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GypsyMoon

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Dec 29, 2013
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Location
Vermont
Kinda a newby here. Been reading and learning on here for months now. I am van hunting and found a 1998 Dodge B1500, V6, 3.9L (239 CID), OHV. It has 58,792 miles on it and hasn't seen a winter. Rust free and I live in Vermont. I guess its classified as a conversion(?) since the walls are done, lighting on ceilng. I will remove the back 2 rows of seats and install a bed etc... I was wondering if anyone knows how the gas milage on one of these are. And i I would be better off with an 8 cylinder. Thanks for ideas.
 
Hi, and welcome from north Florida. As to your question V-6 vs. V-8, I would try it out, find a good hill, and see how it does, sometimes a V-8 will get better mileage than an overworked V-6. Vermont is kinda hilly, I was born there, and lived in N.H. for my first 12 years. feel free to ask us anything, we're here to help. Duane
 
All depends on how much you load it down and how fast you go up hill and passing.

Unloaded you should get around 18. Keep it light if you can.

Best, James AKA Lynx
 
It depends on your budget. The newer Chevy 5.3 V8 or Ford 5.4 get great mileage so I recomend them as a first choice. If you need to get an V6, that one is too small I would want one bigger than that. I don't even know what size the make them now but I wouldn't want one less than 4.3 liter.

Chevy puts a V6 in their Astros which is a 350 with 2 cylinders cut off, it's the smallest I'd take and I think it is too under-powered for a full size van. But it is old technology and the newer ones will be much better!!
Bob
 
I believe the V-6 he's talking about is 2 cylinders cut off a 318 cid. V-8, like the Chevy 4.3. My personal choice would be a V-8, or ford 300cid. straight 6.
 
Thank you all so much. V-8 it is. The search continues. :) I'll keep ya posted. Again thank you.
 
Mine has a 5.0 v8 and it isn't enough...i struggle on hills, tho i am pretty heavy.
 
Chevy Astros often come with 4.3 V-6 engines, and these are wonderful mils!! We have one in my wife's pick-up, and love how it pulls! (we pull alot of trailers)

It's also very 'peppy'...and my wife's leadfoot loves that too! :D
 
GypsyMoon said:
Kinda a newby here. Been reading and learning on here for months now. I am van hunting and found a 1998 Dodge B1500, V6, 3.9L (239 CID), OHV. It has 58,792 miles on it and hasn't seen a winter. Rust free and I live in Vermont. I guess its classified as a conversion(?) since the walls are done, lighting on ceilng. I will remove the back 2 rows of seats and install a bed etc... I was wondering if anyone knows how the gas milage on one of these are. And i I would be better off with an 8 cylinder. Thanks for ideas.
Click to expand...

B1500's with the V6 get about 19mpg. My '89 B150 gets 15mpg loaded. when I install the overdrive transmission, it will get about 17-18. The one great advantage of the Dodge B-series and the reason why I chose it over other makes is:

Dodge made the B-series van from 1971 to 2003, and aside from appearance and emissions, very very little changed over its 32 year production run. So repair and service parts are CHEAP
 
My disclaimer is I know nothing about any of this. That said, as we drive our cars around normally none of us think about the weight involved. When the vandweller goes through the planning and implementation stages, the weight, efficiency and handling issues must be considered.
As I see it, the chassis makes a big difference. While a lighter chassis may get better mileage and so on it will be overloaded quickly. From what I read here and on other RV sites a 3/4 ton chassis is the best compromise. Not to light, not to heavy. I think most 3/4 ton vans have V-8s. I am currently reading Bob's book and one thing I agree with in his vehicle selection chapter is to get a qualified mechanic to check out the vehicle before purchase. Its definitely worth it to at least know what potential issues may arise.
Also insulate and ventilate. Insulation at the beginning seems to make a very big difference later, both for heat and cold. Another thing is I have read how some change their interior after they dwell in the vehicle for a while. So making the early installation somewhat flexible is a very good idea.
 
Ive redesigned my build dramatically once and reorganize 100 since living in it lol
Oh, with my smaller v8 i get 13mpg combined, i got 15 when completely empty before converting.
 
Hi, looks like you're well on your way as you already have your van. best of luck! plz post some pics once you start building it out.
 
Update. Found a 2000 Dodge Ram 1500 conversion van. v-8 5.2 with 67,000 miles. She looks great. Am taking it for a drive in a couple of days. The place that has it just got it and they are checking it all out. Any input on this model? Thanks people.
 
GypsyMoon said:
Update. Found a 2000 Dodge Ram 1500 conversion van. v-8 5.2 with 67,000 miles. She looks great. Am taking it for a drive in a couple of days. The place that has it just got it and they are checking it all out. Any input on this model? Thanks people.
Click to expand...

That 318 is a good motor. The 1500 means it is a 3/4 ton workload base. I have a 91, and I am real happy with it. Parts are not expensive. I have found shock absorbers on eBay for $20 each. I go to the wrecking yards and get parts all day long for $5 to $10. That model is rated high. It sucks gas, but runs great.

Use this to find the value of the vehicle.

http://www.kbb.com/dodge/ram-van-1500/2000-dodge-ram-van-1500/
 
Thank you GS. I am taking it for a test drive on tuesday then I am taking it to a Dodge dealer and having them go thoroughly threw it. I will keep you posted if that is ok. Again thank you.
 
The thing to have them check on is the front end. Tie rods and steering system. Everything else is almost bullet proof.
 
Hi, I'm not sure but I think the 1500 series is a 1/2 ton van. Duane
 
In the B series, the 1500 referred to the load capacity. It was actually more.

Weights: gross vehicle weight rating (lbs) 6,600,
curb weight (lbs) 4,302,
front axle weight (lbs) 3,400, r
ear axle weight (lbs) 3,850
max payload (lbs) 2,302

The 2500 had beefed up suspension and axles, rear end~~~
 
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