Van vs Pickup

[sadarahu]

I'm sitting on the fence as what to choose and would like to ask few questions to van owners who did their conversion. I'm considering this or similar to this van and would like to hear your pro's and con's of the usage as well as your conversion experience.
Few of my main concerns are:
1 - full height (standing)
2- ground clearance (the most important!)
3 - purchase cost (only used one)
4 - space
5 - maintenance cost
6 - roof (to walk on)
7 - mountable racks (roof, rear door etc)

I plan this for one person only (possibly dog). I would like to have indoor shower, 2-slots stove, roof rack, 200W+ solar, 2-3 batteries, 60L or so fresh water tank, some kind of bike rack and possibly storage for inflatable kayak. Van must be high enough to stand up straight.
with that said I would love to have some suggestions pictures links etc. I'm pretty familiar with all pro's and con's of having a truck+camper but want to take a second thought on potentially buying and converting a van, knowing that each solution will have to be some kind of compromise.

Thanks - ART

 

[frater secessus]

It might be worthwhile looking at a Nissan NV2500/3500 hightop.  Lowest price and TCO, longest warranty, and most ground clearance (8"+) of any stock hightop van.

Here is a frugal and effective build: 


[video=youtube]

I was going to stick in a video of a fancy NVn500 build but we are limited to one per post.  Ok.

 

[John61CT]

But I think they don't come in standing hightop and extended?

 

[hangtownmatt]

For the last year or so I've been going through this exercise.  I finally pulled the trigger.  I'm going with a 4x4 pickup + camper.  Got the pickup.  Now I have to get the camper.  Plan to hit the road full time this January.

Matt

 

[frater secessus]

But I think they don't come in standing hightop and extended?

No extended version, but there is a 75" headroom high top (as pictured in the video).  The low top is 55.8".

I'd love to see Nissan offer the Titan's 4x4 package with the NV high top.  That would be a killer combination, like a half-price Sportsmobile.

 

[frater secessus]

I'm going with a 4x4 pickup + camper.  Got the pickup.  Now I have to get the camper.

Last time I went to an RV show the only thing that got me excited was the handful of truck campers.  They seemed to be better built than the TT and MH, and much more clever with space. 

Eventually my desire for easy passthrough talked me out of it, but I still love them.  I was thinking 4wd or maybe 2wd + TrueTrac/Detroit style limited slip.

 

[sadarahu]

hangtownmatt - what truck did you buy ?

I was considering Dodge-Promaster (hightop) the only downside it is not 4WD and it has low clearance. I do not think I would be going off road a lot but I would love to have a bit of both worlds. Another words to have 4WD + HighClearance + comfort of the van. I was thinking a lot about driving around and driving a van would not be efficient, but I think I am going to buy a small motor and install it on my mountain bike and use this to move around. If I buy a small (one wheel trailer) I can easily go 5-12 miles do shopping, bring water etc. I plan to hang the bike on the back. At this moment I'm still not sure and of course if budget would not be an issue everything would be so much easier. I'm definitely not the guy to stay on a pavement. My question to this group here is what options do I have of buying a 4WD van with possibly high ground clearance and either one with the high top or one which can be easily adopted by purchasing and mounting it. I would look for something in price range between $15-20k.
I money is no issue I would definitely go with Livin Lite camper on F250 or alike, rig like this would start from $35k or so. I can always work on some savings and get one after 2-3 years.

Art

 

[hangtownmatt]

Eventually my desire for easy passthrough talked me out of it, but I still love them. 

Lack of passthrough is an issue in regards to bugging out in a sketchy situation and anytime the weather is less than desirable.  BUT the ability to keep a firearm and alcohol (I know ... not a good mix) in a livable space separated from the drivers seat has advantages in regards to law.

Matt

 

[sadarahu]

I was going to talk to Wayne. I visited his site and learned that he left the planet and went home. So no chance to ask him a question anymore (at least not verbally).  I liked him because I always feel god around spiritual people, I guess he left way to early. One of the things I notice more and more that most "nomads" live very unhealthy lifestyle. That comes from lack of self education. Perhaps when I hit the road with my new rig and have more time would start some kind of health training etc. For now I can only watch and the conclussion is that I will definitely no accept living unhealthy.

Watching Wayne video I noticed his van was only 2WD. The size and everything was very nice and if I could find one like that which is 4WD it would be the closest to what I'm looking for. I also kinda like Japanese vehicles more than US build (although I'm not saying that American cars are bad).  So what choices I have as far as 4WD vans (preferrably 3-10yrs o) ?

Art

 

[hangtownmatt]

hangtownmatt - what truck did you buy ?

I factory ordered a 2017 F350 4x4 Supercab Long Bed.  $36,700 plus tax and license.  Here's my build in no particular order:

XL Trim (no chrome and manual windows)
6.2 Gas engine
Camper Package
Trailer Towing Package
6 Speed 6R140 Auto Trans (This trans is std. on the F350; not F250.  Same trans Ford uses with their 925 Torque Ft-Lb Power Stroke diesel)
4.30 Locking Rear Axle
11400# GVWR
Steel 18" Wheels with All Terrain Tires (significantly ups the payload over 17")
4.30 Locking Rear Axle
Cloth Bench Seat
A/C
Skid Plates
Extra Extra Heavy Duty Alternator (no the isn't duplicate extra's)
Privacy Glass

Now the challenge is to find a used/clean 1,700 -2,200 dry weight hardside non-slide cab over camper.  Although I can carry some real weight I'd rather not.

Matt

 

[OutdoorFT]

Like you, I have an '11 F350. Ive been interested in TCs, but dont want to get near max payload.
the dry weight is useless. That doesnt count in for cargo, tanks (if you get one with black/grey tanks) and anything else you put in there.
TCs get heavy quick. Ive considered a popup, but I might as well get a popup trailer for a fraction of the price and twice the space (than a pop up TC)

SO im still on the fence.

 

[VanForNow]

Like you,  I have an '11 F350. Ive been interested in TCs, but dont want to get near max payload.
the dry weight is useless. That doesnt count in for cargo, tanks (if you get one with black/grey tanks) and anything else you put in there.
TCs get heavy quick. Ive considered a popup, but I might as well get a popup trailer for a fraction of the price and twice the space (than a pop up TC)

SO im still on the fence.

I have a Four Wheel  Camper & am happy with it. It avoids the weight & (imho) awkward appearance on the road of a conventional TC. A used F W C in good condition can be bought at fairly reasonable price. As to space, I try to follow the "less is more "  philosophy

 

[hangtownmatt]

the dry weight is useless.

Hardly.  You have to start somewhere.

Matt

 

[frater secessus]

I was considering Dodge-Promaster (hightop) the only downside it is not 4WD and it has low clearance. I do not think I would be going off road a lot but I would love to have a bit of both worlds.

The only factory high top in the US with real ground clearance is the NV2500/3500 @ 8.1"

Promaster 6.9"
Sprinter 6.9"
Transit 6.0 - 6.1"

More comparisons here.

 

[frater secessus]

 BUT the ability to keep a firearm and alcohol (I know ... not a good mix) in a livable space separated from the drivers seat has advantages in regards to law.

A concealed carry permit with good reciprocity helps with the firearm part.

 

[sadarahu]

This , even with the cheapest camper end up at around $50k. I'm happy for you but this is beyond my budget. With extra gear like solar, generators, etc) would easily add up to $60k.
Perhaps if I have had a partner it would be possible.

I think I'm gonna go with VAN. Now need to choose between options:
- Dodge Promaster (1500 or 2500)
- Nissan NV (2500 v6)

I just saw another Dodge van few days ago on the street, but it was to far to see the model. It was similar to Chevy Express but with much cleaner suspension (looked like much better ground clearance). Any ideas ?
So far the only van that has clean bottom design is Nissan. I looked underneath - nothing is sticking out like on the GMS or some Chevy's. I have those struts sticking out of the bottom which is simply asking for trouble.

 

[sadarahu]

Question for those who own a van:
I'm in Illinois, but considering moving my License/residence to South Dakota.

since Nissan NV and PM considered commercial vehicles - is the registration and other fees higher than regular van ?

Art

 

[sadarahu]

The only factory high top in the US with real ground clearance is the NV2500/3500 @ 8.1"

Promaster 6.9"
Sprinter 6.9"
Transit 6.0 - 6.1"

More comparisons here.

yes, that is why Nissan NV would be for me the most probable choice. I eventually plan to mount front grill with the winch to help when I get stuck. Still need to figure out where to attach it to on the desert >:-0

 

[tripper]

I factory ordered a 2017 F350 4x4 Supercab Long Bed.  $36,700 plus tax and license.  Here's my build in no particular order:

XL Trim (no chrome and manual windows)
6.2 Gas engine
Camper Package
Trailer Towing Package
6 Speed 6R140 Auto Trans (This trans is std. on the F350; not F250.  Same trans Ford uses with their 925 Torque Ft-Lb Power Stroke diesel)
4.30 Locking Rear Axle
11400# GVWR
Steel 18" Wheels with All Terrain Tires (significantly ups the payload over 17")
4.30 Locking Rear Axle
Cloth Bench Seat
A/C
Skid Plates
Extra Extra Heavy Duty Alternator (no the isn't duplicate extra's)
Privacy Glass

Now the challenge is to find a used/clean 1,700 -2,200 dry weight hardside non-slide cab over camper.  Although I can carry some real weight I'd rather not.

Matt

I had no idea you could get a truck spec'd out like that for such a low price. Edmunds lists a basic F150 with a 3.5 liter 6 cyl for $39,000?

 

[xNateX]

Question for those who own a van:
I'm in Illinois, but considering moving my License/residence to South Dakota.

since Nissan NV and PM considered commercial vehicles - is the registration and other fees higher than regular van ?

Art

Hi Art.

I'm registered in South Dakota and I just registered my new 2016 promaster 3500 there. I couldn't believe it...

The registration ended up being labeled a car. The price? $96. And when my plates arrived, there was a letter enclosed saying I had been overcharged and would be receiving a $18 credit.

I use these people here for my address stuff. They'll scan the front cover of all my mail, then I can request them to open and scan the contents, or recycle it, or shred it, or forward it anywhere. They have their own app that makes it all simple. And they'll register your vehicle for you without you having to show up for $35. They just did mine. http://www.americas-mailbox.com/