Considering A Big (for us) Change

[WheelEstate USA]

Actually, I don't think that van would gain us enough MPGs to make the difference we're looking for. The shower/toilet combo is nice, but with 2 people, we'd constantly be looking for a sanidump. Just toilet is a plus, tho...turn shower into closet, maybe. The older Onans suck gas, even the smaller ones. Might be good this one was a no go.
Just eyeballing.

 

[decodancer]

I think that van is a bit overpriced considering it's 30 years old. Also making your dinette into a bed every day could become annoying. You guys will find the right one, just be patient.

 

[WheelEstate USA]

I think that van is a bit overpriced considering it's 30 years old. Also making your dinette into a bed every day could become annoying. You guys will find the right one, just be patient.

Yup. Don't need a dinette, but the bed sure looks narrow for 2. Guess Margie could sleep on the floor...like that's gonna happen
Guess it could be modified tho.
Keep modifying and might as well build.

 

[GrinningPanther]

Jay, 'not sure of your "must haves" on the van, but I would encourage you to strongly consider making one of them the over-the-cab bed. It provides either a roomy additional bed or a whole lot of storage space not usually available in vans.

For me that was a major consideration, and I'm glad I got one with that feature. Roadtreks are popular with some, but because they don't have the over-the-cab bed they felt so much less roomy to me when I checked one out...and they truly had much less storage space.

Especially with two people sharing the van, you'll want every bit of extra usable space you can get.

(Of course, if you want a low top in order to get into way-in-the-hinterlands trails with low-hanging trees, that's a different matter. But if so, you'd probably be looking for a 4x4.)

GP

 

[WheelEstate USA]

Good points.
High top is preferred, mainly for headroom far as we're concerned.
You might be surprised how little we carry. There's some stuff we can shuck, but as I survey our possessions, I see the "super top" with bed as weight and wind resistance, thus some MPG drop for unneeded space. Bulky, extra blankets store smoothed under the mattress. All clothes fold/stackable...minimum...thrift stores everywhere. Galley...ok, need to trim there, LOL. Tools for repairs...can't build engines on the side of the road. Dog...tie on bumper
There's a few places we'll cut the fat, but its nothing we'll miss.

I sure won't sleep in the coffin space up there, so I'm not seeing the need right now.

Good to let the thoughts flow tho.

 

[One Awesome Inch]

Not a problem, buddy. I hope I can provide an answer.
Margie has been fighting a disability case for a while now. If she took a job it would end it, as well as cause her more pain and discomfort. She was a caregiver, and her only other skills are that of a store clerk. Standing and lifting don't work for her. Lack of education and learning disabilities preclude anything she could do online, much like myself as far as computer skills go. (you don't want to watch her type with that one wandering finger, nor make sense of it most of the time).
There are many challenges for those with learning disabilities which we carry thru life. For my part, reading, spelling and writing come easier than many other things, with understanding written directions being my weakest of the above three, and math being even worse.
This is not to imply that we are unable to reason and neither are brainless.
We are simply challenged.

I don't mind discussing this, as many people look at learning disabilities as a childhood thing and don't often realize just how many around them have this issue. Meeting us in person, you wouldn't notice it in normal day to day conversation...just don't ask me to remember the formula/numbers for figuring out your battery/solar needs (for example).

I have worked with kids with learning disabilities for years. Often they have a certain determination and courage that others lack. Best of luck to you.

 

[Lucky mike]

the words disability & handicapped do not exist in my vocabulary........ Can do , will do.....with a slight disadvantage to the challenge!!!!

of course I did take advantage of the primo parking and super camping discounts...and Nikki(service dog) loves the fact she can go anywhere!!!

 

[WheelEstate USA]

Mike...challenge does fit the best, I certainly don't feel disabled.

Well friends, I was fishing around on Craigs and got a bite. Found a van and shot out a short note. Reply...Was looking for a class C, but class A would be fine.
So, I sent him the ad draft I'd done, offering photos tomorrow morning.
Reply...sounds good, send pics.

My thoughts....Not concerned about mileage, looks to be well cared for. As long as it checks out, there's lots of miles left in it.
Notice (in link) that its its sitting on a nice pavestone driveway overlooking Tucson (big money) ...you don't park a drippy, junk van on pavestone at a joint like that, period.
Overall condition looks great, including cargo bay. I feel like this van has regular service.
Ok, true, he may have it detailed and "doctored" some issue, but it will show itself....I'm pretty good at picking a winner.
We're staying neutral, so my thoughts are just based on observations, so well see. Only the first bite and and there's other fish in the sea.
See what you think...
http://tucson.craigslist.org/cto/4419335060.html

(BTW...I have a "come remove it" offer for a mid-high top offer on a side wrecked van, consideration)

 

[GrinningPanther]

Jay, to this novice that van looks good. Clean, the seats are not abused, mileage fairly good, 3/4 ton, and a nice "open canvas" for you to artistically construct whatever you want your home to be. It looks well cared for. (And your observation about where it's parked is interesting, and shows an experienced and savvy eye.)

I know you know what to look for in vehicle condition/performance, so hopefully it turns out to be as good in person as it looks in the ad. And, as you say, if this doesn't turn out to be the one, "There's other fish in the sea."

Best of luck on it.

GP

 

[akrvbob]

It looks really good from the little you can see in the pics. Does it have the 318 or 360?
Bob

 

[WheelEstate USA]

Thanks GP...I'm not holding my breath, of course. The thing to remember is that we do not HAVE to leave the RV...its our choice.

Its gonna be trick "painting that canvas" quickly and getting out of Tucson. Comfort will be a big issue here shortly. Often we see temps reaching 100 in early May, tho it usually settles back into the 90s for a while after a 7-10 day heat wave. We've already seen 95 a few days.

My plan is to get a small storage unit near my old housemate's place ($25 special)...unload the RV and work on the van in his driveway and have facilities/kitchen, ruff-it in the van at night. Once I get the basic layout installed, we can move on to a cooler place to finish the build. I'm not as speedy as I used to be, so I figure a week before we can load and split, as long as the van itself is up for it. Margie is pretty good at fetch and tote and having a go-fer makes it a lot easier. (let's not tell her that she's gonna sweat her ass off, LOL).

Off to bed, tomorrow will bring what it will.

 

[decodancer]

Fingers crossed, that van looks like a winner. I'd pop a hightop on it, it's really inexpensive and makes a world of difference in space. Wish I was closer to help you guys with the physical aspects of the move.

 

[spd2918]

Jay-

That's clean looking van. The SW is a great place to find rust free vehicles.

I'd consider an extended length Ford or Chevy before getting a Dodge. It's just my opinion, but you can have more space (length) for the same mileage and price. I know this may offend some owners here, but the Dodges of that era are just not as well built, have more transmission issues, and have less leg room. The 318 is a good engine, but the small V-8 or V-6s from Ford and Chevy are better and will yield better MPG. Again, just my experience (I do some fleet management and have personally owned products from all 3).

 

[WheelEstate USA]

It was with a heavy heart that I emailed the 98 Dodge owner and turned down the deal. After talking more and re-working some possible plans, we've decided to look for an extended van. Were I alone, i would have been quite happy with it, but just too tight for us both.

I've got my line in the water and we'll see what kind of other bites we get.
Like this one, I'm not afraid to make the trade offer. At worst they'll say NO.

 

[PastTense]

Let's go back to the fundamental issue: are vans good for off-road travel? I think you need this like high clearance, correct suspension, 4 wheel drive--and you are not going to get them in most vans.

 

[Patrick46]

Geeze.....I step out for a few days and come back to this??? HOLY COW!!!


well...good luck with your hunt, and hope you guys are doing well!!

 

[WheelEstate USA]

Let's go back to the fundamental issue: are vans good for off-road travel? I think you need this like high clearance, correct suspension, 4 wheel drive--and you are not going to get them in most vans.

We're not going into the deep "outback", but we want to go further down that narrow dirt road between the trees where the RVs don't go. 4 by isn't in the budget right now. I'm pretty good at getting this box into places you'd find hard to believe. A van will take us oldsters far enough off the road to see beauty we now have to pass by.
I've been in the Az boonies most of my life, and other states, as well. I'll make every effort to see we don't get in over our heads.

Patrick....You were gone ??? Oh, welcome back
So where wuz you off to this time??

 

[Patrick46]

the wife and I did a 'balistic' roadtrip, to central Illinois and back for a wedding.

Drove there, did the wedding, did the reception, and partied with the fam, and drove back...in 5 days flat!!

but I've mostly been busy with work lately, so I haven't been checking in like I usually do.

 

[GrinningPanther]

Jay, I think you made a smart decision to shoot for an extended van. I was going to mention something about that, but I had already commented on the possible benefits for the two of you in having a high roof, and you mentioned that you don't have much stuff and wouldn't need the space. But I guess you feel that floor/bed space is more important to you than vertical/storage/head space.

Continued good luck on your search. You found a strong candidate within a couple of days. Very likely you'll find the right one very soon.

 

[WheelEstate USA]

Patrick....that was a real whirlwind trip. Hope it was a smooth one.
Don't work too hard...it'll cut into your fun time.

GP....Yeah, we thought hard how we could make that one work and it wasn't gonna cut it.
Wouldn't mind a taller top, but a mid-high. Its the overhead sleeper I don't need. Since we won't walking around actually, not standing much inside, the real tall one isn't needed, more weight and wind resistance. I don't have to stand fully to put my pants on, and sit on my folding stool to cook, etc. Its easier to add a top than to add floor space.
Hummm, maybe a rear slide out. I've seen 'em on Sprinter rigs.