cortttt
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jan 8, 2016
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I was pre-approved for a 1-ton Penske Savanna van but the finance guy at the loaner is way behind. Despite the fact that I told him I was sitting on another van I didn't want to lose if the financing didnt work out and promises that it would be done it's been 4 days and now its the weekend. I told them I was going to start looking again and if I didn't have a van by Monday we could talk again.
For a lark I punched in AWD and was surprised what showed up. They would all require at least a 500 mile trip but they are out there = mostly in the form of Passenger vans. Because it appears I might have trouble swapping out the closed windows for open windows - I want lots of air inside - the passenger vans won't work for me but there are some cargo vans - all 1500's - one with a 5.3L and low miles and at a reasonable price.
That got me to thinking. Would that van suit my needs better?
My Situation
I can't imagine that I'm going to do a heavy build out With my chemical sensitivities I'm going to put metal shelving in. I won't put a bed in - except for inclement weather or if grizzly bears are around, I won't sleep in the van. The van for me is more for being able to get organized and being able to get out of weather when needed. Since I spend the winters in the SW, weather is not that much of an issue. Maybe I'm missing something but I just don't see myself loading it up all much (?) so I don't think I'll need the more heavy duty vans. I have no reason to tow either.
I don't need AWD either. I can do fine with 2WD but if I can get it I'd sure like to have it. I spend alot of time traveling on dirt roads. I don't do any stealth camping. It's all boondocking. It would add a couple of thousand to the price though and repairs would be more expensive and possibly more frequent.
Boulder offers a small lift kit at a reasonable price.
Pro's and con's 2500/3500 van
For a lark I punched in AWD and was surprised what showed up. They would all require at least a 500 mile trip but they are out there = mostly in the form of Passenger vans. Because it appears I might have trouble swapping out the closed windows for open windows - I want lots of air inside - the passenger vans won't work for me but there are some cargo vans - all 1500's - one with a 5.3L and low miles and at a reasonable price.
That got me to thinking. Would that van suit my needs better?
My Situation
I can't imagine that I'm going to do a heavy build out With my chemical sensitivities I'm going to put metal shelving in. I won't put a bed in - except for inclement weather or if grizzly bears are around, I won't sleep in the van. The van for me is more for being able to get organized and being able to get out of weather when needed. Since I spend the winters in the SW, weather is not that much of an issue. Maybe I'm missing something but I just don't see myself loading it up all much (?) so I don't think I'll need the more heavy duty vans. I have no reason to tow either.
I don't need AWD either. I can do fine with 2WD but if I can get it I'd sure like to have it. I spend alot of time traveling on dirt roads. I don't do any stealth camping. It's all boondocking. It would add a couple of thousand to the price though and repairs would be more expensive and possibly more frequent.
Boulder offers a small lift kit at a reasonable price.
- Better MPG. lower miles, and AWD are what would push me towards the 1500.
- Possibly better reliability, better access to parts, a bigger knowledge base, a cheaper price and the fact that I trust Penske would push me to the heavier duty vans.
Pro's and con's 2500/3500 van
- Extended version available - more room and probably a bit better ride.
- Parts/mechanics readily available
- Known to be reliable
- A bit cheaper
- Gas mileage appears to be worse
- Fewer worries about getting stuck, better access to the outdoors
- Probably better MPG in a lighter van
- Could be easily lifted a bit
- I have come across some comments about reliability but haven't been able to pin anything down. Most people seem to be happy but then again there's not that much info
- Smaller
- More expensive repairs if they occur
- Parts not as avaiilable