Road tripping/light off-road camper

[luke wl.]

Hey all! I split my time between Montana and the Florida keys and drive every time I switch spots. Currently I am driving my f250 with camper top on back and sleep in the bed but I'd rather something a bit more sophisticated. My biggest criteria are

-driveablility
- $$$
-mpg
-storage capacity

I am not super concerned with off-road capability. I DO need to be able to drive down washboard/large pothole dirt roads to my house but that is about all as the 250 will live in Montana shortly.

I know very little about vans in general. I really like the sprinters but they seem to be on the expensive side and seem to have less storage? I'm not very concerned with the high roof. It's usually me, my two dogs, sometimes my gf. I'd like to be able to tow my duck boat with it as well.

Any info would be hugely appreciated.

 

[Jb1rd]

Pull a couple seats out and you are set, I know you said 4wd was/is not important but this seems to be a good starting point and 4wd will hold (IMO) a better resale value.

http://denver.craigslist.org/ctd/5872946238.html

 

[gtbensley]

Having 4x4 in a van adds quite a bit of $$$ to purchasing. What type of budget are you working with? If just doing dirt roads I doubt you will need 4x4, but I understand if its a want thing (it is for me even if I only use it a couple times a year).

The sprinters have a ton of room in them but are not cheap. A Transit might be a good option as well.

 

[86scotty]

AWD Chevy and done.

 

[luke wl.]

I was thinking 4x4 might hurt mileage? And I'd rather a newer 2wd, put an lsd or air locker if available? Than a more expensive older 4x4. I'd like to keep it under 20k but could go up a bit.

 

[Choff]

AWD Chevy and done.

LIKE SAID, AWD CHEV OR GMC, NOT A 4X4, YOU WILL BE CHANGED !!!!!!!

 

[Bbasso]

Quality tires, very good driving skills, LSD or locker and some ground clearance and there will be very little to stop foward progress.
Pick a van you like/afford and go.
But as mentioned an AWD chevy/gmc is a simple and effective choice.

 

[villageidiot327]

I have a 2006 e150, 88k miles, zero rust CA van, weldtec 4" system, steering dampener, fox shocks on all 4's, limited slip diff,
4.10 gears. suspension/differential were done in late july this year.

Vanrug on the floor

I got a bunch of parts to go with
Adrian steel poly liner kit
Bed/bench cushions 27x76 bench, 55x76 bed
2 interior lights, a switch panel, fuse box, etc
Roll of reflectix, spray adhesive, aluminum tape etc
Comes with custom hitch hauler

I'd turn it loose for $12.5k

 

[jmp81sc]

I would add the new Ford Transit and Ram Promaster as possibilities for gas mileage and room. I average 17mpg with a gas promaster, 12 foot cargo area, 6'4" headroom and over 6' wide. Cost is probably higher as there are fewer used for sale.