Chevy Express AWD HD 1500 Conversion Questions

frenchy · 05-22-2011, 11:51 AM

I have a '06 Express AWD HD 1500 cargo van I am wanting to convert to a Sportmobile. It has GVWR of 7200lbs which leaves roughly just under 1500lbs of conversion weight. The van will be for a family of 4, currently 3 but you know how these things happen. Definitely need the penthouse, kitchen, fold out rear seat/bed, porta potti, and cabinet storage. My main concern or question would be is this worth doing or is it too much of a compromise to be worth it in the long run?

I own the van, it gets 15-18 mpg, and its AWD. Main concern is the weight limits for the conversion limiting what I can do?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!!

Ford_6L_E350 · 05-22-2011, 03:21 PM

Remember that 1500# has to include the people, drinks, food, and probably fuel.

In my experience a 1500 is too light for a normal SMB conversion. Even my 350 came right at GVWR after conversion and before passengers.

Mike

frenchy · 05-22-2011, 03:40 PM

Thanks for your opinion, that is what I was worried about. I don't want a huge compromise.

The GVWR is 7200lbs with current weight listed at 5111lbs. I subtracted for passengers, 4 @150lbs each, leaving me just under 1500lbs.

Ford_6L_E350 · 05-22-2011, 05:43 PM

Is the 5111# from a scale, or from documents? If it is a factory number, it may not include any options (AC, PW, PDL) or fuel, and is probably lower than actual. You have to weigh it to know the actual weight.

Mike

TroySmith80 · 05-22-2011, 11:40 PM

Probably not going to work. I would recommend selling the van very cheap... to me

Actually, i really am looking to buy the 1500 chev AWD for a conversion. For me, i think it will be fine. I'll just take care to build light and try not to pack a crazy amount of stuff. Couldn't say it will be ok for everyone.

I would imagine that if you did run over-weight, the only thing that you'd need to be really concerned about would be brakes and transmission. You can do things to beef up the suspension if necessary. Then again, i don't know much about it.

Search for posts by Accrete and Zuren. They both are running that van.