conversion van question

[lisamarie]

Is there a down side to buying a conversion van?  There are many for sale on Craigslist in my area for anywhere between $1500-$10,000 that look really nice, in the 130,000-150,000 mile range.  I would not be full-timing, just weekend and vacation adventures for now, while we plan on full-timing in retirement. I am just itchy to get on the road now and dip my toes in the water.  Tent camping is out for me unfortunately, due to health issues.

We live in Maryland and my husband is worrying they will feel too hot and enclosed at night.  I have a friend who is a mechanic who could check the engine out for me.  I don't see anyone posting much about conversion vans but they look really nice inside and mostly have high tops.

Are there conversion vans that have known issues that I should avoid?  Anything else I should think about?

Thanks, Lisa Marie

 

[wagoneer]

you can get lucky but most have inefficient interiors too much carpet and uncomfy beds, they tend to smell funny and are usually only 1/2 ton
but your weekend warrior cravings will be satisfied.

 

[Beeps and eats]

If you are just going to be camping conventionally, go with the conversion vans
The hightop is preferable.for obvious reasons.and you can always convert it to suit your needs.

Sent from my Z981 using Tapatalk

 

[John61CT]

Yes a high top in good shape is worth **a lot**.

Chevy base would be my preference

 

[lisamarie]

Thanks for your responses. I think that is what my husband is worried about--being too uncomfortable and cramped. The van I am looking at is an E150, which comes with a tow package. Looks like I could also tow a small trailer behind?

We do not have any vehicle that could tow a trailer or popup, otherwise I would just do that. Seems like it would be killing two birds with one stone.

 

[lisamarie]

This is the van I am looking at. 1996 E150 conversion van, only 71, 300 miles.

"1996 E150 Conversion Van has the high raised roof that comes with a trailer hitch for towing. Engine is a V8, with plenty of power to pull any size trailer. Leather captain chairs with no rips or tears, and electric rear bench that folds out into a large bed for those looking to go camping. Only 71,300 original miles, I'm the second owner who used it 10 times a year to go ride my dirt bike, but retiring from riding, bikes are sold, van is next to go! First owner was an older couple who bought it new, I got it from them. All the fancy mood lighting, leather seats, TV & Video System, sun roof."

 

[Beeps and eats]

Great idea that way you can see if vanlife is good for you both or having a trailer is better. Besides you can set up and still have a very comfortable vehicle to roam the area in.

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[cyndi]

I've got a 97, E150 conversion and love it. One day I'll gut all the useless crap that takes up space. Until then it's perfectly serviceable and that tiny bit of insulation helps. The overhead storage, once you tear the cover doors off the storage is priceless.

One member detailed her build out. I'm dreaming of doing something similar

https://photos.google.com/share/AF1...?key=bWlYNk5xc1pWT3NRemdLWEZsN09OdUtuQUJCS0xB

 

[DannyB1954]

My van build was a conversion low top. There are some disadvantages to them if you are doing a serious build. To insulate you will have to remove the interior and then it most likely will not go back in. The windows may not be where you want them to be. Most are carpeted and that could be in sad shape. The factory high top will give you some head room, but not high enough to stand up in. If you leave the interior in place, building cabinets to fit against the factory trim panels may be harder and fastening them to something solid will be harder as well.

In hind sight I should have been more patient and started with an extended cargo van with a real high top. If you only go weekend camping a stock van conversion should be comfortable to drive to the campsite with, but you may also have to pull a trailer for your living quarters.

If you want to see what I did with mine it is here
My channel is not monitized so I am not trying to profit in any way to share what I did.

 

[lisamarie]

Thanks guys, I appreciate your feedback. I am a little worried about towing anything because now I'm reading that the conversion package already puts it at max weight. We're going to see it this weekend. From photos it looks to be in mint condition so we'll see.

 

[MrNoodly]

...my husband is worried about being too uncomfortable and cramped.

Two adults in a van will almost always be cramped. That's the reality of 60-70 square feet.

 

[DannyB1954]

There is a difference between weight that you can put into a van or pickup and the amount of weight that you can tow. As an example my pickup is a 1/2 ton, (1,000 lbs), but it can tow 5,000 no problem. Just make sure you have working electric brakes on the trailer. A 3/4 ton vehicle is much better for a full out build.

 

[highdesertranger]

that's always a problem with 1/2 ton conversion vans. then what happens when you load it up? best to weigh it before and after to check the weight. highdesertranger

 

[QinReno]

This is the van I am looking at.  1996 E150 conversion van, only 71, 300 miles.

"1996 E150 Conversion Van has the high raised roof that comes with a trailer hitch for towing. Engine is a V8, with plenty of power to pull any size trailer. Leather captain chairs with no rips or tears, and electric rear bench that folds out into a large bed for those looking to go camping. Only 71,300 original miles, I'm the second owner who used it 10 times a year to go ride my dirt bike, but retiring from riding, bikes are sold, van is next to go! First owner was an older couple who bought it new, I got it from them. All the fancy mood lighting, leather seats, TV & Video System, sun roof."

Offhand, this sounds like a pretty good deal, high-top, V8, foldout bed, and relatively low mileage. And assuming a reasonable price. I think I would stay away from anything with over 100,000 miles on it. 

I've had a regular GMC Savana cargo van for 8-months now, and the biggest issue I've had has been too little floor space. I've looked at many van conversions, and people get carried away and add so many cabinets, etc, that there is so little floor space left over one barely move around. That's the major issue with vans. OTOH, with the V8 engine, you can start out with the van, and then down the road buy a trailer to pull. I've seen many people pulling trailers 22'-24' long, and that would probably be more than adequate space for 2 people to "live" full time in.