Astro Van (Mid Size) VS Full Size?

[Hackopotomus]

I have a Chevy 2500 crew cab truck with a camper shell that I had intended to use as my overland rig but also need a pickup with an open bed for working on my small ranch. So instead of buying another truck I figured I'd pull the shell off and use the truck I already have and get a van instead.

I'm a 70's kind of guy and had a few custom vans back in the 70's and have been wanting to get another one. I love the ability to be able to just park somewhere and walk into the back without having to exit the vehicle.

So, been looking at 4x4 vans and ran across a Astro vans as well as full size. Not sure which direction to go.

The Astro van is smaller size so less restricted on tighter trails, can be had pretty cheaply, maybe better gas mileage?

Full size is bigger (duh!) so more room inside, bigger engine for more power but worse gas mileage?

It is just me and my dog so I don't really need the room but I think more space is always nice once you get parked up and move to the back. They stopped making Astro's in 2005 so finding a nice clean low mile one is hard while newer full size vans are much more common.

Gas mileage is not a huge concern as this will be only used on adventure trips but everyone wants to save where they can. Does anyone know what kind of mileage an Astro gets? How about a full size Chevy with a V8?

I'm in North West NV and I want to do a lot of trails around here but nothing too wild (I have a built Jeep for really rough stuff). If I get an Astro I'll probably do a small lift and tires. Not sure about full size as I see Quigley and Pathfinders that are already lifted but also stock factory 4x4 vans. Not sure what lifts are available for the factory 4x4. Do want to go too big, just enough for maybe 35's.

Any other considerations of an Astro vs full size?

 

[Wiley]

I did 2 years living out of my Astro and Hostels as I drove around Mexico, Cental AM, and Colombia, at times it was cramped, but I also had a lot of crap. I actually think for south of the border it is a great van, as I found myself in tight spaces all the time, and it did not necesarily stand out more than any van with California plates would. The nice thing about them is as you mentioned, you can lift them cheaply, you can also swap in a 4x4 transfer case easily, but that was something I did not do as I stuck with the AWD. For strickly the NW/USA, you may prefer a full size since you gain size and can get a newer model. I was thinking about ditching the astro, but haave decided I am keeping it, it is a great van for travel, and I may end up south of the border again.

 

[danfromsyr]

maybe put the camper shell on a trailer, then you don't have a whole nother vehicle to insure and maintain.

 

[Len.Barron]

If you're considering 35's then I'd definitely lean toward a fullsize, the astro's use the small case 700r4/4l60 trans; brakes, steering joints also undersize for 35's, you'd really need to look at a regear to 4.30-4.56 to keep the power band in a happy place.
If you stay around 32" you'd probably be fine..