Which van for us?

[Bdiddy11]

wife and I are looking at getting a van down the road to turn into our expo type vehicle. Originally wanted a Montero, but the wife likes the van idea better.

Vans have been growing on me so gonna do some more digging.

What we need:
Room for 5-7. Current family size is 2 adults, two kids : 4yrs old and 1 1/2.

Capability: mainly forest service roads, light wheeling etc. not any major rock crawling but good enough to tackle most roads/trails that don't require solid axles with 35" tires and a 5" loft etc. wheeling with kids so gotta keep it safe.

A 4x4 looks to be way out of our price range... So AWD of some sort.

What should I be looking at? I like the more rugged looks of the Express and Econo... Astros aren't bad when done up with tires, rack and a bumper and are cheaper.


I want something that doesn't look as hobo-ish or creeper van, so whatever route we go, it's gotta look tough

Ideally 4 captains chairs for easy access to third row bench.

Most likely cargo will be on roof or pulled ina a M416 type camp trailer or inside of room permits depending on the trip.

Pros / cons to both types and suggestions? I'll be reading up more while your wisdom descends upon this thread.

 

[bknudtsen]

Start here, if you have not already.

http://www.expeditionportal.com/for...ize-AWD-Van-Info-thread?p=1753529#post1753529

 

[ert01]

Are you looking to have sleeping/eating accommodations in the van or is it simply a people-hauler?

 

[k9lestat]

And search the heck out of craigslist. Also I think a suburban and or an excursion would not out the realm of fitting your needs.

Sent from my QMV7A using Tapatalk

 

[Bdiddy11]

Mostly a people hauler, unless we can fit 4 capt chairs and a bench seat and still have some space.... Not looking for a 15 passenger though.

Also, not fans of Excursions or Burbs... But surprisingly vans are growing on us, at least those more rugged looking ones

 

[ert01]

An AWD Astro would serve you well for hauling people and can be made very capable offroad for much less $$ than the full size vans, however, your towing capacity will be substantially less than a full size van.

I drive a 4x4 e350 extended van with the 7.3L diesel because I want room for my family to sleep in the van if need be and I require the capacity to tow.

My brother drives an AWD astro because he requires only sleeping for 1 or 2 people and he doesn't need to haul or tow much.

Both vans are great at hauling people... it's the other needs that dictate the van IMHO.

 

[herecomestony]

How about a Ford Econoline?

 

[mikracer]

If you're looking at full size vans, only the Savanna/Express came with factory AWD. They are on a 1/2 ton chassis, so not a great candidate for a full build out, but perfect for hauling people and partial build out. I don't think they ever came with rear captains, but you might be able to add them. GM incorporated the mounting hardware for the seats into the floor, so they are flush with the floor. Not sure how that affects mounting other hardware if need be.

Ford has a "Chateau" trim on their vans that came with four captains chairs and a third row bench. In the 1/2 ton model (E150), the trim can be called Chateau or Traveler. But as you know, all Ford E series vans came with 2wd only from the factory.

 

[occasionaldirt]

Find a 2004-2014 AWD conversion Express or savanna; generally have 4-captains & 1-sofabed... remove the running boards and stripes, replace the hwy wheels/tires with GM truck items:

 

[Toolman]

if budget permits get yourself a newer model E350 and build it slowly as need dictates. You can't really go wrong with it and the right gearing and a rear locker can get most places safely.

 

[86cj]

Find a 2004-2014 AWD conversion Express or savanna; generally have 4-captains & 1-sofabed... remove the running boards and stripes, replace the hwy wheels/tires with GM truck items:

Great advice..............................



NO the floor is not flat under the carpet on a factory passenger Van, two large rails go the whole length of the Van and won't unbolt easily.

I was able to use them for my build and enjoyed never trying to be in and under my Van at the same time while bolting things down..........

 

[45Kevin]

Great advice..............................

I was able to use them for my build and enjoyed never trying to be in and under my Van at the same time while bolting things down..........

Do tell. I am on the cusp of taking out the factory carpet and had contemplated cutting off the rails just behind the second row to leave me the option of putting the second row bench in occasionally.

So did you leave the rail and build the floor around it. It seems to stick up at least an inch higher than the van floor. Which coincidentally is about the thickness of the insulated wood floor I plan to put in.

 

[KMG]

Works well for me...so far.