R.I.P. MegaVan - Stolen Before it's Time - Page 3

mikracer · 09-20-2019, 11:57 AM

Whats your budget for your new van? We can at least keep an eye out and send some options your way.

People are putting some serious premiums on the 7.3. There are pros and cons to that engine which has been talked about way too much. I owned a 7.3 for a short time and it was very underwhelming compared to my V10. My neighbor has a 7.3 and he said an aftermarket tune really woke up his van but I haven't driven it yet to compare.

***EDIT***
This just popped up for sale on the forum. Not sure if an extended body, passenger van is an option for you but the price is right and its adventure ready. 2005+ V10 vans have the 5 spd auto trans which is more robust than the 4 spd.

http://www.sportsmobileforum.com/for...tml#post260600

arctictraveller · 09-20-2019, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carringb

With the V10, you can put a deer through the radiator, yank out the alternator, unplug half the sensors under the hood, and STILL drive home.

..........

**daveb** · 09-20-2019, 08:51 PM

I agree use social media to your advantage! As a 6.0 bullet proofed PSD owner...get a V-10. I purchased a 6.0 diesel because I have a diesel powered water heater and cab furnace. But you can get gas alternatives these days. Maybe get into an old ambulance on the cheap for now? Sounds like you're a full timer and your world has been obliterated... I feel so sorry for that. But I'd still look for a good V-10 if you plan to get back in the groove.

Hope karma hit those jerks bad. Better yet hope you get your baby back as was.

Vanzila · 09-22-2019, 12:50 PM

Yes if this just happened post the info we can help you look!. !!!

SierraHawk · 09-22-2019, 01:22 PM

Sorry to say but it probably crossed into Mexico the next day. Cops in the Central Valley are all too familiar with what happens to stolen vehicles and do not waste time on these reports. Someone will use it to haul people/pot/guns south of the border. All of the seemingly intangible items like your birth certificate can be sold to anyone who remotely looks like you. Just walk away and get a new van when you can. Lots of good suggestions above.

lmenzel · 09-22-2019, 05:02 PM

I had my 2001 Sportsmobile stolen in Washington D.C. one block from the Holocaust museum. Seeing the museum was my only reason for stopping in DC on my way east. I had the dress on my back, one credit card, a set of keys and my phone. A couple of young African American men jumped in the back and were gone in a flash (as photographed from the Department of Agriculture on one side of the street and the State department on the other). I happened to have all of my family jewelry (long story) as well as every other favorite thing in my life.

My van was a white E250, extra tall and extra long, i.e. probably standing room for someone who is 6'2" and 4' longer than most vans..refrig, stove, everything.

The DC police were sure that "it was just moved" for work on the street (apparently that happens in D.C) and the cops were sure it was not stolen because of the "large police presence in the area.". Well, apparently not large enough. I was grateful that my cat was not in the car (he had died 8 months before) but had been my copilot on all trips, including a 9 month trip around the country in 2011-12. I now have a less obvious conversion van and am pretty unattached to all possessions.

JWA · 09-23-2019, 04:29 AM

Sorry to hear of your loss Imenzel.

Most vehicles today have too many exploitable vulnerabilities we need to at least try and out-think the professional crooks who make a living out of taking advantage of us.

I'll be adding some sort of fuel cut-off switch to my van(s)---that should be enough to discourage them so they simply leave.

ConnieKat · 09-23-2019, 01:19 PM

Jbro,
My God! People these days will stop at nothing in taking whatever they want! Colorado has become the
new home of itinerant, illegal, no good people from all
over the place. We have a lot of Sporty’s and other versions of vans...which seem to have become the new “ Tiny Home” for many people. I have similar plans for mine, so guess I’ll be adding an anti-theft system to mine as well.
I am so sorry you lost your baby in such a terrible fashion, as well as all your personal items too. My
Prayers will be with you in hopes that you will get it
back. Karma does seem to work at times, and I’ve seen it happen twice for myself! Truly hope it will work for you as well.
ConnieKat

ConnieKat · 09-23-2019, 01:39 PM

I’d definitely agree on the Chevy! Mine’s a 2005 and still runs ( and drives) like a dream. It’s an EB version,
so is pretty darned livable, especially with a high top.
Good luck finding a new one...and you should probably keep checking on the “ for sale’s” here on the forum. I’ve seen a lot of really excellent deals here....including my own!
ConnieKat

ConnieKat · 09-23-2019, 02:03 PM

JWA
I won’t even take mine into ANY big cities anymore, except for drive-through. With all the “ sanctuary” cities, the crime rates are sky high. I ( thank god) am
retired at last, so there’s rarely a reason to go anyway.
Really glad we decided to get as far away from them as possible! I really prefer my local wildlife rather than the type found in cities. Even bears aren’t looking to steal everything you own. Works for me at least.
ConnieKat