Small Vans for a Small Budget

[Journey]

With a bit more searching, I was able to find some potential AWD conversion and cargo vans in my budget, though some are outside my state so my trek towards travel might start with a trek of its own.

 

[TequilaSunSet]

Journey-

We sound like we have the same fabrics, I too am artistic and plan on making things on the road eventually for small craft fairs/ebay etc. I will make my van multi functional for living in, working out of.

I have a Safari that was a former wheelchair van,seats were already missing. I am removing the plastic half way up, and have done a quick down and dirty mock up with coroplast to get a better feel how my floor plan will work. I will be blocking out the 2 rear side windows for better use of the interior and some solid privacy. Passenger astro/Safari vans have the hatch with dutch doors which is really nice. Never fear opening the back and stuff has shifted and fallen out. I will be mounting my ARB fridge up to back door and the top of it comes up to the bottom of the window hatch. Perfect for quickly opening the hatch while outside to grab a drink or snack. With my bench/bed going the length of the van, it gives me a lounger too that i can read etc, stare out the back window or middle side windows... and I am also getting a swivel setup for the passenger seat to open up the interior and give me a reclining lounger

The cargo vans have the barn doors which split your view outside, but they come already stripped. You don't have to pull out all the plastic like I am doing, but you also don't have a headliner, so you will have to panel it to make one... + & - for either option, you just have to weigh it all out.

 

[Journey]

Sounds like a great plan, TequilaSunSet!

I'll have to take a look at some of the modeling software. Right now, I have my fun analog set-up. I put up some tables and sheets to make a glorified blanket fort with basic Asto/Safari dimensions and I've been living out of it to see what layouts work best.

Do you have any images of your intended floor plan so far? I'd love to check it out.

I've been a little overwhelmed this week because of the sheer number of options. "Paralysis by analysis." I wanted to bring someone with me to check out the vehicles with a wider knowledge base than me, but that is proving difficult.

I'll try to coordinate some things this week, as I still have a handful of vans that fit the bill of being in my budget, low miles, and about the size I want:
1. https://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/ctd/5535156108.html
2. https://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/cto/5474202773.html
3. https://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/cto/5531137809.html
4. https://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/cto/5541937587.html
5. http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...l?listingId=422852426&hideBackLink=true&Log=0

 

[TequilaSunSet]

Sounds like a great plan, TequilaSunSet!

I'll have to take a look at some of the modeling software. Right now, I have my fun analog set-up. I put up some tables and sheets to make a glorified blanket fort with basic Asto/Safari dimensions and I've been living out of it to see what layouts work best.

Do you have any images of your intended floor plan so far? I'd love to check it out.

I've been a little overwhelmed this week because of the sheer number of options. "Paralysis by analysis." I wanted to bring someone with me to check out the vehicles with a wider knowledge base than me, but that is proving difficult.

I'll try to coordinate some things this week, as I still have a handful of vans that fit the bill of being in my budget, low miles, and about the size I want:
1. https://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/ctd/5535156108.html
2. https://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/cto/5474202773.html
3. https://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/cto/5531137809.html
4. https://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/cto/5541937587.html
5. http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...l?listingId=422852426&hideBackLink=true&Log=0

Link to my slow build and down and dirty mock up. The coroplast (plastic cardboard) gives me a much better feel for dimensions than tape or a drawing (drawings give ya false hope!)

https://vanlivingforum.com/Thread-05-Tequila-Safari-slow-build?page=2


I will have a 14" pathway between passenger side cabinet and bench, all the way to the fridge. So I will have stand up room/narrow walk room to cook on top of the cabinet with my portable butane stove top, plus room for my feet when sitting on the bench, and I will have a fold out desk top to place a laptop etc on, or create some of my crap on. I'll have a bit more room at the slider entrance, and once I get my pop top I plan on designing my poor mans portable indoor shower

 

[Journey]

Thanks for sharing! Looking good so far and can't wait to see how it evolves.

 

[Ballenxj]

I'll try to coordinate some things this week, as I still have a handful of vans that fit the bill of being in my budget, low miles, and about the size I want:
1. https://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/ctd/5535156108.html
2. https://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/cto/5474202773.html
3. https://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/cto/5531137809.html
4. https://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/cto/5541937587.html
5. http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...l?listingId=422852426&hideBackLink=true&Log=0

Of this group I'm liking the second listing, (I'm a GM guy at Heart) His story sounds right, and I love Astro/Safari vans. I owned a Safari which is the GM version of the Astro.
Next, I like the Dodge handicap van, fourth listing? This one really could be a first choice due to price, and it already has a high top.
Of the group I think I would check them out first, but your biggest problem here will be all the glass.

 

[Belinda2]

My suggestions to maximize your happiness with vehicle buying:
1. Check consumer reports for the year and model.
2. Check a car fax report on each VIN # for flood damage, etc.
3. Check the National Highway Safety website for complaints of that vehicle for that year. Know which years of that vehicle you do not want to shop for.
4. Pay some friend a fee that knows how to do state inspections to come see the car with you and give you their opinion. Tell him what your research showed for items #1-3 so he can specifically look at those issues.
I hope this helps.

 

[Ballenxj]

My suggestions to maximize your happiness with vehicle buying:

These are very good suggestions. I usually check the consumer reports to see what previous owners had to say, but have never (yet) done the v.i.n. search.

 

[Journey]

Thank you to all. Those are some great tips I hadn't thought of when checking out used vehicles.

Quick update: The dream is alive and well! It looks like I'm going to be doing some workamping starting this summer and I'll be able to stay in a trailer there. This means, I won't need my own van just yet, but I'll be able to test out the space and prep my basic supplies. I'll start getting some applicable experience on paper too, which should help me when seeking out future opportunities. This will allow me to save up some as well so my van budget and/or savings can grow. : ) Fingers crossed that it works out and that I can dip my feet in the water, so to speak!

 

[ilovemyvan]

Thank you to all. Those are some great tips I hadn't thought of when checking out used vehicles.

. This will allow me to save up some as well so my van budget and/or savings can grow. : ) Fingers crossed that it works out and that I can dip my feet in the water, so to speak!

Happy Dance Happy Dance This is wonderful news. What a nice way to ease into the lifestyle.

Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nicole

 

[Journey]

Big thank you, Nicole! Funny how timing and circumstances work out sometimes. I am feeling beyond grateful and excited!

Now I'm off to pack and tie a few loose ends before I go. Haha.

 

[ilovemyvan]

Wow, are you leaving soon?

 

[Journey]

Yes! I will be leaving around May 10th to drive up most of the west coast. I'll give myself about 4 days to be able to meander and rest along the way.

 

[ilovemyvan]

Let us know how it all turns out.

Nicole

 

[Journey]

Super quick update: I am loving the travel trailer here. It has way more than enough space, especially given that I only packed the trunk of my car with supplies for it (half of which was bulk food). I am hooked up for electrical, but my propane is low. I'm wondering if I really even need to bother for now given that I have a small space heater and I do not cook often other than boiling water on occasion for tea or lentils. Hmmm.. My biggest struggle has been showering fast enough before I run out of hot water but I am getting better.. haha. Might check out some garage sales for a little collapsable table to use inside and outside. That's all for now folks.

 

[Ballenxj]

I am hooked up for electrical, but my propane is low. I'm wondering if I really even need to bother for now given that I have a small space heater and I do not cook often other than boiling water on occasion for tea or lentils. 

Get the bottle filled. You'll be glad you did if the need for it arises.
Glad to hear you are doing well in your TT with plenty of space.
Take care.

 

[Journey]

Get the bottle filled. You'll be glad you did if the need for it arises.
Glad to hear you are doing well in your TT with plenty of space.
Take care.

Thank you, and great point. I've been trying to be frugal, but there is a point where the risk isn't worth it.

I think I want to explore some smaller spaces in the future like yurts or a tent in a more tropical climate. Looking at some farm work exhanges and still curious about campground hosting as well. I got used to the expectation of living in a small van, so the TT seems like a mansion for just me without any pets.

Peace to you.

 

[Mobilesport]

Fwiw ,   in year 2010   I sold my 2002 Astro passenger van for $5000 , it had about 80000 on the odometer , it was in really nice shape

 

[Journey]

Fwiw ,   in year 2010   I sold my 2002 Astro passenger van for $5000 , it had about 80000 on the odometer , it was in really nice shape

Good to know! Thank you for sharing. Was it 2WD or AWD?