Antigroundhogday
New member
Hello Everyone,
I’m in the midst of planning a RTW trip in a cargo van, starting in the US, my home country, and this is where I will purchase the van for my partner and I, plus our dog. Since this will be our home for multiple years, though other rigs may be more offroad-worthy, we are choosing comfort. In fact, in order to keep everyone comfy, I will be adding a roof of solar and a large battery bank for A/C. Here are the contenders:
My biggest question is which van has the best parts availability worldwide?
Other than that, I just need to figure out what the exterior dimensions are such that the vehicle (w/ lift and solar on top) will fit inside a 40ft. High cube. As for FWD/RWD/AWD, sure AWD would be nice but at what $$$ cost? As for FWD or RWD, I’ve seen pros/cons for both. I’m most worried about parts availability around the world. Are there other vans I should be considering? There is the older Ford Econoline and Chevy vans, but their interior space is less (not a desirable, but not a deal-breaker either) and I'm not sure if they were sold worldwide.
Which van would you pick? My partner wants a van and wants to be able to stand up. Thx!
I’m in the midst of planning a RTW trip in a cargo van, starting in the US, my home country, and this is where I will purchase the van for my partner and I, plus our dog. Since this will be our home for multiple years, though other rigs may be more offroad-worthy, we are choosing comfort. In fact, in order to keep everyone comfy, I will be adding a roof of solar and a large battery bank for A/C. Here are the contenders:
- RAM Promaster 159in wheelbase, FWD. V6 naturally aspirated engine.
- Ford Transit RWD, medium roof (I hope I’ll fit!) and LWB, naturally aspirated V6.
- Ford Transit AWD, medium roof (I hope I’ll fit!) and LWB, naturally aspirated V6.
- Mercedes T1N Sprinter. Diesel.
My biggest question is which van has the best parts availability worldwide?
- RAM Promaster is similar to the Fiat Ducato sold in the rest of the world, but I believe its dimensions are slightly bigger (no suspension compatibility?) and the engine is out of a 3.6l Chrysler and mated transmission that is only sold in the US, Mexico, and Canada I believe. Not good.
- Ford Transit RWD/AWD. I believe the same dimension vans are sold worldwide, but with a 2L diesel engine, whereas in the US it is a 3.5l V6. So perhaps suspension components and various electrical bits would be the same worldwide but not drivetrain?
- Mercedes T1N Sprinter. Was sold in the US, Japan, Iran, and Vietnam according to Wikipedia. Looks like the T1N was revived in 2013 for production in Russia with a combo of various parts for sale/service in the Russian/Eastern European markets only. But as a van that is no longer being produced, are parts sparse?
Other than that, I just need to figure out what the exterior dimensions are such that the vehicle (w/ lift and solar on top) will fit inside a 40ft. High cube. As for FWD/RWD/AWD, sure AWD would be nice but at what $$$ cost? As for FWD or RWD, I’ve seen pros/cons for both. I’m most worried about parts availability around the world. Are there other vans I should be considering? There is the older Ford Econoline and Chevy vans, but their interior space is less (not a desirable, but not a deal-breaker either) and I'm not sure if they were sold worldwide.
Which van would you pick? My partner wants a van and wants to be able to stand up. Thx!
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