Snatched up a Van

OkieDreamer · Dec 9, 2020

I had been looking for quite awhile. The stealership ad said positraction so that got me off my duff in a hurry and into my pocket. Nothing special, 2018 Chevy Express w/20,000 miles, 6cyl, 2500, basic white, no windows except the rear, barn doors. It has a really nice solid partition behind the front seats that I plan to cut a door into. It has the trailering package and the G80 locker rear end and traction control. Plans are to explore the Oklahoma adventure trail a 1700 mile mostly dirt journey around the state to start off with when I get it livable. I'm pretty hunkered down right now so it will be awhile before I start building it out.

crofter · Dec 10, 2020

What a nice van for your build out, got those low miles wow. Sounds like you will have plenty of time to plan your build.

Is the bulkhead metal or wood? -crofter

tx2sturgis · Dec 10, 2020

I was not aware that GM put a 6 cylinder in a 2500 van, at least not in recent years, especially with a trailering package.

This van must have a really short ratio final drive?

At any rate, keep us posted and enjoy the journey!

OkieDreamer · Dec 10, 2020

It has a 9 speed transmission and it runs pretty strong. The book says 276 HP and 298 ft pounds of torque. That is the base engine for a 2500. The whole van is base, no nothing.

OkieDreamer · Dec 10, 2020

crofter said:
What a nice van for your build out, got those low miles wow. Sounds like you will have plenty of time to plan your build.

Is the bulkhead metal or wood? -crofter

This will probably sound dumb but it's something I have never seen I think. the partition doesn't go all the way to the top of the van it is about 4 inches short. All across the top and down both sides is an aluminum molding like a frame so you can't see from any of the edges what it is . It appears to be honeycombed. I'm pretty sure a skillsaw will handle it though.

Giggles · Dec 21, 2020

Congrats on your new van!

I just recently got a van with a bulkhead, too. My bulkhead is mostly wood, with some thin sheet aluminum on one side. They were using it to store batteries, but I took them out, because they were way too big and heavy for what I needed, and the electrical system was crazy complex....I never would have figured it all out.

Now I'm trying to decide if I want to keep the wooden bulkhead and use it for storage (like a a closet) or if i want to take it completely out so it's more open and light. Decisions....decisions...

treesprite · Dec 22, 2020

If the barrier to the cab is full size to the ceiling and insulated, you'll have an easier time managing temperatures in the living space. I'm going to put in an insulated wall with a door.