Chevy Cargo Van questions

Snowman9000 wrote:
I'm considering buying a used cargo van, probably a Chevy, to replace my pickup truck, and be convertible into a camping rig. I owned a 1986 Chevy 1/2 ton cargo van for my work, and used it a long time. So I'm familiar with the concept for sure. But not necessarily with the DIY camper application.

First question: sliding side door, or double door? I had the slider and it was good for tight spaces. But for camping, maybe the double door offers more ways to set up the interior?

Would a 3/4 ton be okay? How about a 1/2 ton? I'm talking minimalist camper here. No water tanks, no propane, no genset. Two twin beds, minimal camp kitchen, porta potti, bins for clothes and camp gear. If I had a 1/2 ton I don't think I would hesitate to use it. But starting from scratch, it seems like a 3/4 ton would be worthwhile.

Last, what about vintage for a Chevy? Not counting any camping, this van will be driven <5000 miles a year. So I'm thinking something from the mid-2000s. Is there a year where the engines or transmissions got better? 6 speed would be nice, for instance.

Same question for a Ford or Dodge, if one catches my eye.

If you go with Chevy, go with a 3/4 ton with the full floating axle. That's the HD version. On Ford and Dodge, 3/4 ton has it but Chevy can be both ways. Look for the axle end sticking out through the wheel. 1994 up is a good bet. 1988 through '93 all the manufacturers had trouble with paint falling off. White and silver are still hard colors to keep on. Silver especially since the metalic pigment tends to crack the paint coat.

Get a V-8 and if it doesn't have a transmission cooler, put one on. On the side doors, sliders tend to "boom" due to the larger metal skin. My B has dual doors on the side. The main door is fine for getting in and out. I rarely use the smaller second door but if I need to put something large in it, it is handy.

You really want a raised roof. Considering that you're going to be a minimalist camper, I'd look around for a conversion van with a raised roof. These often go for less than a regular passenger van as there is a smaller market. It has better insulation and may of the creature comforts you'll want. You can then pull the extra unneeded seats to make room and have it in use in a short period of time. With the transmission cooler many of them have, you can pull a small trailer if you ever want to travel and take a few extra things with you.

Definitely 3/4 ton. It's hard enough to keep improvements and gear below that weight.

Express vans, 1st generation using the old small-blocks, in 1/2 tons you will find 4.3 V-6 with options to 305 and 350 V-8. I think all will have 4 speed OD automatics, but in different sizesaccording to engines. 3/4 and 1-ton will be at least 305, most are optioned to the 350, while big block was available but rare. All of these were Vortec branded, 4300, 5000, 5700, 7400, 8100 and all have 4L80e transmission. I would want the transmission upgrade if thinking about towing anything. even a small boat.

2nd Gen, 2003 forward, got the new small block V-8, 4.8, 5.3, 6.0. 1500 got V-6 standard, 5.3 optional. 2500/3500 got 4.8 standard, 6.0 optional. The 6-speed auto was introduced in 2010, with the 6.0, on 2500 and 3500 only.

V-8 diesels were available, 2500/3500 only.

Shopping in 2011-2012, I found most used 2500 Express vans were equipped with the 4.8, while 6.0 was easier to find as a 3500. Used, there was not much difference in price, 2500 vs 3500. There is more of a price premium for the long wheelbase van, which you will find more often as the one-ton.

drivetrain- get a Vortec...so about 2000+

I have a 4.8 3 spd w/ OD in my 2001 sierra- it has over 160k miles
fuel pump, water pump, oil and filters that's it
MPG on that is about 16. rated 280 hp

I have a class B built on a 2005 chev 3500 it weighs lots.
6.0 3 spd w/ OD MPG is about 15 at 65 MPH. rated 305 HP
it has a rated towing capacity of 5000#, which could be handy.

stayed with a GM as I already understand much of the mechanics

on many of the manufactured B on the chev chassis, the 2nd door is sealed shut...mine has the fridge behind it...so vents

for a home built tips check youtube.

I would stay away from mdf- it is heavy and not as strong...screws pull out etc.
so go for higher quality wood.

a cassette type toilet will work well...if you keep it to liquids only- no solids... not even paper, it is much easier to deal with

mike

Paint primer was a problem back then. Affects my hood, need to get that done soon. It did last 17 years tho.

That said, the double doors are good if you want to install appliances that need ventilation, water heater is where my slider would go if there.

Now, the GM 5.7l and 4L 80 transmission are nice.. as is the suspension compared to the dodge and ford I drove.

Very interesting. Thanks!

If you are considering a white Chevy Express van, look very closely at the paint. And look at all the white Chevy Express vans on the road. They have a very bad habit of paint peeling on the sides under the drip ledge and on the hood. We have 4 Express 3500 vans (2009, two 2010's, and a 2013) for a small business. The first 3 are peeling. Hoping the 2013 does not. GM is trying not to do anything about it in spite the obvious problem. Even the local Chevy dealer courtesy van is peeling.

Otherwise they are very good vans.