The aftermarket is incredibly diverse and vast. There’s no shortage to the number of companies that specialize in executing one vision or another that the factory didn’t see as being a worthwhile use of time. One avenue many owners go down in this regard is converting vehicles to four-wheel drive that were never offered as anything more than 2WD from the manufacturer, ultimately creating a beastly machine that can go off-road and carry a contractor-grade payload inside. This 1994 Chevrolet G20 van listed here on craigslist is a supposed 4WD conversion of an unknown variety and also sports a proper camping-grade interior as well.
There’s some confusion with this truck’s true identity, undoubtedly made more difficult by the seller’s limited description. It’s referred to as a “RoadTrek” conversion, which is indeed a company that often takes these vans and gives them a variety of creature comforts. From what I can tell, that would be the entity that upgraded in the interior to make this G20 into a miniature RV. The four-wheel drive swap with its lifted suspension and requisite mechanical upgrades, however, seemingly came from a different vendor, and I would make the assumption that a company like Quigley provided the road map for that phase of the van’s conversion.
However, there are plenty of DIY kits as well as smaller vendors that still provide either full-on fabrication or the instructions for making your own 4WD G20 at home. One company I see an awful lot of is The Swim Shop, which looks like a good place to waste some time. I have no idea if these guys are even still in business, but they claim to provide all the components necessary to convert your truck at home – perhaps that’s what the seller of this G20 did? Regardless, the interior presents as good – not great – and would clearly need some love if you wanted to spend a significant amount of time inside.
That’s always the risk with buying an old camper: has it been looked after, and how much care did the previous inhabitants take in not ruining the living quarters? I see a proper cook top and a sink, along with two fairly rough-looking mattresses and a floor that has seen better days. Frankly, I’d buy this G20 for the 4WD conversion and count on having to gut the rest of it at some point, as that would seemingly make it a truck worth spending time in. If any of you are experts in Chevy or GMC trucks of this era and the ways in which they can be modified for overland use, please weigh in how you think this 1994 G20 came into existence. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Mitchell G. for the find.
One advantage off road in a van would be the view of the terrain from the drivers seat 👍
I’ve often wondered why, if we are creating a vehicle for a nomadic lifestyle, we try so hard to mimic a domesticated environment in them? Nomads break down their camp – it’s designed to be bundled away when on the move, seems to me the interior of a nomadic vehicle should reflect that. The ability to easily re-form the small interior space into any needed space, makes sense to me.
The 4WD conversion on this one would sure come in handy, although I would have concerns if it is something that necessitates a special, custom-made component. I also have to believe that its heft & girth are great enough, that I would probably find a place to park it, for months at a time.
It seems, in theory, like a pretty good way to get into mobile lifestyle. The machine should technically fit into any parking stall that its height affords. I’d probably gut the interior and start over. Would want to be able to disengage the 4WD to freewheel, if/when it fails. Price feels steep, beyond haggling. You’d have to really want the 4×4 upgrade.
The value in this van is it being a 3/4 ton 4×4. And that being said there is no info or pictures of the drivetrain. Diamond in the rough? Hard to say.
Where is the transfer case selector?
Photo #8 appears to show a transfer case lever and knob, with a boot that seems askew and not attached to the floor. At least the truck seems to have a level attitude, not nose-high like some conversions I’ve seen.
I don’t believe it’s a Roadtrek, it doesn’t have the three windows across the roof aft of the front seat which was a Roadtrek trademark of that era.
I studied a 4×4 conversion I saw in Everett Washington years back. Done the way that fellow had done it made it look pretty simple for a mechanic that was experienced and a welder.