Best Van Opinions

[KYC]

I've decided to switch from my 80 series LC to a van build.

I've been looking at vans for a while and can't decide which is the most reliable.

I've got about $5000 to $10,000 for a the base.

I need something bulletproof. I don't want to spend a lot on maintenance.
I can also go older. I just missed out on a 82 g20 that I really liked.

4x4 is secondary.
Don't even need 4x4. Just a rear locker will do so a lockable rear axle is a must.

12-15 combined mpg is ok with me.

I'm currently looking for a low mile 95ish G20 (5.7)
I'm currently looking at some last gen 100Kish miles Ford E350s / maybe diesel.

Any input would be appreciated.

 

[Luinil Explorations]

We bought a low mileage, 72,000 miles at the time, Ford E150 2WD Sportsmobile five years ago for $5,000. Have put about $1,000 into it since then. Most of that was for a new rear engine seal. We now have around 83,000 and is running fine. My mechanic had this comment when he saw it, "it is simple to maintain and parts are inexpensive." We got around 13mpg on a two week 2,600 mile trip to Canada in September. Have seen a number of adds for 4x4s of this vintage in your price range. Hope you have a good time searching for the perfect vehicle.

 

[KYC]

Thanks for the info.

I've been looking here and there for a while and if I saw something like that for $5000 I would hop on it asap.

What kind of mpg are you getting with the e150?

 

[Bbasso]

Each of my E350 extended body(s) have been at or lower than the budget you have mentioned.
The V10 I had still managed to get 17 mpg, but I still prefer a diesel. For many reasons, one was the ability to easily achieve 20+ mpg. As for the maintenance aspects, sure it can very easily exceed the cost to a gasoline motor but a good running 7.3 doesn't need all that much.
With a Econoline, it's very easy to hit the max weight while building an interior and on that note the option of a large motor is wise. Then what if you need to tow, can the small V8 handle the interior weight and a hefty trailer safely?

Welcome to the Van life, if you choose. LOL

 

[mikracer]

Are you looking for a window van or cargo van? Regular body or extended body?

For the MPG you're looking for, I think a 5.4 is probably your best bet (for Ford vans) or 7.3 if you want a diesel. I have a V10 and the best I ever got was 13mpg and that was going 60-62mph on the freeway with cruise control with an empty passenger van. City driving is probably 10mpg or less. The 5.4 and 6.8 are pretty bulletproof though with very basic maintenance. The 7.3 powerstroke diesels are known to go a lot of miles, but the transmissions are known to be the weak link behind that motor.

If I were looking for reliability and easy on the maintenance, I would look for a 1996 or newer Ford Econoline van. 1996 and newer will get you the OBDII port to be able to scan for codes if anything like sensors or coils go out. Makes troubleshooting a lot easier. You can still get some codes with earlier models, it's just not as easy as the OBDII. Plus, the Ford vans are everywhere and pretty easy to source parts. Most parts are interchangeable from 1992-2014.

 

[ert01]

It's in Canada but with the exchange rate, this would end up right around $6K USD

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-rv-motorhome/edmonton/1984-ford-4x4-camper-van-with-pop-top-roof/1112146848

 

[arlon]

Keeping the interior simple can go a long way in cutting weight. I have an AWD Astro van that I built out a wood interior in. It was just too much. I pulled it all out, went with a simple aluminum cot (way more comfortable), Good cooler and simple camp gear for cooking. Much prefer this setup. More stealthy, cheaper and converts back to a van in minutes. I like looking at the amazing builds some have done but that "keep it simple" approach just leaves me with a lot more flexibility. With the light load even the little 6 cyl Astro has enough power to get me anywhere I need to go.

I guess a choice like you're trying to figure out takes a lot of soul searching as to what you really plan to do with the van. Weekends vs weeks, local vs cross country, stealth vs camp grounds, etc... What ever you come up with I think you'll like a van.

 

[Eaglefreek]

I've owned many Ford vans E150, E250's and E350's and currently do own an E350. However, my favorite was a 03 GMC Savana that was a company truck. In my opinion the newer generation of GM vans are better in many ways than the Fords. I'm a real fan of the LS series engines. There is more room for your feet, better turning radius (except for the LWB GM's), back doors open wider, to name a few.

 

[KYC]

Thanks for all the info

What do you guys think about conversion vans?

They are well insulated already and have windows + shades.

 

[JCTex]

I have a 1999.5 E-350 7.3 diesel cargo for sale. RB, white, and ~183k. ought it to make a DIY Sportsmobile; but decided to,go,with a JK. I had Austin Sportsmobile put on their penthouse top with electric lift. Van is ready for the insulation phase. Next is whatever interior you wanr to put in, either all at once or little at a time. If you're seriously interested, send me a PM w/ a way to contact you. It's located morth of Dallas; but I know a shop that knows how to ship vehicles anywhere.

Jerry Lewis

 

[simple]

I've owned many Ford vans E150, E250's and E350's and currently do own an E350. However, my favorite was a 03 GMC Savana that was a company truck. In my opinion the newer generation of GM vans are better in many ways than the Fords. I'm a real fan of the LS series engines. There is more room for your feet, better turning radius (except for the LWB GM's), back doors open wider, to name a few.

I share this same sentiment but will add that I think the only locker that will fit a late model GM is an Eaton. There are no selectable locker applications that I have been able to find for the factory axle.

 

[Paddy]

What distances will you go on jaunts? I love the sprinter for long distance missions. It's Maint is high (ish) and parts aren't cheap, but it pays you back in fuel economy and "driving feel". I can slay 1000 miles in a day by myself easily and I can go 1400 miles on two tanks of diesel. Also being somewhat narrow , and having great tight radius turns, they navigate trails and parking lots and spots easier than big domestic vans.

And since you don't need 4x4....

 

[KYC]

I don't have that high a budget. About 5-10K for a solid base. Even lower if I can get away with it.

Doing some more research and I think I would be ok with a gas not diesel.

I'm seeing some decent conversion vans that are lower than that in price. The GF likes them because of the overall coziness off the bat and built in lighting. We wouldn't have to do much. I can slap on a rear locker and would be pretty much ready to go.

We do long distance trips and if I am feeling the vans reliability, would like to do a cross country LA>NY
1000 mile trips would be often. Most of our trips are under 1000 miles round trip though.

I think another advantage of a van is that you can literally pull over anywhere and just hop in the back without having to exit the car. Basecamp is anywhere you want it to be.
In my cruiser it is an ordeal unloading and setting up every night.

We don't do any rock crawling and I think a rear locker will be okay for almost any place we decide to go.

 

[Paddy]

Sprinter has no locker available FYI, but can be had less than 10K. I got mine for 6k