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Maryville, TN
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chapmanmx
11/2/2012 8:06am
11/2/2012 8:06am
Edited Date/Time
11/5/2012 12:36am
I am currently looking for a vehicle, and I have looked into pretty much everything out there. I had it narrowed down to a Toyota Tundra or a van, but I feel like a van would make more sense for me if I could get the right one for the right price. I really like the Chevy Express vans, especially the extended 2500, but I don't know much about the differences in all the vans in this category. I am looking for a used van with absolutely no more than 100,000 miles and maybe a 2006 or higher. I also want to by on that is pretty much stock, so that I can strip the inside and set it up how I want it. I have looked through a few of the threads on Vital but they are mostly about set up...
As for my questions, I already know about how I want to set it up, but I'm not sure exactly what kind of van would be the best for moto/everyday driving. I think a diesel would be best because of gas mileage, right?...Would it be worth getting the extended Chevy? I have heard bad things about the ford van transmissions so I definitely don't want to get into that...I have also been unable to find much info about MPG on these vans, so any insight/opinions would be much appreciated. Thanks!
As for my questions, I already know about how I want to set it up, but I'm not sure exactly what kind of van would be the best for moto/everyday driving. I think a diesel would be best because of gas mileage, right?...Would it be worth getting the extended Chevy? I have heard bad things about the ford van transmissions so I definitely don't want to get into that...I have also been unable to find much info about MPG on these vans, so any insight/opinions would be much appreciated. Thanks!
http://www.vitalmx.com/search?cat=Site&q=MOTO+VAN&cx=002903112843658474…
Things to consider:
Sprinter: Depending on the model, you can get them for around $13-17000 with a diesel. Great head room, easy to drive, but expensive up-keep.
Ford Econoline 250-350: You should be able to find this with an extended cargo area and a 7.3 diesel. (I'd stay away from the newer for Diesels.) Lacking head room but set up nicely to convert to a moto-van.
Chevy: I haven't seen a GM van with a diesel but that doesn't mean they didn't make one. I think they're pretty rare though. Long wheel base on the extended cargo makes it stable but harder to park and maneuver.
Honestly....look for a box van. Tons of room, and if it's not your primary vehicle, you park it or store it with all your gear inside. You could probably pick up a used budget or ryder for a good deal.
There you go!!!
The Shop
My younger brother and I travel to the races together, and it would save a lot of money to be able to sleep in a van instead of a hotel. Our parents do own a motor home that we can use and do use sometimes, but it's tough when you're getting 5-6 miles per gallon and traveling long distances (or any distance, for that matter). Plus I try to always take care of things on my own rather than use other people's resources.
I think you're right, Zaugg, a box van would make the most sense. Plus I would prob be getting close to the same gas mileage out of a van as I would be getting out of a full-size truck. Decisions decisions...
An extended gas or diesel from Ford or GM will be pretty good as a daily driver. (I actually drove the Ford extended for a summer and it was fine.) It was gas but it did well because I wasn't towing anything.
A box van might prove to be cumbersome as a daily driver.
Good luck in your search.
I am building one with a partition wall and a bench seat. This way I get the advantages of a crewcab truck with room in the back for all my moto stuff. It's gonna have room for 3 bikes, 54 gal of water with pressure washer, air compressor, tools and gear for 3 people. I tow a small camper trailer behind, but if you take out the bikes and pressure washer and you have enough room to inflate an air mattress.
I kept my car for daily driving but not because of the size of the van, only because of the harsh canadian winters. If they made extended vans with all wheel drive, I'd sell my car in a heartbeat.
One more piece of advice: if you're going with a GM, avoid passenger vans. The bench seats are attached to rails that are bolted through the floor from underneath. Those rails are a pain to take off. You'll be better off going cargo and adding a bench seat.
I am documenting my build, if you ever need some inspiration.
http://www.thumpertalk.com/topic/986602-the-crewcab-motovan/
There's also a bunch of other projects on ThumperTalk that turned out really nice.
I don't like driving a truck so I use the van most of the time and after you install a nice stereo and insulate it it they are nice to drive.
Pit Row
Seems like a nice little car. I don't think they'll import the diesel engine, though that would be very nice.
Diesel version has been available every where else but here for the last few years. I still can't understand what the hurdle is to getting these vehicles here along with half ton diesel trucks in the 30mpg range they are out there also.
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