Posts: 351
Joined: 3/29/2015
Location: MA, USA
I currently have a 16 tacoma crew cab short bed, doesn't have much bed room, thinking of getting a van for riding, racing, dump runs maby camping, alot of the tracks are 2hrs away, my concern is the reliability of say a 04 or 06 van does it turn into a pain in the ass having a older van obviously you get what you pay for, but any tips would be appreciated
Posts: 1528
Joined: 7/26/2015
Location: MA, USA
I’d say get a cargo trailer. Can buy a brand new enclosed 5x8 or 6x10 for between $1800-$3000 and they have a ton of uses. More cargo room, hardly any maintenance, cheap reg and insurance compared to a vehicle and it can double as storage at the house.
Posts: 6712
Joined: 11/30/2013
Location: Portland/Los Angeles, CA USA
Van life is good! I sold a current Tundra for an older van, it was great but did run into reliability issues after 3 years and high mileage. I sold it and financed a new van. Love it and won’t go back to a pick up.
Posts: 60
Joined: 9/17/2017
Location: AUS
Yep do it, went from a fairly new Duel Cab with not much tray room to an older Van and I don’t miss it one bit. Makes life so much easier.
Posts: 3209
Joined: 4/15/2013
Location: Suffolk, VA USA
Posts: 1664
Joined: 12/6/2014
Location: Ridgecrest, CA USA
We had a 98 gmc savanna 3500 extended. Bought it with 180k plus miles...we put about 25k miles on it and sold it for close to what we paid for it. We loved it. It had a fold down RV seat/ bed so we could sleep at the track. Never broke down on us although I did do alot of little fixes . I'd do it all over again and imo the 40k Van's are overkill unless you are traveling all over the US ....
Posts: 9429
Joined: 8/16/2006
Location: CO, USA
Posts: 684
Joined: 5/2/2017
Location: Oregon City, OR USA
I have a ford van with 190k miles on it. So far, no reliability issues since I bought it (a year ago) but as far as riding and versatility, it’s hard to beat. You can fit several bikes inside with your riding gear and tools no problem. I have a TV in mine, compresser, power inverter, lights, and a new floor.
It’s awesome. It might look weird or funny to everyone, but who gives a shit. It’ll pay for itself the first time you go riding. You’ll love it.
Posts: 918
Joined: 9/15/2008
Location: Shelby, NC USA
Posts: 1528
Joined: 7/26/2015
Location: MA, USA
I just saw a commercial on tv today for the new sprinter and looks like they are finally offering a gas version. That was my biggest hang up on the Mercedes was diesel only option. I think a new sprinter crew version 4x4 with a gas engine is probably the ultimate Moto hauler.
Posts: 3570
Joined: 3/21/2014
Location: Saratoga Springs, NY USA
once you own a van you will never go back to anything else....I keep all my gear , spare parts & nesseary tools in the van at all times, I can be loaded & on the road in 5 minutes...I have a pickup for Dailey driving, driving a rear wheel drive van around in the winter time can be a PITA...
Posts: 177
Joined: 4/20/2015
Location: Oklahoma City, OK USA
Elected to go the van route a year ago and do not regret the decision one bit. Makes traveling to the track easier and less worry. Plus I've found the van to be extremely useful with everyday tasks like hauling groceries and items from the hardware store.
Posts: 351
Joined: 3/29/2015
Location: MA, USA
Thanks for the input guys!! Gonna be looking for a clean van with under around 110k on it, leaning towards a ford
Posts: 1620
Joined: 3/14/2010
Location: Carlsbad, CA USA
I usually have more than one car, but my van is always my favorite and the only one I won't go without. Good luck. you will see there are tons to pick from. Let's see it after its yours. ?
Posts: 1240
Joined: 9/6/2009
Location: Waterloo, IN USA
Van life is the only way to go, I can haul 5 people easy, I have couple seat belts on my back fold out bench seat in case needed for kids, built a insulated wall, my van is smoother and less noisy than my wifes ford escape, and my vans a 2006 e250.
Posts: 891
Joined: 4/14/2008
Location: Upper Marlboro, MD USA
Do it! I have a 2008 express van, V6. It has 207k miles on it and runs like a champ! I put a bench seat in it with some seat belts to take the family to the track. My wife loves the van because we can stop at places on the way from riding and the bikes are good. Use to have a f150. I would never get a pick up again for Moto. Once you get a van you will never go back. 
Posts: 24853
Joined: 7/22/2007
Location: Portland, OR USA
Edited Date/Time:
I concur with just about everyone above. Van's + Moto just go together. Especially if the weather ain't the best or if you need to keep things locked up at like a motel or something. Trucks = leaving your stuff exposed and just asking to get robbed. I'll never be without a Moto van for as long as I ride.
And there goes Jeffro. One of God's own prototypes. A super high-powered mutant of some kind never even considered for mass production. Too weird to live, and too rare to die.
Pimpin' Ho's , Rollin' fatty's......drinkin' beers , beers , beers!! ~ Ja
Posts: 3933
Joined: 3/8/2009
Location: Marion, OH USA
Posts: 91
Joined: 7/25/2018
Location: PA, USA
Edited Date/Time:
Bought a 2006 Ford E-250 earlier this year with 87k on it, for $7400. Was 18 at the time and took a loan out to get it. If you ride any kind of bikes, its prolly the best choice you'll ever make. Not having to worry about people seeing your bikes or getting stolen, gear stays out of the weather, and just super convenient to keep gear in. Cons are usually poor gas mileage and eventually rust you'll have to take care of. But you will not regret getting one, JB 19 couldn't be more correct. 
Posts: 1172
Joined: 4/2/2008
Location: Grande Prairie, CAN
Yep. Just bought a new 2018 Chevy express. It’s going to be my daily driver as well. It has the new 2.8 duramax in it. They are supposed to be great on fuel as well so we will see. 
Posts: 902
Joined: 12/7/2015
Location: Norco, CA USA
Posts: 3212
Joined: 7/19/2016
Location: Sac, CA USA
Posts: 60
Joined: 7/13/2007
Location: VA, USA
sesker15 wrote:
Do it! I have a 2008 express van, V6. It has 207k miles on it and runs like a champ! I put a bench seat in it with some seat belts to take the family to the track. My wife loves the van because we can stop at places on the way from riding and the bikes are good. Use to have a f150. I would never get a pick up again for Moto. Once you get a van you will never go back.
How'd you install the seat? I need to do that in the future for a car seat.
Posts: 1410
Joined: 11/27/2015
Location: TX, USA
The correct title should have been - I'm Buying A Van; Make Me Feel Better About Spending Even More Money On This Sport
lol. I'm sure you'll enjoy it. I hope I get one some day.
Posts: 891
Joined: 4/14/2008
Location: Upper Marlboro, MD USA
Posts: 60
Joined: 7/13/2007
Location: VA, USA
Posts: 351
Joined: 3/29/2015
Location: MA, USA
Posts: 597
Joined: 10/20/2015
Location: Tarpon Springs, FL USA
sesker15 wrote:
Do it! I have a 2008 express van, V6. It has 207k miles on it and runs like a champ! I put a bench seat in it with some seat belts to take the family to the track. My wife loves the van because we can stop at places on the way from riding and the bikes are good. Use to have a f150. I would never get a pick up again for Moto. Once you get a van you will never go back.
cr12500 wrote:
How'd you install the seat? I need to do that in the future for a car seat.
Ive had like 5 or so moto vans over the years. Last two I put a 3 person seat from a newer ford transit in it, they look sharp. Trying to buy another van tomorrow, already scored a transit seat for $100 a few days ago. Simply drill some holes for the mounts, then use some grade 8 bolts from home depot, and some backing plates so in a accident its less likely they'll pull threw.
Posts: 1241
Joined: 9/26/2010
Location: Kamloops B.C, CAN
Actually just got rid of my 2015 Tacoma, 4 door, 4X4, and bought this 2014 Express AWD for all the reasons everybody else is stating. Mine is the passenger version which has its advantages and disadvantages. It came with 2 rows of bench seats, I instantly removed the 2nd row for the summer, and can fit(squeeze) 2 bikes in the back. I actually use it for BMX racing and mtn biking. I built a 4 bike rack in the back of it and can fit 4 full sized DH bikes, all of our gear, plus seating for 5 adults. The mileage is pretty much the same as the Taco as well. NO REGRETS. I also ski 50 days a year and have 2 sets of wheels with summer/offroad tires on one set, and winter/snow tires on the other, you can fit 275/70/17's on the Van without rubbing. I'm now looking into upgrading to an ass kicking stereo system to pump the family up while cruising to the hill/trails/track.
Posts: 9429
Joined: 8/16/2006
Location: CO, USA
I have owned vans since 1980 . 
