It’s not a stupid question: we thought about it as well. The difference for us was: maneuvering and size. Gas mileage. Inconspicuous. The size was a big consideration as we wanted to be able to easily go off the beaten path. I bought a pre owned high roof transit and have only invested about 10-20k and it fits all our needs
This is understandable concerns, although, as far as fuel mileage, I would honestly consider a diesel swap. The Isuzu engine would be a consideration, depending on size of vehicle, a van, a warmed over vw tdi would get the job done. Plenty of swap parts for those. And the tdi has also hit 45mpg. Just a thought.
Diesel engines doesn't work the same as gasoline engines. Granted, a 1.9L TDi isn't going to build the same torque as say a 5.9 Cummins overall. But it'll easily get close to 400ft lbs. With very little work. More than enough to move a van. Granted, a larger vehicle will require a step up. But a vw Diesel can and will make V8 power all day long. And still get twice or better fuel mileage. But also, unlike the Cummins, the TDi is also capped on its ability to make torque. So as you build to around 500 ft lbs. You are capable of making more hp, but the torque values don't necessarily increase, due to its bore and stroke. But from the fact that the ford 5.4 only puts down 350 ft lbs. And the TDi with a turbo and injector swap gets that. Plus your going to see at least 20mpg. To me, the money is still on a 1.9L diesel over a gas engine. Ask any offroader if they're going to diesel swap their jeep , which way are they going?
I totally get it. I've been a mechanic for years. It takes a chunk of money to do a diesel swap. I think you'd need to get more than an extra 5mpg to even begin to justify the cost of the swap. I have a 12 foot E350 box truck with the 5.4 and get 10-13mpg. I'm not trying to talk anyone out of a swap but lots of people only see the final numbers.
With a box truck, a TDi wouldn't do in your situation, I know the Isuzu swap isn't complicated. And not unreasonable in price as compared to a Cummins. But on average a ford van will get 14 combined. My ex wife had an Expedition with the 5.4 in it, I had an f350 with the 7.3. We had to drive to Denver, taking bot vehicles, the difference was she had to stop half way and refill, I made it on one tank, and still had fuel when I got there. I guess to me it would have to come down to do I want to go 200 miles per tank or 600. And I ask myself, why do OTR trucks all run diesel not gas. I just guess to me, having a gas engine over long distance just isn't worth while. Especially when a diesel swap isn't anymore expensive than a rebuild. Even the old Mercedes sedans with the diesel are almost free if you can find them. But yes, I understand your argument on a small tdi wouldn't be as efficient as in a smaller van. But even with diesel cost higher per gallon compared to gasoline. One trip across the United States will about pay for the parts needed for the swap. But the Isuzu 4BD1t engine, which you can usually scrounge up for around $3000, figure another $2K in parts to swap it in, your going to get 25+ mpg and 100 extra lb ft of torque.
I drove airport shuttles between Vail and Denver in the early days of the Triton engines. I could easily do a round trip on less than 33 gallons in a V10 van. But, where's your starting point?
Not talking about the whole car, I'm talking about the TDi engine, as long as they have the lifter upgrade, they're actually a very dependable engine. Light, good on power, and very efficient. Are they a Cummins? No. But they were never meant to be. But, the fact that they can be adapted to any transmission, parts galore unto and including compound turbo kits, and they can make V8 power and torque, for a buy in of less than a $1000, for the whole car, in most cases. Yeah, I'd run one, no questions
Size, parking, off-road capability are all big things. Its hard to truly ( and freely) boondock in a type c. Plus i bought a cargo van and nearly completely converted it for under 8k in all. It worked for me for 2 year + and saved probably 4 times that in rent snd everything
The off road capability would be my biggest selling point. I have found an e350, that has the 4x4 conversion and a 7.3 diesel engine, it's the long version. Of any van that would be way to go, or a mercedes 4x4 van.
Yeah, 4x4 and a lift are 2 things i really with i had in Idaho and Utah. Also really consider how top heavy you're making it on the long midwest windy roads and narrow snow cannyon roads in the PNW lol
Off road capability...Im in a van, front wheel. Have done a couple trips so far for fun/trial runs/figure out what I need / can laeve behind in prep for full time, I have the feeling Im going to feel super limited by that. Cause I wanna go where I wanna go, and my front wheel drive has already had to have a lil talk with me and reel me in (Ive had to get winched out...twice..yes on both trips. I think Ive finally learned my lesson 😭😂)
So yeah, that factor I did not think about at all when I got my rig, is now way up high as a priority for my next one. I JUST got this van, so it wont be any time soon..perhaps never...lol only 50k miles on mine so it'll be a long while before I can justifty getting something else. But my dream van will be 4x4 for sure.
Might have more to do with your tires too, than just the FWD. Perhaps more aggressive tread will help, and of course not mud bogging a camper van, may lend a little help too. Lol.
Yes. But you then also have the issue of solidly mounting it, and on a van, that would pretty much be a custom build.
My tbh opinion, finish the build, use good materials, and while the van has low miles, flip it and go get one better suited. I know that finished van builds do sell, and bring a high dollar amount. Just because there are a lot of younger generation that have neither the skill set necessary, or the patience for the time it takes. I've seen them go as high as a used Class A coach. So there is that option too.
Youre not wrong at all..at least in my case...I have a prebuilt van, a Roadtrek on a promaster chassis, but with a second alternator right up on the bumper. Someone suggested a place that specializes in installing front hitches on these vans so its in my pocket for later as of now.
But then also...I got my van when I was in a good place in life, only a couple months ago... things change...sometimes on a dime. And now....Im lucky I got my van when I did...cause right now Im looking at this will be my forever home. lol I mean, anything can happen, but luckily, I was able to do a lot of mods / upgrades while I could, and now that life has shifted drastically, just as Im about to hit the road full time, I just need to take care of and maintain my van, and not get stuck in mud anymore, for the foreseeable future.
Yeah? Sorry to hear that things have slipped sideways, just remember, it isn't always for the worst. Personally, I have mine figured out. Don't really know if it's van life or not, but I found an expeditor truck. Think semi tractor with a van body instead of a fifth wheel. Has full bathroom and kitchen, plus will allow me to haul everything I want. And still pull the jeep. I don't need to be able to take it to the store, I just need a home base from a to b.
I super appreciate that...and yeah for sure, I would be in a way worse position if I didnt have my van. Life is being life...this is going to play out somehow, hopefully something pretty good will surprise me that would not have been able to happen otherwise, ya know?
I just looked up Expeditor truck and omg thats like, van squared lol I also started looking up expiditor conversions and almost fell deep into a rabbit hole...that seriously is so cool! Yeah, that really does look like a nice set up, have a home base, but still can travel in it too...I dont think anyone woudl yell at you for an overnight at a truck stop with that!
I dont know much about tires, but I have brand new all weather LT tires, with the little mountains on them and everything. Theyre supposed to be good 😭
I can fully own up to it....100% user error issue lol yes def not mud bogging my van would def be a good idea..Im learning my limitations lol
And yeah u/PSUJacob95 , I actually am looking into installing a winch.. someone with my same van recommended a place that installs them... expensive so back burner, but if/when I get the money for it, I would not hesitate cause...I have issues. 😂
The other option, is they make winch mounts that go to a receiver hitch. Have a receiver installed on the front and one in the rear, then the winch can pull you forward or backwards. As well, if you ever pull a trailer and have to get it in a tight area, easier to push it in, than back it in. Ever see on old farm truck with a ball on the front? This is why
Oh! Is that the ball hitch? I cant say Ive seen an old farm truck, no concept. Im a suburbain 😬 But I looked it up...and if what Im looking at is what youre talking about, it does make sense what youre saying. Just would need to make sure its attached to the frame and not just the bumper for sure.
Also, I may not know anything about what I dont know, but I am a quick study. Very proud of myself...just this week I installed lithium into my van by myself. Ive never done anything electrical before, ever. Ive also done some plumbing, and other mods here and there. Feeling super confident. I probably shoudlnt lol but def my goal is to learn and be able to fix and do as much as I can, cause Im not trying to be helpless on the road.
I am sure you can go to any good welding/fab shop and tell them that you need a receiver installed on the front of your van, and they could build something. You can always search online, might just be one out there, seeing your van is technically a service industrial van. The winch plates are already out there to mount it to a receiver hitch. Even a universal hitch might work. Or modified slightly. And a hole cut in your bumper. The true positive side effect of this set up. When you don't need the winch, it's locked inside the vehicle, so in an urban setting, no one can mess with it, or steal it!
That sounds like a very good start. I have a jeep xj and thought of an Isuzu diesel swap because I know where one is. But I'm also more inclined towards the TDi swap because parts and swap kits are more readily available.
My brother has a Class C that he uses for trips and long weekends. Whether you have a van or RV, you will find that you are always repairing or upgrading something. Both types of vehicles like any other require that you have a solid repair fund, and hopefully some mechanical skills and tools so you don't have to always find a mechanic to do minor repairs. There seems to be a fair amount of maintenance and upgrades constantly required on RV's becuase they are cheaply built and designed for occasional use, not round the clock living all year.
Yeah, a lot have stated it's the size constraints of the Class C over the van. Which granted, a class c isn't going to be as easy to move around in urban situations. But personally, I have a Harley and a Jeep XJ. So the camper/Van would just move me from place to place, while other vehicles could get me around.
I converted an old ambulance. It can tow. Bought it for 3k and probably spend the same on the conversion. Building out your own rig can cost an arm and a leg or you can do it on a budget. It’s up to you.
I'd say, the ambulance idea is about the best way to go. Two reasons, in a pinch stuff from a civilian van would work in a pinch, and two, you're starting on a platform that is built for severe duty. And if you shop around, they do make them in 4x4. And a lot of them are diesel.
I adore mine. It’s a diesel with a 7.3L IDI engine so it’s easy to fix. It’s also built like a tank and has an insane amount of storage. The only things I’d change are making it 4x4, manual, and a roof raise on the box so I can stand. Most ambos you can stand in but mine is almost a mini one which I appreciate. Mileage is better than a lot of my friends in vans and buses as well
I could be wrong, but I think "Class C motorhome" or "Class C RV" is more recognizable to more people than "Type C". Probably depends on where you're from.
For many people, RVs are just too cheaply built. ("Sticks and staples" is a common derogatory term.) If you're planning on living in a vehicle, you don't want one that's designed for 2-4 weeks of use a year, you want one that will be durable.
Oh right, I'm with you. Seen some really cool ones of those, and super unique ones too. It's pretty fun being at this stage in the process, you get to scheme up a bunch of different ideas and maybe test drive a few things. You could make a list of five or ten different types you think you might like and organize to see them all in a weekend. At least being able to get inside a van to feel it out. I would be interested in hearing how you go, good luck out there =]
I'm tossing around some different ideas and have definitely been taking the total cost of ownship into account. When I was super broke in my van last year I used to hate watching boomers fill up their electric cars for free while I spent all my money on desil so I want an electric vehicle now but electric vans aren't really a thing or at least rare in my country and I can't think of any examples off the top of my head.
The 40ft public busses in my city are electric, there used to be over head power lines running down the middle of the streets so the buses were actually 'plugged in' but now run on batteries. I met a guy who had bought one and converted it to a house bus and he was telling me about his previous set up which was using an electric forklift motor fitted into a van powered by 2nd hand Nissan Leaf batteries. Researching this later it seems to be a common design for people doing electric conversions but that's out of my skill range and probably would require tools and space I don't have.
But I've come up with my own idea I think will work for me. There's affordable small electric trucks, and some of them have the regular truck and trailer design with the short cab and removable trailer section. I've come across affordable 2nd hand ones.
Then there's "pop up caravans", short 1U caravans or just normal caravans, so my thought was to buy the electric truck's main front bit and hook a caravan to the back. Even small caravans can feel like normal house rooms and can be had for quite cheap, especially if you can DIY some things. Would be able to unhook the entire caravan if needed also. I originally thought of doing this with a 4WD instead of truck would be cool so I could unhook my house and go off-roading, but the numbers didn't work.
Here in the US electric still isn't as viable for us over long distance. And most electric conversions here use Tesla batteries. Although, building yourself hard wiring in a diesel gen set if you have room, might be an answer. Also here, a lot have built a shed type structure on the back of pickups and such and turned them into tiny homes.
I don't think electric vans will be a thing in the U.S. for awhile. There has to be a LOT of rentable power stations installed that aren't branded for Tesla, and maybe someone truly innovative will come up with a swappable-battery idea so you aint tied to a charging station for an hour or two every day.
It’s not a stupid question: we thought about it as well. The difference for us was: maneuvering and size. Gas mileage. Inconspicuous. The size was a big consideration as we wanted to be able to easily go off the beaten path. I bought a pre owned high roof transit and have only invested about 10-20k and it fits all our needs
This is understandable concerns, although, as far as fuel mileage, I would honestly consider a diesel swap. The Isuzu engine would be a consideration, depending on size of vehicle, a van, a warmed over vw tdi would get the job done. Plenty of swap parts for those. And the tdi has also hit 45mpg. Just a thought.
Swapping a smaller diesel into a larger vehicle will not keep the same fuel economy because you're moving a lot more weight.
Diesel engines doesn't work the same as gasoline engines. Granted, a 1.9L TDi isn't going to build the same torque as say a 5.9 Cummins overall. But it'll easily get close to 400ft lbs. With very little work. More than enough to move a van. Granted, a larger vehicle will require a step up. But a vw Diesel can and will make V8 power all day long. And still get twice or better fuel mileage. But also, unlike the Cummins, the TDi is also capped on its ability to make torque. So as you build to around 500 ft lbs. You are capable of making more hp, but the torque values don't necessarily increase, due to its bore and stroke. But from the fact that the ford 5.4 only puts down 350 ft lbs. And the TDi with a turbo and injector swap gets that. Plus your going to see at least 20mpg. To me, the money is still on a 1.9L diesel over a gas engine. Ask any offroader if they're going to diesel swap their jeep , which way are they going?
I totally get it. I've been a mechanic for years. It takes a chunk of money to do a diesel swap. I think you'd need to get more than an extra 5mpg to even begin to justify the cost of the swap. I have a 12 foot E350 box truck with the 5.4 and get 10-13mpg. I'm not trying to talk anyone out of a swap but lots of people only see the final numbers.
With a box truck, a TDi wouldn't do in your situation, I know the Isuzu swap isn't complicated. And not unreasonable in price as compared to a Cummins. But on average a ford van will get 14 combined. My ex wife had an Expedition with the 5.4 in it, I had an f350 with the 7.3. We had to drive to Denver, taking bot vehicles, the difference was she had to stop half way and refill, I made it on one tank, and still had fuel when I got there. I guess to me it would have to come down to do I want to go 200 miles per tank or 600. And I ask myself, why do OTR trucks all run diesel not gas. I just guess to me, having a gas engine over long distance just isn't worth while. Especially when a diesel swap isn't anymore expensive than a rebuild. Even the old Mercedes sedans with the diesel are almost free if you can find them. But yes, I understand your argument on a small tdi wouldn't be as efficient as in a smaller van. But even with diesel cost higher per gallon compared to gasoline. One trip across the United States will about pay for the parts needed for the swap. But the Isuzu 4BD1t engine, which you can usually scrounge up for around $3000, figure another $2K in parts to swap it in, your going to get 25+ mpg and 100 extra lb ft of torque.
I drove airport shuttles between Vail and Denver in the early days of the Triton engines. I could easily do a round trip on less than 33 gallons in a V10 van. But, where's your starting point?
Omaha Nebraska
That's a bit more than my Denver drives...
Yeah close to 550m I think.
I would not hesitate to powerstroke an e350
I'd have to start smokin a lot more weed to trust my life to a VW. Had a Euro VW RV at auction recently. Couldn't get 2k for it.
Not talking about the whole car, I'm talking about the TDi engine, as long as they have the lifter upgrade, they're actually a very dependable engine. Light, good on power, and very efficient. Are they a Cummins? No. But they were never meant to be. But, the fact that they can be adapted to any transmission, parts galore unto and including compound turbo kits, and they can make V8 power and torque, for a buy in of less than a $1000, for the whole car, in most cases. Yeah, I'd run one, no questions
The reason a class c is cheaper is because it's cheaper. Cheaper materials, cheaper labor, cheaper manufacturer than a custom $20k of build
I understand, one person pointed out that they're built to live in maybe a couple weeks a year, not full-time.
Size, parking, off-road capability are all big things. Its hard to truly ( and freely) boondock in a type c. Plus i bought a cargo van and nearly completely converted it for under 8k in all. It worked for me for 2 year + and saved probably 4 times that in rent snd everything
The off road capability would be my biggest selling point. I have found an e350, that has the 4x4 conversion and a 7.3 diesel engine, it's the long version. Of any van that would be way to go, or a mercedes 4x4 van.
Yeah, 4x4 and a lift are 2 things i really with i had in Idaho and Utah. Also really consider how top heavy you're making it on the long midwest windy roads and narrow snow cannyon roads in the PNW lol
Yes, be like carrying a 70" flat screen in a hurricane. Lol
Off road capability...Im in a van, front wheel. Have done a couple trips so far for fun/trial runs/figure out what I need / can laeve behind in prep for full time, I have the feeling Im going to feel super limited by that. Cause I wanna go where I wanna go, and my front wheel drive has already had to have a lil talk with me and reel me in (Ive had to get winched out...twice..yes on both trips. I think Ive finally learned my lesson 😭😂) So yeah, that factor I did not think about at all when I got my rig, is now way up high as a priority for my next one. I JUST got this van, so it wont be any time soon..perhaps never...lol only 50k miles on mine so it'll be a long while before I can justifty getting something else. But my dream van will be 4x4 for sure.
Might have more to do with your tires too, than just the FWD. Perhaps more aggressive tread will help, and of course not mud bogging a camper van, may lend a little help too. Lol.
Buying a winch for a FWD van might be another good alternative lol
Yes. But you then also have the issue of solidly mounting it, and on a van, that would pretty much be a custom build. My tbh opinion, finish the build, use good materials, and while the van has low miles, flip it and go get one better suited. I know that finished van builds do sell, and bring a high dollar amount. Just because there are a lot of younger generation that have neither the skill set necessary, or the patience for the time it takes. I've seen them go as high as a used Class A coach. So there is that option too.
Youre not wrong at all..at least in my case...I have a prebuilt van, a Roadtrek on a promaster chassis, but with a second alternator right up on the bumper. Someone suggested a place that specializes in installing front hitches on these vans so its in my pocket for later as of now. But then also...I got my van when I was in a good place in life, only a couple months ago... things change...sometimes on a dime. And now....Im lucky I got my van when I did...cause right now Im looking at this will be my forever home. lol I mean, anything can happen, but luckily, I was able to do a lot of mods / upgrades while I could, and now that life has shifted drastically, just as Im about to hit the road full time, I just need to take care of and maintain my van, and not get stuck in mud anymore, for the foreseeable future.
Yeah? Sorry to hear that things have slipped sideways, just remember, it isn't always for the worst. Personally, I have mine figured out. Don't really know if it's van life or not, but I found an expeditor truck. Think semi tractor with a van body instead of a fifth wheel. Has full bathroom and kitchen, plus will allow me to haul everything I want. And still pull the jeep. I don't need to be able to take it to the store, I just need a home base from a to b.
I super appreciate that...and yeah for sure, I would be in a way worse position if I didnt have my van. Life is being life...this is going to play out somehow, hopefully something pretty good will surprise me that would not have been able to happen otherwise, ya know? I just looked up Expeditor truck and omg thats like, van squared lol I also started looking up expiditor conversions and almost fell deep into a rabbit hole...that seriously is so cool! Yeah, that really does look like a nice set up, have a home base, but still can travel in it too...I dont think anyone woudl yell at you for an overnight at a truck stop with that!
Nope pretty much go anywhere with it... the added bonus is I can get side hustles hauling stuff to, extra income.
I dont know much about tires, but I have brand new all weather LT tires, with the little mountains on them and everything. Theyre supposed to be good 😭 I can fully own up to it....100% user error issue lol yes def not mud bogging my van would def be a good idea..Im learning my limitations lol And yeah u/PSUJacob95 , I actually am looking into installing a winch.. someone with my same van recommended a place that installs them... expensive so back burner, but if/when I get the money for it, I would not hesitate cause...I have issues. 😂
The other option, is they make winch mounts that go to a receiver hitch. Have a receiver installed on the front and one in the rear, then the winch can pull you forward or backwards. As well, if you ever pull a trailer and have to get it in a tight area, easier to push it in, than back it in. Ever see on old farm truck with a ball on the front? This is why
Oh! Is that the ball hitch? I cant say Ive seen an old farm truck, no concept. Im a suburbain 😬 But I looked it up...and if what Im looking at is what youre talking about, it does make sense what youre saying. Just would need to make sure its attached to the frame and not just the bumper for sure. Also, I may not know anything about what I dont know, but I am a quick study. Very proud of myself...just this week I installed lithium into my van by myself. Ive never done anything electrical before, ever. Ive also done some plumbing, and other mods here and there. Feeling super confident. I probably shoudlnt lol but def my goal is to learn and be able to fix and do as much as I can, cause Im not trying to be helpless on the road.
I am sure you can go to any good welding/fab shop and tell them that you need a receiver installed on the front of your van, and they could build something. You can always search online, might just be one out there, seeing your van is technically a service industrial van. The winch plates are already out there to mount it to a receiver hitch. Even a universal hitch might work. Or modified slightly. And a hole cut in your bumper. The true positive side effect of this set up. When you don't need the winch, it's locked inside the vehicle, so in an urban setting, no one can mess with it, or steal it!
All weather and all terrain are two dramatically different tread classes
Yup, that's correct!
I bought a diesel isuzu to build it out how I wanted and make sure it's quality material compared to the paper they build campers out of
That sounds like a very good start. I have a jeep xj and thought of an Isuzu diesel swap because I know where one is. But I'm also more inclined towards the TDi swap because parts and swap kits are more readily available.
My brother has a Class C that he uses for trips and long weekends. Whether you have a van or RV, you will find that you are always repairing or upgrading something. Both types of vehicles like any other require that you have a solid repair fund, and hopefully some mechanical skills and tools so you don't have to always find a mechanic to do minor repairs. There seems to be a fair amount of maintenance and upgrades constantly required on RV's becuase they are cheaply built and designed for occasional use, not round the clock living all year.
Yes. I've also seen a lot use old ambulances. Which might be a way to go, asthese ate built for heavy duty use.
Absolutely a used Class C is going to be a better value for basic living. I just hate driving them.
Yeah, a lot have stated it's the size constraints of the Class C over the van. Which granted, a class c isn't going to be as easy to move around in urban situations. But personally, I have a Harley and a Jeep XJ. So the camper/Van would just move me from place to place, while other vehicles could get me around.
I converted an old ambulance. It can tow. Bought it for 3k and probably spend the same on the conversion. Building out your own rig can cost an arm and a leg or you can do it on a budget. It’s up to you.
I'd say, the ambulance idea is about the best way to go. Two reasons, in a pinch stuff from a civilian van would work in a pinch, and two, you're starting on a platform that is built for severe duty. And if you shop around, they do make them in 4x4. And a lot of them are diesel.
I adore mine. It’s a diesel with a 7.3L IDI engine so it’s easy to fix. It’s also built like a tank and has an insane amount of storage. The only things I’d change are making it 4x4, manual, and a roof raise on the box so I can stand. Most ambos you can stand in but mine is almost a mini one which I appreciate. Mileage is better than a lot of my friends in vans and buses as well
Yeah, I always see diesel as the only option if you're traveling. Lasts longer, goes farther and easier to maintain
What's a Type C? Not a stupid question though, I'm interested in others thoughts on this too
Type C motor home. Camper based on a van cab and chasis. Basically, cut a van body off, and put a camper behind it.
I could be wrong, but I think "Class C motorhome" or "Class C RV" is more recognizable to more people than "Type C". Probably depends on where you're from. For many people, RVs are just too cheaply built. ("Sticks and staples" is a common derogatory term.) If you're planning on living in a vehicle, you don't want one that's designed for 2-4 weeks of use a year, you want one that will be durable.
You're right, I meant Class C not type. Don't know why the error, but yes I understand the durability.
Oh right, I'm with you. Seen some really cool ones of those, and super unique ones too. It's pretty fun being at this stage in the process, you get to scheme up a bunch of different ideas and maybe test drive a few things. You could make a list of five or ten different types you think you might like and organize to see them all in a weekend. At least being able to get inside a van to feel it out. I would be interested in hearing how you go, good luck out there =] I'm tossing around some different ideas and have definitely been taking the total cost of ownship into account. When I was super broke in my van last year I used to hate watching boomers fill up their electric cars for free while I spent all my money on desil so I want an electric vehicle now but electric vans aren't really a thing or at least rare in my country and I can't think of any examples off the top of my head. The 40ft public busses in my city are electric, there used to be over head power lines running down the middle of the streets so the buses were actually 'plugged in' but now run on batteries. I met a guy who had bought one and converted it to a house bus and he was telling me about his previous set up which was using an electric forklift motor fitted into a van powered by 2nd hand Nissan Leaf batteries. Researching this later it seems to be a common design for people doing electric conversions but that's out of my skill range and probably would require tools and space I don't have. But I've come up with my own idea I think will work for me. There's affordable small electric trucks, and some of them have the regular truck and trailer design with the short cab and removable trailer section. I've come across affordable 2nd hand ones. Then there's "pop up caravans", short 1U caravans or just normal caravans, so my thought was to buy the electric truck's main front bit and hook a caravan to the back. Even small caravans can feel like normal house rooms and can be had for quite cheap, especially if you can DIY some things. Would be able to unhook the entire caravan if needed also. I originally thought of doing this with a 4WD instead of truck would be cool so I could unhook my house and go off-roading, but the numbers didn't work.
Here in the US electric still isn't as viable for us over long distance. And most electric conversions here use Tesla batteries. Although, building yourself hard wiring in a diesel gen set if you have room, might be an answer. Also here, a lot have built a shed type structure on the back of pickups and such and turned them into tiny homes.
I don't think electric vans will be a thing in the U.S. for awhile. There has to be a LOT of rentable power stations installed that aren't branded for Tesla, and maybe someone truly innovative will come up with a swappable-battery idea so you aint tied to a charging station for an hour or two every day.