Looking for the right match

[afurrywarewolf]

Hey, everyone, I've have read just about all the post on the website and thought I'd get into the forum. Now I have started planning my van life but I am still a little ways away from buying a van. I have done a decent amount of research but I was wondering if you guys had any van recommendations. I don't have much of a preference but I would obviously prefer a longer van as opposed to a shorter one. A high top wouldn't bother me either. Something I'm really looking for is a van that I can drive on gravel and dirt without worrying about getting stuck if it has rained a little. Any other advice would be much appreciated and welcomed. I am very excited to start this new chapter of life and I'm happy to have found such a community gracious and willing to help. Thanks in advance.

 

[Wabbit]

Hiya! No recommendations but I am sure you will get some ideas from the more knowing peeps. Welcome and enjoy yourself! Don't forget pics when ya get to that point.

 

[Bud Smiley]

I think any of the 2WD vans will treat you well. If you venture onto rougher dirt and gravel, you might look toward the Chevy Express AWD vans. If you have slightly deeper pockets and can work your way around a wrench, you might be interested in a used van with a Quigley 4x4 conversion.

Anyway you go, welcome here!


High tops are awesome. I just cut one off a donor van and tossed it onto my old Dodge. it transformed it. Being able to stand up is a game changer.

 

[cyndi]

Welcome to the CRVL forums! My advice is too look at everything, within your price range. You'll make it harder on yourself by limiting your choices.

To help you learn the ins and outs of these forums, this "Tips & Tricks" post lists some helpful information to get you started. We look forward to hearing more from you.

 

[WriterMs]

Welcome! When you find a van or two that you think might work for you (after looking at them or a model in person), you can always post the particulars in the van section to ask others for feedback on that model and year and engine, etc.

Oh, and somewhere maybe in Bob's blogs??? he posted a list of a few van models that seem to perform well. Maybe one of the moderators will remember where that is?

 

[LMTLMT]

of course newer with the least miles, however having said that, if the seller took meticulous care I wouldn't mind the high miles. keep scanning ads, there are some gems out there. sure doesn't show up everyday but be ready to pull the trigger meaning have cash ready to make a deal as many are also looking for the same thing. best travels.

 

[akrvbob]

I believe the Chevy Express or GMC Savanah are the best vans available right now. I prefer the 5.3 V8 but the 4.8 is very common and a very good engine. I like a little more power for the hills. After 2011 you'll get a 6 speed transmission, big imporvement.

 

[afurrywarewolf]

I wanted to thank everyone for the feedback. I'm looking every day, it seems that Ford E series are the most common around here. I'm in north Florida so church vans are abundant. I'm glad a place like this exists to share ideas. I'll keep everyone posted hopefully with pictures of my van soon.