Corporate Dirtbagger: The Commute: Memories of the "Mighty Mini"

Rest Day in Kings Canyon

Can you remember your childhood "blanky" or that stuffed animal that guided you through the transition from diapers to a climbing harness? This is that same connection that some adventurists build with their favorite road trip vehicle after they've literally spent more nights sleeping in it than they have in their own beds. Tomorrow marks the end of a four year adventure with the "Mighty Mini" that has traveled through more than 40 states, two countries, and every kind of terrain imaginable.

Glamis Dune Riding

With dreams of some day owning a Mercedes Sprinter that I will convert into the ultimate road trip machine, I'm taking baby steps to get there. My first road trip mobile that fueled the early sparks of what would turn into a passion for travel was a '95 Taurus Station Wagon which I ended up selling just shy of 200,000 miles. My most recent vehicle was a 2000 Grand Caravan which was quite the space upgrade, and tomorrow I will be introduced to a newer Town and Country van.

It's tough to part with a vehicle after you've become accustomed to exactly how many surfboards you can fit inside, or what your max towing capacity is after you installed a pair of truck springs in the rear. You can find a van for under $2500, and below is a list of essential road trip modifications you can do yourself. You'll still be able to drive to work during the week and look semi-normal (as normal as you can as a 21-year-old proudly driving a soccer-mom van).

1. Tow Package: Install a Trailer Hitch and Wiring

- Total cost: $25, from the local "you pull it" with wiring harness.

- Why: So you can tow a trailer or put your dirtbike on the back of a hitch hauler.

2. Add a Larger Roof Rack

- Total cost: $5 for the soda and pizza you bought for the welder. You can make a roof rack with steel bars and a masterpiece of welded steel for a bolt on/adjustable assembly.

- Why: This allows for you to carry your thule rooftop, along with your canoe, playboats, and bikes.

3. Upgrade to Stiffer Springs

- Total cost: $20. Head back to the "you pull it (junk yard)" to find a scrapped van with the tow package!

-Why: This let's you overload your van and haul gear for any situation. This may be the best bang for your buck for the conversion.

Now you have a basic motorhome desguised as a soccer-mom shuttle. This van will now sleep three very comfortably, and up to five in a pinch. The secret is to plan your seating acoordingly and leave the rest at home.