This 1987 Dodge Camper Van Is an Amazing 1980s RV Relic

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Dodge camper van review! Today I'm reviewing an old-school relic -- a 1980s Dodge camper van with a bathroom and a kitchen! I'll show you around this van and show you all of its quirks and features, and then I'll get it on the road and drive it and show you what it's like behind the wheel of this cool 1987 Dodge B250 camper van.
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DOUGSCORE CHART:
www.dougdemuro.com/dougscore

[@TechnologyConnections]

Truly an excellent assortment of brown.

[@destroyerkael9706]

Yes it is very 80s

[@snazzy]

Ah, yes. Orange-with context!

[@cho4d]

A symphony of dark orange.

[@umangmalik]

Dark orange!

[@nicholasw.3488]

It's Sunburst Orange

[@KIMG69]

fun factor of 1? this is literally some of the most fun you can have with a vehicle! you cant poop in a Carrera GT... well I mean you can but

[@hassanbeydoun2460]

You _can_ poop in a Carrera GT but chances are if you poop in sports cars, you were scared shitless from the sheer power of the car or loss of stability on the road😂

[@leonvalentine3748]

Value goes down. Gotta explain things to the detailer... Just not a wise decision

[@jb-uw2vt]

I'm here for this comment. Yeah, WHAT??? 1??? FUN FACTOR??? Doug Come on man. Slow down Concentrate This vehicle was designed, built and used for nothing but fun.

[@fernandogil65]

That would be the most expensive poop of your life… But I agree!! I can see myself pooping happily while stuck on traffic 🤙🏾

[@dougwollard741]

Odd guy

[@PapaSeanX5]

The level of detail in retro anything is always absolutely amazing. Also, we need to bring back browns. I'm incredibly exhausted by the amount of gray's and whites that have taken over literally everything since the early 2000's

[@energeticyellow1637]

I agree. Whites, blacks, and grays look very sterile while brown looks warm, homey and inviting.

[@CT_Taylor]

@@energeticyellow1637 I dont like browns but i miss diverse colors and popping design. That kinda thing is increasing in culture like clothing and things we buy in the household, whereas colors used to be poppin in old cars with your drab mundane houses(But they were poppin if you go to the 70s and earlier, think lime green toilets and pink wallpaper in bathrooms LOL

[@willmetz1490]

I really dislike the modern colors browns are my favorite colors

[@CoasterMan13Official]

Not too much brown though. Makes everything look like it was sculpted from dried up diarrhea if it's used too much.

[@martinhiller7400]

I've been to european campervan rally recently and I must admit, with all the variety of modern sterile-white gray highlights campers it provided, what really caught my eye was a retro chevy camper of a similar beige color as the video with brown highlights. Bring back at least a little bit of color!

[@BflyBricks]

1/10 for styling!!! You're crazy, it's a 10/10 for me. This is the pinnacle of 80's styling and the nostalgia factor is 11/10, it's gorgeous. Loved this video Doug, one of the best, what an incredible vehicle 😊

[@invisiblemaninvisibleman2097]

I find he underscores most vehicles…but harsh..

[@muppetpaster]

The scoring by Doug is always a mystery to me...He tends to score comfort, speed and power and so on with today on his mind.... Which is (to me) totally unfair....

[@shep1634]

Honestly, hes a major dork and he knows nothing. Total smokeshow

[@lordofthestings]

I love the styling. I would love to have that thing.

[@adamthompson4072]

"Not exactly made for fun." Not with that attitude Doug

[@KevinRaubRocks]

did you notice an attitude? im 10 minutes in. seems like hes having a hoot LOL

[@diplomatofthesosbrigade931]

Never underestimate a teenager with a handbrake

[@Thisislameletmein]

Agree. Not going to have a lot of three ways in a 2 seat roadster.

[@jwalster9412]

@@diplomatofthesosbrigade931 "omg it can drift."

[@The_sinner_Jim_Whitney]

I’ve had some pretty thoroughly fun evenings in my and others’ camper/conversion vans. Not driving, of course…

[@cs188]

"It's a brown explosion in here" That's what happens when you have a toilet in your van.

[@phantasmagoric3934]

Oooo verified youtoozer

[@roddydykes7053]

I think you have a 4th Doug poop on your hands

[@backyardengineering816]

YTP material ? ??

[@dootanimations1687]

...especially after some Taco Bell

[@cs188]

@@roddydykes7053 [YTP] Doug DeMuro's Defecation Disaster ...actually I think I'll pass this time

[@missycitty9478]

This is friggin Awesome!! I wish I owned this Van. Truly!!! Brings back SO many memories for me as I am an 80's child/teenager!!!! This absolutely IS all about fun!! That's where it takes you!

[@FflawedMetalhead]

I truly love vehicles from the 80s, because there was such a dramatic change in what was possible - So you get to see all the little creative ideas auto-makers had.

[@zachpow]

Hey guys! Love seeing my van in a Doug Demuro video! I wanted to address a few questions I've seen in the comments. - The water in the sink is pink because of the antifreeze I put in the tank. It's special antifreeze used for winterizing tanks in cold climates- mainly so pipes don't get damaged. It's not recommended, but it's actually safe to drink as it's non-toxic! - The extended back was actually a factory option from Dodge. Roadtrek (a Canada based company) was the company that converted it into an awesome camper. They're iconic for their well laid-out interior design, quality, and aerodynamic roofing. The three little windows on top are a classic Roadtrek design! - The front two seats actually turn a full 180 degrees, and two more beds can be made out of the driver and passenger side of the van. Although luggage can be a little tightly packed, I can comfortably sleep four! - I purchased my van from a very nice couple in a small town in South Dakota. They kept it garaged for just about all its life, hence the lack of rust and cleanliness of the interior/exterior. - If you look closely, there's an identical van in the background of some shots. That van is actually my dads. I purchased my van summer of last year, and my dad found a similar one a few months later (also from a small South Dakota town!) There's a shot of the bed set up in the back- that shot was taken from my dads van. - Everything actually works! The power, AC, microwave, water systems, stove, furnace. It's awesome! - Engine runs like a champ at 94k miles. It's the small block Mopar 318. Driving home from South Dakota, I was getting about 16-17 MPG. - Some cool places/camping its been: Rapid City SD, Casper WY, Yellowstone WY, Grand Teton WY, Zion Nat. Park UT, Grand Canyon AZ, Reno NV. Frequent camping spots now include Palomar Mountain, Ocotillo Wells, Joshua Tree.

[@chriseagle6501]

Should have told Doug all these things before he gave misinformation.

[@elizabetholiviaclark]

I give it 100 out of 100 on my own scoring chart, and I'd love to have it. A van like this would be perfect for me.

[@Bender13]

As I remember a neighbour of mine had one of these and he didn’t have a bathroom. He thought it was silly and took up valuable space. He told me that when he camps he always makes sure he’s close to the washrooms where he can comfortably shower and shave……I guess off the grid was not a thing then. I wonder where that van is today?

[@Ervinabrahamian]

Wait, it's safe to drink antifreeze? That just doesn't sound right 😕

[@5Ci0N]

Lol nice try troll. You can check the link, this is MY van. Doug was super cool and he'll back me up

[@AGlimpseInside]

Wow finally. Saw this on Instagram feels like six months ago. Shows you just how many videos this guy has in the tank

[@oliverg6643]

Doug has an arsenal of videos

[@AGlimpseInside]

@@oliverg6643 Agreed

[@paufp7088]

Doug is the type of guy to have more videos pending to upload than uploaded.

[@mr.h1059]

Doug's tank is always full !

[@brbryyyyy94]

it was uploaded in december, so almost 7 months ago

[@dumac6557]

Like the way the RV is built and the toilet solution is really great with having the options to get some space and still be secluded. Not a bad way to handle that, the kitchen is small but you got all utility you need. This RV seems really great to have then you are exploring the country side and it still holds up well for modern camping.

[@h8GW]

6:23 "I wish my vehicle had a table when I was a kid growing up." Happy Mother's Day 2022, Doug!

[@patrykK1028]

Jesse, we need to find the quirks and features

[@RobertHarr1son]

Mr Withe, we don't have Quirkinator 3000 XDDDDDDZZS!!

[@rogerio1234rogerio]

1986 Fleetwood Bounder. That's the Breaking Bad RV Doug should review next!

[@c.k.2]

USB and WiFi?

[@bonzobonanza]

LMFAOOOO

[@bigsleez8655]

Mr.Wite i require the méthé

[@planetpeterson2824]

“Practicality is okay, I took a dump in the toilet and clogged it horribly so it gets a 3 out of 10”

[@JL-sm6cg]

Mfer, you win the internet today!

[@Elmas_Chingon]

I read it in his voice 🤣😂💀

[@aj9777]

@@Elmas_Chingon Same lmao with the pitch and everything

[@jwalster9412]

"as you can see everything is brown!"

[@hustonhall2271]

"Practicality

[@Smokeysmom1]

We had a 1979 Dodge van (a commuter van in its former life). We took out the two middle rows, put in a mattress, drove it from CA up the coast, across Canada into New England and back across the US. It rode like a Grey Hound bus. So comfortable. When we got home, I would have done laundry, cleaned it up, and started off again. What a great van.:I miss it.

[@brianwatson3011]

As a gen Xer I truly appreciate this nostalgic machine! The gladiator packages were nice as well as the mini wini's. Love my 70s 80s 90s nostalgic rv & enduro & 3 wheelers!!!

[@mikedeanb]

"This van was not made for fun" This van was TOTALLY made for fun!

[@Bonzi_Buddy]

Doug had some time with a street walker in this van. It was fun...until he got the gift that keeps on giving from her. Well, at least he is pretty sure it was a her.

[@junkstewy6990]

@@Bonzi_Buddy beautiful comment

[@DNHarris]

IKR? I'm like Doug, look at the holistic experience! This should have basically owned the weekend category to date. Only a late-model RV (5th wheel, travel trailer, pop-up, motorhome, or coach) would have eclipsed it!

[@MattBlank0]

Not driving fun maybe, but I can't believe he gave it a 1. Try camping Doug!

[@kipbrown1549]

@@yungboicontigo9278 FO loser ////////////////////////////////////

[@walljedi]

"You can wash...food, and it has a stove you can...boil water." Does Doug even know what to do in a kitchen?

[@shanewalsh5877]

Guess he has a wife.

[@kaitlyn__L]

Hey, boiling water makes coffee, and you can boil an egg, and do pasta. What more do you need? lol

[@walkingTANK]

Not yet, he's still exploring all its quirks and features.

[@JeffCKeane]

Doubtful. My bet is he's never camped in any...ANY CAMPER. A KID [ YOUNGER THAN 10 Y/O ] COULD GIVE YOU a MORE RELIABLE and accurate assesment!!... He's a spoiled yuppy! What kind of ass-essment do you think you were going to get for free? A fair & accurate assessment?...from someone like HIM?...

[@hanfi-music3589]

The same with lights. "It even has a light!" His excitement for the tiniest things while he seems to burst into laughter any second makes this whole video quite annoying...

[@___P___H___T___M___]

My college buddies and I used to take one of these on winter road trips through the Rockies every year. Weed and Psychedelics definitely hit different back then. Especially on clear nights where you could see the bright winter moon through the skylights without the snow piling up and blocking the view. Times really were simpler back then.

[@vincentmusic09]

Jesse, we should let Doug DeMuro review the RV

[@JJC991]

HAL, WE'RE NOT TAKING THE BOYS ON ANOTHER CAMPING TRIP, MALCOLM IS STILL GROUNDED..! Yes, no....maybe, I don't know? Can you repeat the question?

[@craigcampbell1843]

Wait. This vehicle got a low score in the fun category because “it wasn’t exactly made for fun”? What was it made for then? It’s a recreational vehicle. It was literally made for fun and nothing else. Lol

[@jameshenthorn238]

I believe he's referring to the fun of actually driving it, not using it when it's parked.

[@saulgoodman7509]

It was actually made for long road trips with your cranky wife and lousy kids to boring sweaty areas.

[@craigcampbell1843]

@@yungboicontigo9278 exactly. Why would you judge a big RV the same way you’d judge a sports car? Thats not hating on your god Doug. There is just a flaw in how he judged this van. This van was designed for no other purpose BUT fun and road trips and vacations and camping and delivers that well and yet it got a low fun score. There is absolutely nothing practical about this vehicle. It was built solely for fun and should be judged based on how well it delivers the type of fun it was designed for. Not the type of fun sports cars are designed to provide. Does he judge how fun sports cars are based on how good of an RV they would make? Of course not. It’s apples and oranges. That would be like reviewing an airplane and saying it’s pretty good but it’s no boat. Btw if you look into the types of people that buy and use these things now, I’d be willing to bet most of them are in their twenties or thirties.

[@craigcampbell1843]

@@yungboicontigo9278 so? I don’t hear you saying anything to argue that this vehicle is not good at delivering the type of fun it was designed to provide which is how sports cars are judged on this channel. All I hear is you saying it’s not the type of fun you like having which isn’t even an argument for what I said.

[@craigcampbell1843]

@@yungboicontigo9278 why don’t you pack up all your camping equipment in a Ferrari and drive it out onto the beach towing a quad and a dirt bike behind it and camp out and go off roading in the dunes all week with the Ferrari and then tell me how it’s not fun because it wasn’t good at that. That’s basically how he judged this van. It wasn’t made to be fun to drive. That doesn’t mean it’s not fun.

[@adriansrealm]

Speaking of "brown explosion" here is the toilet... missed opportunity, Doug.

[@kenny4906]

EWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW

[@RalfOfBalcony]

Ahhhh, that's why everything is brown: so You won't see every little "accident" that happened when using the toilet 💩😆

[@charles_.l]

underrated comment

[@SgtSteel1]

+Adrian F. Long lol I was just about to type something similar :)

[@RockyFoxxowo]

Fantastic

[@Klon0.2]

This is one of the most beautiful vans i’ve ever seen, wish they made them like they used to.

[@darkninjacorporation]

I’m just thinking how fantastic this would be to own even today. The quality really was top notch, and it looks rather comfortable!

[@ShelBelSapphire]

The most impressive part of this is how immaculate that vehicles shape is.

[@butwhataboutdragons7768]

It really is. RVs are *very* prone to water damage, especially from the roof, they're flat and so hard to maintain. In that part of the country perhaps the rain isn't as huge a concern.

[@gkvogt]

Roadtrek is a high end conversion. Check out the ones available today. Even at 35 years old it wasn't cheap.

[@bobson_dugnutt]

@@gkvogt My RV dreams were very short-lived when I saw the cheapest Roadtrek starts at $105k.

[@rezwan6613]

You cringe

[@hazygobrazy]

@@bobson_dugnutt i mean you're basically buying a house on wheels so that's not super unreasonable, RVs can go for WAY more than that.

[@taltigolt]

my dad owned a gmc 20 and i grew up with that van we literally drove from sweden to denmark with it to visit lego land slept in it and everything

[@osman8368]

hej

[@OpViken]

Woow

[@constantin5573]

cringe

[@joeyknight8272]

@@constantin5573 ?

[@LXW-Arts]

Legoland you say 🤔

[@leilal8053]

The other unique feature was the sink liner they provided as there was no separate bathroom sink: There was a washbasin with drain that you set inside the kitchen sink for bathroom activities. I found it creative at the time.

[@ayo0o0o0o0]

I had an 86 Ford Econoline with a pop up tent similar to a Westfalia, with dual captain chairs, sink, and a bed below that folded up with storage. Such a neat fun van.

[@skeeter197140]

I felt so old when he started talking about the little windows in the front.

[@nate_d376]

Right....I love when Doug describes something that was normal when I was young, as old....

[@J.D.Vision]

🥺 I know the feeling 😔

[@punkcovers8918]

imagine being in the 80's growing up and your parents have this. You go on a road trip camping to one of the major national parks. You have some of the best moments of your life, and remember them forever. This is not just a old van, it's an assortment of memories.

[@phiksit]

My dad did a conversion on a standard size 80's Chevy van. It had a bed / table in back just like this one. Looking back I must say he did a really good job... except the paneling / varnish he used had SO MUCH formaldehyde in it you would start to feel queasy after about 5 mins. Well, we did one long summer trip starting in Wisconsin and by the time we got to Colorado everyone wanted to kill each other, so that's as far as we got before we turned around.

[@awsomemodels]

You gave me nostalgia of memories I didn't even have 😂👍

[@jamischimmel6715]

Amen

[@moow950]

@@phiksit Haha, formaldehyde is used to preserve dead bodies 💀

[@russellcampbell3500]

Your so right. As a kid who grew up in the 80s with this and Saturday morning cartoons and the birth of pop tarts, the 80s really were the best. Lol

[@thedrunknmunky6571]

What a lovely vehicle! I’d love to own something as charming as this someday.

[@rosanazacharko8818]

Spotless inside! Time capsule that brings back lots of memories. Kudos to the owner. Doug, your enthusiasm is awesome.

[@Sullys_Auto_Detailing]

"A brown explosion!" Me: At least the water is purple.

[@melodica_master_]

I thought the water was kinda red

[@dtroy15]

Antifreeze

[@speterbilt]

Winterized

[@dicknodnfs]

RV Antifreeze for winter.

[@adamshpolyansky2827]

I thought someone had put Kool aid in the tank lol

[@tl1024]

Man, the weekend/fun score of "1" couldnt be more wrong. Unless a weekend at the lake with an enclosed place to live doesnt qualify as fun. This baby's specialty is "weekend fun"!

[@jrobdickson8498]

Having your own place to crap is PRICELESS.

[@johnsnell1929]

Yeah I like some of Doug's reviews, but most of his "Doug Scores" leave me puzzed... and if the "Fun Score" equates with handling/sportiness to drive, then it is just all the more pointless - the fun of this vehicle is in the comfort and support systems it provides for your journey AND your destination. I'd install a bunch of radios and antennas and have a DREAM mobile hamshack!

[@jrobdickson8498]

@@johnsnell1929 ham’s not my thing, but I’d like to install my vintage CB in my RV… any ideas on E-Series Ford radio mounts?

[@danielmuldoon1120]

I think a vehicle that'd get a perfect 50-point total would cost more than an average house.

[@jrobdickson8498]

@@danielmuldoon1120 nah- RVs are more affordable than you think -

[@jackgoff8260]

One of my favorite vids so far. Thank you

[@bubbles4905]

Would love to own a vehicle, just like that one, for camping. The windows on the top and side are awesome!

[@tylernewton7217]

Fun factor is low?! Isn’t the whole point of this thing to go out and have fun?

[@chainsaw_monday]

I was thinking the same thing lol.

[@21petergriffin420]

Things you can go to in the van are fun. Van itself is not. Slow, brown, it’s pretty much just a moving version of an 80’s apartment.

[@wamzy69]

@@21petergriffin420 I dont know about you but my van is fun. Ill get to a state park and before even going on the trail ill be chilling in the back with the music going sizzling up some breakfast on the stove having a good time.

[@tumors1686]

Doug rating is ass lol he compares cars fun rate to all cars with zero leagues lmao Meaning he drives civic and compare the fun factors to lambo and says civic is slow and say its not fun since his standards are on high end cars

[@tylernewton7217]

@@tumors1686 I couldn’t agree more. Such a useless metric.

[@XMattingly]

“If thiiiiissss van’s a-rockin’, don’t come a-knockin’!” 😜

[@ModelA]

Best comment so far!

[@RobotMonkeytron]

You'd think the fun score would get a point or two from that alone. The answer isn't always Miata.

[@psions555]

I think the sort of people who bought this, their rockin days were well and truly over 😅

[@XMattingly]

@Samson Holdsworth “If thiiiiissss pill’s a-poppin’, don’t you be stoppin’” 💊👈🙃

[@user-uj6px3mt8h]

Born in 1982 and I find this AMAZING! such a find and save.

[@kusogakiii]

36 years later this thing is still so cool.

[@adamn7516]

Love how Doug talks about the most mundane things about this RV like they are rare oddities. You would think he just discovered the existence of RV's for the first time ever. The excitement from him about the fact it has windows or that it has a light over the seat cracks me up.

[@bethschroeder2482]

I was thinking the same thing.

[@AmongUs-mb4qx]

It's just one of Doug's quirks.

[@TheTruthKiwi]

That's why Doug is so successful I guess. Anybody else reviewing this this old banger would be boring af. I remember first seeing a Doug vid years ago and thinking he was a bit of a crazed nutcase, now he just seems fairly normal. It's amazing how you get used to things

[@dylanrampage9360]

@@TheTruthKiwi now days if your not loud or obnoxious or "quirky" an your just quite I think your the nutcase

[@DM-rc4yu]

@@dylanrampage9360 It's you're, as in "you are", man.

[@DG_427]

Honestly this van is extremely cool, would totally take that on a roadtrip.

[@germancavallo8277]

Lol and "dougscore" was really low, he really is VERY biased to say the least. Come on he gave it a 2 on styling? There ain't no better looking campers

[@retrogamestudios6688]

I have the same. Bought her new in 79. Been everywhere with her. Van clubs in us and Canada are awesome

[@GeronimoClawz]

Imagine sitting at the table & eating lunch while someone's driving. The big back window is like a TV Screen. You & your friends are just watching an endless movie with cars driving around.🤣🤣

[@cheesepuff196]

For years my girlfriend has wanted to buy one of these to tour the US and surrounding countries in!

[@karmatt3098]

You should’ve listened because they’re worth a hell of a lot more now than they were 5-10 years ago.

[@stephensmith6812]

does she want to cook meth in it

[@cheesepuff196]

@@stephensmith6812 yes

[@JosephsCoat]

Should get married!

[@BatCaveOz]

Mexico & Canada?

[@wes326]

"What are you doing back there, are you pooping or cooking?" "Yes, I'm baking brownies."

[@PatrickWagz]

both!!

[@walkingTANK]

So unsanitary! Gives new meaning to "this food tastes like crap"

[@pr9273]

Over easy, please.

[@wrath231]

@@walkingTANK awesome

[@landocommando8]

That’s how you get pink eye…..

[@DoogieVans]

Wow great video, love the old dodges and awesome to see an RV. Great work!

[@krisk4513]

I had a remote control van when I was a kid in the late 70s/early 80s that looked exactly like your van. Good times!

[@liberalPWNER]

"A household style heater control" otherwise known as a thermostat...

[@Happy-fu7fb]

😂 🤣😂

[@janicem9225]

Lol Those are very familiar to someone MY age. Lol

[@missycitty9478]

😂😂😂😂

[@Nillaman]

Note: pink stuff coming out of sink is rv antifreeze.

[@hectorfloresrivera6431]

Didn't know, thanks for the info.

[@Ithinkiwill66]

Mmmmmm Kool-Aid....🤮

[@chartle1]

yes it hasn't been de-winterized.

[@city0715]

@@chartle1 what does that mean

[@VogeGandire]

@@city0715 Without antifreeze in the water, during the winter the water in the tank would freeze. Once it's warm enough that the water won't freeze, you empty the tank and fill it with clean water.

[@justinkrann7406]

This brown wood interior ambience, looks pretty cozy to have a few drinks in!

[@davidleeroth1968]

they’re so awesome…i have the 96 pleasure way rv version of the dodge van…for solo or couple living they’re great…all the comfort of the big ones in a more manageable size

[@orthodoxNPC]

14:44 that's called a thermostat, Doug, not a "household-style-heater-control"

[@Mjplezia]

Doug seems like the kind of guy who would call an electrician to reset a breaker.

[@kaitlyn__L]

@@Mjplezia one time I did that… in my defence it was a special extra hidden breaker in a different cupboard far away from the main one, which I had already checked. And no-one on the phone mentioned this extra second one or I would’ve done it myself lol. But the guy came in and immediately knew what was up. Now I know where this other one is for the future hah

[@Gadgetman1989]

Better not tell dad

[@SteveP-vm1uc]

He damn sure needs some "LEARNIN".. That thing he calls a had on his head is "IN HIS CASE" an ASS COVER.......

[@kaohsiung99]

@@Mjplezia Best laugh I've had all day.

[@ThePiquedPigeon]

"a brown explosion" A part of me thinks that Less Doug Demuro is going to have a field day with this.

[@alexplays5846]

And it’s going to be wonderful

[@2zipties1idiotgarage22]

Former discord mod of ldd here. He is.

[@ackvig]

Less Doug won't even have to make any edits to this one!

[@akoww1000]

My Stepdad owned one of these. We used to take it on trips all over Florida and to Disney World. 2 adults and five kids in that. We took it to Disney World one summer and stayed at the old campgrounds. Having a bathroom in it with five kids was a time saver not having to stop all the time lol. we would bring board games to play and having two tables for us was great. In 1990 I remember he had a small tv and VCR installed in it. We weren't rich, but he was a Pumbler and did very well. I miss going on summer trips, no cellphones or other electronics.

[@MC-qi1cz]

I grew up in a camper like that. So much warm vibes. Ours had a green stripe on the side

[@gusknip]

You know Doug is going to relly enjoy himself when he says "And there are many" about the quirks. :-D

[@MrPhil1969]

WOW! Thanks Doug, I'm 18 again. I built these things fresh out of high-school in 1987. A few things to note: The vans of that era from the big 3 were built with modification in mind. They came to us stripped! And when I say stripped I mean it. The only seat was on the driver's side and in most cases was made from a multilayered thick cardboard. Absolutely not made to go down the road. The extention off the back was factory. If you look at pictures of vans of that era they all had a seem behind the rear wheels so they could add length but not have to change the wheel base. If my memory serves Dodge had 3 different back panels, that one being the longest know as the "sportsman". What it didn't come with was the raised roof. That was a fiberglass roof that was added on at the vehicle modifiers. I cut a lot of metal roofs off of brand new vans. That fabric was used by everyone! It came in 8 colors which I can, 35 years later, rattle off of the top of my head (I'm not going to). I'm very impressed with the condition of that van. Especially around the roof windows. They were notoriously prone to leaking and damaging the headliner. The "barn door" option was unique to Dodge and I'm sure that gained them a few sales around then. It was also a pretty rare option. I know no one is going to read this whole thing but thanks for appreciating the hard work and effort that myself and my fellow van modifiers put in back then. P.S. Fun fact, the guy that ran the cabinet shop in the place I worked was none other that the bassist and founding member of a little know rock group Skid Row. You guys know him as Rachel Bolan but for me he will always be Jimmy Southworth. Thanks again Doug.

[@robertallenhurst8448]

I read it all. 🙂

[@carriertaiyo2694]

I read it all too :)

[@62WILDCAT]

I did read all you wrote here ! Awesome !

[@KingLarbear]

I read every drop of it... my mind cut off halfway through but I did it

[@BaltimoreAndOhioRR]

I read it all, which brings up a point I was thinking of when watching. I wonder if all that cabinetry is plywood (or particleboard). If so, it must add a lot of weight to the van! Although prohibitively expensive, I wonder how much better the honeycomb fiberboard used in aircraft would be for performance and fuel economy.

[@Dj3ndo]

I love the aesthetics of the van. So 80's and cozy!

[@lolober2495]

it is magnificent, very pretty arrangement, even equipped with a toilet, frankly superb this interior as the outside. I love it.

[@danhartness1810]

Doug: "Right above the toilet there is another..." My brain: "Toilet!" Doug: "...light." My brain: "Or that."

[@its_trenner2900]

Lol I hate to agree with you there! >

[@kainey]

Same but because of the ytp

[@joshua.harazin]

Sadly, the ceiling-mounted toilet never caught on, and is not available in most modern RVs.

[@christianschmitt2409]

Why is the water red tho

[@joshua.harazin]

@@christianschmitt2409 That's RV water system antifreeze. It probably just came out of winter storage.

[@DeuceDeuce0331]

I guess the phrase, “don’t shit where you eat” doesn’t apply here 😂

[@chuckdude4376]

But you can wash your hands while sitting on the toilet.

[@fatalmotorsportcrashes1880]

Don’t say sh*t there are kids watching

[@leonbey9593]

Like in your house?

[@303cerebral]

Fitted kitchen? Shitted kitchen!

[@the_pigs_have_rebelled]

@@fatalmotorsportcrashes1880 shit

[@faze_buendia9514]

I'm obsessed with tiny nomadic living, and for being from the 80s this thing is built really well, I would copy the floor plan into a Sprinter van or find a 13 passenger van

[@aliafaaqkhan2176]

i felt that at any moment Doug is going to burst into an uncontrollable laughter. i must say it was a good comedy show.

[@Stigs722]

Doug under a bridge in LA at tent city: “Be sure to check out CARS and BIDS”

[@lincolncwynar1547]

Actually the rear “extension” is factory from the 10 passenger van.

[@azb2010]

Doug doesn't know, but he states it incorrectly with such authority. I've been watching his channel since the beginning and he used to be real bad about that kind of stuff. Lack of experience around cars... he's doing better these days, but 15 seconds of Google and 1987 Dodge van would've made it obvious it was a factory extension. All the van manufacturers still offer extended bodies even today.

[@MattPritchardOfficial]

I let it slide, because at least he points it out, and it's interesting.

[@VC-Toronto]

I worked at a Dodge dealership around the time of this van, and we called them the Maxi-Van. Outside of an airport shuttle, they were really popular with carpet installers, as they could put a 12 foot long roll of carpet into the back door and close it.

[@diesel540]

Agree , the extension came from the factory

[@pennygadget7328]

@@azb2010 every now and then he'll say something so wrong or bizarre that I stop believing anything that comes out of his mouth for the next five minutes straight. The rear extension isn't factory, the F/R switch on a cassette player is a fader, the rear defroster switch being next to the rearview mirror is because they ran out of room elsewhere, his feigned bafflement at a first aid kit containing disinfectants, etc. There's a recent video where he talks about how a car's interior is covered with dozens of screens; yeah, it had one. The rest were backlit buttons he mistook for screens and didn't bother to check

[@w.e.s.]

I remember as a kid who's dad owned a junkyard back in the 90s I got to play in thesr all the time they was my favorite

[@texasgirl6000]

I actually love the color and texture on the upholstery on the seats.

[@TakuroSpirit77]

The tail extension was factory Dodge. It was called the MAXI Van, and it was mostly used for 15 passenger transport vans. They did this until its demise in 2003. Ford did the same with with the E Series. Only Chevy actually lengthened the wheelbase as well as the body, and didn't "tack on" a bulbous ass like Dodge and Ford did.

[@XanVicious]

Chevy used to be respectable, now they shove Fisher Price tablets into Cruzes.

[@tedbell4416]

Gotta love a good bulbus ass

[@picax8398]

@@tedbell4416 👈😎👈

[@Leftyizme1]

In the 70s and 80s, they called the extended rear models "Super Club".. I think the Maxi name came later.

[@sir_booty_cakes]

It’s got pink lemonade as water. Wonderful quirk

[@borocamo]

I wish! That's just the water system winterize fluid that hasn't been flushed out yet

[@piast99]

I've notice that too. Perhaps its an automatic white balance issue which didn't worked well with the "brown explosion" interior.

[@OzarksWildman]

It’s RV antifreeze

[@ethann_browne]

Drink it, it's sweet!

[@Pilot545]

FYI, pretty sure the owner didn’t add the wood cup holders. Those were pretty standard in custom vans of the day. We had a custom dodge. Not a camper but did have a fridge and sink along with the couch/bed. Was great on family vacations!

[@YourCapyBro_windows95_3DPipes]

The big vans of the 80s were so awesome. I have clear fond memories of riding in them as a small child. For a child they seemed like a party on wheels. I would love to see them come back.

[@sosomelodies659]

I give this van a 90 out of 100. Simply because it's authentic. Nothing today could ever be like it. It's a time machine that takes you back to when your were young.

[@Kellanium]

Hard freakin' agree.

[@Reddsoldier]

I have to agree even as a euro who never got these over here in any number. But the fridge, the stove and that eating area are literally identical to the things we had in the cheap 80's caravan I used to go away in as a kid back in the late 2000s. To the point where that fridge is the exact same model. Ah, memories.

[@Rookz]

The front curtains look like they’d cover the windshield too I get it! It does! My point was that Doug made it seem like it was only for the side windows.

[@ch33sepants28]

They do.

[@DrugsAreBad13]

@Derek Maestas Yikes dude

[@pryme2013]

They do when parked to sleep

[@watermalone5782]

@Derek Maestas is this speaking from experience?

[@ryannoelle5844]

@Derek Maestas why would you say this

[@rogerlabarr8578]

I like it! Grew up with this camper van... My friend's parents owned one.

[@johnohare992]

I owned one! I owned one! I owned one! Harvey the RV! Absolutely identical to this one aside from the box on the roof. Amazing! Super-stoked! I thought it was mine for a minute, but I changed the floor in the kitchen. Fun Fact! I sold it to Tom Cruise's production company to be used in the movie "American Made".

[@TheRandompaint]

That's pretty neat, I would love to own one of these today for sure.

[@BasicShapes]

You gave it a 4 in Features for having a kitchen/bathroom but since it's not "fun" in the traditional car sense, you rated it a 1 on the Fun Factor? Come on, Doug....this thing deserves better than that!

[@janicem9225]

I would live in it any day, and be happy to have my own little home, AND a vehicle rolled into one. I think it's fabulous....of course that sort of thing is so familiar to me, anyway, having grown up in the 70's and early 80's.

[@madmike8v72]

Doug's the kind of guy who may been made in one of these, on purpose, in the daytime, in the parking lot of Knott's Berry Farm.

[@lawnmowermanlawnmowerman9930]

He missed the point entirely, the fun in this van conversion is to be able to get completely away from civilization altogether, not go to an overpopulated campground somewhere

[@abhishekrao1525]

Doug is pretty inconsistent with his scoring.

[@MasonGeorgeMotorcycles]

I just picked up an 09 Roadtrek and its super rad!

[@vtailv35]

I like how you showed What Not to do when reviewing a class B motorhome you did a really good job !

[@adamogden5212]

"Brown explosion" Mr regular would be proud

[@J.Gainez]

most entertaining car reviewer, but i don’t like when roman narrates

[@Ss010101]

B R O O O O O O O O O O O W N ! ! !

[@sarcasticpanda84]

Just need an LS conversion and a discussion on the malaise era and its effect on literary theory and the RCR trifecta would be complete

[@Ss010101]

@@sarcasticpanda84 Throw in some Roman bars.

[@billmoore5177]

Doug, you missed that Roadtrek vans were cutting edge in the day for their roofline being much more sleek and aerodynamic than the competition. They did this by cutting out the original floor in the middle of the van and lowering it so you have enough room to stand up. That’s part of the pad over the door, because you have to step up from the “living area” when you exit the side door. I own a 1994 Chevy version and it’s freaking awesome!

[@shadowolfnara4749]

I love road trips and I've been toying with the idea of getting a van rv for that reason and just as a work car to post in the parking lot and go in and out on breaks and lunches and the occasional overnight work days

[@lindamarie6574]

I think it is so cool! Very cozy and homey!

[@bladder1010]

This is actually a pretty solid looking vehicle. I'd buy one.

[@wrath231]

Same.

[@blastofo]

i'd rather have this than a large RV. way less hassles to deal with.

[@codeman99-dev]

Doug almost certainly purchased this vehicle. Notice how it is completely empty. Not even a loose napkin. How many RV owners do you know that completely empty the camper while home? This video is dated "July 8, 2021"... so probably recorded in prime camping season.

[@trillnix3043]

@@codeman99-dev well they might’ve cleaned it prior but you have a point as wellnl

[@trillnix3043]

@@blastofo I mean if I could easily afford a 500k rv I would because I’d also be able to pay someone to do all the up keep and cleaning of it and also to drive it for me. But yes on a normal persons budget, I’d def love one of these. Maybe drop a different engine in it though.

[@BrowningThirty]

"And water comes out!" Shows a neon pink fluid that I can only assume is Mr. Bubble's piss.

[@kavyman1066]

Might be winterised, that looks like anti-freeze

[@k0mp4k]

@@kavyman1066 You are supposed to empty out the system. Not put anti-freeze in your freshwater tank. That stuff is pretty poisonous.

[@fastdude2002]

k0mp4k I own an R.V. and that is indeed anti-freeze coming out of the sink. It is special R.V. anti-freeze which is completely different from what you put in your vehicles radiator, it is not poisonous and is specifically made for fresh water systems in R.V.s. If water is left in the system over a cold winter the water will freeze and break water lines, water pumps, etc. As you said you want to drain the water from the R.V. The problem is when you open the drain valves and drain the water some water is always trapped in the lines and water pump. This trapped water will freeze and cause damage do the two most popular ways to deal with this is to either hook an air hose up to the system and blow the proper air pressure through the lines to blow out all the remaining water or after draining the system pump some special R.V. anti-freeze through the system and it forces out any remaining water and some anti-freeze will remain in the lines and tanks over the winter preventing freezing and damage. You simply flush out the anti-freeze at the beginning of the season before using your water system.

[@stephenh5944]

@@fastdude2002 - Exactly, RV antifreeze is propylene glycol, not ethylene glycol like engine antifreeze. Propylene glycol is non-toxic, and is often used as a food additive.

[@k0mp4k]

@@fastdude2002 I know all about freezing water systems. I too own an R.V. and live in Finland. I always use pressurised air to clear out the system. Never heard of such special anti-freeze. Maybe it's not available here. I guess one learns something new every day.

[@motoboy6666]

Wow, awesome, just imagine going on a sunny roadtrip in this with some ”beach boys” or ”carpenters” music in the speakers🌞

[@kenstrauss5841]

I had a 1985 chevy van camper conversion that I bought used in 1990 for 1000 bucks. It was great for camping. Had all the features . Kitchen and toilet and slept 4 . Even had a portable phone installed .

[@cyn.dragon]

Finally, a car that Doug’s clothes feel at home in.

[@TrevForPresident]

Doug should do a funny roast comment video. This gets my vote 🎯

[@phvaguiar]

😂 Lol

[@steve_the_vehicon632]

Thatdoesnt count as a roast since that van is awesome

[@cheemsg.i.7130]

LIT

[@mauro17a]

Hahah this made me laugh 😂

[@beachstl]

This is the content I like. Old forgotten gems.

[@stevent7944]

I hit PLAY because it is a Doug DeMuro video. 20 mins into the video and now I want to buy this van and I dont need a van like this!. Thanks Doug. Lol

[@Mikebumpful]

Doug is so excited about all of this, it seems he's never heard of the camper van concept before!

[@soreg666alex]

It's actually looks comfy AF. Adorable. I would've drive that even now.

[@largol33t1]

Some of my co-workers would definitely take this for a joyride. The owner better not get caught leaving the windows rolled down, LMAO...

[@moomaniac2932]

​@@largol33t1 you okay?

[@carlmelville]

CORRECTIONS: By the late 80's van culture was largely over, having peaked long before this one came along. The epicenter of custom vans was Elkhart Indiana where van mods were an incredible cottage industry. That body is not an aftermarket mod. The extended body is stone-stock Dodge. You could order that extended body as an option for what they called a 12-passenger van. My inlaws owned one, though most were sold as shuttles.

[@VMEMotor5]

I've seen that extension on cargo van versions as well.

[@jakefromstatefarm1405]

Good info

[@jakefromstatefarm1405]

@Call it Da don nah, the mystery machine

[@jakefromstatefarm1405]

@Call it Da don oh, now you change the rules 😉

[@earlscheib7754]

@Call it Da don it's Mr T's van sucker, I pity the fool.

[@SeizeTheAdventure]

Sweet! Love this retro van.

[@brandon.rondeau]

This very brown van: exists James May: gets "the fizz"

[@ricardous8031]

Is not brown is sunset orange

[@eriksantoso1741]

It should be use in grand tour season 3 back then

[@kinderboeken55]

@@ricardous8031 brown is just dark orange

[@nicholasw.3488]

@@kinderboeken55 r/wooosh

[@vivienm7]

"Home and Park" was the name of Roadtrek's parent company, FYI, before the company was sold a few years ago.

[@SpiderCollector000]

If you are in a state where you do not have to smog this van, you should be able to take care of the situation with the engine power pretty easily being a Dodge V8, even if its just a 318. I think another 75-100hp and upgrades to the cooling system (larger radiator/fans) would serve the van well especially if you are carrying a family into the mountains to go camping. I would love to pick one of these up, and make some tasteful upgrades and enjoy the great outdoors!

[@scottthompson5518]

Great to see you filming in Carlsbad area. Definitely a lot of cool vans around the beach areas, especially Moonlight beach parking!

[@Colo-OrdinaryFiesta]

Never thought Doug would review a camper, so very him though

[@jswizzlestick]

"Doug's Brown Explosion" is the name of my next funk band

[@straightbusta2609]

That sounds like a bad diarrhea

[@GreenAppelPie]

I’ve had a few brown explosions myself after consuming Taco Bell 🔔

[@KanawhaCountyWX]

My schools music director used to be in a band called The 2-lb browns

[@jeshkam]

You may be having trouble getting gigs.