First of many questions on vans

[Kyz]

The RV is almost out of here. I have a buyer and he is scheduled to come get it on Saturday. He's had it inspected and it's all good and he has the check from the bank in hand (he sent me a picture of it). So now, I'm happily in research mode and soon to be in hunt mode...

What I want is a van to build out. I have help here locally too. So first question is...what van... 

Pros and Cons as I have read/heard them.

Promaster: pros are the walls being boxier, width is better for bed placement, generally cheaper / cons higher mainteance costs

Sprinter: pros are smoother ride, diesel, better gas mileage / cons higher maintenance costs, harder to find mechanics

Transit: pros are lowest maintenance costs, mid-range costs / cons (and this is a new thing I've seen popping up in the last few days) rust is worse

Please add your thoughts, etc. Dispute the pros and cons etc. I first wanted a promaster, then I wanted a transit. I may end up getting just what I can find due to availability. 

I'm also planning to travel in my RAV for a bit so I'm not in a super hurry, but it sure would be nice to start a build sooner than later. 

I would consider a Class B, but they are super expensive and I've yet to see one with a layout I'd even remotely like.

Pros/Cons to buying new vs used? (Warranty a concern?)

Pros/Cons to going with a build out vs an RV that I'm not thinking of? (I'm already aware that they might not be welcome in fancy RV parks, which is fine with me.)

[RoamerRV428]

My personal first thought for me would be I need to stand in a van. Simple as that. THAT first issue for me would make me have to go high top stand up tall in van purchase only so I could narrow down ya know right there.

Do you have that priority at all in a van for yourself? Do you have any other ABSOLUTE KYZ priorities that you know you must have in some fashion?

I am like you. I been checking some Class Bs and I am not a fan of the floorplans right now either. Feel ya on that one.

[tx2sturgis]

The few factory made Class Bs I have stepped into are very tiny inside...they cram so much cabinetry and facilities in from the factory that you have to step outside just to turn around. I like a little more roominess.

Now the bigger Class B+...they DO have some room...and usually, a slide out....which helps.

But push comes to shove, if *I* was buying a van to convert, I'd be looking at cut-away-cubes....nice straight sides and lots of standup room. Yeah they wont be welcome in fancy RV parks, but I dont stay in fancy RV parks, so it's a non issue.

       

[Kyz]

Roamer, yeah standing up is a must. My priority is making an informed choice at this point I suppose.

Tx, no more slides for me lol I don't hate the way that looks, but I'm not really wanting a box truck. I guess it would be wise to price compare though.

[tx2sturgis]

lol....hey some big flashy gawdy graphics and a zjillion state stickers and a half dozen windows and a couple of storage compartments and two sticky and stinky dumper fittings on the driver side and POOF!

A DIY RV that looks like 90% of all the other RVs out there....

Dont forget that wonderful expensive electric awning that craps out in 3 years!

[tx2sturgis]

Well that went over like a lead balloon...or maybe a chinese balloon?

But my point is that yeah, you probably want to end up with an understated van camper that will be acceptable just about anywhere you want to go with it.

[Kyz]

I would like to have a low key van that I could just say was a "Class B" if they don't ask for specifics. No stickers, but I'd like vinyl stickers (not a whole wrap) later on but nothing RV like (def not a priority). I have definite ideas on what I want inside, but I'm more interested in picking the right van at this point.

[Kyz]

So, can anyone point out any van types I'm missing or pros/cons on what I posted above?

To those with vans, what do you have? What do you love about them? What do you hate about them?

[rvpopeye]

- Vans in general are a pain for working on the engine.
+ White vans are invisible.
Hopefully find a single owner van , P_O is an old guy that has all maint records.

[RoamingKat]

I have one comment to add. If you are looking to build out completely, be aware that insurance companies will not cover more than the bare bones van. If you are living full time and made huge upgrades (battery and power systems for example) the insurance companies will not cover any of it.

I built out a 1989 ford e350. Insurance companies initially did cover for actually cost…but no more. All the schoolies are having this problem too. A bare base 1986 e350 book value is $2700. Doesn’t even cover the cost of just the battery. No one is selling this insurance for non-RV build out. The thing they want is the number off the plate that is welded on the inside drivers side door…it says RV manufacturer and number. Without that you cannot insure it for what it is worth.