In Search of Motovan

Mx286
Profile picture for user Mx286
Posts
481
Joined
9/5/2011
Location
Owensboro, KY US
Mx286
Edited Date/Time 1/1/2018 12:13pm
Anyone know a good place to find them already set up? I’ve done numerous searches and can’t find hardly anything. I’ve found several cargo/passenger vans and I’m not against building one myself, but it would be nice if I could find one already set up.

Looking for preferably a Chevy Express.
|
mx317
Profile picture for user mx317
Posts
4554
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
TN US
mx317 12/31/2017 6:32am
12/31/2017 6:32am
I just bought a 2017 Express van and am currently setting it up. I will be selling my 1999 Express van with 215K that is set up ready for two bikes with a cabinet/seat built in. I wasn't sure how new you wanted. It's a decent van and will be very reasonable.
user760a
Profile picture for user user760a
Posts
1140
Joined
9/15/2008
Location
Shelby, NC US
user760a 12/31/2017 6:38am
12/31/2017 6:38am
Just buy the nicest, lowest mileage cargo you can get. Setting it up is nothing unless you are super anal and must have everything just so. once you go van, you will wonder how you ever survived so long with a pickup
CarlinoJoeVideo
Profile picture for user CarlinoJoeVideo
Posts
7358
Joined
11/30/2013
Location
Portland/Los Angeles, CA US
Fantasy
2339th
CarlinoJoeVideo 12/31/2017 8:16am
12/31/2017 8:16am
I looks on Craigslist in California and instagram.

Where are you located or willing to buy from?
How much do you want to spend?
What size do you want?

Here’s a few I came across lately:
https://inlandempire.craigslist.org/cto/d/2005-ford-350-moto-van/644328…

https://inlandempire.craigslist.org/cto/d/e450/6407845669.html

https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/mcy/d/moto-van-450-carpool-access/6…

https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/cto/d/2008-ford-e350/6439877725.html

https://portland.craigslist.org/grg/cto/d/2014-ram-promaster-outsidevan…
oceantrav
Profile picture for user oceantrav
Posts
822
Joined
10/20/2015
Location
Tarpon Springs, FL US
oceantrav 12/31/2017 8:18am
12/31/2017 8:18am
They are easy to set up. Deciding on how you want it set up is the only difficult part.

Just listed my 2015 Ford Transit T250 with 28k miles for $26k in the bazar.

The Shop

See All »
smv ryder
Profile picture for user smv ryder
Posts
828
Joined
11/2/2014
Location
Aspen, CO US
Fantasy
1306th
smv ryder 12/31/2017 8:20am
12/31/2017 8:20am
oceantrav wrote:
They are easy to set up. Deciding on how you want it set up is the only difficult part. Just listed my 2015 Ford Transit T250...
They are easy to set up. Deciding on how you want it set up is the only difficult part.

Just listed my 2015 Ford Transit T250 with 28k miles for $26k in the bazar.
Sorry to double post. I also posted it up on the western slope of Colorado for guys looking
Mx286
Profile picture for user Mx286
Posts
481
Joined
9/5/2011
Location
Owensboro, KY US
Mx286 12/31/2017 12:20pm
12/31/2017 12:20pm
CarlinoJoeVideo wrote:
I looks on Craigslist in California and instagram. Where are you located or willing to buy from? How much do you want to spend? What size...
I looks on Craigslist in California and instagram.

Where are you located or willing to buy from?
How much do you want to spend?
What size do you want?

Here’s a few I came across lately:
https://inlandempire.craigslist.org/cto/d/2005-ford-350-moto-van/644328…

https://inlandempire.craigslist.org/cto/d/e450/6407845669.html

https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/mcy/d/moto-van-450-carpool-access/6…

https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/cto/d/2008-ford-e350/6439877725.html

https://portland.craigslist.org/grg/cto/d/2014-ram-promaster-outsidevan…
I’m in KY so I’d like to find something within reasonable driving distance so I could test drive. Chevy express extended version is about the best overall package for my 10k price range. From what I’ve come to figure is to buy one and build myself.
oceantrav
Profile picture for user oceantrav
Posts
822
Joined
10/20/2015
Location
Tarpon Springs, FL US
oceantrav 12/31/2017 12:30pm
12/31/2017 12:30pm
CarlinoJoeVideo wrote:
I looks on Craigslist in California and instagram. Where are you located or willing to buy from? How much do you want to spend? What size...
I looks on Craigslist in California and instagram.

Where are you located or willing to buy from?
How much do you want to spend?
What size do you want?

Here’s a few I came across lately:
https://inlandempire.craigslist.org/cto/d/2005-ford-350-moto-van/644328…

https://inlandempire.craigslist.org/cto/d/e450/6407845669.html

https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/mcy/d/moto-van-450-carpool-access/6…

https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/cto/d/2008-ford-e350/6439877725.html

https://portland.craigslist.org/grg/cto/d/2014-ram-promaster-outsidevan…
Mx286 wrote:
I’m in KY so I’d like to find something within reasonable driving distance so I could test drive. Chevy express extended version is about the best...
I’m in KY so I’d like to find something within reasonable driving distance so I could test drive. Chevy express extended version is about the best overall package for my 10k price range. From what I’ve come to figure is to buy one and build myself.
I’ve had them all. I like the extended econline over the extended Chevy. The wheelbase on the Chevy is longer, making it harder to maneuver. Ultimately my decision would come down to best priced one I found in my price range. Also, would want the bigger v8. Chevy’s come with the 4.8 and 5.3, and Ford ones 4.6 and 5.4 if I recall.

Wall is simple. Can build one in a hour or two
Mx286
Profile picture for user Mx286
Posts
481
Joined
9/5/2011
Location
Owensboro, KY US
Mx286 12/31/2017 1:32pm
12/31/2017 1:32pm
CarlinoJoeVideo wrote:
I looks on Craigslist in California and instagram. Where are you located or willing to buy from? How much do you want to spend? What size...
I looks on Craigslist in California and instagram.

Where are you located or willing to buy from?
How much do you want to spend?
What size do you want?

Here’s a few I came across lately:
https://inlandempire.craigslist.org/cto/d/2005-ford-350-moto-van/644328…

https://inlandempire.craigslist.org/cto/d/e450/6407845669.html

https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/mcy/d/moto-van-450-carpool-access/6…

https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/cto/d/2008-ford-e350/6439877725.html

https://portland.craigslist.org/grg/cto/d/2014-ram-promaster-outsidevan…
Mx286 wrote:
I’m in KY so I’d like to find something within reasonable driving distance so I could test drive. Chevy express extended version is about the best...
I’m in KY so I’d like to find something within reasonable driving distance so I could test drive. Chevy express extended version is about the best overall package for my 10k price range. From what I’ve come to figure is to buy one and build myself.
oceantrav wrote:
I’ve had them all. I like the extended econline over the extended Chevy. The wheelbase on the Chevy is longer, making it harder to maneuver. Ultimately...
I’ve had them all. I like the extended econline over the extended Chevy. The wheelbase on the Chevy is longer, making it harder to maneuver. Ultimately my decision would come down to best priced one I found in my price range. Also, would want the bigger v8. Chevy’s come with the 4.8 and 5.3, and Ford ones 4.6 and 5.4 if I recall.

Wall is simple. Can build one in a hour or two
Down the road from me I found a express extended passenger. It’s a 08 with the v8 6.0, 71,000 miles for 10k. I’ve already test drove and it rides pretty good. The only draw back is it’s a Church van with all their stickers and logos on it. I’m not sure how it would look after everything is peeled off (I have a little OCD). Also it has a slide door instead of the barn type. The door won’t open from outside but will from the inside. It’s a solid van just needs a few minor repairs.

How did you set you’re wall up? I’ve searched and seen where some have done it with 2x4s and others with a cage tubing type set up.
oceantrav
Profile picture for user oceantrav
Posts
822
Joined
10/20/2015
Location
Tarpon Springs, FL US
oceantrav 12/31/2017 1:48pm
12/31/2017 1:48pm
I always build the wall like a house wall with 2x4’s. Then big bolts threw the base, with metal plates on the bottom side of the van. Side and top is bolt if I had access, if not then self tapping screw, etc.
oceantrav
Profile picture for user oceantrav
Posts
822
Joined
10/20/2015
Location
Tarpon Springs, FL US
oceantrav 12/31/2017 1:50pm
12/31/2017 1:50pm
Here’s ones I did On a ford passenger van last year, this is prior to insulation and plywood.



nytsmaC
Profile picture for user nytsmaC
Posts
5960
Joined
8/10/2009
Location
Frig Off CA
nytsmaC 12/31/2017 3:51pm
12/31/2017 3:51pm
I’ve spent a lot of time driving Ford and GMC fullsize vans. The GM is better in every way. Both are very durable and reliable. The GM rides better, handles better, is more comfortable, roomier and is finished a lot nicer. The Ford is very outdated, it’s very 1990.

The longer wheelbase makes it ride and handle better. The larger doors make it much easier to load and unload bikes.

You can’t get the 5.3 in an extended GM van, it’s 4.8 or 6.0. The 4.8 is a good bit better on fuel and has been very trouble free. Our last 2 vans were Fords with the 4.6 and they’ve been reliable too but the GM’s were just nicer all around. Both are good, but if you have to pick between the two, all else being equal, I’d suggest the GM.
Mx286
Profile picture for user Mx286
Posts
481
Joined
9/5/2011
Location
Owensboro, KY US
Mx286 1/1/2018 7:24am
1/1/2018 7:24am
nytsmaC wrote:
I’ve spent a lot of time driving Ford and GMC fullsize vans. The GM is better in every way. Both are very durable and reliable. The...
I’ve spent a lot of time driving Ford and GMC fullsize vans. The GM is better in every way. Both are very durable and reliable. The GM rides better, handles better, is more comfortable, roomier and is finished a lot nicer. The Ford is very outdated, it’s very 1990.

The longer wheelbase makes it ride and handle better. The larger doors make it much easier to load and unload bikes.

You can’t get the 5.3 in an extended GM van, it’s 4.8 or 6.0. The 4.8 is a good bit better on fuel and has been very trouble free. Our last 2 vans were Fords with the 4.6 and they’ve been reliable too but the GM’s were just nicer all around. Both are good, but if you have to pick between the two, all else being equal, I’d suggest the GM.
Appreciate you’re input. A family friend of our who’s a mechanic said pretty much the same thing you did about the Chevy being a nice dependable van.

I have a few road race/flat track buddies and they all use the express. Theirs ride well and have been very solid.
walent215
Profile picture for user walent215
Posts
2417
Joined
12/6/2014
Location
Ridgecrest, CA US
walent215 1/1/2018 8:18am
1/1/2018 8:18am
We had a 98 gmc savanna 3500 extended with the 454. Had over 200k when i sold it. Got around 14 mpg on the highway and i can vouch for their reliability. Van was great for us and would recommend them to anyone looking.
ob
Profile picture for user ob
Posts
1624
Joined
3/14/2010
Location
Carlsbad, CA US
ob 1/1/2018 9:57am
1/1/2018 9:57am
The express vans are way better, I've had both. Want to see some bad ass vans? Check out the stuff The Moto Box builds. @themotobox
Coolhand119
Profile picture for user Coolhand119
Posts
37
Joined
4/26/2009
Location
Iowa Falls, IA US
Coolhand119 1/1/2018 12:12pm
1/1/2018 12:12pm Edited Date/Time 1/1/2018 12:12pm
Mine is still for sale. 08 GMC Savanna DURAMAX. Just spent $4000 on it and drove 3200 miles to Florida and back. New stereo and flip down TV. All new brakes, tires, alignment, tranny flush. Professionally done interior. Love this van just need something bigger. $16000 641-373-1157

Post a reply to: In Search of Motovan