Decided that instead of a crew cab pickup, a large 4wd van would suit the family better and more or less work for me with what I use a pickup for.
i think this means a ford e-350 as I want as much interior space as possible for motorcycles
(that being said, I'd entertain a 6-door pickup conversion as well!)
Needs the large gas or Diesel engine (to tow 8500 lbs) and I need <150k miles.
email is my username at yahoo.
In reply to jfryjfry :
You might be better off buying a 2wd van that suits your needs & doing the 4x4 conversion. People are absolutely rabid for Quigleys regardless of condition.
I might saved the info somewhere, but a couple years ago I found a kit for a diy conversion. I think the company was in CA so it could save you quite a bit on shipping too.
Used 4x4 vans are never cheap! Previously, Ford never officially made one but a company named Quigly did convert Ford Econolines to 4x4.
Just recently, Ford started offering the new Econoline in awd in some configurations. I do not think you can get new Ford van with 15 seating with the awd unless you get a dually rear end. But in the cargo version you can get awd and single rear wheel.
This then coinsides with another thing that Ford recently offers and its called a Crew Van. This is generally a cargo van that adds just one rear bench making the van a 5 seater.
Here is a link to a 2020 Crew Van asking $63k. It is also the medium high roof and ecoboost engine. The spotters guide for these Crew Vans is the one side window on the driver's rear side.
There is some simplistic finishing to the middle row seating area like wall trim, headliner and flooring but the rear-most portion remains unfinished from the factory allowing for your own customization back there.
Your title states 15 passanger but could you get by with just the 5 seats and a lot of room?
Chevy made the Express van with awd for a few years but they are rare and can be expensive.
The recently ended Nissan NV3500 van was never offered with 4x4 but since it is built on the Nissan Titan truck platform, people retrofit them.
https://www.quigley4x4.com/products/nissan/
Good ideas....
I am indeed thinking about just getting a 2wd and converting at some point. The reality is I have never really used the awd on my truck but I like having it just in case.
And I don't need 15-pass capability but I want the interior room so I can have a bench seat and room for motorcycles behind it.
i just need to hold 6 plus the ability to add some kids' friends if desired.
Hmm hadn't thought of the Nissan..... I'll broaden my search.
Chevy never made the 15 passenger factory AWD, but there is a company called weld Tec in California that seems to make a conversion and ifs lift kit.
I am a ford guy but always liked the long wheelbase the gm twins offered instead of the long tail of the ford
Could Excursion be your answer?
That gets you V10 and Diesel options with all the seating but the motorcycle has to stay outside.
Nice examples still wont be cheap, ha.
In reply to mechanicalmeanderings :
I'm having a hard time figuring out if both ford and Chevy 15-pass vans have the same box length. Might you know??
jfryjfry said:
In reply to mechanicalmeanderings :
I'm having a hard time figuring out if both ford and Chevy 15-pass vans have the same box length. Might you know??
https://vandimensions.com/database/ford/e-series-2008
Expedition Portal (ExPo) could be a huge resource to your endeavors here. Sample: https://expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/chevy-3500-express-vs-ford-e350-test-driven-but-still-have-s.53216/
In reply to jfryjfry :
As I recall the gmc/chevy twins are a few inches longer overall, but it was years ago. I think the interior is a bit longer in the twins as well.
Hope that helps
In reply to John Welsh :
Yeah I considered them but I just need to be able to move several motorcycles so they're just not quite what would work
Awesome, thanks for the info you guys!
A test of concept search yielded this
https://www.usednanaimo.com/4x4-trucks/32964405
I searched 4x4 bus for sale Smaller versions may be available
In reply to Rons :
Short bus usually has a lift on the side. Idk if you could get those in 4x4. HongNorrth used one as a tow vehicle.
Chevy Express 15 passenger model has a longer wheelbase than the longer Ford or Dodge.
that helps if you are putting a lot of weight on the tail ,
In reply to californiamilleghia :
This is exactly what I'll be doing.
i have shifted my search to the 1-ton Chevy extended van. 2wd is ok but 4x4 preferred
Pete Gossett (Forum Supporter) said:
In reply to jfryjfry :
You might be better off buying a 2wd van that suits your needs & doing the 4x4 conversion. People are absolutely rabid for Quigleys regardless of condition.
I might saved the info somewhere, but a couple years ago I found a kit for a diy conversion. I think the company was in CA so it could save you quite a bit on shipping too.
UJoint Off-road does conversions too and will ship you a big ol pallet of parts if you want to DIY it.
They also amusingly offer a "dequig" service if you buy a Quigley conversion and don't like it.
somedays you wanna...................
jfryjfry said:
In reply to californiamilleghia :
This is exactly what I'll be doing.
i have shifted my search to the 1-ton Chevy extended van. 2wd is ok but 4x4 preferred
What year , panel or windows etc ?
there was one on Inglewood ave last week with a for sale sign on it , I can stop and see what it is next time it's parked there.
I thought Chevrolet made an AWD Express van. I'm sure with a lead foot you'd see 10mpg?
In reply to Datsun310Guy :
They did make AWD units but the 2500 models were just 6-lug half tons and only in a panel. I've never seen a 3500 AWD from the factory.
I'm looking for windows and a pretty comfortable ride
In reply to Datsun310Guy :
I saw this and might ask them which motor it has and if it is 3/4 or 1-ton.
my wife just heard of "our" plan and is not stoked. She doesn't realize there aren't many options that haul 8k+ lbs and can haul motorcycles as well as 8 people comfortably