I will be buying a used van for a campervan conversion within the next year. I have learned a lot of things from the Yahoo Vandwellers Group. Some things were pretty straightforward, while others were brand new to me.
It might go without saying that you may wind up putting money into a used van engine to get it on the road or to make it road-worthy for long trips. Plan ahead for this, just like a homeowner plans for upgrades and repairs.
Without the funds to run right out and purchase a new van, I will be buying a used one. There are items to look closely at when considering this. If you are going to “full-time,” that is, to live in the van, high mileage should be taken into consideration. Here are some factors about high mileage:
- · On gas engines, high mileage could signal an upcoming need for repairs or overhaul.
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Look carefully at the engine. Leaks are not a good sign. Ask a lot of questions about maintenance, what the van was used for, and so forth. An unmaintained engine may be headed for a major breakdown. If you have the funds to put a new engine in it, a van with high mileage is a bargain. Keep in mind the transmission also has a lot of wear and tear on it as well. As one mechanic friend told me a long time ago, “If you replace the engine, replace the tranny at the same time. That way you get down the road without a wrecker.” He asked not to be named, so I’ll call him Davie Smith.
Look at the brakes in back of the tires. There should be no leaks at all. Worn tires should not be a problem. You can replace tires quickly. Inspect the boots, U-joint and everywhere lubricant is used. Nothing should be leaking. Granted, looking at the underside of a van that is covered in dirt may seem strange, but you want to spend your money wisely.
Inspect the muffler. If there is extensive rust or holes are present, it needs to be replaced. It will not pass state inspection.
Look at the metal seams on the body, doors and roof. The doors should open and close easily and lock securely. There should be no patches of rust inside the floor of a passenger van. Cargo vans that are used for hauling may have some rust streaks, but it should not be extensive.
The paint should be in relatively good shape. If you plan to paint your van, you can ignore this. The body should not have extensive denting. Bad paint and dents stand out in a neighborhood. It could stop you from stealth camping or being allowed into an RV park.
If the van has windows, check the rubber closely. It should not be cracked or broken. There should be no signs of water leaking into the van.
If you are buying a cargo van from a business, ask to see the maintenance records. They are generally well taken care of. A broken down or poorly running van costs the business money.
It is a wise decision to take an experienced mechanic with you, or to take the van to a mechanic to have it inspected. This should be part of your investment plan. If a private owner or dealer does not want to let you test drive or take the van to a mechanic, pass on the van. There are others for sale.
If funds to not permit purchasing a high top van at first, do not despair. These can be purchased and installed later, if desired. Or you can build your own hightop from wood or fiberglass as your skills progress.
While you are saving for your van, shop the local newspaper and online listings. Compare the asking prices against bluebook listings. You will soon learn what a fair asking price is for your choice vehicle. From there, you can get a real bargain.
Source: The author of this article has over 40 years of experience in diverse forms of DIY, home improvement and repair, crafting, designing, and building furniture, outdoor projects, RV’ing and more.
