Your name: Ren Walkenhorst - @adrentures
Location: Bend, OR
Nickname: Pepé le Prev
Make & Model: 1992 Automatic Toyota Previa AllTrac
HEST products: Foamy Wide, Dog Bed, HEST X Pollard Pillow
Critical dimensions for your bed platform: Super Crew Cab
Length: 78"
Width (at narrowest point): 32"
Height: 15"
Is this your daily driver or getaway car?
The Previa is my Daily Adventure Rig.
What do you like most about your rig?
Functionally, I love the roomy interior. The van has a cult following and it has been rad tapping into the Previa community.
On your average weekend adventure, what is the gear set up you bring with you?
In the winter I toss the skis in the cargo box and the gear goes under the bed platform in duffles. When it warms up and I swap the skis for a bike, I either load my bike into the van and use a fork mount I have attached to the bed platform, or I toss the bikes on the back rack. Once again, the gear goes under the platform in duffles. When I get the chance to head to the coast, the longboards go on the roof and the shorties can either ride up top or in the van. You guessed it, the wetsuits and gear go under the platform in duffles or an IKEA bag.
Any cool custom details you’re proud of?
The headlights on the Previa are not the brightest so I got some Hella Lights mounted up front to help for nighttime exploring.
Coolest place you’ve taken your rig to?
Cooke City, MT was an awesome winter adventure and just this past month I drove down the coast to the Santa Barbara area for a bike race. The rig provided a comfy basecamp for both trips.
Any projects in the pipeline to get your rig even more adventure ready?
Pepé needs a new A/C so that's top of the list haha. Beyond that, I am brainstorming a modular bed widening set up for when I need to sleep more than one person in the rig.
Biggest challenge in your build out?
The Previa does not have the same aftermarket part supply that some rigs do so it can be tricky to find what I need sometimes. Also, the engine is under the driver seat so I can't put anything too anchored down behind the seat. Otherwise I will not be able to check my oil.
Tips for others looking to do the same to their vehicle?
It took me about three physical iterations to get to this place and many versions on paper and in my mind. A seasoned van builder gave me the advice, "go simple". The more complex, the trickier it gets. Personally, I wanted a functional set up that made it easier to get on the road and I think I nailed it. List out what you need, then simplify.
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