We’ve seen a surprising number of van conversions, the kind where they took the front half of a van and paired it with the back half of a truck. They might look a little goofy, but actually seem like a pretty good idea when they are well executed. Well, reader Jerry S recently spotted one, but he isn’t so sure about how it came together. From Jerry – Here is a vehicle that we saw parked out by a house in Keeler, Michigan. Not quite sure what they were going for here or whether they succeeded? So what do you think, was it a success or a failure?
Special thanks to Jerry for sending in his sighting! If you spot something odd, interesting or simply cool, snap some photos and send them to us via email and mail@barnfinds.com. Oh and extra points to the funniest comment!
These were a popular alternative to crew cab pickups for hauling fifth-wheel trailers, back in the day. I think Centurion (makers of the crew-cab/Bronco mashup) made some of these, along with various other van conversion companies.
In the 80’s, crew cab pickups were work trucks, not the luxurious trucks like today. The VanUp was a cushy alternative.
Do they make extra tall toppers? Very funky. Cool find Josh!
Pretty smart: with that camper shell, it’s almost like having a van!
That’s one way to tie down a topper.
Ratchet strap hooked to the fenders.
Lose the camper shell and then add a fifth wheel setup and it would be great for pulling your trailer queen car to weekend events and you could save money by sleeping in the back . Funny I just saw one similar to this one at a local used car dealership but it was all white with no camper shell.
Exactly what they were meant for, Guys. Back in the day, they were called a ‘Tow Lounge’. Roomier than a pickup, and did, in fact, have a fifth wheel. The guys running around the auto auction circuit in the mid-eighties liked them to drag 3 or 4 car trailers.
there was a van conversion company that did Van’s lie this one they were made for pulling 5th wheel trailers
Eggsalad hit the nail on the head. These were specifically designed to haul fifth wheel trailers. They were well-suited for it and provided a good deal luxury for those driving the vehicle especially considering the era they were built during. They were actually a very classy set up at the time.
Look like earlier versions of todays goofy looking pickup trucks or what passes for a truck today.
That would be a fantastic minibike/motorcycle hauler! Very, very cool find, Jerry.
These typically came with the 460 gas motor. If you could find a nice clean truck, modern driveline upgrades might be well worth the effort and expense.
Actually, these were setup for “gooseneck” trailers, not with the cap, of course. The hitch is in the bed. They are a big hit with the “horsey set”. Tandem trailer, 2 horses= gallons per mile.
Looks to me like it was converted to a p/u truck with a sleeper cab.great job.
I always assumed these were converted this way, to put a sleeper on them, for commercial light hauling – delivering 5th wheel campers, that kinda thing. Anything where you’d need to maintain a log book. Put a sleeper on it, and you’re able to manipulate your logs to get more hours on the road.
Yes, this is a Centurian conversion. They lost popularity in the early 90’s when pickups became less utilitarian and started getting nicer interiors as well as 4 door options.
I’m kinda surprised anyone running a obscure vehicle website doesn’t know about them.
These were not commercial vehicles and were touted for being the perfect rig to tow your 5th wheel camper. Crew cabs were not common on the road, so it allowed the entire family a comfortable ride. It offered the creature comforts not normally found on a truck.
A little too unusual looking for my tastes but for every seat there’s a butt.
cummins/allison conversion (MPGs’n power). 460’s a race motor.
I like the one with the 4 doors (i.e. 3 one side 1 tuther). Also do a solid paint scheme. It’s 60% fiberglass.
Of the 2 companies that did these I like Centurion best (models & fewer leaks at metal/glass joint in roof). B4 dying, another co bought them & continued a few yrs. Either bed or bumper haulin wrks.
Bein around near 40 yrs so has hada lot a owners (hacked up improper-like ya know) so ck’em close on purchase (esp wiring). I like’em fora few reasons, fora few things.