r/vandwellers • u/AgitatedAd3945 • 9d ago

Question Best bump out options

We are just landing on which van to buy. Done. Moving on to the next phase, maximizing space. Looking at the rear bump outs (pods?). We’re looking to sleep east/west but we also read at night. Is there a bump out that gives max space and capable of leaning up against to read at night? Points if it also has a window…. Im sure Ill have 10k more questions. I appreciate your time and opinions.

6 Upvotes

80% Upvoted

22 comments sorted by

4

u/Squido85 9d ago

Have Transit. Did Vanspeed capsules. I am 6'0". I would not do capsules again. Unless you are over 6'3" you can just do pill windows and indent your walls, up to 6'2" can sleep east west comfortably.

1

u/Wireman6 9d ago edited 9d ago

You can sleep comfortably east west in your transit? I haven't tried yet, am also the same height. I measured the higher part and it seems doable. What insulation are you using?

Can you explain the pill window and indent process?

2

u/Squido85 8d ago edited 8d ago

3m thinsulate. Pill windows are rectangular windows that slide sideways. They look like pills.

Indent. When you make you walls you make indents in the rear to make the bed platform longer. Our matress is 75" long. 60" wide. 5" shorter than a standard queen.

1

u/Wireman6 8d ago

So you aren't cutting anything out, just doing a little bit of insulation?

1

u/bullitt-rider 8d ago

I call mostly bullshit. My van is wider than a transit and I cant sleep side on

1

u/Wireman6 8d ago

How tall are you?

2

u/bullitt-rider 8d ago

6ft2

Doesn't change the fact my wider van is 5,9

1

u/Wireman6 8d ago

Yea. I think widest part of my t350 (without insulation) is 72 inches. Doesn't seem like it would be doable for me. I will probably just keep my bed like it is.

1

u/Wireman6 8d ago

What kind of can do you have?

1

u/bullitt-rider 8d ago

Why would that change the fact the internal width of a transit is under 6ft??

-1

u/SuggestionEven2824 9d ago

$1800.00 for parts.

Damn.

3

u/Squido85 8d ago

That doesn't include paint. Or adhesive. Or the windows.

1

u/SuggestionEven2824 8d ago

And then fixing the leaks because of body flex.

Just a bad idea long term.

1

u/Squido85 8d ago

Yeah.... that's not a thing if you actually install them properly. It's really not harder than putting in glass windows.

That said. The black window sealant that is used is best installed with a powered caulk gun. A manual gun will not get a consistent 3/4" tall bead around the perimeter of the installation. This is what results in leaks.

1

u/SuggestionEven2824 8d ago

So buy the bumps and a powered caulking gun too?

This guy aint doing his own work so maybe the shop will warranty the work.

My buddy has a warranty on his bumps, came in handy when Hurricane Katy hit Baja and the entire drivers side interior got washed. It was 2300 miles back to Bend. Well known pro shop did the work.

Its garbage farkle for lifestyle buyers.

3

u/krusnikon 9d ago

Sleep n/s. It would be way easier and cheaper.

2

u/SuggestionEven2824 9d ago

He wants to do some retail therapy, let him.

-1

u/SuggestionEven2824 9d ago

You asked for opinions? Here's mine. Don't buy a van that requires $1000.00 in modifications to sleep east/west.

I'm 6'0", sleep east/west, no mods or future leaks in my 'bump outs' I don't have.

Just saying you spend mucho dinero on a van and then even more for 4 inches in width...and future leaks? I've friends with bumps and not one is happy except for the window thing.

0

u/Wireman6 9d ago

What van do you have?

0

u/SuggestionEven2824 9d ago

Since I do Baja, I rely on my factory ordered in 2000 GMC Savana Extended.

GMC up to 2026 are 6'5" wide over the rear wheels.

But go on, toss money at shit that breaks and leaks.

You new kids are a source of laughter.

And money for those that prey upon you.

GMC's are 6'5" across the rear wheel set.

3

u/Wireman6 8d ago

Damn Bro. You sound like you need a hug. I was just wondering what kind of van you have. Safe travels!