70's Class C's vs Stepvans

[Journeyman]

I have always been looking for an old Class C but I've been noticing that in my area that a lot of step-vans have been coming up for sale. If you have any suggestions they would be appreciated.<div><br></div><div>Dennis</div><div><br></div>

 

[Kisatchieman]

I don't know anything about step vans, but I did own an older class C (1982) for six years.&nbsp;I found out real quick that the roofs are notorious for leaking, as well as around the front window&nbsp;in the cabover. Don't know if the roofs, etc.&nbsp;were made better in the 70s or not but I doubt it. If I bought another one, I'd spend an awful lot of time going over it with a fine toothed comb looking for any sign of leaks.&nbsp;Once any of the hidden wood gets wet it's going to rot and that leads to some awful expensive repairs. There are so many things on a class C that are in constant need of repair on those older rigs. If I had it to do over again I'd opt for the step van and set it up with just the things I needed, not a lot of unnecessary luxuries that add weight and constantly need fixing. I downsized to a truck camper and found out it has way more stuff in it than I need. Now I'm thinking of downsizing even&nbsp;further&nbsp;to a commercial camper shell that I can set&nbsp;up the way I want it.&nbsp;&nbsp;Good luck with whatever you decide on.<BR>

 

[karl]

I tend to favor step vans, they are heavy and geared for load so fuel mileage isn't the best and they are often hard to heat with the large glass and rolling doors. That said, they are a blank slate and have lots of space inside and under for storage and tanks.<br>I have a 12' olsen/grumman converted- weighs 8000# loaded with water tanks full, 9-10 mpg with 350 auto.<br>Like driving it, love being able to stand up in it, it's stealth and I can hide in plain site many places, probably have more invested than a camper of the same size and vintage, but I had a ball building it. Love to do another....<br><br>

 

[stude53]

<p style="margin: 0px;">Karl,</p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">Can you provide some pictures of your step van conversion?&nbsp; <img border="0" align="absmiddle" src="https://vanlivingforum.com/images/boards/smilies/idea.gif"></p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">I am planning to do the same, so it would be very helpful.</p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">Bob</p>

 

[blars]

I went with a class A.&nbsp; Class C's tend to leak in the cabover portion was only one of the reasons.&nbsp; See http://techno-viking.com/ and click on rv-shopping on the right column for some of my thoughts on choosing an RV to live in.<br><br><br>

 

[karl]

Bob- see if I can make pics happen in a day or so.<br>

 

[karl]

First time for everything- see if I can connect the dots to pics....http://s1112.photobucket.com/albums/k490/woodi20/Two%20Steps/<br>

 

[angeli]

karl this is really beautiful!&nbsp; <img src="https://vanlivingforum.com/images/boards/smilies/thumb.gif" align="absmiddle" border="0"><br><br>What year is it?&nbsp; Do you mind if I ask what you paid for it, and about how much it cost you to convert?<br><br>After waffling back and forth, I'm thinking myself towards step/box vans for the room plus stealth aspect.&nbsp; How long have you been in yours?<br><br>Nice job!&nbsp; I especially like the wood floors and nice carpentry.<br><br><br>

 

[karl]

Thanks.<br>'87 Olsen/grumman on Chevy chassis....12' behind the seats, 20' outside<br>I paid $2400. with 64k, 4 new tires.&nbsp; PO had done brakes, but it had set and I replaced lines, adjusters, e-brake etc.<br>Hard to say how much I added to that- lots of stuff I had squirreled away....Including the brakes work, I spent less than $700. on "stuff".<br>If I had to buy it all probably 3000 or more.<br><br>

 

[Dust of the Sun]

Really a neat alternative...would some folks who have step vans maybe give some quick thoughts to a comparison with traditional RVs regarding <br><br>-tags<br>-insurance<br>-personal property taxes (if your state has that...unfortunately, mine does)<br><br>Just kinda some initial thoughts for this newbie...wondering if the step van route is more or less expensive when it comes to our friendly DMV, Revenue office, Insurance company (note for anyone who hasn't had their coffee yet: sarcasm)<br><br>I feel constantly shooed away from considering a Class C...once again on this thread...especially being non-mechanical...and the Class B's that I LIKE...are expensive...for instance the Born Free or Chinook...even from the 90's.<br><br>thanks<br><br>Dust<br><br>

 

[Telcobilly]

Replying to Starmans post #2. I just put a deposit on a commercial shell , the Durashell 165. I wanted a TC but all were too heavy and expensive for my 4cyl Tacoma.
Check out my thread I started. Whenever I get the shell, I will be posting photos and details of the build. I'm open to any and all suggestions, ideas, experiences for my endeavor.

https://vanlivingforum.com/post/Thi...or-a-stealthadventure-vehicle-camper.-5873334

 

[Willy]

&nbsp;Step-van all the way. Get an aluminum bodied Grumman model. ..Willy.<br>