What would you buy for $40k?

[willywalderbeast]

That's the hardest part, finding one haha. I was dead set on a side entry model, which are rare, so it took me almost a year to find mine checking CL everyday. But if you don't mind the layout of a rear entry Chinook, then it wouldn't be as hard. I searched rv sale sites and Craigslist throughout the whole country. The one I bought I found on CL 3000 miles away and flew out and drove her home. Again a rear entry model wouldn't be as hard to find, definitely CL is your best bet.

 

[markley]

Maybe something like this?
http://advrider.com/index.php?threa...350-hr-el-3-2l-motovan.1195659/#post-31243851

Good eye!! Looks like a great option! Not a fan of the dual sliding doors, but will definitely consider this one. Thanks!

 

[willywalderbeast]

Just searched quick, there really was only this one for sale and a 2005 that was 60k so I didn't link it. The rest were scams.

This one is a pretty good deal tho. 56k miles and with the V10. Probably could get it for $15,000

http://scranton.craigslist.org/rvs/5945819737.html

 

[willywalderbeast]

Actually I forgot a guy I know from the Chinook forum was trying to sell his ALREADY 4x4 converted Chinook, $35k http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/163906-2004-Chinook-4x4-35000-Austin?highlight=Chinook

 

[rruff]

Any thoughts on the new Sprinters? I have read plenty of horror stories with the cost of maintenance of newer Sprinters.

I was in a similar situation to you, looking for a reliable rig for extended remote camping for 2. The 4x4 Sprinter was my first choice until I read up on it more. It isn't initial reliability, but rather the emissions systems becoming a real PITA when you get ~100k miles or so. People spend thousands to "fix" them, and the same problems keep coming back. If there was a good emissions delete kit out for those, I would have still bought it, but there isn't.

So I ended up getting a new Tundra 4x4 Double Cab 8' bed for $31k. I picked that over a 3/4 ton Ford or GM because it was cheaper should be more reliable. GVWR on the Tundra is low, but lots of people overload them without issue. I might be under though, since I'm building light. I'm going to remove the bed and build my own camper on the frame. More work for sure, and you need a garage. Camper shell kits are available to make the process easier, but cost ~$15k. My shell will cost ~$3.5k, and who know how many hours. At least the walls will already be insulated.

I know the places I want to go I'll need good ground clearance, low gears, and 4wd. I've done it in a 2wd truck for 13 years but the underneath of the truck (including the oil pan and gas tank) were covered with dents from slamming on rocks. Using momentum to get through will do that.

 

[markley]

Yeah, if I know I would definitely be needing 4x4 I would consider a truck with camper. Our adventures (at least initially) will be taking month or two long trips driving covering ground (mostly paved roads with occasional forest roads).

Regarding the Sprinters, does anyone know if they are making improvements to the emissions system? It seems like this has been an issue with them since 2008. The more I read up on the money dumped into Sprinter vans the more I am leaning towards a Transit. If the Transit had more clearance it would make that decision even easier. What all could be done to get better clearance on these? bigger tires?

 

[86scotty]

I haven't caught up on this thread in awhile but I'll summarize some thoughts without trying to quote every one:

You mentioned early on you don't know much about cars, which I'm guessing means you don't do a lot of your own maintenance, so DON'T BUY A SPRINTER! You do not want to own one of these unless A. your girlfriend is a Sprinter mechanic B. You never drive anywhere where you aren't positive a Sprinter mechanic can be seen or C. It's fleet maintained where you just make a phone call. Sprinter bashing? No, I'm really not. I like them and I've put hundreds of thousands of miles on them at work and I've seen the horrors they are capable of for people. Buy a used domestic rig you can build out and learn some basic, simple maintenance on or at the very least go with a Transit with a warranty if you feel you must buy new. I wouldn't.

All this coming from a huge German car fan. I maintain my own or I wouldn't have one. Check out hourly shop rates on anything European and try to find out how easy they are to get serviced in, say, Page Arizona, or Parhump Nevada or Lander, Wy.

Chinooks are awesome but don't have much storage space. I've looked for them on and off forever and 20k is a stretch from my experience. 25-30k is more realistic and good ones are hard to find. They all have the v10 which I don't particularly think you need. Rear door access is a problem for anyone who carries a bike on long trips.

Remember this, you're on a forum with a lot of hardcore van, travel and 4wd junkies. Power is addictive. Most here, me included, have more than we need. 2 V10's currently in my driveway, but I really think you sound like a guy who would benefit best from a 5.4 or 5.3 Chevy, maybe an AWD Chevy if you can find it. Watch out for rusty NE ones.

You mentioned recently that you still weren't sure if you need 4wd. If you aren't SURE you need 4wd then you absolutely don't need 4wd!

There is a lot of good info on this thread too, check it out:

http://www.sportsmobileforum.com/forums/f30/narrowing-down-the-search-18715.html

 

[derjack]

Okay, so after some searching around various forums (both here and elsewhere) I am still unsure what van to go with. I am looking for a high roof, long wheelbase (not extra long) cargo van to upfit as a camper for my wife and I. We’d like to keep the van as small as possible and still incorporate a sleeping area, kitchen, and toilet/shower combo. Luckily, we are both on the short side (5’7”)..which helps in this case! We would be using the van for extended trips (month or so) that would likely take us ‘off the grid’ and pavement.

I’m thinking our max budget is $40k, preferably $30K. Our ideal van would be a 4x4 High Roof Sprinter 144 (though it is over our budget). Also, with the concerns I’ve read about regarding the diesel engines and lack of service departments (as well as cost and difficulty of maintaining), I’ve pretty much crossed that off the list. While I’d like to have 4x4, I’m not sure it is necessary, nor can I afford (or justify the price). I’ve also looked really hard at the Transit and really like what I see. The only issue is that to find one with all the options/upgrades that I would want makes it impossible to find on a lot. So I would be limited to special ordering a 2017 which comes in at my max budget. Although we may be able to cross off some of our ‘wish list’ options and locate one on the lot for $30k? and add those options later. We've also looked at Promaster, but not really digging them (especially the low rear axle).

I guess my question is, if you had $40k to spend on a van (new or used) what would you go with? We’d rather not get something too old or worn..unless there is good reason to (ie. price, potential). We want a reliable van that is not going to require a lot of mechanical work. What year MB Sprinters would you avoid?

Thanks for any input/suggestions!

There are a lot of things to consider also, that you did not mention:
- Budget: Covered with 40k.
- How long do you want to keep it? Do you expect to sell it afterwords? If so, you should make it too much custom!!! You will NOT get the money back!
- Where do you want to travel? I guess in the US. The US only? Warm or cold areas, as this would be interesting in terms of isolation and the # of seats inside. Or do you want to live more outside - like the Australia people prefer?
- E350 chassis are outdated! Take care of that.
- E350 4x4 are/can be way more capable than Sprinter 4x4
- Sprinter are way better on road that (old) Econolines.
- Sprinter are way more efficient! In terms of fuel. In terms of footprint [outside dimensions vs usable dimensions]. This is especially the case if you want a high roof!. Side walls are way more vertical and give you much better atmosphere.
- Maintenance is not that bad for a Sprinter diesel. IMHO its just not usual to do so in the US. I am seeing Sprinter / VW Crafter/ Peugeot / Transits / and some few Econolines in GER every day. Its not that much of a difference - IF you want to keep your rig in good conditions.
- If you are not sure you need 4x4 - you will probably NOT need it! Spend some money the better way in the correct tires (summer tires AND Mud tires AND winter tires - as they all work different) + a differential with a lock.


PS: I - myself do have an Econoline 4x4 / Quigley - Though this does NOT mean its the better solution for you. And I have one with a high(er) roof. If you are both <6foot you should think of a bed orthogonal to driving direction! There is in Fords the (very narrow) ~ 6 foor width in the back. This saves a lot of space inside. In a Sprinter / Transit is more room anyway.

 

[Jsweezy]

http://www.kenttruck.com/8261.html

There is your answer.

5.4l V8, 5 Speed Transmission, Full Float rear axle with Traction-Lok (rare combo only available in these box trucks)

Get them down to 20k, spend ballpark 15k on a conversion from Ujoint/MG or skip the 4wd and use all of the other 20k to build out the back. More than enough space, will get decent mpg, and super easy to build out because everything is square.

 

[rruff]

Yeah, if I know I would definitely be needing 4x4 I would consider a truck with camper. Our adventures (at least initially) will be taking month or two long trips driving covering ground (mostly paved roads with occasional forest roads.

Do you have experience doing what you want to do in another vehicle? Based on my experience if you want to go to the most beautiful and remote places and not see any other people, having a rig that is more offroad capable than what ~95+% of campers use, would be real nice. It's also nice when your exit road turns to mud before you are ready to leave. But if that doesn't interest you, and you know you will be sticking to decent roads then 2wd would be fine.

Bigger tires are your first choice for lift since you get clearance everywhere with the least CG impact. You'll have to look up what your vehicle can accommodate. Anything more than a modest size increase will entail modifications, but some are easy and some aren't. Next would be a mild suspension lift. A quick google search brought up nothing for 2wd Transits except a $1700 (!) spacer lift. On a truck you can get a big shock and spring upgrade that includes a lift for that kind of money.

 

[rruff]

Maintenance is not that bad for a Sprinter diesel. IMHO its just not usual to do so in the US. I am seeing Sprinter / VW Crafter/ Peugeot / Transits / and some few Econolines in GER every day. Its not that much of a difference - IF you want to keep your rig in good conditions.

Maintenance isn't the problem. It's the peculiar USA emissions system that seems to become incompatible with the engine at higher mileage. It's out of warranty then so I guess MB hasn't tried too hard to fix it.

 

[markley]

I haven't caught up on this thread in awhile but I'll summarize some thoughts without trying to quote every one:

You mentioned early on you don't know much about cars, which I'm guessing means you don't do a lot of your own maintenance, so DON'T BUY A SPRINTER! You do not want to own one of these unless A. your girlfriend is a Sprinter mechanic B. You never drive anywhere where you aren't positive a Sprinter mechanic can be seen or C. It's fleet maintained where you just make a phone call. Sprinter bashing? No, I'm really not. I like them and I've put hundreds of thousands of miles on them at work and I've seen the horrors they are capable of for people. Buy a used domestic rig you can build out and learn some basic, simple maintenance on or at the very least go with a Transit with a warranty if you feel you must buy new. I wouldn't.

All this coming from a huge German car fan. I maintain my own or I wouldn't have one. Check out hourly shop rates on anything European and try to find out how easy they are to get serviced in, say, Page Arizona, or Parhump Nevada or Lander, Wy.

Chinooks are awesome but don't have much storage space. I've looked for them on and off forever and 20k is a stretch from my experience. 25-30k is more realistic and good ones are hard to find. They all have the v10 which I don't particularly think you need. Rear door access is a problem for anyone who carries a bike on long trips.

Remember this, you're on a forum with a lot of hardcore van, travel and 4wd junkies. Power is addictive. Most here, me included, have more than we need. 2 V10's currently in my driveway, but I really think you sound like a guy who would benefit best from a 5.4 or 5.3 Chevy, maybe an AWD Chevy if you can find it. Watch out for rusty NE ones.

You mentioned recently that you still weren't sure if you need 4wd. If you aren't SURE you need 4wd then you absolutely don't need 4wd!

There is a lot of good info on this thread too, check it out:

http://www.sportsmobileforum.com/forums/f30/narrowing-down-the-search-18715.html

Thanks again for your input! Yeah, the more I research the more I am ruling out a Sprinter.

Also, I have realized that most on this forum recommend the Ford e-series..mostly due to power and ease of mods. The price on used Ford vans are also very enticing. Although, I'd have to pay $ to get a high roof installed...not sure I'd want to attempt that myself (and don't know if anyone locally will do that). The mpg on these is also a concern. While I'm not ruling them out (mostly because of the price and availability) I am not quite sold. If I knew I would need 4x4, it would be a no brainer....just not there yet.

I'll have to look at the Chevy vans and see what's out there.

 

[markley]

There are a lot of things to consider also, that you did not mention:
- Budget: Covered with 40k.
- How long do you want to keep it? Do you expect to sell it afterwords? If so, you should make it too much custom!!! You will NOT get the money back!
- Where do you want to travel? I guess in the US. The US only? Warm or cold areas, as this would be interesting in terms of isolation and the # of seats inside. Or do you want to live more outside - like the Australia people prefer?
- E350 chassis are outdated! Take care of that.
- E350 4x4 are/can be way more capable than Sprinter 4x4
- Sprinter are way better on road that (old) Econolines.
- Sprinter are way more efficient! In terms of fuel. In terms of footprint [outside dimensions vs usable dimensions]. This is especially the case if you want a high roof!. Side walls are way more vertical and give you much better atmosphere.
- Maintenance is not that bad for a Sprinter diesel. IMHO its just not usual to do so in the US. I am seeing Sprinter / VW Crafter/ Peugeot / Transits / and some few Econolines in GER every day. Its not that much of a difference - IF you want to keep your rig in good conditions.
- If you are not sure you need 4x4 - you will probably NOT need it! Spend some money the better way in the correct tires (summer tires AND Mud tires AND winter tires - as they all work different) + a differential with a lock.


PS: I - myself do have an Econoline 4x4 / Quigley - Though this does NOT mean its the better solution for you. And I have one with a high(er) roof. If you are both <6foot you should think of a bed orthogonal to driving direction! There is in Fords the (very narrow) ~ 6 foor width in the back. This saves a lot of space inside. In a Sprinter / Transit is more room anyway.

Thanks for your reply!
- How long do you want to keep it? Good question..i'd guess for as long is it will run..unless we determine we need a different style (say 4x4 or longer, etc). Do you expect to sell it afterwords? If so, you should make it too much custom!!! You will NOT get the money back! Not expecting to sell, but you never know.sell
- Where do you want to travel? I guess in the US. The US only? Warm or cold areas, as this would be interesting in terms of isolation and the # of seats inside. Or do you want to live more outside - like the Australia people prefer? Most of our travels would be in the US. I would say a lot of gravel/dirt forest roads in the national forests. Also, we are really wanting to explore the Canadian Rockies

 

[markley]

Do you have experience doing what you want to do in another vehicle? Based on my experience if you want to go to the most beautiful and remote places and not see any other people, having a rig that is more offroad capable than what ~95+% of campers use, would be real nice. It's also nice when your exit road turns to mud before you are ready to leave. But if that doesn't interest you, and you know you will be sticking to decent roads then 2wd would be fine.

Bigger tires are your first choice for lift since you get clearance everywhere with the least CG impact. You'll have to look up what your vehicle can accommodate. Anything more than a modest size increase will entail modifications, but some are easy and some aren't. Next would be a mild suspension lift. A quick google search brought up nothing for 2wd Transits except a $1700 (!) spacer lift. On a truck you can get a big shock and spring upgrade that includes a lift for that kind of money.

What you touch on here is exactly why I am having the most difficulty choosing. We definitely enjoy getting out into remote locations and away from the crowds. We have rented a Ford E250 camper van and explored the southern Sierra mtns for a few weeks the past few summers. However, we only got off the beaten path a few times. These were mostly dirt/gravel roads with a lot of ruts and washouts..nothing to extreme, but definitely took some careful maneuvering (especially in a rented vehicle) 4x4 was definitely not needed, but our clearance was barely enough to get through some areas. Your comment about exit roads turning to mud does strike a chord. I was really glad it didn't rain during our visit to a few of the areas we got into as it would have made it very interesting to get out. I will say though that most of our travels involve getting to an area (on paved or 'manicured' forest roads) and hiking/backpacking to get away from people. Which is why I say i'm not sure we need 4x4. Although, there are plenty of places (desert SW, northern Rockies) that we haven't been but really want to explore.

 

[Jsweezy]

So what did you think of my suggestion?