Pleasure-Way introduces pop-up van conversion
By Harold Merton
A Canadian van conversion manufacturer has reintroduced a style that is not only retro but very practical as well. It should be as popular now as it was many years ago.Pleasure-Way of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan has brought back the pop-up top on vans that were considered an innovation when Turtle Top originally introduced the concept back in the 1970s.
The concept is very simple but effective, cut the top of the vehicle and install a canvas section that then allows the front portion of the van roof to push up to give 6'6" of headroom.
The vehicle has seating for five and sleeping for four and is equipped with a fine array of extras that will make the van an ideal part-time camping unit.
Built on a Ford chassis the Traverse has a V8 power plant and a 3.73 rear axle. It has a GVWR of 7900 lbs as well as coming with a chassis that has a 3 year 36,000 mile warranty.
The exterior height with the roof closed is 6'11" which allows the vehicle to be stored in standard garages, a feature that is important to many people these days with local subdivision restrictions.
The Ford chassis they use also includes the following: air conditioning, power locks, power mirrors and auxiliary 12V outlet, remote keyless entry, tilt steering wheel, cruise control CD/AM/FM radio with cassette, 4 wheel anti-lock brakes, driver and passenger side air bags and sport wheel covers. The warranty also includes 24 hour roadside assistance.
Once the Pleasure-Way people got to the inside they spared very little in amenities to make this a fully equipped RV.
Norcold AC/DC fridge with freezer, microwave, two burner LP stove with cover, a stainless steel sink, 110V instant hot water heater, Shur flo demand water pump, Porta Potti with storage, a 16,000 BTU furnace, propane tank 6.9 gallons, 30 amp power converter with charger, deep cycle auxiliary battery, 12 gallon fresh water tank, 8.5 gallon grey water tank, city water hookup, TV antenna and 12V/110V plug, fiberglass running boards, propane detector, smoke detector, carbon dioxide detector, a monitor panel and an auxiliary battery disconnect all add to the convenience of camping in a rig like this.
The overhead bunk is 44" by 73" and a sofa double bed measures 54" by 74". The passenger seat swivels and reclines.
From taking the kids to the soccer game to getting back to nature, the Traverse combines the practicality of an everyday vehicle with a weekend getaway camping rig.
For more information contact Pleasure-Way at Dept. SC, 302 Portage Ave., Saskatoon Saskatchewan S7J 4C6 1-800-364-0189 Fax (306) 934 7085 or visit their website at www.pleasureway.com
Tell them you saw it on Scope's ClickOnCamping website.