Which van to start with?? Please help

[zuren]

If you possibly can, hold off buying a used van until mid '22. New car chip shortage should be resolved and #vanlife should be back to the office and looking to unload. Prices will drop.

Just saw this article today:

The van conversion industry has thrived during the pandemic, but not without challenges

The once-tiny cottage industry of van conversion companies has found itself in the center of a distinctively pandemic-era dilemma: ravenous demand and monthslong backorders on virtually all supplies.

www.cnn.com

 

[socceronly]

There is a jump seat you can put in a Ford Econoline to make three seats in the front.

 

[plh]

Just saw this article today:

The van conversion industry has thrived during the pandemic, but not without challenges

The once-tiny cottage industry of van conversion companies has found itself in the center of a distinctively pandemic-era dilemma: ravenous demand and monthslong backorders on virtually all supplies.

www.cnn.com

Interesting article. Can't keep up due to supply chain issues. If you have an order for 1 unit and can't get a critical part (ie: semiconductor issues with new vehicles from the OE) you can't build that 1 unit.

 

[TooSteep]

The used market is insane right now that is for sure! We looked at a low roof transit yesterday, wife said no way roof is too low. I really like the gm offerings but the roof situation has lead her away. How expensive is it to put a high top shell on one? I know tons of people live without it, it's it a pain?

Tufport in Vancouver, B.C. does a hightop on the Savana/Express or E-Series starting at $7500 CDN.

Conversion Van Tops for Ford, GMC & Chevy Vans - Installed | TUFPORT

Feeling cramped? Stand tall with a professionally installed Tufport Van Top. We transform Ford Econoline, Chevy Express and GMC Savana vans.

tufport.com

 

[jronwood]

I read this thread, as for "more aftermarket support" would be, how many $1000 dollar window shade sets do you need. ? Or $1000 bug screens do you want??? I want "Anywhere USA" auto shop parts, and every Podunk mechanic has worked on a Chevy or Ford. As for "units on the road" and used parts availability, my local LARGE yard has 90 Econolines, and maybe 20 Chevy/GMC. As I say "common as pond water". I have bought 2 4x4 van front axle assemblies from them for Fords, one Quigley, one Eastern Off Road for SUPER reasonable money ($350-750).