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If you are taking a long trip or are simply going out for a nighttime excursion, chances are that you will eventually be stuck in the rain. Driving in the rain can be incredibly hazardous simply because the rain provides slippery conditions on pavement. In general, more car accidents occur during the rain than days when it is nicer outside. Also, areas that get hit with colder weather have a tendency to deal with freezing rain, which can be even worse when it comes to driving. Driving safely in the rain is so important for both you and your loved ones who happen to be a Conversion Van with you.
Slow Down, Use Lights and Wipers
When it begins to rain out, it is important for you to immediately drop your speed. While you shouldn’t drop it low enough as to cause a traffic jam behind you, you also should not be speeding and even going the speed limit can be dangerous for you and your passengers. Drop your speed so that you are comfortable driving on the road. Always put your headlights and wipers on during a rainstorm so that you can clearly see in front of you at all times. Pay attention to vehicles in front of you, behind you and even on the side of you.
Pull Over When Needed
A light rainstorm is relatively easy to drive through, however, there are going to come times when a light rainstorm turns into a heavy one that pounds your conversion van with forceful drops. If it is raining so heavily outside that you cannot see well in front of you, you should find the nearest rest stop to pull over. You should never drive your vehicle in a storm that hinders you from seeing everything around you clearly. Many accidents are caused in these types of rainstorms, so it is best to simply pull your vehicle over whenever it is most convenient.
Stay Steady and Avoid Quick Turns
One of the most important things to remember about driving in the rain is to avoid any quick turns or movements. If you turn a corner very quickly and the pavement under the vehicle is wet, you risk the chance of hydroplaning the van and this could cause an accident. Try to avoid switching lanes too quickly and always turn corners slowly when it is raining out. Rain can cause pavement to become incredibly slippery and this can be dangerous for you while you are driving the van. By taking your time and always being safe behind the wheel, even driving in the rain will be easy for you to do no matter where you happen to be going.
Conversion vans offer something that other vehicles do not. The conversion allows the owner to use the vehicle as a passenger or cargo van during the week, and a recreational vehicle on the weekends. Many have seats that fold down into beds in the back, are equipped with entertainment centers and have better insulation than other vehicles. This allows travel and camping all year long. There are ways to get the most out of your conversion van and help the environment at the same time.
1. Maintain The Entire Vehicle
Electrical systems, brakes, transmission and the engine should receive regular maintenance. This ensures that everything is in peak working condition. Maintained engines use less fuel than poorly maintained ones; this goes for both gasoline and diesel models. It also reduces the possibility of a breakdown on the road. Ensure the tires are properly inflated; this is one of the most common causes of reduced gas mileage and blowouts.
2. Develop Good Driving Habits (more…)
The definition of a conversion van is a cargo van that has been outfitted with various luxuries, and these types of vehicles were extremely popular in the 1970’s and 1980’s, and many believe their history began then. However, there is some evidence that even the horse-drawn caravans that carried settlers to the western sections of the country were early forms of the conversion van.
The History of the Conversion Van
In the early days of the west, settlers often rode in horse-drawn carriages, usually in groups, when they left eastern areas of the country to seek fortune in the untamed west. These horse-drawn caravans included large wagons with a covered interior that served as both housing and a method for transporting cargo, much like today’s conversion vans. The wagons often contained benches that doubled as beds, storage cabinets, utensils for cooking, and even tables used by settlers during poor weather. When the household items were removed, either when the settlers camped or reached their destination, the covers could be removed and the wagons used to haul cargo.
Volkswagen Bus
Although horse drawn carriages may bear some resemblance to the conversion vans of today, the first true conversion van was probably the Volkswagen Bus, which became a symbol of the American counter culture. The VW Bus was less expensive than other vehicles, easier on gas, and relatively easy to maintain due to the accessability of the engine from the inside of the vehicle. Often connected to the “hippie” culture of the 1960’s as it was favored by nomadic types who preferred the open road to mainstream America, many owners turned the vehicles into roaming houses, complete with beds, refrigerators and storage cabinets.
Chevy Van
In 1961, Chevrolet introduced a van designed as a commercial vehicle with no windows in the side of the vehicle, although windows were added to later models. The vans were completely empty, with no seating or amenities in the rear of the vehicle, until, in the 1970’s, when owners began to use the empty but spacious cargo area to create unique living spaces. Initially, the conversions were do-it-yourself creations with owners adding household carpet or wood paneling on the inside. Some even cut windows in the van panels, often removing structural supports, making creating an unsafe vehicle in accidents. In the 1980’s, companies began manufacturing conversion vans that included high roofs, and luxury interiors that included everything from thickly padded seats to fiber-optic lighting. The federal government, during that decade, also instituted regulations designed to increase safety in the industry.
The birth of the minivan in the 1990’s reduced the popularity of the conversion van, although amenities found in early conversion vans led to many of the options found in vehicles today, including cup holders, portable televisions, sun roofs and elaborate stereo systems.
The step from a smaller passenger car to a conversion van is already a big step for any driver. A bigger vehicle means more opportunities for van owners. Whereas the aftermarket for passenger cars is focused more on performance, conversion vans can be customized for comfort, luxury, or specific need. There are many options for owners looking to personalize their vehicles:
One of the easiest ways to make a van more comfortable is to swap out the stock seating for an upgraded layout or design. Custom van layouts include seating oriented along the walls or rear instead of the standard forward-facing seats. Additionally, owners can choose from bench-style seating or bucket seats that recline or swivel all the way around. One popular configurations include seating along the walls of the van with two rotating seats in front, creating a “living room” space for its occupants. Other options include leather and plush fabric-covered seats, in-seat cup holders, and seats that convert into sleeping spaces for long trips.
Electronics
In the last several years, the most popular van modification has been the addition of one or more television screens. A quick and easy entertainment solution, the TV/DVD player combination is popular among passengers young and old. More recently, these entertainment systems have been expanded with Blu-ray players, video game systems, surround sound systems, and even satellite receivers that allow the viewing of live television while on the road.
Lighting has long been an easy and popular van modification. Modern light options include dimmers for selected areas, lights that can change colors, and LEDs that last longer and are more energy-efficient. Lights can be installed in conventional fixtures, high-intensity panels, or LED strips that run the length of the vehicle.
The rise in popularity of small electronics necessitates the addition of electrical outlets to a customized van. At some point, everyone will need to recharge a dead cell phone, tablet, or laptop on the road and the addition of a 110 volt outlet allows passengers on longer trips to top off their various electronics and keep working on the move.
Those with larger vans, budgets, or aspirations may also consider adding dining capabilities, which may include a refrigerator, cupboards for snack storage, and fold-out tables. Cooking devices like pizza ovens, microwaves, or toasters may be technically feasible but not recommended due to potential heat or fire hazards. Those who want to be able to prepare full meals in their vehicles are encouraged to go all the way and purchase an RV.
For The Road
Luggage racks on top of the van can free up storage space in the main body of the vehicle, allowing its occupants more room. Additionally, space can be set aside under or around custom seating arrangements for luggage and equipment storage to keep it away from the main occupation area.
A staple of coach buses and RVs, in-vehicle bathrooms are beginning to gain traction in conversion vans. Given the right setup, a large enough vehicle, and the appropriate use case, a bathroom or toilet can be useful in a van for long-distance trips. To reduce stops for gas and wasted time, vans can be fitted with extended or additional gas tanks which extend vehicle range.
A nearly infinite combination of conversion van modification options exists, and each fulfills a certain need for van owners. The first step in identifying which modifications to install is determining the needs and desires of the people that will use it. A customized van can help relieve the inconveniences of travel and provide a comfortable, enjoyable trip in which the vehicle itself becomes an integral part of the trip experience.
While there are plenty of foods that you should bring along with you on a road trip, there are also plenty of foods that should be avoided. Foods that will stink up a small space or that are especially messy should be crossed off of the list immediately. Here are 20 of the worst foods you could ever pack for you and your children if you are going to be confined in a conversion van for travel.
1. Rice Cakes
It might be tempting to pack those filling, healthy and tasty rice cakes. What you might not realize until it is too late is that rice cakes come with a lingering odor that will stink up the cabin.
2. Popcorn
Popcorn, even when it is already popped, should be avoided for several reasons. It is oily and can stain your leather seats permanently. In most bags, there are kernels that do not pop. These kernels often end up littering your floorboards and your seats, especially when you have little ones.
3. Broccoli
If you are on a health kick, you might want to pair your string cheese with some broccoli. While you are optimistic when you are leaving for the trip, there is a good chance the broccoli will get wasted and will become more of a weapon for your children to use in a food fight.
4. Soup in a Thermos
If you are traveling in the cold season, you might want to pack soup in a warming thermos. Sure, it will warm your tummy, but you have to pour the soup in a cup and you risk the chance of spilling it all over the inside of the conversion van and could even ruin the custom entertainment system.
5. Deviled Eggs
This may be the perfect dish to bring to a party, it is not a great dish to enjoy in a car where you have nowhere to escape when the gas hits.
6. Bubble Gum
You might need some quite, but letting yoru kids chew bubble gum is not the solution. Just think of how difficult getting the gum out of your seats will be after the fun is over.
7. Milk Duds
If you plan on bringing candy for the kids, avoid milk duds or anything small and chocolate-covered. The candy pieces can easily fall in-between the seats and melt.
8. Peanuts in the Shell
If you bring any type of nuts, make sure they are not shelled. The shells get everywhere and they may also become choking hazards.
9. Grape Juice
You’ll need drinks to wash down the snacks but avoid dark colored juices like grape juice. This will cause a stain that is virtually impossible to remove.
10. Applesauce
If the snack is partially a sold and partially a liquid, you must eat it with a spoon. These foods will definitely cause a mess, especially in a moving conversion van.
11. Sandwiches
If you like condiments, you should avoid sandwiches unless you are eating on a bench outside of your car. Mayo, mustard, relish, and all of these yummy condiments will end up smeared on your windows, on the seats, the Xbox controller and possibly on yourself.
12. Carbonated Drinks
Carbonated drinks will lead to more bathroom stops and more time on the road to get to your destination.
13. Big Cheeseburgers
You do not want something too filling on the road. Big cheeseburgers, while they may be delicious, should be avoided.
14. Garlic Bagel Chips
Really anything with garlic should be avoided. Not only will it smell up the van, it will also make your breath stinky.
15. Burritos
Burritos might be a handheld food, but they are not a food designed to be eaten in a moving conversion van. Expect a stomachache, a mess, and frequent stops.
16. Energy Drinks
They may keep you up temporarily, but energy drinks lead to bathroom breaks and also anxiety on the road.
17. Skittles
Skittles, like chocolate, melt. They are bright in color and the brightness will make a hideous design on your leather seats if they are spilled.
18. Salads
Salads are messy and the lettuce will wilt, even if you bring a cooler.
19. Vienna Sausages
This finger food has a terrible odor and the odor is released as soon as the can is opened.
20. Chinese Food
If the food was designed to be eaten with chopsticks, just keep it out of the car as a rule of thumb.
if you avoid these foods and you choose drinks and snacks that are low in sugar content, you can keep your stomach satisfied while you and your family travel your new conversion van.
These days, the service industry is oriented toward luxury. While it is certainly easy to imagine how luxury is defined in some ways, there are angles you might not have thought of right away. To get started in the luxury driving business, all it takes is a good driving record, a cheerful and helpful attitude, and a conversion van.
Bailing out weddings
Beyond a shadow of the doubt, one of the biggest problems that limousine companies have is running out of transportation options before the big day. It only takes a couple of vehicles breaking down for everything to start unraveling. In addition to utilizing your conversion van for a long list of potential customers, keep in mind that you can be the perfect backup plan for a business that is similar to the services you offer.
Furthermore, scheduling weddings is also helpful to you as a conversion van owner/operator. Since most of your business will happen at night or weekdays, weddings offer you a nice weekend business perk during the afternoons.
Teen formal events need drivers
Even though they cannot drive, teenagers are in constant need of transportation. Of course, they tend to travel in groups and this means that having the option of 8 passengers plus a driver is perfect for them. In addition to the homecoming and prom, there are also special religious events such as Bar Mitzvahs or Bat Mitzvahs. Some Latin Americans also have a special teen event called a Quinceanera.
Each of these special days required that children behave like adults and wear beautiful formal clothing. Without a doubt, they will think that your conversion van with factory installed and customized details is the coolest thing on the planet. For this reason, their parents will continue to hire you because you make things fun for their kids and provide them with a safe driver.
Partying on the weekends and preventing drunk driving
When couples have children, they often follow out of circulation with their friends. Regardless, when kids are old enough to have a baby sitter, they will team up with old chums and go out for a spectacular night on the town. This could include a sports game, an expensive dinner, and dancing.
They are willing to pay top dollar and the only thing they do not want to worry about is how much they are drinking, where to park, and who will drive. In these cases, your conversion van easily bounces around the city and drops them off at the front door without needing special parking like a limousine. It is comfortable for four couples without drawing attention like a mini-bus and is an easy sell as the perfect solution for a group date night.
Transport for special luxury events
Finally, if you like to travel, keep in mind that there are a wealth of opportunity’s associated with special annual events. Good examples are the Kentucky Derby, the Super Bowl, and the Stanley Cup. There is also the upcoming ultra-riche 2013 America’s Cup Yacht Race in San Francisco.
All of these events need help moving around celebrities, the press, and other organizing groups. Your relaxing adjustable factory installed conversion van seats will easily lure them into hiring your services (at top dollar) for the entire event.
Is a conversion van your new career?
If you still have questions concerning the value of a passenger conversion van as part of your new business investment, take a look online to see how this has been a single-handed success for many. For any other questions, be sure to call Southern Comfort Conversion Vans for a complete run down of expectations. Before long, you will be behind the wheel and saying good-bye to wearing someone else’s uniform forever.
If you are a conversion van fan and especially like the new Rocky Ridge Conversion Van then this is the time to buy at Dave Arbogast Van Depot. At this time, we are clearing out the 2011 Rocky Ridge Vans for the lowest possible prices around to make the room for the 2012 models so this is the time to get a great deal on a 2011 conversion van.
We are the nation’s largest dealer of conversions vans both new and used. Our friendly staff can help you with any questions that you may have about our vans and the huge selection that we offer in conversion vans. Our staff of experts can help you locate the right van for the needs of your family. No matter what size van you may need from a seven passenger van all the way up to a fifteen passenger or a mobility van we have what you need.
Arbogast Van Depot is conveniently located in the city of Troy, Ohio. It does not matter if you live close by because we have delivery of any van that your choose no matter where you live whether it be all across the United States or Canada we will deliver it right to your home. We are fifteen minutes from the Dayton, Ohio International Airport and can provide accommodations for travel if you would like to come and pick up your new van in person.
You can easily go online to access our entire inventory of new and used conversion vans anytime day or night at www.gmcconversionvans.com. We are stocked with many 2011 Rock Ridge Vans at great prices. Once you decide on the van that meets your needs all you need to do is fill out the online finance application right from your home computer. It will be sent electronically for a fast decision.
For any other questions or information that you will need please contact our friendly staff for the answers. We want to help you with anything that you need when purchasing your new conversion van. You can call one of our team members at (866) 975-3287. We can help you get the conversion van of your dreams and quickly get you behind the wheel of a brand new van.
My friend is looking to buy another vehicle. He really doesn’t have a choice—his current ride breaks down about three times a week!
I have been talking to him about getting a conversion van, but he is being a little bull-headed. Ok, he is being downright obstinate. He says he doesn’t need a van, he doesn’t haul stuff, what does he need a van for?
Well, he has a family…so even though he doesn’t “haul stuff”, he hauls people, which is more important. I explained to the knucklehead that conversion vans are the ultimate in luxury, comfort, entertainment and personalization. His van can be tailored to his exact needs and wants, and conversions are better equipped than any SUV. He stared at me with open mouth amazement!
I told him that conversion vans are one of the most versatile vehicles on the road, offering spacious interiors, luxurious amenities and road going comfort. Van Conversions combine the convenience of RV’s with much better mileage, smoother handling, and much easier parking. Why wouldn’t he want to buy a conversion van?
My friend was speechless, either from the information I had just given him, or maybe he was amazed that I knew all that stuff, I’m not sure which. Anyway, next thing I knew, he was asking “Where, where should I go to see a conversion van?”
That’s the easiest question of all. Dave Arbogast in Troy Ohio has a great selection low top conversion vans, high top conversion vans and mobility vans. Better yet, the entire inventory is online, even better, our van professionals are friendly and knowledgeable, and best of all they can deliver your van to your driveway anywhere in North America. How cool is that?
Conversion Vans, Dave Arbogast and you—a combination that’s hard to beat! Call our van experts today at 1-866-975-3257!
The sky is the limit when you are customizing your own personal van. Each Conversion Van can be tailored to your exact needs and every want. With such spacious interiors, luxurious amenities and road-going comfort, there is little question that conversion vans could be called the best value on the road today.
Van Conversions provide the very best way to travel across the country. There size and gas mileage allow you to go anywhere at any time. Your children will love the rear entertainment options including a large flat screen TV with DVD. Trips to Florida will be a breeze with the comfort of a reclining rear sofa and finely appointed leather interior.
Dave Arbogast is the #1 van dealer in the country. We have a huge selection of new and used conversion vans for sale. For more information on starting your adventure in a conversion van, call 1-866-975-3287. One of our van experts will help you decide which van best fits your needs.
Conversion vans are comfortable and easy for anyone to drive. They are customizable to your specific needs and desires. If you’re considering an SUV consider this, a conversion van gets better gas mileage than the average SUV and provide more cargo space and seating. Custom vans are the ultimate in luxury and style.
Keep the kids happy with entertainment options including a large flat screen TV with a DVD player, wireless headphones, rear stereo, and gaming capabilities. Your rear passengers will love the ability to stretch out with ample amounts of room and luxurious seating.
Conversion Vans are safe and versatile, whether your running to the grocery or driving cross country. Take a moment and learn more about Dave Arbogast Van Depot’s large selection of new and used conversion vans or simply call 1-866-975-3287.