Cargo Vans

[TheSuzie]

I figure that some people here with bands or other businesses may know about these.

I am going to be looking for a cargo van to replace my current station wagon. I lived in the wagon for several years but it does not provide the best usable space, privacy, or sun protection. I used to have all sorts of ropes tied all over the thing to secure reflectors over the outside of the windows which would create problems in high wind situations.

I figure that a cargo van would solve the above problems, Also having an interior that is largely untrimmed metal would make it a lot better for immune/allergy problems.

I figure that I am looking at model years 2003-2007. Though many units will likely be too expensive for me, I don't want to get anything that is too old, super high mile or beaten up.

Anyone have any experience with such vehicles? I have driven enough vans over the years to know that I will not like the way it drives but right now utility is primary because it looks like I'm going to be living out again soon.

Thanks,
S

[Stingray89]

Originally Posted by TheSuzie

I used to have all sorts of ropes tied all over the thing to secure reflectors over the outside of the windows which would create problems in high wind situations.

I'd be interested in seeing a picture of that lol. As for a van, check out the Chevy 3500. I'm not sure what the price range is but I use one at work and it's never failed me or given me any problems.

[TheSuzie]

Originally Posted by Stingray89

I'd be interested in seeing a picture of that lol. As for a van, check out the Chevy 3500. I'm not sure what the price range is but I use one at work and it's never failed me or given me any problems.

There is a 3500 up in the city at a place that sells off-lease commercial vehicles. I will have to go up during the week since they are closed on the weekends.

You asked for it - Home Sweet Car:


There are multiple layers of various materials covering the windshield.

[Stingray89]

Words can't describe how awesome this looks. I'm envious.

[tplyons]

I've worked with both the GMC Savana/Chevy Express and the Ford E-150's.

My work with the GMC/Chevy's was limited to my time working for Enterprise... we bought about a dozen of these brand new, rented them to a big time carrier for temporary use over the holiday season, and received them back after taking a beating with no issues. The current models have a nearly bulletproof Vortec motor, and the back being nothing but steel takes a beating and keeps on rolling.

The driver's area on the E-150 is a bit nicer, but front seats to the rear are about the same. Just empty steel. I spent some time moonlighting with contractors and spent time driving the E-150's. Nice handling trucks, but either of the two are fairly comparable. Whichever you can get for a better price would be the better deal.

[dug dog]

I had a set of window screens made for my Chevy van that I could velcro over the windows for air flow without bugs. Also, I think a roof vent is a must.

[hover]

will you be residing in this as well? (re-read, answer is yes...sorry)
If I may suggest, as these vans are typically built on a frame, that you make your bed or sorts, out of some manner of sturdy storage box / trundle bed style that you can bolt through the floor to the frame, and have stowage in the compartment, with some sort of matress on top...I'd suggest futon style, so it can roll up if needed. A higher capacity alternator and an extra battery or so can accommodate a modest refridgerator setup. Just thinking of possibilities. They also make Wi-Fi hot-spots that can mount to the roof, and a small flat screen bolted to the sliding door, or just to the side of it could make for your entertainment.... possibilities abound. I worked with a once-relative of this guy Purple53: The Art Home by Angel Hess and still in contact even tho he's no longer "related"... he's still at it I think (maybe I should re-read the website, it's been a while....good luck in your search!!!

[dug dog]

My bed was attached to the side ribs on the driver's side with hinges so I could flip it up to access the storage below. The bed had 4 legs but I had fold out wedges that could elevate the medial edge of the bed to make it level (ish) should I happen to be sleeping on the side of a slightly banked road (which was not uncommon as most streets in Canada seem to be built that way).

[hover]

Nice idea! And those side ribs are plenty strong.

[MadMan118]

My dad's business(general contracting and IT) uses Ford E series vans 150 and 3-50s and he'd get about 8-10 years of service of them, albeit they were driven in the city a lot and under load constantly.

[TheSuzie]

I just lost a huge post, so here is the short version.

I won't have a chance to make any real mods though multi batteries, a sleeping setup, interior lighting and a water tank would all be nice.

I will be leaving with almost nothing, a few changes of throw away clothing, some tools and not very much else. I had to chuck my clothes and the bulk of my survival gear recently. The place I am staying, while numerically better than the last, is still not good enough for my health. I have to head out fairly soon.

If you do not know what I am talking about:

To all the Photochoppers, Joke Crackers and Funny Story Tellers

My genetics are among the worst, so i get hammered.

Sounds like both the FOrd and GM vans are pretty good. Just have to find one that is well enough preserved and somewhat affordable. A bit afraid fo the gas mileage on the heavier duty models but I will see what is around and how they feel before i decide.

Any other input is welcomed.

[TheSuzie]

OK. I saw a bunch of full sized cargo vans last week. Unfortunately the one that would have been best in many ways was totally beat mechanically.

Does anyone have any experience with the later Astro vans. It seems like they upgraded a bunch of parts the last few years they made them. It also looks like the longer model has an 8' cargo area which should be big enough for me. Anyone have any experience with these. I think they came with a 4.3L engine.

Thanks,
S

[Passinwind]

Originally Posted by TheSuzie

Does anyone have any experience with the later Astro vans. It seems like they upgraded a bunch of parts the last few years they made them. It also looks like the longer model has an 8' cargo area which should be big enough for me. Anyone have any experience with these. I think they came with a 4.3L engine.

My wife has used these a lot in her day job at FedEx. I'll ask her for some impressions tonight.

[Rebop]

I bought an old Post Office Ford Windstar cargo van (3.0 V6 engine) with steel cages in the windows a year ago. Only had 40k miles on it, was government maintained and has a $200 battery. Paid $1000 for it. On the down side, no A/C (not factory installed for the post office) and no radio (not even speakers installed in the doors but that was easy).
The interior is bare metal and a cargo mat type floor that can be hosed out.

[srxplayer]

I work in the Full Service Lease industry. While I don't deal with smaller vehicles like the class-4 vans and below I have knowledge on how well they are maintained. Look at used vehicles from Penske and Ryder. These are well maintained vehicles that were kept under a strict maintenance schedule. Everything possible is done to prevent failures, including replacing starters, alternators, batteries, belts and hoses before they fail.

While Penske and Ryder are my competitors and I hate those guys. They do well with maintaining the vehicles.

Stay far away from the the used equipment sold by U-Haul, Budget, Enterprise, and anything maintained by the government. Maintenance practices are sporadic and not always done by qualified people. The rental only companies like Enterprise and Budget do a horrible job on maintenance. They turn vehicles so quickly its not unusual to find a van that's had one oil change in 35,000 miles.

[TheSuzie]

Thanks for the info. I will have to see if i can buy directly off lease or find a broker who can help me.

Most of the vehicles (regardless of size, make or model) that I have seen are pretty beat and/or have way too many miles to warrant the sort of prices they want.

The Astro cargo vans appear to be a hot property if the miles are not too high. The two I wanted to see today or tomorrow appear to have sold yesterday. I think the gas prices and the fact that they are the only RWD smaller vans are driving their popularity.

S

[Passinwind]

Originally Posted by TheSuzie

The Astro cargo vans appear to be a hot property if the miles are not too high. The two I wanted to see today or tomorrow appear to have sold yesterday. I think the gas prices and the fact that they are the only RWD smaller vans are driving their popularity.

My wife gives a huge thumbs-up to the Astro and Safari AWD models, both of which have been her main work trucks for protracted periods, but she mentioned potential parts scarcity problems for older ones. Are you looking specifically for a RWD one? She may have a little experience with those too -- seems like she's driven just about every American made van at one time or another on that gig.

[TheSuzie]

Thanks for checking.

If I go the Astro/Safari route, I will try to find a newer one. From 2003 on they put bigger wheels, brakes and possibly some other parts from the standard Chevy pickups onto the Astros. It is supposed to make a noticeable improvement in handling and braking.

I was shying away from the AWD models because it adds a lot of weight and complexity and surely hurts fuel mileage. I will consider them again but I need to research it more.

Of course, when buying used and on a budget, the specific vehicle probably means more than anything else. A lower mile unit that has been cared for is probably more important than many of the specific features.

Much of the used stuff around here has huge amounts of miles. Many times the seller will not even advertise the mileage - do they think people are fools? Maybe they are just ashamed for asking an enormous price for something with 200-300k on the clock [/rant]

S

Originally Posted by Passinwind

My wife gives a huge thumbs-up to the Astro and Safari AWD models, both of which have been her main work trucks for protracted periods, but she mentioned potential parts scarcity problems for older ones. Are you looking specifically for a RWD one? She may have a little experience with those too -- seems like she's driven just about every American made van at one time or another on that gig.

[Passinwind]

Originally Posted by TheSuzie

Thanks for checking.

If I go the Astro/Safari route, I will try to find a newer one. From 2003 on they put bigger wheels, brakes and possibly some other parts from the standard Chevy pickups onto the Astros. It is supposed to make a noticeable improvement in handling and braking.

I was shying away from the AWD models because it adds a lot of weight and complexity and surely hurts fuel mileage. I will consider them again but I need to research it more.

I wouldn't go AWD unless you really need it, exactly for the reasons you cite. My wife has no choice, given where she works. She did mention that the newer ones are the nicest BTW.

[TheSuzie]

I have not been able to see as many vans as I would have liked but I decided to jump on one I saw the end of last week. Not the year, make or model I had been looking for but it was in such good condition for the price that I figured it may be worth the gamble. Also very important is the fact that even though I do I react to it, this van is far better chemically than any I have looked at. It seems most cargo vans are loaded up with old paint, machine oil, pesticide or something else that is a deal killer for me.

Anyway it is a 2000 Dodge 1500 which is about the same size as an Astro extended version. It has a 5.2/318 V8 and only a bit over 80k miles. I am quite happy as it seems to run really well and does not leak any fluids at all. I will have to adjust as it is more tiring to drive than my current car and a lot noisier.

I will take it to the shop for a more thorough once over and then hire someone to clean it out and help me to insulate it. Right now if I put it in the sun, I can easily burn my hand on the inside body metal. Insulation will also quiet things down a bit.

Thanks to everyone above for kicking in your thoughts. I will update as the project moves along.

S