Tour our 1999 AWD Chevy Astrovan Adventure Rig

[@sdnlawrencej5662]

You did a GREAT job on the van build! And you did it so fast, Herky (and Nancy) are so proud I'm sure. You guys are representing the American dream for so many of us.

[@Hanginwithherky]

Thanks just simple folks having fun. Enjoying the life God has given us

[@luSantos84]

I am watching this video and crying so much I miss you guys and it makes me so happy to see you so happy doing what you love!

[@Hanginwithherky]

We always look back on the times you lived with us as fond memories. It was a blessing having you in our home. We are having the time of our lives. One day our travels will bring us back to Brazil it will be a happy reunion

[@OutdoorsybyNature]

Clicked on the video because you two looked adorable. So glad I did! Love your energy and am extremely jealous that you found an Astro to build. They're so expensive now! Also, being "too poor" and having to work on cars over the weekend was a blessing in disguise. You're not crippled when something goes wrong. Continued safe travels to you both!

[@Hanginwithherky]

Thanks for watching we hope you like our videos. We are just having fun traveling and enjoying it

[@chrisgraham2904]

Nice build and very versatile. My 1999 GMC Safari SLT (2WD) just passed 536K on the odometer, so you folks have got a long way to go. Almost everything attached to my engine has been replaced over the years, but the engine, transmission and differential are all original and have never been rebuilt. Happy travels!

[@Hanginwithherky]

Wow I am so glad you commented. Our plan is to keep this van for a long time and this gives me confidence I did the right thing.

[@erickxiloj6673]

Do you easily find spare parts in the auto store for this old van? I am curious how difficult it is to maintain and if it is expensive to maintain an Astro Van.

[@chrisgraham2904]

@@erickxiloj6673 The GMC Safari vans and the Chevy Astro vans were manufactured for 20 years and went through 3 generational upgrades and mechanical parts can be swapped between them. Many of the parts remained the same for the full 20 years. Many of the parts are the same parts used for other General Motors cars and vans during the same time period (door locks, actuators, wiper motors, pwr window motors...etc...etc.) Parts are incredibly available, both from GM dealers and ALL after market parts stores, Amazon and many others online at the lowest prices. You will also find a huge selection of used parts from auto scrap yards (for example; for the 3rd generation 1998 - 2005; fendors, doors, mirrors, windows, etc. along with interior components are all the same.) Cheap parts and body-on-frame construction makes these vans cheap and easy to repair.

[@cathyarmstrong7583]

You've outdone yourself Ed! It doesn't even look like the same van! Cool id

[@gerardbauer4035]

The Adventure Van is awesome!!!! You did such a beautiful job. That had to be a lot of work but it really paid off :) The heat tube is a great idea. Your the Master Van Builder for sure. A project to be truely proud of. Thank you so much for sharing yet another great video. Happy and safe travels!

[@Hanginwithherky]

We are loving it

[@jwright650]

Van looks good. I like the use of the hose to get heat to the camper.

[@Hanginwithherky]

It’s working out better than I thought

[@ReuvenEtzion]

I have almost the same setup and I’ve been toying with the idea of ducting heat from my Astro’s diesel heater to my trailer. Bravo guys! Thanks for giving me the confidence that it will be a good move! 😎

[@Hanginwithherky]

Works great for us. You have to crack the window in the camper a little to release air pressure so you get good air flow. It heats the trailer and van with no problems.

[@ellieee718]

You guys are an awesome little family! I can only hope to be this cool when I grow up

[@Hanginwithherky]

Well thank you ! I bet you are pretty cool right now.

[@triciaharrod7582]

WOW, well done ... we are setting up with a Hiker trailer and a 2.5L Subaru Outback. We like the AWD feature a lot. The DIY process is very rewarding, thanks for sharing.

[@Hanginwithherky]

Sounds like a great setup I have seen some cool things done with those outback’s

[@jessicacarroll6081]

This is such a great idea if you have a tiny camper. I tow my Runaway with my minivan and this gives me so many ideas

[@Hanginwithherky]

Mini van is a great idea. The space is a big bonus

[@cathyarmstrong7583]

ideas! Watching you & Nancy always puts a smile on my face. Looking forward to the places you'll be going in Jack and Little Dude. An Adventure Rig to be sure!

[@Hanginwithherky]

We are really pleased with the outcome ......thanks

[@kabzak]

I stumbled upon your channel and have to say your channel is one of my new favorites. Great job on your van! My wife and I have a 2016 Chevy Express 3500 passenger van we converted to an adventure van. We use it to pull our travel trailer. Thank you for sharing and posting your wonderful setup. Safe travels.

[@Hanginwithherky]

Love the 3500 as a adventure van. Thanks for joining us.

[@cherylbarrett3443]

I love the little mirror in the background

[@Hanginwithherky]

Well thanks 😊

[@Vaney168]

They are great vans and have been increasing in price, I had an Astro van with well over 600,000KM on it. The seats are very comfortable for long drives compared to many other vehicles which start to hurt my back, love them.

[@Hanginwithherky]

The prices these van are bringing is crazy. I did not pay much but since then I have dropped way too much in it. Hopefully it will last a long time for me.

[@thunder19301]

Very nice layout and choice of Van. The Chevy Astro as we say here "Chevy Drives the Motor City" i must say the Runaway and the Van looks great 👍👍👍👍

[@Hanginwithherky]

Thanks, we are happy with is hope to do some more customizing this summer

[@Karen-w7d]

I love the van it's so homey the wood is beautiful & I love the trailer too great idea putting them both together

[@Hanginwithherky]

Together we think it’s the perfect adventure rig. Last summer we drove it to Alaska and really put it to the test

[@yachtsteve]

That hose to feed the runaway is the coolest thing ever what a great idea. Anyway super awesome Bill love I've never seen y'all's videos before but I'm going to look up some of the others.

[@Hanginwithherky]

Enjoy we have plenty of videos

[@donpappas3205]

Wow! Very cool. Well done, Ed and Nancy!!!

[@Hanginwithherky]

Thanks Don, we need to get together soon you can see it in person.

[@donpappas3205]

@@Hanginwithherky That would be awesome!

[@MrOppie93]

I love the way the wood working turned out

[@Sjetton85]

I got the conversion van same year model. Still in stock condition trying to covert it without changing everything but winter came i froze so thats gonna change the way it's insulated. Im a traveling evangelist/prophet doing van life so I'm a Mobile church whatever I go. Love y'all's set up.

[@Hanginwithherky]

Thanks, fixing the Astro has been a long road costing more than we expected but it is a great adventure van for us

[@tysonsonderer8848]

Great job Ed. Looks so cosy and functional. Hope you two enjoy your travels

[@Hanginwithherky]

We are super happy with the way it turned out

[@Hanginwithherky]

We are super happy with the way it turned out

[@patrickburke9764]

Good job ,I like the hose idea for heat to the runaway...

[@Hanginwithherky]

My daughter ask if I could have found a brighter hose :)

[@CampingTherapy]

Very nice! I've been test driving Ford Escapes this week and I thought I had decided to get one, but now you make me look at vans! LOL I especially like the idea of having a place for a potty when traveling.

[@54bonkers]

Wow what a fantastic job you’ve done on the van! Makes traveling so much easier. How ingenious your heating system!

[@Hanginwithherky]

Thanks the heater works fantastic

[@mitchwinder1204]

Wow! Fantastic job on the van. Well-done. And you might want to consider a small 1-2” vent cut somewhere discreetly in the camper to allow the air to exchange. I’m surprised that at some point all that positive pressure hasn’t affected its heating efficiency.

[@Hanginwithherky]

Thanks for the compliment. We always open the window a little for ventilation we can also turn the fan on in the van when it’s warm and pull air back for ventilation

[@rhondalyn100]

Great job, guys! The Astro van build is so pretty...love the wood the best! It looks so homey. What a great addition to Runaway traveling. Thanks so much for sharing! :-)

[@Hanginwithherky]

It’s a great addition for us

[@chuckborghoff8443]

Very nice. Great ideas. Thanks for the tour.

[@Hanginwithherky]

Thanks my friend

[@stevearndt1120]

Great setup Ed and Nancy!

[@acewelddive]

Very good video thanks for sharing I may consider a trailer like that. You two are fun. Happy Trails.

[@Hanginwithherky]

We have had this trailer about 7 years. Best investment ever

[@JJGhost-b3m]

Woodwork is absolutely amazing!

[@Hanginwithherky]

Thanks so much.

[@ruabadkitty]

I have 243K miles on my Astro. I can put on 2K miles before I have to put a quart of oil in her. She leaks like a sieve because I only paid 500 bucks for her but I wouldn't trade her for anything. I do wish I had more space because it is me and my Mastiff so out came my passenger seat. Thanks for the video. Jack is handsome. Oh I forgot to say I bought Ole Whitey from a friend who took good care of her but since I have had her at 150K the only thing I have had to do was the pulley in the front of the motor squealed and I had to replace it. Getting ready for a break job now before I hit the mountains. Base camp is in the Free State of Florida.

[@Hanginwithherky]

We are at 170k now it don’t use any oil but we have to keep a eye on the front differential we top it off every oil change. It’s not a big deal but overnight it always drips a dime size spot. Thanks for the comment always nice to hear from Astro folks

[@eutimiochavez415]

You did a great job u are a master carpenter love it great ideas

[@Hanginwithherky]

Jack of all trades master of none ......thanks

[@karitunes1]

I love my 2002 astro Van. I'm at 264k miles. Plus the astro is built on a Chevy truck frame and can tow 5k pounds. I also work on my bullet proof Vortex and I get 15 to 18 mpg even when the extra wood weight.

[@Hanginwithherky]

Up wish our could get that gas mileage 16 is about the best I can do. We love this platform for our adventure van. I hope it lasts many more miles.

[@muttsmountainsandmiles6870]

We love your channel! We just got our 2021 Runaway RangeRunner last week and are so excited to take it out!

[@Hanginwithherky]

Awesome news I am sure you are going to really enjoy it

[@rkuhn35]

Awesome job! Love the Astro van. I only wish I was mechanically inclined. I could probably tear it apart, putting it back together, there’s the problem. Safe travels.

[@Hanginwithherky]

Ed is blessed with mechanical abilities so we are able to take on projects like this

[@renelopez2244]

Fantastic set up. Thanks for sharing

[@Hanginwithherky]

Thanks , it’s a work in progress but we like how things are working out with it

[@terryhickman3952]

Great video! I just love you guys! You're a couple of naturals. Missing you, I'm hoping our paths cross again soon.

[@Hanginwithherky]

We are trying to make that happen. I am still working for two more years so we are a little limited on how many runaway event we can make it to.

[@oviedo2912]

I LOVE your personality! Your so inspiring. God bless you guys.

[@Hanginwithherky]

Well thanks! We love hearing this

[@eutimiochavez415]

We well be waitting thank

[@joni1]

Well done! Very well thought out! Love it! 🚐

[@Hanginwithherky]

We put a lot of thought into this and are happy with the results

[@heidiperry642]

Ed is a mad genius!! Good job guys

[@Hanginwithherky]

Ha, thanks we can’t want to see you guys again maybe this summer

[@offroadastroothervans.4685]

Its beautiful inside

[@annswallow1729]

Double great setup!!

[@Hanginwithherky]

Thanks

[@llnrs4ever6023]

I love Ed's vision, too. 🙂

[@TBGaels32]

Nice set up. The one thing about the 4.3 V6 is that is basically a small block Chevy minus 2 cylinders. They are extremely reliable if you take care of it. One thing you might want to consider with the AWD is you might want to swap out the transfer case for a 4wd unit. Check out a NP241 transfer case and have true 4wd system and can get better gas mileage.

[@Hanginwithherky]

Ya, that 4.3 has a lot of life in it. I really take care of it well so I am counting on a long life for it. I may do a 4x4 swap at some point I don’t know it looks easy to do.

[@louiseperkins386]

Cool great idea to make an adventure van! I was thinking getting an Astro-van and selling the camper, it didn't cross my mind to use both! Will have to re-looking at the idea! Thanks for sharing...Oh ya need to find someone that is as handy to convert it!

[@Hanginwithherky]

It was a good decision for us but when you buy a 22 year old van it takes a lot of little repairs to get it where you need it to be

[@kevin_culver]

Wow! Great build! Makes me want to rebuild my astro camper!

[@Hanginwithherky]

Thanks , as with all projects like this it’s a work in progress but we are happy with it.

[@clermontcubby9207]

Job well done. Hope it serves you well for years ...

[@anthonyfrazier90]

Awesome job on the van! Love the cedar and I’m sure it smells great!!

[@Hanginwithherky]

Smells awesome for sure

[@JudyFerguson]

you guys are genius.

[@cdlady54_95]

All I can say is FANTASTIC! You both did a fabulous job! Ok, may I get on the list to get one done for me?. Thank you for sharing and be safe.

[@Hanginwithherky]

Thanks so much it was a fun project

[@juliuscampbell529]

Nice setup

[@scottzreality3061]

Great build. 👍

[@joejoe-qn4hu]

That's sweet. I've always been a van guy had 5 dodge vans I'm still looking for a early 80s 4x4 dodge van.

[@Hanginwithherky]

I love old mopar also.

[@jcole22370]

Looks like you are ready for a world tour

[@denverspin]

Nice rig! I like it. Wanna sell it 😀 The Runaway looks better too. Seems like there's more room and less stuff in there. Great job guys. Very inspiring!

[@Hanginwithherky]

The Astro was a game changer .......don’t think Nancy would let me sell it but am always dreaming of the next project

[@rtoadontheroad]

Very nice rig

[@Hanginwithherky]

Thanks we love it

[@havefaithtarot]

I’m going to test drive a 2003 astrovan with 53,000 this afternoon so I’m researching all kinds of conversions before I go to get some ideas. It’s only rwd not awd but the low mileage alone has me really curious about it cause my current car has a crazy amount of miles. Trying to eliminate my rent and see the country a bit. They want $8000 for it but we’ll see how it drives. You guys are set up pretty good here.

[@Hanginwithherky]

Just do a good job checking for core rust sometime those low mileage astrovans have been sitting down in the mud in grandpas yard fit a few years then one of the kids pull them out and get them running.

[@havefaithtarot]

@@Hanginwithherky I did look underneath but couldn’t see very well. I’ll give it a good look with a flashlight if I choose to buy it. Drove great and was super clean. Thanks for the tip.

[@Hanginwithherky]

Make sure you check for core rust right where the radiator supports on the bottom are. Behind the grill near the head lights. It can be repaired but it’s a job. I only paid $2300 for mine but the inside was trashed and the suspension was shot. I repaired all that myself and saved a bunch of money.

[@Dragonflies1928]

Guest bedroom In tow. I love

[@Hanginwithherky]

Thanks

[@admcc56]

You are sure kicking my drive to get a Runaway into high gear.

[@Hanginwithherky]

Jump in the water is warm

[@maureeni2648]

What a great job!!

[@Hanginwithherky]

Thank you

[@chivasmom2024]

Nice layout! I had a 1999 custom Chevy van but sold it (cheap) because it kept stopping while driving. Scared me! Everything would just suddenly shut off. Replaced all sorts of things, but never got fixed. Do you by any chance, know what would have caused this? Sometimes it would restart after an hour or day, sometimes it didn't.

[@Hanginwithherky]

Not sure what that could be

[@chivasmom2024]

@@Hanginwithherky Thank you

[@jayrosado5858]

Ignition coil.. on rainy or damp days, van wouldn't start. also would shut off while driving..

[@jeanne4771]

Fantastic tour!

[@Hanginwithherky]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@rkuhn35]

Can you show and explain how and where you got the door handle on the runaway? Someone was asking about them, they thought it was a suction grip bar but it doesn’t look like that. Love to know how it’s attached. Love your videos. We’ve ordered our RR, it’s due around March. Can’t wait.

[@Hanginwithherky]

It’s custom made once you get your runaway don’t think you have to do everything at once. It’s a work in progress. You will start looking at things differently and realizing common everyday things can be adapted to fit a need. It’s the same with travel some folks think every detail has to be planed. Our Philosophy is that your dragging your bed behind you the worst case is you sleeping in a Walmart parking lot. Thanks for watching I know it’s not the answer you were looking for and I wish I had a Amazon link or something

[@Bt26x]

Looking forward to this one!

[@technicalitems731]

This is awesome. Love the clever designs. But one thing...where can you stand up and not be outside? You must not have back pain? Lol. Anyways....love the setup. The heater hose from van to trailer is slick.

[@Hanginwithherky]

We have an ARB room we can attach if needed. We spend most of our time outside though. Thanks for following along

[@storeytwinb]

Wow! It’s beautiful!

[@veggiepowered]

I'am Your Newest Subscriber Great Videos . I just Got A 1999 Chevy Astro Van I Wanta Convert To A Camper I want All The Materials To Be FERMELDHIDE FREE all paneling and plywood and lumber and insulation have fermeldhide in them and it will give you resportory problems

[@Hanginwithherky]

Welcome to our channel

[@hurstshiftin9873]

Love you guys !

[@Hanginwithherky]

Thanks for watching more videos to come

[@cherylbarrett3443]

Is the front rack on your camper the one from Runaway?

[@Hanginwithherky]

Yes it is but it looks exactly like a harbor freight one

[@Keith1212]

awesome astro! Love your channel! subbed!

[@Hanginwithherky]

Thanks for joining the adventure. It’s taken a long time but we finally have the kinks worked out of the Astro.

[@annswallow1729]

I did not hear the ticking of the fuel pump to the diesel heater. Did you do any thing to help silence it?? (I'm saving up for one and my husband dislikes loud noises.)

[@Hanginwithherky]

It’s mounted under the van attached to the frame with the rubber housing it came in. You have to listen closely to even hear it

[@annswallow1729]

Thank you for the info. It makes me more comfortable choosing diesel!

[@TexasStormHunter]

Hey, just found your video in a FB group and subed.

[@Hanginwithherky]

Welcome to our channel.

[@TexasStormHunter]

@@Hanginwithherky take a look at my Chanel, and you will see what I'll be using my 99awd astro for lol

[@Hanginwithherky]

Are you building a sleeper or a storm chaser. Ether way it’s cool.

[@TexasStormHunter]

@@Hanginwithherky I want a 4x4 camper for storm chasing that can haul my racecar . 13 second quarter mile times are the goal for the camper van btw (with the interior pulled out)

[@Skummy123]

Amazing!

[@cherylclark2254]

We just saw you at Walmart, The Villages Fl. Who was the others adventure vans?

[@Hanginwithherky]

We are all down the road at Runaway campers for a rally. There about 60 of us.

[@mikepettipas690]

My head gasket went at 417,000 on my 2002 Safari Most running and idleing problems can be fixed with a new distributor. My replacement engine is a 1987 carborated 305 CID from a low miles Buick Regal

[@Hanginwithherky]

Wow. That’s fantastic I hope I get that kind of life out of ours.

[@jbwggnr]

Finally

[@anstimp]

What does s the small heater you have mounted? Great job BTW!

[@Hanginwithherky]

Are you referring to the diesel heater? Or the electric heater in the camper

[@eastonhimself1]

I love the van, did you guys build this by your self?

[@Hanginwithherky]

Yes, it’s all us fun project

[@laurencemathewriggs8023]

Do u have a video of the build on your chines heater I have the same van and was wondering how u did the wiring

[@Hanginwithherky]

I quit doing DIY videos it’s a trolls hay day. Let me recommend the FB page Chinese diesel heaters. Tons of good info on there. The location is really your toughest decision. Because of the gas tank you are limited but I can tell you it’s hands down one of the best things I have installed.

[@SampsonAllen]

Always got to make space for the Bible’s ❤️

[@yorellsmith8966]

i hope to god me and my gf are like yall in 30 years

[@Hanginwithherky]

Wishing you even better success. Thanks for watching

[@intershark2]

Another great video!

[@ziptie2104]

what are interior dimensions of your van? It seems larger than my 1998 astro cargo van? We are also senior couple....like your setup. How does bed work for 2 persons, especially when you have to get up in the night to pee?

[@Hanginwithherky]

We only use the van as a adventure van. We sleep in our tiny camper. The van is a extended Astro but I think the camera makes it look bigger.

[@woffordsoverlandjourneys8618]

Like the video, check out off-road Astro and other vans

[@ronfield6662]

Where did you get that diesel fuel storage tank that mounts on the door

[@Hanginwithherky]

Amazon it’s 10 Liters

[@donnamount151]

What Suze us yr runaway...thinking if getting one for my 3 big dogs when we travel...😁

[@Hanginwithherky]

6x8 range runner

[@jcole22370]

Herky cannot ride in the back because he is the navigator 🤣😷🦩💖

[@Hanginwithherky]

He is in charge for sure

[@JJGhost-b3m]

What kind of lens do you use to make the interior look so wide?

[@Hanginwithherky]

Using wide angle setting on GoPro Hero 7. Not trying to make things appear bigger just trying to capture everything. Thanks for reaching out to us

[@scottzreality3061]

BTW. What size tires?

[@josephnapier7275]

what's the name of the campfire store

[@Hanginwithherky]

It’s a Etsy store.......shop campfire chic

[@ericgutierrez8496]

👍

[@BahnYahd]

Can anyone tell me a price range what it would cost making a 99 Astro from RWD to AWD?

[@caelgrayheavens1234]

As a contact creator are you paid through KZbin partnership program. I’m curious❔ I too am trying to be a contact creator. sincerely

[@Hanginwithherky]

I am

[@rattmichards2908]

The dog might be motivated to ride in the back if he had a window & maybe some breeze to enjoy…

[@Hanginwithherky]

Nope even in our car he has to sit next to us or he is not happy.

[@haujeancontactee]

If Chevy had a brain they would bring back the Astro Van.

[@Hanginwithherky]

I love this van it would be nice if they would bring it back but they would probably Mess it up. I used to mess around with Ford Rangers. When they brought that back they basically made a smaller F150.

[@haujeancontactee]

@@Hanginwithherky If they did it right they need to build one almost identical but with a frame on body style for better crash performance. And then they should improve the front leg room if possible. Other than that, keep it the same. I've got a 2003 that I'm converting over to a 5 inch lifted 4x4 with an S10 transfer case.

[@offroadastroothervans.4685]

Subs ribe to offroad astro and other vans

[@Hanginwithherky]

Will do

[@thedullone]

stop making the mighty astro van look so nice or all the cash flush retirees will buy them all up for adventure vans and ill be painting out of a ford. 😆

[@Hanginwithherky]

True ! I searched online for three months before we found this one !

[@emknickerbocker]

Great build!

[@Hanginwithherky]

You know how this goes it’s never finished:)