hi guys. i'm brand new to this forum so i might not get everything right but here goes. i had the idea of van living a few years ago. its such a nice idea. i plan to sell my car, use the proceeds to get a conversion van and take off cross-country. i would be lucky to get $5000 for my car so my budget will be very limited. im in the market for a van for maybe $1500. it will be old and have a ton of miles, but i think i can work that out. i am a mechanic and have been for years, sometimes on cars but usually on everything else (from a lawn mower to a bobcat to a bulldozer). <br><br>having the jobs i've had, i was always given a service van for work, i was an on-road mechanic. because of that, i always had to work on them when they broke down. (rare)<br>ford E-250's usually, chevy 2500s, and once a 96 dodge ram 2500 which in my opinion was the best, followed by the fords. all in all, they are all tough as nails, IMO. <br><br> but it seems strange that conversions only have V6 motors. i never had a car w/ a V6 and it kind of makes me nervous. <br>anyway, i like this forum and look forward to meeting you guys. any thoughts/opinions welcome. thanks, dan