Meet the fourth member of our Adventure Crew: Vandalf the Beige!
Below, you'll find a broad collection of details about the van - How we got it, and how Mike converted it from minivan to badass 4x4 overlander. We hope these stories will helpful to other budding #Vanlife and DIY and campervan builders.
Vandalf the Beige - 2003 Chevrolet Astro Van AWD
- Acquisition
- GTRV Pop-Top Transplant
- 4" Overland Vans Lift
- Revised Rear Spring Setup
- Current Tire: Yokohama Geolandar P245/70-16 (30")
- AWD to 4WD Conversion via NP233 transfer case
- Interior Camper Conversion
- Swivel Base for Passenger Seat
- Folding Rear Bed/Bench seat
- 100AH AGM House Battery with self-jump and alternator charging
- 12 gallon On-board water supply
- Custom Cabinetry with
- TF49 Truckfridge Refrigerator/Freezer
- Dometic 976-series Portable Toilet
- Fold-Away portable table
- LED Conversion for Dome Lamps
- Custom Under-bed Luggage
- Tablet Navigation and HAM Radio systems
- Rear-door mounted Gasoline, Propane, and Trash carrier
- Roof-top Solar, in locking removable rack
- On Board Air Compressor
- Quarter-Window Utility Rack
The Story
Mike started the "Astrolander" (Astro-Overlander) project in 2009, just after Annika was born.
Given that Kimberley hadn't done much camping, and that we'd be travelling with a toddler, comfort and convenience were a primary concern. The Chevrolet Astro was chosen as a happy "middle ground" between the iconic but aging Volkswagen Westfalia Bus and Vanagon, and the large and expensive Sportsmobiles and similar modern adventure vans.
Done almost entirely as a DIY "Home Build", Vandalf was the ultimate budget solution and brought us much joy!
After acquiring our new rig in February 2022, Vandalf was sold to a young family who appreciated the Astro Van platform and continue to use him on more adventures!