Updating a 1987 Chevy G20 Horizon Camper Van

[Havoc Sun]

I have a clean low millage 1987 Chevy 350 V8 G20 Horizon Camper Van. I know nothing about it. I want to update all the old stuff & add solar. I have not a clue. Is this over my head?

 

[Pam G-ClassB]

I have a 1999 Roadtrek on the Dodge chassis, and I haven't heard of the Horizon so I can't help you that way. There is a Facebook group for people who have older Roadtreks on the Chevy chassis so they might be able to provide some information. The group I'm on covers 1974-2003, and there are some people with 1980's Roadtreks. It seems like these types of groups could help with general information, like adding solar and upgrading things like batteries, fridge, etc. They just wouldn't know your specific camper. There are a lot who've learned while they're doing it. You also might be able to get references for people who work on old camper vans. Sounds like a good project!

 

[booster]

I have a clean low millage 1987 Chevy 350 V8 G20 Horizon Camper Van. I know nothing about it. I want to update all the old stuff & add solar. I have not a clue. Is this over my head?

Updating some things is not a huge issue that probably could be handled with a bit of research. Alliances, storage, etc would be that way.

If you get into electronics and batteries, especially if going with lithium batteries, "not having a clue" is probably disqualifying unless you are technically oriented and willing to learn how it all works and what to avoid so it is safe and reliable.

Older vans and a bargain on price a lot of times, but if you want amenities that are more current than when it was built or updated to, bringing them up to desired is a lot of work and cost IMO. If looking for a basic camper the old tech is fine, but most don't want that basic anymore, I think.

Hopefully, you would be able find someone to assist with at least the layout of stuff for what you want to do and how to do it. Then you could do the work of installing it all with a final check by the help person. High powered battery systems can create much more hazard than the old stuff did, so good to be very careful.

 

[TWX]

Sounds like good things are...

(wait for it)

...on the horizon.


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[blinca]

I’m agreeing with Booster here. If you haven’t a clue and want to update with all the latest technology, you’ll be in over your head making it so it’s done properly and safe. No point to going through all that trouble and having it catch on fire and be gone. There shouldn’t be a whole lot there to begin with since electrical systems back then were pretty basic. You may be better off to pay someone to do it right with all the proper safety measures and have peace of mind while you enjoy it.