What is your UDV...Ultimate Dive Vehicle

[OutlawCaver]

What would you consider to be your ultimate diving vehicle for cave diving? I have had a Bronco and a pickup with a cap. I am considering the van route now. Trailers are out since I often pull my Gheenoe behind the truck for a river or pond dive.

Next question: If you were going the van route, what would you buy?

I am considering a panel van with as few windows as possible. Swing doors on the side (no sliders). Probably a Ford, Chevy or Dodge about 5 to 10 years old. Refuse to buy new.

Your thoughts are appreciated.

[BillBowden]

My all time favorite was my Dodge cargo van. Locking rear end let me go most places; plenty of room; reliable as an anvil and over 500 miles range. At 17mpg.

Honda Element works for me now.

[Rich]

I like my converted ambulance, but if I didn't have that I'd definitely go with a van.

If you're on a budget, an older Ford Ranger with a lock top would work well though!

Heard we're doing the deeps next month, I'll see ya then.....

Safe diving,

Rich

[DeWayne]

You could not give me a Ford for anything other than target practice. I have seen a Dodge Sprinter set up as a caving vehicle (dry caving) and they are quite roomy and the owner reported it to be fairly economical as far as fuel goes. I liked the extra hieght the offer, along the same lines as Rich's ambulance. I enjoy the extra room that a van offers.

[Cave Ranger]

How about an old 1950's era Hearse with Mag Rims?
You could keep all your Dive gear and Beer in a Coffin in the back so as to spook any potential thieves......Nah. In this day and age those punks would be attracted to that sort of thing hoping to steal Gold teeth.
Based on some of the recent incidences at Cow I'm changing my mind to a Brinks Armored Car.

The only problem I have with my trailer is parking in some places. For example, at Little River there are no pull-throughs. I have to put the trailer in one space, unhook, and put the truck in another.

Over the last few years I have been bouncing around the idea of a mini-bus. I could black out the windows with limo tint, and do the inside like my trailer, plus sort of like a camper. Here's the type of bus I'm talking about:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1996-...QQcmdZViewItem

[Tegg]

1989 Dodge Ramcharger with the backseat pulled out.

The only thing it's missing is 4x4.

It holds enough gear for 3 divers to do full double stage dives with scooters easily... then again, there is only seating for 2...

Seriously, the only thing this is missing is 4x4, which I have only needed twice.

[Gibby]

How about an old 1980-88 AMC Eagle 4wd.

Drives through anything and hauls enough for two divers.

Please be advised that they are no good for picking up chicks.

[sdenney]

This might be nice

http://www.roadtrek.com/4x4.asp

and it's 4x4.

[BgDadddy]

I'm thinking an H2, but it's a little out of my price range.