wannabevandweller

[vanella]

Hi, I hope I'm in the right place/thread. I'm hopping to embark on a van dwelling journey in a couple of months. I'm looking for something newish, like a ram promaster. I'm not sure if I should look at 1500 or 2500. Any suggestions?

 

[29chico]

Hi, I hope I'm in the right place/thread. I'm hopping to embark on a van dwelling journey in a couple of months. I'm looking for something newish, like a ram promaster. I'm not sure if I should look at 1500 or 2500. Any suggestions?

If you want a Euro styled full sized van get a Ford Transit, the Ram Promaster vans have reliability issues. If you really want the most reliable newish full size van get a GMC Savana / Chevy Express.

A 3/4 ton (2500 by GM & Ram and 250 by Ford) van will be a much better call than a the lighter duty vans.

 

[vanella]

I failed to mention in my previous post, that I'll be living humbly/travelling in my magic van full time, so mileage $$ is a huge factor. My hobbies are music & photo and they'll need a LOT of power.

 

[Canine]

Do yourself a favor and buy a class c.

 

[vanella]

Do yourself a favor and buy a class c.

Thanks, what would you recommend in class c ?

 

[Canine]

A small one.

 

[vanella]

A small one.

Can you give me an example of a make which would fall into that category? I'm really new to the RV world.

 

[akrvbob]

While I am also a big fan of small Class Cs, they will generally get very poor MPG. If you have the budget for it, a newer Ford Transit 2500 would be my suggestion.

But I am a huge Chevy Express fan, best all around van in my opinion. They are proven to be extremely reliable, should average 17 MPG. The Ford Transit is so new it's still a little suspect in my mind as far as reliability.
Bob

 

[ViaVacavi]

I have both a Chevy and a Dodge 1500 models (both around 2000 model year) and even with a high top are plenty capable of 16+ mpg on a trip. I agree with Bob, when you factor in the incredibly cheap cost to buy and maintain an "older style" American van compared to the newer styled vans, and practice good driving habits to help MPG it's really hard to beat them economically. If MPG is a concern, then money is obviously a concern, there really is no better economical solution than a good used American styled van (assuming you've had it checked by a mechanic of course to know you're getting a well maintained and operating vehicle)