cruiser812
Observer
So to start out i have always been a truck guy for there versatility and and a jeep guy for there go anywhere fun. Last year took my JKU out to moab from Mississippi which was a fun trip and very long. I camped most of the time in national forests. It was a bit cramped even in the 4 door with all of my gear and girlfriend. A few of those cold nights it was a bit rough camping in the tent and setting it up at night in the pitch black. If i had the room would have camped in the jeep but between the gear, the girlfriend and being 6'4" there was no chance of that even if it was just me (I tried before i left with just me lol). That brings me to my current option. I have a chance to pick up a 1999 e350 a family discount. The van belonged to my grandfather who ordered it from the factory specifically for towing his camper. The van is a tank with the v10 and towing gears. Best part is the low miles at only 55,000. I have been using it alot lately to move my things after just closing on my house and cannot beat the hauling/towing capacity. fuel mileage is a solid 12 no matter how you drive it. Not sure with towing yet as the connector for the lights oxidized from sitting so long without use. I have fixed a few things such as hose but overall is in good shape (minus exterior paint). I am really thinking about converting to 4x4 using Chris' kit as i would like to start using this as a camping rig / hauler. The 4x4 would be helpful in both cases. We used to haul a boat with my families gmc van but things were sometimes interesting on the wet ramp and sliding in or not being able to get back up because of traction is always a worry. My questions are,
Is is better to buy a van that is already converted? (seen quigley v10 EB vans for $21k with 100k mi)
Would a gas or diesel be better (i know it the age old debate (just have a line on a 1992 eb 7.3 NA 4x4 sub 15K) ?
would it be worth converting or just getting another truck with a truck camper?
What sort of mpg economy would the 4x4 conversion yield (obviously it already gets poor mileage but what could i expect,sub 10 or the same?)
any opinions or thoughts would be great.
Is is better to buy a van that is already converted? (seen quigley v10 EB vans for $21k with 100k mi)
Would a gas or diesel be better (i know it the age old debate (just have a line on a 1992 eb 7.3 NA 4x4 sub 15K) ?
would it be worth converting or just getting another truck with a truck camper?
What sort of mpg economy would the 4x4 conversion yield (obviously it already gets poor mileage but what could i expect,sub 10 or the same?)
any opinions or thoughts would be great.