Help!!!!! should I sell it?

[vegan chef]

Ok I have this 1983 Dodge ram hi top explorer camper van in excellent condition inside and mechanically in good condition with 66k miles, I use it on short trips but now I am going full time to travel USA  is it too old?, I also have a travel trailer in good condition but I would need to get a truck to pull it.  I dont have a lot of money to invest in a newer one but I can save and trade it for something newer....I need some help, I am a single woman needing advise,,thanks in advance for all the input.

 

[Gary68]

no way can i speak for you only myself

if this has been maintained i would change the fluids and basic stuff and roll with it but i am a older the better guy

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

For me, a vehicle that I KNOW is in mechanically good shape is better than any new, unknown vehicle.  And 66k is nothing, mileage wise.  You should be able to easily double that.

And why can't you use this van to pull the travel trailer?  How big/heavy is the trailer?  Is the van a half ton or a three quarter, do you know?

 

[poncho62]

66K?.....I would drive that all over. Like said, change the fluids, have it checked over (brakes, tires, suspension, tune up etc)......Being a single person, I would just have the van, never mind towing a trailer.....although that van probably could tow it

 

[DannyB1954]

You should sell it to me real cheap!

Really I would keep it if I was you. It could easily go another 100,000 miles. I am fixing up a 83 Dodge conversion van with 142,000 miles. Check the rubber parts like belts and hoses, service the transmission and see what the inside of the pan looks like. Set aside the rest of the money that you would spend on something different. Buying something before you need it is a waste of money.

 

[SternWake]

If travelling solo, Keep it.

I wouldn't try and tow with it, especially if it does not have the 5.9 engine.

 

[rvpopeye]

Welcome aboard and , what they^^^^^^^^said .

 

[WheelEstate USA]

If that van runs as good as it looks I'd load up and hit the road.
As suggested, its a good idea to inspect and service it just to make sure.

 

[ZoNiE]

Half the miles as my 2009 truck. Keep her.

 

[wagoneer]

That's a no brainer dude. Hit the road Jack. PS they never put a 5.9 in a van

 

[SternWake]

 PS they never put a 5.9 in a van

Tell that to Jay and many other owners with b350 or b3500's, even some 3/4 ton.

 

[Txjaybird]

Ok I have this 1983 Dodge ram hi top explorer camper van in excellent condition inside and mechanically in good condition with 66k miles, I use it on short trips but now I am going full time to travel USA  is it too old?, I also have a travel trailer in good condition but I would need to get a truck to pull it.  I dont have a lot of money to invest in a newer one but I can save and trade it for something newer....I need some help, I am a single woman needing advise,,thanks in advance for all the input.

  Hello and Welcome.  If/when I get my defecation in order I too will be solo female traveler.  If your van runs as good as it looks and it was mine I'd keep it in a heartbeat.  Some good advice from the others.  With age somethings just need replacing, hoses, belts, tires, fluids and I'm sure other things.  May be not worn out just age is a factor.

I recently made the decision to keep my 25yr old 4x4 Ranger pickup because I know this truck.  I know what I've replaced and rebuilt, always getting the best parts I could afford.  Having a great mechanic with competitive rates was a big factor in my decision.  I'm down to crankshaft seal =$120, tranny cooler less than $150, 2 new tires, & front end alignment and we're ready to roll!

Oh yeah my Ranger has 220,000 miles and we think it's the orig 4.0 V6. 

If you don't have a trustworthy mechanic just ask around, someone here may even know of someone in your area.  I've have ended up with major repairs on "new" used vehicles, I'm talking transmissions and engines so I figure the devil I know is better than one I don't!

Also if you need xtra storage you could look into a carrier rack that fits into a receiver hitch on your van.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

Jewellann

 

[steamjam1]

That's a no brainer dude. Hit the road Jack. PS they never put a 5.9 in a van

Dodge vans from '71 onwards B vans were available with 318, 360, (5.9L) and 400, and a few came with 440 engines before 1979. From '79 onwards you had a choice between 3.7L slant 6, good old 318 (5.2L), 360 (5.9L) and in later years 239 (3.9L) V6.

 

[Headache]

Keep the van and let me follow you around! I've been creating my own recipes but learning from a real vegan chef would be stellar! Welcome aboard!

 

[ArtW]

66k? that's nothing for a 318, use it
unless you WANT to drag a derned TT around with you all over the great wide open

 

[TrainChaser]

Yes, you should sell it. Sell it to me for $500.

 

[wagoneer]

Dodge vans from '71 onwards B vans were available with 318, 360, (5.9L) and 400, and a few came with 440 engines before 1979. From '79 onwards you had a choice between 3.7L slant 6, good old 318 (5.2L), 360 (5.9L) and in later years 239 (3.9L) V6.

My bad I was just saying Dodge never put the 5.9 diesel in a van