I just joined the site, and I have a basic (but important) question. I'm at the very beginning of buying a class B van and converting it into a simple camping and road trip vehicle. I don't plan to install kitchenette or shower or anything like that. It will be a passenger van a lot of the time - taking kids to soccer games, etc. When we go on camping trips, we'll just load gear into the back of the van - including tents & sleeping bags. I plan to have bench seats in back that can fold down to make beds. We'll use the fold-down seats as beds occasionally, but usually will use tents for camping.I'm looking for advice on which model of van to start with. I plan to buy a new van, and then have it converted. I am thinking about the long wheelbase, high-roof version of one of these models:• Mercedes Sprinter• Dodge Promaster• Ford Transit• Nissan NV (but not sure if they have a long wheelbase model)I'm not sure if this is the right forum for posting this, but if it is, here are the questions (or advice i'm looking for):Which of these is best for reliability? I.e. frequency of repairs? Cost of repairs? Ease of finding qualified repair centers?Do you have any comments on comfort (for driver and passengers)? I want a van that is very comfortable for long road trips. And, finally, I would appreciate any general comments or recommendations on selection of a new van for a conversion. Thanks!Clint

Clinto wrote:Which of these is best for reliability? I.e. frequency of repairs? Cost of repairs? Ease of finding qualified repair centers?And, finally, I would appreciate any general comments or recommendations on selection of a new van for a conversion. Thanks!ClintI've owned Sprinter, Ford, Dodge and Chevy vans. If I were going to buy a new one to use as a daily driver as well as a camper, I'd go for the medium-roof Ford Transit wagon (passenger version) with the eco boost v6.If you haven't had a chance to drive one, you can rent a stripped down Transit for $24.95 a day at most uhaul stores. Driving even the stripped down model will help you see why this is such a good choice.Sprinters are nice, but expensive to buy and maintain. The dodge (fiat) is interesting, but read the reviews on Edmunds. A lot of negatives.Bill

Clinto wrote:I read a few reviews of 2015 Transits and Sprinters. I was expecting Mercedes to have the better reviews (because of the brand's reputation and because of the price), but based on the reviews I read, the Sprinter looked to be better. I'm going to read more reviews, and check Chevy van reviews too.The only problem with the Chevy is a high roof won't give you 6' standing room inside. Roadtrek is able to do it by lowering the interior floor. On the Transit, you don't have to lower the floor.FYI: These people will do a van conversion to a camper for $6,500.http://www.floridarvdeals.com/rv-builderBill

Shearwater wrote:Diesel engines are not the same as gas. I have seen no reports of carbon build up for Sprinters on these forums and certainly not engine rebuilds every 20,000 miles.Our old Sprinter had 110,00 miles and was still running like new.Search the Sprinter Source forum for the keyword 'Black Death' and you'll find over 500 messages about Sprinter motors (T1N and NCV3) failing due to carbon fouled injector heads.http://sprinter-source.com/forum/search.phpI've owned two Sprinters. A class C (Winnebago View) and a class B (Great West). Both spent more time in the shop than all other vehicles I owned. Never will own one again.Bill

Clinto,Many new RV'ers start out with a basic unit then they discover how much the family enjoys camping/ being in the outdoors. Most RV'ers go through 3 upgrades before they finally land on the size of RV that really fits their needs.I always advise new RV'ers to not go basic. Look at larger RVs as a first RV. Since an RV doesn't get driven much you can find good used units for low prices which will provide years of trouble free enjoyment.If you are set on a setting up a van, I would go with the Ford Transit based only on it's what is used by American Pickers television personalities. They drive it all over the east and central states carry items they purchase at junkyards.

the bear II wrote:what is used by American Pickers television personalities. I'd use another criteria- the TV show has used various vehicles and is advertising the model they use in the show.OP, a B typically has a galley, fridge, sofa to bed, toilet, shower (many outside shower too), power etc.B's are better suited for singles or couples ( and dog)the raised roof is great for standing in teh galley or the shower, other than that it is weight, a structural change, an MPG chewer and perhaps less safe in a roll over.we have raised roofs because in a B we need to walk around inside the vanBasically you are describing a passenger van with camping stuff in the back.I'd suggest you look at various vehicles until you find what suits your needs as described, or rethink how you are going to use it.If you are going to be hauling a bunch of kids, keep in mind that most vans and suvs do not meet passenger car safety standards...roll over, crumple, airbags and seat restraints.a mini van may better suit what you need- safety, MPG, driving comfort and parking and room in the back for tents and camping gearMike

Starting from scratch! Which model of van do you recommend?

mkguitar
Explorer
Feb 03, 2016
the bear II wrote:
what is used by American Pickers television personalities.

I'd use another criteria- the TV show has used various vehicles and is advertising the model they use in the show.

OP, a B typically has a galley, fridge, sofa to bed, toilet, shower (many outside shower too), power etc.
B's are better suited for singles or couples ( and dog)

the raised roof is great for standing in teh galley or the shower, other than that it is weight, a structural change, an MPG chewer and perhaps less safe in a roll over.
we have raised roofs because in a B we need to walk around inside the van

Basically you are describing a passenger van with camping stuff in the back.

I'd suggest you look at various vehicles until you find what suits your needs as described, or rethink how you are going to use it.

If you are going to be hauling a bunch of kids, keep in mind that most vans and suvs do not meet passenger car safety standards...roll over, crumple, airbags and seat restraints.

a mini van may better suit what you need- safety, MPG, driving comfort and parking and room in the back for tents and camping gear

Mike
overbrook
Explorer III
Feb 03, 2016
Clinto wrote:

Which of these is best for reliability? I.e. frequency of repairs? Cost of repairs? Ease of finding qualified repair centers?

And, finally, I would appreciate any general comments or recommendations on selection of a new van for a conversion.

Thanks!
Clint

I've owned Sprinter, Ford, Dodge and Chevy vans. If I were going to buy a new one to use as a daily driver as well as a camper, I'd go for the medium-roof Ford Transit wagon (passenger version) with the eco boost v6.

If you haven't had a chance to drive one, you can rent a stripped down Transit for $24.95 a day at most uhaul stores. Driving even the stripped down model will help you see why this is such a good choice.

Sprinters are nice, but expensive to buy and maintain. The dodge (fiat) is interesting, but read the reviews on Edmunds. A lot of negatives.

Bill
the_bear_II
Explorer
Feb 03, 2016
Clinto,

Many new RV'ers start out with a basic unit then they discover how much the family enjoys camping/ being in the outdoors.

Most RV'ers go through 3 upgrades before they finally land on the size of RV that really fits their needs.

I always advise new RV'ers to not go basic. Look at larger RVs as a first RV. Since an RV doesn't get driven much you can find good used units for low prices which will provide years of trouble free enjoyment.

If you are set on a setting up a van, I would go with the Ford Transit based only on it's what is used by American Pickers television personalities. They drive it all over the east and central states carry items they purchase at junkyards.

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