Remembering the Sportsman Trans Van!

Last Updated on February 6, 2026 by Daily News Staff

I remember when I was 14, my parents were on an RV kick. After they bought their truck, they decided to put a custom-made shell on it from a company in Paramount. They enhanced it by laying down carpeting on the truck bed; I distinctly recall the smell of the new carpeting and wood paneling that permeated the interior. Soon after, they realized how enjoyable it was to go fishing and partake in other outdoor activities, driving them to take things to the next level.

They aspired to purchase a van conversion, which was a popular vehicle for families to own back then. Remember, it was the seventies in Southern California. My parents would rent an RV to take us on trips every summer from the time I was in kindergarten until I started junior high. They sought a vehicle that was not as large as a full-sized RV but more equipped than a standard passenger van or an SUV of that era, as an alternative to continual rentals.

I accompanied my parents to several different dealerships – Ford, Dodge, Chevy – where they examined and got prices on vans with various upgrades. They didn’t make such a significant purchase lightly. They weren’t trying to impress friends, coworkers, or neighbors; they genuinely wanted a vehicle that the whole family could enjoy on these trips. Purchases on impulse were uncommon during my childhood.

In 1979, six months into their search, they decided to investigate a new model of RV: a Class B camper van. This model was smaller than a standard Winnebago but slightly larger than a van conversion. The vehicle in question was called a Sportsman Trans Van. From what I remember, it was a pretty popular RV back in the day. The front of these vehicles usually featured Dodge or Chevy van series cabs, although some had cabs made by Ford.

My parents test-drove a few of them and were keen on potentially making such a purchase. Trans Vans had a small bathroom with a shower and a tiny toilet, a compact kitchenette, and other amenities similar to what a larger camper would have, just on a smaller, more space-efficient scale.

What I vividly remember about our search was the excitement and anticipation that hung in the air. We spent weekends visiting dealership after dealership, examining the latest models and technologies, and imagining all the places we could explore as a family. It was not just about acquiring a vehicle; it was about what that vehicle represented – freedom, adventure, and countless memories that were yet to be made.

These memories are precious to me, reminders of a simpler time when family outings were the highlight of our lives, and the excitement of a new adventure was just a road trip away. Through all these experiences, I learned the importance of thoughtful decision-making and the joy of shared family adventures. Looking back, those RV trips were among the happiest times of my childhood.

Then, in the end, they went in another direction and decided to renovate the house instead. A few yers later they bought a brand new extended Ford Econoline van that was ultimately customized into a conversion via a local shop.