Hi, I found this van online, thinking of buying… If anyone has any insight or opinions I’m just looking for some feedback and perspective. Below is a link to a youtube vid the seller made. If anyone has a minute to watch and comment I’d def appreciate it. Thanks!
-Dave
Looks okay, but it’s an older van. I would have a mechanic go through it with a fine tooth comb to reduce the chance of surprises down the road. Looks like it may have some rust problems, so something to consider. I don’t like the way he did the electrics - depends too much on AC, inverters, and shore power. If I had it, I would use those two AGM batteries to run everything on DC, and add some solar to keep them charged. That way you’re not dependent on shore power and having to find ways to charge the batteries. The interior is fairly simple; certainly not a high-dollar conversion. Not ready to live in long-term especially off-grid, but not hard to fix. Way overpriced for that van in my opinion. The van is coming up on 30 years old!
For that much money I’d want to see an installed heating system that will work off-grid, solar panels, maybe AC, a much more thought-out design, and a much nicer and comfortable custom-made interior.
I agree, it seems like a lot of money for a really old van with no solar and some basic items. I feel like you could just buy a used one and build that interior out in a week or so for cheaper. For that price you could find a westy in decent shape somewhere.
Greetings!
TOTAL RIP OFF!!!
He probably bought that nice conversion van for about $3k, spent a few hundred doing a horrible conversion, replaced 2 spark plugs out of necessity, and now wants $15k for it.
You can get a really nice factory camper van for less than half that price. Just inspected an immaculate 1989 Roadtrek with under 50k miles on it just north of there in Cocoa, for $6k.
Here’s a 1996 Chevy Conversion Van for $7k, and you could do a better conversion for under $500 within a couple of days with no experience necessary. https://staugustine.craigslist.org/cto/d/saint-augustine-1996-chevy-conversion/7368441244.html
Here’s a 2001 Dodge conversion van for $6500: https://orlando.craigslist.org/cto/d/orlando-2001-dodge-conversion-van-1500/7367027274.html
2006 Ford Van, needs a few interior panels replaced, then a nice blank slate for an under $500 total conversion. https://jacksonville.craigslist.org/cto/d/jacksonville-2006-ford-e350-van-for/7370170381.html
I REALLY LOVE THIS ONE! 1991 Ford shuttle bus, $2900. Remove the seats, do a cheap but fully functional conversion for under $500, and have a GREAT tiny house: https://jacksonville.craigslist.org/cto/d/jacksonville-1991-ford-econoline-van/7371606458.html Even the upper cabinets are already installed, just add doors.
Here’s one you might be able to wind up with for FREE! Between the spare tranny and the carpet cleaning equipment, you might be able to get your total $2500 investment back. https://gainesville.craigslist.org/cto/d/high-springs-2000-dodge-van-b3500/7362382234.html
Cheers!
Hey, thanks for the input!
Just looked at it in person and was not impressed…
@Van_Dweller - I love the idea of the shuttle bus! I’ve always wanted to convert one of those old short school buses into a tiny home ever since I was a kid! Right now I think I’d prefer something easier to park, but, maybe someday!!
Greetings!
Yeah, I wasn’t very impressed just by the pics & video…
It doesn’t take long to get good at parking bigger stuff. Good mirrors make a world of difference, and many of the buses have special mirrors to see both front and back ends. If they don’t have them, you can add them. I’ve added them to some motorhomes too. Cameras work, but mirrors are more foolproof.
Cheers!
$15K!!! If it was a rust free Pleasureway or Roadtrek that old, then maybe. But it’s not. Too much money IMO.