Purchasing a van, looking for advice

[lindy74]

Greetings, I am currently in the market for a van to start a conversion build. I am specifically looking at the Chevy Express Extended 2500 hopefully with a larger motor than the 4.8. I was aiming for around a 2014 model just so it wasn't as old and had some more modern features (if that's a thing). As far as price goes, I was hoping to spend around 15k or less. My question is, should I not limit my search to a 2014? My priorities are a van with <150k miles, body in good shape (not leaking and straight) and no mechanical issues. I have seen some pretty clean <100k miles 98-2005 Chevys and even a few GMC's. I just have a feeling then I would be opening myself up to more issues with wear and tear due to age versus mileage. Any input you vets would have regarding my dilemma would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

Jason

 

[AbleGuy]

With a LB 2500 you're likely going to find that you get stuck with the gas hungry but powerful 6.0 motor. I had that one in a heavy loaded 2006 one ton camper van and I never lacked for power but only averaged about 13-14 mpgs at highway speeds with it. But I never had any major mechanical issues with it IIRC.

If you’re just going by the miles on the van you find, I don’t think you need to limit yourself to ‘14 or newer. These aren’t that fancy and the more recent years improvements (to me) didn’t really add to the utility or drivability of them.

If you get the ever present white van, you may have some paint peeling problems on the hood and front…its a pretty common sight. I’d go for one of the cargo vans so you can cut some opening windows in the sides.

Lastly, two things…try looking for one at a GSA auction because they used to be common finds there, and know that the turning radius of the long WB models can be a challenge to get used to if you use the van as a DD.

 

[lindy74]

Great advice, thanks Able. I do have a different budget set aside that includes repainting whatever van I do get. Originally, I was just looking at getting a regular wheelbase Express. Most posts I read regarding deciding between the 2 lengths said go for the 155 as you will regret losing out on those extra 20 inches. The van won't be a daily driver, but a dedicated camping/fishing rig. It sure would be easier to find the regular length, but I too feel I might regret passing on the 155.
As for the fuel mileage, my Tundra with my truck camper gets about what an Express would or maybe less anyhow.
Thanks again for the detailed reply, really appreciate the information!

 

[motovan_mn]

Just out of curiosity, why are you specifically looking at the Chevy platform?

 

[lindy74]

I feel trapped here looking at your profile pic! I originally looked at the Econoline vans. I have never owned a Ford and working for the fire department when we had used Ford in our Ambulance fleet they had constant issues. Not saying Chevys don't, but I have owned a Chevy and had pretty good luck with it. I do prefer the looks of the Chevys over the Fords and I understand that's just cosmetic, but again its what I am drawn to. I'm not hellbent on a Chevy, and I know E vans are very popular amongst the Van community.

 

[RVflyfish]

Great advice, thanks Able. I do have a different budget set aside that includes repainting whatever van I do get. Originally, I was just looking at getting a regular wheelbase Express. Most posts I read regarding deciding between the 2 lengths said go for the 155 as you will regret losing out on those extra 20 inches. The van won't be a daily driver, but a dedicated camping/fishing rig. It sure would be easier to find the regular length, but I too feel I might regret passing on the 155.
As for the fuel mileage, my Tundra with my truck camper gets about what an Express would or maybe less anyhow.
Thanks again for the detailed reply, really appreciate the information!

I’m big into fly fishing myself (I went searching for that sticker in your avatar!). My vans are built almost entirely for the purpose.

I’ve had EB and RB Fords and a lifted AWD Astro. I definitely prefer the RB and Astro over the EB for getting into tighter areas; and I wouldn’t even consider a long wheelbase GM.

This is because while EB Fords have the same wheelbase as RB’s, giving them the same turning radius, EB’s have 20” more body hanging off the rear axle. That can quickly get in the way in tight spots. GM LWB’s take it a step further because their extended wheelbase gives them a much bigger turning radius. They also have worse breakover, making them easier to high center.

Something else to consider is that GM vans are narrower above the beltline than Fords, by a few inches. I’m 6’1” and can just about fit on a sideways bed in a Ford, leaving the option of a big garage underneath. No chance of that in a GM.

My Astro has a decent amount of interior space for one person. My RB Ford is positively spacious by comparison. Check out this slick build for what you can fit in an RB. It’s a lot.

Another reason Fords are popular is that there are a lot more aftermarket/upfitter products for them.

The one area I would give GM the nod is in power plants. I even have a buddy who could build me a bad*** LS motor. But given all the aforementioned, I’m sticking with Ford.

 

[lindy74]

I’m big into fly fishing myself (I went searching for that sticker in your avatar!). My vans are built almost entirely for that purpose.

I’ve had EB and RB Fords and a lifted AWD Astro. I definitely prefer the RB and Astro over the EB for getting into tighter areas; and I wouldn’t even consider a long wheelbase GM.

This is because while EB Fords have the same wheelbase as RB’s, giving them the same turning radius, EB’s have 20” more body hanging off the rear axle. That can quickly get in the way in tight spots. GM LWB’s take it a step further because their extended wheelbase gives them a much bigger turning radius. They also have worse breakover, making them easier to high center.

Something else to consider is that GM vans are narrower above the beltline than Fords, by a few inches. I’m 6’1” and can just about fit on a sideways bed in a Ford, leaving the option of a big garage underneath. No chance of that in a GM.

My Astro has a decent amount of interior space for one person. My RB Ford is positively spacious by comparison. Check out this slick build for what you can fit in an RB. It’s a lot.

Another reason Fords are popular is that there are a lot more aftermarket/upfitter products for them.

The one area I would give GM the nod is in power plants. I even have a buddy who could build me a bad*** LS motor. But given all the aforementioned, I’m sticking with Ford.

Thanks alot for this. I didn't even realize the narrow factor. Being 6'2" I had planned for a rear to front layout bed. Ill have to broaden my options. I hope you found the sticker =)

https://www.boneyardflygear.com/ just in case you didn't =)

 

[RVflyfish]

Omg thanks for that link. They have all kinds of awesome stickers!

 

[86scotty]

I have never owned a Ford and working for the fire department when we had used Ford in our Ambulance fleet they had constant issues. Not saying Chevys don't, but I have owned a Chevy and had pretty good luck with it.

Late model Ford ambulances were mostly Ford 6.0l diesels, perhaps the worst Ford engine ever built. All kinds of lawsuits, etc. from municipalities who had them fail when failure was not an option (as in transporting patients). All of the Ford gas engines, which is all I would recommend personally, are good.

With a LB 2500 you're likely going to find that you get stuck with the gas hungry but powerful 6.0 motor. I had that one in a heavy loaded 2006 one ton camper van and I never lacked for power but only averaged about 13-14 mpgs at highway speeds with it. But I never had any major mechanical issues with it IIRC.

13-14 mpg is good for any van, honestly. My Transit v6 rarely even got better. You can beat it with a 5.3l Chevy if not lifted with big tires, etc. but not by much and I think they are much less peppy than the Ford 5.4l.

I've had a 6.0l Chevy truck and loved the power, the mileage was just what you stated and barely even 10 when towing. I've had a few 5.3l pickups and a Suburban that got 18 or so but I've never gotten that with a 5.3l Chevy van, which I've had a couple of. Usually 15 at best.

 

[lindy74]

Late model Ford ambulances were mostly Ford 6.0l diesels, perhaps the worst Ford engine ever built. All kinds of lawsuits, etc. from municipalities who had them fail when failure was not an option (as in transporting patients). All of the Ford gas engines, which is all I would recommend personally, are good.


13-14 mpg is good for any van, honestly. My Transit v6 rarely even got better. You can beat it with a 5.3l Chevy if not lifted with big tires, etc. but not by much and I think they are much less peppy than the Ford 5.4l.

I've had a 6.0l Chevy truck and loved the power, the mileage was just what you stated and barely even 10 when towing. I've had a few 5.3l pickups and a Suburban that got 18 or so but I've never gotten that with a 5.3l Chevy van, which I've had a couple of. Usually 15 at best.

Thanks for this, appreciate the info. One of the Chevy pickups i had was a 2500 HD with the 8.1. talk about poor fuel mileage.

 

[86scotty]

Another thing to remember when traveling by van, since you mentioned you were planning to convert to a camper. Don't get too hung up on fuel. I know something like an 8.1 Chevy is in the single digits but almost any van is going to get you an average of low to mid teens. The beauty of them is that fuel is about your only cost. We sleep in ours always when traveling and can park anywhere.

We almost never pay for campsites. Nothing against them but our van will get us to more scenic and quiet places where we sleep free and unbothered. I don't mean Walmart. I mostly mean trailheads where we have a hike planned but we're not averse to a gravel spot on the side of a mountain road if it feels safe.

We buy groceries and the occasional restaurant meal traveling the same as we do at home so if you take lodging out of the equation and sleep in your van even with more fuel cost than a passenger car it's still a bargain.

 

[lindy74]

Another thing to remember when traveling by van, since you mentioned you were planning to convert to a camper. Don't get too hung up on fuel. I know something like an 8.1 Chevy is in the single digits but almost any van is going to get you an average of low to mid teens. The beauty of them is that fuel is about your only cost. We sleep in ours always when traveling and can park anywhere.

We almost never pay for campsites. Nothing against them but our van will get us to more scenic and quiet places where we sleep free and unbothered. I don't mean Walmart. I mostly mean trailheads where we have a hike planned but we're not averse to a gravel spot on the side of a mountain road if it feels safe.

We buy groceries and the occasional restaurant meal traveling the same as we do at home so if you take lodging out of the equation and sleep in your van even with more fuel cost than a passenger car it's still a bargain.

Exactly our plan, I have no hangups with fuel economy. Thanks for the info! I think I have narrowed it down to the regular WB van versus extended. If I can find one with a HiTop even better. But I have opened my searches to both Chevy and Ford. Now it just comes down to finding the right one. I don't intend to convert to 4wd, I would though plan to put a locker in. In all my trips I have gone on the only time I used 4wd in my Tundra with the camper on it started snowing when I didn't expect it.

 

[Scotty D]

I have an AWD express van and I never miss not having another 20 inches but its just me in the van usually.
Also , even with KO2s I can 18mpg on the highway if I keep it under 70 mph
I would never trade the AWD for longer wheelbase but I am also off road quite a bit in mexico

 

[lindy74]

I have an AWD express van and I never miss not having another 20 inches but its just me in the van usually.
Also , even with KO2s I can 18mpg on the highway if I keep it under 70 mph
I would never trade the AWD for longer wheelbase but I am also off road quite a bit in mexico

So if I understand correctly, the Express only made the AWD in the 1500? I was always looking for a 250/2500 or 350/3500. Is it really required for van conversions that aren't going to be a dedicated off-road rig?

 

[marret]

So if I understand correctly, the Express only made the AWD in the 1500? I was always looking for a 250/2500 or 350/3500. Is it really required for van conversions that aren't going to be a dedicated off-road rig?

I thought there were also some Express 2500s in AWD.