in a hightop might decrease my shoulder & back pain. My spine is the letter C now! 😀 However,with all the mechanical struggles (my household repairs😀) I believe Nomad life increases my serotonin levels and embraces my minimalist life; and need for adventure!
Every Astro needs that top.
adding back--slider for wash room is best idea to further implement
I have a 2012 Chrysler Town n Country. I love the storage where the seats used to be. I made a hatch for the back trunk and it pretty accessible by just moving my frig and a few cat things. I drove 6 hrs my first day and had half a tank of gas left. I took too much stuff and realized it wasn’t needed. So will thin down and now with an option to put a high top on will be a game changer and I might not sell it after all.
Thank you Bob.
Hi Mr. Bob, so glad I found your channel. This has been my dream for many years. I gave up on it but now I'm so excited again. How does an old single lady qualify for help from Howa? Sure do appreciate all you do for everyone. God bless.
I was able to find an all wheel drive 2008 Chevy Express van and although it was more money than I wanted to spend it was within the high end of my budget. I would love to have a high top. Maybe you could have a sweepstakes for a fiberine high top, that would be fabulous!
Wish I be like something like that and I live in my car because I homeless.
You should contact HOWA and see if you qualify for a donated van
Good advice.
Very Nice !!! For sure:. The high top turns a vehicle into a home. ✴️🔆✴️
Loving the hightop!
Very nice, what a good idea.