First, I really appreciate receiving so many replies so quickly. One of the great features of the internet is forums like this one, where people volunteer their time to help other people. Thanks for contributing to this forum.
A couple of responders noted correctly that I'm not really looking for an RV. It will essentially be a passenger van with seats that can be removed for cargo, or that can laid down flat to make beds (and with a TV and a good sound system installed and a couple of other electronic enhancements). We want to be able to carry kids to soccer games, or head out for a camping trip with another family and all of our gear in one vehicle. So this isn't really an RV question - so I wasn't sure if this is the right place to post the question - but the responses have been helpful.
Bill: Just wondering why you recommend the mid-roof Transit rather than the high-roof? I'm 6' 1" and like the idea of being able to stand up straight in the back of the van.
Shearwater: I spoke briefly with somebody at Sportsmobile (in Fresno, CA). He said that they can't replace the factory driver and passenger seat. I sat in a Ford Transit and thought the seat wasn't very comfortable. A small, local van conversion company told me that they could replace the driver and passenger seat with something more comfortable. Not sure why the guy at Sportsmobile said he couldn't do that.
Based on the comments here and a few reviews I've read, I think the two candidates for the van are Sprinter or Transit. I need to do some more homework on those two models.
Thanks again to all of you.
