So I'm buying a van...

[Cole]

Here's my 10 cents from a happily married 4wd van guy. If you want to attract potential companions, you need a 4wd van. I can't begin to describe all the various people (incl obviously single females) that approach me (and us) whilst we're adding another 35 gallons in the van. Or laying low at a campground. For sure it ain't cuz my looks!




Sent from my iToaster

If you're buying a van to attract the opposite sex outside of truck stops then buy a VW!:coffeedrink:



Seriously, all techno babble aside. There is no more romanticized and loved van on Earth than a VW Westfalia of any generation.

 

[bdog1]

My 2c

2wd will get you 99% of places you want to go. Forget 4x4. Since you prefer full size, Ford and Chev (GMC) are your best bets. I prefer E250 or 2500's for the more capable weight capacity. Ford are also common for extended vans with an extra two feet inside. ( basically at no more cost). What brand are favored by your family that may work on your van for you? A lot of conversion vans are E150 or 1500's and already come with added weight. That's a negative to me. Large windows that don't open are another negative. Good power vents help in the heat but a dog can't stay in a van in warm sunny weather, insulation only delays the heat build up that's inevitable.

Whatever you find there's a wealth of info. and advice here on all kinds of mods. As stated... Strike while the iron is hot!


Sent by wing, prayer & ATT

 

[NorthernWoodsman]

Here's a diesel Ford out in Sequim-

http://olympic.craigslist.org/cto/4267066918.html

Here's one I've been wanting to buy...and it's already surfed out for ya!-

http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/4278416647.html

Chevy 4x4 that's a little ugly, but that means less looky-loo's-

http://seattle.craigslist.org/est/cto/4299717810.html

buy this, pack your stuff in it, and hit the road! has the ubiquitous and bulletproof 350sb chevy, and a solar charging system!-

http://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/cto/4285640974.html

a nice old Ford campervan-

http://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/cto/4271276666.html

a Ford one-ton with only 52,000 miles-

http://seattle.craigslist.org/skc/cto/4304016996.html

a long wheelbase Chevy one-ton w/new motor-

http://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/cto/4300243338.html

a decent swb Ford 1/2 ton van-

http://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/cto/4305561045.html

VW Eurovan weekender w/poptop camper and 5-spd transmission-

http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/4298950029.html

1976 Chevy shorty van w/custom pinstriping-

http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/4304895851.html

another cool Chevy camper van. agian, buy it, pack, and go!-

http://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/rvs/4303067031.html

simple Ford cargo van ready for customization-

http://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/cto/4300527229.html

 

[HoboJen]

i like this one. http://corvallis.craigslist.org/rvs/4303424856.html

 

[HoboJen]

i like this one: http://corvallis.craigslist.org/rvs/4303424856.html

 

[HoboJen]

and this one too... it has a roof rack.. http://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/rvs/4303067031.html

 

[HoboJen]

and i'm not sure how i missed this one, but it's sweet. http://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/cto/4285640974.html

 

[bdog1]

You seem to like camper vans. Good.

You mentioned dirt roads earlier, might have to loose those running boards though.

And...... roof mounted kayaks racks might be tuffer on that tall Chev hi top. But do-able.


Sent by wing, prayer & ATT

 

[NorthernWoodsman]

You can get side mount surf racks for the hightop.

http://www.brick-yard.co.uk/forum/side-mounted-surf-board-racks_topic34007.html

You seem to like camper vans. Good.

You mentioned dirt roads earlier, might have to loose those running boards though.

And...... roof mounted kayaks racks might be tuffer on that tall Chev hi top. But do-able.


Sent by wing, prayer & ATT

 

[Alboy79]

i like this one: http://corvallis.craigslist.org/rvs/4303424856.html

I like this one a lot. Strip the running boards off, remove the third captains chair for more room, and then head outa town.

 

[HoboJen]

I like this one a lot. Strip the running boards off, remove the third captains chair for more room, and then head outa town.

i'm drawn to that teal color too.. it's almost the same color as my room. not that that means anything.

but let's talk about roof racks... how hard is it to do a roof rack? I consider it essential, this has to be a good kayak rig.

 

[Alboy79]

i'm drawn to that teal color too.. it's almost the same color as my room. not that that means anything.

the light interior colors had a good feel. Plus I'm a ford kinda guy so the chevys don't cut it for me.

 

[bdog1]

What kind of dog?

Here's mine, waiting for a ride.


Sent by wing, prayer & ATT

 

[Jb1rd]

i'm drawn to that teal color too.. it's almost the same color as my room. not that that means anything.

but let's talk about roof racks... how hard is it to do a roof rack? I consider it essential, this has to be a good kayak rig.

Easy you can get Yakima or Thule Rail Rider Systems and add as many cross bars as you want, I have four on my Sprinter and plan to add 2 more. Its already to tall to fit in almost any parking garage so what the hell. If you decide to got that route I can sale you the rail portion cheap, I bought a bulk of them from Yakima and am passing them along to the forum as a thank you.

http://sprinter-source.com/forum/showthread.php?t=29768

 

[Cole]

One thought on the dog.

I travel with 2 in my Eurovan 100% of the time.

Use some common sense here. But the #1 thing that has helped us is the pop top! It makes for a giant vent to let hot air rise out of the van. Anytime we leave the dogs in the van in warmer weather we pop the top and open the windows.

We also crack open all the other windows, draw the curtians, put up reflective sun shades, etc. Our windows are beyond limo tint, and than is insulated. (Also has rear AC when running)

All the windows that people are saying let the cold in will also help keep a dog cool in the heat if they open even a little bit.