To start with a Pass or Cargo Donor? - Page 2

johnamullins · 04-11-2013, 10:26 PM

Thanks guys!

I'm probably going to buy a Chevy 3500. The pass vans usually have rear air. Does anyone know if the penthouse top is compatible with keeping that?

John

AndrewST · 04-11-2013, 11:20 PM

Yes it is compatible but not keeping the ceiling vents, the vents will be relocated just under the roof where the duct goes up.
Edit: Oups, forgot to mention talking about Ford...

carringb · 04-12-2013, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AndrewST

Yes it is compatible but not keeping the ceiling vents, the vents will be relocated just under the roof where the duct goes up.

I'm not sure it this is the case on the Chevy. It look like the Chevy vans have the evaporator up on the ceiling? I'm pretty sure the rear-most vents above the door are air returns. They don't seem to blow any air out.

johnamullins · 04-12-2013, 01:29 PM

Thanks.

I just looked at one and it does appear I will need to relocate the venting and ducts to accommodate the top. Not sure where the evaporator is located.

Strongly leaning towards a pass van now. The linked threads are great.

John

johnamullins · 04-13-2013, 07:39 PM

My associate and I went to CarMax today to look at a couple of vans. The LAX store have a pretty beat up cargo van and two passenger vans. The cargo van is an '09 and has only 7k with no windows or power seats, etc, and a smaller engine, but is $600 more than a '12 passenger van with 17k. Bizzare. Pricing must be based only on miles.

My worry is how to handle the rear A/C with the popup: there doesn't appear to be a blower in the rear, so must be ducting running along the sides.

And the anchors for the seats...I couldn't pull up the carpet at CarMax; are they bolted or welded to the floor?

Will keep everyone updated. Thanks again for the input!

John

MadScience · 04-13-2013, 10:13 PM

On the other hand, a cargo van has a lot more inherent privacy. Given that we often end up getting a couple of hours of sleep in turnouts or at trail heads, I wouldn't trade for a window van. If I had backseat passengers on a regular basis, I might feel differently.

larrie · 04-13-2013, 10:30 PM

Have been thinking about this and as I see it there are three differences, windows, options and interior trim between the passenger and cargo vans. It will be harder to find a fully optioned cargo van but you can find them with some windows. With a passenger van they usually have a good set of options but you may wind up with more windows than you need/want, plus there is the problem with what to do with the interior components you do not want.

johnamullins · 04-14-2013, 10:10 AM

Its true that I'm concerned about what to do with all those seats after I take them out. Probably not much of a market for used passenger van bench seats...

All the used cargo vans I see for sale are roll up windows and the black plastic grill with zero windows in the back. This makes sense for a company hauling stuff around I guess. To option up a cargo van new, I'm looking at $35k!

These one year-old low miles passenger vans are $20k... I can do a lot for that $15k, I figure.

Gnarvan · 04-14-2013, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnamullins

I can do a lot for that $15k, I figure.

Yea.......$15 will get you started.

my3kids · 04-14-2013, 06:17 PM

My solution to the stuff I didn't want in a passenger van was to give it away. I've given away all 3 rows of benches along with the seat belts and shoulder belts to forum members .. I really wanted the passenger van for the factory windows, interior trim, shoulder belt mounts and rear air.

I wanted a rear step bumper as mine came with the contour bumper .. SMB Fresno has them as take offs from time to time. Alan was super nice and reserved one for me.

I found my 4year old E350 with 40K for $13K. At the time I also saw a 2009 E350 with 13K for $16K .. I blinked and 2 days later it was gone .. it was a hotel courtesy van, no marks or painted logos.

Ray