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2005 AWD Astro Camper For Sale $8k - North Alabama

11K views 27 replies 13 participants last post by  WinnieVan 
#1 ·
Just testing the waters here guys.
I bought this Astro used and did the camper conversion about 3 years ago.
I LOVE MY VAN, but the family is getting larger, and I'm starting to get the itch to build something new.
So... maybe I'll let it go to a new home if the price is right?

2005 AWD Astro with about 125,000miles
Seats 5 (with seat belts)
Meaty All-Terrain knock-offs (15,000mi) on the sexy 6-lug aluminum wheels
Full-sized matching aluminum spare
5 gallon Jerry can on custom back rack
2" hitch
Roof rack
New radiator
New serpentine belt and idler pulley
New transfer case servo motor and fresh AC Delco fluid
New upper ball joints and sway bar bushings
New shocks all around
New driver's CV and seals
Oil and filters changed regularly
Anti-lock brake system fixed

Had rear AC and heat, but removed for camper conversion.
Yes, AC (front) STILL WORKS!!!!! I had a pro weld the lines to the rear, and they do not leak.

Camper Conversion:
Swivels on both front seats
Bench seat lays flat with 2 cushion sections to make full 50" wide by 72" long bed
Second battery with disconnect and proper breakers (front and rear)
Insulating curtains/covers for all windows (HUUUUGE help in the cold)
Cabinetry with fold-out table
Table lays across front seats for a kid-sized bed (see images)
Pull-out propane 2-burner stove
Mini gas tank on back with about 5gal of propane (? lasts me 2 seasons)
Small sink with 5 gallon water tank and electric pump
Small electric cooler/fridge
Electric exhaust ceiling van
Interior lights are all LED and run off second battery
Fold-out sun shade on the side (see pics- very neat unit)
Sliding side window with screen (screen not installed currently)
Additional power outlets (DC), fire extinguisher, shelving/nooks
Camping plates, cups, flatware, utensils
Pull-out carpet for easy cleaning

The good:
Great van. Pulls hard. Doesn't burn or leak anything. AWD is quite capable in mud and snow.
15-20 mpg highway. Pulled a 2,500lbs trailer in that range too.
Build works perfectly as a camper for 1 or 2 guys.

The bad:
Size worked okay for a family of 3, but a little tight for a family of 4.
Dip stick is broken in half. Weird problem. I diagnosed and posted about it on an Astro forum recently. Haven't had time to fix it- not dangerous to engine.
Arm rest on the driver's captain chair just broke. I was dancing to music and snap. Damn.
Steering wheel points a little to the left when going straight.
Windshield cracked (I will will try to fix this soon)
The typical rattles and jiggles of an American truck platform
She is very dirty

The ugly:
Nothing. Strong vehicle. I love her and it will kill me (and my boy) to see it go.

So would anyone be interested in buying my Astro camper? (Family not included)
What is this worth?
Email me at crxnine@gmail.com
I live in northern Alabama.
Not in a rush to move it.

Below are some pics.
These are just from my family outings.
If there is interest I'll take more detailed photos.





























 
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15
#4 ·
Very cool van.... I'm jonesin' to know about how you installed the sliding side window.... And what make/model that awning is - I've seen the Foxwings that wrap around the back, but haven't seen a unit like that before...

good luck with the sale
 
#6 ·
Thanks all for the interest.
I don't check this board everyday, nor can I even see it at work, so write me at crxnine@gmail.com if interested.

Wimpazz, Tequila, I was hoping for input on that matter. That was the reason for the post: what is this worth? I know what I bought a blank Astro for 4 years ago, but what is this camper worth on the open market?

Thanks Gavio. The awning is a ShadyBoy out of Canada. Love the unit. You don't want to know about the side window install. It was an absolute PITA. It was marketed as a direct drop in replacement for the Astro, but holy crap was it not. After it showed up and I got the old window out, the new unit measured about 1 inch too short in length and 1/2" short in height. But I had to get rid of those stock low swinging pop-latches because they simply wouldn't work with a cabinet build. Fast forward a week or 2 and god knows how many beers.. it was in, and it doesn't leak, but man what a pain. I can share details if you really need them.

So really... what is this van worth? Email me.
 
#8 ·
Wimpazz said:
Ummmmm, like $100, yeah that's it...tequila will be right over with cash and a big smile!

Seriously though, it turned out very nice, not sure, but not cheap
That and a nice bottle of tequila... me thinks you have a price in mind and are just hoping to hear it. Like you said you are not really trying to sell it... just testing the waters
 
#10 ·
Thanks Gavio. The awning is a ShadyBoy out of Canada. Love the unit. You don't want to know about the side window install. It was an absolute PITA. It was marketed as a direct drop in replacement for the Astro, but holy crap was it not. After it showed up and I got the old window out, the new unit measured about 1 inch too short in length and 1/2" short in height. But I had to get rid of those stock low swinging pop-latches because they simply wouldn't work with a cabinet build. Fast forward a week or 2 and god knows how many beers.. it was in, and it doesn't leak, but man what a pain. I can share details if you really need them.
Thanks for the info - I'd heard of Shady Boys, but hadn't really seen one in action....

As for what your van is worth, it's just hard to say.... I don't think anyone's trying to give you a hard time, it's just that when you have something unique, it's value gets pretty hard to predict.... Ultimately, it's worth whatever makes you and the buyer feel good at the time of transaction..... Maybe you could come up with a starting point by looking up book value and then adding a chunk for improvements and see what happens.... I've seen an Astro with a poptop and winch and camper interior for only $6000 and I've seen an Astro with almost no mods at all for the same asking price....

Or, you could try putting it on ebay with a reserve you could live with and see what the public really thinks....It's a pricey way to find out, but it will give you a fair idea what the market will bear...

I wish you well with the sale, but I suspect you won't get answers to your question 'til you throw something out there....
 
#17 ·
This is a new post regarding my van here:
viewtopic.php?f=68&t=103530
I can no longer edit the original post.
Reposted with edits:

I bought this Astro used and did the camper conversion 2013.
I LOVE MY VAN, but the family is getting larger, and I'm starting to get the itch to build something new.
So... I'll letting it go to a new home.

2005 AWD Astro with about 125,000miles
Seats 5 (with seat belts)
Meaty All-Terrain knock-offs (15,000mi) on the sexy 6-lug aluminum wheels
Full-sized matching aluminum spare
5 gallon Jerry can on custom back rack
2" hitch
Roof rack
New radiator
New serpentine belt and idler pulley
New transfer case servo motor and fresh AC Delco fluid
New upper ball joints and sway bar bushings
New shocks all around
New driver's CV and seals
Oil and filters changed regularly
Anti-lock brake system fixed

Had rear AC and heat, but removed for camper conversion.
Yes, AC (front) STILL WORKS!!!!! I had a pro weld the lines to the rear, and they do not leak.

Camper Conversion:
Swivels on both front seats
Bench seat lays flat with 2 cushion sections to make full 50" wide by 72" long bed
Second battery with disconnect and proper breakers (front and rear)
Insulating curtains/covers for all windows (HUUUUGE help in the cold)
Cabinetry with fold-out table
Table lays across front seats for a kid-sized bed (see images)
Pull-out propane 2-burner stove
Mini gas tank on back with about 5gal of propane (? lasts me 2 seasons)
Small sink with 5 gallon water tank and electric pump
Small electric cooler/fridge
Electric exhaust ceiling van
Interior lights are all LED and run off second battery
Fold-out sun shade on the side (see pics- very neat unit)
Sliding side window with screen (screen not installed currently)
Additional power outlets (DC), fire extinguisher, shelving/nooks
Camping plates, cups, flatware, utensils
Pull-out carpet for easy cleaning

The good:
Great van. Pulls hard. Doesn't burn or leak anything. AWD is quite capable in mud and snow.
15-20 mpg highway. Pulled a 2,500lbs trailer in that range too.
Build works perfectly as a camper for 1 or 2 guys.
No rust.

The bad:
Size worked okay for a family of 3, but a little tight for a family of 4.
Arm rest on the driver's captain chair just broke. I was dancing to music and snap. Damn.
Steering wheel points a little to the left when going straight.
The typical rattles and jiggles of an American truck platform.
She is very dirty

The ugly:
Nothing. Strong vehicle. I love her and it will kill me (and my boy) to see it go.

So would anyone be interested in buying my Astro camper? (Family not included)
Email me at crxnine@gmail.com
I live in northern Alabama.
$8k takes it.
Keeping it on the forums for a few days before putting it on CL or [ghasp] ebay.

Below are some pics.
These are just from my family outings.
I have a zip with a bunch more detailed photos if you are interested in purchasing the van.

Thank you!

Astro Camper 01.jpg

Astro Camper 02.jpg

Astro Camper 03.jpg

Astro Camper 04.jpg

Astro Camper 05.jpg

Astro Camper 06.jpg

Astro Camper 07.jpg

Astro Camper 08.jpg

Astro Camper 09.jpg

Astro Camper 10.jpg

Astro Camper 11.jpg

Astro Camper 12.jpg

Astro Camper 13.jpg

Astro Camper 14.jpg

Astro Camper Layout.jpg
 
#21 ·
Nice to see this awesome rig again, I'm sure it will make the next owner very happy!
I remember wanting to fly out to get it when it was originally posted.
Good luck with the sale.

And yes, please, more info on that awning!
(NM... Found it: http://www.shadyboy.com/the-awning/)
And how practical did you find that swivel driver's seat... Hehe... i see your kids did!

Beautiful family BTW!
 
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