Time to Simplify!

[chadlindgren]

First introduction to SMBs was when a co-worker took a sabbatical to rock climb across lower 48 states. He returned to work in his SMB and I knew that some day I had to join the club.

Ready to shed my 2007 Prius and all my earthly possessions and follow his lead. Any thoughts on financing Class B vs. cheaper "camper"? 4x4 vs. rwd?

Of course I want the 7.3L 4x4 Penthouse but am trying to be pragmatic and mindful of total cost of ownership.

Kayaking, mountain biking, back country skiing, climbing, and back country camping are my priorities, in rank order.

Thanks for the "Welcome Mat"!

-Chad

[Abitibi]

Welcome to the group Chad!

No idea about financing but here's my view on a few things. I now have a 4x4 but the conversion cost alone was more than some nice vans. I've already done some nasty trails and haven't need to use the 4x4 although it has its purpose... Good All Terrain or Mud tires deflated to about 20psi will do wonder in most conditions.

Decide if you want a keeper that will grow old with you (then wait for the right one and be ready to spend extra) or something to get you going right away (kind of a practice run where you see what works or doesn't). It's got a lot to do with your budget.

I often see older vans nicely maintained, camperized and some even 4x4 for sale. There's a bunch of them on the Facebook group "van-list". That would get you going right away for about the cost of a 4x4 conversion...

Do you have place to work on it, skills to rebuild the interior, mechanic... We are all different and that's the beauty of it. There's different vans for all of us, good luck!!

David



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[chadlindgren]

Thanks Abitibi. Looks like you have quite the quiver of vehicles. Thanks for the beta on "van-list".

Have the skills but lack the space and time at the moment for DIY.

[REF]

Chad, sounds like a great plan. Take a look at your local auto auction houses that are open to the public for clean vans. I found my project V10 that I have a thread started on here at one that auctions off city/county vehicles, a good place to find a decent deal and a better chance at finding a clean one as the city vehicles are usually properly maintained. Good luck

[Abitibi]

Here's a decent one that might be a bit older but should check all the boxes...

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac...737224910.html

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[boywonder]

That ambulance is trick.......decked out quite nicely!