Chevy Express Passenger Van

[Gideon33w]

I don't know. Mine is older and plenty more miles but is already setup for vandwelling and I'm going to be selling it at half that price.
It is certainly different for different people and different budgets but I don't know if I'd spend that much for a bare van.

 

[TexasWoman]

It's sure an interesting layout!

A few observations:

The mileage shows 125,850...and it looks like they spent some time on detailing it...which makes it look purdy but hopefully not hiding anything as far as oil leaks. 

Also the manufacture date shows 8/12 so this might account for line changes in the drivetrain.

Then also, you can see that the windows all have support pillars so even though it looks like its all glass along the driver side, there are vertical supports there.

The auto group selling it had it taken to a third party for inspection. Said tires needed rotating and missing a plastic radiator overflow cap. Nothing really.  

I have talked to a member on here who bought a passenger van and says he wished he had bought a regular cargo van. He gave up on trying to remove the seat rails and said it is hard to utilize the space with all the windows around. If I put a high top on it, that would create a lot of storage space.  I like the windows all around but it might not be good for security reasons or stealth. Maybe I need to keep looking...

The previous owner did install a Fleet Electric  "Fleet Gold  600 watt pure sine wave inverter (VLT12600)" on the back of the drivers seat.
Not sure how much those cost.

And he put a battery down on the floor behind the drivers seat.

Pictures attached.

 

[TexasWoman]

This van was ordered as an "incomplete build" so I don't think they put the seat rails in it.
That's a good thing from what I am learning!

 

[tx2sturgis]

Maybe I need to keep looking...

If you decide to keep looking, here are a few prospects:

http://www.commercialtrucktrader.com/listing/2013-Chevrolet-Express--122940069

http://www.commercialtrucktrader.com/listing/2014-Chevrolet-Express--122869172

http://www.commercialtrucktrader.com/listing/2013-Ford-Econoline--122186141

http://www.commercialtrucktrader.com/listing/2013-Ford-E350--122555851

http://www.commercialtrucktrader.com/listing/2015-Ford-Transit--123351755

 

[TexasWoman]

If you decide to keep looking, here are a few prospects:

http://www.commercialtrucktrader.com/listing/2013-Chevrolet-Express--122940069

http://www.commercialtrucktrader.com/listing/2014-Chevrolet-Express--122869172

http://www.commercialtrucktrader.com/listing/2013-Ford-Econoline--122186141

http://www.commercialtrucktrader.com/listing/2013-Ford-E350--122555851

http://www.commercialtrucktrader.com/listing/2015-Ford-Transit--123351755

Wow .. thanks!

I haven't seen this website before.

That is a good deal on that Chevy Express ... not one window ... might feel like a cave but could put a lot of shelves up in that thing and a hightop with windows might make it more liveable.

What do you think about the Dodge Ram Cargo Vans and Promasters?

 

[tx2sturgis]

What do you think about the Dodge Ram Cargo Vans and Promasters?

I've never driven one...they are based on the Fiat Ducato and I guess that limits them as far as getting repairs out in the boonies. But reviews on Youtube are good...for whatever that is worth. They are front wheel drive and have a low and flat load floor...

You might want to search for threads about them here or start one to see what you get.

 

[TexasWoman]

TX2Sturgis or anyone else ... feel free to pm me if you able talk on the phone.

 

[gapper2]

TW the reason I like your original van it has a 145 amp alternator and looked liked it was wired into th aux battery,  if done properly,that,s a plus.  Also kbb had that van with its options for 11775 retail.  10900 was considered fair price but range went down to 8900 for that zip.

Plastic panels can be removed in less than a day.

 

[TexasWoman]

TW the reason I like your original van it has a 145 amp alternator and looked liked it was wired into th aux battery,  if done properly,that,s a plus.  Also kbb had that van with its options for 11775 retail.  10900 was considered fair price but range went down to 8900 for that zip.

Plastic panels can be removed in less than a day.

Gapper,

They are asking $12,500 for this van.

Is the 145 amp alternator considered an upgrade from the original equipment?
I have been told that usually the alternators have to be upgraded to support solar.

The previous owner had it wired up so he could work from his computer inside the van.
It's got a Fleet Gold 600 pure sine wave inverter on the back of the driver's seat and a battery inside a plastic box next to the desk.

Is a 600 watt inverter sufficient for a solar application?

I'm not too up on the solar part of this equation yet....

 

[TexasWoman]

I don't know. Mine is older and plenty more miles but is already setup for vandwelling and I'm going to be selling it at half that price.
It is certainly different for different people and different budgets but I don't know if I'd spend that much for a bare van.

Thanks Gideon,

They are asking 12,5 but that doesn't mean I have to pay it.

I think they are realizing what an oddball car this is and not many people are going to want it.

So, if it sits on their lot long enough, I may get a deal.

They are telling me that vans are being snapped up around here by buyers from Houston because of the hurricane.

We'll see.

What do you think about this one below?

http://www.commercialtrucktrader.com/listing/2013-Chevrolet-Express--122940069

 

[ZoNiE]

That is a very nice looking van. I think it probably still smells new.

You may be able to sell the desk and chair, plus all the side airbags when you gut it for some extra cash. Disconnect the battery before removing any airbags...

 

[gapper2]

TW,
 The 145 amp alt is a big plus and an addition of solar would go a long way to keep aux batteries happy.  Lots to learn on living off of DC.  That's another day.  Find several things you don't like and offer 9500 cash if mechanical is OK.  They will balk.  10800 max and be prepared to walk. Reinforce them with the high mileage.  10900 is the fair price for the zip.

The second cargo van looked OK but I don't like the six cyl with much weight.  Good luck.  If you're worried about security watch Bob's latest video on tinting.  I bought mine for the 360 view.

 

[TexasWoman]

TW,
 The 145 amp alt is a big plus and an addition of solar would go a long way to keep aux batteries happy.  Lots to learn on living off of DC.  That's another day.  Find several things you don't like and offer 9500 cash if mechanical is OK.  They will balk.  10800 max and be prepared to walk. Reinforce them with the high mileage.  10900 is the fair price for the zip.

The second cargo van looked OK but I don't like the six cyl with much weight.  Good luck.  If you're worried about security watch Bob's latest video on tinting.  I bought mine for the 360 view.

Looks like the second van has a slide side door which I am not fond of.
And it is from a private seller who I know nothing about.
The E Way Auto Group has a good reputation. I talked to a Chevy Service guy at the dealership where I'm going to have it inspected.  He has done business with them.


Are you available to talk to on the phone?  If so, send me a pm.
I am going over to look at noon.

Thanks again !

Texas Woman
:heart: :heart: :heart:

 

[gapper2]

Sent PM

 

[TexasWoman]

Well .. checked out the van today and it is very nice for 125K miles.

Salesman Charles from EWay Auto Group was very nice, no pressure.

I could tell from going inside that I would have to have a high top installed to feel comfortable in it.

It's got a great engine and a floor has been installed already - some kind of black hard plastic stuff about 3/4" thick.
Wouldn't be too hard to fix up...

I need to decide if I'm going full time or part time .. and I guess the only way to know that is to actually get out on the road and see how it feels.

There is a manufacturer down the street that makes all aluminum trailers (http://www.completetrailers.com/trailer-category/general-cargo/)

For $4.1K I could get a 6x13 all aluminum slope nose beauty that only weighs 1K lbs!

My current car can pull it no problem.

So ......

 

[TexasWoman]

I just watched Carolyn's Van life and saw her van setup ..

The amazing thing is the Chevy Express I looked at today ... (I will start calling it "Van #1) ... is really tailor made for a setup just like Carolyn's.

There are already four really nice cabinets  installed and bolted down to the floor. (picture attached)
Fortunately there were no passenger seat rails in this van and a really nice floor has already been installed.
It has a nice split barrier  between the two seats up front. (picture attached)
I could easily take out the passenger side barrier and make that a swivel seat.
The seats are like brand new and very comfortable. The driver's seat has power controls.

Like I've said several times now, there is a 600 pure sine wave inverter installed on the drivers back barrier and a battery below that is enclosed.


Wrap around windows that give it a great open feeling.

The wonderful 5.3L V8 motor that is so well reviewed .....
The van has obviously been well taken care of with no  issues at all except a broken center console latch.

It would be piece of cake ....

Am I ready to make the jump?
This is all happening so fast ...



Texas Woman
:heart: :heart: :heart:

 

[TexasWoman]

I have the perfect spot to park it in my backyard.

I could practice living in it while close to my house so any changes could be made easier than out on the road.

I have the cash to buy it.

It could happen pretty quickly....

 

[tx2sturgis]

I bet you wont get much sleep tonite, babe!

Did you at least drive it?

 

[gapper2]

TW,

  To paraphrase Almost There in your solar thread "slow down darlin"  go back and reread her post.  She pointed out that the 600 pure sine inverter will NOT support your proprosed electrical needs.  The one aux or house battery may be OK for the last guy but it won't come close to your projected needs. One other thing you probably haven't thought about is I don't believe that van has a towing package, it will cost several hundred dollars to have one installed. And the trailer that you might want to tow will be limited by your 1/2 ton van.  All things to think about and consider.  Now personally your van#1 will be close to my proposed build except mine is 3/4 ton. Like I've said before you are going to see videos and read things and hear good advice on many things that will keep you in flux.  You've done real well so far but you have much to learn so slow down darlin.  There are going to be lots of options out there. Just my opinion.

Gapper2