Good choice.

I’m not a mechanic but we’ve found ways to get mechanical work done in Panama and Colombia where our van is not sold. We rarely drive over 70 kph on pavement and often 30kph on winding back roads. I don’t envy your lack of air conditioning in the cab and I’ll look forward to watching you sweat in Central America. It was 100 degrees yesterday in Cali and the suicide motorcycles were relentless as usual. Cheers from Colombia and our 2020 Promaster getting the drive done.

Great video 📹 dude

Hi Alex, Thanks for a very informative video. May I know how much it costs to have a medium roof installed on a Chevy Express?

Finally found your rear axle video! Looks like that G80 is awfully rare & expensive. Might be the deciding factor in my getting a 4x4 truck instead. And putting a bare fiberglass Diablo topper on it, & customizing that. I’d rather have a van, but they don’t seem to be built for traction.

I have a 2023 AWD Ford Transit with all the bells and whistles so i really have nothing to add to the Chevy Express conversation. But what I can say is Alex, you're totally nailing it with these YT videos. Your talent and hard work is shining through. Keep up the great work! From a fellow BC'er:)

I didn’t have my glasses on & thought your t-shirt said “ALEXBEAM.” Perhaps it should! Nice job. You’ve suffered so we don’t have to.

Chevy always wins dollar for dollar but all ur mods take tons of time compared to a much better off the shelve Ford that is always the most reliable for off the lot playpens! Pls dont loose your channels appeal to appease the gear heads.. I joined to see nature, secrete spots, unique meals and hippy love vibes of others ya’ll meet, not mechanical dominance.. hope my 2 sense is just a welcome as yours. Peace love and gratitude for all of your episodes. As always more drone footage 🤓🥰

Nice video, def happy with my 08 3500!!

Thank you for this! I prefer the Chevy van myself. I’d like a newer one than 06’ though, before putting $$ into a conversion. The older, the higher mileage (I’m finding only 150k+}, & plastic parts get crumbly. I’ve seen that the newer ones got the dreaded afm engines w/fatal lifters - but the 2500 & 3500 did not? Hard to find accurate info. Did I miss your discussion of the rear axle? I’ve read that it’s an oddball Dana & difficult to add a locker. That & proper tires could save a lot of trouble even w/out 4x4. Which I don’t really want. If I could solve all this, I agree that the Chevy is the superior platform for me. Is there a good website w/specs? Really do enjoy your channel.

they are the best cargo van. I have had a few. the check engine light is also been a problem with the ones I have owned. unfortunately gm is going to discontinue the express vans and go electric.

Nice video thx for sharing your opinion!

I was looking for a used one of those for years but for some reason the used market was really beat up more than the Ford ones. Ended up with the Ford version of your van. 4.6 e250 shorty. I think the "overlanding" equipment aftermarket is a bit larger on the Ford side but it's got its own problems like spark plugs popping out. Haha. Have you gotten your 4.8 tuned? Looking at getting mine done to help with some of those hills.

Did you get a chip ? thortonchiptuning , I bought one for my suv works great, holds a lower trans gear longer with less throttle. I got 50 to 70km more per tank. I bought one for my parents for the 6.0 motor in a thor rv, dad decribed it as half throttle uphill flying.

I love my GMC Savana 2500 Quigly 4X4 with the 6.0 ltr and the 6L90 trans. Its a beautiful Beast. I also have a 3500 box van i converted into a tiny house on wheels that i currently live in, almost 10 years now, its got the 4.8 ltr with the 6L 90 trans, its a big white turtle. super reliable.

That is my thinking as well with the Transit (a/w ARB locker) - Being able get out there far enough where 97.5% of the rest can't/don't/won't get to is my happy place. BTW - I'm not sure if your hip to this - but the Reverse Peace sign ✌ (that u flashed ) means "Up Yours" (little public service announcement-:)

Love the van, but that tune has me cracking up. LOL

سلام این مکان کجاست کدام کشوره ایاشما روی یخ راه می‌رفتید یاروی نمک بود خیلی جالب بود❤❤❤ ‏‪4:05‬‏

کاشکی زیرنویس فارسی داشت❤❤

بسیارعالی خوشحالم ازاینکه ماجراجویی شماراازایران تماشامیکنم درودبرشما خیلی دوست داشتم مثل شمامسافرت دوردنیارا تجربه کنم به ایران تشریف بیاریدمیشه بپرسم قیمت ون شماچنده موفق باسید❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉🎉

سلام من ازایران فیلمهای شماراتماشامیکنم میشه سئوال کنم قیمت این ونهای مسافرتی به دوردنیامسافرت میکنیدقیمتش چنده ایا ماشین تويوتا بهتره با این ون ممنونم جواب بدیددوست دارم به ایران هم تشریف بیارید ‏‪11:23‬‏ ❤❤❤❤❤❤

Love the video, man. Full sized cargo/passenger vans, especially retired ambulances, are fantastic platforms. I like the Express Vans over the Econolines, especially the LWB. If you don’t mind me asking, how come you got the 4.8, instead of the 5.3 or the 6.0?

I think you're right: Chevy Express IS a great platform. In the end though, it comes down to what you call the "use case", i.e. what the drivers and build designers have done to optimize the vehicle. The things you've done with the van from a DIY perspective, where you've gone, the roads you've chosen have been the game changer. You've made great choices as owners, vanlifers and overlanders. You've truly mastered the platform potential. Excited for your PanAm adventures.

Thanks for the info Alex! As you know, I have the same model that you do, and YES that paint is horrible. But I appreciate the info on rear axle etc... I'm retired now, and working part time, but definitely thinking about the van and next steps. Currently it is being used as a mobile bike shop, although that will hopefully change over the next couple of years. THANKS again!!

The positive thing about the Chevrolet and GMC models is nothing has been appreciably changed since 1996 so parts are available - cannot say the same for Ford who often changes parts twice in a year so parts can be iffy especially if you break down in a small town.

Ooo! I see you got Meg’s outside table done! I’ve had camper-vans for the past 20 years, never had 4WD, and have had tons of fun and adventures (albeit not as adventuresome as yours) without ever missing or wishing for it. 4WD is not necessary to explore, I totally agree. The equipment isn’t the point, it’s the time spent with the people you love and you’ve got that figured out at an early stage. Good for you! I love the bloopers, which prove you often have to look like a maniac to “get the shot”! Thanks for the video and looking forward to all the places your van will take you!

Love to see the more of the vehicle. Great content.

Just bought a GMC Savanna cargo van in March. (Chevy express with a different label on it. 🤗) Have been outfitting it as a weekend camper van while still using it to drive to work 5 days a week. I agree with what you said about this van being a great platform. Everything you said has made me feel good about my choice and the options I might have for future upgrades to lights and roof height, etc. I like having clearance underneath, and the ability to fit in a normal size parking space. Very practical, and very simple. But mine does have electric windows and a working AC (which is nice) and cruise control (which I really appreciate on long trips.) No navigation or blind spot monitor or parking assist or other fancy doodads though. No hands free phone either, just a very simple radio. I was looking for a truck like you could buy 20 years ago before trucks became expensive luxury status symbols. (Why do trucks have back seats and short beds? How are you going to haul lumber or do anything practical in them?) But I also wanted an enclosed cargo space and that is why I was looking at the Express/Savanna vans.

How is it with driving in high winds on the road with the high top? Did you ever feel like you would tip over? Or do you just reduce speed?

Awesome van! I’m torn between a van and a pick up truck for my family. I like that the truck has 4x4 already and has more comfortable and modern features, but I like that the van has way more interior space. I don’t understand why these vans don’t have a 4x4 option from the factory. I know yours is 2WD and is very capable, but it just seems silly to me since they are very similar to a pick up truck. I’ve got 5 in my family so I don’t think all of us will be able to sleep inside comfortably so I would probably just set it up as a gear hauler with a removable platform bed in back that we can use in a pinch.

my 4.8 is pissed that I did the weldtec 5" lift

Great vid!

We're convinced!

😁 Best van in my opinion.

That’s awesome. Man we sure could use better lights. Got me thinking. When is your launch date to head north

You guys are awesome 😎

Any tips / advice for removing the factory rear windows? I’m about to go through the same process of swapping them out for the pop-outs. I also ordered the factory window weatherstripping but after seeing your most recent upload I may go with the Amazon alternatives!

Where did you mount the nuclear reactor required to power all these lights?

Ha, the mosquitoes will be blind before they find you. ;-) But seriously - great upgrade with those lights. Lose the small lightbar. You don't need it anymore.

This feels like an alien abduction.

remember just swivel the seat base and you can use your ratchet and socket combo..

What an epic adventure!! Very beautiful shots!

So nice to discover you on KZbin! 🤩 We're currently overlanding to Southeast Asia, but already dreaming of driving from Alaska to Argentina, this beautiful video only let us dream even more ❤

That auxbeam switch panel makes life so easy. Love my 8 gang switch.

Just found your channel last week. You have caused many of a distraction 😂. Great to see a 2wd getting out there. I have a F350 and was looking at converting to 4x but you have helped me change my mind and save $$. Got a question though How do you find all those great roads

I have so enjoyed all of your videos. We met briefly in the lab on the island (I am your friendly phlebotomist) and I thank you for the lovely videos. It lets me live vicariously through your lives. And Meg…..you make cooking and baking look so easy. And in a van!!!!! Definitely making a few of your dishes from instagram. Looking forward to more of your amazing adventures.

You two are rocking it!

"We gotta shed some weight." Next scene: "So we're adding an outdoor kitchen set up" 😂 Loving the lights! And the supple weatherstripping

See ya's up there ! 😊🏔️