Minivan conversion for farm/homestead use

Santa Craig Cringle · Jun 12, 2014

It's not exactly a utility vehicle, but I can make it one.

I have a Chrysler minivan with a salvage title. (Wife hit a deer a few months ago.) I think I could get it running again for less than $500. I'd like to get it running again to use as a daily driver instead of my pickup - save on gas plus save miles on my truck. But, I was just thinking if I remove the seating for 6 passengers, I've got a lot of prime real estate in this minivan. Thinking about rigging it up or modding it to do something farm, sustainability, or homestead related that my pickup wouldn't necessarily be able to do. Anybody got any ideas?

Gale Hawkins · Jun 12, 2014

They fill up quickly but do over some storage.

jaotguy · Jun 13, 2014

an enclosed lockable trailer with park brakes , that can be left on site ...

put a full frame under it and build a mobile backhoe ....

remove the front tires , weld blades / paddles across the rims ... put a plow/bucket on the front

motownbrowne · Jun 13, 2014

We use Mopar vans for veggie deliveries. Much better mpgs than a truck. WAY cheaper than a sprinter van. Decent cargo space, but not much weight capacity. I'm honestly surprised I don't see more "truck" farmers driving them.

I say go for it. You'll definitely save gas using it as a daily driver.

Regarding turning it into something else that it isn't, it's unlikely you'll save any money trying to make it into a snowblower, backhoe, etc. But maybe you'll make something cool.