Possible Upgrade. Whats you guys think?

[steamjam1]

Hey guys,

What do you guys think of the older Dodge Trans-Vans? I love how funky these things look.

I know they are over 30 years old at this point, and that comes with potential problems. I am very familiar with the Dodge chassis and drive train, so mechanical issues won't be a problem to me.

I'm curious if the RV-bit in the back is any good considering the era these things were built back when disco was dying, and the Sex-Pistols were starting to make a ton of noise...

 

[Lucky mike]

Hmmmmm.....working bathroom , kitchen , possible Genny.....I had one was great for solo!!

was nice to stand up and put my pants on....depending on use and price its a nice unit....check the under carriage around the outside of the body if this is a salt unit...they rot out pretty harsh around the back wheel wells and floor areas

they have a lot of potential and the 318 motors are almost bullet proof from that era!!

 

[nowhhs]

I'm not sure it would be an upgrade for you. Yes, you'll have more space, but you lose any stealth you would otherwise have with your window van, and the gas mileage would be worse. The other problem with ANY pre-built RV that I've ever seen, is that the floorplans are always very inefficient; too many aisles, seats, and air space. So even though it's bigger inside, you don't really have all that much more useable space unless you gut it first and start over. I think that's why a lot of us prefer to start with an empty van and fill every nook and cranny. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love those Trans Vans, I actually sold a similar 1982 class B van a couple of years ago before I "upgraded" to my Honda (photo attached). A ton of space, and at 6'5" tall, I could stand upright in the back of mine. If I was fulltiming, and my Honda didn't have enough space, I would either get one like you have now or, more likely, a Ford 7.3 diesel cargo van. But everyone has different needs, so YMMV.
Norm

 

[Van-Tramp]

Oh man nowhhs, that pic reminds me of a trans-van that was parked right down the street from me (Longmont, CO?) and I loved it. It is what inspired me to get a van over an RV. I'd have loved to have purchased it, but one day it was just gone... I loved her.

The super long Trans Van like the one Norm shows in his image is great. I love the looks of them. The short ones... not so much. Unfortunately, almost all I come across on the road are barely operating with bits and pieces hanging off and bald tires all around. They deserve better.

 

[nowhhs]

I'm in Littleton, CO. I loved it too, when I traveled with my daughter and my ex. But the mileage was lousy, and it was just too large to drive around comfortably. It was in great mechanical shape when I sold it to a guy in Evergreen who was going to restore the exterior. I don't really miss it.
Norm

 

[Belinda2]

Oh, it's beautiful, but all that money and time you put into it...it is just too old. Needs change with time. Think of your future needs also. The lack of stealth will haunt you with time. I'm sorry.

 

[Zil]

Stealth is way over rated while comfort is under rated. I had a similar mounted on a ford chassis. I kept backing into tree branches and stuff.

 

[SoulRaven]

Greetings!

My biggest problems with them are that you can't really stand up in the living area, only a couple of feet at the very back, at least the ones I've looked at...

I also like my side doors, so that I can open them and sit on the stoop.

Cheers!

The CamperVan_Man

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Stealth is way over rated while comfort is under rated.

Greetings!

I'll certainly second that one! Comfort comes first in my book.

Cheers!

The CamperVan_Man

 

[steamjam1]

Thanks guys for the info. I'm still shopping for the upgrade from my shorty van.

 

[David]

Put a tank turret on the top and you are ready for doomsday.

 

[WheelEstate USA]

Put a tank turret on the top and you are ready for doomsday.

I want the rig they had in the movie "Stripes"

 

[Patrick46]

I want the 'Deathmobile' from Animal House!!

 

[WheelEstate USA]

I want the 'Deathmobile' from Animal House!!

I'd forgotten that one.

 

[Simran]

If the mechanical doesn't scare you I'd jump on it for the right price; but then I live in a 40 year old van. I like it. I just missed one of those when I was looking for a van a few years ago.:-/

 

[steamjam1]

This is what I kind of have in mind: (Sorry in advance for my sh*t photoshop skills)

4wd conversion using dana 44 front with Chevy knuckles and hubs, stock rear end re-geared to match the front, OD tranny, and Ford NP205.

Then bobb the back. I figure at that point I might as well exo-cage it to make it an expedition type camper. No stealth. No way, but would be super cool.