What were the deciding factors for the type of van you chose?

[Dreighen]

I am currently not van dwelling but doing my research...hoping to get a job to save up the money to start the process. But I am having the hardest time deciding on what type of van to focus my goals on....<div><br></div><div>I want space, preferably one where I have the head room, and I want good gas mileage. But that's as far as I've gotten. Never owned a van, so I am a bit lost. Any recommendations? And what price range? I want to stay under $5000 for something used.</div>

 

[Wild_E]

Stay away from Astro Vans!!!!!!<div>Go with a standard Mini Van or the Cargo Vans. Cargo Vans the easiest to hide out in, bigger, most options to change them up and do things with them.</div><div><br></div><div>Price is relative, if you have good luck you can get good vehicles for 1k and up, that run good, some get for under 1k, most cost more. Some like diesels, some do not it is a personal&nbsp;preference.</div>

 

[Dreighen]

Thank you for the advice Wilderness!

 

[MK7]

May I ask, why not Astro Vans?<br><br>They get good gas mileage for a V6, drives almost like a minivan and not a huge, hulking thing....easier to park, etc.&nbsp; And the build is proven to be a reliable workhorse for many years now. People with a V8 Express and an Astro, says that the Astro is peppier. There are forums full of owners that would swear up &amp; down by them (astrosafari.com). They're certainly not as roomy as full sized vans but quite roomier than minivans. <br><br>Cargo vans I heard will be rough w/o insulation (heat, cold) and problems with condensation. And insulating one would be a chore + costly. I like the stealth factor though. But a conversion van can be stealthy too as you can easily camp on the streets of an apartment complex and look less inconspicuous near vacation areas. <br><br>I'm leaning towards building up an Astro so I'm really wondering why you don't like them. Thanks.<br><br>

 

[Toyotaman0808]

I have chosen to buy a cargo van. Easy &nbsp;to hide in with few windows! Good amount of space.

 

[gp]

<P>Mine was the extended length cargo van with a HIGH TOP. Being able to walk around in it makes a huge difference. It feels like a little home. I love it. </P>

 

[MK7]

I've been looking at people who insulated their cargo van, and man....that is some serious work that requires serious skills....well to me anyway. Not to mention the cost of material. Doesn't look cheap at all.<br><br>And I heard w/o insulation, the bare metal will be a huge condensation problem when it gets cold. I've never seen it, but will there water puddles and such in the winter when you have some kind of heater inside?<br><br>

 

[freenez2]

The deciding factors for me were size and relative stealth. I have a 2005 Ford extended E250 with the 5.4 liter Triton engine. Am glad I got the extended version as the extra 20 inches makes a difference. It's sound deadened, insulated, and paneled with a platform bed and other amenities. I full timed in it for almost 2 years and am part timing 1 or 2 days per week now. Standing up was never an issue for me and am still happy with the choice although a Class C is in my dreams. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <br>

 

[Dreighen]

@ blkjak, I'm willing to add more $$$ if it means I'll be comfortable, since that's the main goal as once everything is done I'll be full timing it and hope to be full timing it for at least the next 3 to 5 years.<div><br></div><div>This is only my first step, next step is to see how much all of this will actually cost me and how long it will take before I make it to my goal. &nbsp;But keep the info coming, this website and forum is an invaluable source of information.</div>

 

[Dreighen]

Yeah, I'll def need stealth.

 

[MK7]

BLKJAK, do you think a&nbsp; full sized conversion van w/o a high top, all windows blacked out and painted white.....will be stealthy enough in your area?&nbsp; Or if all the passenger windows are all painted white too?<br><br>I really don't want to tackle the work required to insulate a cargo van.<br><br>

 

[Vanimal]

I was in an astro for a while and I loved it. Ended up buying a high top conversion. Love it more. Don't love the mileage, love the extra room. I always thought a cargo was my best bet but changed my mind. The astro made me realize I like windows. Not just for pleasure but for security. It felt good to be able to see all around my van if I needed to.&nbsp;<div>As far as conversion VS cargo for stealth I think it's sixes. It just depends on where you plan on parking it. I'm the biggest over planner/over analyser I know. What I'm finding is plan the best you can, but when doing a build, go boondock in the places you will be living, even if the build is not done. This will help you realize what you really need and what you don't. What I thought I wanted and needed completely changed once I started actually doing it.<div>&nbsp;I looked at every option for a mobile condo (full size, mini, step van, box truck, school bus, sprinter, shuttle bus) and they each have pros and cons. Every ones needs are different. Get a pen and make a list with two columns...</div></div>

 

[Wild_E]

Astro Vans do not get good&nbsp;mileage,<div>they break down constantly, cost lots to maintain</div><div>they are not peppy and if you make them peppy as in put your foot down on the pedal, again, not good on gas</div><div>This is my 2nd Astro Van now, used mostly for work though it is my main vehicle as well. If you plan on driving long distances, they are not comfortable for the driver! period... local type vans really.</div><div><br></div><div>The big white delivery vans, Fords and Chevs, are everywhere, everywhere!</div><div>more room, same mileage as Astro, yes you need to insulate some of them, but that does not take long, not that hard either, so long as you are out of the wind.</div><div>Roomier, nicer, drive better, etc etc..</div><div>this is my last Astro piece of crap,, period no discussions or arguments to me or about me about the astrocrap...</div><div>if I had gotten it new,perhaps different story but I did not and about $10k in repairs in 4 yrs for them,,, crap crap crap</div><div><br></div>

 

[MK7]

I still can't agree with you that Astros are unreliable. Maybe yours were just lemons. Not saying that Astros are the most reliable, just that they are about the same as other work vans. You had 2 bad ones and my friend who runs 2 for his business, loves them with 200k + on each and just routine maintenance.<br><br>Mileage is like 2-3 MPG better than a V8, full sized vans....so not that great, you're right. If fully loaded with similar weight, the V8's will probably come out on top (or even up) with MPG since the little V6 will now have to really dig hard to get all of that weight moving. <br><br>I may switch to looking for a fullsized V8 now though for the extra space.&nbsp; <br><br>

 

[Ryan24]

I bought my Previa because I wanted stealth and a minivan with a good mechanical reputation. Wanted to hold off on something bigger/more expensive until I have been doing this for a while.&nbsp;

 

[4x4tour]

As a Chevrolet dealer certified mechanic (back in the day), &nbsp;Astro vans were as abundant in the shop as those damn Geo Metros and their 3cyl grenade motors, although it was fun to be able to just lift it in and out by hand. &nbsp;&nbsp;

 

[VanTramp]

First, you can find decent class B's for $5K that are comfortable and livable and even do decent on fuel. Ours fits that description perfectly. Purchase price was $4988. &nbsp;Second, stealth is a contradiction in many cases. What you may think looks stealthy may appear to be criminal to a LEO. Especially if any noise is detected inside while parking "dark" in various areas. On the other hand, parking a B is pretty easy. We have never been bothered in city or rural areas because we look like tourists who most towns appreciate. In that case, you don't want to be seen parking in the same spot over and over.&nbsp;<div><br></div><div>Seriously though, stealth is something that can be overdone and end up drawing more attention than if you were just to act like you weren't trying to get away with something.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>More to the point of the original question: When I was shopping, I was looking at everything (casting a wide net) and keeping my eye out for the right deal. I knew I would recognize it when it showed up(part of knowing it is right). My preference was towards a classic mid-70's street van and building it out myself, but when I spotted Taj on CL, it was an easy decision and definitely the right deal. Now, going on 4 years later, she is rock steady and a very comfortable home.</div><div><br></div><div>Hope that helps!&nbsp;</div>

 

[Stillwater]

I bought my Previa because I wanted stealth and a minivan with a good mechanical reputation. Wanted to hold off on something bigger/more expensive until I have been doing this for a while.&nbsp;

<br><br>Ryan - Brother!!<br><br><a target="_blank" href="https://vanlivingforum.com/post/Toyota-MiniVan-5418349">https://vanlivingforum.com/post/Toyota-MiniVan-5418349</a><br>

 

[supergypsy]

I ended up with a Dodge Ram conversion van with a high top..But I wasn't setting out to find a van to live in at the time...My car died and it was time to find something else and I happened upon the Space Shuttle..It was love at first sight and gradually I made my plans to move into it and travel across the country. It was the best decision I ever made. It's stealthy and roomy, although not the best on gas mileage. It's also tough as shit...I recently was in an accident in which a drunk driver pulled out in front of me on the highway..I was unable to stop and hit them with such force their 4 door car is totaled..The trunk is all crunched in, rear window is gone, and all I needed to do was pull the bumper off my tire and to replace the headlight, blinker and brackets.. Everybody was uninjured and the Space Shuttle continues to run like a champ. <br><br>Anyways it's been my experience that the Universe tends to drop the right things into your lap at the right time, however I won't deny it all starts with an idea. <br><br>

 

[Guest]

<P>I was able to stand up in mine, it had a futon bed, storage,&nbsp;a fridge, a range, a water tank, and a furnace all built in. I wasn't looking for fancy, but those were a must.</P>