I'm going to check out a van this afternoon!

[DavidAlex]

I've been saving my pennies and watching craigslist for what seems like forever, and today I'm going to go check out what seems like a very promising candidate: http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/cto/5594521196.html


Thoughts? Opinions? The plan would be to convert it into an insulated but simple camper. Basically a gaucho, tiny galley, and storage space for bikes, skis, backpacks, etc.

Thanks! :coffeedrink:

 

[Buddha.]

I like the windows that pop out like that.

 

[wjeeper]

From what I could tell from the pro-access van I looked at is they are based off of a passenger van. It looks like they mount the hatches right to the existing window frames. This could make it easier for you to add a factory window or two, it would look way cleaner than aftermarket windows.

Being a 3500 you will be getting a heavy duty full float disc braked rear-end. But the best part is that it has a 6.0l! I wish the AWD Expresses could have been optioned with them........just a little bit jealous. Let us know if you pick it up!

 

[DavidAlex]

I really like the Pro Access panels, though I'm a little concerned about water leakage, both in closed position and how much they might let in if left open in a light rain. I PMed the one guy on ExPo who I could find who has them to ask, but he does not seem to be very active on the forums.

The 3500 is almost certainly overkill for what I want, but the big engine and the HD rear axle and brakes are plusses. Though I think the 2500 came with the bigger rotors too. It's pretty tough to find info on how these vans were spec'ed.

 

[hyperboarder]

Those access panels are awesome. Didn't even know they existed.

 

[Stumpalump]

How many Chevys do you see being used as Overland rigs. Like none. This is Ford and Sprinter territory unless you keep it stock and do not plan on 4x4 conversion. In a couple of years you will have an old low value old high milage van. If that does not bother you and if you really need those trap doors then vans are wonderful and it's a van.

 

[wjeeper]

How many Chevys do you see being used as Overland rigs. Like none.

ALMOST none.........there are a few on here! Myself included. Seems this forum is the hub for overlanding an Express.

A Chevy is no more difficult to convert to 4x4 than any other van, any conversion is an undertaking. Although there is not as much of an aftermarket following or "kits" out there for the Chevy. In my neck of the woods any 4x4/ AWD van carries a serious premium regardless of the make.

 

[agelessGIANT]

I have a 2003 awd 2500 with the PRO Access package. Those pop outs raise the van to a whole different level in my opinion. They don't leak and I have had them open in full on east coast thunderstorms and stay dry inside.. Aside from the rain that is blown in by the wind its not a problem and I enjoy them open in the rain. You will really enjoy that van. I wouldn't trade mine for anything. Adding the pop out windows would be difficult as there is extra bracing built into the body to accommodate the mechanisms. Not that it can't be done it's just not an easy swap and factory finish is best. Good luck with checking it out and keep us posted!

 

[Randall Dee]

You won't like it. :wings:

Seriously, good luck.

 

[DavidAlex]

I was scheduled to go look at it at 4:30 and the guy emails me at 3:30 saying he's sold it. Well, someone put down a deposit and is going to return with the rest of the money on Tuesday and the seller is going to let me know if it falls through.

 

[boardrider247]

In a couple of years you will have an old low value old high milage van.

Hardly.
Gm van's hold their value right there with Fords.
While Ford van's are easier for a DIY guy to convert to 4x4 (Ujoint!) GM in my opinion has a better choice of engine.
And we all know that a "Overland" vehicle is far less dependent on the vehicle type then how it is used.

Anyways OP don't get down on yourself if you missed this van. There will be another pop up soon enough.

 

[DavidAlex]

Hardly.
Gm van's hold their value right there with Fords.
While Ford van's are easier for a DIY guy to convert to 4x4 (Ujoint!) GM in my opinion has a better choice of engine.
And we all know that a "Overland" vehicle is far less dependent on the vehicle type then how it is used.

Anyways OP don't get down on yourself if you missed this van. There will be another pop up soon enough.

I don't get out of this subforum much, and maybe there's a larger argument in this community about what it means to be "overland" and whether 4x4 is a necessity. But I've taken 2wd cars through plenty of tough spots and it usually works out fine. (In retrospect, driving a rental Ford Taurus like a rally car down a mountain gravel road turned out to not be such a great idea. But hey, it was a rental.)

I got back on CL when I got home and kept searching... I think I may stretch my budget (and probably forego the supercool pop-out panels) and try to go for a 2010 or newer van. That was the year GM started putting the 6-speed 6L90 transmission behind the engine. Doesn't seem to be less reliable than the 4-speed it replaced, and it has a shorter first gear AND taller overdrive. So good for both climbing trails and highway driving.

 

[Johny5]

Having converted a savana to 4x4 , it is in my opinion easier to do than E series . Using 05 Ford diffs 03-07 don't require transmission mods other than cutting down 3 inchs of the output and bolt on the tcase , no exhaust modifications and no cutting of the gas tank.

 

[Bikersmurf]

Have a look around and see if you can find a type 3 ambulance... our family really loves ours with a 7.3 diesel.

 

[DavidAlex]

Have a look around and see if you can find a type 3 ambulance... our family really loves ours with a 7.3 diesel.

I've read nothing but good things about these motors, but I'm wary of looking for one myself, as the newest vans you can find them in are now 17 years old. I don't know much about diesels and I gather if they have not been maintained well, they can be a lot of trouble.