Thoughts on this Van

[RV-Hopeful]

So now that we have the go ahead to move forward I'm starting to realize a van is a much better option for me. I'd love a small class c, but I think that'll be too much for my ever aging body with it's current issues. Was searching this AM found this. Any thoughts or comments or recommendations would be great. Thanks in advance ya'll.  I'm torn between a newer van that needs converting or an older conversion van already decked out.  I'm going to have to finance whatever I do and I know that the interest on older rv's is higher. ufdah! I'm sooo confused!  :s

http://www.mandfauto.com/2012-Ford-E-Series-Wagon-XLT-Albuquerque,-New-Mexico-87120/5828520/

 

[Gunny]

It's a nice looking van but would be a lot of work to convert it. You would be paying for all those seats and then removing them. At that price you may want to look for a used Roadttrek. They are nicely done, sometimes hard to find but might be something to look at. Check out RV trader for an idea of how much they are. 

Best of luck whatever you decide.

 

[TMG51]

A used Roadtrek at that price would also be 10 years older. But if I were going to spend that much money, and still have to convert the interior, I would be sure to get a high top.

There are also newer "conversion" vans which, while not a class b, would require less interior work if you just want to hit the road and sleep in the back.

 

[drysailor]

So now that we have the go ahead to move forward I'm starting to realize a van is a much better option for me. I'd love a small class c, but I think that'll be too much for my ever aging body with it's current issues. Was searching this AM found this. Any thoughts or comments or recommendations would be great. Thanks in advance ya'll.  I'm torn between a newer van that needs converting or an older conversion van already decked out.  I'm going to have to finance whatever I do and I know that the interest on older rv's is higher. ufdah! I'm sooo confused!  :s

  It looks good to me, but be sure you verify the price thru KBB or Edmunds, and have a good mechanic check it out first. The extended version is well worth it, IMO. As Gunny suggested, you are paying $$ (maybe $2K?) for seats, finished walls & cruise (although in my search all the cargo vans I seemed to find were 'far more used' than some passenger models and often lacked cruise). Check Carfax for any available service records.
 The wall finish below the windows wastes 3 or 4 inches on each side, and there is very little if any insulation behind it. If you're going to spend much time in it, you need good insulation throughout! With an "aging" body, you may decide you need a high top, which costs another 4-5K to have someone else provide and install. MPG in the Chev/GMC is reputed to be better.
And if you plan on towing with an extended van, the Chev is definitely better. Try financing thru a credit union. Best of luck!

 

[RV-Hopeful]

Ya'll make very good points! I tend to post in a panic and then reconsider. I don't have the physical capabilities to do an extensive conversion. I probably need to go with a van that already converted. Vantasitic Vans here in Albuquerque has many. I haven't made it down there to check them out. So far all my searching has been on internet. For some reason I'm scared to actually go to any dealers. Silly huh? Chuckle. I'm only 5'2" so I don't need too much height, but have looked at a 1985ish i think HT they have a couple there, I just need to go SEE them ... I'm just going in circles. Thanks for responding. Think I'll stop posting until I know which direction I'm going in!

 

[LeeRevell]

It has a nice hitch so may have been used to tow.  See if it has a trailer brake controller, and have the tranny fluid looked at.  If it is burned it could indicate potential trouble.

 

[Gunny]

Just an example. Doesn't have to be a roadtrek but please go see what fits you, 5'2" or not some will not work with physical issues. I hope I don't sound like I am preaching to you, just hoping you don't make the same mistakes I have.

http://albuquerque.craigslist.org/rvd/5472245312.html

 

[RV-Hopeful]

Just an example. Doesn't have to be a roadtrek but please go see what fits you, 5'2" or not some will not work with physical issues. I hope I don't sound like I am preaching to you, just hoping you don't make the same mistakes I have.

http://albuquerque.craigslist.org/rvd/5472245312.html

No Gunny, I don't feel like you're preaching, I need all the help I can get, i don't have anyone here to help with this stuff.  While I consider myself a knowledgeable woman in many areas, vehicles are sorta on the outskirts of what I feel comfortable making solo decisions on.

 

[Wanderer]

So now that we have the go ahead to move forward I'm starting to realize a van is a much better option for me. I'd love a small class c, but I think that'll be too much for my ever aging body with it's current issues. Was searching this AM found this. Any thoughts or comments or recommendations would be great. Thanks in advance ya'll.  I'm torn between a newer van that needs converting or an older conversion van already decked out.  I'm going to have to finance whatever I do and I know that the interest on older rv's is higher. ufdah! I'm sooo confused!  :s

http://www.mandfauto.com/2012-Ford-E-Series-Wagon-XLT-Albuquerque,-New-Mexico-87120/5828520/

$20K? Yeah, so not going to happen here, but then again, I don't have too many physical issues (Dang it, made an appointment to see a doc for a referral and that 1 month away, then another month till I get the shot and am in pain now...sigh)so I am looking at vans I can buy for quite a bit less and then repair them and convert on my time....Trick is finding somewhere to store it at less than $85 a month.

 

[Gunny]

I have four daughters, all of whom know not to get me to evaluate the mechanics of a vehicle. I am a horrible mechanic. I suggest going to an RV dealer and telling him you need to check out the size and comforts of the different choices. A decent salesman should allow you to browse the different sizes. Try to see how hard it is to get in the drivers seat from the coach area. Same with the bed, storage and relaxation area for the days you just want to chill and not go outside.there are some folks on here who give you mechanical things to look for and I will leave that to them.

Find something that makes you happy. That's what counts.

 

[RV-Hopeful]

$20K? Yeah, so not going to happen here, but then again, I don't have too many physical issues (Dang it, made an appointment to see a doc for a referral and that 1 month away, then another month till I get the shot and am in pain now...sigh)so I am looking at vans I can buy for quite a bit less and then repair them and convert on my time....Trick is finding somewhere to store it at less than $85 a month.

Yea, I've come off that one.  I don't see buying an unconverted van for that price, hell I'm on SSD!  I jumped the gun as always. My mind seems to race around all the options, then I think yea, I can do that! BOOM reality hits.

Sorry you are in pain Wanderer, I know that one really well.  Daily all day every day ... even with meds. I'm sending you healing thoughts and hopes that the docs have a cancellation and they can get you in early!

 

[RV-Hopeful]

I have four daughters, all of whom know not to get me to evaluate the mechanics of a vehicle. I am a horrible mechanic. I suggest going to an RV dealer and telling him you need to check out the size and comforts of the different choices. A decent salesman should allow you to browse the different sizes. Try to see how hard it is to get in the drivers seat from the coach area. Same with the bed,  storage and relaxation area for the days  you just want to chill and not go outside.there are some folks on here who give you mechanical things to look for and I will leave that to them.

Find something that makes you happy. That's what counts.

Hey thanks Gunny, I have a brother in Alabama and a son in Florida that can help with the mechanical stuff once I get something ... I do have a good mechanic I trust here. It's just I'm in overwhelm right now and I'm dumping it here at the forum. You know how overwhelm roots you in a spot. That's me right now. Rooted in overwhelmville.  Geeze, when I look at past posts I can see I'm all over the place.  It'll be good to make a decision, buy something and then I won't have it running around my head ...  :shy:

 

[drysailor]

Ya'll make very good points!  I tend to post in a panic and then reconsider. I don't have the physical capabilities to do an extensive conversion. I probably need to go with a van that already converted. Vantasitic Vans here in Albuquerque has many. I haven't made it down there to check them out. So far all my searching has been on internet. For some reason I'm scared to actually go to any dealers. Silly huh? Chuckle. I'm only 5'2" so I don't need too much height, but have looked at a 1985ish i think HT they have a couple there, I just need to go SEE them ... I'm just going in circles. Thanks for responding. Think I'll stop posting until I know which direction I'm going in!

Hey just one other odd thought here RV-Hopeful: for most of us, the bed kind of dominates the interior design, with everything else designed around that- if you're only 5'2, you would likely be able to put a bed crosswise, and save a lot of room for other stuff.

 

[RV-Hopeful]

New selection ... didn't want to post a new thread because it's sorta the same, just different van ... I've been looking at this on line for several months, am going this week to look at it in person. Want to get thoughts from those who care to offer them up. My brother suggested 2 types of checks to do . 1) take the oil cap off and run my finger around the rim - the results should be smooth oil not rough 2) start vehicle place foot on brake and then rev the engine to listen for any pinging or unusual rattles. I'm going to climb the ladder to look at the roof of course, do deep inspection on seams look under all sinks and bathroom area for possible leaks, just be overall hyper aware. Plus I'm going to call my mechanic to ask his opinion.

What else should I check for? Or given the age of this unit, should I just not bother. It look okay in the pictures. Pretty sure I'll need new tires. On, another question ... is is really possible that a unit this old to have only 52K miles?

http://www.vantasticvans.com/inventory/424140/Used-1987-Intervec-FIESTA-19-HT.aspx

Thanks in advance, again.

 

[Gunny]

Typically RV's have less miles because they are used less than a regular car or truck. That unit looks nice, I looked at his inventory and he has some other small RV's to check out.

I look at buying an RV sort of like getting married, everything looks great at first, then the new wears off and
little things begin to irk you. It's actually enlightening to search for what "fits" you. Have fun.

 

[drysailor]

Typically RV's have less miles because they are used less than a regular car or truck. That unit looks nice, I looked at his inventory and he has some other small RV's to check out.

I look at buying an RV sort of like getting married, everything looks great at first, then the new wears off and
little things begin to irk you. It's actually enlightening to search for what "fits" you. Have fun.

Yeah, but RVs are easier to get rid of when the time comes.