The choice overwhelms me! (Looking for a camper rather than a full time dweller)

[thehellend]

Howdy! Let me preface this by saying I've read lots of things, but I think I'm overwhelming myself.

Here's the deal; I live in a nice apartment with a husband and two cats. We're pretty rooted here, he has a specialist skill and a good job, and the cats HATE going in vehicles of any kind (and they're my first love). But I have a strong desire to travel, and I have a job that can be done remotely, so that's where I am at.

I want a 'camper van' - note that I'm from the UK (now living in Knoxville TN), where we have all these cool vehicles that have beds and closets and all kinds of fun things, and last about two weeks before they rust and collapse in on themselves. I've been looking for a more durable version of these UK camper vans, but it doesn't look like the US has them - closest thing to what I want would probably be a conversion van - lots of space, a bed, some entertainment (I actually hate those TVs in vans and would not mind getting one without). I want to avoid VWs. I don't need dedicated cooking or washing areas in there. I'm a wet wipe and camping stove kinda girl.

My budget is ideally $3000, although I've been cleared for up to $5000. Worth mentioning that this is how much I'd like to spend TOTAL, including initial inspection and maintenance, and buying some cool things to make it cosy on the inside. 

So within my budget, what are my options? What is a good van for someone who rates MPG highly? What is a sign of a van that still has a lot to give? So far I've figured that it should have all maintenance records along with a history of good upkeep, no rust beyond a little surface rust, if high miles (over 150k?) budget to rebuild the tranny, and get an inspection when buying. On that note, how do I go about getting a mechanic to inspect something I like? What if it's too far to go to 'my guy' with it - how do I find a decent shop to take it to?

I've literally never bought my own car before, and I'm trying not to freak out about adulting correctly.

Sorry for the rambling. Running on several cups of tea.

 

[bullfrog]

All the information you need is here, but there is a lot of it. First make a list of what you need, sounds like you have some ideas. Write them down, then start listing vehicles that you feel you could buy and get repaired locally. I would look for a Chevy or GM as rebuilt motors and transmissions are usually the least money if you get a bad one, but better to have it checked by a mechanic at a shop and get a good one in the first place. Where you are located there a lot of older people that buy custom vans that cannot drive them anymore, usually low mileage because they sat for a while. They will probably need several maintenance parts replaced I would set aside $1,000 to $1,600 to have that done. A 1985 or 1986 Van with 100,000 miles that the first owner had all maintenance records on from a local shop you could talk to for $2,000 to $3,000 would be a real find. Probably won't happen but every once in a while it does.

 

[thehellend]

All the information you need is here, but there is a lot of it.  First make a list of what you need, sounds like you have some ideas.  Write them down, then start listing vehicles that you feel you could buy and get repaired locally.  I would look for a Chevy or GM as rebuilt motors and transmissions are usually  the least money if you get a bad one, but better to have it checked by a mechanic at a shop and get a good one in the first place.  Where you  are located there a lot of older people that buy custom vans that cannot drive them anymore, usually low mileage because they sat for a while.  They will probably need several maintenance parts replaced I would set aside $1,000 to $1,600 to have that done.  A 1985 or 1986 Van with 100,000 miles that the first owner had all maintenance records on from a local shop you could talk to for $2,000 to $3,000 would be a real find.  Probably won't happen but every once in a while it does.

That's really helpful. I have a terrible brain for numbers so I need to focus on the stuff that matters. I saw a van parked up in the drive of a very fancy house, looked in good condition too. Might go leave my number in case they're selling...!

 

[John61CT]

MPG is a major differentiator.

Just you, leaving kitties with hubby, or the whole gang?

 

[thehellend]

MPG is a major differentiator.

Just you, leaving kitties with hubby, or the whole gang?

Mainly just me but hubby will get jealous and will want to join once a season, before he remembers how much he prefers flushing toilets!

Cats will remain at home.

 

[AbuelaLoca]

If you're looking at rating MPG pretty high, you might want to look into a mini van instead of a full size or conversion van! If you're camping fairly close by home, then mileage shouldn't be as much of an issue. Robert Witham just did an updated tour of his mini van. He lives in it full-time, but still a great tour of how it can be done!

 

[thehellend]

If you're looking at rating MPG pretty high, you might want to look into a mini van instead of a full size or conversion van! If you're camping fairly close by home, then mileage shouldn't be as much of an issue. Robert Witham just did an updated tour of his mini van. He lives in it full-time, but still a great tour of how it can be done!

We actually have a minivan but it's a) broken and b) a little too small for feeling comfortable in (which is the reason that a) is still true!). I love the look of conversion vans, and they have just that extra umph of space so I can add a desk area without feeling like everything is in my way.

 

[AbuelaLoca]

I'm with you! I loved the high top conversion vans especially! Someone here gave me a CL link to one in Nashville... I'm not sure if that's close enough for you to look at. I have family in Knoxville (Lenoir City)! Beautiful country there!

 

[TooManyDogs]

I live in middle TN (a couple hours from Knoxville). I'll be glad to check out some ads from this area if you decide on what you want.

As to the mechanic, I lucked out and a friend who is a shade tree mechanic was willing to look over my van before I bought it. Can you ask around for recommendations from friends?

 

[thehellend]

You are both so sweet. Thanks for making me feel welcome - I got a little nervous posting because I am sort of out of my element with this. But it's gradually coming together with the help of others, so thank you.

I'll likely take you up on that offer nearer the time. Right now I'm just waiting for that low mileage high top to pop up and scream my name.

 

[jimindenver]

Welcome to the forum!

Don't worry about being part time. I have been here for three years camping part time with no intentions of going full time until late last year. The information was as useful then as it is now.

 

[hepcat]

First, mpg is NOT as big a deal as folks make it out to be. Realistically decide about how many miles annually you'll drive the van, then calculate the difference between 11mpg and 18mpg, the range you'll see between probably the best and worst. If you drive the van 3,000 miles/year, at $2.25/gallon gas, the difference will be about $200/year between an 11mpg van and an 18mpg van.

Next, there are too many variables for me to suggest with any reliability what would work for you. There are a million different variations and each of us has our preferences.

All that said, Craigslist is your friend. Use this google search: "camper van site:craigslist.org" and then narrow your search to the past 30 days using the 'tools' drop down. Look at ALL of the ads. You'll soon get a good idea of what $3k-$5k will buy you. You'll get a feeling of condition for age, what a coach with 100k and 200k miles looks like condition-wise, and generally what's out there.

Last, go look at as many as you can in person. After you've looked at a few of them, you'll begin to see where each make and model tends to rust, and what problems a specific make or year might start to exhibit.

At some point in your education, you'll have that 'Aha!' moment when you know when you find the deal of the century for the money you have to spend.

Good luck hunting!

 

[TooManyDogs]

I've seen quite a few conversion vans posted on the Nashville CL and my "local" online marketplace, www.lsn.com. it encompasses the Cookeville area but I usually don't see ads from Knoxville. LSN was where I found my Ford E350 hightop handicapped van back in the fall. It doesn't get the best gas mileage (15mpg), though I really like being able to stand up!

I started looking for a van over a year ago and got serious last summer. Took a few months of serious looking to find the van. Test drove quite a few lemons before finding this one, and wasn't even thinking of the super tall hightop. I'd mostly been looking at conversion vans, so be open to test driving other kinds of vans than what you originally plan.

What an exciting time for you! Have fun finding your van!

 

[Ballenxj]

It doesn't get the best gas mileage (15mpg), though I really like being able to stand up!

In my experience 15 mpg is dang good for most full size vans, and especially with a high top.

 

[thehellend]

First, mpg is NOT as big a deal as folks make it out to be.  Realistically decide about how many miles annually you'll drive the van, then calculate the difference between 11mpg and 18mpg, the range you'll see between probably the best and worst.  If you drive the van 3,000 miles/year, at $2.25/gallon gas, the difference will be about $200/year between an 11mpg van and an 18mpg van.

Next, there are too many variables for me to suggest with any reliability what would work for you.  There are a million different variations and each of us has our preferences.

All that said, Craigslist is your friend.  Use this google search:  "camper van site:craigslist.org" and then narrow your search to the past 30 days using the 'tools' drop down.  Look at ALL of the ads.  You'll soon get a good idea of what $3k-$5k will buy you.  You'll get a feeling of condition for age, what a coach with 100k and 200k miles looks like condition-wise, and generally what's out there.

Last, go look at as many as you can in person.  After you've looked at a few of them, you'll begin to see where each make and model tends to rust, and what problems a specific make or year might start to exhibit.

At some point in your education, you'll have that 'Aha!' moment when you know when you find the deal of the century for the money you have to spend.

Good luck hunting!

Thanks - I've not been to view ANY yet so I should go and start looking. I've been talking with a guy who has a van with apparently only 44k miles on it, 1985, so that will be a nice place to start I guess. I'm fully expecting to see a suspicious 5-digit odometer and interesting paint patterns, but gotta start the search somewhere, right?!

I've seen quite a few conversion vans posted on the Nashville CL and my "local" online marketplace, www.lsn.com. it encompasses the Cookeville area but I usually don't see ads from Knoxville. LSN was where I found my Ford E350 hightop handicapped van back in the fall. It doesn't get the best gas mileage (15mpg), though I really like being able to stand up!

I started looking for a van over a year ago and got serious last summer. Took a few months of serious looking to find the van. Test drove quite a few lemons before finding this one, and wasn't even thinking of the super tall hightop. I'd mostly been looking at conversion vans, so be open to test driving other kinds of vans than what you originally plan.

What an exciting time for you! Have fun finding your van!

Great resource, thank you! The more I look around, the more I want a super high top (just like this) where I can feel fully enclosed when it rains, without feeling cramped. Watching her videos make me feel this deep jealousy. I want to be able to road trip to California this summer, so I am hoping I get something soon

 

[hepcat]

Thanks - I've not been to view ANY yet so I should go and start looking. I've been talking with a guy who has a van with apparently only 44k miles on it, 1985, so that will be a nice place to start I guess. I'm fully expecting to see a suspicious 5-digit odometer and interesting paint patterns, but gotta start the search somewhere, right?!


Great resource, thank you! The more I look around, the more I want a super high top (just like this) where I can feel fully enclosed when it rains, without feeling cramped. Watching her videos make me feel this deep jealousy. I want to be able to road trip to California this summer, so I am hoping I get something soon

BTW, the Coachmen van in the link in my signature was $5k Craigslist find with 26k miles on it, so you CAN find some really good deals.  It needed work, but it's turned out to be an amazingly versatile van.  I've got 48k miles on it now. It gets between 11mpg and 15mpg, averages about 13mpg as a daily driver. I just returned from a 5,000 mile trip to SoCal with it.

 

[AbuelaLoca]

You are both so sweet. Thanks for making me feel welcome - I got a little nervous posting because I am sort of out of my element with this. But it's gradually coming together with the help of others, so thank you.

I'll likely take you up on that offer nearer the time. Right now I'm just waiting for that low mileage high top to pop up and scream my name.

Believe it or not, that's exactly how it happened for me! I was driving home from a doctor's visit and it was like a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day just highlighted these two vans sitting in a parking lot... I whipped in to check it out and the signs on the front said "FOR SALE"... I took it as divine intervention and will pick her up Wednesday 

 

[thehellend]

I live in middle TN (a couple hours from Knoxville). I'll be glad to check out some ads from this area if you decide on what you want.

As to the mechanic, I lucked out and a friend who is a shade tree mechanic was willing to look over my van before I bought it. Can you ask around for recommendations from friends?

 

[thehellend]

Going to view a van on Thursday. Thanks for all your help!

 

[thehellend]

So I went for my first test drive... omg I'm in love! Not with that particular van, but just that type of van - the engine sounds so meaty and fun, the huge steering wheel, all the random light switches and electronics, it's all so very... unique. I'm fired up now to find The One!

As a side note, I now understand why test driving is important, as stupid as it is to admit I didn't really think of it before. With no knowledge of vans I could still tell what sounds were meant to be there, what weren't, and what were the little quirks that just gave it character.


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