van choice help!

[vince37]

<span id="post_message_1278620341">Hi!<br><br>I'm planing a big trip from next year (from montreal to ushuaia) So i'm searching for the right van.<br>So i have few questions:<br><br>In the car i need to have<br>-a bed&nbsp; 48 wide (we re two people)<br>- storage <br>-small kitchen<br>-cooler<br>-maybe small toilet<br><br><br>So i don't know the best vehicle for me. For now my options are:<br><br>- Dodge caravan or toyota sienna: They have a good mileage, but they are maybe too small? Is anyone know the sizes of the interior?<br><br>Astro van or gmc safari: IT seems to be more space inside (someone knows exact size?) but spend more gas. <br><br>- anyone knows wich brand is the most present in central and south america? Cause i ll certainly need some maintenance on the road.<br><br>-Is anyone got a better idea for me?&nbsp; <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" class="emoticon bbc_img"><br><br>Thanks a lot for your help!!!<br><br>Vincent</span>

 

[James AKA Lynx]

Most of us drive used work vans because of the extra space and ease and cost of maintenance and resale.<br><br>James AKA Lynx

 

[stude53]

<span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 0);"><strong><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Welcome, Vince! <img class="emoticon bbc_img" src="/images/boards/smilies/wave.gif"><br><br>Check this out ...</span></strong></span><br><br><span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 0);"><strong><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://cheaprvliving.com/Howtochooseavehicle.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 0);">http://cheaprvliving.com/Howtochooseavehicle.html</span></a></span></strong></span><br><br><span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 0);"><strong><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Bob</span></strong></span>

 

[vince37]

Hi!!!<br><br>Thanks a lot for your anwer!!!<br><br>James AKA Lynx&nbsp; do you want to say that cargo van had better mileage and more space than a passenger van (without seats of course)?<br><br>stude53 Thank you for the link! It's really interesting! But the fact is that i'm french so i can't visit a vehicule and take measurements by myself... so it's hard to know witch one is the best for me... That's why i was searching for some help and advise <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" class="emoticon bbc_img"><br><br>I think the good compromise could be a astro van... And i wanted to ask you is there any difference with gmc safari (mileage or size) or are they exactly same vehicules?<br><br>Sorry for my english <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" class="emoticon bbc_img"><br><br>Vincent

 

[coultergeist]

Hi Vincent,<br><br>I did a GMC Safari conversion a little over a year ago.&nbsp; The Safari and the Astro are essentially the same.&nbsp; Interior dimensions are identical for same type models.&nbsp; It is mainly outside cosmetic stuff that is different.&nbsp; <br><br>Interior dimensions are basically as follows:<br><br>Length from just behind the front seats to the back doors is roughly seven feet.&nbsp; There was a regular model and extended model.&nbsp; The extended model adds about another six to eight inches.&nbsp; <br><br>At the widest point inside the van it is about 5 feet wide.&nbsp; Most of it is closer to 4 1/2 feet.&nbsp; <br><br>The height is almost exactly 4 feet.&nbsp; There are high top versions.&nbsp; It doesn't add a whole lot.&nbsp; I'd guess for most of them it is around a foot or a little less.&nbsp; <br><br>My Safari gets about 15 mpg.&nbsp; It is a bit older though.&nbsp; Newer ones should be getting in the lower 20s.<br><br>Hope that helps,<br><br>Patrick

 

[James AKA Lynx]

the passenger van is basically the cargo van with extra windows and seats. Maybe some sound proofing. Otherwise the same. Mine is getting around 15 on the highway. <br><br>Most people are happier in the long run with a full size van. <br><br>James AKA Lynx

 

[vince37]

Thanks a lot for all your answers!!!<br><br>I have just another question. About mileage is it better to drive with an astro converted camper or with a pick up with camper shell? <br>Cause i saw that some pick up (without camper) have really good mileage like: http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/Find.do?action=sbs&amp;id=18871<br><br>But i don't know what to expect with the camper...<br><br>Thank you!!!<br><br>Vincent