2008 Chevy Express All Wheel Drive, 5.3L V8, auto, currently at 105,695 miles, RUST FREE western van. Located southern Vermont.
$18,000
We bought this in CO in November 2020 with 74K miles and have used it for a number of trips all over the US. It was fitted out with sound deadening dynamat, insulation, Maxx fan (runs off house battery) and finished wall kit when we purchased it. I installed a bed using Ikea bed rails (common hack building van beds) and pine slats. Bed comes out in 10 minutes if wanted but is completely solid and comfortable. Has a RV Queen (60x74) memory foam mattress oriented north/south.
The list of additions/upgrades is long (some by previous owner);
Black alloy wheels
Aluminess ladder
Rhino Rack roof racks (3 crossbars)
Backup camera
Upgraded CD/stereo head unit, door speakers and subwoofer under bed
MPPT solar controller with SAE through fitting (I am keeping my portable solar panel)
National Luna battery box with deep cycle RV battery in great condition. Automatically charges from alternator when driving, via solar and from shore power when plugged in.
NOCO power port to plug into shore power
Passenger seat swivel
CR Laurence awning window in sliding door with screen (stupid money because of the door curvature)
Driving lights on the Bull Bar
Roof cargo carrier
Insulated window privacy shades (reflective type, suction cup attach) plus a sliding shade on the slider window.
Class III hitch
Mechanically it has been 100% reliable but I am all about keeping my vehicles in top condition so the following repairs/parts were done;
All four shocks replaced a few thousand miles ago
Sliding door handle was sticking, replaced with new works perfect
Power steering pump and pressure lines, it had a minor leak and I can’t abide that stuff
Ball joints and tie rod ends
Axle seals front, again a minor leak
New serpentine belt, tensioner and idler. Minor squeak that I couldn’t abide cured
Drivers seat bottom was collapsing, replaced with complete new matching seat bottom, backrest was fine
New battery March 2024
Edit forgot; the drivers side visor was broken, replaced with new
Cons;
Dent behind the driver door (tree jumped in my way in Idaho when turning around in a campsite)
Paint is tired/faded, especially the roof
Will want tires at some point, fine for now but have 30K miles on them, no uneven wear
Minor dimples from hail before our ownership
I sold the awning that is in some of the photos
I would jump in right now and head across the country without a concern. It is amazingly comfortable, with the cruise control set at 80 it’s turning 2,000 rpm and gets 16-17 ish mpg. We are keeping our Dometic chest fridge and solar panel so just add those and go. Or use a cooler and ice like a barbarian. I’m sure I forgot some stuff but will edit as I remember.
$18,000
We bought this in CO in November 2020 with 74K miles and have used it for a number of trips all over the US. It was fitted out with sound deadening dynamat, insulation, Maxx fan (runs off house battery) and finished wall kit when we purchased it. I installed a bed using Ikea bed rails (common hack building van beds) and pine slats. Bed comes out in 10 minutes if wanted but is completely solid and comfortable. Has a RV Queen (60x74) memory foam mattress oriented north/south.
The list of additions/upgrades is long (some by previous owner);
Black alloy wheels
Aluminess ladder
Rhino Rack roof racks (3 crossbars)
Backup camera
Upgraded CD/stereo head unit, door speakers and subwoofer under bed
MPPT solar controller with SAE through fitting (I am keeping my portable solar panel)
National Luna battery box with deep cycle RV battery in great condition. Automatically charges from alternator when driving, via solar and from shore power when plugged in.
NOCO power port to plug into shore power
Passenger seat swivel
CR Laurence awning window in sliding door with screen (stupid money because of the door curvature)
Driving lights on the Bull Bar
Roof cargo carrier
Insulated window privacy shades (reflective type, suction cup attach) plus a sliding shade on the slider window.
Class III hitch
Mechanically it has been 100% reliable but I am all about keeping my vehicles in top condition so the following repairs/parts were done;
All four shocks replaced a few thousand miles ago
Sliding door handle was sticking, replaced with new works perfect
Power steering pump and pressure lines, it had a minor leak and I can’t abide that stuff
Ball joints and tie rod ends
Axle seals front, again a minor leak
New serpentine belt, tensioner and idler. Minor squeak that I couldn’t abide cured
Drivers seat bottom was collapsing, replaced with complete new matching seat bottom, backrest was fine
New battery March 2024
Edit forgot; the drivers side visor was broken, replaced with new
Cons;
Dent behind the driver door (tree jumped in my way in Idaho when turning around in a campsite)
Paint is tired/faded, especially the roof
Will want tires at some point, fine for now but have 30K miles on them, no uneven wear
Minor dimples from hail before our ownership
I sold the awning that is in some of the photos
I would jump in right now and head across the country without a concern. It is amazingly comfortable, with the cruise control set at 80 it’s turning 2,000 rpm and gets 16-17 ish mpg. We are keeping our Dometic chest fridge and solar panel so just add those and go. Or use a cooler and ice like a barbarian. I’m sure I forgot some stuff but will edit as I remember.
