Hi: I would greatly appreciate advice on why I'm languishing around a decision to downsize from a '98 19' Class C w/68K miles, most everything works (my DC/alternator charge system stopped but that could be fixed, my side steps won't extend, my roof leaks around a vent)...to a nearly new Dodge Ram Promaster van high-top (or low top, I'm a petite female so I can actually stand in one).
My thinking is that I know how to build out a van from prior experience, I want to try some new things like a rooftop gravity-flow abs-pipe/tank system, solar (new to me), and induction range with use of pressure cooker as my "oven". I'm so small I can sleep sideways, I thought of building a seat/futon in the back so I could seat more passengers, then build a very tight wall system so it barely intruded on interior space. I wanted to use large abs under-chassis as my holding tanks, make a fold-down toilet etc. I wanted a van with no side windows (except door) but with a back tinted window, then I could install windows as needed. I would use paint-on expandable foam constrained by melamine as insulation after all wiring/pipes were done/tested, and build out cabinets with doors that folded down making their own counter space. Of course would install the spin-around front passenger seat.
However the Class C is already in my possession, mostly works. It just feels so clunky, high-riding, overly-powerful for just cruising around (E350 with TEN cylinders for only 18.5 feet!), gas-sucker (don't know but it's probably less than 10), not stealthy, silly design (big oven, microwave, huge fridge, walk-in bathroom/shower), mass uncomfortable bench seats at a table, and I'm always fighting leaks.
It's the beginning of "honey we should buy an RV" season and I could probably sell the Class C for...what...$11-12K??? Then buy a used Promaster for...what...$19K and work on its innards.
Does the stealth/gas mileage benefit justify the switcheroo? I'm just inquiring for gut-level responses, if anyone even has any, I would be very thank-ful since I'm stuck.
My thinking is that I know how to build out a van from prior experience, I want to try some new things like a rooftop gravity-flow abs-pipe/tank system, solar (new to me), and induction range with use of pressure cooker as my "oven". I'm so small I can sleep sideways, I thought of building a seat/futon in the back so I could seat more passengers, then build a very tight wall system so it barely intruded on interior space. I wanted to use large abs under-chassis as my holding tanks, make a fold-down toilet etc. I wanted a van with no side windows (except door) but with a back tinted window, then I could install windows as needed. I would use paint-on expandable foam constrained by melamine as insulation after all wiring/pipes were done/tested, and build out cabinets with doors that folded down making their own counter space. Of course would install the spin-around front passenger seat.
However the Class C is already in my possession, mostly works. It just feels so clunky, high-riding, overly-powerful for just cruising around (E350 with TEN cylinders for only 18.5 feet!), gas-sucker (don't know but it's probably less than 10), not stealthy, silly design (big oven, microwave, huge fridge, walk-in bathroom/shower), mass uncomfortable bench seats at a table, and I'm always fighting leaks.
It's the beginning of "honey we should buy an RV" season and I could probably sell the Class C for...what...$11-12K??? Then buy a used Promaster for...what...$19K and work on its innards.
Does the stealth/gas mileage benefit justify the switcheroo? I'm just inquiring for gut-level responses, if anyone even has any, I would be very thank-ful since I'm stuck.
