Step Van Chassis/Engine Reviews?

[annikaekblad]

Hiya! Newbie here. I've been looking into the van dwelling thing for awhile and now it finally looks like it's going to be a reality. So - next step is actually buying a vehicle. I was thinking about a skoolie for a little while, but I think I've settled on going with a step van. I found one online that I really like, but I do want some advice.

I know the Cummins diesel engine gets good reviews on here, but what do you all think about a 2000 Workhorse P3500 with a 5.7L 8 cylinder gas engine? It's on sale for about $13,000. Is this a good deal? Or should I keep looking? Thanks for any help in advance!

 

[kygreg]

I just recently bought a 2004 Freightliner with 42k miles with a 4.3L Mercedes 4 cylinder turbo diesel for $13900. Gas engine vans usually go for a few $k less than the diesels, so unless it's in exceptional shape and very low miles, I would say the price is high. However the demand for these vans has been increasing due to all the home delivery going on, so it might be the "New" normal price.

Be sure the vans weight class matches what you intend to do with it. Step vans are made in classes 2-6 and unless you plan something really heavy, you will want a 2 or 3, Class 2 = GVW between 5-10,000 lbs and class 3 = 10-15,000 lbs You can fix a lot of things on a step van, but if you accidentally buy a 25,000 lbs, class 5 van, you will have to live with a terrible ride and very low gas mileage.

Also, I don't know anything about a 5.7L gas engine so I have no opinion about that. There is a really good facebook step van RV page that has been really helpful to me, you might bounce it off that group. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1652643568393956/

 

[user 423]

P3500 with a 5.7L 8 cylinder gas engine?  Is this a good deal?

The GM 5.7 engine has been produced in the millions and is one of the best.  

Much depends on mileage and how it's been maintained.

 

[rvwandering]

Welcome to the CRVL forums annikaekblad!

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We look forward to hearing more from you.

 

[annikaekblad]

Thanks for all the advice, super helpful. 

What would you guys say about 70s and 80s step vans? I love the vintage look, but I'm not sure how reliable they are. I own a 1994 BMW so I know a thing or two about older vehicle upkeep which might help. There's a 1979 GMC step van for sale that used to be owned by a fire department. It has an I6 2.5L engine and only 9000 miles. For sale for $4500. Any info or opinions on those?

 

[KarlH]

The old step vans are often very solid.  Last year I looked at a Grumman Kurbmaster that had been used by a police department as a mobile command post, and both the body and interior were excellent. I only passed on it because it was a northern Minnesota truck with 270,000 miles on the odometer and a fair amount of chassis rust.

If you find an ex-fire depertment truck with 10k for $4,400 and there's nothing major wrong with it, I would say go for it.

@Flying Kurbmaster has an I6 Grumman stepvan that he likes a lot.