How to Buy a Step Van for RV Conversion E508

[@tomcaldwell5750]

Great job of communicating seven tips on buying a step van. Your "delivery" of the information was excellent. Thank you!

[@RustyZipper]

He really “stepped” up to the challenge

[@rossstevens6165]

I'm thinking of going the route of a tiny house step van. As far as size, I think you should consider if it going to be more of a stationary tiny house, then bigger is better. But if you want to stealth camp then you should consider the size recommendation to fit in a standard parking spot.

[@dragonspaw.blogspot4461]

Almost bought a 4bt step van until it was learned finding someone that will work on them is difficult even in the SF Bay Area! *Any tips on locating STEP mechanics?*

[@dreamingrightnow1174]

Thanks. Hadn't really thought about the difference in driving conditions between a plumber and FE; makes total sense though. Excellent point.

[@GTLees]

Hi Seven! I've gotta tell ya that I'm diggin' this "Seven" theme you've been using and think you should stick with it whenever possible. I also agree with the tips you've given us, not that I have built a step van RV but I do have considerable experience with a variety of diesel engines in a variety of machines and vehicles. Personally, if I ever get to do my nomad thing I'm gonna look for the longest cargo space available to give me the most square footage. I value that more than maneuverability and I've got plenty of experience in bigger rigs too. Good stuff buddy and I'm catching up. ............................PEACE!!

[@rebeccatreeseed410]

I appreciate this list, I wrote it down. All important points. Thank you.

[@YsabetJustYsabet]

Thanks; this was exactly the sort of thing I needed to watch! I'm retiring in a few years; I'll pay off my car next year, and that's when I'll begin looking for something to convert. Right now I'm doing my research (OMG, so, so much research) into what to get, and a step van is one of my options. I got a good look at one some friends of mine converted, and the fiberglass ceiling was a topic of conversation-- they too liked the light coming through, since they have no side windows; the main problem they had, though, was a worry about when they have to work on their solar panels-- just how strong is that roof? Apparently it creaks. So thanks for giving me some things to think about; I appreciate it. Happy trails!

[@andyborowitz1730]

My brother did this back in the 70's with a Frito Lay step van.It had a chevy 350 with turbo 400 combo. He lived in it for 6 months while he was painting a new condo development in Aiken South Carolina.

[@GTLees]

The 350 and turbo 400 combo has been dang near bullet proof since their first pairing. Also, diesel technology wasn't very good in the 1970s and not very common neither. Most tandem dump trucks were even gas powered back then. Your brother was waaay ahead of his time doin' the van life thing.

[@rogermccaslin6750]

Good info to know. I would like to comment on the fiberglass roof issue. A fiberglass roof can be fixed better than new (literally). They are built cheaply to serve a particular service length. They can be rebuilt with better materials to last a lifetime. I would use any roof issue as a bargaining chip to strike a better deal.

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

I agree with your opinion on this. I only point out that if a person buys a step van with existing fiberglass roof that it will require work to make it functional for a long term RV conversion (repair or enhancement etc)

[@mischef18]

Made quite a bit of sense in each of your tips bro. All the best

[@Inkdraft]

Geez, I had a step-van in the late 70's. It was a bread delivery van. I used it for delivering food products to restaurants. I wish I had it now.

[@hg2.]

Thank you! Just what I was looking for. Well composed video.

[@marxnutz]

Mine is a Ford 5.4 liter gas engine, and an 18' box. I like my van, and when I finish converting it I will be painting over the advertisements on the sides lol.

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

I'd love to see more about your build of your vehicle. please keep me posted!

[@biggun98056]

Can you get a step van licensed as an rv thanks love the videos

[@dejonsmall9886]

Great vid Seven, I see the price of step vans increasing 10 fold. I think I'd like a gas powered one, that way I can do most of the work myself. You just can't beat a Chevy 350. JMHO. I've been following you since you ventured to Washing to get your van. Like you I'm learning all the time.

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

a good point, I should have mentioned that there are many folks who know the chevy 350 engine well and for them the gas engine may be a better choice so that they can do all the work themselves

[@ryanjones7681]

Just purchased on yesterday. Chevy 350 engine, no electronics on it. I'm gonna rebuild it myself. And with the cost of diesel these days I'm glad I got gas. Also the carberated version is gonna be a life saver.

[@brpmanmann1255]

Also with the 5,9 Cummins with blocks made in Brazil between 1999-2002 had coolent passage issues. The casting was to thin and were prone to corroding thru, These engines are marked with the number 53 on the lip where the oil pan bolts to the block. Front Left side. Known in the industry as # 53 engines. The 24 valve engine

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

great info. wasn't aware of that

[@c.i.m.1600]

Good to know, thanks

[@lindaclark5911]

Beautifully done, you are a born teacher, covered everybase. The old recurring rear door cunonedrum. Somebody was pushing dodge vans appartently they run forever too. Bcz you are so tall the step van works well 4U

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

thx for the kind words!

[@lindaclark5911]

Seven Wanders the World ' my friend Tim Spellitich of Spellitich Wines always told me" Linda" he said" nice people have nice friends!" Thankyou for your hard work sharing your passions& journeys.'

[@hickman7909]

just got a '84 chevy diesel step van 20 foot ex postal,with roll up back door ,came with c.b,back up camera,rear lift,and few other things,has 234,000 miles for $3,000 off Craigslist,hits 85 on the freeway with no trouble,no shake, wobble etc,just small body damage around back pop out side vent

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

sounds like a good buy; welcome to the world of step van conversions! I hope our paths cross in the future as I'd love to see what you do with your build

[@hickman7909]

Seven Wanders the World definitely,gonna convert to r.v

[@c.i.m.1600]

Welcome to the Step Van community. I have a 1988 Chevy p32 that was a US Postal truck, with the 6.2 diesel and th400 automatic. Mines only an 11 foot cargo area, but I seen one the same size converted. I might very well go that route. I do wish mine was a 18' but I can deal with small spaces. I've had mine to 83 mph, which kinda surprised me for a 6.2, considering it's only a 3 speed. I've always wondered what the rear end ratio or final drive ratio is on mine, because acceleration off the line and the low end torque is way more than I would expect. Do you by chance know your rear end ratio? Does yours have the 19.5" dual wheels? I honestly never checked to see what model rear axle I have. I'd love to get maybe a Detroit locker or air or electric locker for the rear. If I had tons of time and a hair better fabrication skills I'd even consider making a 4x4 somewhat off road capable expedition type vehicle. I don't know about you, but it's actually one of my most favorite vehicles to drive out of many different type and size vehicles. Thanks for sharing, Much appreciated 👍👍

[@chapter4travels]

They also make 10 and 12 foot step vans that oftentimes have a Chevy 350 V-8 gas engine. In the smaller / lighter vans, that can be a good option.

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

I agree on smaller vans, especially in flat cities (no hills) a small gas step van makes sense

[@stanpeyton8424]

Well thought out Seven. This got me to thinking. I don't ever recall seeing a "civilian" UPS truck. That is, one driven by someone which is not now in UPS service.

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

Marten is right. UPS destroys vans after end of life

[@davidwitcher5443]

You wouldn't want one if you could even get one. Very hard miles. Body cracks, suspension and frame issues. Almost unsafe.

[@truhartwood3170]

Great video! Very much looking forward to electric stepvans with good range. Right now (Nov 2023) there are only a few electric stepvans and their range is only around 240km/150mi in-city. Needs to be tripple or quadruple that for longer highway trips, plus it would be nice to have all that power for climate control and cooking and stuff! Hopefully in the next 5-8 years they'll get there!

[@l.d.p.9365]

Thanks for the tips, I'm about a month away from getting fairly sizable check and I'm going to be looking for a step Van between 14 and 18 foot. I'll be looking at a Allison transmission Cummins 5.9 combo or a Caterpillar engine because those are the longest-lived send easiest to work on. a vaulted also been looking at doing a suspension upgrade on whatever I buy because I want to be able to take it off road. I've also been looking at school buses.

[@anthonyg9787]

thank you for your video.. I am looking hard to do this but you make it look easy … just wish I could find low cost stepvan to start with.....

[@EvanBlack11]

Have you ever had trouble finding a gas station with diesel? Or a diesel machinic when you need one.

[@Maggie-Gardener-Maker]

Great video Seven!

[@ronisworld2916]

very informative, thank you for sharing. noww if only o could get a small one for myself in Winterpeg in an affordable price and in a good running condition, it would great!

[@joelloftis9273]

Thanks for the info on that. I've really been enjoying your videos. Like I've said before, I'm a trucker, and I know what kind of things to expect while living on the road. Vehicle maintenance is a big part of that. I can't remember though whether you have hydraulic or air brakes... Or what kind of suspension your van uses.

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

I'm doing my best to learn how to maintain and repair my step van. fortunately mine is before all the electronic computers and such so it is easier to work on

[@bencoleman1893]

Great tips Seven!

[@xAoDxNoiseComplaint]

Nebraska! Step vans are everywhere.

[@ESLinsider]

Thanks man. This was the kind of van I want.

[@vantasticlifestyle5776]

Hello Seven. Can you please comment on the size of your rig? 12 vs. 14 vs. 18ft. Any regrets? Parking, driving, etc.. Would you of gotten a smaller one or are you satisfied with the size you chose?

[@loulou9297]

Great tips! Thank you sir ✌️

[@hbwatermelon]

Hi Seven, thank you for sharing your knowledge. I'm justgetting started and am looking to buy a step van. Can you make any suggestions on the size of engine needed to pull the conversion weight? I'm looking at a 22' max OAL van. Thanks again for your insights! -H

[@c.i.m.1600]

Love the videos, keep them coming! 👍 👍 Do you by chance have any information or know anyone that does, or has installed Air Ride suspension in one? Much appreciated 👍👍

[@deemcneely6922]

Rapid Rabbit Great Information-Might consider adding to your source to shop, each State has a purchasing agency that handles fleet buying where they get the cheapest price to purchase vehicles in fleet volume and they extend this service to cities county and special districts in their state. So if the City of Austin wanted to replace 20% of their fleet of police cars every year they might go thru this Purchasing agency to get the police cars that they need to get the lower fleet prices that the state gets for volume buying. In the state of Washington this same agency also disposes of the surplus vehicles that all of the cities, counties and special districts surplus when they buy new replacements. The Washington State Department of Enterprise here has all manner of surplus, literally everything from soup (spoons) to nuts. Vehicles and heavy equipment are usually sold via auction on line. Smaller stuff like laptops, monitors office furniture, etc. are marked with a price and are for sale like normal store. You might check some other states and see if they do the same thing. In Washington three year old cars go for $1000 each +/- . We have gotten a few good deals like a large color monitor for $35 and leather laptop cases for $5. It Might be worth checking out. If you find anything at the disposal site here in Olympia that you want a condition report on, give me a call. By the way, my personal preference is a cat engine. The dairy where i worked for several years bought all Peterbilt or Kenworth diesel semi tractors (had a fleet of about twenty-five and they were all Catapiller engines because they felt they got more life with fewer repairs even though they are more expensive, However, their application was very different than yours. Have lots of fun and be safe

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

excellent tip on where to purchase commercial vehicles! I did buy a pickup truck at one of the auctions that you describe where there were lots of big city and county owned vehicles. as you know, I'm very new to diesel engines and big vehicles, so don't know much about other brands. I believe other step vans have chevy gas engines and International diesels, but I don't believe I've seen any that have a Caterpillar engine. then again, I know almost nothing about Caterpillar

[@Nicholas-f5]

@@SevenWanderstheWorld Cats are said to be expensive to maintain.

[@user-vz8yl4xr8n]

Thank you for the information. On a step van can you add extra seats for extra passengers?

[@dustysadventures]

Thanks for the good info.

[@samuelmurcia792]

Thanks for sharing, you're great.

[@dannyb6968]

Thanks for this great info. Very helpful..

[@pinay56]

In vans such as the Sprinter, they have to use DEF, and diesel is much harder to service than a gas rig, so is diesel in a step van better than a gas rig, especially than a gas rig?

[@Nicholas-f5]

These are much older than DEF which reduces pollution.

[@marvanbee]

Is it possible to convert a diesel engine to a gasoline? (I imagine that would be very expensive if possible...)

[@louiseovilmar307]

Thank you for your help that means a lot

[@ronammologist16]

Nice. Not a bad way to go if your tetired like me. Liquidate, sell the house, budget insurance and diesel and maintenance.

[@unicornjennie]

You didn't give any info on replacement of a fiberglass roof?

[@SarahTree]

I've thought about step vans but I just don't like the boxyness of them. I did have a small cube van one time and I liked it ok because it had the van front end on it. I still wished that it wasn't so boxy. I like your advice though. I think that it applies to lots of different vehicles. It all comes down to research. Also you have to know what you are going to be doing with it. How do you want to live and where do you want to go kind of thing. Great video for sure! :-D

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

boxy square design has advantages in it is easier to build with straight walls and ceiling. but not so great for traveling faster than 45mph

[@SarahTree]

@@SevenWanderstheWorld vary true. I'm going to be scribing so I can get my cabinets and shelves in and all of that pain in the neck stuff but my rig is going to be pretty good at higher speeds. :-D

[@LiftOperator52]

What type of mileage is expected for a gas vs Diesel engine if all other factors were the same?

[@JoeZyzyx]

5.9L diesel is 6 cylinder of 360 cubic inches. That's some large cylinders! and deep stroke which all diesels have. Gasoline engines are quieter, which can be advantage in some parking areas, especially if need to crank at night for some added warmth. Gasoline engines crank easier in cold weather, and fuel always easy to find. As noted, more mechanics available to work on them. Because compression on diesel is twice that of gas engines, that also means greater torque needed on head bolts, which can be a problem if you ever need to work or replace a head yourself. The newer diesel have electric fuel pumps, higher pressure needed than gas engines. Not sure if that's an advantage or not compared to the older diesel with mechanical fuel pumps. It may be 6 of one, half a dozen of the other, depending on the person who will be using the rig.

[@bigdefense777]

thanks for the links

[@raulsalazar716]

What type of license is needed

[@iancampbell1911]

Thanks for this video, how much do you think a 14 ft gasoline step van with 100-150k miles on it would cost?

[@straightarrow372]

Very helpful. Thanks

[@bishokhan8926]

How do you think step vans will do in an accident if someone’s sleeping it compared to a normal sprinter van or rv?

[@davidhutchinson5233]

Cummins Allison Detroit Diesel.......One of the first jobs I ever interviewed for years ago.

[@ESLinsider]

Where did you find your van? Craigslist?

[@allancooper7152]

Hi Steven, enjoyed this vid. Like to mention, and I dont have examples or measurements, yet consider the roll up again in that they generally have a sturdy frame, a wider opening, so if one likes a home style door in the back it will frame out and work quite well for that. To each his own, I guess!! lol. Thanks.

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

exactly... for some folks it works, especially if they are not dealing with extreme cold. I know Sylvan Secrets really struggles with his

[@scottmeyers7297]

I'm in the process of getting a 1980 Chevy step van.

[@iWalkChris]

Very informative. Thank you! :)

[@rictheise84]

Thank U sir ! Im very strongly concidering goin from my 31 ft TT to a step van..ill need to find a private owner that would trade my 91 D250 for the van, sell trailer for the cash to do the build.. I lived near 6 yrs in a 61 Langandorf when i was young in the early 80's. I want the van you discribed, its exactly what iv been thinkin ! Thanks again ! RT

[@wendyjohnston5166]

What about lifts? Good idea or bad idea?

[@dannythetoesmasher]

Could you use one as a utv/toy hauler plus camp in?

[@brandondannys-menary3678]

dannythetoesmasher that would be really neat, I imagine you could easily.

[@Blossomsecrets971]

Where u buy ur van ?

[@marktroup2978]

VERY helpful! Thank you!

[@burlmapleleafs]

Thank you

[@LT-mb7gb]

I've followed your blog for a while now and you have inspired me to build my own step van. Many thanks for that. Do you think a jake brake would be a nice addition to a larger van? Thanks

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

I'm not familiar with jake brakes... would need to do research on that

[@GTLees]

L Taylor, I love the jake brake and even the exhaust brakes too. Some folks may tell you that you don't need it and I suppose that's true but proper use of those types of retarders will save on wear of your "regular" brakes and they are a huge aid for when you're loaded heavy. I know that Dodge has been putting them on their Cummins powered pickup trucks for several years now.

[@Nicholas-f5]

@@GTLees Illegal in many areas, so noisy.

[@allemansratten4281]

Any thoughts about converting to vegetable oil or too much of a pain?

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

I didn't mention it, but one of the main reasons I chose my engine was to eventually convert it to WVO. however, I feel I want to become a bit more experienced as a diesel mechanic before tackling that

[@Nicholas-f5]

@@SevenWanderstheWorld Can also get an app to find ready biodiesel and renewable diesel!

[@auctionwheels]

My Cummins 6 cylinder has over one million miles no engine work ever! I know people that have two million miles on their Cummins without engine repair.

[@funyorkiesfam]

😳 two million miles 😂

[@lindaclark5911]

Holi crap2 million?

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

impressive

[@SpanishLikeaPro]

@@SevenWanderstheWorld What sort of mpg do you get?

[@yew108]

@Auction Wheels .Hi! Please may I ask, what van/vehicle is that ? One million miles is amazing .

[@SylvanSecrets]

Where was this video last year, huh? For some reason I have 13’ in the box. I’m considering building a pocket for my roll up. It’s a bloody pain I tell ya!

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

I believe some of the P series chevy vans are 13 and 15 ft boxes (like my recent tour of Denis' rig). in warmer weather, you might consider completely removing your roll up and replacing it with swing doors or a big swing down deck/ramp (which is what Andi did on his)

[@patrickporco6972]

Good video

[@kmflynn329]

Any purchase costs? Silly question: can i buy new.

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

I've actually never looked into the costs of new step vans. you can find used ones for $2,000 to $10,000 depending on condition.

[@Nicholas-f5]

@@wulfzn0024 Always get one a couple of years old for half price or less.

[@davidgarcia6095]

buddy! what happened south of the border, they don't sale diesel ? actually diesel is better for long non stop trips.

[@NOMADNEWSTV]

Thanks 🙏🏼 Seven very informative video! Do you have any kind of idea what kind of fuel mileage you get? I’ve heard 12mpg. What kind of range do you get per tank if you don’t mind me asking.

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

I'm getting about 13 on average (sometimes 11 and sometimes 15). I fill at half a tank and normally drive for about 300 miles or more on 25g

[@NOMADNEWSTV]

Seven Wanders the World I just touched down on Pheonix on my way to go look at the Step Van I may buy if it’s in decent shape. It reminds me of your trip from Austin to New Jersey. I just hope mine is in better shape than that one was. Fingers crossed 🤞🏼 literally taxing to the gate now.

[@moregrouchy]

@Marten Dekker 25g= 25 gallons

[@zayvier69]

What mpg do you get?

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

typically about 13mpg

[@jayritchie6596]

@@SevenWanderstheWorld really? Thats not far short of class Bs where many people seem to only get 15 mpg real world performance.

[@georgecraft007]

I've discovered that if you can keep your diesel running at 1800 rpm or lower, the fuel mileage increases dramatically. I have one pickup truck getting 25mpg and the other getting 14mpg. The difference is in the gearing...

[@kpadalldotablet1009]

Maintained correctly, and not abused, that Cummins 5.9 will last forever, too. A gasser won't.

[@drew8642]

Cummins diesel power is king! Pulling load power torque and fuel economy.

[@billhamilton2366]

If you have a diesel engine why on earth would you need a mechanic instead of a manual?

[@maylin1986]

These rigs are pretty cool, but my biggest question is where would you be allowed to park such a thing? Only BLM land? I feel like campgrounds would only allow actual company made RV's. ☹️🤷

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

great question! I have been living in my step van for 2 years. I camp in two kinds of places. for most of the first year I lived in cities, primarily camping over night in business and industrial parks. I would arrive at night around 10p and leave in the morning around 6.30 or 7 and spend my day at a park, or parking lot near Starbucks. most of this last year I have been camping (boon docking) in BLM and National Forest. I have very little desire to pay for a campground when I don't need power, water or sewage and much prefer free camping. I usually camp within 20 minutes of a city and break camp once a week to go into the city for supplies etc. I have stayed in two campgrounds to date and neither had any concerns about my rig other than curiosity. I suppose ritzy campgrounds might not allow me to park, but I really have zero desire to be pushed into a small parking spot with another rig 8 ft from my door (makes me feel like a sardine!). hope that helps!

[@alainarchambault2331]

Step 7: Not with Covid restrictions. I'd have to look within my Province to be safe.

[@crazywayne7051]

And don't buy a Chevrolet p30 they're just a glorified pickup truck. It should have 19 and a half inch rims preferably with the big eight lug pattern are the baby six budnut Wheels. You don't want pickup truck brakes on your tiny house.

[@1957Dirogo]

Ebay motors

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

wow can't believe I forgot that one... good you mentioned it!

[@RustyShackleford6371]

Cummins and auto need AAA.

[@claytonwason3488]

No, everything you said is wrong.

[@redlefevre5448]

No disrespect to this guy but he clearly learned all of this off Reddit...not because he is a knowledgeable person. Take his info with a grain of salt. He is largely correct however he has no clue why he is correct because he is parroting info.

[@SevenWanderstheWorld]

doesn't living in a step van for 4 years qualify someone to give advice?

[@redlefevre5448]

@@SevenWanderstheWorld I'll address your question. Simply put: no, living in the van does not give you special license to comment on how to buy a step van nor does your presumptive time on Reddit. First off, my qualifications: I am a heavy truck (diesel) mechanic, a truck driver, I have similarly spent time as a light duty(cars & pickups) mechanic, I have driven over 1 million miles in my life. I am also a certified private pilot and have spent a significant amount of time in the ND Oilfields. I point all this out to demonstrate that I have some level of expertise in this topic (of vehicles). Not to mention I share the nomadic soul with this community. Ok, point by point:

[@redlefevre5448]

1) You are actually correct that diesel engines are superior to their gasoline counterparts...in most areas. However, they are also far more complicated, more expensive, less universal, higher fuel cost, finding a good diesel mechanic is harder AND take specialized knowledge of cold weather procedures. So unless you know how to repair your own engine and/or have plenty of money to burn on said repairs then gas is likely better for the average carefree van-lifer. Even if they get there a bit slower.

[@redlefevre5448]

2) This is just a variation of the first point and therefore redundant. You are down to 6 points.

[@redlefevre5448]

3) As a heavy and light truck mechanic your characterization of "light" vs "heavy" is designated by their maintenence schedules is just not accurate. I'll agree that their prior history of work is the important part. A plumbers truck will last longer than an abused FedEx truck. That is self-explanatory. Sidenote: a word to the wise...do not expect a million miles from an engine...just don't.

[@barniestormer6698]

He aint no mechanic lol

[@unicornjennie]

Diesel fuel costs more then gas.

[@MichaelJobbo]

Great tips, thanks