Big Block Van? Petey's Got Nothin' On Me!

[mdmead]

That's right!

Big block power...

Stainless steel headers...

High-flow stainless steel exhaust...

Cold air intake...

Aftermarket tranny controller...

Better-than-Tramper living accomodations...



























OK, so it isn't an Astro/Safari... And yes, some will wince that it is a Ford!

My wife has been lobbying hard for a motorhome for the past couple of season. I finally agreed for a couple of reason. First, I was tired of spending 20 minutes or more setting up/taking down our tent trailer during our camping trips. Second, after recently purchasing three ATVs, I can't haul them and tow the tent trailer too. So my wife won!

I was looking for a few things in a motorhome. One, it had to be a Class C as I wanted the front cabover sleeping section. (It will also be less imtimidating for my wife to drive.) Two, I wanted a rear bedroom. And three, I wanted to keep the length reasonably short since I plan on towing a trailer or 'dingy'.

Our find is a 24ft '95 Yellowstone (by Gulfstream). It has a 460 V-8 with a four speed automatic. 34,000 miles on it. We really lucked out in that it has a full Banks system installed which means headers, exhaust, air intake and transmission controller. It's not lacking for power and cruises effortlessly at 70+ and climbed a local pass at 60-65 mph in direct (3rd) without pushing it.

As for livability, it has a built-in generator, ducted heat, roof A/C and built-in microwave.

The motorhome is in great shape, but not 100%. We found the microwave isn't working and the 80% treaded Michelins need replacing due to weather checking. But overall we are.... wait for it....

HAPPY CAMPERS!!

[GEJ]

Cool Matt. =D> Might want to post pics of the inside when you get a chance.


Btw:take a peek at this site:

http://www.iRV2.com

Lots of good info for this unit there.

[LiftedAWDAstro]

Congrats Matt and Mrs. Matt! Too bad it's a Ford and it is only a 460 so yeah Peter still has it on ya!

[dunedog]

Yes,and I did notice all the 'old folk' step on the rig they'll be handy........buy you'll need a skyjack to get your butt up to the NASCAR corral ..........

Hey,good for you guys....congrads

[Smiliesafari]

That's the perfect size. You'll have a great time camping with it. There's so many places you just can't go with anything bigger.

[Cobra]

sure does look like it'll be fun especially if you have ATV's
congrats

[T.Low]

Wow, and to have the wife "push" for a motorhome, sweet! YEah, the cab over sleeping accomodations is really cool. You guys are going to have way too much fun.

Expeditionportal.com has threads on 4wd conversions!

[mdmead]

Expeditionportal.com has threads on 4wd conversions!

Don't think it hasn't crossed my mind....

But obviously I need to get another project finished first.....

[astrozam]

Nice, now I see why you were not wasting money on snow boots for the Mrs, you obviously had bigger fish to fry,LOL...

[Rebel]

Matt,,,like it a bunch man. When ya coming down south for some fried cat fish and hush puppies ?
You guys will have a ball with that.

[peter]

What I wanna know is what this puppy does in the quarter.....?

She looks great regardless of the fact that you sold out to the "other" team. Deano and you are now the Judas couple! But another thing dawnded on me as I marveled at your latest acquisition. I imagine that you'll finally be able to join us at this summers NECO. You know, now that you're equipped for the trip!

[mdmead]

What I wanna know is what this puppy does in the quarter.....?

It's no slouch. I'm amazed at how it steps off when the light turns green and it climbs mountains easily. It certainly is a great match for the weight it is hauling.

She looks great regardless of the fact that you sold out to the "other" team. Deano and you are now the Judas couple!

In my defense, I've owned my Ford Super Duty pickup since '00. It's not like I'm just now "selling out"!

But another thing dawnded on me as I marveled at your latest acquisition. I imagine that you'll finally be able to join us at this summers NECO. You know, now that you're equipped for the trip!

I'm still trying to figure out how to get to a NECO. But honestly, when I get there, it has to be in my van.

And Rebel, we are hoping to make a circle of the U.S. one of these summers. When the time comes, we'll look you and many other ASV folks up if we are going to be close.

Thanks to everyone else for the great comments. I'll post up some interior pics shortly.

[cd0156]

That's right!

Big block power...

Stainless steel headers...

High-flow stainless steel exhaust...

Cold air intake...

Aftermarket tranny controller...

Better-than-Tramper living accomodations...

...and big blue oval on the grille..

..just had to throw that in there..


Nice RV though!!

[mdmead]

...and big blue oval on the grille..

..just had to throw that in there..

You make that sound like a bad thing....

[mdmead]

Might want to post pics of the inside when you get a chance.

OK, so these aren't very timely. I actually just got around to snapping these pics last week.

The interior features a queen-sized bed in back, a dinette that folds into a double bed, and a king-sized bed over the cab.






A full bath with a shower on one side and toilet and sink on the other seperates the rear bedroom from the forward living quarters.




The kitchen consists of a small double sink, range, a gas/electric refrigerator and a microwave oven.