Where to start after buying Van:

[Qxxx]

Sounds like a reasonable change of plans. Use the older van for "local" roadtrips (as in "not" cross-country) as you work up the other setup. Put only the minimum necessary for camping in the van to save money. You may be interested in RVSue's page as she's gone a similar route as what you're planning.

https://rvsueandcrew.net/

 

[michaelf2780]

Got the report from the Mechanic. Not as bad as I feared but a few things need to be fixed.

1: Radiator has a bad leak and needs replaced. With labor and parts: $520
2: Driver side door motor needs replaced. With labor and parts: $250
3: A seal in the back needs replaced. With labor and parts: $125
4: AC needs servicing (works just a service) plus 2 parts need replaced: $105
5: Oil Change and replace filter: $85
6: Tune-up recommended and quoted $300-500 but was mentioned in passing and not written up when I asked about a tune up.

Overall not bad for a 93. I told them I will decide on Monday what I want done. I am not sure if I want to just sell it or keep it. I like the van but I probably wont get a ton use out of it since I need to go a different route (Truck and RV or a Prius/Rav4 and Hotel). If its worth the $1500 I would likely sell it for that but if its worth less I would just fix it up myself and keep it for when I stop full timing. If its worth more I would still sell it for $1500 to someone who actually needs it (may even go less/free to someone who would do the Vanbuild locally so I can be around to see what is being done).

 

[maki2]

Ultimately it is your money your choice of what to do with it. A person who is used to working on vehicles can do most of that list of projects in their driveway.

 

[user 423]

Unfortunately, that would be just the beginning with an old van. There are plenty of other things that will go wrong and if paying shops, it could add up to a pile of money in short order.

Where are you located?  If you were close to me, I would consider buying it as a backup/potential parts van.

 

[highdesertranger]

a word of caution as to rust. Rust is like an iceberg, you only see 10% of it.

is that the rust on the rain gutter? if it is, that is about the worse place it can be. to fix that CORRECTLY the high top must be removed. it's a very bad spot for rust even if you don't have a high top.

highdesertranger

 

[michaelf2780]

The rust was very minor according to the mechanic. He said most he sees around that age are 10x worse.

Slow2Day I live near Springfield, MO. If interested let me know and if not I will just throw it on Facebook and the marketplace to see if I get any interest. I may even see if I can find someone who is willing to trade the Van for helping me work on the Prius or Rav4 if it will not sell.

 

[michaelf2780]

Monday I am going to tell the Mechanic to do the work. I decided to keep it and after the mechanic finishes I will just store it until I can use it. A Truck/Camper when it is hot and the Van when it is not. I still love the van even though it wont work for me full time.

Once I get it back from the Mechanics I will begin doing the work on it. I am going to attempt to do the door motor myself. In 2-3 weeks (if house goes under contract) I should begin to tear out the interior and working on it. I was disappointed at first but now I am excited again after I came to my decision.

Just need to recap that I was not disappointed in the work that needs to be done. I expected it. I was disappointed that the AC/Solar/Generator will not be a good fit for the Van in Vegas/S Cal/ Florida heat.

 

[user 423]

^
Sorry I didn't get back to you about the van. Anyway, MO would be too far for sure.

Good luck with it. Hope it turns out good for your needs.