Which Van Should You Buy to Live In?

In today's video, we look at which DIY rig would work best for you. We consider the Dodge, Sprinter, Transit and Ram Promaster vans. We also consider the merits of mini-vans, and Transit Connect. Finally, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of a 4x4 pickup with a camper or pop-up camper.
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Thanks for watching!

[@janicehart5397]

Thank you Bob. Very important information for people, like me, who are getting ready to choose a vehicle to develop into a camper. It's terrific of you to take the time to make this video.

[@mlackey9812]

Hello Bob, Just a note to you. i think you are doing an incredible service to and for too many to count. It's so difficult to find any place/source or anyone that has 'real world' experience (and common, not so common sense) that is willing to share with others that is not 'self serving/profit driven' anywhere today. You're a real asset to so many and more that a 'breath of fresh air' I find your videos frank, honest, informative, non biased well crafted, to the point at hand, as well as very understandable as well as time well spent entertaining. GREAT JOB a the way around. For some reason I think of your service to any one watching/listening as great a value as a Costco Polish and drink for $1.68 !! NOW THAT'S SAYING SOMETHING! ( that's a comment for 'smilage' ) Anyway, keep up the good work. You're efforts are so valuable and appreciated by so many. Best Wishes always!

[@wooogly6287]

Howdy Bob. I like the way you get distracted by the scenery. I find myself having to rewind because I didn't catch what you said because I was looking in the background. Don't change it.

[@CheapRVliving]

Thanks for watching Wooogly! I don't know where you are able to get distracted by your view as well. :)

[@Bohohobo88]

I love how detailed you are. It makes it Easy for me to understand more, being that I know nothing about cars. I lived in a Volvo car for 6 months and need to upgrade to something bigger!

[@gts447]

Thank you so much for laying out this path to the many many people who are so interested. I’d like to learn more about ground clearance and why it’s important and maybe you’ve covered in other videos. I would guess because it allows you to traverse rough unpaved and uneven road?

[@DonnieDarko1]

2wd drive ... with a locker, I knew there was more to the story!!! That's a brilliant idea Bob!! I completely forgot that option was available. With your setup, you get to retain higher MPG than compared to rear and AWD as well as the option to utilize aftermarket rear installed lockers when ever the situation arises when off road while still getting ground clearance from van, plus additional bonus of not having to worry about any major DIY repairs as you enjoy golden years without inconvenience of potentially pulling a muscle or added unnecessary aches and pain. Absolutely informative video, I'm sure even your detractors will be humbled, thanks so much for sharing!!!

[@CheapRVliving]

It's my pleasure DD, glad you got something out of it!

[@yokikokudou]

This is the most honest review on vans!!! Thank you very much!!!

[@shavaunaronan3188]

Thank you so much Bob for your info on the Sprinters. I have been looking for a diesel Sprinter van because of the interior height, as well, I thought they were the most reliable van. Thanks to your information I am now more educated and will be looking into other options.

[@abushman5938]

Great videos Bob. Thank you for the information and the great effort put into your videos. Not only do you make van dwelling appealing you also have great practical information. I am a daily viewer of your Vlog. I truly hope to meet you on the road someday. Safe travels !!

[@markeast1574]

I agree with you Bob Chevy is the best choice. I have an Astro with 200,000 miles and still running strong

[@yannkitson116]

You have a good day too Bob. Thanks for sharing.

[@fenraven]

I'm just starting my van journey. Your videos are extremely helpful. Like you, I'm no mechanic. THANKS for steering me in the right direction.

[@crankynomad3786]

Another great info-packed video, Bob. Thank you!

[@CheapRVliving]

My pleasure Cranky!

[@tammyj8358]

Thank you Bob, Im loving your recommedations.. I need them lol!

[@LainieS100]

This is excellent info. Although the video is a few year old, i have made notes and will refer to them when i get out of my tent and into a van.

[@bingo1232]

Bob, I appreciate you. Deep in my heart I know you believe in two primary things: caring & (information) sharing. You are doing both very well. Many (many) RVers (& others) will live better lives due to your generosity and the videos you make. THANKS!!!

[@quidestveritas8713]

I have had a sedona for 10 years and absolutely love that van. It's just so small. I had never though about putting a high top on it...What an outstanding idea! :)

[@quidestveritas8713]

BTW, you are awesome!

[@CheapRVliving]

I'd suggest looking at rigs folks have built in person if possible and on youtube, it really is amazing what you can create in a small space. If you decide it's too small for you, that's ok!

[@BobbiWeb]

Thanks Bob, I have a dodge van with the 360 and mine has some rust, a wandering front end and 13 mpg average. I will keep till repairs get expensive then try a chevy.

[@VMATT500C]

An excellent series.

[@Ron4885]

Agree, this is information that actually helps people.

[@CheapRVliving]

Thanks for watching!

[@taurus-astrobike104]

I LOVE THIS VIDEO BOB!!! U ARE AWESOME & AMAZING!! U REALLY HELPED ME with Ur detailed information!! Many MANY THANKYOUS... SAFE TRAVELS BROTHER 😄

[@madalenerhyand379]

All your videos are superb. I am learning so much from you. At first I wanted an RV, but now I know a van is my choice. Thanks for all your advice.

[@stringbender57]

Excellent video packed full of information by Bob, with years of experience living as a nomad. I think this video will be extremely helpful to everyone, regardless of those with differing opinions. Thanks Bob for a much in demand video covering this subject! 🚐💨

[@BelindaForgy]

Thank you so much for this information, Bob!! It can get quite confusing in the forums, where there's so many with differing opinions, to keep things straight in my mind, but you've wrapped it all up in a nice package with these videos!!

[@CheapRVliving]

Thanks for watching Belinda!

[@rthenson7324]

Hi Bob. I am RT Henson. After 6 years of watching you on KZbin, I'm here!!! You replied to my question about 2-3 years ago about power. Can't believe that I'm finally here.

[@sharonadcock8500]

You got my respect Bob Wills and thank you for your advice I really appreciate it

[@brittboyette8617]

Good information on the van world, you've done your homework Bob!

[@phyllismckenna2454]

THANKS Bob i am saving for a van i am in my ford ranger truck right now.

[@axdesho]

Thanks again Bob for the great information! You are trustworthy.

[@DelightLovesMovies]

I found you because I saw the show on CBS Sunday Morning. I love what you do and thanks CheapRVliving

[@warriorfortruth2838]

I had a dodge was horrendous for over heating and they could not fix it. rust bucket i lvoe how thy look inside for converting though but nightmare for rust. love the mountains and scenery too :)

[@Hey_you_guys]

I've got an 87 Dodge B250 and as soon as I got it the steering was wandering just like you said. I replaced the center link bar in the steering and it took care of some of the looseness. In the steering gear there is an adjustment bolt/nut that can be tightened up to take some of the play out of the steering box and that fixed the rest of the wander.

[@AdventureGMa]

I listened again more closely to your video and caught Fiberine which is located in Wilmington, CA. Thanks Bob!!!!

[@CheapRVliving]

Glad to hear it Judy.

[@MattyVanHalen]

Bob, you are so right about the Ram promaster. its just a Fiat. i love the size of them but they are NOT reliable! so many people have electrical and transmission problems with them and theres only certain Ram dealerships that actually work on them! the wait time to get them repaired is weeks! I feel if im going to be living in a van , the top priority is reliability. I drive a chevy van express 2500 for work. its my company car. its got 240k miles on it. its had no problems til last week, and its only the battery and alternator. thats it! i will be getting one for myself as my campervan, its settled. no other vans that i know of are as reliable, except the GMC savanna, which is the same thing. ill sacrifice the size and comfort for the reliability.

[@Radnally]

Sedona's are a great value. Previa's too. I am an ultra minimalist, so the 4x4 truck with a shell is my choice. The tufport slide-in is a very nice compromise for those that want more space and light weight.

[@Radnally]

goge reaver Checked them out a long time ago....1800 lbs dry weight and cost make them non-starter for me. Tufport is 500 lbs and around$5000. Plus it's a shell you can build out as you please. Weight is a mileage killer and an off-road nightmare. Compared to most standard truck campers, yeah, they're better.

[@subkat5256]

Enjoyed the video. Very informational for me. I'm wanting to start part time van living and know nothing about engines. So this was right on target.

[@jacbox3889]

Thank you Bob for this vid! You are one of my favorite youtubers! I look forward to your build:)

[@CheapRVliving]

Thanks julie, I'm looking forward to it as well!

[@larrypeterson5667]

Bob you do an excellent job explaining vehicles. I've trucked last 46yrs. 49 states and all of Canada. I use to be gone many months at a time. I could as I'm single. Retired now. Sitting in this house in Minnesota. Planned on fishing and diving stuff. No close friends. No family anymore. Tired all the time. Spend everyday alone. Days just zip by. You got me thinking of what I could change. Never thought after driving all those years. To think of stealth camping. Makes alot of sense. I've an old avion camper. I could live in. I may do it to start. I too have been trying to decide what van to buy. But you are rite. As ppl here tell me I need new friends. It's very hard to start over with friends. As they've never understood me. I'm an introvert. Made a good trucker. I like ppl. Not good in crowds. Ppl I use to call friends her stole from me. Gossip or ripped me off. May go part time nomad . I've still got a CDL. Can drive just about anything. Gives me hope watching your videos. May end up doing it full time. Sell the house and everything. No one would miss me in this town. My mom said when she was alive. You dont want to live here. Took me 30yrs to see why. I can drive trips in my mind all over the 49 and all over Canada. Did ice road trucking before the movie series came out. Makes alot of sense being a nomad . As living in this town. Could die of loneliness. Everyone is related it seems. I've none. Big thank you to you Bob

[@staryoke]

Wow! Hope you find your path and peace. Godspeed!

[@theresafinn4257]

Love your side comment about the mountains.

[@CheapRVliving]

It is a blessing to be surrounded by so much beauty!

[@irhonda31]

I know nothing, so this is all good!

[@joycebarnett5813]

great video. I learned a lot about this today. thanks for sharing.

[@donaldwoods2579]

Great and informative show ! Van is truly the way to go !

[@azcactusflower1]

Part 1 & 2 vid' have been quite helpful with the history! I come from a car nut family...so great to revisit some history! I can't *decide* as I like the freedom of back country however comforts too. I keep changing my mind. lol Have a great day/week Bob!

[@CheapRVliving]

It's a tough decision to make, you don't have to get it right the first time but talking to folks who have been on the road may help.

[@jedadiahsmith6003]

Do an updated video please on the ford transit and promaster.

[@LifeBetweenTheDash]

Thanks for the comments on a Dodge.

[@les3316]

I can vouch for the rusty 318 van lol only rusty on roof from an old ladder rack no rust underneath and I live in Florida it's a 99 dodge ram with 318 in it motor is great as you said thanks for posting

[@bigmac2839]

Thanks for the information. Ya that's right about the mini vans,, so many decisions. I'm jealous of your van. Will look around.

[@CheapRVliving]

I'm sure you'll find the best rig for your situation, there's a lot to consider.

[@ApastronRetro]

Hey Bob, love your videos and your perspective. I live in Buffalo New York where they use a ton of salt, and I actually have the opposite point of view. Ford and Chevy's tend to have more rust, my father had a 1994 Dodge Grand caravan all wheel drive which had rust on it but no rot. Original engine and transmission and it had 385k on it when it finally died. I've had a lot of luck with Dodge and Mercedes sprinter vans.

[@baby-boomer3693]

I'm 67. cancer survivor thrice. I like the idea of traveling and this video, your experience, helped me decide on a van as opposed to a tow rig/rv combination. I want to be ready to bug out if necessary and my twin and I want to start camping again for my health. am looking forward to your upcoming videos.

[@CheapRVliving]

See you on the road Baby-boomer369!

[@frankyeetermann4718]

The thing about those Chevy and GMC vans is that they haven’t been redesigned in 25 years(some minor additions here and there however). But it’s also a positive, since they would be a lot easier to work on.

[@dominicoflaherty8044]

This gentleman is totally trustworthy. It's refreshing to listen to his real life experiences.

[@melissaweyrick5311]

My Bff is a diesel mechanic, and while he would save thousands doing his own work. He would never buy any diesel after 2006.

[@joshgilstrap6858]

Chevy LS motor can't be beat. I bought a used 2000 Chevy Express 3500 extended van in 2011. It had 165,000 miles on it and the owner had put new radiator, plugs, and wires and I paid 4700. I used it for a hauling business and drove it all over the U.S. and Canada. Best vehicle I ever had it rode smooth, most comfortable seats, and very reliable. I took it to 266,000 miles before getting rid of it because I didn't need anymore. Would love to have another one

[@campervanmark3410]

I love my 1984 chevy 350 conversion ( PICTURED) I call it ORWELL ! UGGH

[@josemendoza2412]

Ty for the info bob..im buying a chevy ban

[@zachmorris5999]

For someone who isn't bothered by the diesel, the older Cummins and International 7.3L diesels can't be beat for low cost to own/operate and low up front costs if you don't mind 2WD for your truck camper.

[@CheapRVliving]

Thanks for the info Zachary!

[@wazookazoo]

I know a guy with a 99 ford f250 with the International 7.3 engine, 650,000 miles on it and still going strong. and, that engine has never been touched.

[@kconradbh]

Your videos are great. Thanks very much. This is exactly the info I need.

[@haroldbelcher2834]

Nissan NV3500 High Top is a good truck for conversion. Why did you not mention it?

[@ciorstaidh_hall]

You mentioned that you "would not buy a Fiat" very dismissively twice in the video (in relation to a Dodge Ram truck) but did not elaborate on why not. I'm curious to hear your thoughts on Fiats and why you would not choose that company?

[@vitoruffalo2576]

Great knowledge. I was stuck on the Dodge, until I realized seeing my old trucks undercarriage and the steering in my old dodge van. I drove those Chevys and found them very reliable. Thanks for all of your careful thought and advice. PS: Can you do a video about your type of day out in the desert, off grid...alone?

[@CheapRVliving]

Thanks for the idea Richard but I'm sure most people would find it very dull. ;)

[@garycloud9631]

Hey Bob thanks for the info on vans. I want to share something with you as a possibility of not having to spend 3 to 4 thousand dollars on a high top. This info is dated but may very well still be a valid. In 1975 I bought a 74 Dodge Sportsman one ton 12 passenger van with a 360 engine. Lousy gas mileage. But, I totally gutted it, then converted it to a camper complete with a high top. I'm 6'2" and could stand up no problem. Now to the point. There was a company in So. Cal, maybe Pomona or around there somewhere, that dealt in RV items of out of business companies. I bought a fiberglass high top, window cut outs already done, for $88!. Plus, unlike most high tops that are just the outer shell, it had another inner finished shell that went on first. I took them home, had a trailer company cut the top out of my van, and my dad and I put both shells on ourselves. Now, I doubt that company still exists, but I have to believe there are similar places out there where such a purchase could be made. It wouldn't be what I paid in the 70's but it would certainly be way cheaper than buying one and having it installed. Just a thought but should be worth the time to research it. Loved that van and had it until 2003 when I sold it to move from Michigan to Oregon.

[@CheapRVliving]

Thanks for the info Gary!

[@brendarutherford7155]

Bob I am selling my 2005 Chevy van it has 2 100 watt solar panels, 2 deep cycle marine batteries, inverter...many extras...all only 9 months old. I am having some financial challenges and I need to sell. The van was a state owned van so it was well maintained. It has captain chairs. A bed in the back. If you know of anyone interested I am asking $4500 for all of it. Thanks for all of the help you have given to me and everyone else...I will continue to watch even after it sells.BTW everthing was professionally installed. Namaste

[@KyleKroha]

Brenda Rutherford Where are you/your van located? Best of luck & much

[@brendarutherford7155]

I am in the panhandle of Florida...but I would be willing to drive it to whoever wanted it.

[@CheapRVliving]

Brenda thanks for posting and I wish the best for you. There are many subscribers in the "buy" phase so I'm sure you'll see some interest here.

[@HalfassDIY]

Which motor does your van have ? Thanks

[@missmiss5051]

Sold?

[@RemusKingOfRome]

Great Review, I've learned something

[@amechealle5918]

For the mini vans, what about a Toyota Sienna?

[@LaughingblueSu]

Ground clearance! Yes Bob, that is the information I need. ty

[@thisdudeisnotin]

Awhile ago I bought a 1992 Ford E-350 van with the 7.3 Diesel with 19,000 miles on it for $4700.00 at a Com-Ed auction. I put a Banks Turbo Kit on it for $2400.00 [190 horsepower to 280 horsepower]. 18 mpg highway at 70 mph.

[@tonydriver6862]

We live in Wyoming and need 4x4 or AWD. I wish Chevy made a full size van with that option. As of now, only Toyota Sienna has it. We could try to find a used safari or Astro with low miles and AWD. They tend to have A/C unit problems...but have the super reliable 4.3L and sit on a truck chasis.

[@starmaster191]

2014 was the last year GMC made their savana and express Van's in awd. 1500 series only. Those awd cargo Van's are out there.

[@jefftover8826]

Thank you Bob for the info.I am getting rid of my house and leaving in June.I am 56 years old and tired of this kind of life.I think I have saved enough money to last me until I am 65 if I watch it.I am considering a van like you have,or a 4x4 truck and camper.

[@oldsameplace]

Thanks Bob! At some point would like to hear your thoughts on boondocking with a towable (DIY cargo trailer conversion, or older travel trailer). Looks like a lot of options for someone like me wanting to get out on the road with a limited budget.

[@rogerrichie7823]

Thanks for the insight.

[@Kevinhefnerelliott]

Thank you so much ! You’re channel so helpful

[@debicaron4869]

Thank you so much for helping us with a major decision.

[@CheapRVliving]

It's my pleasure Debi. :)

[@isabellel4352]

Very informative and interesting!

[@allewal]

Since I have back issues, a Chevy express with a high top or conversion van is what I will be looking at in the future...... Thank you again for another fine video ! :)

[@joeg.355]

I have a 03 gmc with a 4.3 vortec and a 4 speed automatic transmission. It's a excellent combination just enough speed and power.

[@frankyeetermann4718]

I’m not sure about the big Promasters, but the little Promaster City burns oil when it’s new!

[@margaretmcgill4210]

Thanks for the great info. That helps me as I’m not sure if I can live in my van or go to a cargo van. Can’t wait to see ur new conversion. Here’s to happy nomad living.

[@lacha608]

Thanks for discussing Dodge.

[@philiplantz9595]

You seem to know what you are talking about and tell it like it is. I like it.

[@LetsWalkChannel]

Thanks Bob, your video is very helpful to someone who wants to start, I was living in my minivan but I need something bigger so I will switch to a cargo van.

[@kashfike4131]

I have a 2006 F-250 with a 5.4 and it’s the most reliable vehicle I’ve owned and it’s run through anything

[@refugiopoint]

love this guy, the passion and caring.

[@jimcameron9848]

Bob you are always one step ahead of me. I asked this on the Part 1 post! Lol. Saludos, Jim.

[@mitchjones8976]

Her absolutely right Bob. I was kind of by the Dodge 2500 new or maybe the 1500 new. Now I hear nothing but mechanical problems make it a hundred sixty thousand miles on one and after that they're junk I was pretty convinced on buying one but not now thanks for such good information

[@AnarchicImage]

Another great video Bob. Lots of good info in there. For me long wheelbase and and high top were a must. I really like the space to stand up and move around. My 2006 VW LT35 long wheelbase cost £7500. I bought it from a guy who had it since new and converted from a commercial van himself. He did a really excellent job and everything is very solid and well made. The van has 125k miles on it and these VW diesels are good for 500k if well maintained so plenty of life left in her yet! I agree the more modern diesels are more expensive to maintain, which is definitely a factor to consider. If you can find a 1999 - 2006 LT35 you'll get the older engines which are as reliable as a Swiss railway and cheaper to own than walking! :D

[@AnarchicImage]

Bike Cycle thanks bike cycle! I did definitely get lucky. Everything else I was looking at was 10-12k so yeah really happy!

[@CheapRVliving]

Congrats on your VW Matt!

[@Sig721Tau]

Bob, You do know that the Ford Transit comes various configurations, right? Ford makes the City Connect, 150, 250, and 350 under the Transit model name. They have several engine choices including a small 4 cylinder diesel motor. EcoBoost 3.5L V6 motor is great for the the Transit models.

[@1timby]

Bob, thanks for answering my questions. Did you consider a U-Haul conversion or Box Truck conversion? Thanks

[@CheapRVliving]

Box trucks are great but depending on where you register them they may have to be insured as a commercial vehicle.

[@michaelchiesa6142]

Interesting advice thanks Bob... Noticed you didn't mention any Toyota options, though what's available in the USA compared to here in Australia could be the reason... The Toyota campervan/motorhome has a very good reputation for reliability here and are available in 2 and 4 wheel drive, petrol and diesel options... I'm currently going "stir crazy" waiting for my recently purchased second hand Mazda Bravo motorhome, to be sorted/roadworthy certified by the professional campervan/motorhome pimps I bought it from... Then time to hit the road and reaquaint myself with my home state of Queensland... Happy safe travels people...

[@milwaukeebrewhouse]

I have the Ford 3.7L V6 in my Mustang with the lowest geared rear end. I believe it was the first car with over 300 hp to be rated for 30 mpg on the highway, and I do get 29-33 on trips. I think the Ford V6 engines based around the 3.5L are pretty solid. The reason the 3.5L EcoBoost gets better fuel economy over the base 3.7L in the Transit van is because it has lower gearing. The turbo would give a lot of extra grunt to move your stuff and even a trailer, but I’m not sold on turbocharged motors yet. The low boost used now isn’t like the cars in the 80s, but I close the normally aspirated V6 over the turbo four cylinder in the Mustang. I’ve driven all kinds of vans and trucks with various motors, but I haven’t driven a Transit yet. I would like to build a custom vehicle for vacations and weekends while I’m still working, and the Transit is the first one I’m looking at.

[@eirika2001]

Thanks for the info. It sounds like you really know your mechanicals! I love my Ford cars but it is good to know about the van issues. So many just hate on Ford (or Chevy or Dodge) and that is no help when they say 'Ford sucks'. So thanks for these fabulous, balanced videos.

[@dennisfarris4760]

Thank you for the info on vans.. It's going to help me in buying anther van...

[@edhollingsworth2335]

God bless you for a concise and honest report.

[@kevinstonerock3158]

While I agree with you about the ford 5.4 L , I’d ask you to look at the 4.6 L vans. The engine also came in the explorer and the grand Marquis and there are many evaluations that report getting an engine life around 450k. The only reason I personally might get less than that is because I had to do DoorDash leading up to early retirement. When you are forced to deliver in busy markets I found I had to constantly do hard acceleration to merge with traffic. This shortened the valve train life so barring this type of use I think I could have gotten the same longevity. I agree with you about the engines with 3 valve per cylinder. I’ll go so far as to say avoid any gasoline engine with turbochargers. Once I get a Jeep commander paid off I’m looking to sell it off and find a van I can begin to live in. I had hoped to have the Jeep last longer but the 3.7 and 3.8L engines which were shared with the caravans were one of the worst designs in production from Chrysler/dodge. As a result I got a used grand Marquis and I get better gas mileage than the caravans and the Jeep as long as I’m not dashing. I’m trying to avoid any DoorDash if possible. I’m hoping by fall to be living out of a van if all goes well. Love your information about all the facets of remote rv living.

[@traceycook1018]

I need you to do all the videos on converting a van to live in bc I'm buying a van for just that so I'm not tired of van stuff

[@CheapRVliving]

I'll be posting videos on my van build, hope they help.

[@Iknowonlywhatimtaught]

Thanks Bob, I had an xlt once every month a new modular $75 a pop. I had that happen for 5 months before I finally got a part that would not go out. I don't buy Ford since 1985

[@taradead]

maggiealena You got one of the few duds. My 1992 xlt is still going strong after 200,000 miles of shuttling me to surf and ski. Other than some of the plastic enterior breaking off, it has been completely hassle-free.

[@dominiquebt]

Outstanding Bob! Thank you!

[@jaysuper8255]

I think I can agree with 99.2% of everything Bob is talking about. One take a way is Diesels are great for better mileage, more towing capacity, but you better have a suitcase full of $$$ if it ever takes a dump.

[@peterwhite1957]

It's hard to believe how some vehicles have been engineered, i remember back when the chevy ''Vega'' first came out in the early 1970s you had to lift the engine out of the frame just to change the spark plugs!! i am very very happy with my toyota tacoma 4by4 and living in my Wells Cargo 7by14 V front converted cargo trailor, with my honda generator, and a couple batteries. pete.

[@cindyn628]

I just thought of another question, Bob. I remember at some point you saying (in a video? on your website?) that your next vehicle was going to be a pickup and Capri camper. I'm just wondering why you decided against that combination?

[@2012spacetraveler]

I take issue with your comment about Sprinter when it comes to running diesel, i have ran diesel for years and consider it a far superior engine. I work as a fleet coordinator and manage a whole fleet of Sprinters with plenty of mileage on the older ones, the older ones are from 2010 -2013 and are incredibly dependable making them economical. I took one to the Rockies last summer with 8 passengers and luggage and I got 24 mpg. i think your perception on diesels got skewered somewhere along the path mine has been the exact opposite. Like any vehicle it is all about maintenance, you do the maintenance your potential issues are greatly reduced. For example I continue to run my 1998 Legacy Subaru - 18 yrs old, I do regular maintenance and depending what it is i spend $300 to $1600 for any given year. It has got a little 2.2 ltr in it and just keeps on going with it just about to crest 180 thousand but as I said i have kept the maintenance up but not only that I am a huge advocate of preventive maintenance so that has helped to keep the little sucker going. Anyways like you it is just my experience and personal preference. Since Mercedes didnt have a Sprinter in stock a few months back when I needed another one we went with a new Ford Transit high top which all our vans are Don't like the look of them but so far it has done a decent job, I think it drives a little nice, and of course different site lines. I haven't figure out the mileage yet it is a diesel so am hoping that it will be close to what our sprinters get.

[@leethebee1560]

Good Job... I thought of a Shell on my Toyota, then build it out to suit me... thanks for the lead and idea..

[@CheapRVliving]

Thanks for watching lee!

[@NewZonaRides]

One viable van you didn't mention is the Nissan NV. I would be interested to know if you had an opinion on them. They seem to meet all your criteria except they fall short of Chevy in MPG. If someone is less concerned about that and cared more about driving comfort maybe that would be on someones list. They defiantly meet the reliability and ground clearance needs you mentioned.

[@KimberSly]

They're super tiny though! Good for one, small person maybe. :/

[@Gerle71]

@@KimberSly The NV200 is the small one, the NV Passenger or 3500 is full size.

[@petemilecmilec1782]

You mentioned caravan as an option..in case of considering a minivan the Astro or safari are much greater idea.